Equipment Update


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March 29th 2009
Published: March 29th 2009
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Our Travel Pumps...Our Travel Pumps...Our Travel Pumps...

Like wearing a pillow!

Eeny Meeny Miny Mo.....



OK, the trip is getting forever closer... We've still not bought the tickets yet, but mid April seems to be the time to do it. Just need to get over some small hurdles before we do so. But in essence we're off in September.

So where do you start?

All the research you possibly can, of course. This goes with everything. Destinations, how to carry money, places to see, budgeting etc etc and of course what the hell do you take? On top of all the research into books and websites we've made our very first purchases and this is kicking the dream into reality. We're really going!!.

As we're doing this for the first time we want to make sure that we have all the proper kit. The first of the major decisions to make for us with equipment is 'shoes'. We're going to be in those shoes for 12mths at least. We've decided to get a 3/4 shoe and a smart yet robust sandal. The choice of shoes is vast and from all the names to all the styles, materials, GoreTex etc... pardon the phrase, "The possibilities are Endless". We were
Salomon 3D FastpackerSalomon 3D FastpackerSalomon 3D Fastpacker

Racing stipes.....!
having trouble deciding whether to take a boot, protecting your ankle, and little more robust or something less solid. This swayed us to go for something a little more comfortable and more breathable. The Salomon were the better choise. SO.... Like a pair of saddo's we've actually bought the same shoe just different colour schemes. We spoke to the guys here http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk and they've all had various experiences around the world and this helped us on our decision, so their input was really useful. Here are the bad boys in question at £94.99:

We've also been doing all the research into Rucksacks.. there are thousands of types, sizes, colours etc.. We had kind of made our minds up on Berghaus as to us it seemed like the best brand. We're going for 2 55-65ltr packs. We had looked at many other bags, but mostly Berghaus. We then again went to our international world trip supplier (http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk) and tried on a fair few within the 2.5hrs we were there. We made sure that we packed the rucksacks with a fair bit of weight and made it as real as possible. It's something that was suggested to us in our rough
The PackThe PackThe Pack

Karrimor.. Karri as much as you like. I could get in it!
guide book. You have to have this. It's been an essential part of our research and and a great reference book (Rough Guides: First Time Around the World) since the beginning. It's already well read. Anyhoo, back to the packs. We found that best strap system and feel was Karrimor (£79.99). you could adjust the height of the straps to your size which seemed standard but the system seemed to be much better on the Karrimor bags, it did also come with a little access hole for a drinks bottle and tube. It has a self contained rain cover and has zip access to the bag all over the place but close to your back to keep those little thieving hands away! Also it just sat correctly on our hips which is important, your shoulders should take as little weight as possible:

Remember these are all our personal preference but for those that our interested it's just another opinion.

So that's it so far but it's a start and it really feels like the wheels are rolling towards our ultimate goal. We'll keep you updated as to what we buy as we buy it - not everytime we
Strap SystemStrap SystemStrap System

A much better strap system than most bags we saw
buy something... That would be spammage!

But this is our first 'big buy' so we just had to tell everyone!

Happy travels and we'll be in touch soon.

D&Z







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