Equipment and Clothing.

Rucksack- 65 Litres maximum – line with strong plastic bag. Ideally bigger enough to occasinally fit day sack in top
•    Choose one with a number of separate compartments (eg side pouches and a bottom section). Useful to have a zipped section at top.
•    Good waist belt & well-padded shoulder straps.
•    Bright colour – more likely to spot it being ‘accidentally’ unloaded from the bus!
•    Strong material.

When packing we suggest being organised; it will make your life much easier and you will be able to spot things being planted on you. Items you will often use need to be in a compartment that can be easily reached. Stuff sacks are a great way to assist with this.

Objective’s Essential Travel Items list.

•    Money belt – with a clip fastener.
•    Day sack: 15 - 20L max.
•    First Aid kit + sterile needle set.
•    Head torch/small torch. The Petzl Zipka or Tikka LED head torch is recommended.
•    Hats appropriate to environment.
•    Sunglasses.
•    2 x Padlock (for lockers, rucksacks + small chain – combination not key).
•    Sun cream- with high UVA protection.
•    Water bottle (perhaps with built in purification filter) + purification tablets.
•    Penknife/leatherman – make sure it’s not in your hand luggage when flying!
•    Sleeping bag liner- cotton or silk.
•    Travel Towel.
•    Mosquito net.
•    Insect repellent – suggest with DEET content of 30 -50% or use organic variants eg PreVent.
•    Wet wipes/alcohol wipes – keeping hands hygienic will prevent diarrhoea.

Useful items.

•    Series of stuff sacks for clothes, gadgets etc. 
•    Sleeping bag or lightweight quilt/poncho.
•    Whistle/rape alarm.
•    Mug & knife, fork & spoon.
•    Mini binoculars – ideal for birds and wildlife (thoroughly recommend).
•    Compass - if travelling in remote areas.
•    Cagoule/waterproof jacket/poncho
•    Contraceptives.
•    Travel head pillow.
•    Medical book – Bugs Bites or Bowels, Traveller’s Health or Rough Guide to Travel Health.
•    Cargo strap to use as safety belt on buses when not provided (often!)
•    Door Lock.
•    Travel wash.
•    Tupperware of useful things
•    Sewing kit.
•    Masking tape.
•    String.
•    Space blanket.
•    Matches.

Electrical Goods

•    Universal adaptor.
•    Digital camera.
•    Digital card reader – for ease of downloading photos onto Internet.
•    Mobile phone.
•    Sim card reader protector.
•    Power Monkey.
•    Solar chargers for Ipods/mobiles.

Clothes and Footwear

We suggest only taking the minimum; good cheap clothes can be bought overseas. If you are going to harsh climates or trekking, then a little more warm clothing may be needed, but layering is the best solution.  Don’t take any military style clothing and avoid white clothes (difficult to keep clean).

•    2 x long baggy cotton or linen trousers.
•    2 x cotton long sleeve shirts.
•    A few T-shirts.
•    2 pairs shorts.
•    Sarong or equivalent- (ideal for visiting temples/mosques).
•    Swimwear.
•    Fleece or sweatshirt.
•    1 x non-crease skirt (for the girls).
•    Wash bag (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, liquid soap/soap in dish, razors)
•    Leggings for girls

Footwear

We suggest you are likely to need:
•    Pair of sturdy footwear. Trainers/ cross trainers or Gore-Tex walking boots.
•    Pair of flip-flops or sandals (teva sandals with rear ankles straps are very practical).
•    Possible pair of flat shoes