Clothing, Gadgets, Gear, etc.
1 ) Columbia GRT Winter Jacket (sale price: $150, Dick’s Sports) – This super warm puppy has the dual lining, where I can unzip the inner portion and make it into a lighter jacket. Fantastic for traveling when I could be in different climates one day to the next. This model also features the omni-tech shell, Columbia’s signature waterproof and breathable technology, another great thing to have in changing climates
2 ) Sony Cybershot H20 (price: $220, Amazon.com) – To me, this camera has been great and taken every photo you see on this website. I’d like to think it’s a step up from the standard point and shoot cameras, but still within a reasonable budget given that I’ll be taking pictures from my dream trip. Some nice features that I found important were: 10.1 megapixel, 10x optical zoom, 3.0″ LCD, 720p video. If any of those numbers makes sense then great, but if not then just visit the amazon link above for a better explanation than I could give.
3 ) REI Travel Wallet (price: $12, REI) – After debating way too long as to whether I was going to get a travel wallet that hangs from your neck, or around you waste, or even buy one at all, I settled on this guy. I wasn’t sure I would need one being the trusting guy I am, but I’m seen some shady characters so it’s better to be safe than sorry for $12. So far, it’s been a great budget choice. Thin, lightweight, not really a bother around my neck, and still big enough to carry currency, coins, credit cards and my passport. I’ve had no problems with this wallet, but I’ve also heard great things about Eagle Creek products.
4 ) Wrangler Carpenter Style Jeans (price: $17, Target) – Ok, this one isn’t really worth writing about, but I love these jeans. After working in the construction industry for 2 and half years, these jeans have stood up to the test and are quite comfortable in the process. Sounds like the perfect pair of pants to travel in, especially for $17. I have cargo pants with me as well, but they’re no where near as cool.
5 ) Crocs Linden Boot (price: $89, friendly discount: $30, Crocs.com) – I’ve been using these boots for a couple of weeks now and they’ve actually surprised me. For starters, they are extremely light weight, perfect for all the walking I’m doing. They have also proven to be quite durable up to this point. The downsides include little insulation, so my feet get rather cold, but I just put on better socks which helps. They aren’t exactly weather proof either. I’ve been caught in the rain and end up getting wet feet, but on the plus side they dry fast. Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised with this light-weight boot. I probably wouldn’t have paid the retail $90, but you can’t beat’em for $30 (Thank you Kendall)
6 ) Jansport Travel Backpack (price: free, given to me by a friend) – You can’t expect to get a backpack for free unless you happen to have a friend that backpacked in Europe exactly a year before you did (Thanks Matt). I did look around prior to obtaining this gift, and I would recommend REI. They can run anywhere from $100 up to$500 depending on what you’re looking for and how much you want to spend. At least look there to get and idea of what you want, then purchase it at a cheaper retailer or online. This Jansport has been great, with an adjustable bottom pouch, I can add almost a whole new bag to the lower portion. It also has a spot for a camebak bladder and a smaller bag that unzips if I want to leave the big guy at the hostel and travel light. As a brand, I’ve always loved Jansport
7 ) Camelbak 3L/100 oz Bladder (price: $30, Dick’s Sports) – You can find these anywhere for right around the same price, and I’ve loved using it when I’m walking around or on the train or next to my bed in the hostel. A quick and easy way to get that vital H2O into your system without lugging around bottles (or buying them).
8 ) Locks (price: $5, $10, Target) – You can pick up locks anywhere, but I would recommend getting them for sure. I have two small combo luggage locks that can lock the zippers of my bag, and one 5ft bike lock to lock my whole bag to the bed, or train carriage.
My gear and gadgets inside the bag…
9 ) ASUS Eee PC 1005HA (price: $320, Amazon) – This gadget was bought specifically for this trip and it has been amazing. Worth every penny, I’ve been able to blog, upload the photos you all love so much, check maps, look up info on different cities, and book hostels. It is extremely compact coming in at a whopping 10.1 inches. Extremely light weight and fits easily into my backpack. If you are thinking about taking a laptop with you, do it, and get this Asus Eee PC 1005HA.
10 ) The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag (price: $160, REI) – I’ve had a couple nights where I look at the bed in the hostel or see the windows are shitty and think to myself that it would be nice to have a sleeping bag… oh wait, I do. This guy has been awesome. Rated to work down to 20 degrees F, this synthetic sleeping bag compresses down into an 8 x 17 stuff sack that weighs about 2 and 1/2 pounds. Check it out at REI and pick up a few other items while you’re there.
Damn, that back pack looks familiar! Hope it is treating you well! By the way, website looks freaking awesome! Have you given Tatiana a call? She might be able to hook you up with a place.
You know I did connect with her. Meeting up in Brussels at the end of this week. Thanks for the pack by the way… 40 lbs, it’s a beast.
This is a incredible write-up, im ecstatic I stubled onto it. Ill be back again later on to check out other posts that you have on your blog.