2012 will be an epic year of travel for me (I’m sure you’re sick of me saying this by now). I have two rather large adventure trips planned (plus a few smaller trips). To say that I am excited would be an understatement (hmmm…I think I’ve said that before as well). After all, I’ll be visiting over 12 new countries and re-visiting about 3 or 4.

As I embark on the Mongol Rally in July my team and I will be filming our journey. We’ll have a camera inside the car, as well as one outside. We’ll film the parties, the landscapes, ourselves and more. Editing will be minimal. We want you to have a real sense of what the Mongol Rally is really like! When the Mongol Rally is finished I’ll be taking you along the Silk Road with me, riding camels and donkey carts, navigating through strange cities in Central Asia and discovering the history (and beauty) of the Silk Road from China to Turkey.

One of my travel goals (I’ll write more about them as the new year begins) is to branch out and try new things. I want to find new ways to bring you with me, as it’s kind of hard to fit all of you in my 55L backpack! So, I’ve decided to do more in terms of videos, photos, vlogs and so on.

GoPro Hero HD

As I mentioned above, I, along with Charlie and DJ will be filming during the Mongol Rally. The plan is to have a GoPro Hero HD camera mounted inside the car, filming the three of us as we navigate our way from London to Ulan Bator, Mongolia. I’m also planning to have a second camera to film outside the car, the parties, the breakdowns, the controversy and so on. In other words, I want you to have a realistic view of what the Mongol Rally is really like. During the rally I’ll be slightly editing the videos and uploading them from the road for you to watch in semi real-time.

iPad2

I swore I would never, ever, buy an iPad. Well, I turned myself into a hypocrite this year and bought one. Why? Well, I figure that the iPad would make it easy for me to slightly edit video and photos from the rally and the Silk Road and share them with you, my readers. I also want to use the 3G to stay connected through Social Media. As I’ve mentioned before, I want to bring you along with me on ALL of my adventures this year and I think the iPad is a great way to do it.

MacBook Air

I LOVE my MacBook Air. Like, a lot. It’s light and easy to use and I can carry it around with me and nobody knows I have it. I could do almost anything on my iPad, but I enjoy the feel of a keyboard under my fingers. I also use my MacBook Air for editing and keeping this blog updated.

Flip HD

Do I need a GoPro AND a Flip HD? Hmmm…In my mind, yes! I use my Flip HD for vlogging entries as it’s really easy to use. I love that I can have my Flip HD in my pocket and pull it out as I need it.

Nikon D3100

I am loving my D3100 by Nikon, although I need more practice before heading out for my 2012 travels. My DSLR is like a part of my body, I do not travel without it, and I snap an annoying amount of photos. Believe me, if my D60 had not been stolen when I was in Africa, I would have snapped an insane amount of photos of Africa and Asia this past year.

Lenses

Trips like the Mongol Rally, the Silk Road, a return to Scotland etc call for a lot of coverage from several angles. A simple lens is not enough. I need a variety of lenses to capture a variety of situations and landscapes like the sweeping grass plains of Mongolia, the deserts of Iran, ancient Silk Road buildings and monuments, the faces of locals and the colours and wares of markets.

In 2012 I’ll be packing my standard 18mm-55mm lens, as well as a 70mm-200mm Zoom lens, a 50mm lens and some lens extensions for my iPhone4 (for fun). I also plan to add a wide-angle lens to my kit.

TUMI

In 2011 I won a TUMI charger at TBEX and I LOVE IT!! The TUMI can be charged and then used to charge things like my iPhone and my iPad when I’m on the go. Once the TUMI is charged, I can charge my other devices anywhere, sitting on a bus in the middle of nowhere, in a restaurant, in a bar, anywhere.

Tripod

There are situations where a tripod is needed. I’ve tried the GorillaPod and it just doesn’t do what I need it to do, plus it makes me nervous. So, I’m on the hunt for a lightweight tripod that I can attach to my backpack as I’ll be using it a bit in 2012.

