Backpacking Supply
June 17, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
Going into the wilderness on a long backpacking venture is quite a fun adventure as long as you have a good backpacking supply with you. That is the most important thing when it comes to the outdoors. On average the people that were in trouble in the wilderness were not properly prepared. This is where a good backpacking supply comes into play.
Here are a few things to consider when getting your backpacking supply together.
-The most important thing is to have a good supply of water.
- If you are able to bring a water purifier that would be ideal as to not carry to much weight in water along for the ride.
-Food is among the top ones that is good to be overstocked on as well.
-Staying comfortable while hiking and sleeping is important as well with good bedding and clothing.
-A First aid kit is among the must bring items too don’t leave this one at home!
-Good durable tents should also be in your backpacking supply too.
-One of my personal favorite is baby wipes, when you don’t have lots of time in the shower out in the wilderness you will want to try to stay clean and the work great!
What it comes down to is making sure that you do a thorough check on your backpacking supplies before you embark on your trip this way you won’t forget some of the important things that can save your life if anything happens to you out there. Just follow a good checklist before you leave and make sure your backpacking supply is in good order so you are ready for anything that can happen in the wilderness.
here are a few good tips and tricks to check out- http://www.squidoo.com/NewBackpackingGear
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Why You Should Create a Camping Checklist for yourself
June 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
Are you interested in going on a camping adventure? Whether you would like to go camping alone, with a group of your friends, with your family, or with your romantic partner, you will need to bring multiple pieces of camping equipment with you, as well as other camping supplies. Unfortunately, many campers realizes, often too late into their adventure, that they didn’t bring everything that they wanted to or needed to bring. To prevent yourself from becoming one of those campers, you may want to think about creating a camping checklist for yourself, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.
One of the many benefits of creating a camping checklist for yourself is that you are less likely to forget to bring important pieces of camping equipment or other needed camping supplies. Unfortunately, when it comes to camping, many individuals, just like you, often wish to bring something, but when it comes down to remembering, well, that is a different story. To help you remember everything that you want and need to bring, you will want to make sure that you create a camping checklist for yourself. Remember to add anything that you can think of as more items cross your mind.
Another benefit to creating a camping checklist for yourself is that it makes it easy to go shopping for all of your camping supplies. In addition to forgetting to pack something important, many campers draw a blank once they get to the store. To help ensure that you buy all of the camping supplies and equipment pieces that you need, you will want to create a camping checklist for yourself and make sure that you bring it with you when you go shopping.
Another one of the many benefits to creating a camping checklist for your next camping adventure is that it is easy to do. Many people can make their camping checklists in as little as ten or fifteen minutes. What you will want to do is sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and start writing. You will want to think of everything that you will need to go camping. One of the best ways to create a camping checklist for yourself is to go through your daily activities. For instance, you will need a camping tent and a sleeping bag to sleep. When it comes to your food, you may want to add a cooler, hamburger meat, ketchup, mustard, rolls and so forth to your camping checklist.
Although it is more than possible for you to create your own camping checklist, you should be able to find camping checklist templates or detailed camping checklists online. Many of these checklists are easy to find and print. You should be able to find a number of printable camping checklists by performing a standard internet search. Despite the fact that most camping checklists are detailed, you may still want to review the checklist in question and add anything that you may feel is left out or remove something from the list that you don’t think is needed.
Of course, creating a camping checklist for yourself is something that is completely optional, but it may help to make your next camping adventure a memorable and a pleasant one. With camping checklists being easy to create, why wouldn’t you at least want to give making one a chance? You may actually be surprised just how much a simple checklist helps to improve your next camping adventure.
Learn more about backpacking food and get a complete backpacking guide at the Backpacking Trip Planner site.
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Why You Should Create a Checklist for Your Next Hiking Trip
June 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
Are you in the mist of planning a hiking adventure for yourself, a group of your friends, or your family? If you are, have you made a hiking checklist for yourself? If you have yet to make a hiking checklist for yourself, you may want to think about doing so. Hiking checklists are ideal for those who are planning hiking trips, especially for the first time.
