I’m finally packed!  After bombarding and bothering Mona, Matt & Erica (my traveling buddies), Tim (a certified travel expert), and the internet (yes, its possible to bother the internet, just don’t ask me how), I have finally finished packing for Africa.  Packing was a tough journey, but I feel comfortable with my gear, and I hope that I’m prepared for the trek ahead.  Since I’m going to be in multiple climates, my gear reflects both the tropical base and the arctic summit of Kilimanjaro.

Here’s what’s in my pack (a Kelty Coyote 4750, borrowed from Tim):

Winter:

• Winter Hat
• Balaclava
• Seriously sweet wicking long-johns – I’ve used these skiing a few times, and they rock.  I picked them up somewhere in Pennsylvania, and they are one of my best purchases
• Columbia Parka – Something I found on clearance at Amazon
• Gore-tex pants – Can never stay too dry.  picked up on sale from cabela
• Midweight Fleece – Awesome..picked up on sale at the North Face.  yes, the secret sale
• Boots – waterproof
• Base Layer undershirt- the partner to the long johns. again, they rock
• Gloves
• Socks – 2 pairs of heavy-weight, and 2 pairs of mid-weight.
• Toe warmers
• Finger warmers

Regular Clothes:

• Wicking shirts – leftovers from half-marathon training.  I hope they’ll help me stay relatively sweat free
• Columbia combination pants/shorts – great for trekking and hiking.  Unzip into shorts, and very light.
• 1 polo shirt – not polo brand, but something a bit nicer in case i need it
• 1 pair nice shorts – to match the polo.  i probably won’t wear them, but just in case
• Raincoat – Marmot preCip.  Light weight and very awesome.
• Boxers and socks – no comments needed
• Shower shoes
• sunglasses
• regular eyeglasses (yes, i’m 4 eyed)
• Contact lenses and solution

Electronics:

• Nikon D40 digital SRR, kit lens, 50mm lens, 2 batteries
• Canon Powershot point-and-shoot camera
• Travel Watch – cheapo timex
• Ipod – might be left behind, not sure yet

Other Gear:

• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• 2 nalgene bottles
• iodine tablets
• first aid kit
• travel towel
• toilet paper
• security wallet
• Personal toiletries (razor, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Deet bug spray
• Eddie Bauer bookbag, to use as a daypack
• Books
• Playing cards

As you can see, I’ve compressed the hell out of everything in either compression bags or ziplock bags.  Let me know if there’s anything that I’m forgetting, or something that I should get rid of.