(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best camping personal care products

A lot depends on the style you're looking for. I'll also say that security in a bag is a myth. There are things to discourage certain behavior, but ultimately a bag should never be seen as a secure container. (after all it can always be cut)

What I chose.

I traveled for about a month in Europe staying in hostels. Even though it was only a month I could have traveled for about a year (adding only a tablet) with the bag/things I brought.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack - $150 (Discontinued)

[Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

• $160 (New Version)](https://smile.amazon.com/Osprey-Farpoint-40-Travel-Backpack/dp/B014EBM3KA/)
  
  I love this bag but it might not be the single best option for you. It's low profile, turns into a duffle bag (more about that later) and although it doesn't look like a school backpack, it doesn't standout like this either.
  
  The reason I love that it turns into a duffle bag is because theres a semi hidden velcro pocket in the bottom where the cover rolls into. This is a great place to sew or velcro a small zippered wallet or bag to store extra money or valuables. It's not secure as much as its hidden. This won't help you if they steal the whole bag, but it will help you if they just ransack the place and steal from the open compartments.
  
  
  Other Options
  
  There are a ton of other options. I suggest watching the VagaBrothers Video - How to Choose the BEST Travel BACKPACK | Pros & Cons Minimalist Backpack Review and Travel Tips: Packing Hacks, Tips & Essentials
  
  
  The F Stop bags look great, but are pretty pricy. Depending on what lenses you're bringing (18-55mm kit lens VS 70-200mm VR f2.8) it may or may not be worth it for size and configurability. I personally bought a Sony a6000 and left my big DSLR at home. That was actually a really good choice for the type of trip I did, but if I was going for a year (like you are) I understand needing the big camera. You might want to get camera/lens inserts like this (but not necessarily that one, I just clicked on the first one I saw on amazon) to store and protect those other lenses.
  
  Hope that helps.
  
  
  The following is copy and pasted from an email I sent to family friends traveling abroad. It gives links and ideas for things that help when traveling minimally.
  
  
  
  
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• 2 Mini cologne bottles - Well worth it if you are doing carry on only, or if you like to bring more than one scent with you. Depending on how much you use I find that a bottle filled up lasts about 1.5-2 weeks if you are using 2-3 sprays a day. http://smile.amazon.com/MagnaKoys%C2%AE-Perfume-Cologne-Sprayers-Overcaps/dp/B00UKHLBEW
  
  
• World power adapter - http://smile.amazon.com/elago%C2%AE-Tripshell-TRAVEL-ADAPTER-Built/dp/B005AF0C2G Awesome adapter. A lot nicer than the 50 mini adapters you have to piece together like legos.
  
  
• Power strip - https://smile.amazon.com/Monster-MP-OTG400-BK-Outlets/dp/B000F9YN2M I never used this. I wouldn't get it unless you knew you needed it. They are good ways to make friends at airports though, as plugs are always in high demand and few people will say no to letting you free up a plug or two.
  
  
• Battery pack - (updated version) https://smile.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-20100-Capacity-Technology/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ OR https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00Z9QVE4Q While there are cheaper and smaller ones, this is the perfect size and capacity if you are bringing a couple or more devices. This will charge a phone many times over. It's especially handy if you want to leave it charging in the hotel then bring it with you during the day after it's charged.
  
  
• Compressed charcoal deodorizers - http://smile.amazon.com/Moso-Natural-Purifying-Deodorizer-Eliminator/dp/B0099K6OVQ Great to throw in shoes or bags that start to get smelly. Useful in hostels.
  
  
• Microfiber towel - http://smile.amazon.com/Sunland-Microfiber-Compact-Sports-Towels/dp/B00MGGYZVG Very useful for hostels as most will charge you to use towels
  
  
• Tripod - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00D76RNLS/ paired with a phone mount (https://smile.amazon.com/AUKEY-Samsung-Smartphones-Adapter-Monopod/dp/B01LYN73TQ) this can be used to hold the phone on long flights. Really nice for watching movies on the plane or waiting for a train.
  
  
• Roll up 1L water bottles - http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BI9AM3C/ Great for airplanes (no longer need to buy water after TSA).
  
  
• I packed all of my clothes into cubes and a flat packer. http://smile.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Pack-It-Starter-Set/dp/B00F9S84D8
  
  
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  Security:
  
  Since I was traveling alone, and in hostels, security was a slightly bigger deal for me. I carried my passport on my person or locked in my hostel (many had lockers or metal lock boxes).
  
