Thank you to our guest writer, Iain for your insightful travel list!
Biography: Iain is an ex-military man, serving as a Warrant Officer in the Army Physical Training Corps. This enabled him to become highly qualified in a large number of adventurous activities. He participated in many expeditions to many parts of the World and this satisfied his wanderlust. For a short period of time after leaving the forces he tried his hand at running a public house in leafy Cheshire, but it was not too long before his love of travel got the better of him and he once again set off to discover more of the World. He now works freelance as a writer and photographer and enjoys finding adventure wherever he travels and whatever he does.
Everybody has their own personal list of ‘essentials’ that they would not dream of leaving the house without, let alone going on an extended trip. It is not by any means intended as a travel ‘bible’ of must take items, but a personal list, which will prove useful for anybody considering traveling, especially those who stray from the well trodden path!
Camera – this is a no brainer, I cannot imagine anybody would consider leaving without one. Even if you consider yourself to have a great memory, friends and family cannot see your memories. It is not necessary to choose the most expensive all singing, all dancing latest digital DSLR; great images have been taken on basic point and shoot cameras and even mobile phones! However I would recommend you purchase the best you can afford, as it is more likely to enhance your own photographic ability allowing you to take less snaps and more good quality images.
The Powermonkey-eXplorer is very capable, but will not be able to charge AAA or AA batteries and possibly not camera batteries either. A number of companies; Ansmann or Delkinhowever make good universal chargers that will charge most if not all of these, and if used in combination with the eXplorer should cover all your devices. This should save on having to carry a charger for every gadget you take.
Universal adapter – In today’s modern world even the most independent of us have the need to use a main socket now and then, possibly even more than a clean toilet for the really adventurous. This then is the secondno-brainer, knowledge is power, but a universal adapter will provide the source and keep our multitude of travel gadgets working wherever we may travel. An adapter that also includes a USB socket is even closer to traveling nirvana.

Universal charger – It may seem that there are quite a few items which are device related but the fact is most of us still wish to remain in contact with the outside world wherever we are. Camera, mobile phone, mp3 players all require to be kept charged and there is no escaping the need for devices to achieve this. The obvious problem is that they all seem to need a different charger, as every device has a different size and shape of battery.
Hammock – This may not be high on the list of those that only stay in five star hotels, but for the many that now enjoy straying from the resorts and finding the next best kept secret destination they are worth their weight in gold. Hammocks vary greatly in comfort and versatility, and whilst a simple string mesh hammock will be perfectly fine for very occasional use, a little more shelter and comfort can be provided for little additional cost or weight. My personal hammock has a tarp and mosquito net attached and still weighs a less around half a kilo, made from lightweight parachute silk. There are many manufacturers of quality personal sleeping systems, to give it a posh name, but Hennessy Hammocks are excellent and Hammock Bliss are a great budget choice. I used to serve in the military and often had to travel Hercules class or by Chinook helicopter, neither of which are renowned for the comfort and notoriously slow. On particularly long flights I would always ask the ‘cabin’ crew if I could strategically deploy my hammock. Trust me it is much more comfortable than the seating arrangements! It has also saved me and uncomfortable night on the ground when Bastia airport unexpectedly closed until the morning; I received many envious glances from my fellow travelers as I set-up that night, and even slept in the next morning!


First Aid Kit – This is an essential item, end of story. Sure you can usually buy bits and pieces in the local towns, but shops close and most of us head out of town occasionally. It is only for yourself and anybody you may be traveling with so does not need to be as comprehensive as the average paramedics kit. Scissors, assorted plasters and sterile dressings, antiseptic ointment, safety pins, paracetamol and possibly some eye wash are all that is needed. If the plan includes really heading out in the wilderness for any length of time consider a sterile ‘sharps’ kit, consisting of hypodermic needles and syringes as hygiene is unlikely to be high on the agenda in such places. A small dental kit is also useful as toothache in the middle of nowhere is not anybody’s idea of fun. A reliable supplier is LifeSystems.
PacSafe TravelSafe – PacSafe are renowned for making security items for travelers. Some items however are pretty heavy and exclude themselves from most packing lists; the travelsafes however are extremely useful. They come in three sizes; my personal preference is the TravelSafe 12l as this will even take an average size laptop and is probably the best compromise of size, weight and security.It can be secured to any fixed object in a room, vehicle or wherever, to leave it in full view is still unwise of course and I would recommend upgrading to a sturdier padlock than the one supplied.
Mosquito net/repellent – show of hands, who likes being bitten by mosquitoes, ah yeah strange guy at the back with the cigarette burn scars, wearing the thumbscrews, self piercings and the studded jockstrap ……. enough said!

Sewing/Repair kit – On any extended trip there are likely to be times when something will get damaged or just worn out. It may be more convenient to just purchase a new shirt or pair of shorts but replacing that super comfortable backpack may not be an option. A sewing kit, some strong breaking strain monofilament, duct tape, a small tube of super glue, paracord and a puncture repair kit will cover most eventualities.
Sleeping bag liner & mattress cover – Five star travelers look away now, but for those of us which regularly use words like “budget” and “shoestring” in our vocabulary these two items are pretty indispensable. If when you are looking for accommodation your usually use the drop down menu and enter “cheapest first” then you have probably stayed in more than your fair share of less than salubrious hostels. Hygiene is often not a consideration, checking out the reviews can often avoid this, but every once in awhile we all get caught out. Avoid using the supplied ‘bedding’ and sleep in your own cocoon, as sleeping bags are often too warm. Too avoid any nasty bed lice a specifically designed mattress cover will keep you smiling and feeling all smug and savvy for days afterwards, especially if you’re traveling companion is continually scratching themselves throughout!
All purpose soap – (that’s eleven) Bonus item, great for washing yourself and clothes, which hopefully is not a bonus. It is especially useful if it can be used without water for personal hygiene, evaporating to leave you feeling all fresh and dry.
Many of you probably feel a lot of this is excessive and probably weighs far too much, but most is surprisingly lightweight and can be packed easily. I am sure you have your own personal must haves, but at least this may stir some brain cells and provoke a little thought. It will be great to hear any of your suggestions. Safe travels and don’t forget your toothbrush!