Packing- The more you know, the less you need

Step 3: Packing- The more you know, the less you need

Tim Anderson needs less stuff than you or I do. Maybe he knows more. See his excellent Instructable on Bum Camping in Japan. I copied his tarp, which was a nice addition to my gear.

Here's some stuff I was happy I had:

Tent and tarp fit in a small compression sack. Poles packed separately all fit in a pannier.
I made a camp chair out of my thermarest, which was nice for my back on a couple of rainy nights
My Ortlieb Handlbar bag was worth the investment, and is waterproof- though one snap failed.
3 thin wool sweaters and 3 wool socks plus rain gear was enough in freezing mountain weather.
Small thermos- for making new friends or warming a cold soul.
One good book in English, which I reread, was better than two.
Appropriate bath gear- towel, long washcloth
Spare folding tire, tubes and spokes- all hard to find in small towns.
Light cloth backpack or improvised equivalent- for that hike you just have to take.
Ziip leather boots and flip flops- I was very happy not to have bike shoes.
Gifts- I brought homemade peach jerky, and California Matsutake mushrooms-An O'miyage is a gift from the heart.
Your helmet is a stool
Bungy web- for food and extra water
Alcohol penny stove in a very compact kit