Packing like a Soldier, not a Tourist
I might need to jump a ditch while I’m jogging to catch a flight. I might have a two-mile hike while getting from point A to point B. I will have 30 pounds of armor on. I have to pack lighter. In the next month every time I pack I am going to force myself to jettison an item, or three.
In my last post I mentioned I’d bring two pairs of pants for my two weeks in Afghanistan. Lucky for me someone read this and set me straight. Nick, the author of a pretty fantastic blog, suggested I severely limit the number of personal items I bring. Nick is in Afghanistan with the University of Maryland, has been there for 5 months, instructing Troops who wish to take University courses while deployed. Nick has provided me with some valuable insight. I recommend his blog. He takes nice pictures and provides well-written back stories.
NICK’S CHECKLIST
Checklist provided by Nick. A guy who is in AFG now and for 5 months has lived on less than I was originally planning on bringing for two weeks.
For any of you third world travelers out there if you have items that you would never consider leaving home without, or have brought with you but never used hit me up. I’m all ears.
I don't want to be this guy again. Way too much gear in Iraq (Kemp, 2009)
It may seem obvious, but
-An ipod, for those long C-17 flights into country–it doubles well as ear protection
-A small, squishable travel pillow (they sell ideal ones in most PXs, so you may be able to get one en route)– when you stay in a lot of transient housing, you can use your duffel as a pillow, but that can get unpleasant as your clothes get dirty. It was a luxury, but one that was well worth it when I was traveling a lot.
-Make sure your toiletries include sunblock. I was near Zabul and the sun is deceptively strong because of the altitude. Sunscreen didn’t cut it and I got badly burned.
🙂
You’re not the first person to recommend an iPod; I wasn’t going to bring it, but now think that it may provide a needed distraction. I’ve been told to download some audio books on it…less taxing to listen than to read, more interesting to listen to a book than it is listening to most music. Besides, it’s not very heavy, right? I’ll be at about 5000 feet elevation; the sun block is a great idea, thank you.
In addition to the packing list, Nick’s point about cooperation in Afghanistan is insightful. I’ll be interested to know the plan, challenges, strategies and realities in trying to achieve cooperation.
Will someone else have the first aid kit supplies for you?
Thank you for the comments Stephanie…I’ll plan on bringing some band-aides for blisters, Advil for headaches and pills for ‘stomach issues’, beyond that I’ll have military resources to tap into. What Nick said really falls into line with what my friend Ghafar Lakanwal mentioned to me…to be successful we need to see plans and actions in the way that Afghans see them.
This will add to weight, but check out pelican cases for your camera and laptop. They are water proof, crush proof, and very cheap insurance. I concur w/ the iPod and kindle. for your clothing I would recommend items that backpackers wear. They are usually light, tough, and pack small.
I know what you mean about Pelican cases and am completely torn, more weight and less room for other ‘stuff’, vs. keeping my gear more-protected. Will be thinking on this for the next couple of weeks.
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I certainly agree with all the comments here, but one thing jumps out at me. Have planned a contingency? Personally i would double pack and leave a kit in a locker near the airport. Things tend to happen fast in a war zone and incidents along the way have a tendency to happen when you least expect it. A ten day trip can quickly turn into a several week trip. A molle cover for your armor with a couple of pouches and a wrist pouch will give you easy access to your most frequently used gear and papers.
Have fun.
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