  At all times I had a photo copy of my passport and everything in my wallet, some local currency, and a print out of all the embassies in the area. (Attached to this email.) I printed this double sided and had multiple copies with me.
  I told my mom, "At any time I want to be able to have everything stolen, but still have a way back home.” My credit card will do cash transfers internationally and also includes a continuous travel insurance package.
  
  I would highly suggest making three copies of your passport and all credit cards and other ID you are taking. One lives on your person when your passport is stored elsewhere (hotel, for example), one lives in your luggage (preferably hidden/tucked away), and one stays with a trusted friend or family member that will be in the States for the duration of your trip. If anything happens they will be able to assist with proving your identity to the State Department, thus speeding the process along. I suggest keeping some cash tucked in your passport (along with that embassy list), your copy of the passport in the luggage, and then the copy of the passport and embassy list in your wallet. At this point you have three possibilities of things to grab to prove your identity/pay for a cab/tell you where to go.
  
  While this may seem a little overboard, I find it doesn't take that long to set up and helps greatly should anything bad happen. Also consider registering with the State Department. This helps them track Americans abroad should anything happen, and also gives you alerts, should anything happen. https://step.state.gov/step/
  
  
  
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  Tech Tips
  
  I also used a service called Line2 to give me a US phone number to call from and receive calls to while I was away. I have T-Mobile that gives me included unlimited international data. As long as I had a 4g signal, I also had a phone I could make and receive calls on. Google Voice and Skype would also do this. Do be aware of how much international data costs. Wifi is easy to find, but I suggest using a VPN on your phone or laptop for any web surfing. And even with the VPN I would not suggest logging into any financial (bank, etc) while abroad unless you are on a trusted wifi network (aka, friends).
  
  For maps you can download parts of Google Maps by searching the city and clicking “Download." This should work on Android and iOS versions of Google Maps.
  
  

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THINGS TO BRING:

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Next thing on the survival menu: make sure you have enough cash and convert it to Canadian before you leave. I normally suggest you bring about $150 - $200 depending on how early you plan on getting in. The cash machine can run out and I don't know how well it works with American bank accounts. ( $50/day early iirc ) Food also can get expensive.. Be ready for that

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There are a few places you can get food along the way, Kelwona is good, Castlegar is great ( No frills sells cheap food.. vegis can be meh, but for dirt cheap thats where I hit up ) Nelson is out of the way but has a "membership free bulk store" called Wholesale club.. It works but might be too large for one person

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Canadian tire will sell cheap coolers ( styrofoam etc ) so you can pick that up drop some ice in and go. Personally i hate suggesting styrofoam but you do what you need to.

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To pack your bag to save the maximum space, ROLL your clothes then push them into ziplock freezer bags. you can easily fit 2 - 3x the amount into a bag, depending on the size of your backpack and how long you will be there it can make it much easier to fit everything. Also bring a bathing suit in a spare bag. Toss it into the bag before tossing it into your backpack as you leave so it won't stink up everything.

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For clothing, shorts and tshirts work great, Lots of people love to dress up with costumes.. Now, it does get a bit chilly at night if you are not at the stages. A pair of pants and a hoodie is a good idea, ALSO KNOW, there is always a chance it could rain. so be ready for that. Normally it doesn't last long but you could get wet.

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( I will link my basic hiking setup at the bottom, I've collected this stuff over years but I can make it about 5-7 days with this, obviously you don't need everything but thats what I take hiking )

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Make sure to bring a GOOD pair of shoes for walking. When it gets dark, the paths become.. Sketchy. during the day sandals works but I always perfered my walking shoes. Water shoes are also AMAZING. The river is rockey.. Well.. only rocks.. So having something you can walk though it is super nice. You can do it bare foot and I have many times but its not always the most comfortable of things.

