Being the master of putting things off, I of course have waited much longer than I should have to start gathering all my gear. But I am also a master at working under pressure … so I have no fear that I will manage to get everything I need. However, one thing I am NOT a master at is the whole shopping thang. I am the antithesis of a consumer … which means that actually comparing prices and getting the “best” for your money (let alone what I really need) is truly a challenge for me. My idea of shopping at a store is to know what I basically want, find it in ONE store, and buy the first one that I see that actually does the job. None of this shopping around nonsense. None of this comparing prices, or even exploring the details.
Unfortunately, for a project like this, a little more thought is required. For one thing, it actually might affect my ability to survive unscathed. And more importantly, I am also working with a severely limited budget (if no money can be called a “budget”). So not only do I need to compare prices, I also need to compare qualities and shop “smartly”. A true challenge for an Idiot! But I am plugging along, and come March 20, 2014 I will be lugging a pack full of everything I could possible need … except for that small but extremely vital item that is mandatory to forget for any traveller (such a toothpaste). I have started buying some of the bigger necessities, like the pack that will eventually be full of everything. So far, I have been doing all my shopping online (adding to the challenge because THINKING is needed) at …
I would highly recommend that anyone who likes outdoor activities, or simply travelling, check out this site. They have many superior products at amazing prices!
If only I got points for the impromptu commercial.
So now I have something to put all the goodies in (the backpack), something to put ME in (a tent and a sleeping bag), something to make sure I can put things in me (stove, water filter), and something to track the mighty adventure (a camera and a cool notebook … thanks Kramer Lee’s). I certainly will LOOK the part now. Total weight of said STUFF is roughly 25 lbs … about half of the weight I plan on carrying. Of course that means I have 25 lbs for EVERYTHING else. No big deal. It is not like anything else is really important. Who needs food and clothes anyway?
I am finding that as I pick the things I need online, it is reminiscent of going to the supermarket when hungry. All of a sudden, not only do all sorts of things you forgot to put on the shopping list pop up, but also every craving you ever had starts screaming at you to “BUY THAT! AND THAT!” For instance, as I was perusing water filters, I was reminded that I also needed a way to drink the water. Which reminded me that I also need kitchen supplies, to actually cook and eat any food I might luck across. Now I find myself looking at gourmet cooking sets for hikers, with cookery and utensils that put any bachelor pad kitchen I ever had to shame. In reality, all I need is a cup and/or bottle, a pot to boil things in, a plate/frying pan and a spork. But these other sets are just SO COOL!
Now I am reminded that I need a knife. But one cannot settle for a simple knife. The ideal is one of those multi tools that has everything a heart could desire (including a microwave and a kitchen sink if you are willing to pay). Then I am reminded I need solar chargers to keep my electronics alive (I know, I know, I am too civilized). And the list just keeps growing. So here my pack is going to be full to the brim and I haven;t even LOOKED at food yet. And suddenly with a thrill of FEAR I remember the possibly most important item of ALL … TOILET PAPER! Time to nerd out on you … what I wouldn’t do for a Bag of Holding!
Despite the challenges, preparation goes on. Though my attempts at income have not always beens so fruitful, and my own coffers have been quickly dwindling, my Go Fund Me campaign has been helping a bit. I want to thank those who have contributed to the project so far. Every little bit helps!
