Gear Shop: What to take

Definitely the most fun of trip preparation - shopping! Check out the packing list below and figure out what you need and don't need for your own trip. Look in to borrowing or buying used gear if you don't want or need to invest in new stuff of your very own. Shop around for gear to find the best deals and the best values. Realize that depending on the nature of your planned travels and how long you want your gear to last, looking for quality as well as price is important. As well, the quality of some of your equipment will be more important then others. Invest especially wisely (and before departure!) in shoes, rainwear and your backpack - if these things fall apart, they are useless and may be difficult to replace with quality.

There are lots of places to source your gear. There are one stop shops such as Mountain Equipment Co-op, Europebound and REI, there are travel shops catering to the more posh traveller such as Tilley and Eddie Bauer, there are speciality shops for travel clothing and shoes and there are numerous independent camping and tackle shops and army surplus stores. Remember also that you can shop overseas. If you need specific equipment for small portions of your trip, consider renting or buying as you need. For example, if you find yourself considering a trek in Nepal, you can fully outfit yourself in Kathmandu.

Finally, don't go crazy on travel gadgets - stick to the basics. Gimmicks can be of limited use and quality but still take up space in your backpack.

So what, besides patience, a sense of humour, an open mind and more money, do you take?

When actually packing your bag, remember that less is more. Especially less weight. You'll be thankful for this when you are frantically running through a crowded train station looking for the platform that your train is leaving from in three minutes. A backpack is the obvious choice of luggage for the wandering (and budgeted!) spirit. Carry only what you can carry on your back stowed safely inside your pack. Hands-free is a glorious thing while on the go - for tickets, maps, guidebooks, bottles of cold water and the like. As well, try not to fill your bag to capacity before you go - leave room for those inevitable accumulations.

There are certain things that every traveller should carry, certain things that are precautionary and good for piece of mind, and others that are just nice to have along. There are also certain items that you probably want to bring from home, but don't underestimate your ability to pick things up along the way. Other countries have stores too, and you will most likely be surprised at the selection of clothing, books and familiar brand name items you can pick up. Coca-Cola, Pringles, Colgate, Halls, Cadbury's, Tampax, Kellogg's, Nivea, Lays, Gillette, Chiclets and others have found their way into many little corners of the world. Greater selections are found in cities, tourist resort areas and backpacker hubs.

Here's a full and comprehensive list of what you might need on your travels, with ideas on what and how much to bring from home and what you can buy while away. Gage your needs based on your destination and anticipated itinerary.

Pack your bags...

Backpack - Choose your backpack with care - its quality can make or break your trip. Buy your pack from a speciality store where an employee can help you fit the right bag properly to your body, with even weight distribution across your hips. Before making your purchase, test out the pack with the weight you anticipate carrying, and test out the adjustability of all fitting and compression straps. Travellers planning on doing a lot of hiking with their packs should consider a top-loader, otherwise this style of bag is a drag for finding things in.
Daypack - Take with you (or buy while there) a small knapsack for day-to-day use - about big enough to hold your camera, guidebook, lunch and rain jacket or beach towel. Make sure the daypack and its contents will fit inside your backpack when you are on the go, although it will make a good carry-on for flights and bus trips. Some backpacks come with a zip-off daypack that can be handy. If you have a travel partner, you may want to share.
Stuff bags - Unless your pack has a proliferation of built in pockets, light weight stuff bags (mesh, cotton or nylon, often with drawstrings) can be helpful for finding things and keeping certain items together in your bag.
Locks - Mini padlocks can be used to lock zippers together to prevent someone else's hands finding their way into your bag. Cable locks (such as those used for skis) can be good for securing your whole backpack to a fixed object. Wire mesh locks that cover your whole bag deter slashing. For most, this might be overkill but can be handy if you anticipate leaving your bag anywhere unattended. A full size combination lock can be handy if you have occasion to store your bag in a locker or if you want to lock your room with your own lock - budget hotels and hostels often have the clips to do so and your own personal lock may be the only method of locking your rooms door. Combination locks are generally slightly more secure and you don't have to worry about losing the key. Remember, though, that locks are never foolproof but they do make excellent deterrents.

