| Items |
Brought & Used |
Wished we didn't |
Bought along the way
|
Notes |
CAMPING GEAR (the big stuff): More information here.
|
3 Sleeping Bags: Western Mountaineering Anetelope for Jessica North Face Mammoth for Kobus |
X |
|
|
Read more about sleeping bag choices here. |
Sleeping mats Thermarest Z-lite |
X |
|
|
So much more convenient and durable than the inflatable ones. |
| Sheets - Cocoon Silk Travel sheets |
X |
|
|
Works well when it is too hot for a sleeping bag. |
| Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner |
X |
|
|
Jessica sewed this. Amazing. |
| Pillows - Thermarest Small Compressible Pillows |
X |
|
|
Jessica started with a down pillow and swapped out for one of these in Antiqua. |
Tent - Jess & Kobus Sierra Designs Lightning HT |
|
|
X |
Our original Kelty tent started leaking a month in. It was 6 years old. |
|
Tent - Jared's Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
|
X |
|
|
Perfect size for a one-man tent. Great in hot weather. It's a bit spendy though. |
| Chairs from GCI Outdoors |
X |
|
|
One chair has broken twice. |
| Aluminum folding table |
X |
|
|
Works great, just don't fall on it when you're drunk. |
| CAMPING GEAR - The rest of it. Details on toletries here, and the extra stuff here. |
| Water Purifier - SteriPen Adventure |
X |
|
|
Easy, but expensive to use. Cheaper to buy water than batteries. |
| First Aid Kit - beefed up a bit |
X |
|
|
Stocked with extra Cipro. Full list of contents is here. |
| Lantern - LED |
X |
|
|
Chews through batteries, but they all do. Light not as harsh as other options. |
| Iodine Tablets |
X |
|
|
In case the Steripen packs up. |
| Sun screen and moisturizer |
X |
|
|
|
| Spare TP |
X |
|
|
|
| Insect Repellent |
X |
|
X |
2oz bottles of 100% DEET that we'll dilute as needed. Resupplied along the way. |
| Mosquito coils |
X |
|
|
Super useful if there isn't much wind. |
| Paracord |
X |
|
|
Mostly a clothes line, but you gotta have rope. |
| Clothes pins |
X |
|
|
|
| Stove repair kits |
X |
|
|
Absolutely necessary if you are going to be switching between types of fuel |
| Spare fuel pump |
X |
|
|
Saved our butt in Mexico |
| Tent and fishing wader repair kits |
X |
|
|
|
| Tent Mold Cleaner |
|
|
X |
Central America rainy season. 'Nuf said. |
| Tent Seam Seal |
|
|
X |
|
| Tent Waterproofing |
|
|
X |
|
| Travel alarm clocks |
X |
|
|
One broken and replaced in Guatemala. |
| Pot scrapers and sponge |
X |
|
|
|
Grill Brush |
X |
|
|
Just brought a replacement head, didn't want to pack the whole thing. |
Nail Brush |
X |
|
|
Cleans potatoes and fingers. |
| 2 Quick Dry Towels |
X |
|
|
For drying dishes. |
| Consumables like soap, paper towels, bleach, and ziplock bags we also carried, but won't bore you with the details here. |
X |
|
|
|
Cooking Equipment: See detailed list here.