One of the many reasons why you should take the time to create a hiking checklist for yourself is because a hiking checklist can help to improve your next hiking trip. Unfortunately, when it comes to taking a trip, even a hiking trip, there are many individuals who want or need to bring something, but that something doesn’t always make it on the trip. Planning a trip or an adventure, like a hiking adventure, can be stressful and, many times, things are forgotten. A hiking checklist may minimize the chances of that happening.
Having a hiking checklist will also make it easier for you to go shopping. If this is your first time or even your second time going hiking, there is a good chance that you will need to buy some hiking supplies. As with forgetting to pack something, many individuals can’t remember everything that they wanted and needed to buy, without a list. So, to help ensure that you have everything that you need to pack for your next hiking adventure, you will want to make yourself a hiking checklist and then make sure that you bring it shopping with you.
Another one of the many reasons why you should think about creating a hiking checklist for yourself is because they are easy to make. Whether you have gone hiking before or if you have taken the time to familiarize yourself with it, you likely already have some idea of what you would like to bring along with you, as well as what you need to bring along with you. For that reason, you may find yourself being able to compile a hiking checklist in as little as a few minutes.
Speaking of making a hiking checklist, you may be wondering how you can go about making one. What you are advised to do is imagine yourself on your next hiking trip. You will want to try and walk yourself through it. When you see yourself hiking, what do you see yourself wearing? When you stop and take a break, what do you see yourself drinking or snacking on? This are all questions that you will want to ask yourself, as they may make it easier for you to create a detailed hiking checklist for yourself.
While it is advised that you make your own hiking checklist, you may end up drawing a blank when it comes time to do so. For that reason, you may want to think about using the internet to your advantage. Online, you can find a number of sample hiking checklists to use as your guide. In fact, you may be able to find printable hiking checklists. These hiking checklists are ones that you can print off and use when you go shopping or when you start packing. Although you can find a number of detailed printable hiking checklists online, you are advised against relying on them too heavily. What you will want to do is thoroughly examine the checklist that you get online and make any additions that you need to make.
Of course, the decision as to whether or not you want to make a hiking checklist for your next hiking trip is yours to make, but you may, at least, want to think about doing so. Not being fully prepared on your next hiking trip can make your trip seem dull, boring, or even ruined. To help ensure that you are fully prepared for your next hiking trip and to help ensure that you have a good time, you may want to sit down and make yourself a hiking checklist. In the end, you will likely be glad with your decision to do so.
The Backpacking Trip Planner website is a backpacking guide with tips on surviving the backpacking trails.
Have you wondered what you need for gear to go backpacking? Watch this informational video to learn about the equipment you need in order to have a safe, comfortable time in the backcountry.
A Checklist for Backpacking Preparation
June 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
A backpacking checklist is usually about the “stuff.” Good equipment is nice to have, but even with the best gear you can get into trouble in the wilderness. You might have matches and the latest fire starters, but still not be able to get that fire going. It takes more than good gear to assure a safe and enjoyable trip. Towards that end, then, this is a list of skills you should have or learn.
1. Navigation. Contrary to what many novices think, a compass doesn’t tell you where you are. For that matter, a map doesn’t either, if you don’t know how to use it. Practice close to home if you can’t yet use both of these easily. Do the same with your GPS unit.
2. Staying warm. There are tricks to staying warm. Shed layers as you get warm, for example, so you don’t have sweat to chill you later. Use wind-blocking shell clothing, and wear a hat. Eating fatty foods before sleeping can keep you warmer.
3. Pitching a tent. Pitch your tent or tarp wrong and the rain will come in, or the wind will tear the seams. They need to be pitched tight, and you should be able to do it in a few minutes. Practice in the yard.
4. Cooking over a fire. Making soup over a small fire is not as easy as it seems. Cover the pan, block the wind, and keep the fire small and concentrated. Time yourself when you practice. You don’t have to rush normally, but speed can be important in some situations, and it’s always possible your stove will break.
