Mechler's Packing - Please Pick Away!

mechler · Jan 10th, 2008, 03:31

Hey dudes,

So things are starting to get a little more "real" per se... 6 months flies by and now I'm leaving for Mumbai in a week (January 15th). I'm going with a bunch of friends and we have a place to stay for the first week in Pune with a relative.

However, once we've left Pune, this is a pretty long budget(+) backpacking excursion for a plenty of months. (also to mention: this is my first trip)

I have done research around here to revise it (and revise it again..), so this list, I hope, is getting close to the final draft (if that exists?). Nothing here is too dear to my heart so dropping things makes no difference to me. Any offerings of wisdom as to why I wont find some of these things useful would mean a great deal to my friends and I. Here is the list:

CLOTHING / SLEEPING
1 hat
1 headband/bandana
3 t shirts (2 white / 1 color)
1 collar long sleeve
1 warmer fleece-ish/flanel type shirt (doubles as pillow)
1 light windbreak/waterproof cover
1 pair of gloves of some sort?
2 pairs light trousers (1 white / 1 color)
1 pair of adventure jeans
1 pair swim trunks
3 pairs underwear
1 pair thermal long johns
4 pairs socks
1 pair walking shoes
1 hostel sheet bag
1 lightweight towel (doubles as pillow)

get in india:
1 pair sandals / flip flops

PACKS
1 40L rucksack
- some form of bag dividers (plastic bags to separate dirties etc.)?
1 small day pack
2 money pouches (1 skin color, 1 black)
1 chain and lock
- extra locks?

HYGEINE
(mini-toiletries for first weeks survival)
1 small shampoo
1 deodorant
1 toothbrush
1 small soap?
1 small toilet paper?

get in india:
1 shaving razor, etc.

?QUESTION MARK? - clothes pegs, clothesline, some form of detergent?
(is it easier to pay to have clean clothes? easier to use other means?)

HEALTH
- small medkit (check for iodine, if not, get some for emergency water cleaning)
- malaria tablets
- personal medication
- diarrhea treatment
- antibacterial substance
- anelgesic treatment
- infection treatment
- lip balm
- mosquito net

get in india:
- mosquito repellant

ENTERTAINMENT
1 3/4 size guitar
3 harmonicas
1 harmonica neck brace
1 MP3 player
1 recharge cord
1 deck of cards
2 novels
1 pad of paper
2 pens

MISC USEFUL
1 pair sunglasses
1 small maglite
1 camera
- rolls of film
1 swiss army knife
- earplugs
- watch
- random little gifts from home?

get in india:
- extra batteries

TRAVEL DOCS / MONEY
- passport / entry visa
- health insurance information
- plane tickets
- credit card, debit card, cash, traveler's cheques
- photocopies of important documents (home and travel)

I realize I haven't posted around here much, so I feel a bit guilty only now asking for your help. I just find it hard to be terribly gung-ho about discussing a country I've never been to before. It gets kinda confusing!

Anyways, thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time!

-mechler

tyrefire · Jan 10th, 2008, 03:35

I was thinking I was quite well prepared until I read that!

Yesterday i bought a pair of shorts and put them close to where i keep my rucksack, and i kind of figured i was on top of it!

mechler · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:18

lol, well to give you some confidence, I was where you were two days ago

(except my bag still had the tag on it)

ScarletLSG · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:26

I might suggest you bring your own razor, especially if you like a higher end type like Mach3. Also, getting laundry done is quite cheap. You can scan in your documents and e-mail them to yourself, so that you have a digital copy instead of the paper copies. Wouldn't recommend the white trouser -- go with khaki or gray. Add some chewable Pepto tablets to your medication list. And I don't know if you need the gloves??

And THREE harmonicas??? Does one human being need three or you hoping to start a little band while you are there?

Have fun.

machadinha · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrefire

Yesterday i bought a pair of shorts and put them close to where i keep my rucksack, and i kind of figured i was on top of it!

I was gonna say you forgot the toothbrush... but then realized it can be bought there! Probably labeled "ayurvedic" even!

<cross-posted> What's that about Mach3's anyway?

Seriously, getting a shave there is a real pleasure. (Well, after the initial "Oh sh*t here's a man with the power to slit my throat then & there and I've just haggled with him over two Rupees" sensation.) My shaving kit certainly could go in the "Most Useless Items" (MUI) list that there's a running thread on.

ps To reassure the original poster, not making fun of you. I have lists like that, find it hard to comment on. Let's see, an old one of mine is here: Just over a month before I leave

ScarletLSG · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:33

Mach3 is just a nicer razor here in the U.S. with reloadable blades. Easier on the skin than the pastic throw-aways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

I was gonna say you forgot the toothbrush... but then realized it can be bought there! Probably labeled "ayurvedic" even!

<cross-posted> What's that about Mach3's anyway?