Make sure your documents are in order...

Money - Local and American Cash, Traveller's Cheques and information on how to cancel and replace, Bank Debit and Credit Cards and information on how to cancel and replace. See Arrange Your Money.
Passport with visas
Airline ticket - Include information and phone numbers you need to change and reconfirm flights.
Transportation passes - Include information on how to replace if lost or stolen.
Medical insurance policy - Include information on how to acquire assistance in an emergency, how to file a claim and how to extend your coverage.
Immunization records and certificates
Driver's Licence and International Driver's Permit
Information on any reservations you have made
Prescriptions for any medications you are carrying - This can help clarify things at border crossings as well as facilitate replacement if necessary.
Eyeglass/Contact Lens prescription
Names, addresses and phone numbers of contacts back home or abroad
Applicable certifications - Such as scuba diving, skydiving, first aid for courses, etc.
Money pouches/belts - These are recommended for travel in many parts of the world. They provide a somewhat comfortable method of securing your money and important documents close to your body in case you are robbed. Try them out before purchasing, some are more tolerable than others. If you use a pouch that will fit snugly against your body, you may want to line it with a small plastic bag to protect your documents from sweat.

Be prepared to find your way around...

Guidebook - See Get A Guidebook. Remember that you can trade, sell and buy more applicable guidebooks as you travel.
Phrasebook - Can be invaluable if you are travelling to a place where the grasp of the languages you speak is poor. Using local language (even poorly!) is generally appreciated and brings you respect. You can find pocket size guides for individual languages or multiple languages within a geographical area. You will likely be able to trade, sell and buy more applicable phrasebooks as you travel.
Compass - Useful and fun but probably not necessary unless you will be spending time in the wilderness or are terrible at reading maps.
Maps and tourist information - If you have accumulated information other than what's in your guidebook, by all means take it with you. Lighten your load by eliminating repetitive, obvious, useless or non-applicable information.

Clothing? Naked just doesn't cut it in most of the world...
Don't forget that 'laundry' exists all over the world, whether done by machine, by hired hand or by your hand. This means that you can leave most of your closet contents at home and not carry it all on your back!

