Need Input for long Trip

[caine]

my best friend is about to take a long trip and emailed me this
all thoughts and ideas welcome

need a recommended packing list from you that would cover a trip
that I will outline below. Looking for first aid, survival, small
weapons, outdoor living, navigation, communication and anything else
you can think of for a trip around the globe.

Duration: 1 - 1.5 years
Climates: All, from arctic to desert and everything in between.
Terrain: every imaginable
Weight: low as possible, load split among two people
Restrictions: equipment must be able to pass through customs in
several countries and at least be able to pass checked baggage on any
plane.

 

[Watchful]

Uh... isn't that basically asking for everything?

Not be a jerk, but I believe entire multi-volume books have been written on that premise.

My advice might be for your friend to stay where he's at... this would be an incredibly demanding trip for even the most experienced among us.

Seriously, though, is this more of a monumental trip around the world (in which case your needs are smaller and easier to answer), or a real survival-type of challenge (in which case, the question he or she asked you indicates an already significantly lower chance of completing it successfully)?

I am confident a LOT of people would like to answer this question, but we could never, on an informal online forum, come even close to answering this request definitively.

Pict, what say you? Is this a trip *you* would take?

 

[Tony Turner]

Carry two things made from plastic VISA and MASTER CARD. Don't leave home with out em.

What you are asking for someone to put together for that length of time and that different of environment and climates and make it small enough for two individuals to carry is near imposible.

sounds like a fun trip though, but not during all of the conflicts that are out there.

 

[longbow50]

I don't have any experience planning for this type of expedition, but my initial gut impression is, that it isn't possible to put together gear that will do it all, in all climates and terrains.

Your friend would be better off taking his/her credit cards with them and picking up the needed gear, with the aid of the local natives in each area they'll be trekking through. The locals would also be more able to share with them the does and don'ts while traveling in the area so they can keep their butts out of trouble and a good guide or two would certainly be high up on my "need to have" list.

 

[rnr]

Sounds to me like he's going to have to buy all new. REI and other outdoor places have good ideas and books on ultra light packing. But here's a few ideas.

Wiggys has a sleeping bag 'system' that can go from light weight summer to about 30 below. Expensive, but it works.

I'd use a multi fuel (unleaded gas, white gas, etc) stove and make sure to clean out the stove and container each plane trip. That way, they could find fuel anywhere and altitude/cold isn't a problem. And then get a good titanium cooking kit. It'll last forever and is very light. For water, I'd carry a Katadyn Mini filter with an extra element and have hydration bladder in the main pack. And get a bota bag as backup or for additional water.

A good pair of water proof light weight hikers would be good for over all and then for the colder climates, they'd have to buy locally.

Columbia and North Face both make good waterproof/breathable jacket / pant systems that have zip out liners. Then add fleece vest for extra warmth.

Different manufactures make some good ultra light tents, or try a Hennesy Hammock system. They can be used as a regular tent too. Thermarest makes a few good sleeping pads that are quite light. Don't try to scrimp here, get one!

This is all I can think of right now, hope it helps.
Sounds like a fun trip! Happy planning.