Scribbles Abroad

After a couple months of traveling it has been re-instilled in us that less is more and traveling light is the way to go.  We originally started off with two backpacks, a 46L and a 50L and two boardbags.  It was when we were carrying a boardbag and a backpack each, walking up the stairs of a pedestrian overpass in the pouring rain, and rushing to catch a bus when we realized that carrying a ton of stuff is a pain in the ass.   Since then we’ve gotten rid of the Arcteryx 50L bag and fit the majority of our things in to the 46L bag.  This made things a heck of a lot easier.  We’re new to this whole traveling around the world thing and have learned a lot in the past couple of months.  Below you’ll find pictures of the gear we’re using and a of list of the “must have” items in our bags.

Our Bag

Osprey Porter 46L Backpack

This bag is the perfect size for us.  Its 2800cu in (46L) and 22 x 14 x 9in (56 x 36 x 23cm), which means that you can take it on the airplane as a carry-on (at least for most airlines).  Many airlines have reduced the number of bags that you can check-in to one bag.  Being able to carry-on our bag allows us to check-in our surfboard bags without getting charged an extra bag fee even though most still charge an over-size fee, it’s still better than paying for both.  We really like this bag’s large front opening.  It’s much easier to keep organized and find what you’re looking for compared to top loading bags where you’d have to dig around to find what you need.  It does not have many pockets but it prevents us from forgetting where we put something.  We also really like the cinching straps on the outside of the bag.  It helps to reduce the size of the pack and keep the load tight and steady making it easier to carry.  The only thing we don’t really like about the bag is that it lacks a proper back frame making it a little uncomfortable when carrying it for long periods of time.This bag is the perfect size for us.  Its 2800cu in (46L) and 22 x 14 x 9in (56 x 36 x 23cm), which means that you can take it on the airplane as a carry-on for most airlines.  Many airlines have reduced the number of bags that you can check-in to one bag.  This allows us to check in our surfboard bags without getting charged an extra bag fee, even though most still charge an over-size fee, it’s still better than paying for both.  I really like this bag’s large front opening.  It’s much easier to keep organized and find what you’re looking for compared to top loading bags where you’d have to dig around to find what you need.  It does not have many pockets but it prevents me from forgetting where I put something.  I also really like the cinching straps on the outside of the bag.  It helps to reduce the size of the pack and keep the load tight and steady making it easier to carry.  The only thing I don’t like about the bag is that it lacks a proper back frame making it a little uncomfortable when carrying it for long periods of time.

Our gear from left to right, top to bottom: DVDs, compression sac (our clothes are in here, see below for more details), netty pot and salt, mosquito repelents, blue bag (we keep stuff like string, tape, pens, locks, etc. in here), mosquito net, rain jackets, backpack rain cover, green bag (this hold all our electrical cords and adapters), first aid kit (all our drugs and stuff, see below for a more detailed list), Gold Bond, toiletry bag (toothbrushes, floss, deoderant, razors, comb, soap, etc.), hammock, shammy, laundy detergent, UNO, and travel guide books.

This is how we fit all of our stuff in our pack

I know it looks like an explosion of crap, but there’s some sort of order here I promise.  Rain gear goes on the top pocket for easy access for those unexpected downpours.  Heavy things on the bottom for balance and stability.  One thing that makes our lives a little easier is keeping organized and knowing where thing are so we can find them easily.  Eagle Creek makes a line of travel pouches which we use to keep organized.  We have our first aid kit in one, toiletries in another, one with adapters and cords, and one with tape and other assorted gadgets.

Here are a list of things that have come in most handy:
Compression sac – reduces the volume of our clothes, sleeping sheets, sarongs, etc.
Sarongs – these have been gold!  You can use them as a blanket, a towel, to cover your shoulders in more conservative areas, pretty much whatever you like.  They also dry quickly so you can wash them easily.
Gold Bond or Baby Powder – Kahi loves this stuff!  Put it on your feet or where ever you like (DZnts) to absorb moisture and keep you dry in humid areas.

Shammy – it’s way better to carry one of these around than a towel.  They’re way smaller and dry quickly.  Plus you can easily squeeze them out and reuse them.

Neti Pot – To clear the nasal cavities in the dirty countries or when you get a cold/sinus infection.
Backpack rain cover – a must if you want to keep your things dry in rainy situations.

Our bag all packed up

Compression Sac

These come in very handy.  They reduce the space our clothes takes up in our pack.  These are a must have!

Whats in our compression sac:  Kahi’s clothes, my clothes, sarongs, and sleeping sheets

Kahi’s Gear

Kahi’s day pack and its usually contents

Surf Gear

Our boardbag

Our boardbag

This boardbag is the best one we’ve found so far.  Its light weight and about as compact as you can get for a 3 board boardbag.  You can even wrap yourself up in it and use it as a sleeping bag.  Ours came with a free board sling which comes in handy when you’re riding on the back of a motorbike or walking to the beach.  Check out http://curvesurf.com/overstayer.html for more pictures and information.

Board sling

In our Boardbags
McCallum 6’0″ pin-tail fish
Fire Wire 6’3″ rounded pin-tail
Fire Wire 6’6″ step up
Leash (2)
Fin Key
Rashguard
Wetsuit top
Booties
Fins
Wax and wax comb
Snorkel and mask
Shammy