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1. Get a good backpack, On the cheaper side, get a Amazon Basics Note, 75lr could put you over the 50lb mark at the airport so be prepared for that -- SIDE NOTE. Ask the person at the flight desk for a bag to put your backpack into and tape it up. Makes flying 9000x better with a backpack because it won't get caught
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06Y5M3D4P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
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2. get a hiking sleeping bag aka, very light weight and compact.
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00TZRPQFI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
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3. Camping Chair
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/NiceC-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking-Festival/dp/B07F1Z4W6T/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=camping+chair&qid=1562387249&s=sports&sr=1-5
   
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4. water pack
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Camelbak-1122001900-Hydration-Backpacks-HydroBak/dp/B01L8JENFO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=camelback&qid=1562387280&s=sports&sr=1-3
   
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5. stove kit **MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CAN GET TANKS THAT FIT**
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/TOMSHOO-Cookware-Piezoelectric-Ignition-Backpacking/dp/B01JLMM0YG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=hiking+stove&qid=1562387297&s=sports&sr=1-4
   
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6. Foamy ( foams are lighter than inflatables every lb counts )
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Mountain-Warehouse-Roll-Mat-Lightweight/dp/B00FB6D06Y/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=camp+foam&qid=1562387485&s=sports&sr=1-9
   
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7. hiking pillow ( takes up 1/10th the space )
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/Sports-ComfortLite-Self-Inflating-Comfortably-Backpacking/dp/B009L1MF7A/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=hiking+pillow&qid=1562387513&s=sports&sr=1-5
   
   ​
   
   
8. hiking towels
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/BOGI-Microfiber-Travel-Sports-Compact/dp/B077VK4TDW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=camp+towels&qid=1562387529&s=sports&sr=1-2
   
   ​
   
   
9. SUNSCREEN!!! Very important unless you enjoy being a lobster. The sun is VERY STRONG out in the valley the first year I went, I watched a guy go from well tanned construction worker to lobster to a walking talking blister. Not fun
   
   ​
   
   
10. dollar store tarps and rope ( probably $10 combined so don't feel bad trashing them after )
    
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11. FLASHLIGHT, The roots are killer at night.. I swear, the trees are alive and will try and trip you
    
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12. eating utensils.. I got a kit from the dollar store for $10 then just eat out of my pots.
    
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13. TENT: I got a greer top hiking tent.. Its gone from amazon.. a 2man tent is your best bet get it as light as possible.

There are a lot of really cool camping things! I'll be back to edit this post on my computer with some things that we like / are unique /cool

EDIT - these are things that we use that we love. These things all range in price, so hopefully you can find one or two to fit whatever budget you have.

• Collapsible Coffee Dripper : They can use this to make REAL coffee on the trail. They just have to heat water!
  
• Portable camping grill : This takes a little time to set up, but it's a very compact grill and makes it easy to cook food or even just balance your mess kit
  
• Nonstick camping mess kit : A nonstick kit is much easier to clean than a stainless steel one IMO. this set has a kettle, utensil, and scrubber which is awesome.
  
• Camp Suds : An environmentally safe soap so they can clean their gear but preserve the trail!
  
• Dry sacks : Dry sacks are just what they sound like... waterproof bags that keep your stuff dry. They can also double as a pillow if you stuff clothes in them!
  
• Portable camping stove : This little guy connects to a small fuel canister and gives you a nice little stove. These are great for heating water / soup as they provide a better heat source than a fire you'd build.
  
• Food dehydrator : This is not something they'd take camping, but it can really help them to save money on meals. If they are backpacking, they likely won't want to carry around cans of food and won't be able to carry around ingredients that would go bad. The dehydrator allows them to make their own backpacking meals that they will reconstitute with water.
  
• Pocket bellows : allows you to stoke the fire without having to get your face super close. Also this lets you target a small area.
  
• LED light bulb ; This does require a portable battery but it's really great to have this little guy. We use it in the tent at night or when we're hanging out but need a little light to chop food/etc.
  
• Pocket chain saw : Cut big pieces of wood! It takes some muscle, but it really does work and it's a lot smaller than a hatchet or actual chain saw..
  
• Literally the best backpacking chair : when you're backpacking, you have to carry EVERYTHING with you. So that means that stuff has to be light and small. These chairs are great, because (for chairs) they tick off both of those boxes. They have a back! And they are big enough to actually sit on!
  
  Other general items that are useful: Climbing/heavy duty carabiners (to clip stuff to other stuff. you can even get locking ones); water filters (if you get a Lifestraw, I recommend the water bottle. The actual Lifestraw is an interesting idea, but we've found in practice it's a little awkward); hammocks with nice straps; base layers; battery-operated lights of any kind (especially ones that clip or are hands-free); a set of waterproof cards (to pass the time on a break); nice, wicking socks; hiking poles; a camping knife.
  