5. Identifying edible plants. Learning to identify three or four wild edible berries can make a trip more enjoyable. Learning to identify cattails and one or two other good survival food plants can be very helpful, especially if you ever lose your food to a bear.
6. Walking. If you pace yourself and learn how to move comfortably over rocky terrain, you’ll be less tired, and less likely to twist an ankle. Tighten those laces, too.
7. Understanding animals. Is the bear “bluff charging” or stalking you? The latter means you’ll be the bear’s supper if you play dead. A clue: making a lot of noise usually means he just wants to frighten you (a “bluff charge”), but you need to read up on this one.
8. Sky reading. Are those just clouds, or a lightning storm coming? It would be good to know when you’re on a high ridge. In the rockies, afternoon thunderstorms are the norm in summer. Learn about the weather patterns of an area, and the basics of predicting weather, and you’ll be a lot safer.
9. Basic first aid. What are the symptoms of hypothermia? Stumbling and slurred speech are a couple of them. How do you properly treat blisters? You can use duct tape if you don’t have moleskin. These and other basics are good things to know.
10. Firemaking. Start practicing in your yard. Try to start that fire with one match. Also try it the next time it’s raining. Get in the habit of collecting dry tinder before the rain comes. Learn what things burn even when wet, like birch bark and pine sap.
This last one can be one of the more important skills in an emergency. Experts can start a fire in almost any circumstances, but you don’t need to be an expert in wilderness survival to enjoy a safe hiking trip. For a safer, more enjoyable trip, just do the best you can, and start checking off the skills on this backpacking checklist.
To learn about lungworm in dogs and lumps on dogs, visit the Dog Illness website.
Backpacking Adventure – Top Tips On How To Organize It Successfully
June 13, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
You must not be unprepared when embarking on a backpacking expedition and as well as taking food, clothes and money etc⦠you will need many other items, so how do you keep track of everything we need for our trip? By keeping a checklist you will be organized so that you wonât forget anything thus minimizing the time it takes to get ready and be prepared as well as eliminating stress of getting everything together.
With a checklist you will be organized many weeks before your trip and as you donât want to forget anything, this is a perfect solution in organizing and managing your trip. So, what kinds of things need to go on the checklist?
If you are going aboard then a passport must go on the list together with any visas. The visa allows you to get into the country you are visiting. Be aware of the costs way before you trip and make sure you allow enough time for the visa to arrive. Visa information should always be checked with your local government before you depart.
Note down on your checklist with regards to possible vaccinations that could be needed for your trip. You may need medications too so make sure your prescription is dealt with in plenty of time in advance of your trip. You may have to provide proof that you have had the vaccination when visiting some countries. Seek medication advice from your own physician.
Add to your checklist about medical insurance. This really is essential traveling abroad as you may have no idea of the charges and possible complications that you may have to deal with in the event of an emergency or if you fall ill. Get travel insurance that will cover you in the event of a trip cancellation as this will save a lot of worrying and heartache as well preventing losing a lot of cash.
Think of the additional things are you wouldnât normally spring to mind and note them on your checklist in the weeks, or even months before your trip â you will be glad that you did.
The author has been writing articles for many years. Check out his latest website on North Face backpacks which also gives help and advice to find great deals on North Face bookbags as well as help and information on a range of outdoor gear.
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Moving Checklist- Useful Tips
June 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
Preparing for a move could be very upsetting. In fact, the Employee Relations Council reportedly ranked moving as the third most stressful life event, following closely behind death and divorce. On the positive side, there are many moving tips or moving checklist you can take to make the event less stressful for you and your loved ones.
Moving Tip 1: Start early.
Moving is a time-consuming process, mostly due to the time involved in packing up all the rooms of your current place. People are often surprised by exactly how long it could take to get things organized and ready to go. They end up not having enough time and “slamming together” the last parts of the move. This could result to big problems at the end of the process.