Footwear - Make sure you get this one right, it's not easy to find quality shoes in developing countries. Light weight hiking boots with sturdy soles and good ankle and foot support are needed for travellers planning to hike or trek. Consult the staff in a speciality store before purchase and try the boots on with the socks you will wear them with on the road. Some stores even have wet, rocky ramps and slippery surfaces on which to test your shoes - don't be afraid to walk around the store and test out your full walking speed and natural gait. Consider quality, comfort, climate and water proofing; this may be where you want to drop that extra bit of cash. Walking shoes will do for non-trekkers while comfortable sport sandals with back straps are great second pairs for urban walking and for hot weather. Make sure your footwear is broken in well before you travel - on the airplane is not the place to start.
Shower sandals - Thin plastic or rubber flip-flops will help to protect your feet from ailments such as fungal infections in communal or poorly cleaned showers and tubs.
Socks - Extremely important in the trekker's and cold weather dweller's packing list. Socks come in many varieties of material, warmth and thickness. Wool is best for warmth and for retaining warmth when wet. Synthetic is cooler and quicker drying. Special trekking and hiking socks come in different weights with different levels of padding in the heel and toe areas. Thin polypropylene sock liners that reduce friction and wick sweat from the skin are also a good thing for travellers who plan to spend lots of time on their feet. Three of four pairs of each brought from home should suffice.
Pants - Consider culture, climate and insects. Thin, light and loose cotton pants are good to protect you from the sun and necessary in many cultures where showing too much skin is frowned upon, especially at religious sites. Insects will probably bite through thin material but you will keep cool. Consider sturdy nylon (quick-dry and rip-stop) or cotton pants for trekking and fleece (warm even when wet, dries quickly, comes in different thicknesses) or long johns for warmth. Two or three in total, or one of each, should do.
Shorts - A couple of pairs of walking-length shorts with deep pockets should do the trick for intrepid travellers. Shorter shorts might not be acceptable in certain cultures.
Zip-offs - The legwear rage that is taking the travelling world by storm. Handy for eliminating either a pair of shorts or a pair of pants from the backpack. Also great for hiking - you can adapt to temperature changes without having to undress! Handiest are the version that have zippers at the ankle that allow you to zip-off and remove the lower legs without taking your shoes off.
Skirt - An alternative to lightweight pants, the long skirt protects from the sun and from cultural no-nos. In some cultures, pants may even be frowned upon for women making the skirt a must. Long skirts may also come in handy for the female trekker's trailside squats when there isn't a charpi in sight.
Sarong - Immensely handy as a makeshift skirt, shawl, head covering, wrap, sheet, blanket and towel. Buy one in your first port of call.
Underwear - Travel underwear is underwear that washes well and dries quickly. Lightweight polyester unlined underwear without thick cotton elastics or waistbands work best. Try travelling with two pairs, washing one every night when you brush your teeth and wash your hands and face, allowing it to dry overnight. If this routine drives you nuts, you can pick up a couple more pairs on the road.
Bras - Two or three should suffice. Avoid cotton which takes longer to dry.
T-shirts and tank tops - Bring only three or four. Resupply as needed, t-shirts from your various ports of call make cheap, useful, can't-go-wrong souvenirs. Trekkers and travellers to hot climates may want to consider polypropylene wicking t-shirts, especially if you will be carrying a pack on your sweaty back. Sleeveless tops are unacceptable in some cultures - the same ones that want to see you in pants rather than shorts.
Long-sleeve tops - Consider climate and mosquitoes. Thin, light and loose cotton shirts will keep you cool while protecting you from the sun and maybe the bugs. More thermal polyester, polypropylene or cotton 'climate control' fabric shirts are good for keeping you warm. Top off the roster with a fleece, lined nylon jacket or wool sweater.
Outerwear - Depending on what climate and weather conditions exist in your destination, you will at least want to outfit yourself with a light weight rain and wind jacket with hood. If you might be spending time out in the weather, (trekking, camping, hiking, short-term trip with no time to wait for sunshine) consider Gore-Tex, a high-quality breathable, albeit expensive, version of the above, with pants as well. If you will be in cold climates, make sure you have a thermal shell and remember to layer your clothing. The best outer wear jackets have hoods, high necks, lots of pockets and pit-zips.
Hot weather gear - A sunhat will protect your face and head; a bandana will protect only the latter. These are essential to avoid heat stroke and sunburn.
Cold weather gear - Thermal hat, mitts or gloves, waterproof over-mitts and scarf or neck warmer.
Swimwear - Depending on your destination, you may want to exercise prudence.
Sleepwear - Gage depending on climate. Be prepared to be prudent for times when you may share accommodation.
A respectable outfit - You may want to work into the above pile of clothing a slightly more decent version of outfit for visits, parties, nights on the town or embassy calls.
Towel - Bring a thinner, small size towel, like a gym towel. Full size towels are a bulky, heavy luxury. Use your sarong at the beach.
Facecloth - For your shower or bath.
Hankies - Useful for long treks and camping, especially in runny-nose climates, where tissues are at a premium and can not be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Hair gear - Such as clips and elastics. You can replenish your supply while away.

For wherever you may rest your weary bones...