|
| MSR Whisperlite International Liquid-Fuel Stove |
X |
|
|
UPDATE: Stolen in Costa Rica, replacement below. Only has two modes, off and flame-thrower. Works well once you get used to it. |
MSR Dragonfly International Stove |
X |
|
|
UPDATE: Stolen in Costa Rica, replacement below. Noisy as sin, but at least you can turn the temperature down. |
MSR Fuel Bottle 20 oz. |
X |
|
|
UPDATE: Stolen in Costa Rica, replacement below. |
| Coleman Dual Burner Propane Stove |
|
|
X |
Bought in Panama after our other stoves were stolen. Easier to use, propane tanks may be an issue in South America. TBD. |
| Propane Hose Adaptor |
|
|
X |
Bought for when we can no longer find the 1 lb. propane tanks. |
| Pot set - Backpacking titanium pots |
|
X |
|
Replaced because non-stick was peeling off. No fault of the pots, they were 10 years old. |
New Pots by GSI Outoors 1.5 L pot, 2L pot and a small fry pan |
|
|
X |
Amazing and excellent company. Sent a a new pot lid for free cause we lost it in Nicaragua! |
| Big fry pan with Lid by NOLS |
X |
|
|
Probably 30 years old, we use it every day. |
| Small Fry pan with Lid by NOLS |
|
X |
|
Sent back home after we got out GSI set that came with a small non-stick pan. |
| Dutch Oven 5qt. cast iron |
|
|
X |
After 9 months of nagging, Jessica finally said we could buy one. Even she admits, it's amazing. |
| Fire Tongs |
X |
|
|
Used for tending fires, mixing coals and grabbing dead rats. |
3 Knives 8-Inch Chef's Knife, a 5-Inch Utility Knife and a 4-Inch Paring Knife |
X |
|
|
|
| Knife protectors Lamson & Goodnow KnifeSafes |
X |
|
|
|
| 3 thin plastic Norpro Flexible Cutting Board |
X |
|
|
Highly recommended, packs small and instantly converts nasty picnic tables into workable surfaces. |
| 1 regular plastic cutting board |
|
X |
|
|
Lighters |
X |
|
|
Where did they all go? |
Estwing Sportsman's Hatchet |
X |
|
|
Chops wood and drives tent stakes. |
| Plastic Dish Set – 4 bowls, cups and plates |
X |
|
|
|
Slotted Spoon, regular spoon, big spatula and folding spatula |
X |
|
|
|
| Lexan utensils (4 knives, spoons, and forks) |
X |
|
|
|
| Bottle opener & cork screw |
X |
|
|
Stolen in Costa Rica, we now use our trusty pocket knives. |
| Pliers |
X |
|
|
Used as a pot gripper. |
| Peeler |
X |
|
|
|
Cooking tongs |
X |
|
|
|
| Cheese slicer |
X |
|
|
Gift from Mom! |
| Can opener |
X |
|
|
|
12 bottles for spices |
X |
|
|
Worth mentioning, because these packed awesomely and we use them constantly! |
| Folding Grill Rack by Texsport Medium Size |
X |
|
|
We use this guy every chance we get, just the right size for three people. |
| Handpresso |
|
X |
|
Sent home in Baja. Not practical for long term travel and camping. |
| Aerobia AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker |
|
|
X |
Very practical for travel. |
| Tupperware |
X |
|
|
Two small square containers for leftovers. Excellent for lunches on long drive days. |
| Water jug |
X |
|
|
Packs well since it's square. Very durable. |
Electronics Equipment: More details on this page.
|
Smartphone - Sony Ericsson U20a Xperia Mini Pro with a spare battery |
X |
|
|
It's small, Android, and has a slide-out keyboard. |
| 2 Sager NP5165 Laptops from xoticpc.com |
X |
|
|
Email us if you are interested in these and want a promo discount code. |
| Macbook Pro 15" |
X |
|
|
|
| Wacom Stylus Medium Wireless |
X |
|
|
With case. |
| Acer Netbook |
|
X |
|
Four laptops was one too many, sent home with Mom in Baja. |
Dell Streak 7 Wi-Fi Tablet |
X |
|
|
Great for reading ebooks on the fly, and watching movies in the tent. Also bought the hard core RooCase |
| Hard Drive Backups - Western Digital 1TB |
X |
|
|
|
| External DVD drive |
X |
|
|
We took the DVD drive out of all our laptops in favor of having a second hard drive. Had to carry this drive in case we needed a to do a full reinstall of Windows. |
| GPS - Garmin 60GSX |
X |
|
|
The older version. Cheaper and better than the new one. |
Emergency locator beacon |
X |
|
|
ACR SARLink, a gift from our parents in case we get lost in the jungle. |
MP3 player - 80GB classic iPod |
X |
|
|
|
Electronic Spanish dictionary |
X |
|
|
Very useful in Mexico, after that we hardly used it |
| Edgestar Refrigerator |
x |
|
|
Read about the fridge install process here. |
| Power Inverter - Cobra brand 800W |
X |
|
|
Read about the dual battery system install here. |
| Powerstrip with USB connection |
X |
|
|
Used constantly. USB outlets shorted out early in the trip. |
| Standard extension cable |
X |
|
|
|
| Zoom 3G Wifi router |
X |
|
|
When we need to share connection with our USB modems. |
| Zoom 3G USB modem (unlocked) |
X |
|
|
Worth buying just for Costa Rica. They don't sell cheap modems with free air time. |
| Wifi Extenders (by Alfa) for Jess & Kobus |
|
|
X |
Highly recommended! PC only |
| Wifi Extender (by Alfa) for Jared |
|
|
X |
Highly recommended! Mac only |
| Spare network cable |
X |
|
|
|
| Screen protectors |
X |
|
|
To keep our phone, GPS and camera screens for getting beaten to oblivion. |
| Olympus XZ-1 - Kobus' camera |
X |
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot S95 - Jared's Camera |
X |
|
|
|
| Jessica's camera gear |
X |
|
|
Way to extensive to list here. See this separate gear list for details. |
| Two-way Radios |
X |
|
|
|
| Batteries AAA & AA |
X |
|
X |
Resupplied along the way. |
Plug adapters (3 prong to 2 prong) |
|
|
X |
Picked up in Mexico because so many places didn't have 3 prong outlets. |
Books, Maps and Paperwork: More details here.