  I haven't tried Cairn (the camping sub box) but they always look interesting.
  

These cooling towels are AWESOME. They are made of a material that water soaks into, but doesn't come out of easily. This means they hold a ton of water, stay wet for ages, and don't get anything touching them wet at all (so you don't get an irritated neck like you do from wearing a wet towel). Seriously if you wet one of these and give it a squeeze, you'll be amazed by how much water comes out. They dry stiff, so make sure to fold them up neatly while they're still wet. Highly, highly recommended.

Shemaghs make great dust masks, head scarves, and hats. There is a reason these things are so popular in the desert. Lots of colors too.

These are the disposable dust masks to get. For a proper whiteout, they offer better filtration/protection than a bandana, and the valve means you can actually wear them for more than five minutes without suffocating. They come in little individually wrapped packs, which mean they're great for gifts (although I'd unwrap the ones you aren't planning to carry around as a gift at home).

Not prime, but free shipping, and if you order now they'll get here: goggles. Comes with a day and night set, inexpensive and highly recommended. These are my go-to utility goggles.

These personal misters are good. They aren't durable, so don't count on it lasting more than a year, but they're much more compact than the big garden sprayers.

If you feel the need to own a Soviet Russian spec gas mask, amazon has one for 10 bucks. Protip: that bag it comes with is the perfect size to stick a 1 gallon waterbottle (the kind with the peice of tape a handle, not the ones with the handle built into the bottle) to turn it into a canteen.

If you enjoy biking, and tend to wear boots, wide, grippy pedals are great bike upgrade. I was really suprised at the difference they made for stability and my ability to comfortably put power to the ground. I went for these ones that were on sale last year (not prime), but the shape is what matters from what I can tell, so any ones like that with the grip nubs should be good. There are cheaper ones made of plastic, but I find plastic pedals crack on the playa way too easily, and a decent set of metal ones was worth the investment.

Came here just to say: portable phone charger (power bank, battery pack, whatever you wanna call it). Seems like a lot of people have said that already, but I'll do it again: Portable phone charger. Saved my ass a couple of times, it's extremely useful for someone who'll be on the run like her.

Personally, my camera was my second most important travel equipment besides my phone, the one time I forgot to take it with me I was sad the whole time. If she likes photography, a nice camera might be a great gift. But if she isn't really into it, a camera will be just a burden, a cellphone is better to take selfies and more practical if you don't care much about the quality of the pictures of the places. I wouldn't buy one without being sure that she'd like it, ask her if you have to. There are also those new polaroids, I believe they're called instax, which are pretty popular, if your daughter is a hipster teen she might like it too. They're nice.

Edit.: You said "aside from the basics", please make sure the basics include good shoes. She'll walk a lot in Europe, so comfort is the number-one priority. Another nice thing for her to have is a microfiber travel towel like this. They take up way less space than standard ones and dry very quickly, it's extremely useful for when she is on the run.

You'll need a pack (obviously): Check your local gear shops and try them on in store. Understand how they're supposed to fit.

After that, if you follow the 10 essentials you should be covered for the basics.

1. Insulation: Layers are key. Even if it's 60s during the day, nights can drop into the 30s. Be able to bundle up, understand the area you're going. Will you want natural or synthetic materials?
   
2. Hydration: For me, means filtration systems as well as storage. Filtration such as a gravity bag or hand pump. I always have iodine tablets as a last resort. For carrying, a you can't go wrong with a Nalgene or two for sure, but then I highly suggest getting an MSR Dromedary and then attach one of their hydration hoses to it. They have the capacity of CamelBak but aren't as susceptible to springing a leak.
   
3. Illumination: Headlamps or flashlights. Just be able to navigate in the dark.
   
4. Navigation: Map and compass (with the knowledge of how to use them!) are vital. If you feel like spending the extra money and getting a GPS unit, that's up to you.
   
5. Nutrition: High protein, high carb (get that energy!) Trail mix, Cliff bars, bread and peanut butter are my go-tos.
   
6. Shelter: Tents are great, bivys are lighter, I swear by my ENO Hammock. Always check to see if you need to waterproof what you have, understand its setup and make sure it's adequate for the weather you'll be facing.
   
