equipment

Uploading photos with Canon software and Picasa

I upload my photos to the computer using the Canon software that came with the camera. The software puts them into dated folders and turns vertical photos ninety degrees. Then I use Picasa from Google to organize, crop, color-correct, and export the photos. Then I zip them and put them on the thumb drive. Then I take the thumbdrive to an internet cafe to upload to the website.

Website uses Drupal and Gallery2

The website is using an open source content management system called Drupal. I am using the CivicSpace modification of it. The system has a steep learning curve and requires technical knowledge of running a website. It is more of a programming framework than a shrink-wrapped system. It is presumably getting better all of the time, although I am frozen in the 4.6 version of it as I don't feel like upgrading while travelling.

I am using an open source photo gallery system called Gallery2, embedded in Drupal.

Homemade sleeping quilt

Before I left I followed Ray's book and made a sleeping quilt, using a medium weight of Thinsulate as insulation and lightweight ripstop nylon. I had a tailor in Shimla put a zipper around the edge of it. In the Himalayas I have found this very useful. It packs very small and light. A second one would be ideal, but I did not bring the material for one. In Manali I had a tailor turn a light fleece blanket into a sleeping quilt. The fleece is slightly heavier than the Thinsulate. In weight and bulk the two are similar to a light sleeping bag, but I like to think a bit warmer.

Camping tarp

I had a very lightweight silicone-impregnated nylon sleeping tarp I made according to the Ray Way (see above) and ripstop groundcloth. It was a bit larger than I needed so I left it in the states. In the Himalayas I have picked up a polyurethane plastic sheet to use as a groundcloth and tarp. It is a little bit bulky and heavy so when back in the States may try to get some more material for a homemade tarp, which I got from a store out West. I have not used the tarp yet, but it is nice not to be dependent on trekking agents and rental shops and it is much lighter than carrying a tent.

Walking shoes and sandals

I picked up a pair of Reebok walking shoes in Shimla. I bought a pair of Reebok sandals in Mumbai.

Rainjacket, fleece jacket, and umbrella

I have a Campmor rainjacket but the polyurethane has worn over the years and now it leaks. I understand I can get cheap knockoffs of breathable waterproof rainsuits in the Himalayas and I may get one.

I wear a Campmor fleece jacket that my mother gave me. You can find fleece jackets in India.

I am carrying a compact umbrella that I found in Shimla that is useful when camping or walking in rain or sun.

Clothing

Most of my clothes I have bought in India including a nice pair of tailored khakis from Egyptian cotton.

Daypacks and Satchels

One can pick up cheap China-produced backpacks, daypacks, satchels, and bags of any size and color in the markets in India. If your lucky it will have Pokemon characters on it, or maybe Hello Kitty.

Online websites, blogs, and forums

In addition to HoboTraveller.com and DownTheRoad.org, I check the forums IndiaMike.com and TheIndiaTree.com for up-to-date discussions about travel and India.

Padlocks and chain for security

I use padlocks and a chain to lock my backpack and hotel doors. They are found in the markets in India.

Cooking

I picked up a small stainless steel tiffin, spoon, and plumbing immersible heating coil in Mapusa, Goa. I am not much into cooking instant meals so I have only tried it once. So far I have been eating cheaply at dhabas and restaurants or eating snacks. A backpacking stove, such as the international MSR featherlite like the one I have at home, would be useful on self-organized treks. If you ask, small hotels will sometimes let you use their kitchen. On agency-led treks, the trekking outfits insist on making the porters carry heavy, large, steel kerosene stoves and pots and pans.

First aid and repair

I have a small ziploc bag with first aid supplies: moleskin and bandaids for blisters, extra pills for malaria and other ailments (bought dirt cheap at Indian pharmacies), and antibiotic ointment. I have a small ziploc bag for a repair supplies such as electrical tape, needles, and batteries. I carry a small Swiss army knife.

Toiletries

I carry a few small stuff sacks with the smallest toiletry supplies I can find, such as the sampler size shaving foam you can find at the drugstore.

Water

I've been buying bottled water.

That is most everything of what I have.