Preparing for the trip

First of all, you need to determine the type of trip you are going to take. Are you going to stay in a city or hitchhike nomadically? Are you going to sleep in a tent in the middle of the pampas or in a guest house? What kind of climate will it be like? Essential questions to ask yourself in order to get the right deals.

Which backpack to take?

It is useless to take a backpack that is too big, it will clutter up your travels and you will be tempted to fill it up even more. For a trip with a lot of walking, do not exceed 50 litres. It is best to take a bag with side pockets, which is very practical for carrying some basic necessities. Make sure that your bag is equipped with an over-bag, which is essential in case of rain, and can also be bought separately. Try several and check the comfort of the straps, it is also necessary that the back of the bag is well padded with foam pads, and that it is made of waterproof nylon.

Storing it properly

Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the bag, which will be closer to the centre of gravity and prevent back pain, and the items you need most often at the top of the bag. You should only fill the bag to a maximum of 2/3 full to be able to bring back your purchases/souvenirs. Take a half-day walk to test your comfort.

What to take with you?

Some travellers, depending on their destinations and the level of comfort desired, will not need the same things. The golden rule is to take the bare minimum, take as few things as possible. No need to pack your backpack before leaving, travel light! To help you, here is a small, non-exhaustive list of essential items:

Health/hygiene
Disinfectants
Antimalarial treatment
Mosquito repellent
Water purification tablets of the micro-pure type
Bandages
Aspi Venom
Survival blanket
Deodorants
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Condoms
Syringe of pure adrenaline in case of very strong allergy
Bathroom glove
Soap that will also be used as Shampoo
Antibacterial wipes, very useful when you can’t take a shower.
a buffer stock, not always easy to find.
Microfiber towel, which dries faster than a normal towel and takes up less space
Indian Dermophiliac
Sun cream
Couchage

The sleeping bag

The first question to ask is which filling to choose between down and synthetic? It’s simple, the synthetic one is heavier than the down one, it is also less compressible. However, its resistance to humidity is better. It is preferable if you sleep under the stars in a humid area. They are also more economical than down. The down sleeping bag is lighter, compressible, breathable and very insulating. But it loses its insulating power if it gets wet. For example, it is well suited for long hikes, because lightness and small size are important criteria. It provides greater comfort if you sleep in a sheltered place or under the stars in dry weather. The upholstery is made of duck or goose down.

The tent. If there are two of you, take a three-person tent, otherwise there will be no room for your bags. Make sure it is waterproof, once you are there it’s too late. As a general rule, test all your equipment before you leave.

The floor carpet. A good sleeping bag is nothing without an adapted mattress. As the sleeping bag is crushed by our weight, the mattress limits heat loss by conduction with the ground. If you plan to spend a lot of nights under the stars, you should count at least 100 € for a good mattress.

Clothing

Choose clothes that are easy to live with, i.e. light, comfortable and above all resistant. Be careful, avoid all military clothing such as camouflage, which can cause major problems in some parts of the world. Choose materials such as polyester, which dries faster and is anti-perspirant. Leave your jewellery and other external signs of wealth at home. Always carry a polartec-type fleece in your belongings. As for the rest, it’s up to you! The best is to take 2 pants that can be converted into shorts for men is ideal, 3 t-shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 1 long shorts for girls, 1 swimsuit and 1 k-way. For shoes, a good pair of walking shoes, and a pair of flip-flops to let your feet breathe at the end of the day, it’s always nice.

Paper/Documents

Plane tickets + photocopy not to be stored in the same place in case of loss or theft.
Passport + photocopy
Entry Visa
Passport photos
Certificate of vaccination, e.g. for yellow fever
Health Insurance
Travel Assistance Phone Number
Addresses of embassies and consulates if you are in an unstable country
Telephone number of your travel agency for those who leave via an agency
Map and country map
Copies of medication prescriptions sometimes requested at border crossings
International Driving Licence
Others
A sewing kit
A compass
Plastic bags for wet business
A padlock to close your bag while travelling.
A Swiss Army knife always in his pocket
Climbing rope that can be used for all sorts of things…
A headlamp
An alarm watch
A power adapter
A Lighter
A gourd
Papers/pens
Sunglasses
Stove, gas canister for meals