Standing the Test of Time

It’s quite embarrassing looking back at some of our old packing lists, in fact, it’s quite embarrassing looking back at a lot of things we wrote before our first backpacking trip in 2010.

Our packing list in particular though was pretty awful. All sorts of over the top gadgets and backup items that we’d never come close to using. As with most backpackers, half of the things we considered essential at the time of packing didn’t seem quite as important a few weeks down the line. Slowly but surely our bags got smaller and smaller (and more importantly, lighter) until we really were just travelling with what we needed.

While we love buying new shiny things as much as most people, there are a few items that have stood the test of time. Most of our belongings from that original trip have been used to death and replaced. However, there are still a few items that go everywhere with us, even six years later.

Buff (Multi-Purpose Headwear)

When I originally bought my Buff from a shop back home in the UK, I thought it was one of the travel gimmicks mentioned above. It was heavily discounted and despite half expecting to leave it behind a few months later, I still have it after all these years.

It’s been used to keep me warm cycling in the winter, to keep the dust out of my face on a safari and as a barrier from the snow while skiing. Considering how little I paid, it’s been a fantastic investment.

CC Flickr Credit: Nicki Dugan Pogue

Trusty Jacket

Probably my most prized possession is my Regatta jacket. Again I picked this up right before leaving on our first trip and it has been everywhere with me since. Quite how it is still in one piece I have no idea but it’s been a loyal servant and kept my Buff company through all its adventures. 

Pacsafe Travel Safe

This little travel safe has provided us with a lot of piece of mind over the years. Although theft has rarely been a concern, the option to have our essentials, passport, credit cards and cash locked away has always been nice.

This little safe can be used anywhere, locked around a towel rail or even the sink fitting in a bathroom if needed. Another purchase that has more than proved it’s worth.

CC Flickr Credit: Sean MacEntee

External Harddrive

How we ended up buying a Michael Jackson themed external hard drive I don’t know? It even came with the Michael Jackon film ‘This is it’ already loaded on to it, I’m not sure if we ever got around to watching that.

We purchased it in a rush one day, are you noticing a theme here? and later found out that particular model was prone to crashing and losing all its data. Despite spending the first few months worrying we were about to lose all our travel photos the hard-drive is still in use now and has had zero problems to date.

Due to the age of it, we have now bought another hard drive to back everything up but we still go to Michael first, he’s served us well.

Have you got a favourite travel accesorry or piece of clothing that has been everywhere with you?