Weighing it up – what to pack on a long trip to South America.

In one of my first posts I mentioned that I was planning for this trip and it was more than usual. I wasn’t sure if all the planning was worth the stress it created.
I researched routes to take, distances and amount of time we would spend on a specific bus. I googled as many blogs, cross referenced suggestions and created a shopping list for what to pack. And I followed my list. We even had dinner parties with friends that had already been to get more suggestions.

I’m happy to report that it was all worth it. As a ‘mature’ backpacker, I loved having everything I needed on hand and a few luxuries. This is a list for ladies but can easily be adapted for the guys too.

Here is my list:

Clothing

4 T-shirts
3 Strappy tops
1 Glitzy top
1 Longsleeve T
1 Longsleeve thermal
1 Fleece
1 Hoody
1 Waterproof shell*
1 Woolen jumper (bought in Bolivia as I underestimated the cold in summer. I would suggest this anyway as it was super cheap).
1 Sarong – useful as an extra towel, bag, scarf, skirt or curtain.
3 Dresses (one that can be dressed up, I may even suggest a skirt instead of one of the dresses).
3 Pairs of shorts
2 Long trousers (hiking or feminine cargo ones preferably a dark colour).
1 Pair of jeans
1 Pair of long thermal pants
5 Pairs of socks
7 Panties/Knickers
3 Bras (black, white and beige)
1 Pair of decent plastic sandals like Havianas for showering and wear.
1 Pair of gladiator sandals
1 Pair of trainers or hiking boots/shoes
1 Pair of lightweight Moccasins (cold weather)
1 Hat or cap

Toiletries

Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, bodywash etc. It can all be bought there if you run out.
Toothbrush and paste
Basic make-up for special occasions eyeliner, blush, lipgloss.
Tampons
Tweezers and nailclippers or file
First aid – Imodium,  anti-nausea tablets, rehydration packs, plasters, paracetamol, altitude-sickness tablets, broadspectrum antibiotics,  disinfecting cream, anti-histamine (tablets and cream for bites), eyedrops.
1 Pair of earrings and necklace (not sentimental)

What I found really useful

Samsung SIII Android phone*
Samsung camera with smart technology*
Silk sleeping sheet
Swiss army knife
UV light water purifier*
Collapsible water bottle
Head lamp
E-reader
IPod
Converter plugs
Earplugs
Insect repellent
Sunblock
Ziplock and black bags
Universal plug (handwashing)
Travel laundry detergent
Cable combination padlock
Small combination padlock
Travel toilet paper
Sanitizer gel
Wetwipes
Zambuc (only available in South Africa).
Lonely Planet guide (research and while there).
Mesh bag for dirty clothes.

I’d suggest packing clothes in smaller plastic bags or those space saving bags. I started using the ones my clothes came back in from the laundry. It makes packing in and out easier and if your pack gets wet, at least your clothes stay dry.

What to pack in your dayback

Waterproof
Handsanitizer
Wetwipes
Toilet paper or tissues
Insect repellent
Small bottle of sunblock
Camera
Black bag (to waterproof your daypack,  one of many uses)
Money – in a secret pocket or money belt
Water
Snack

*- suggestions marked with a star will be reviewed at a later stage with the brand that I used.