Many people need a minimum of 4 weeks to get ready. That’s because it takes several hours to pack each room. In fact, I read somewhere that it takes the average college student 4-5 hours to pack a dorm room before moving. Now remember, that can be as little as half a room (although with a lot of stuff). Multiply that by the number of rooms you have to pack, and you start getting a picture of how much is involved.
Moving Tip 2: Use a moving checklist plus a moving organizer.
One of the great things about moving is that so many people have done it before, providing a rich source of wisdom on how to do it well. Movers-Edge.com has scoured a plenty of that information to make this article for you.
Universally, people who have moved agree that there are two extremely helpful tools: a moving checklist and a moving organizer.
A moving checklist is simply a pre-defined set of “to-do list” items that should be taken care of during your move, often scheduled on a kind of calendar. This will do a lot to help keep you on track toward Moving Day and help keep you from forgetting essential steps. You should definitely get a moving checklist and use it to keep you on track. We obviously like the Ultimate Moving Checklist at Movers-Edge.com, but you can choose from several free ones available online.
A moving organizer is just a 3-ring binder containing all the vital papers involved in your move, such as leases and mortgage documents, notes from setting up utilities, etc. It can keep everything together during a stressful time.
Moving Tip 3: Make “open me first” suitcases and boxes.
One of the largest hassles in moving is looking for what you need at your new place when you start unpacking. There are two quick remedies for this.
For every person, make a single suitcase or backpack filled with all the necessities you will need if you were going on a 3-day vacation. This includes 3 changes of clothes that you can either unpack in or go to work in, depending on your schedule, plus toiletries, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and other vital items. Keep these items separated from the rest of the things packed and handy for when you arrive, so if anything else is missing, you will at least have the necessities handy.
Similarly, have an “open me first” box for each room, clearly labeled in red instead of black ink, holding the things you want to have immediately available once you arrive. This could be soap, towels and toilet paper for the bathroom; coffee maker and paper cups, plates and flatware for the kitchen; etc. This will make your first 24 hours in the new place much simpler.
Moving Tip 4: Do not pack it if you can live without it.
Much of the time taken in moving is due to packing and unpacking. So if you haven’t used an item in over a year, it’s a good idea to lighten the moving load and get rid of the stuff. Here’s my general process:
* While packing, separate out the items you can live without into boxes marked “Moving Sale”.
* Remove broken items altogether.
* Donate all useable toys and clothing to a local charity.
* Hold a moving sale for any items you aren’t using that are “sellable.” You could often earn between 0 and 00 on a well-organized, well-advertised and well-priced moving sale.
* Have a charity truck come for pick-up at the hour the moving sale ends to take everything that didn’t go.
Moving Tip 5: Have exact payment for movers ready in advance.
If you work with professional movers, you will often need to have cash, money order or certified check in hand BEFORE they unload a single box. In fact, they could legally drive off with your possessions until the moment they receive their payment in the format they prefer. Most do not honor all forms of credit cards, and several don’t accept credit cards at all. Check before you decide to sign an agreement with your moving company, and confirm it again with the move foreman before she or he begins loading.
If you follow these general tips, you’ll be well-positioned to make your move stress-free.
Have fun with your upcoming move!
Checklist For Everything You Need To Do Before Your Trip
June 5, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” -St. Augustine
There are a lot of considerations which need to be taken care of prior to going away on a trip. If it is a short trip you obviously need to worry less about your day to day affairs but for longer extended trips there is more that needs to be taken care off lest you return home to an eviction notice and unpaid bill reminders.
For some, planning a trip is half the fun while others wish that someone else could take care of it for them. So for those who fall into the latter group I have assembled together a checklist of the things that I’ve had to deal with in planning an overseas trip.
1. Organizing Your Visa’s If Needed
Visas can be a bureaucratic mind field. It can be costly and take days for it to get organized. So it is wise to know before you leave whether or not your intended country you wish to visit requires a visa upon entry.
