In a few hours I'm flying to Buenos Aires to help lead an off-road tour chasing the 2015 Dakar Rally some 10,000 miles from Argentina to Bolivia to Chile and back to the start. So uh, what should I bring?


Heavy gear (tools, vehicles) will be waiting for us, I'll be driving one of two support trucks (details unknown) while Magnus and our guests will be on rented Kawasaki dual-sport bikes. Not sure what's going on with access to clothes washing, but we're spending most nights in hostels so backcountry camping supplies can be left behind.


I figure a couple shirts, boxers, socks, computer, camera, and work boots (which I still have to buy) should pretty much get it done. But just in case, here's a complete list of what we're trying to lug.

The Official Outback Adventure Treks "Chasing Dakar" Packing List:

Passport & Visas

Drivers License

International Drivers License

Medical and travel insurance documents Vaccination certificate

Credit cards

Travellers cheques

Flight tickets

Cash

Travel Insurance Documents

Motorcycle helmet (preferably with sun visor)

CamelBak / Hydration backpack Min. 3 Litre. With pocket for day use items.

Goggles

Sunglasses

Ear plugs

Kidney belt

Riding Jacket Enduro Style preferred Riding pants

Riding boots

Gloves (two pairs)

Riding shirt

Riding socks

Waterproofs

Personal medication, a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor if you are carrying any prescription medication.

Camera, Helmet cam Camera cards & batteries

GPS

Handheld UHF Radio

Mobile Phone with international sim card or roaming. Minimum of text function.

Mobile phone charger

Travel power adaptor

Copy of Itinerary in plastic bag or laminated.

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Mosquito and insect repellent

Stubbie holder (beer coozie)

Pocket knife or Leatherman

iPod/MP3 player

Torch (flashlight) and batteries (LED headlamp type)

Jeans

Shorts

Sunglasses

Thongs (sandals)

T-shirts

Bathers Windcheater/jacket (bathing suit)

Underwear

Running shoes

Hat (Soft wide brim type)

Beanie/balaclava

Warm clothes to sleep in

Soap

Shampoo

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Shaving equipment

Pocket mirror

Towel

Hair brush & comb

Tissues As usual if you don't think you'll need it... Leave it at home.

Obviously a few of these things only apply if you're riding a motorcycle, and none of the tools or food required for survival are part of this list. But I'm keen to hear your suggestions on anything I might be missing that we haven't chalked down!

Image by the author, graphics via yoppy/Flickr