Gear: What We Use

When you are traveling for a long time with just a backpack on your back, deciding what to pack can be a bit stressful. In addition, with the vast amounts of different types of backpacking gear and gadgets out there, choosing what is the best fit for you is often overwhelming. Here are some of the gadgets and gear we decided on for our trip:

What to pack when backpacking:

REI Venus 70 Pack for Women

http://www.rei.com/product/795519/rei-venus-70-pack-womens

REI Ultimate Shower Kit

http://www.rei.com/product/816197/rei-ultimate-shower-kit

Swiss Gear Triple-Pocket Neck Pouch

http://www.amazon.com/SWISS-TRIPLE-POCKET-TRAVEL-WALLET/dp/B005KC6MEQ

Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter

http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Hiker-PRO-Water-Microfilter/dp/B0007U012U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346398705&sr=8-3&keywords=katadyn+water+filter

Other miscellaneous items:

• Quick dry microfiber towel (Sea to Summit has several good ones)
• Laundry soap and portable clothesline 
• Luggage locks
• Ziploc bags
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Hat/ sunglasses
• "Southeast Asia on a Shoestring" by Lonely Planet*
• Plug converter
• Flash light or head lamp
• Water filter
• Nalgene water bottle
• First aid kit with basic medicines
• Passport and travel itineraries (along with copies of each)
• Daypack (for days when we go out and leave our packs at hostels, etc.)

Helpful Packing Websites:

"What to Pack" by Travel Independent

*Note: Lonely Planet is a wonderful guide, but it isn't fail-proof. Specifically, we had trouble with the latest edition of "Southeast Asia on a Shoestring" when it came to prices; almost none of them were correct! But as a general guide (including maps, history, general information, etc.) it was invaluable!