Seriously, getting a shave there is a real pleasure. (Well, after the initial "Oh sh*t here's a man with the power to slit my throat then & there and I've just haggled with him over two Rupees" sensation.) My shaving kit certainly could go in the "Most Useless Items" (MUI) list that there's a running thread on.

karuna · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:40

You've put a question mark next to "gifts from home"- make that a YES. Postcards of your city that you can talk about are small, light and often fascinating (one person told me Cardiff looked like a "city in my dreams" which is funny- if you've been to Cardiff it is). Also pictures of your house and family if you like. If you have any particular crafts or cultural things you can buy cheap from a tourist shop that "represent" your area they seem to go down well too. A Welsh love spoon was a great wedding gift but a most confusing thing to try to explain!

machadinha · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScarletLSG

Mach3 is just a nicer razor here in the U.S. with reloadable blades. Easier on the skin than the pastic throw-aways.

Yes, I understand. It's just that people habitually abbreviate my user name to Mach. Never mind, it's unimportant

btw On lugging around a guitar, here's another funny thread: Public Vote: Should I Take my Guitar?

ScarletLSG · Jan 10th, 2008, 04:49

Oops ... didn't make the connection.

wonderwomanusa · Jan 10th, 2008, 05:44

Throw a couple of zip-loc plastic bags into your bag. The sandwich size ones are good if you buy a packet of laundry soap (you do not have to bring this from North America) and have some left over, and the quart-size bags come in handy now and again. IF you wash your own undies, you will find some place to drape them so that they'll dry -- no need to bother with clotheslines and pegs.

But don't forget tweezers, small scissors, small mirror, a multi-blade knife. Additionally, I usually carry a set of wooden chopsticks that I can wash and re-use.

Will you bring a notebook of some sort for a journal? If so, you might want to add a glue stick, so that you can paste in some of the more interesting bits of paper you'll find along the way -- like wrappers from fireworks.

Mochajavaman · Jan 10th, 2008, 05:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Seriously, getting a shave there is a real pleasure. (Well, after the initial "Oh sh*t here's a man with the power to slit my throat then & there and I've just haggled with him over two Rupees" sensation.)

OOOOOHHH!! that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO going to be on my list of thingsto do!!!

mechler · Jan 10th, 2008, 06:01

haha yes, i remember that guitar thread. it was one of the first I read when I came here.

although it's a bit of a different situation as i'm not taking mine to learn how to play, but to spend time writing music in some inspiring scenery.

i haven't thought up a secure way to do so yet, but my guitar bag could easily double as a day pack for me.

- thank you for all advice so far, and thanks for the alternate list machadinha, a lot of the details in there were for things i was most confused with (health :P)

machadinha · Jan 10th, 2008, 06:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mochajavaman

OOOOOHHH!! that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO going to be on my list of thingsto do!!!

Hm yes

I've likened it before to that shaving scene in Once Upon A Time In The West

But no, really, it is a great pleasure, and for peanuts too, and those chaps tend to be most proud and caring and decent. It inspired me for years to treat myself to a second shaving. A habit that's wearing off; should go again

<cross-posting>: Y'r most welcome Mechler, never knew it might be of use to anyone. Again, just see what you make of it. I try to cut down with every trip anywhere, not very successful I'm afraid. Last time I lugged around 20 kilos of books "just in case" and lord forbids one doesn't like that one title. Cursing every walking meter of course, and not reading much of anything at all. Some things are just hard to unlearn.

karuna · Jan 10th, 2008, 06:28

I bought tweezers in India. Had a good laugh trying to explain what I meant, too. Remember not in the hand-luggage if you bring them.

And with your recharge cord- dumb thing to say maybe but don't forget your adaptor!

capt_mahajan · Jan 10th, 2008, 08:54

I would

-knock off the gloves, unless mountaineering.
-3 harmonicas?
-Hygiene items easily bought here, including mach3.
-health likewise. suggest get only medicines and such stuff you don't get here (can't think of any(, or are particular about brands or prescriptions.
-easier to get clothes washed, cheaper to do it yourself. Detergents easily available.