|
| Paper maps |
X |
|
|
From Reise Know-How, a German map publisher and the most recommended and up-to-date road maps for the countries we're visiting. |
Lonely Planet Books - Mexico , Belize , Guatemala , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , Panama , Colombia , Ecuador , Peru , Bolivia , Chile and Argentina .Mexico , Belize , Guatemala , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , Panama , Colombia , Ecuador , Peru , Bolivia , Chile and Argentina . |
X |
|
|
We highly recommend investing in one book per country, whether you buy LP or another brand.
Also, we found the ebooks to be a total pain in the butt. |
| Life Remotely business cards |
X |
|
|
An easy way to give info to travelers we met. |
| Passports |
X |
|
|
|
| Money and receipt envelopes |
X |
|
|
The only way to keep track of all the paperwork in the glove box. |
| Credit cards |
X |
|
|
|
| Copies of everything |
X |
|
|
Kept in a lock box, behind the seats |
| $500 emergency cash |
X |
|
|
Hidden in a super-secret place. |
| Budget book |
X |
|
|
Just a normal notebook for keeping track of what we spend. |
Tools & Vehicle Spares: More details here.
|
| Hi-Lift Jack |
X |
|
|
|
| Locking cable |
X |
|
|
Locks the hi-lift to our roof rack. |
Recovery Strap |
X |
|
|
|
2 D-Ring shackles |
X |
|
|
|
| Lift-Mate |
X |
|
|
So we can use the hi-lift jack on our wheels. |
Air compressor |
X |
|
|
Runs on 12V. |
Folding lug wrench |
X |
|
|
Compact, but sturdy. |
Safety seal truck tire repair kit |
X |
|
|
|
| Warning Triangles |
X |
|
|
Slightly modified so they aren't so huge. These are required in some countries (like Honduras) |
| Leather gloves |
X |
|
|
For grappling seagulls. |
| Road flare |
X |
|
|
|
| Spare fuses |
X |
|
|
|
| Spare headlight bulb |
X |
|
|
|
Volt Meter |
X |
|
|
|
| Duct and electrical tape |
X |
|
|
|
Two-part quick epoxy |
X |
|
|
|
| Spare gas cap |
X |
|
|
|
| Spare set of belts (fan, water pump, and alternator) |
X |
|
|
|
Shovel  |
X |
|
|
Use it all the time for digging grill pits. |
| Itty-bitty screw driver set |
X |
|
|
|
| Regular screw-driver bit set |
X |
|
|
|
| Hex keys / Allen wrenches |
X |
|
|
|
| Wrench set |
X |
|
|
|
| Regular and needle nose pliers |
X |
|
|
|
| Vice grips |
X |
|
|
|
| Adjustable wrench |
X |
|
|
|
| Large and small, screw driver set |
X |
|
|
|
| Lug nut key |
X |
|
|
Fits our locking lug nuts. |
| Spare bolts |
X |
|
|
|
PERSONAL GEAR: More details here.