I know for me I won’t be needing any visas for my visit to Hong Kong, Europe and the USA but this could be different depending on which country of origin you come from. I will also be staying in each place for no longer than 2 months which satisfies their requirements. If you are traveling it is wise to check the countries visa conditions just to be sure. You can find out more information from your travel agent or contact the countries embassy or consulate.
2. Getting Immunized
Getting health shots is something many travelers simply ignore or neglect to do prior to their trip. I know I have traveled overseas without getting immunized before and I came back fine without any problems. But it’s a risk I probably wouldn’t want to take again. The sooner you get your rounds of immunizations started the better, so it is wise that once you have booked your tickets you should make a visit to your local GP and discuss your immunization needs relevant to where you are intending on go.
There are many private health clinics which specialize on providing travel health advice. Personally I think they are overpriced and aren’t worth going to considering they have a vested interest in selling you vaccinations whether or not you really need them. Your family doctor is more than capable of helping you out with your immunizations and they will most likely give you better advice as they have your medical history.
The good thing is that many of the shots you need will last you a very long time and others will just be boosters to supplant what you had taken in your childhood days.
3. Organize Travel Insurance
It goes without saying that getting travel insurance is a wise investment to take out on your health and well being. The trip of a lifetime could turn into a journey to hell without adequate insurance. Cancellations, lost luggage, accidents and illnesses can all ruin your dream holiday. Some countries have very expensive medical care and if you get yourself into trouble and require medical care it can really cost you considerably if you hadn’t taken out insurance.
Policies and fine print vary from one company to another so its something that you don’t want to leave till the last minute. Buying the policy from your travel agent or relying on the policy provided by your credit card company are not usually wise as it may not cover you for the things that you need.
It is worth taking a look and comparing a few policies to determine which one is most suitable for your needs. Remember, it’s bad enough having your holiday spoiled. It’s even worse to be faced with a huge bill afterwards. The wise say, if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford the trip.
4. Take Care Of Your Responsibilities While Away
Just because you have taken off on a trip doesn’t mean bills and mail cease. For shorter trips this will be less of a concern but for longer travels it’s important to consider how your bills and mail will be taken care off. A good idea is to leave it to someone who is responsible that you can trust to pay your bills while you are away. Usually this will be a family member. With the growing use of online banking you can also setup automatic bill payments while you are away.
If you have pets this is a good time to consider how they will be taken care off. Will you leave them with friends or family. You want your holiday to be stress free and knowing that everything is being taken care off at home will provide a good sense of relief.
5. Consider Ways To Stay Connected To Friends And Family While Abroad
For most people staying connected to love ones back home is an important consideration while abroad unless of course they happen to be traveling with you at the time. Since technology has made our lives so much more connected, it is a great way to also utilize it.
* Get a Free Email Account: While overseas you are most likely going to be relying on Internet cafes to stay connected. The easiest way to do this is by signing up to one of the many free email account providers as this means you can easily stay in touch using any computer with a browser. If you haven’t already got a free account providers like Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail are great options to consider. If you already have a free email account its also worth considering whether or not is would be prudent to setup an email just for your trip considering you will be logging into terminals which may not have the same security protection as you would at home. At least if your email account is hijacked its a throw away account which doesn’t have any sentimental cost to you.
What is also great about these free email accounts is that you can scan all your important documents like passports, itineraries etc and email them to yourself. That way you will have a backup copy of all your important information that can be easily accessed should you need it.
* Open a Skype account: If fiddling with phone cards and using public phones isn’t something you relish then consider getting a Skype account and make calls through an Internet connection. While at the internet cafe you can make calls back home while answering your emails at the same time. Most Internet cafes will provide headphones to use with Skype as it is now very popular amongst the backpacking circuit but if you are concerned you can always purchase an inexpensive headphone that can be used with the Skype software.
* Keep your bookmarks online: If you have a lot of favorite sites you like to visit you can always transfer your bookmarks to one of the online providers. That way no matter which computer you use, you will have access to your favorite sites at the touch of a finger. One of the more popular online book marking site is del.icio.us.