Instant Camera

The last of my gear (at the moment) is an instant camera. Why? Well, I have an art project in mind for during the Mongol Rally and the Silk Road which involves instant photos, a sketchbook, police, locals…that is all I’m telling you for now.

1TB Hard Drive

In 2011 I learned the importance of storing copies on my video and photo files on a hard drive, then I learned the value of storing my back-ups on more than one device! This year I plan to back-up online as well as on a 1TB Hard Drive. Maybe I’ll bring two hard drives…

It’s a lot of gear. In many ways I feel like a one-woman production company. The trick (as I see it) is finding the best way to pack and carry my tech gear as most of the items will be used on a daily basis. So, the quest for the ultimate day bag has started.

What tech gear do you carry?

Welcome to the first ever SpunkyGirl’s Ultimate Travel Kit. I hope you’re as excited as I am!

As a girl with a slight shopping addiction and a healthy travel obsession, I tend to get over excited about buying things for a new trip. I love looking for new products, and tend to look for products that are natural and organic. Throughout my travels I have learned what products work well, and which ones were a waste of my money. I’ve also learned to have fun with my wardrobe when I travel and stopped being such a judgemental tight-ass when it comes to packing for a trip. 

In 2011 my passport found itself being stamped in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore. The landscapes and weather were diverse. 

Global travel means packing for all kinds of conditions and circumstances. So, here is my list of products that I found to be essential during my travels. *Note: this is not a safety list, or a Top 5 list of things to pack.*

Solid Shampoo by LUSH

Prior to leaving for Africa I made a stop at LUSH in Banff to check-out product options for my trip. During my visit the salesgirl introduced me to their solid shampoo bars, the Godiva solid shampoo, to be specific. The smell was fabulous.

The Godiva is a 2 in 1 bar (shampoo and conditioner) that adds moisture to dehydrated hair. The bar itself is small and very lightweight. Here are some of the reasons why I love this product from LUSH.

• It’s small, about the size of your palm.
• LUSH sells tins that fit the shampoo bar perfectly, which is great for travel and storage.
• It’s solid so it doesn’t leak all over your backpack.
• They work! I used mine in the Serengeti after being covered in dirt and dust and came out of the shower with nice hair. It was a real treat.
• They smell fabulous
• They are vegan and organic.

Nipple Balm for Lips by Dr. Lipp

THIS is the product that started it all. Before I found the joy that is Nipple Balm for Lips, I hadn’t even thought about putting together a travel kit. 

If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll know about my fascination with Nipple Balm for Lips and how I vowed to give one away to one of my readers. Believe it or not, there are reasons other than the name why I love this product. For one, it’s not just for lips. I had to go there. I’m not sorry either. PLUS it’s a great product for parties. I took a tube to a tweet up in Toronto recently and couldn’t resist bringing it out and sharing some with my fellow party goers.

A little goes a long way with this lip balm, so don’t be discouraged by its size. The balm makes lips smooth and supple (and apparently it does the same thing for nipples). Unlike many lip balms, you don’t need to apply this stuff every few hours.

This balm has been used by make-up artists for years and now it’s available to the public! I found my tube at the airport in Singapore, and I’m aware of a female traveler who has found it in the USA. I believe you also buy it online.

Guess what? If you keep reading, you’ll have a chance to WIN a tube of Nipple Balm for Lips!! 

Notebook by Moleskin

A small moleskin notebook can be a godsend when you’re traveling. One of the best tips I have ever received is that when taking a taxi, I should write the taxi number and driver name down for when I left something behind or something happens. Taxi info is usually visible and easy to read. Just be sure to compare the photo on the dash to that of the driver. I’ve been in taxi cabs where the driver and the ID looked nothing alike.

A notebook also comes in handy for making trip notes, writing down recipes from local women, name and address information and more. At least, that is what I use my small notebooks for. My notebooks are disorganized to say the least. I actually sleep with a small notebook like this by my bed so I can jot down notes, ideas, emails, blog posts and more. It allows my brain to relax and eventually I’m able to sleep.

