Gone WalkaboutJourneys around the world by Sean Connolly 
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Masters of the Dance

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I was rather happy with everything I brought along this time, even though it was slightly more than I would normally bring for a long-term trip. But I was not anticipating moving around that much, and I also planned to spend more than my usual time trying to fit into the nightlife as I travelled. This required some extra clothes, needless to say. I was almost embarrassed by everything I brought, but even then, the entire pack only weighed 9.5kg (about 21 lbs).

  • 1 pair black jeans
  • 1 pair trekking trousers
  • 3 T-shirts
  • 4 pair underwear
  • 3 pair socks
  • Rainjacket
  • Fleece (The same ragged old one I carried with me around the world and to Asia last year...)
  • Sarong
  • Swim shorts
  • Tevas
  • Walking shoes
  • Glove liners
  • Long sleeve poly-pro
  • Hat

  • Shower kit
  • Contact lens solution + 3 pair of disposables (2 month/pair)
  • Glasses
  • First-aid kit
  • Sewing kit
  • Extra Film
  • Padlock and lightweight cable
  • Torch (Flashlight)
  • Micro towel
  • Sink plug
  • Laundry soap
The backpack this time around? An Osprey Scarab, 36 litres. A very good pack, and the closest thing I've had yet to a "perfect backpack". Extremely easy to pack, I never had to strain or struggle to shove one more thing down the side. Nice inside pockets to organize, plus one outer zip pocket. Tough sides would resist slashing, I would think. And easy to take aboard flights. But it was a little large for me. I'd like to check out the new Osprey Simplex, 28 litres, next time. Looks just perfect...

Daypack

  • Sunglasses
  • Penny whistle
  • Swiss Army knife
  • Spoon
  • Journal (sketchbook)
  • Guidebook (for Ecuador only)
  • Reading book
  • Water bottle
  • Camera
  • Small pad of paper

Extras

In addition to my backpack, I brought an old duffel I've had since my trip around the world. I knew I would be taking a lot of bus rides, and there's nothing filthier than a bus luggage hold. So, in addition to protecting my backpack, I was also able to cover a rather expensive looking pack with a non-descript dirty grey cover which also doubled as extra security. Plus, being able to lock everything inside when I was going out dancing was a nice added bonus.

I also brought another pack cover. A tiny, ragged blue nylon duffel bag that my sister used for her ballet shoes back when she was a kid. (Sorry, Jen!) It just barely fit over top of my small, spiffy new daypack, rendering the whole package to look like a rather sorry sight, not to mention eliminating any chance of quick fingers unzipping anything. It also appeared quite flimsy, so if anyone did by chance try to slash it, they would be surprised by the tough bag lying underneath, and so I'd get away with just a slashed cheap nylon cover...

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