Being 4 Eva Young is not about age, it’s about attitude. 4 Eva Young is dedicated to inspire, motivate and encourage anyone who is young at heart to live a life of significance filled with peace, joy, and contentment. For more information visit: http://www.4evayoung.com
Budget Your Backpacking Trip – Checklist
June 4, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
There can be a lot of costs involved with backpacking. Avoid having to cut your trip short by doing a realistic budget before you leave. Use the below items to create a budget for your next trip.
* Airline ticket – use a search engine to find the best prices
* Airport tax – sometimes included in the ticket price
* Cancellation insurance – may be included if you pay by visa
* Transfer costs to/from airport
* Insurance – check what is included in your home owner insurances
* Cost of immunizations – shop around, prices can vary a lot
* Medicine – some medication (e.g. against malaria) can be quite expensive
* Food – do you plan to cook yourself or eat out all the time?
* Accommodation
* Local transport
* Tours – these can be a lot cheaper if you buy them locally than through a middleman in your home country
* Tips – this can be quite expensive in some countries, check out what is expected
* Entrance fees
* Telephony – check roaming charges with your operator if you plan to bring your cell phone
* Internet
* Souvenirs
* Camera film
* Courses – do you plan to study a language, take surf lessons
* Film development
* Visa fees – may be cheaper to get on the road than back home
* Costs for home while away (e.g. rent, electricity)
* New things to buy (e.g. new backpack)
* Other unexpected costs (bound to happen)
Use the above budget items as a start to create your own cost model. Add or subtract items according to profile of the trip that you plan. Happy travels!
You can find a free downloadable budget calculator at Backpacker´s toolbox. You can also find an estimate of cost of backpacking for different countries. The Backpacker’s Toolbox contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.
Peter Siljerud is an experienced world traveller and co-author of the Backpacker’s toolbox. He regularly contributes to Hello Backpacker - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages:
Get inspired / Plan your trip / Advice on the road / Tips when back home
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The 1 Minute Backpackers Guide
June 3, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
Before you and your backpack head off for a hiking adventure, make sure you have all the essential items you need. You may have your own ideas of what should be in your pack but please take 1 minute to read this checklist and hopefully you wont end up with a sore back.
PRIORITY NUMBER 1: a good strong Backpack! How can you go for a wild backpacking adventure with a cheap useless backpack? Pick one which is comfortable and fits well on you. A custom fitted backpack is crucial. You are going hiking and the last thing you need is a backpack gouging into your shoulders. Make sure it fits as comfortable as possible, you could be carrying it for thousands of miles. Purchase one with a lock and key as well, if you can’t find one with a lock and key, then buy a separate padlock to keep your belongings safe.
Two of the most important elements of your backpacking journey will be, sleep and walking, hopefully not together. Pick a pair of very comfy walking shoes because, you will learn soon enough that walking is going to be a major part of your backpacking adventure. A pillow case and lightweight sleeping bag are essential items to keep when you stay in accommodation for backpackers. The pillow case is great because you know your head is the only one which has slept on it and it wont need too much regular washing. A sleeping bag will improve your sleep if your bag is comfortable and you can always pull out a few clothes to stuff in the pillow case for a custom sized pillow.
“DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT”! This little booklet is the key to you leaving your home country and the same key, which will allow you to enter and leave many other countries. Without it, well, you wont be going anywhere. Separate your cash and travelers cheques into different compartments on your backpack and, keep some about your person. This way, “IF” robbers strike or “IF”, you lose your backpack, you can ensure you have something left. In addition, find yourself a comprehensive travel guide but one, which only has the essential info you need.
Most backpacks have a detachable daypack. This little pack can easily carry your essential items for a day trip, like a camera, journal, one or two travelers cheques and flip flops. Flip flops I hear you ask? Flip flops can be very useful when you take a shower in places you may not normally take a shower.