7. Fire: Lighters or matches, just make sure they're in a watertight container. Kindling is good but most places I go I can find stuff laying around. That being said, cotton balls and Vaseline are great and cheap.
   
8. Repair kit and tools: Things break, it's important that you have the equipment to repair them. Patches, duct tape, and a knife are always in my pack.
   
9. First Aid: Have a way to patch yourself up. Rolled ankles and blisters are not uncommon when you're backpacking. If you're able, I highly recommend taking a wilderness medicine course. A Wilderness First Aid is fine, but if you can commit the time and money, a Wilderness First Responder will take you far and make you an asset to anybody and everybody in the backcountry.
   
10. Sun protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. A brimmed hat is highly advisable. I also try to have chapstick with some kind of sun protection on me as well.
    
    These are the biggies. Obviously you'll want other things depending on where you're backpacking. When you get anything new, make sure you take it out and use it at home. Understand how it works and how you might need to improvise if something on it were to break.
    
    It might seem intimidating at first, but backpacking an absolute blast.
    
    Edit: Pooping! Understand the regulations of your area. If catholes suffice, then a trowel will be useful. If you have to pack it out, there are commercially available Wag Bags, or you can make your own with grocery bags, kitty litter, and ziplock bags.
    
    Also, everywhere you go, understand that it is for everybody. Abide by the Leave No Trace principles to ensure future visitors can enjoy their visit as well!

MVP
/u/Diskz for posting the Washington>52nd Route to bypass the entirety of the the Monroe shitshow...Unreal.

Winners
Walking to gates- First year camping and beats the hell out of shuttles/ubers plus cost of AirBNB. More than makes up for lack of AC and showers/toilets.
Portable Shower Bag- Didn't use it every morning but having the option to sleep later was money
Cots- Pretty easy to set up. Also easy to break down each day to open up the space for chairs/chillin. Comfortable to sleep on just make sure you have insulation under you too because you get a draft from below.
Inflatable Lounger thing- Good bang for your $20. Comfortable to chill on, easy to deflate while not in use, easy to haul therefore better than a hammock.
Costco LED lights that /u/kateyrose recommended. Magnetic on the back to clip onto your EZ-up or car.
Losers
Tents- Told my campmates we could go without them but we set them up anyway. Definitely ditching these next year for more space and more EZ-UPs.
Cooking Food- Brought a ton of food which we were always too tired to cook. With the plethora of tasty vendors we'll probably skimp on groceries next year.

Other Notes
Barber- Got my haircut Friday morning. Pretty easy system. Went around 8:30am and signed up for a 10am time slot. Got a low fade and pretty happy with it. Tipped him $20 since thats what I'd normally pay for a haircut. Overall I would recommend if you don't have time to get it done during the week.
Heineken Beer Storage- I hate Heineken but since you can bring any of their other beers this is very much worth it. Alleviates so much space in your coolers. I brought a 36 rack of Coors Light to start the weekend off and brought a 30 rack of Tecate Light to the Beer storage Friday. You can text them to deliver it to your camp but I just picked it up on Sunday morning since we were near there anyways.
Adidas- As we were walking over to the line Sunday morning the carts were passing us so we lucked out on some tokens. Still waited 3 hours for shoes. If they do this next year I have to imagine they provide some more shade over the line because that was the only terrible part of the experience.

Here's a few I snagged from my recently ordered list.

Secure USB Drive - For storing scans of important documents.

Mylar Blankets - Ridiculously thin. Good to keep in the car or every day carry bag for a variety of situations.

Camp Suds - Or alternately hand sanitizer. Both useful to stay healthy in Flu season or another outbreak that spreads via contact.

Emergency Whistle - Small enough to keep on a keychain. Loud enough to get attention when it's needed.

Mylar Bags + Oxygen Absorbers - If you're prepping, putting a hundred pounds or so of white rice in 5 gallon buckets is a great way to get started on a long term food supply without breaking the bank. Put it in these and it will stay fresher longer.

Water BOB - Great little device for if/when you know the water supply may be at risk. It's a cheap way to be able to store 100 gallons in preparation for an emergency.

Pepper Spray - The security product you can take most places.

Starter First Aid Kit - Gotta get that going some how. This one has a hard shell which is nice for tossing it in a pack. You'll have to fill it out with what you're likely to need.

