Black Diamond Demon Backpack 32-Liter

Bring or don’t bring?: BRING

I have become convinced of two things on this trip: No one should need to travel with any more than a 32-liter bag, and this bag is the best thing ever in the entire world. Ever.

This bag is light, durable, easy to secure, keeps you honest (can’t buy stuff you can’t carry!), and it fits EVERYWHERE.

You might balk at first at the thought of fitting your whole life into a 32-liter bag, but you’ll sure feel smug and glad that you did when you see other travelers lugging their huge ones, sometimes twice as big, on and off the buses, hitting everyone in a 12-foot radius in the process, getting targeted for all the touts and scams, and looking strained.

You really can do it with a bag this size, and you’ll be glad you did.

Read the rest of the review of the Black Diamond Demon 32-Liter

Mombasa Outback Travel Mosquito Net

Bring or don’t bring?: BRING

If you’re going to Asia, there are going to be mosquitoes. Lots of em.

Some of the places you stay will have mosquito nets. But a lot of them won’t. And for the times when there is no net and there’s even just oooone little itty bitty buzzing bug in your ear in the dark when you’re trying to sleep, threatening with every beat of its little evil wings to bite you all night and leave you scratching like mad for the next two weeks…you’ll wish you had a net.

It’s cheap, lightweight, and easy to put up. It’s worth it.

Read the rest of the review of the Mombasa Mosquito Net

Sea to Summit 100% Silk Travel Liner

Bring or don’t bring?: BRING

If this is your first time backpacking outside of the Western world, surprise! If you’re on a budget, you don’t get sheets anymore!

I thought budget meant basic. In the US, that means Motel 6: cheap, sometimes sleazy, but bedding that is mostly clean; in Europe that means a hostel with creaky bunk beds but at least you get sheets and a towel.

In Asia, budget means, “Here’s an inch of cardboard on your wooden bedframe. Hope you brought a travel sheet.”

Read the rest of the review of the Sea to Summit Silk Liner

Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

Bring or don’t bring?: BRING

Whether you want to save money or save mother nature, either way you’ll win by bringing one of these babies with you.

Buying bottled water may be cheap and possible just about everywhere in Asia, but the costs do add up. When you factor in the Katadyn’s 50,000-liter lifespan, you’ll be getting your money’s worth.

And when you see the piles of empty plastic bottles, you’ll know you’re doing your part to keep from adding to what is a serious problem in Asia. Not to mention it’s good to make sure you’re never stranded without a safe water source.

Read the rest of the review of the Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

REI Flash 18 Pack

Bring or don’t bring?: Maybe bring

Getting your stuff down to only one bag is best.

You avoid the whole pregnant turtle/weighted down take-advantage-of-me tourist look, which is excellent in Asia for a variety of reasons – namely rickshaws, touts, scams, and two words: unreserved seating.

But you do still need a daypack. And as one that can hold a whole lot when you need it and collapse into almost nothing when you don’t, this one just might fit the bill.

Read the rest of the review of the REI Flash 18 Pack