Before even thinking about a route for the first days the most important issues are my trekking gear and equipment. Never been to a tropical climate before, just hiked the alps a lot. So I already got some basic stuff, well at least for trekking in central Europe and good old Germany...So big step today! After weeks of searching outdoor shops my colleagues presented me the chosen backpack for my farewell today, bought in a new
outdoor and sports shop run by very nice and young entrepreneurs. It is the winner of my backpack competition from the last weeks, the
Quantum 70 + 10 of Deuter. It´s the one and only baggage that I´m taking with me and very perfect because of it´s attached daypack So I can uncouple the daypack and carry it during flights or day tours while leaving the big pack in my room or check it at the airport. Besides all the great features that are typical for Deuter like rain protection and special carry utilities (I use another smaller Deuter for my tours in the alps) this one can be opened from all sides, so you don´t have to unpack it, if you are looking for something specific. You can probably feel my excitement! Just have a look yourself! Finally having a backpack raises the excitement of course. Bought some additional stuff like special trekking socks, shirts, pants and trekking shoes in an outlet shop today too. Will still have to look for some additional things from my list (thanks to the great packing list in Stefan Looses guide again!!!) like trekking sandals and smaller things. But it all has to fit in my 70 Liter + 10 backpack. The guide and everybody who´s been to Asia tells you anyway: Don´t take to much stuff, buy it there and get it washed at your accomodations. That´s what I´m going to do, no chance anyway with the limited space...