Sleeping sheet bag - This is handy for travel to all climates. It can act as a thin, lightweight sleeping bag or a liner for a proper thermal sleeping bag. It is a hygienic alternative to questionable bed sheets in budget hotels, and may in fact be required for stays in youth hostels (where you might be able to rent one if you do not own one). You can make a sheet bag yourself by sewing together two sides of a folded over regular bed sheet. Sheet sets alone are not recommended as bed and pillow sizes vary the world over.
Sleeping bag - Gage your need for this based on your expected accommodations. Consider temperature requirements as well as volume, weight and shape. For colder climates, Down sleeping bags are warm, lightweight and pack down to small volumes. For moderate climates, invest in a bag that will roll well to a small volume. Make sure you have a stuff bag. For hot climates, a sheet bag may do. Note that you may be able to rent a sleeping bag for the odd camping or trekking excursion, though consider quality and cleanliness when doing so.
Inflatable travel pillow - The inflatable sort is handy for travellers but perhaps they don't deserve all the hype they receive. A rolled up towel works equally well for the same purpose of sleep on the go, while folded up clothing works well for a night of camping.
Mattress - If you plan to camp or anticipate sleeping on hard floors, you might want to consider this. The best option for minimizing volume in your backpack is the thin, self-inflating air mattress known as the Thermarest. It also, as the name indicates, carries thermal properties in that the air you sleep upon acts as insulation between you and the ground. The Thermarest is a somewhat costly alternative to more bulky foam mattresses. Generic brands are also be available.
Mosquito net - You can buy a net fairly inexpensively and the payoff can be valuable. Suspended over you while you sleep, the net can protect you from sleepless nights due to buzzing and itching, as well as from the handful of deadly diseases transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
Earplugs - A must for the traveller who wants to ensure sleep when you never know what noises you can't control (loud radios, televisions, snoring, etc.)
Eyemask - For catching forty winks in unconventional circumstances.
Tent - For the camper. Look for a lightweight, low volume, adequately sized tent with built in mosquito netting.

Small size sundries...
Replenish your supplies of the following while travelling.

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap
Facewash
Shampoo and conditioner - Try a 2 in 1.
Deodorant
Moisturizer

Quality and familiar brands of these products may be available only in urban centres, tourist areas and backpacker hubs:

Sunscreen - Bring a minimum of SPF 15 to protect you from the long hours you will spend outside, the strong tropical sun, the high altitude rays and the reflection from sand, water and snow that you may not be used to.
Insect repellent - DEET has proven to be the most effective mosquito repellent and can be found in lotions, sprays and liquids in percentages varying from 8 to 98. However, DEET is a toxic chemical so if you will be using it a lot or for an extended period of time, you may prefer to use natural repellents like citronella.
Feminine supplies
Contact lens solutions and cleansers - These may be difficult to find in more remote countries.

Bring your own...

Eyeglasses - Bring a sturdy plastic carrying case and consider a spare pair. Don't forget a cleansing spray and cloth.
Contact lenses - Bring in a sturdy portable case and consider a spare pair.
Contraceptives - Quality and availability of these products can be questionable in developing countries.
Nail clippers and file - These can be handy for more than nails. You may wish to keep them in your first aid kit.
Shaving kit - If you use an electric shaver, make sure you have the adaptive plugs for the destination you are visiting. Bring a disposable or two for the times you don't have access to electricity. You can replenish your supply of disposable razors on the road.

The all important first aid and medication kit...
Store all items together in a water tight bag or container. Label your medications with their generic names in case you are ever questioned at border crossings.