Tip: when I’m traveling and there is an unhappy kid nearby, I usually crack open my little notebook, pull out a pen or some crayons (yes, I travel with crayons) and within a few minutes I’m doodling and coloring inside my notebook, along with a little munchkin or two.

Pashmina Scarf (or Sarong)

A pashmina scarf is probably one of the most diverse items you could travel with. It doesn’t matter where I’m traveling, what the weather is like, or what I am wearing. Bringing a pashmina scarf is mandatory in my books. As I mentioned, a pashmina is one of the most versatile items you can travel with.

• You can be in Thailand on the hottest day of the year, but if you’re taking a VIP bus somewhere, you’ll freeze your ass off, trust me. A pashmina scarf will come in very handy.
• Pashminas pack-up small, and weigh practically nothing.
• You can make a funky top (or dress if you’re packing a sarong).
• They’re great for beach days.
• They are fashionable and can dress-up an otherwise grungy outfit.
• They are soft!

Glitteratti Lip Tattoo by Violent Lips

Yes, you read correctly. A lip tattoo! I first saw these babies in Asia and fell in love with them! How could I not, they are glittery temporary lip tattoos. This product is almost as good as the nipple balm for lips. I know, you’re scratching you head and wondering why I think this is a packing essential. Here’s why…

I use to be very conservative and ‘safe’ in my packing choices, which meant that when something fun and wild came up, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I’m not saying that is a bad thing, but I decided I wanted to have a little more fun, and you have to admit, applying a glittery temporary tattoo to your lips is pretty damn fun, and funky. 

So, how do you apply a temporary tattoo to your lips? Well, the lovely folks over at Violent Lip have created a fabulous tutorial video to help. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in Prague next year, I’m applying one of these babies to my lips before hitting up a Mongol Rally rave party. See, they’ve already come in handy.

Funky Earrings by Second Shot

In case you haven’t guessed, I like to be different. If I find a product that is funky, quirky or different from similar products, I fall head-over-heels in love. Recently I went to a craft-type show with my Sister-in-law. It was small, and some of the money went to a local charity. While I was there I came across a table selling these fabulous earrings (along with rings, belt buckles, keychains etc.). The cuteness of the earrings was obvious, but that’s not what sold me on them. The fact that everything was made from old recycled skateboards, did. How many people do you know with jewelry made from old skateboards?! I rest my case.  *If you’d like to buy a pair, or look through their current pieces, just visit them on etsy.com. You’re welcome.

Chocolate!!

Mmmm…Chocolate! I could probably write an entire post of the validity of chocolate, and I don’t think I am the only one. 

I suffer from migraine headaches, the kind that start at the front of my forehead and eventually move into my eyeballs. It’s painful and makes me extremely irritable. In other words, I am no fun when I have a migraine. One thing that helps me with my migraines is chocolate. For whatever reason, chocolate helps to lessen the pain (so does diet coke, but I’ve given up drinking soda). Now, aside from medicinal purposes, there is always room for chocolate, especially the good kind. One of my favourite brands is Ritter Sport Dark Chocolate. Yum!!

WIN Your Very Own ‘SpunkyGirl’s Ultimate Travel Kit’

I would love to include for items in my Ultimate Travel Kit, but I want to keep it simple, funky and fun. Plus, I plan to make this an annual thing -that way I can continue to introduce you to new and cool products. Now, I know the girlie traveler in YOU is just DYING to WIN the items listed above. So, here is how you can enter…

Leave a comment below about which item (think of something not on this list or use an item from the list, it’s your choice!) or items you would put in YOUR Ultimate Travel Kit. I want to give everyone a chance to enter, so you have until December 24th at 11:59 p.m. EST. On December 25th a winner will be selected at random (using a handy online system) and I will announce the winner on Facebook and Twitter. 

• Earn an EXTRA entry by leaving a comment on here, AND Facebook!
• There are a couple of secret items that will be included in your kit which will be revealed when I announce the winner.
• I will donate $1 for EVERY COMMENT made on this post to Passports With Purpose!!