Jan 10th, 2008, 03:31	#1
mechler Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 7	Mechler's Packing - Please Pick Away! Hey dudes, So things are starting to get a little more "real" per se... 6 months flies by and now I'm leaving for Mumbai in a week (January 15th). I'm going with a bunch of friends and we have a place to stay for the first week in Pune with a relative. However, once we've left Pune, this is a pretty long budget(+) backpacking excursion for a plenty of months. (also to mention: this is my first trip) I have done research around here to revise it (and revise it again..), so this list, I hope, is getting close to the final draft (if that exists?). Nothing here is too dear to my heart so dropping things makes no difference to me. Any offerings of wisdom as to why I wont find some of these things useful would mean a great deal to my friends and I. Here is the list: CLOTHING / SLEEPING 1 hat 1 headband/bandana 3 t shirts (2 white / 1 color) 1 collar long sleeve 1 warmer fleece-ish/flanel type shirt (doubles as pillow) 1 light windbreak/waterproof cover 1 pair of gloves of some sort? 2 pairs light trousers (1 white / 1 color) 1 pair of adventure jeans 1 pair swim trunks 3 pairs underwear 1 pair thermal long johns 4 pairs socks 1 pair walking shoes 1 hostel sheet bag 1 lightweight towel (doubles as pillow) get in india: 1 pair sandals / flip flops PACKS 1 40L rucksack - some form of bag dividers (plastic bags to separate dirties etc.)? 1 small day pack 2 money pouches (1 skin color, 1 black) 1 chain and lock - extra locks? HYGEINE (mini-toiletries for first weeks survival) 1 small shampoo 1 deodorant 1 toothbrush 1 small soap? 1 small toilet paper? get in india: 1 shaving razor, etc. ?QUESTION MARK? - clothes pegs, clothesline, some form of detergent? (is it easier to pay to have clean clothes? easier to use other means?) HEALTH - small medkit (check for iodine, if not, get some for emergency water cleaning) - malaria tablets - personal medication - diarrhea treatment - antibacterial substance - anelgesic treatment - infection treatment - lip balm - mosquito net get in india: - mosquito repellant ENTERTAINMENT 1 3/4 size guitar 3 harmonicas 1 harmonica neck brace 1 MP3 player 1 recharge cord 1 deck of cards 2 novels 1 pad of paper 2 pens MISC USEFUL 1 pair sunglasses 1 small maglite 1 camera - rolls of film 1 swiss army knife - earplugs - watch - random little gifts from home? get in india: - extra batteries TRAVEL DOCS / MONEY - passport / entry visa - health insurance information - plane tickets - credit card, debit card, cash, traveler's cheques - photocopies of important documents (home and travel) I realize I haven't posted around here much, so I feel a bit guilty only now asking for your help. I just find it hard to be terribly gung-ho about discussing a country I've never been to before. It gets kinda confusing! Anyways, thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time! -mechler

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Jan 10th, 2008, 03:35	#2
tyrefire Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bristol, England Posts: 17	I was thinking I was quite well prepared until I read that! Yesterday i bought a pair of shorts and put them close to where i keep my rucksack, and i kind of figured i was on top of it!

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:18	#3
mechler Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 7	lol, well to give you some confidence, I was where you were two days ago (except my bag still had the tag on it)

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:26	#4
ScarletLSG Maharani Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kailua, Hawaii Posts: 181	I might suggest you bring your own razor, especially if you like a higher end type like Mach3. Also, getting laundry done is quite cheap. You can scan in your documents and e-mail them to yourself, so that you have a digital copy instead of the paper copies. Wouldn't recommend the white trouser -- go with khaki or gray. Add some chewable Pepto tablets to your medication list. And I don't know if you need the gloves?? And THREE harmonicas??? Does one human being need three or you hoping to start a little band while you are there? Have fun.

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:40	#7
karuna The cat's mother Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK Posts: 1,237	You've put a question mark next to "gifts from home"- make that a YES. Postcards of your city that you can talk about are small, light and often fascinating (one person told me Cardiff looked like a "city in my dreams" which is funny- if you've been to Cardiff it is). Also pictures of your house and family if you like. If you have any particular crafts or cultural things you can buy cheap from a tourist shop that "represent" your area they seem to go down well too. A Welsh love spoon was a great wedding gift but a most confusing thing to try to explain!

Jan 10th, 2008, 04:49	#9
ScarletLSG Maharani Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kailua, Hawaii Posts: 181	Oops ... didn't make the connection.

Jan 10th, 2008, 05:44	#10
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,259	Throw a couple of zip-loc plastic bags into your bag. The sandwich size ones are good if you buy a packet of laundry soap (you do not have to bring this from North America) and have some left over, and the quart-size bags come in handy now and again. IF you wash your own undies, you will find some place to drape them so that they'll dry -- no need to bother with clotheslines and pegs. But don't forget tweezers, small scissors, small mirror, a multi-blade knife. Additionally, I usually carry a set of wooden chopsticks that I can wash and re-use. Will you bring a notebook of some sort for a journal? If so, you might want to add a glue stick, so that you can paste in some of the more interesting bits of paper you'll find along the way -- like wrappers from fireworks.

Jan 10th, 2008, 06:01	#12
mechler Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 7	haha yes, i remember that guitar thread. it was one of the first I read when I came here. although it's a bit of a different situation as i'm not taking mine to learn how to play, but to spend time writing music in some inspiring scenery. i haven't thought up a secure way to do so yet, but my guitar bag could easily double as a day pack for me. - thank you for all advice so far, and thanks for the alternate list machadinha, a lot of the details in there were for things i was most confused with (health :P)

Jan 10th, 2008, 06:28	#14
karuna The cat's mother Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK Posts: 1,237	I bought tweezers in India. Had a good laugh trying to explain what I meant, too. Remember not in the hand-luggage if you bring them. And with your recharge cord- dumb thing to say maybe but don't forget your adaptor!

Jan 10th, 2008, 08:54	#15
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 9,768	I would -knock off the gloves, unless mountaineering. -3 harmonicas? -Hygiene items easily bought here, including mach3. -health likewise. suggest get only medicines and such stuff you don't get here (can't think of any(, or are particular about brands or prescriptions. -easier to get clothes washed, cheaper to do it yourself. Detergents easily available.

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