|
| Jessica |
|
|
|
|
| Headlamp with lantern attachment |
X |
|
|
The lantern attachment worked well in our tent, but was useless when trying to use outside. |
Wiley X Sunglasses |
X |
|
|
|
| Bandana |
X |
|
|
|
| Journal |
X |
|
|
|
| Spanish notebook |
X |
|
|
|
MSR Packtowl, Medium |
X |
|
|
|
| Swiss Army Pocket Knife |
X |
|
|
|
Mountain Hardwear WindStopper Tech Soft Shell Jacket |
X |
|
|
|
Marmot Precip Rain gear - Jacket and Pants |
X |
|
|
|
| Patagonia Thermal long underwear |
X |
|
|
|
| Fleece hat and gloves |
X |
|
|
|
| 2 pairs wool hiking socks |
X |
|
|
|
| 5 normal pairs of socks |
X |
|
|
|
| underwear |
X |
|
|
|
| swimsuit |
X |
|
|
|
| Long sleeve button down shirt by Mountain Hardwear |
|
|
X |
Brought in when we were in Guatemala for the bugs, not the cold. |
| 3 short-sleeve lightweight button down shirts |
X |
|
X |
Two more bought in Costa Rica. |
| 4 t-shirts |
X |
|
|
|
| 4 tank tops |
X |
|
|
|
| 2 pairs shorts |
X |
|
|
|
| 3 pairs of pants |
X |
|
|
|
| Hiking boots |
X |
|
|
16 years old and holdin' strong. |
| Teva Sandals |
X |
|
|
|
Merrell Barefoot Mighty Glove shoes |
X |
|
|
These sneakers are amazing! Small and comfortable. |
Mountain Hardwear Lander backpack |
X |
|
|
|
Kindle eBook reader with wifi |
|
|
X |
Bought in Mexico mostly so I could check email in remote areas. |
| Ear plugs |
|
|
X |
Camping in Colombia sometimes means party to the break of dawn. |
| Kobus |
| Pullover Fleece by Eddie Bauer |
X |
|
|
|
Black Diamond Headlamp |
X |
|
|
Lost on day 1, replaced with a Walmart special. |
| Mountain Hardwear Long sleeve button down shirt |
X |
|
|
Great for keeping bugs off. |
| REI Hemp Short sleeve button down shirt |
X |
|
X |
Second button down shirt bought in Costa Rica. |
| 5 wicking hiking t-shirts |
X |
|
X |
New one bought in Costa Rica. |
| Mesh vest to go under the button down shirts |
X |
|
|
|
| Zip-off pants 2 |
X |
|
|
One died & went home. |
| 2 pairs lightweight hiking shorts |
X |
|
|
|
| Jockey underwear |
X |
|
|
|
| LED flash light |
X |
|
|
|
| Hiking sock liners - 4 pair |
X |
|
|
|
| Regular light weight socks |
X |
|
|
|
eBags Medium Packing Cubes x2 |
X |
|
|
Would have preferred the smaller size. |
| REI Fleece / latex gloves - fluffy but with grip! |
X |
|
|
|
| Wigwam hat for cold nights |
X |
|
|
|
| Duo Fold Thermals - Top and bottom |
X |
|
|
|
| Sleeping shorts |
X |
|
|
|
| Ball cap - I have 3 (shhhh don't tell Jess) |
X |
|
|
|
MSR Packtowl |
X |
|
|
|
| Marmot lightweight rain jacket |
X |
|
|
|
| Cabela's waterproof rain pants |
X |
|
|
|
Osprey Talon 22 backpack |
X |
|
|
Sounds small, but worth it. |
| Wallet |
X |
|
|
|
| Tag watch |
X |
|
|
|
| Teva Tanza Sandals |
X |
|
|
Starting to fall apart after 6 months of constant use, died after a year and replaced with Keens |
Vasque Wasatch GTX Hiking Boots |
X |
|
|
Still awesome boots. |
| Microsoft Ergonomic wireless mouse |
X |
|
|
|
| Headphones |
X |
|
|
|
| Jared |
eBags Medium Packing Cubes |
X |
|
|
Perfect size, doubles as a pillow. |
| Hats - One for the sun and one for the cold. |
X |
|
|
|
| Softshell Jacket |
X |
|
|
|
Travel Pillow |
X |
|
|
|
MSR Packtowl |
X |
|
|
|
| Belts |
X |
|
|
|
| Rain jacket |
X |
|
|
|
Rain pants - Marmot Precip |
X |
|
|
|
| Fleece gloves |
X |
|
|
|
| Themal pants |
X |
|
|
|
| Sneakers |
X |
|
|
|
Sandals |
X |
|
|
Keens. 5 continents, 4 years and still going strong. |
| Lowa hiking boots |
X |
|
|
|
| T-shirts - Five total, quick dry poly blends |
X |
|
|
|
| 3 pants |
X |
|
|
|
| 2 shorts |
X |
|
|
|
| 6 underwear |
X |
|
|
|
| Socks |
X |
|
|
|
| Hoody |
X |
|
|
|
| Long sleeve t-shirt |
X |
|
|
|
| Button down shirt |
X |
|
|
|
Kindle eBook reader |
X |
|
|
|
| Headphones |
X |
|
|
|
| Wallet |
X |
|
|
|
Watch |
X |
|
|
Works great as long as I don't take it off for more than a day. |
Comments
Just realized I forgot to add the Endless Breeze Fan to gear we wish we had...