However with all the brands and packs out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision.

Size

Yes, size does matter!

Take a few minutes to consider what you plan to bring with you. Clothing, supplies, equipment etc. This will make a difference in the type of backpack you buy. Sure, you can buy a pack and decide afterward, but why put yourself through all that stress?!

Fit

I cannot stress enough how important it is that you buy a backpack that fits properly. Having a backpack that doesn’t fit properly will cause unnecessary pain and in some cases, injury.

• Shoulder Straps – your backpack should never, ever rest completely on your shoulders.
• Padding for your lower back should sit ON your lower back when you try your pack on. if it’s too high or too low, adjust the straps accordingly. If you’re a tall person, you may need to ask for a size tall in the pack you’re looking at.
• The Chest strap should be across the middle of your chest, not the top of your chest. If something caught the back of your pack and jerked you backwards, a strap across the top of your chest could end up choking you.

Easy Care

I know what you’re thinking. Why the hell should I care how easy it is to care for my backpack? It’s a backpack?! I’ll tell you why. After months of traveling with both clean & dirty clothes in your backpack, it’s bound to smell a wee bit funky after awhile.

Last year I made the mistake of buying a backpack that was too big, and as it turns out, impossible to clean. I was caught up in the storage options, the color and the durability of the fabric. Now, I have a backpack that can only be spot cleaned.

When shopping for a backpack, look for ones that have mesh backings and removable frames. This will allow you to toss them into the wash at home and get the funk out when it becomes too offensive.

Storage/Access

I go gaga over backpacks with fabulous storage options. I love packs with a separated bottom as it’s a great place to store a sleeping bag, dirty clothes or extra shoes. I love side zipper access (as long is it’s a double zip & I can lock it) & I love storage in the lid.

Safety

Does the backpack have double zippers? Can you lock it up for those times when your backpack will not be within your line of sight at all times? These are questions you should ask yourself when looking for a new backpack. In most cases, you’ll be fine. However, there are times when pickpockets will pounce.

Make sure your comfortable with the safety options of your pack.

List the gear you think you’ll need and start researching the various types and brands. If you start doing this early, you’ll make better choices. Plus it’s a great way to stay travel focused while waiting for your trip to begin.

Although I haven’t nailed myself down to a specific itinerary, I do know I’ll be gone for 6+ months. I also know I want the flexibility to write my blog posts as they come to me instead of waiting until I find an internet cafe and I’ll be taking an obscene amount of photographs. Here are a couple items on my gear list.

• Flip Mino HD- I want to create some videos on this trip for my niece to watch on my blog. It’s a great way to add some education and spunk to my posts.
• MacBook- I’m currently using a Toshiba, but I like the flexibility with MAC, especially when it comes to photography.
• Wide Angle lens- I want more options with my Nikon D60 while on the road.
• 2 Clairefontaine Notebooks- I love these notebooks, plus they’re very affordable and well made.
• Writing supplies- Pencils mostly, but a pen and some pastels or crayons work well too. A mini ruler is handy, and a glue stick is a must!
• Extra SD cards for photos.
• Batteries- I need to buy an extra camera battery, as well as a pkg of AAA for my maglite.

As you can see, two of these items are pretty big purchases. I’ve spent months looking at the Flip and MacBook. I’ve visited stores, touched the product, surfed websites etc. Now that I’ve narrowed it down, it’s time to start putting my money aside and watch out for sales. I want to buy both of them in the next couple of months so I have time to play and learn before my trip- which I highly recommend.

Whatever your gear needs are, take the time to research them, being rash can hurt not only your wallet, but your back as well if you’re not careful.

My current plan (I’m not going to pretend that this plan won’t change a million times) is to leave around August 2010.  Why then?  Well my lease is up at the end of the July, the condo should be sold by then and I will have even more money saved from my job- not to mention I’ll be 100% out of debt.  So 8 or 9 months from now I’m hitting the road.