Mainstay 2400 Calorie Bars - They stay good through some pretty extreme highs and lows which makes them ideal for tossing in a car. They last about 5 years or so and don't require any water to make them. They're very handy as they're a purchase and forget about them item (for a few years anyway) that lets you have some immediate food for however long you have them stocked for.

Life Straw - A personal filter for waterborne bacteria. Most water purification methods have some significant cost to them, but this one is a great inexpensive item to get started with.

There's a ton of little things on Amazon that are kind of cool to have on hand, but I'd recommend snagging whatever is most likely to help you in whatever your situation is likely to be. If you live in a wildfire prone area... the usb drive would be a wise start. Earthquakes? The emergency whistle. Bad neighborhood, pepper spray. You get the idea. Good luck!

Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years

Flip Flops - generic things

Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly

Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this

Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.

Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...

Straws - these are probably already broken.

Whistle - really really really loud

Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire

Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough

LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny

LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine

Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds

Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!

First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom

playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on

glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision

personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving

Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this

collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either

sewing kit - i've used this a lot

ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?

garbage bag - for when my pockets are full

elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart

Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this

cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman

heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons

rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.

Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack

4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter

Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes

Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup

Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great

Tent stakes - for tent staking

Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff

Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!

Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc

Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason

Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american

Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight

Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space

Silkweights - PJs! and warmth

Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer

Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook

Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation

PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations

Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to

Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.

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EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

I took my wife backpacking for the first time this year.

See if she would be interesting in one of the stand to pee devices like the freshette or pstyle. They can take some practice to use but helps avoid having to squat to pee.

If she isnt used to camping then a nice inflatable pillow might make things a lot more comfortable, similarly a nice air pad would probably be preferable and make the whole trip happier.

Extra socks, especially if her feet got cold at night would be a plus.

Extra hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

Extra hair ties, even pack a few in your pack.

Those are the big things that we can think of right now.

Ok, ladies, time for me to promote one of my very favorite inventions: the P-STYLE!! Carry one of these with you in a plastic baggie and you'll never have to worry about sitting down to pee again. It's truly a miracle product. You can pee standing up, any where at all, and just rinse it off when you're done. I love mine. I wish I'd invented it. There are a bunch of different types of these things our there, and I tested several, but this is the one I fell in love with.

I did a 3-month trip through Europe when I was 23. I found some really cheap tickets (landed in Norway, departed from Spain).

My best advice is to decide on a country and book those plane tickets first. You will make it happen if you have the ticket booked.

For a backpack, I highly recommend the Osprey Porter. Just the right size for a two-week trip. I lived out of it for months.

A travel towel and several sets of ear-plugs are also a great place to start.

Good luck!

Rub your hands on a stainless steel faucet. It's the same thing as using this:
Wonder Bar Stainless Steel Soap - Odor Remover is Great for Removing Fish Smell, Garlic, Onions and other Strong Odors. Environmentally Friendly, Safe and Effective https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AL3JU98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MWD8Bb723CS2M

cloud 9 bike seat for 25 bucks - your butt will thank you!

If you have sinus problems & access to power running a small humidifier with essential oils (Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Peppermint) makes a huge difference.

If you're sensitive to noise (or camp with a sound camp on the esplanade) silicone ear plugs are amazing for sleeping. Instead of sticking them in your ear, you use them like putty to seal your ear canal. Way more comfortable, and lets you lay flat against a pillow. Usually they're reusable, on playa each pair tends to last one night.

For you ladies... a sheewee and a pee bottle is the way to go. No more late night trips to the portapots. I have this one because the open design lets me clean it with a baby wipe. Make sure you practice at home first.

Not sure if these are available around you, but I love these. It's a thin foam towel that absorbs and keeps water. swing it around when it gets warm and it's cool again. Saved my ass from 8+ hour days on blacktop on hot and humid summer days.

https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-647484919239-Chilly-Cooling/dp/B00BW7Q3A6/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=CjwKCAjwpuXpBRAAEiwAyRRPgfa48HnZgT1eWGpciaBqQ3Zo3i5KPHx5ojqKSUeg2wo8TuLXVolpThoC9_AQAvD_BwE&hvadid=174255421378&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9015650&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12018854724397613371&hvtargid=aud-646675773986%3Akwd-31366328845&hydadcr=9382_9621519&keywords=frog+cooling+towel&qid=1564076095&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Coleman stove and a headlamp. Linked some stuff below too. I also always bring a large bowl and get water from the water stations and fill it up and use that as a water basin to wash my hands.

camping set

pump for jugs of water

pot set

awesome table

these towels save space and are epically good for long hair and your body, they dry within an hour!

