Packing for Peru
December 8th, 2008 Posted in Travel books, Travel gearThe posts on this blog may be sporadic over the next two weeks as I’ll be in Peru on assignment and my “sitting at a desk” time is thankfully going to be limited. I get to use my leg muscles instead of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-related muscles. Tales and pics to come though.
Meanwhile, packing was a challenge. I’ve never been one to pack the same stuff every trip, but Peru is especially tough because of the changes in altitude (and therefore temperature), plus I’m hiking through the Andes for five days at a time of year that tends to get rainy now and then. Sooo, although it makes me feel kind of silly, I’m packing everything into two similar-sized backpacks (around 30 liters). One is a standby Eagle Creek one that I use a lot on short trips. With a few tucks it turns into a suitcase with handles on the top and side. I can check that one and then saddle a porter with it later.
The other one will go on the plane with me and will be the trekking pack. This Lowe Alpine AirZone pack is ideal for trekking in warm climates. There’s a mesh panel that separates the pack from your back, so you don’t get all sweaty and sticky as you’re puffing up the mountain-or walking around town. It comes with a rain cover tucked away in a pouch at the bottom, so if I get hit with a downpour I’ll be set.
I’m also prepared for that with this ultra-cool jacket from Outdoor Research. It’s a featherlight windbreaker that is also waterproof. It’s got a few pockets inside and out, strategic zippers, a rain hood, and an “infinite guarantee.” I’m also jamming in some waterproof Keen hiking boots and a Kombi bamboo weave wicking long-sleeve shirt. Reviews coming on those items afterwards on the Practical Travel Gear blog. My REI branded combo shorts/pants work well for the temperature changes and the ExOfficio quick-dry underwear works great when you don’t want to carry two weeks’ worth of undies.
I’m also working on my Spanish with a nifty Franklin electronic Spanish translator I’ve used on several trips before. After you already know the basics, this works better than a phrase book. I used the Lonely Planet Peru book last time I went to Peru and supplemented it with some more detailed info from the Footprint guide. This time I’m bringing the Moon Handbook Peru as it seems to offer the best mix of authoritative research, background, and practicalities.
I am also packing several solar and wind-powered charging devices for the electronics. More on that later…
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One Response to “Packing for Peru”
By Lanora Mueller on Dec 9, 2008
Tim, you might want to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet’s Quechua Phrasebook to take along with your Spanish translator.
You’ll make lots of friends if you try a few words of Quechua on the trail and in the market.
Have a great time in Peru and stay dry ifi you can!