Thorn Tree travel forum

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posted
08-Jul-2004 16:37
by: Ben2World »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 03:53
by: hikes »

74 replies , 61,273 views

Pages 1 2 3 4 5

Traveling and Gear 101

Given the many questions regarding backpacks, footwear and other travel gear, I thought I would put together a summary listing of resources. Except for the slight bias towards traveling light, this is not meant to be an endorsement of any particular gear or vendor. Hopefully, others will add their favorite links to this so all can benefit. Happy Travels.

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posted
07-Dec-2009 19:14
by: waspy »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 01:50
by: M81906 »

2 replies , 76 views

Another pack thread!

I am an Australian who has temporarily relocated to Vancouver. At the end of our stay we plan to travel across Canada and down the east coast of the USA then either head to Mexico or South East Asia on the way home for 2+ months.

In the mean time we plan to do a few weekend/multiday hikes though BC etc. I have a weak link to the outdoor industry and am able to get Gregory backpacks cheap. Thus i am in the market for a bag. Obviously having relcoated to Van we have accumulated a large number of items, clothes, books, skis, electrical etc etc...now I do plan to offload a lot of this on my visiting relatives prior to our trip home, and freight other stuff home, however, it is safe to assume that we are going to carry more than the 'ideal' amount of stuff around with us. Not to mention we are going to need clothes for two different climates.

Long story short I am in the market for... more »

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posted
06-Dec-2009 06:45
by: midnightsunvish »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 22:41
by: gawkabout »

4 replies , 151 views

How do I get the most out of hotel stays?

I will be doing a lot of traveling on the wekends coming up in 2010. I was wondering what the best way to get the most out of my hotel stays. I need a card or something like frequent flyer miles for hotels. I'm not old enough for AARP just need something that will make all my hotel stays payoff. Is there such a rewards program for hotels?

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posted
03-Dec-2009 16:31
by: nikatepah »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 18:50
by: chezmike »

5 replies , 229 views

Day packs and watches.

Heya guys! I'm headed to China for (at least) the next 6 months and need a little gear advice.

Question 1: Backpack vs. satchel for a day pack?
Is a backpack really that much of a "money target" for thieves?

Question 2: Travel alarm clock vs. wrist watch with an alarm?
Isn't the watch two birds with one stone?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

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posted
03-Dec-2009 01:44
by: jaic »

last reply
03-Dec-2009 01:44
by: jaic »

0 replies , 117 views

Logistics

Hunting gear and travel
Hi, I am flying from London to Moscow on March 1 and getting the train to Kazakhstan. Is this the cheapest way to do things? Plan on staying for 30 to 60 days in Kazakhstan, then hitching to Kyrgyzstan 30 day stay and hitching to Tajikistan 30 day stay. To get back to London would it be cheapest to get a chinese visa and fly from Beijing after Tajikistan or would it be best to get the train back to Moscow after the trip (with double entry visas) for the mentioned countries? Anyway what are the temperatures going to be like during the months March to July in these countries. Would it be possible to survive with a -22 sleeping bag, bivvy and ground mat, or would a half decent tent be best with thick rugs and duvets aswell? Any tent brands or styles recommended? Is there much firewood in this area of the world?
Also
For the trip I will need a hunting rifle. Wha... more »

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posted
01-Dec-2009 14:17
by: lazio »

last reply
02-Dec-2009 06:39
by: joe_average »

2 replies , 140 views

cheap timberland in london

where to buy cheap timberland shoes in london - uk?
tried the official stores are quite expensive...

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posted
01-Dec-2009 06:11
by: time2play »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 12:58
by: bun_cha »

4 replies , 217 views

Best Mosquito Nets?

I am planning a several month long trip to SE Asia and I don't know what type of mosquito net to bring...

Options:
Typical type with one overhead support required and edges tuck under your bed/sleeping bag
Box type that requires 4 support ties on each corner
Sleep screen with poles supporting the pop up head area and then the rest drapes down over a sleeping bag/sheets of a bed

Your suggestions and/or reviews of the options would be very helpful.

Thank you!

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posted
24-Nov-2009 13:07
by: kristin_86 »

last reply
08-Dec-2009 15:17
by: alanR »

11 replies , 526 views

Backpack Options

Hi all,

I'm a first time traveller to Europe due to head over in a few months. I've been debating backpack options and have been looking into a backpack with wheels so when it gets too heavy I can drag it along streets. I've had a look at the Caribee Fast Track 75L Wheel Travel Back Pack and they look pretty good - does anyone have any recommendations?

The Caribee easily converts wheeled luggage to a Backpack and comes with a detachable daypack. It has a waist and chest strap harness and footlocker compartment for shoes.

I'm travelling on my own to Europe for just over 2 months. I'm doing a TopDeck tour for 20 days, am travelling on a Greek Island cruise for 6 and then the rest in independent travelling.

Would love all recommendations on what backpack is the best. I'm 1.72cm tall and weigh 60kg - I'm not the strongest person and don't have a lot of arm strength. ... more »

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posted
23-Nov-2009 05:42
by: englishrosie »

last reply
08-Dec-2009 22:34
by: evanchartier »

8 replies , 336 views

Sleeping Bags

Hi,

I'm going on a journey on a yacht in a few months, and I need to buy a good, 3 or 4 season sleeping bag. Can anybody suggest one?

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posted
22-Nov-2009 10:50
by: tesh1e »

last reply
04-Dec-2009 12:40
by: christophinoz »

17 replies , 761 views

Pages 1 2

Storing money + wallets.