Mini packs of toothpaste, shampoo, sun cream, wet wipes, body spray or roll on, soap and a small bag of laundry powder will all keep you clean and feeling fresh for the first few weeks of your journey. Restock at different stages on your travels. A tiny first aid kit could prove very handy and finally, a quick drying towel! You don’t want to be carrying a heavy, damp towel on your back for miles and miles.
Take just enough underwear & socks for a week and make sure your socks are 100% cotton so your feet can breathe. You might also want to pack a pair of long Johns. This depends on the season and place where you are traveling. You might need your long underwear when you stay in accommodation with a poor heating system. Pack a lightweight raincoat or kagool, especially for tropical or rainy countries like those in South America or South East Asia.
Simon and Nicky Highsmith live in england and run a mediterranean travel company called Olive Tree Travel.
http://www.olivetreetravel.com
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Electronics – Checklist for Backpackers
June 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Backpacking Checklist
If you are unlucky your expensive iPod can end up broken because of an electric spike. You can also find yourself unable to recharge your cell phone because the wall socket is different from home. Follow the below checklist to avoid these and other pitfalls:
Cell phone + charger
Recharge your phone before you leave. Enter important phone numbers in the phone book (embassies, insurance companies etc).
SIM-card for your cell phone
You can get local SIM cards in your destingation which may be cheaper than using the SIM card from your home operator.
Alarm clock
Maybe you have alarm functionality in your phone or portable computer and do not need a separate alarm clock.
Fire alarm
here are combination fire alarm/alarm clocks you can consider getting.
Surge protector
To protect expensive electrical devices against power spikes.
Headphones
There are headphones called “noise reducing headphones”which can drastically reduce the ambient noise in e.g. airplanes. Do an online search if you are interested.
MP3/media player + charger + earphones
If you want to share music/video with someone else you can get an adapter which allows two people to listen to the audio at the same time. You can bring a DVD filled with movies and exchange files on your media player during your trip if you have a small memory card (if you have the legal rights).
Empty CD/DVD + CD jewel case/memory stick
The jewel case is used to protect CDs with backups of your pictures. You can also put the photos on a memory stick.
Cassette adapter for car stereo/FM transmitter
Looks like a normal cassette/tape with a cord which attaches to your media player. This enables you to use normal cassette players in car stereos to listen your media player. An alternative is to get an FM transmitter to attach to your media player (note that these may be illegal in some countries). Great for long drives.
Video game + charger
Portable video game system. You can bring a DVD filled with movies and games and exchange them during your trip if you have a small memory card on your game system (if you have the legal rights).
Miniature speakers
Great to share music with others.
Torch (flashlight) + batteries
A small one which you always carry around in your pocket or purse is very useful, you never know when you might need it.
Headlight + batteries
Attaches to your forehead and keeps your arms free.
Voltage converter
If your equipment runs on another voltage than in your destination you need a voltage converter. Some chargers are multi-voltage.
Adapter
If the electrical sockets in your destination are a different format than your plugs.
Calculator
For currency conversion.
Camera + camera charger + memory card + carrying case
If you have room you can put a small plastic bag in your camera carrying case which you can use to protect your camera in case it rains.
Iron
For those who want to look their best.
Hair dryer
I guess it is one of those girl things
GPS + GPS maps + charger
To easily find your way around.
Batteries and charger
Get rechargeable batteries and battery charger or buy batteries in bulk to save money.
USB-cable or card reader
In order for you to be able to attach your camera to a computer for uploading pictures and to connect your mp3/media player/video game. There are different types of USB-cables; make sure you have one which fits your device.
Happy travels!
For a full checklist for your backpacking trip download the free e-book the Backpacker´s toolbox. The Backpacker’s Toolbox contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.
Peter Siljerud is an experienced world traveller and co-author of the Backpacker’s toolbox. He regularly contributes to Hello Backpacker - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages:
Get inspired / Plan your trip / Advice on the road / Tips when back home


