BootsnAll Travel Community

We're going to be traveling around New Zealand, French Polynesia, Australia, and Southeast Asia...for four months. The thing is, we'll be camping everywhere and we've never left home with less than half our closet.

Obviously, that's not an option.

So what is the best backpack/camping stuff/etc that we can lug everywhere and not pass out from heat? We've arranged the trip so it's summer year-round for us -- we're in Seattle, if that explains anything.

Also, how much stuff can you get away with taking (speaking from the perspective of a not-minimalist)?

One more thing...

should we buy snorkeling stuff if we'll be snorkeling everywhere?

Travelpet,

you know what i would do...I would go to a backpacking/ outdoor camping store, like REI and have them fit you with a pack that fits well and can carry all the necessary things you will need. Also, a good packing tip that has worked for me is to buy those space saver bags that let the air out oneside with a one way valve...that way you can get more stuff in your pack, your clothes stay cleaner, and if you have to dig to the bottom of your pack in a hurry you only have to pull out 5-6 bags and not 20 articles of clothing. Coleman makes them but I have always gotten them off of the home shopping network or something like that. They can be pricy but well worth it cuz they last for years. Also, I was just in the caribbean this last winter and had to pack all my gear with for snorkeling cuz there was no where to rent. It was doable to carry it...and probably cheaper. I think i probably spent $50-60 on my snorkel and fins. Just think if you have your own gear you can go into the water anytime you want to snorkel...wherever the beaches are pretty...and then there will be less tourists cuz there wont be a snorkeling/ scuba stand 100 meters down the way. And remember, you can always do laundry...so just pack your favorite stuff. Hope this helps!

This is like a funny travelling question. And Beccajean is so nice....

Virtual Question: "Should we bring way more stuff than we need?"

Virtual Answer: "I would go to a backpacking store and buy a backpack..."

Fine, I'm hosed. But sheesh.

D

Well, since it will be summer, you can get away with a lot less gear than in colder weather. It all depends on the comfort level you'd like to maintain. If you'll be camping, you will probably want a lightweight tent (REI has some good ones), you could probably skip the bulky sleeping bags (if the weather's warm enough) and sleep in a sleep sack or sheet. Make sure you have a comfy sleeping pad- four monhts of hard rocks would suck. Not sure how rainy the summers are, but a tarp is another option- I know tarps have been my savior when camping, even when making a cross country trip when a window got broken out during a rainstorm (a rock, not a thug). If you're really hardcore, you could skip the tent and sleep in the tarp if it's raining, under the stars if it's clear. It's fun for a short jaunt, but a long trip might make you want a little more comfort and... privacy, depending on who the "we" is

I am not too familiar with the places you're going, but if you're going to run into a lot of rain, definitely bring some raingear. REI and camping stores have some really good lightweight raingear with ventilation that really works.

A camping stove would be good, again, a camping store could give you a nice selection of lightweight ones. Just look into fuel availability before you make your purchase.

Get a good flashlight or headlamp. Nalgene water bottles are great. Just look around REI or another mountain type store- the salespeople are very knowledgable. Just make sure everything is lightweight. Have fun!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Piecar:
This is like a funny travelling question. And Beccajean is so nice....

Virtual Question: "Should we bring way more stuff than we need?"

Virtual Answer: "I would go to a backpacking store and buy a backpack..."

Fine, I'm hosed. But sheesh.

D

LOL! You know Piecar sometimes on one of my inevitably over-packed jaunts, I think of your avatar, that airy-looking pack, and I resolve to do better next time! thanks for that

travelpet search this forum on packs and packing light and camping and you'll find lot of great threads on similar topics~

I'm right in the middle of doing this stuff now. I literally just picked up my pack tonite! As a notorious overpacker for regular travel this is one of my main concerns.

I took advice like Becca suggests and went to our local outdoor store and spent like 45 minutes talking with the guy and he fitted me for my pack and switched out the shoulder and hip belts to allow for my wider shoulders and foodlovers belly! He put weight in it and i walked around for quite a while. This is the 2nd time I've done it, do try a couple bags. Then remember that everywhere you are going there are people with the same needs so you'll generally be able to get everything you need. Take lots of underwear, but fewer outer clothes than you think you need.
Take 2 pair of shoes unless you need a third pair for hiking or serious dress up.

Keep us posted!

This is my favorite packing checklist.

quote:

Originally posted by FUNCHILDE:
Take lots of underwear, but fewer outer clothes than you think you need.

I think that's excellent advice.

quote:

Take 2 pair of shoes unless you need a third pair for hiking or serious dress up.

Why 2 pairs of shoes?

- Mike

hey sorry, i am counting flip flops/shower shoes as 1 pair. Plus trail/tennis/walking shoes! ey...

quote:

Originally posted by FUNCHILDE:
hey sorry, i am counting flip flops/shower shoes as 1 pair. Plus trail/tennis/walking shoes! ey...

Ah, ok, then I agree 110%!

quote:

Originally posted by static:
This is my favorite packing checklist.

Can we have a picture of your "Travel Iron or Steamer" please static?