Hi everyone,

I'm due to start a tour of Asia in a couple of months (India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia) and I was wondering whether anyone had any advice about keeping money. In particular I wanted to know how much actual cash I should take, of course I'll be taking debit card with me too.

Also I was wondering what people used to store their cash and cards? I have a wallet that I use at the moment but it just seems a little too big to be taking with me considering i'll only br carrying a couple of cards and some cash and coz its so big I'm sure it'll be obvious when its in my pocket! (I'll be wearing cargo type bottoms most of the time) Am I just being overly paranoid in considerng buying a really slim wallet or will any normal new wallet do the trick?? Any suggestions about what people use would be great.

Thanks in advance for ur help guys! :-)

p.s. Sorry if I'v... more »

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posted
16-Nov-2009 08:22
by: pixiertw10 »

last reply
16-Nov-2009 08:22
by: pixiertw10 »

0 replies , 267 views

craghopper pacsac 20

Just wondering if anyone has used this, or anything similar

http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=54108804&desc=20+LITRE+TRAVEL+PACSAC

I was browsing in oswald bailey earlier and saw one, and was quite impressed, it seemed pretty decent. I'd like a smaller rucksack that I can take for a 'daypack' or for short trips (e.g. 3 day treks etc) where I don't need my whole pack with me and can leave it secure somewhere. Am thinking between something like this, vs one of those packs that comes with a zip on/off smaller rucksack as well, although they all seem pretty bulky.

I'm not yet sure what size rucksack I'm taking - I'm hoping no bigger than 55L, am looking at the Berghaus Verden Women's 45+8 perhaps, but am waiting to see how much space all my stuff takes up first! Still refining the packing list but have 3 months to do so :-). My old rucksack is 65L and I used... more »

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posted
15-Nov-2009 17:10
by: waywardrover »

last reply
01-Dec-2009 05:17
by: kittytemo »

6 replies , 563 views

3 Backpacks Comparison, Any Advice On?

Greetings all! I am about to journey on a 1-2 backpacking around the world, and would appreciate any and all advice from experience or knowledge about the best kind of backpack I should invest in. I realize packing less-is-best, and don't want/need anything too big; yet multiple pockets and top & bottom entry points are preferred. I'm currently trying to decide between 3 backpack brands: Osprey, Karrimor, or Deuter. I'm very open to other recommended brands, like the Eagle Creek Voyage 65L, but am more attracted to the versatility of the other three.

My current toplisted packs are the Osprey Waypoint 65 (http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/WaypointSeries/) ,
the Karrimor Cougar 60-70 L (http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/Karrimor-Cougar-60_dash_70-Rucksack) ,
and the Deuter Quantam 55+10 (http://www.tahoemountainsports.com/product/deuter-quantum-55).

Any personal experience or pr... more »

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posted
14-Nov-2009 10:20
by: nicegaijin »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 01:00
by: Petrus »

4 replies , 417 views

Scottevest?

I'm looking to do some considerable traveling for maybe a year or more, that will take me to a variety of locales and altitudes throughout Asia. I want to make sure I get the right layers for the greatest versatility, and it seems that a fleece and a waterproof shell over shirts is the way to go.

That said, I've been looking at the Scottevest. I love love love pockets and these things have them in spades.
The Evolution looks like the most versatile, with a water-resistant material that I can still layer a shell over.
the Fleece 5.0 is also pretty similar but it's just in fleece.
They also have their Jordan series, which combines the fleece and their Quantum waterproof shell.

I think I definitely want either ... more »

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posted
14-Nov-2009 06:21
by: bamsmushroom »

last reply
09-Dec-2009 02:01
by: M81906 »

12 replies , 739 views

12 months - bag size?

Hi all, I'm going travelling for 12 months starting in April and was wondering if anyone had any advice about what size bag I should buy? I'm a girl, and not used to carrying heavy stuff haha! I was looking at 65L and I thought it looked pretty big but now 100% so any help would be fab! Thanks!

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posted
13-Nov-2009 05:54
by: storyseller »

last reply
10-Dec-2009 11:45
by: storyseller »

6 replies , 583 views

Packing list for 4 months Central America & Colombia

OK, sorry for the slight spam but I really like to be sure about things. It's pretty extensive since from what I can see the region contains lots of varied terrain and temperatures.
Here goes my packing list, ideas or comments much appreciated. I have a 60l backpack and it fits well.
Mainly wondering if I missed something out, but if you feel anything special is extremely unnecessary please say so (refrain from the jeans-issue though please, I made my choice)

CLOTHES:
1x lightweight, windrunner jacket
1x lightweight rain poncho (some friends are really eager about this one, I'm really questioning it though since at this time there will be quite little rain where I go)
5x underwear
4x socks
1x long underwear (cotton)
1x long undershirt (is this recommended? polyester by the way)
1x tanktop
2x t-shirts, one being a cheap white one that I can throw away if it gets stains.... more »

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posted
13-Nov-2009 04:26
by: rohitw5 »

last reply
13-Nov-2009 04:26
by: rohitw5 »

0 replies , 242 views

Atlas Travel Insurance in India

Whether taking a short-period trip overseas or planning to relocate to a foreign country, temporary Atlas Travel Insurance plans provide medical insurance that will meet individual health requirements. In other words, the plans are appropriate for sudden and unexpected injury or illness while traveling away from the home country on a temporary basis. As the name implies, temporary international health insurance is a type of insurance facility applicable for a limited period of time. This type of insurance cannot be considered as an alternate for annual-renewable (or "permanent") major medical health insurance.

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