Regular medications
Anti-malarial medication
Pain reliever - Acetylsalicylic acid, such as Aspirin, or acetaminophen, such as Paracetamol or Tylenol.
Ibuprofen - Pain reliever and fever reducer, such as Motrin. Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cold and flu remedy - If you are so inclined.
Throat lozenges - Replenish your supply as needed while travelling.
Antihistamine - For allergic reactions. Consider a non-drowsy formula.
Antihistamine cream - For allergic skin reactions, such as insect bites.
Antacid - Calcium carbonate tablets, such as Tums or Rolaids.
Anti-nauseant - Symptomatic relief for travel related nausea. Example: Gravol.
Stomach upset remedy - Bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto Bismol. Coats the stomach for prevention and symptomatic relief of heartburn, indigestion, nausea and diarrhoea.
Laxative - For relief of constipation. Example: Ex-Lax.
Loperamide/Lomotil - For relief of diarrhoea, especially when you need to be on the go or will be away from a toilet. Example: Imodium.
Ciprofloxacin or Norfloxacin - An antibiotic prescribed for bacterial gastro-intestinal infections causing severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rehydration salts - For recovery from dehydration after prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea. Example: Gastrolyte.
Yeast infection remedy - Infections may be more prevalent in hot humid climates and/or with the use of antibiotics.
Antibiotic eye/ear drops - a two-in-one for for minor eye and ear ailments such as conjunctivitis (pink-eye) or otitis externa (swimmer's or coral ear).
Antibiotic ointment - For minor cuts that can get easily infected while travelling. Example: Polysporin, Neosporin or Ozonol.
Antifungal cream - For treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm. Example: Micatin.
1% Hydrocortisone cream - For treatment of minor skin ailments.
Tweezers - Handy for many things including removing splinters.
Band-Aids - To protect minor cuts from infection - use more liberally in developing countries where hygiene is a greater concern.
Gauze - For dressing of more severe or dispersed wounds.
Medical tape - For aid in wound dressing.
Moleskin - Used to reduce friction and prevent blisters. A must for trekkers.
Cotton swabs - For cleaning of wounds and application of skin remedies.
Rubber gloves - For protective measures in situations where you may practice first aid on strangers.
Thermometer - For diagnosing fever and hypothermia.
Matches - For emergencies.
Needle and thread - For emergencies.

The wanderer's essentials...

Water bottle - Unbreakable and unleakable works best. Try Nalgene brand. Bottles with a clip or strap are good for attaching to your bag.
Water bottle carrier - Handy for those wanting to hit the pavement or trails for long periods of time. Consider an insulated one is extreme climates.
Sunglasses - Look cool and protect your eyes with UV rated sunglasses. Necessary for days on water, sand or snow. You may want to invest in a hard plastic protective case - travellers and broken sunglasses go notoriously hand-in-hand. Invest in goggles if you will be hiking on snow or glaciers.
Pocketknife - Handy for all sorts of things. Multiple gadgets (tweezers, corkscrew, scissors, toothpick, etc.) optional.
Flashlight - You never know when you may be caught in the dark - inside or out. Developing countries are renowned for power-outs or shutdowns. Mini pocket lights are handy as are headlamps - lights that fit snugly on your head with an elastic strap and make you look like a spelunker.
Toilet paper - Don't count on foreign and public toilets having any. Doubles as facial tissue. Bring one roll in a plastic bag, keep in your daypack and replenish as needed.
Candles - Bring a couple of small candles for emergency situations - they will help save your flashlight batteries. 'Tea lights' work best as they are unbreakable and are less likely to cause fire if they burn down while unattended. You can replenish your supply as you go.
Matches and/or lighters - buy these upon arrival. They are available world wide and are illegal to carry on air planes.
Hand sanitizer - Try an antibacterial hand gel for times when you can't find soap and water.
Wristwatch - Some wear 'em, some don't. Handy for catching trains and buses as well as keeping appointments. Take one of the durable waterproof variety that is in no way flashy or attractive to others. Consider a spare battery - or at least start with a fresh battery.
Travel alarm - Yes, you are on vacation. BUT, there are always days when you have to get up to catch the bus, meet a friend or see the sunrise over the ocean, desert or mountain. The little fold up kind are handiest.
Sewing kit - A roll of thread and a couple of needles. Perhaps a button or two?
Dental floss - Essential, whether you plan to exercise supreme dental hygiene or not. Dental floss is strong and great for repairing backpacks, tents, etc.
Batteries - For your camera, external camera flash, flashlights, walkman/discman, shaver, travel alarm etc. Although batteries can be purchased while away, you may have difficulty finding sizes other than the standard letter sized ones. Quality and life may also be an issue.
Electrical converter plugs and adapters - Electrical supply and the outlets themselves differ across the world. If you are carrying any items that plug in, check to see that they are suitable for the voltage available in your destinations. You may have to buy adapters or appliances with adapters built in, and you will almost certainly have to have plug shape adapters. Check at your travel speciality shop and in your guidebook.
Small coil of rope - A small length of rope can be handy for rigging up various contraptions, including a clothesline.
Bungee cord - Among other things, handy for attaching things to the outside of your pack temporarily. They don't make great clotheslines though; the colour may run into your wet clothes.
Clothes pins - Just bring a handful. They may or may not be necessary depending on where you will be hanging those wet clothes!
Detergent - For laundry. Caution: Messy. Keep in a sealable bag. An all-purpose wet soap (like Camp Suds) may suffice for hands, body, laundry and dishes.
Nail brush - Great for laundry, unexpected spills and dirty fingernails!
Sink stopper - Sinks and tubs the world over never promised stoppers; useful for laundry, dishes and washing with poor hot water situations (like when there isn't much or when the hot and cold come out of different taps). Flat rubber stoppers work well and fit all sizes of drains.
Trowel, handaxe and flares - Considerations for wilderness campers.
Trekking poles - Travellers who plan to do long stints of hill walking should consider trekking poles, especially if you are concerned with your general fitness or more specifically, the health of your knees. This item can be rented in most major trekking centres.

