A veteran traveler's packing list is a chronicle of hard-won lessons, which explains why travel writer and former GORP editor Michelle Fama has a story behind every item on this list. She's traveled throughout Africa (Sudan, Kenya, Zaire, etc.), Asia (Laos, Philippines, Malaysia, etc.) and South America (Ecuador and Peru), invariably in the budget or mid-range mode, where"room service" refers to the availability of electricity, if lucky.

By learning the hard way and listening to the advice of fellow adventurers, Michelle has compiled a list of essential traveler's gear items that will make your next adventure as trouble-free as possible.

The Basics
Convertible backpack with detachable fanny pack		Sleep sheet or sleeping bag

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Accessories: Women
2 to 3 T-shirts 1 to 2 short-sleeve blouses, gauzy material Sweatshirt or fleece jacket Lightweight leggings (black hides dirt well). Elastic waisted pants		Convertible pants Skirts, several Cotton underwear "Dress Up" outfit Lightweight sarong Bathing suit Sunhat Wedding ring (handy for women traveling solo)

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Clothing: Men
2 to 3 T-shirts 1 to 2 short-sleeve synthetic shirts Sweatshirt or fleece jacket Athletic tights Convertible pants Cotton briefs or boxers		Mid thigh-length shorts Long khakis "Dress Up" outfit consisting of a short-sleeve, button down shirt and a non-wrinkle tie Bathing suit Sunhat

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Footwear
Cheap flip flops (for public showers) Waterproof sandals Walking/hiking shoes		Socks Wool socks (for hiking) "Dress Up" shoes (or buy them in-country)

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Toiletry Kit
Garlic Tablets (a weapon against mosquitoes) Toilet Paper super-absorbent camp towel Iodine tablets Kool-Aid packets (masks iodine taste in water) Dramamine, or other motion sickness tablets Anti-diarrhea medicine Anti-bacterial cream Bug repellent		Sunscreen Handi-Wipes Mentholated lip balm (masks terrible odors you may encounter) Rehydration salts Ear plugs Feminine products Shaving Accessories: cream, brush, extra blades Or get a pre-assembled traveler's toiletry kit

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Repair Kit
Fishing line and a large needle, repairs tears and rips Safety Pins. Keep straps together, etc.		Clothespins. Keep curtains closed and hang clothing to dry Mini sewing kit

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Miscellaneous
Money belt Sink Plug for washing clothes Pocket knife Nylon cord, 10-metre length Hard-shell eyeglass case and extra pair of glasses. Eyeglass prescription, in case you lose or glasses or contact lenses Airline socks (perfect at temples and elsewhere shoes are forbidden) Headlamp Mini flashlight (waterproof preferably) Extra camera batteries US $10 or $20 bills		Zipper-lock plastic bags Travel clock/calculator Rain poncho Trash bags to line your backpack or luggage Padlock and wire cable to lock up bags or lock doors 1 liter water bottle Extra photos for any IDs, visas, passes you may need to acquire on the road Folding umbrella with an aluminum spine A folding paper fan Cotton handkerchief

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Trip Recorders
Bic Pens (hand them out to street kids) Mini tape recorder for audio diary Camera Computer Equipment (optional) laptop computer with extra battery		international electric adapters international phone plug adapters extra length of phone line, approximately 12 feet

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