In a few hours I'm flying to Buenos Aires to help lead an off-road tour chasing the 2015 Dakar Rally some 10,000 miles from Argentina to Bolivia to Chile and back to the start. So uh, what should I bring?
Heavy gear (tools, vehicles) will be waiting for us, I'll be driving one of two support trucks (details unknown) while Magnus and our guests will be on rented Kawasaki dual-sport bikes. Not sure what's going on with access to clothes washing, but we're spending most nights in hostels so backcountry camping supplies can be left behind.
I figure a couple shirts, boxers, socks, computer, camera, and work boots (which I still have to buy) should pretty much get it done. But just in case, here's a complete list of what we're trying to lug.
The Official Outback Adventure Treks "Chasing Dakar" Packing List:
- Passport & Visas
- Drivers License
- International Drivers License
- Medical and travel insurance documents Vaccination certificate
- Credit cards
- Travellers cheques
- Flight tickets
- Cash
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Motorcycle helmet (preferably with sun visor)
- CamelBak / Hydration backpack Min. 3 Litre. With pocket for day use items.
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Ear plugs
- Kidney belt
- Riding Jacket Enduro Style preferred Riding pants
- Riding boots
- Gloves (two pairs)
- Riding shirt
- Riding socks
- Waterproofs
- Personal medication, a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor if you are carrying any prescription medication.
- Camera, Helmet cam Camera cards & batteries
- GPS
- Handheld UHF Radio
- Mobile Phone with international sim card or roaming. Minimum of text function.
- Mobile phone charger
- Travel power adaptor
- Copy of Itinerary in plastic bag or laminated.
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Stubbie holder (beer coozie)
- Pocket knife or Leatherman
- iPod/MP3 player
- Torch (flashlight) and batteries (LED headlamp type)
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Sunglasses
- Thongs (sandals)
- T-shirts
- Bathers Windcheater/jacket (bathing suit)
- Underwear
- Running shoes
- Hat (Soft wide brim type)
- Beanie/balaclava
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shaving equipment
- Pocket mirror
- Towel
- Hair brush & comb
- Tissues
As usual if you don't think you'll need it... Leave it at home.
Obviously a few of these things only apply if you're riding a motorcycle, and none of the tools or food required for survival are part of this list. But I'm keen to hear your suggestions on anything I might be missing that we haven't chalked down!
Image by the author, graphics via yoppy/Flickr