It's the little things that count...
Keep a little kit of small supplies of these, you can use film canisters for storage. You never know when the following can come in handy.

String
Rubber bands
Twist ties
Safety pins
Tape

Create your favourite souvenirs...

Camera - Point and shoot, SLR, video, digital, big, small, simple or not. It's your choice. If it's new, put through a couple of practice rolls first so that you know it works and you know how to use it. Avoid carrying it in a camera bag that is obviously a camera bag - this attracts thieves. Do have a protective cover for it though. Bring spare batteries.
Lenses, filters and other camera accessories - If you are inclined to use such items, bring them along with you. If you don't you will surely curse not having them at some point in your trip. Don't forget your lens cleaner and dust cloth.
Flash - Some cameras require an external flash. Make sure you bring yours along. Bring spare batteries.
Film - Depending on the length of your trip and how shutter happy you are, bargain on between one film per day to one film per week. If you are fussy on film, bring a good supply of varying speed films with you. Make sure the "Process Before" dates are good beyond your return date. If you plan to purchase film overseas (easy in urban, tourist and backpacker areas), make sure it has an expiry date far into the future and avoid buying film that may have been sitting out in the sun or exposed to high temperatures. Buying film in developing countries (if available!) may also carry the risk of it having been damaged in airport x-ray machines.
Silica gel - If you are visiting humid or rainy environments, consider carrying those little packages of silica gel (commonly found in shoe boxes) in the case to absorb moisture.
Lead bag - Films of any speed, exposed or not, can be damaged by x-ray machines used for security purposes in airports. In most cases, security attendants will allow you to carry film through by hand. It helps to carry it in a clear plastic bag, which will also protect it inside your pack. The other option is to carry the film in a lead lined bag designed specifically for this purpose. This measure will also protect your film in your checked baggage, as sometimes checked bags are subjected to x-ray as well.

Everything but the kitchen sink...
A few eating related items to keep you going. What you take depends on how much you intend to eat on your own...

