camera, journal, pen, itenerary in folder, “Marvin” my mini laptop, cell phone, chargers for phone and laptop, etc.

Packing for three countries can be a bit difficult; especially if you’re like me and pack too much. The following is my list of things I brought, what I wouldn’t take again, what I’m glad I had with me.

As Rebecca and I waited to get on the airplane in Colorado, we stood in the gangway with no heater. It was -4 degrees Fahrenheit that night and we were dressed to arrive at Costa Rica early morning. Needless to say, we were shivering, hoping people would get their seats quickly. Meanwhile, our big backpacks were making their way into the plane (we hoped). We carried with us our daypacks.  Mine so small it could barely hold my camera, book, chargers, etc.

First, the Backpacks

The daypack – barely fit camera, jacket, water and book.

I really wanted a backpack with a connecting daypack (Deuter Quantum 55+10 SL Travel Backpack – Women’s). I will tell you right now, it was a silly idea. I never ended up connecting them. While carrying them both, the daypack would end up on my front to help balance the weight, otherwise, I would have ended up like a turtle on its back. I like the backpack, but the daypack was too small. My carefully chosen camera barely fit inside. If I did it again (hopefully I will!) I’d bring the backpack, and a separate, larger daypack, like my Outdoor Morph bag.

Then, the Camera

I am a clutz. I’ve broken several cameras, one of which was being handed to me and slipped my grasp, instantly snapping off the lens. So I looked for a DSLR camera that was good, not too expensive, and with one lens good enough for most landscape shots. I ended up with the Canon Rebel T4i. I purchased it from Amazon with the 18-55mm lens.  It was on sale just before Christmas, so if you are thinking about one, wait and see if the price goes back down.

I was only a few feet away to get this shot – only way with a 18-55mm lens

I love this camera. It survived the humid Amazon basin, being dragged through three countries and is still going strong. When I do this again, I might buy an additional lens – there was no way to get a good shot of macaws in the Amazon with what I had.

FYI: To protect my camera, mini laptop, and iPhone, I purchased heavy-duty zip lock bags from REI.

First Aid Bag and Items

It’s larger than it looks here – fit all of my first aid items.

I needed a new first aid bag, so I went with Snake Eater Tactical for one of their awesome, handmade in the USA bags.

As for my first aid list (shown a little lower on this blog), I used everything except the anti-diarrhea pills. My doctor sent them with me just in case.

Rebecca insisted that we use an herb every day, Huang Lian Su. It’s meant to keep away stomach problems. I can’t say for sure that’s what kept us healthy, but no matter where or what we ate, we never had those issues.

The duck tape was used the most to package up sand dollars, fix holes in bags, and a few fix-ups. The insect repellent (2 tubes) of Off Botanicals were used up in the Amazon basin.

So, if you are heading out to a long trip, make sure to make a list, carry what you need and don’t miss the important things.

See the next blog entry for my additional packing list.

Hello. I’m Sonja Dewing. I am a Writing Professional: Technical, business, and instructional writing, as well as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers.