Equipment Splurges

Spending a ton of money on stuff to take on a round-the-world trip is a bad idea. The goal is obviously to pack as light as possible to maximize mobility and minimize extra luggage costs. Plus the more nice stuff you take, the more nice stuff you stand to lose to theft, lost luggage, water damage, forgetfulness, or perhaps a stray hippo attack (you never know). But there are a few things that I decided were worth splurging on.

I got my dream backpack, the Osprey Womens Waypoint 85, on craigslist. It's still going for $279 on the REI website, but I found a "used" version of exactly what I wanted for $125 in Denver. The previous owner took it on a 2 week trip to Europe before deciding to sell it, so it's in practically perfect shape. Score.

I found a refurbished Canon PowerShot SD780 with a 3 year warranty on eBay for about $125. Kind of pricey for my budget, but a great deal for a 12 MP digital camera, and I wanted a tiny, reliable camera I could carry inconspicuously in my pocket.

I don't consider myself to be a girl who compulsively collects footwear, but it is a little difficult to fit all the types of shoes needed for almost an entire year into one little backpack. Instead of packing bulky athletic shoes for hiking, running, and trekking, I bought a pair of these glove-like Vibram fivefingers, which also double as slippers and watershoes. Probably not going to do anything for the reputation of weird traveling Americans, but they weigh next to nothing, supposedly reduce running injuries by encouraging barefoot running-like form, are very comfortable (once your toes get used to their new freedom), and are easy to wash. They're around $100, but I got a $75 gift certifcate to JAX from an award at work, so I got mine for the bargain price of $25 plus tax. I noticed some on eBay for around $40. At that price they're probably knock-offs, but considering the whole idea behind these babies is minimalization, I doubt it'd make too much of a difference. I would, however, recommend trying before buying to ensure a comfortable fit around the toes.

I'm jumping on the crocs bandwagon half a decade late, but these little shoes are awesome. So comfy and light as air. Plus they're not even that ugly. I found a used pair at Repeat Boutique for $6.