Don't take everything you see here--only what you really need. If you can't afford it, can't find it, or have to think too hard you probably don't need it.
If you at least leave home with the following....
__ Travelers' checks
__ Passport
__ Visas (if necessary)
__ Hidden money belt
__ Your brain (Don't leave home without it!)
Toilet Kit
Use a plastic zip bag to keep together what you need to keep together.
__ comb, brush, or pick (the smallest you have)
__ toothbrush and toothpaste
__ dental floss
__ small bottle of roll-on deodorant
__ small bottle of shampoo (preferably concentrated)
__ soap (bar or liquid)
__ one good razor (with spare cartridges stored elsewhere)
__ nail clippers (I'm tired of loaning mine.)
__ small mirror
__ one lipstick
__ eye liner/shadow
__ sunblock
__ roll of toilet paper
__ tampons
__ one or two viscose towels
__ other
Clothing
The following includes the total of what is in your pack and what your are wearing. Every item should coordinate with every other item, if you care about such things.
__ one pair of good shoes
__ four pairs of socks
__ four pairs of underwear
__ two pairs of pants or tights
__ one belt
__ one pair of shorts/swim trunks/bathing suit
__ one skirt
__ four shirts/blouses (includes t-shirts)
__ one pile or down jacket or tightly-woven wool sweater
__ one light rainjacket, preferably long and with a hood
__ one pair of flip-flops or sandals
__ one scarf/bandanna/fashion statement
Winter Clothing
__ Pile or polypro long underwear, top and bottom
__ More layers as necessary
__ baclava
__ wool or pile cap
__ polypro or pile gloves
__ Thick, warm socks
__ Boots
Medical Items
Keep in a plastic zip bag, or buy a pre-assembled kit.
__ bandages, various sizes
__ triple antibiotic creme
__ tincture of iodine disinfectant
__ aspirin or other pain reliever
__ prescribed medicines
__ tweezers
__ Pepto Bismol chewable tablets
__ antihistamine pills
__ motion sickness pills (if susceptible)
__ vitamins
__ condoms
__ birth control
__ Compeed, Moleskin or New-Skin blister bandages
__ aluminum space blanket
__ notecard detailing medical conditions/allergies (keep in wallet)
__ other
Add for travel to developing countries
__ antibiotic (as prescribed)
__ Immodium antidiarrheal tablets
__ iodine water disinfection tablets
__ water purifier/filter (optional)
__ 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch creme
__ anti-malarial medications (as prescribed)
__ yellow card (International Health Certificate)
__ sterile syringe and needle (as prescribed)
__ thermometer
__ other
Optional Items
__ spare eyeglasses
__ prescription for eyeglasses
__ sunglasses
__ sunhat
__ guidebook
__ language dictionary/phrase book
__ maps
__ camera
__ film
__ mini binoculars
__ magnifying glass
__ 2AA flashlight, with spare bulb and batteries
__ flashlight head band
__ forty feet of 1/8 inch cord
__ Swiss-army knife with corkscrew
__ miniature folding scissors
__ mini sewing kit
__ duct tape wrapped around pencil
__ mesh or nylon bags
__ laundry detergent in a doubled plastic zip bag
__ flat rubber drain plug
__ whistle
__ plastic garbage bag
__ insect repellent
__ mosquito netting
__ water bottle
__ mini umbrella
__ journal and pen
__ mini address book
__ envelopes
__ magic marker
__ small gifts such as postcards from home
__ one or two credit cards
__ ATM card
__ travelers' checks
__ International Drivers' License (and/or your standard license)
__ wallet
__ one small candle
__ sleeping bag
__ sleep sheet
__ paperback book
__ cassette or (my choice) mini-cassette player/recorder
__ batteries (2AA alkalines are available almost everywhere)
__ foam ear plugs
__ rubber bands
__ painting and drawing supplies
__ juggling pins
__ Frisbee (doubles as a great plate)
__ Aerobie (is incredible flying machine and friend-maker, only)
__ other
Camping Gear
Keep the kitchen items in a mesh bag. All are optional.
__ insect repellent
__ mosquito netting
__ tent and stakes
__ ground sheet (for tropical travel)
__ sleeping pad
__ nylon repair tape
__ hammock
__ bivy sack
__ poncho
__ stove
__ fuel (not allowed on airplanes)
__ utensils (knife, fork, and spoon)
__ light cooking gear (pot, frypan, sierra cup)
__ nylon pot scrubber
__ lighter
__ seasonings
__ five spare plastic zip bags
__ fishhook and line (or dental floss)
__ other
The Five I-Don't-Think-So's
__ portable shower
__ electrical appliances
__ library card
__ pets
__ heavy Kierkegaard
Photo: How an aerobie sees the world.