Packing Checklist for Asia

1

Wow, that's quite a load!
Are you American? The reason I ask is that Americans seem to be gadget and gear obsessed. You carry way too much. Is all that shit you lug around necessary?

2

The Sherpas Stared in Horror
Thanks for sharing the list. Ever seen the Universal Packing List and related webpages? Query: hypothetically, you are forced to limit yourself to 10kg and carry-on bag size. What would you take?

3

Wow!
I wouldn't want to carry half that stuff but I'd sure like to travel with someone who did! :)

4

Thanks
Thanks Beast of Burden for making me laugh at 7.15 pm when I'm still at work !!

5

Missing Item
Hey man, you forgot about the fridge for ready made ice. Have you ever missed a flight because it took so long to go thru that check list of yours? Good luck to you, 15 trips would probably kill most.

6

Flares
Haven,t you forgotten your emergency distress flares and satellite location becon

7

You should call yourself "Goliath" carrying all that stuff
Just how many bags do you take? I can't really disagree with any of it, but it's just so MUCH!! I suppose if you're going to Hong Kong you'll want the "good shirts" but if you're going to be in the bush why bother? Likewise the "good shoes" -- Mephistos can double as dress shoes, but why take them if you're not going to dress up? . The only thing missing is a deck of playing cards. (what.about.boots@usa.net)

8

altimeter
Do you really need an ALTIMETER !!!!!!!!!!!!!! or is that for the C130 thats going to carry all this stuff ! (j.davis@ucl.ac.uk)

9

WOW!
You're obviously not a backpacker. How many suitcases does this all take??!?!?!? Twelve?!?!??! (ychopty@hotmail.com)

10

Not A Cheap Shot
Hi. Once again, thanks for sharing the list. Like the Universal Packing List and others of its ilk, it is understood that it is easier to delete things from an omnibus list than it is to remember to add things to a skeleton list. . In that spirit, I remain genuinely curious about what you now consider after 15 trips the really important stuff -- vital to you and/or possibly hard to replace in Asia. First aid supplies, nylon pants, sports sandals, little presents for kids, and . . . ? . This is not entirely academic. For example, any traveller to Tokyo would be well advised to bring their own Contac (or similar cold remedy) as the local price can be many times what you are probably used to paying.

11

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER..
Wow. I've been through 6 countries in the last 5 years and would dreamin' of aboard the Titanic. You have made my dream come truth. Thanks for your joke. See you aboard. Say hi to Jame Cameron for me.

12

Funny
Just want to say this is the funest Post I've seen. Thanks for making me laught. I didn't finish the list so I don't know if pocket tissue was listed. If not, it's a must. I couldn't leave home without it when I was in China. (I'm not joking.)

13

I never imagined...
I had no idea that my packing list would generate such a...uh...um... so much response. Well folks it really wasn't meant as a joke, though I may have kindled a fire with my own somewhat sarcastic comments at the top. The packing list is for real, the product of (altogether) about two years of travelling (yes, with a backpack) through Asia. 90% of that stuff is very small! Tweezers, a small pair of scissors, a chunk of clothesline, spare shoelaces, business cards...that stuff doesn't take up much space, or weigh much. Most of it lives in a couple of plastic bags, which I keep in my closet between trips. It's no big deal. I've found that the heavier things are: clothing, books, and the shortwave radio. (But I'd never travel without the radio. It's about the size of a hardback book. I love listening to the local AM, and the regional shortwave stations. At night there are a hundred kinds of Asian music to hear. The English news from All India Radio, Radio Nepal, or Radio China can be pretty interesting too.) Justin, for trekking in the mountains, an altimeter helps you find landmarks and trails if you have a contour map. I picked up a cheap watch that has an altimeter built in. Nice to have sometimes. Yvette, I am definitely a backpacker! It's a Jansport, one size down from their biggest one. Beast of Burden, you said you were curious about the really important stuff. So OK, besides the aforementioned radio, I would say the medical items (which are about 50% gone after a "typical" 2 months trip: 1/3 for me, 1/3 for other travellers who needed something, 1/3 for local people --- cleaning up an infection etc.), good flashlight, extra visa photos, personal checks (they don't weigh very much; once my passport was stolen and my embassy cashed a personal check, as will American Express)...maps, songbook (Asian people love to sing and love to hear you sing), mini atlas (pack of cards size). LITTLE PRESENTS...a small gift from your home country is very meaningful to a local person. Photos from home; magic icebreaker, no words needed, the locals love to look at them. Lastly, regarding clothes: On the last night before leaving, I always have to do some soul searching here because this is the bulkiest, heaviest part. But I do like to carry nice clothes, even when going way off into the boonies. If I am invited to a wedding or party, I know that even in a small town with dirt paths, the villagers will be probably dress up a bit and I want to dress nicely too, as I would for a wedding or a party in my home country. (You're right Happy Crapper, I'm American.) Actually the clothing question brings up a side issue. Here is MY chance to let off a little steam... Some of you backpackers out there are real slobs! I am continually amazed by the number of farang backpackers who are beyond grungy, or dressed in a way that is offensive to local people. In Asia, even in very small and poor villages, most of the locals are well groomed, well dressed, and well shod. By comparison, some backpackers just sort of let all hang out..."whatever"... A Thai will not say to your face that you are dressed inappropriately or offensively (unless you are entering a temple), but inwardly they will disrespect you (and/or think you have a bad attitude). Dirty clothes, dirty face and hands, bare feet outside, tank tops, shorts, going braless...those things are NOT OKAY in Asia. So yes, I bring nice shirts and pants and shoes. I wouldn't wear them on a songthaew bumping around Laos, but I would wear them while visiting a temple in Luang Prabang, or to a local home when a family invites me over for dinner. (More likely to happen when the locals can SEE that you respect them and their customs.) OK now that I got that off my chest, thanks one and all for your comments. Beast of Burden had it right. I posted this list so that others could peruse it, and fine-tune their own travel style. So folks, see you on the road! I'll be the American farang at that wedding reception with all the music and laughter across town --- cleaning the scrape on uncle's elbow, with all the girls tugging on my arm to dance with them. Happy trails! (kulka9@idt.net)

14

travel light
i may just be the only one who agrees w/ your list -- but not all of it for each trip. just returned from 2 weeks in thailand. not backpacking -- had guides driving me each day so luggage stayed in each hotel. i took 2 bags, rolling 26" bag and an expandable carryon and a large "purse"/daybag. have traveled for 3 weeks through HK, china, s'pore, malaysia and took same luggage. i pack light w/ clothes (sometimes bring clothes i can leave behind) so i have room for souveniers, but my carryon contains every toilettrie/medication/alergy medicines that i would need without running out. i have helped many a tourist who did not bring right stuff. and the best advice (especially for asia) just bring small packets of tissues-- forget the toilet paper roll -- too bulky inless you take out the paper tube and compress the roll. i say, bring whatever you can carry yourself. as for clothing -- modest, lightweight, casual clothes for asia -- i saw women in sundresses w/ their bras hanging out all over and the dresses bearly covering what they were supposed to cover, halter tops with everything hanging out all over, totally inappropriate dressing for temples (you are made to cover up for temples -even the shoes you wear- or cannot get in). most travelers think anything goes -- well, it doesn't say much for you and shows lack of respect for other cultures. what you wear at home is not always appropriate in other countries -- do some research before you travel. (by the way -- i'm young -- not prudish or a sr. citizen) (rikievans@ mindspring.com)