Camping Essentials for Unpredictable International Travel
There are some core items you want to make sure you have when you travel around, unaware of your ultimate destination.
These days, everybody travels. But while many people take planned trips with tour agencies and along paths commonly tread by tourists. I don't like to tourist. And when I have time, I like to adventure, not necessarily know where I'm going before I do.
When this is the case, there are a few pieces of gear that, for me, end up being critical for feeling comfortable when I'm on the road. Here are my top 5:
Sleeping Bag
This is crucial when you don’t know where you’re going to sleep. I was often with friends that had a bed for me. But when certain friends didn’t or when I stayed in a hostel, it was just easier to have the bag. Having one gives you the freedom of crashing with people regardless of whether they have a bed or a couch, as you can post right up on the floor with no problem. That’s one of the reasons I paid to have an excellent bag. I use a MontBell bag because I like the fit of it, but there are comparable bags from Western Mountaineers that are American-made. Those two brands are, in my opinion, the best in the business. And probably Feathered Friends is up there, too.
Sleeping Bag Liner
I’ve spoken about this before, but this is wonderful to have to add a couple degrees to your sleeping bag, to use instead of your sleeping bag on hot nights (like every night during the summer in London without air conditioning or air flow). Also, they’re great for long travel days, on planes, trains, and busses. When it gets a bit too cold, just pull out the liner and slip it over your legs. Works like a charm every time.
Locking Carabiners
I love these little things. I grab a couple and put them on every externally-facing zipper I have on my bags. There are two kinds, one that are carabiners with combinations and ones that look like a little complex carabiner to the casual eye, but they also lock. So, if somebody tries to make sly and go for the bag, they can’t unzip it at all without the right code or type of particular pressure.
Small Bottles
Nalgene bottles and similar have been my go-to for carrying soap, shampoo, conditioner, and mouthwash. They are simple to carry, make it so you don’t waste by buying new bottles in every location, and they’re usually clear so you know exactly what’s in them.
RFID Blockers
Whether RFIDs are a real threat or not is up for debate. What isn’t, however, is that I feel more comfortable having my passport (in a passport wallet) and identity cards (in a trifold wallet) behind RFID blocking material. Maybe it’s unnecessary, but at least I don’t have to worry about the technology, even if it does exist.