Best hundred bucks you'll spend. Easy peezy.

https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Portable-Indicator-Traveling-Roadtripping/dp/B07218B4DQ

so first of, I am a dude and it is a lot easier to pee in certain situations being a guy... If I was a girl maybe I would be more inclined to install a bathroom, but I can't speak for everyone. But anyways.... I will be working in healthcare facilities that have locker rooms including showers that I will have access to 24/7. I also plan on getting a planet fitness membership and can also use those facilities 24/5 (24hrs during weekdays). I already workout every day at a gym so going to a bathroom and showering in a gym is more normal than using my bathroom at home to be honest. Regardless, I will also have a non translucent bottle with me in case I really need to pee but can't find a place to go. If something is going on with my stomach and I really can't make it somewhere to take a crap I might get something like this but I really really only want that to be for emergency situations..... My friend just started vandwelling and he decided to go a little more luxurious and he got a portable toilet similar to this for emergencies and apparently they are pretty odorless and emptying them isn't that bad....I may end up getting one but I want to see how well I can deal without one. The benefit of those portable toilets is that they prevent you from having to deal with black water plumbing which adds complexity to your design and increases maintenance a lot. You also have to empty the black water tank at specific dumping locations. But some models of the portable toilet are not completely odorless and I've never personally emptied one so it might suck. As for showers, besides the health center and planet fitness I may get a camping shower or just get one of these and rig it into a jerry can or something for outdoor showers.

Amazon - it's called a SheWee. I haven't tried it yet but the reviews are great.

> 0.5 kg for a towel seems a bit on the heavy side... how large is it?

Bring a microfiber towel, not a cotton one. They work just as well and are super lightweight. Amazon link.

If shipping time is a priority, this is a great value and amazon prime 2-day shipping. Solid leather with suede stitch. The reason I actually chose this was because of my short torso and difficulty finding a good 3" belt. This works well for both my squats and deadlifts.

Leather Weightlifting Belt Single Prong for Men and Women - 3" Wide X 10mm Thick - Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3YLTWZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_NELWtLzNHBl7k.

I'll be a lot easier in Victoria, than where it snows. However, this was a choice quote from /r/vandwellers that I just read that strikes a chord. I localized it for victoria

>February. Imagine waking up at 3am in that van with diarrhea, 8c inside, -10c outside, and trying to hop out and thru the rain, into the slush on the ground fast enough to make it inside some building's restrooms in time without going into shock? I'd strongly recommend a porta-potty.

The recommended picking up one of these for emergencies https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Portable-Toilet-Potty-Seat/dp/B07218B4DQ

Yup, safest (but kind of gross) method is to just pack the shit out in an odor proof bag.

Popular product for packing shit out : http://www.amazon.com/Phillips-358005-12-pack-WAG%C2%99-Bag/dp/B001P6ZFG2?tag=r601000000-20

This is a non toxic natural biodegradable and pleasant smelling concentrated all purpose soap. It's been safe for my birds when I wipe poopsies off of their feathers

Sierra Dawn Campsuds All Purpose Cleaner, 2-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TTL8GC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_R0.xCbWGA9C6M

I know you probably don't have it laying around, but for future knowledge I thought it'd be pertinent

Bathrooms are super chill, never really a line. Showers are a different story, if you can early enough there is no line. other times youll be in line for an hour. Ive never used the showers cause we have a couple shower bags(ill post below) also get some baby wipes. those work pretty well but give you a refreshed feeling which is more what you want
https://www.amazon.com/KingCamp-Portable-Outdoor-Shower-Gallon/dp/B005J2MPE8
fill that bad boy up at the refill station and put on your car and itll heat up in like 30 mins and just shower in some swim suit and youre golden

Just one of those things you run under water and wear to keep you cool. Periodically wet it again to stay cool.

Frogg Toggs 647484919239 Chilly Pad Cooling Towel, 32.5" Length x 12.25" Width, Lime Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BW7Q3A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ST-FzbYQ8DT1A

Just don't order it from Alexa...or she may laugh at you

If it’s on your wrist you can rub on a stainless steel faucet fixture which is a free hack of this:
https://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Bar-Stainless-Steel-Soap/dp/B00AL3JU98

Get one of those portable camp toilets, hand it to her at the door, and point to the backyard.