Unbreakable cup - handy for tea, hot chocolate and soup. Can double as a bowl.
Small resealable plastic container - If airtight and watertight, they are handy for storing things (like matches) within your bag, or food items like cheese, cold cuts, cut fruit or leftovers. The container also doubles as a bowl and the lid as a plate!
Cutlery - A fork, spoon and table knife. If you are travelling to Asia, carrying your own chopsticks saves trees as well as the worry of cleanliness.
Cutting knife - Invaluable for anyone who plans to furnish any of their own meals - although a pocket knife may do. Bring something to protect the blade - cardboard with a bit of tape will do the trick.
Peeler - for fruits and vegetables.
Can opener - You can get mini ones that fit on a key ring.
Bottle opener - Again, find a small one.
Moist towellettes - A handful of these are useful to carry in your daypack for those sticky situations.
Cloth in a baggie - An environmentally friendly version of the above. Use a little water to wet it when needed on the go. Doubles as a dish cloth.
Detergent - For dishes. Caution: Messy. Keep in a sealable container and bag. An all-purpose wet soap (like Camp Suds) may suffice for hands, body, laundry and dishes.
Tea towel - For if you plan to eat on your own and wash your own dishes.
Water purification system - At minimum, for times when water can not be boiled, carry chlorine dioxide solution or iodine pills/tincture with neutralizer (which is actually just ascorbic acid - Vitamin C) for taste and colour. If you plan to camp or be away from towns with sources of purified (bottled) water, consider a mechanical filtration or purification system. There are several systems out there of varying cost that require varying degrees of supply and maintenance, and offer varying degrees of purification. Do your research, and consider size and weight of the apparatus as well.
Vitamins/Supplements - Essential if you suspect you might not be able find a range of foods - consider a daily multi-vitamin as well as any other supplements you need (ie. iron). Discuss with your doctor prior to travel.
Spices - If you plan to do any of your own cooking, bring a bit of salt, pepper and an all-purpose spice (like steak spice). These can save almost any meal. Store them in washed and dried film canisters.
Food - A little comfort or emergency food can be thrown in if you have space. Consider a couple of energy bars, dried fruit snacks and/or single serve packages of peanut butter and jam. Wrap all of these well - their packaging isn't as robust as you might think.
Drink - Tea bags and a couple of single serving packets of hot chocolate could do a body good. A supply of the former is replenishable world wide.
Portable stove - For the camper. Invest in a light weight, low volume burner that you will be able to find fuel for on the road. So-called 'white gas' is common in cartridges or refillable containers, though you may prefer to have the option of using kerosene (paraffin), diesel or auto gas which can be found internationally. If you choose pressurized liquid petroleum gas (butane, propane, etc) remember that you can not refill canisters of these and thus will have to source the appropriate canisters on the road - you will not be allowed to carry fuel on air planes. A reflective sheet may be handy for increasing heat concentration and for heating your food more quickly.
Potset - If you need a stove, you will need a potset. The most handy contain two differently sized pots, a lid which doubles as a fry pan and a holder for lifting hot pots or pans off the stove or fire.

Make the most of your free time - chosen or not...

Blank journal - I've met very few travellers who don't keep diaries or journals of some sort. You can likely replenish your supply of blank journals while away.
Notepad - A small sized notepad can be invaluable for jotting down notes, trading e-mail addresses and making yourself better understood when language difficulties occur. You can replenish your supply of notepads while away.
Pens, pencils, permanent marker - Bring a couple to start with and replenish your supply as you travel.
Book for your reading pleasure - If you intend to read or to somehow fill gaps in time that are inevitable while travelling, bring one book that you are willing to part with. You can trade, sell and buy books as you travel.
Photos and postcards from home - An optional conversation piece.
Playing cards - For self or group entertainment.
Personal cassette or CD player and music - Nice to have but can be heavy and takes up space. Also attractive to thieves.

When packing, try conserving space by rolling up clothes. This also helps keep your clothes wrinkle-free and a little nicer looking. Put items such as shampoo and toothpaste in plastics bags in case they might leak - especially for air flight where pressure changes can wreak havoc with apparently sealed containers. You can also conserve space by putting socks inside shoes, small items inside cups, bowls or resealable containers, etc. Take your daypack on the air plane with you. For ideas on what to keep with you while in transport, see Transportation.

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