Backpacks

Imagine carrying around everything you need for winter-, summer-, city and wild life conditions and have the freedom to go wherever you like with all your stuff at any time.  To do this you need a good backpack somewhat larger than a standard pack. The Berghause Vulcan fitted our requirements pretty well so our choice fell on this one and it turned out to be an excellent decision.  It swallows everything and is pretty comfortable even when the load exceed 40 kg.  The bag is the main feature that distinguishes us from other travelers and it’s what’s enable us to live according to our philosophy; to be prepared for everything no matter what! The items in them change as our experiences increase, sometimes forcing us to leave less necessary items behind.

You might wonder what we’re carrying with us so here is a review of the content, highlighted with some of our most important items. It should be noted, that this is only the standard “transfer” packing conformation. During extended outdoor trips we have to make room for food and water, which changes the weight and packing strategy considerably, but that will be covered in later posts.

Chris’ gear:
It’s pretty much everything I own so I better take good care of it. It’s quite cool when you realize that what you truly need can be fitted into a backpack that you can bring everywhere. 

1. A four season tent bought in Australia – lost ones during the great ocean walk in Australia.
2. Sleeping bag wrapped in a waterproof bag – Was totally soaked after a heavy rainfall in El Chalten,  Argentina.  From now on I store it in a waterproof bag.
3. Mosquito net – Dengue fever and malaria protection
4. Glacier boots – hard to brake in but has good ankle support .
5. Clothes
6. Computer and a keyboard – the keyboard on the laptop is broke so I have to carry an external keyboard with me.
7. Emergency food – mostly powder products such as milk and mashed potatoes you never know what might happen.
8. First aid kit – this kit will be covered in more detail later.
9. Big turtle necked sweater made of wool great as soft shell.
10. Electronic necessities such as an iPhone , a fake wallet and a camera that is broke but are used as giveaway in case of robbery.
11. Tubes were I store things that are otherwise easily lost; in addition the tubes offer great rain protection and also work as protective shell for the items stored in them.
12. Crossfit level 1 certificate. I took a year ago in Perth, Australia. 
13. Skins compression pants , shirt and Fivefingers – work for training as well as under amore that keeps me warm in cold climates. Have also been used to reduce muscle soreness after demanding hikes.
14. Crossfit kit – this include Crossfit rings, a sandbag, wrist wraps, and a skipping rope. I can get a good workout anywhere!
15. Gortex rain jacket and pants that allows multiple layering underneath. These however don’t work very well in heavy rain which sucks.
16. Fire steel, headlamps and a multi-tool – invaluable.
17. Moka pot – We can make coffee everywhere a great moral booster. We also believe, but it’s not yet tested, that we can save some gas when melting snow on high altitude due to the high pressure created by the pot system.

Dennis' gear:

1. Second half of the tent
2. Inflatable camping mat
3. Crispi Gortex walking boots
4. The Party-kit; good enough to get in to most of the clubs in South America
5. Snorkel and mask – Bought it for Moreton Island, have never used it though.
6. The compulsory reading kit including a log book
7. Sleeping bag with a rainproof bag(!)
8. Electronics; including a small laptop with a working keyboard, a waterproof video camera (guarded by Leo) and the camera which the photo is taken with.
9. The training kit; with the ever so important five fingers.
10. A small towel, 50 x 30 is good enough, dries fast and takes up no space.
11. Inflatable pillow for those 30h bus rides.
12. The two most important things to survive the hostel life: Earplugs (Moldex is superior; note not the Jazz model) and sleeping mask.
13. Toilet paper. Always be prepared.
14. The minimum amount of clothes necessary to survive, including the neat Wildmen T-shirts.
15. Underwear; the innermost layer.
16. Swiss army knife. The one actually used by the Swiss army.
17. Burner.
18. 1l pot. Good enough for two.
19. Excursion clothes including merino wool boxers, merino wool socks and Fjällräven G-1000 pants.
20. Headlight. Invaluable for night walks and good in shared dorms.
21. Compass.
22. Top of the line rain-gears (hm..)
23. 20m rope.
24. Climbing harness.