What to bring with you

A lot of my friends ask for advice on where in the world to go on holiday, but very few of them ask how to make travel easier, more comfortable, less of a worry and just a lot less stress. They can do all of that in one simple and easy way, and it won't cost them a penny.

Less is more.

When I travelled back from China overland in 2008, the only bag that I brought with me was a small black Karrimor canvas carry on sized case. I've had it for years, and a got it in the Karrimor surplus store near Swindon back in the mid 90's and I've never seen another like it. I used to use it to lug around my work laptop, but then I realised that it was the perfect size for a weekend away bag.

See it!

Each time I go away I travel with less and less 'stuff', and the stuff that I bring is chosen wisely. The bigger the bag the more likely you are to put stuff you'll never use in it. A smaller bag makes you think about what you are bringing and what you really need.

Clothing
I'm a great fan of Rohan clothes, they are light weight, don't take up a lot of space, and when washed dry really quickly. Three shirts, a couple of t-shirts and some washing gel saves a lot of weight and space in your bag.

Washing
I bring my own shower gel and shampoo, but I don't bring them in their original containers, I decant them into smaller plastic bottles. A small tube of toothpaste rather than a big one, and if it's half empty so much the better. A small sponge and one of those tiny magic towels take up no space and are worth their weight in gold.

Technology
I do like my technology, and I bring quite a bit with me, iPod, camera and mobile phone but I've found that it's their charges that weigh so much. I've got a converter plug that also has a USB converter so I can charge the iPod and my phone via that.

Creating a packing list is fraught with problems, what to bring depends on where you are going and how long for, but this is the packing list I used on my Silk Route trip in which I was away for three months, and had to take on the 38° heat of India and then snow in Kazahkstan, so I think it's a good basis for any packing list.

Two pairs of trousers - normally Rohan^[1] ones (one worn, one packed)

A few short sleeved shirts - normally Rohan ones

A couple of long sleeved shirts - normally Rohan ones

A couple of tee shirts - normally Rohan ones

Five silk^[2] boxer shorts

A couple of pairs of socks

Cap - keep the sun off your head

Waterproof coat - I've got a Berghaus one at the moment

Fleece - a Berghaus one that zips into the waterproof

Silk Scarf

Pair of lightweight gloves

iPod, headphones and USB lead

Mobile phone - handy for keeping in touch

Compact Camera (at the moment it's a Fuji Z3), with spare battery and memory cards

Charger for the camera - This can be heavy and bulky, but I've found a much lighter one than came with the camera

Mains plug adapter - mine has a built-in USB charger that charges my phone and iPod ^[3], for more info see the plugs page

Aspirin / Paracetamol / Ibuprofen

Guide book(s)

Photocopy of Passport and vital documents

Pacsafe 100 - great bit of kit that allows you to secure your valuables

Silk^[2] Sleep sheet

Small bottle of shampoo - and I do mean small, I decant the shampoo into a 20ml bottle

Small bottle of shower gel

Ear plugs - to keep the noise out

AA battery recharger - a fab bit of kit that allows you to charge a mobile via an AA battery

A small Sponge - it's so useful to have your own

Toothbrush in toothbrush box - you need the box so you can throw it in your bag and not get toothpaste all over your clothes

A half used small tube of toothpaste (50ml) - How much toothpaste do you need?

Universal sink plug - Maybe it's the places I tend to stay, but there's never a plug in the sink. It makes clothes washing easier

Nivea deo compact deodorant (20ml) - it seems they've stopped producing the blokes version of this, but the womans version is just as good!

Travel wash - bringing this means you have to bring fewer clothes, hence less weight, and a smaller bag

A box of Toilet paper - bringing a box of paper saves space over a roll, and only bring ONE. Toilet paper is sold around the world..

Antiseptic hand gel - use this before you eat and you might keep stomach problems at bay

Pen - to fill in the customs and immigration forms

Sun protection cream - but decant it into a smaller bottle

Deet - to keep the mosquitoes away

Solitaire MagLite - which I've converted to use an LED

A few re-sealable plastic bags

a metal mug - if I'm going on a long journey

What I DON'T bring with me!

Jeans - they are just too heavy, take up too much space and you can't wash and dry them easily

Cotton tee shirts - for the same reason as the Jeans!

Laptop - just too big and too heavy

Notes

[1] Why Rohan? - their clothes are built with travel in mind, they are lightweight, and dry quickly
[2] Why Silk? - it's lightweight, packs down to a small space, and it dries really quickly
[3] It's the Swiss Travel Products World Travel Adapter with USB charger