I actually recommend the pStyle more than this one. The pStyle extends out forwards so you don't pee on your own ankles, and it doesn't have a tube design so you don't get it bubbling up if you pee too quickly into it.

You may find this useful then.

I bought one of these microfiber towels on Amazon for the gym. They take up much less space in my gym bag than a standard bath towel, and dry extremely quickly in my work locker, and they don't get that wet-towel smell.

The biggest tip I can give you is to plan ahead. Put your work clothes together the night before and double and triple-check everything. If your gym offers locker rentals, it's incredibly worth it. I keep one of those college dorm shower caddies with all of my toiletries in my locker so everything is all together.

You can get a nice microfiber towel that could probably replace the two.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunland-Microfiber-Compact-Sports-Towels/dp/B00MGGYZVG/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1463519566&sr=1-4&keywords=travel+towel

Here. It's only like $10. You need it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01K1TWYEO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501853615&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=microfiber+towel&psc=1

Any website recommendations? I think rip recommends 3" belts. Is that right?

Edit: I think I'll go with this one. Unless you guys know of one cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Weightlifting-Single-Prong-Women/dp/B01N3YLTWZ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495498809&sr=8-3&keywords=3%22+lifting+belt

One of the name brands is a shewee. I'm a guy so I don't really know how well they work.

There are plenty of female urinary devices on the market for camping and hiking - essentially specially-shaped funnels.

I got this one for my wife.

campsuds

Links:

For $2, you can use any sink as a wash basin

For $14, you can have your very own portable wash basin that folds up into the size of a paperback

For $4, you can get multipurpose detergent, aka Campsuds. Use sparingly.

I am a woman and I 100% suggest this. Best purchase I have ever made.

https://www.amazon.com/pStyle-Lavender/dp/B002AA8GDG/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524606196&sr=8-6&keywords=pee+funnel

Not quite the same thing, but I just made a very similar 'sock' for my pstyle stand-to-pee thing (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AA8GDG/) I use while hiking. I hated having to put it in a plastic bag without having a way to immediately clean it so I made a cover out of wool, and I plan to lanolize it like a diaper cover.

And a portable toilet to go with it

THIS

https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Portable-Indicator-Traveling-Roadtripping/dp/B07218B4DQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1539395421&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=portable+toilet&psc=1

I'm just going to leave this here.

Amazon has a solution to that problem.

No problem. Honestly just compared it to my list.

I would still bring at least a pack a poncho regardless of the weather. Again, I screwed up one time and was miserably wet for one trip. You really dont want your little one to get wet.

I would still bring soap, wipes will not get rid of all of the bacteria like washing with soap will. (husbands a microbiologist). I love this brand.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TTL8GC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1727DAIY13GIY&coliid=I2L4HJNPB3A3YN&psc=1

As for rope... paracord is decent. There are lighter options out there.

I really like prana's stretch zion material and the briann pant in particular because of it's low rise and the skinny leg keeps me covered, doesn't drag, and doesn't get snagged though I am considering adding some breathing holes to the crotch.

As for peeing, the p-style is freaking magic.

i've sadly got a good amount of experience with that, and yes, the horror is quite palpable when dealing with a failed system.

I recommend a standard porta-potty. they run between $50 and $150 depending on quality and size. They all work the same way... waste is all contained airtight in the bottom part, which you just fill with 2 cups of water and a half-cup of blue solution. The top of the toilet has a small compartment for regular tap water to "flush", along with toilet paper, with the press of a manual button. With this setup, you can have slightly more comfortable "emergencies", around 10 comfortable poops, and you have plenty of time to empty it in any toilet at your convenience (the bottom part slides out and carries like a suitcase of sorts, so you can even empty it in a public restroom toilet). This setup is pretty clean and very low odor as long as you're using the right solution. emptying it out at a toilet will be stinky for a minute or two, but thats the worst part.


example: https://www.amazon.com/SereneLife-Portable-Toilet-Potty-Seat/dp/B07218B4DQ
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7weHABquBk

> Having no real way to crap at night. (Always go before you go to sleep!)
>

Dude! http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Camp-Toilet-Camping-Commode/dp/B000CN9CN6/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1415065795&sr=8-19&keywords=portable+toilet