Laxatives, Tape, and Bengay, oh my!!!
Posted on 14 August 2008 by Natalie
These items tend to fit into 4 categories:
Things that: – we already use
- may not be available in another country
- are great to “MacGyver” our way out of a tight spot
- we have never heard of before but other backpackers have recommended it
So, here we are buying items, some of these we have never purchased or used before. However, if it was a lifesaver for a certain backpacker, who says it was the best thing they brought, what do we have to lose? If we discover we don’t need something, and we don’t feel like carrying it anymore, we can always throw it out or give it away to someone we meet. Who knows what people we may meet? They might really need some duct tape.
This is a picture of some of these items, but not all of the things that will be in our backpacks.
What do you think? Is their any items in the picture above that you would leave behind? Why? What is something, you think we should remember to bring, that is not on our packing list?
Let us know what you think. With a lack of experience in the laxative department, perhaps we purchased the wrong brand. Maybe you have advice for us? 
Or perhaps you are an athlete, and you know a product that works better than Bengay? Has anyone ever used something called Tiger Balm…we have heard about this…
Over the next few months until we leave, I would like to focus on: W.W.Y.B.
What Would You Bring?
Tags | people, research, travel gear, unfamiliar
I have not used the laxative in your picture, but I do have some good pills from Shaklee, Herb Lax that really do a good job. It was not mentioned and I did not see it in the picture but you might think about something to stop diarrhea.
It’s so thoughtful of you to bring duct tape for emergencies or those ever-so-common-European-strangers-in-need-of-heavy-duty-water-resistant-adhesive
Thanks for the advice Cindy (Justin’s mom)! At this point we were planning on obtaining something called “anti diuretics”. I’m thinking this should do the trick. I am sure that avoiding constipation and diarrhea will make backpacking more enjoyable.
And Lauren, it’s true! You never know when you could run into a stranger in urgent need of duct tape. I’ve even seen duct flops (when someone’s flip flops fell apart). Oh, the endless possibilities.
I have been traveling in the Middle East for the last 9 months and you don’t need to bring any of that type of stuff.
Basically, you wont need much if you’re traveling long term.
The lock, small torch, and small clippers is good to bring. Medical stuff, I just brought some Cipro which I have not need to use.
I have too much to add and questions to ask! Just remember cotton kills so try to take as little cotton as possible. Also get polypropylene socks as a base layer for your feet–if your feet hurt everything else sucks!
And then spend a good amount of time researching http://www.backpackinglight.com they have lots of gear reviews and blog communities that might have great suggestions.
I will be checking your website religiously!!! I can’t wait to hear about all your adventures!!! Also will you move to Montana when you come back?
Shawn that is so encouraging to hear that you have had an easy time traveling in the Middle East. It’s great to know the things that have been more helpful to you (lock, clippers, etc).
Thanks for the encouragement! You have boosted my confidence in knowing we don’t necessarily have to bring a hospital in our backpacks!
And Lindsey, it is so great to hear, “cotton kills”, we would have easily forgotten. Now were going to have to remember those polypropylene socks.
Thanks also for the link to http://www.backpackinglight.com which should also prove to be helpful.
Who knows… maybe someday Justin and I will live in Montana with you and Chad?
I’m enjoying the W.W.Y.B. challenge. Unfortunately my view is skewed by my recent venture in a tropical climate (Papua New Guinea) which makes me think, you will need Gold Bond for when you are hiking and chaffing starts (I didn’t need it but many found it useful). Or tablets that purify any source of water within 30 minutes.
One thing that was recommended to me for language learning and forming relationships are printed out pictures of family that tell stories of where you’re from. Most cultures around the world put a much greater emphasis on family. And people love to see pictures of other places. 20-30 pics are compact enough to fit in a backpack.
I’d like to say thank you to both of you for praying for me and encouraging me this summer (in fun ways like eating yams as people do in Papua New Guinea). God showed Himself in amazing ways, and came through for me, because of you and others praying for me.
Thanks Joanne, I love the advice! We are going to have to bring a few printed photographs of family and friends. It will be fun to share them with people we meet and be able to talk about our family and friends.
It seems like a great way to relate to others on a personal level and really connect. I can’t wait to hang out and hear all about your adventures in Papua New Guinea.
Natalie, I looked over you packing list link, and you will be dumping stuff off as you travel. What I would do is just leave stuff in the hotel room or give it to someone poor, deepens what you’re leaving. Once you are out there you will wonder why you brought this or that, but it’s a normal process.
I brought a few things I did not need, nor use.
I subscribed to your blog.
I agree! I think we will bring stuff that we end up realizing we have no use for.
Then Justin and I can go through the process of giving things away to others as we travel.
Thanks again for your ongoing advice and encouragement.
Tiger balm is amazing stuff. Good for aching muscles, headaches, repelling insects, unblocking stuffy noses, masking unpleasant smells (put a little under your nose) etc etc. It’s originally from Singapore, but you can get it lots of places nowadays (my local pharmacy in London stocks it). You can buy almost all western medicines (cold remedies, headache pills etc) all over the world, usually really easily, so don’t bring big stocks of anything.
Thanks for the advice Victoria!
Tiger balm does sound rather amazing. Feel free to offer any recommendations or encouragement as we backpack.
Just for the record, we ditched the laxatives after going 4 months without any constipation issues. I would recommend crossing them off your packing list.
You’ll never meet a traveler who, after five trips, brags, “Every year I pack heavier.” The measure of a good traveler is how light she travels. You can’t travel heavy, happy, and cheap. Pick two.
Limit yourself to 20 pounds in a carry-on-size bag. A 9” x 22” x 14” bag fits under most airplane seats. When you carry your own luggage it’s less likely to get lost, broken, or stolen. And when you arrive you don’t have to wait around for your bag. After you enjoy that sweet mobility and freedom, you’ll never go any other way.
Pack light . . . and pack smart.
Hostelio (great name!) You sound like you have learned from experience. Now you are an expert in packing just enough, I am very impressed that your bag will fit under most airplane seats.
I couldn’t agree more with the less stuff to get lost, broke or stolen. Thanks for sharing your success and happiness by packing super light!