Comments on: Is a minimalist technophile an oxymoron? http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:20:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Jeff http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-317 Jeff Mon, 25 Feb 2008 04:59:37 +0000 http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-317 Thanks for the comments Scott. It's nice to hear from the other people like me I know are out there. We're planning on having the iPod and camera with us, and *we think* we're taking a computer with us, since Theresa is planning on doing a fair bit of writing and freelancing while we're traveling. I like the advice about getting "cheaper" stuff not just because its cheaper, but because you'll be less attached to it when it inevitably gets ruined. Very true. We've got some more gear posts (we're trying to sort out packs ... yep, the ones from the REI sale) coming so stay tuned and we'd love to get some more thoughts from you. Thanks for the comments Scott. It’s nice to hear from the other people like me I know are out there. We’re planning on having the iPod and camera with us, and *we think* we’re taking a computer with us, since Theresa is planning on doing a fair bit of writing and freelancing while we’re traveling. I like the advice about getting “cheaper” stuff not just because its cheaper, but because you’ll be less attached to it when it inevitably gets ruined. Very true. We’ve got some more gear posts (we’re trying to sort out packs … yep, the ones from the REI sale) coming so stay tuned and we’d love to get some more thoughts from you.

]]> By: Scott http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-314 Scott Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:20:41 +0000 http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-314 I'm a gear nut too and the toughest part was definitely deciding what to take/leave behind. I thought I'd made 'tough' decisions and was taking just the essentials, but still ended up with more than I needed. Electronics was my Achilles heel and among other things I think I could certainly live without taking my laptop next time. It was a 'nice to have', but not a necessity and definitely felt like a liability sometimes. I'd just put everything online and access it from any of the cheap internet cafes you'll find everywhere. My iPod, camera and travel alarm ended up being my most/only used electronics. As for clothing, don't be afraid to take too little. Buying stuff on the road can be refreshing after wearing the same stuff repeatedly for months. Just one new thing can make you feel like a new person. Plus, haggling for t-shirts in Thailand, a new daypack in Cambodia or tailor-made clothes in Vietname made for memorable experiences. Finding an REI-esque store (Kathmandu) in Australia/New Zealand that was having it's own super clearance while I was there was great too. As I'm sure you already know, you can buy just about anything you need in just about any country you'll visit. REI is certainly the best and I bought my core, technical gear there (and a lot more). But, since things are likely to get stolen, lost or damaged, I opted to buy some things (polyester underwear, synthetic socks, quick-dry t-shirts, sunglasses, etc) at places like Target. Still got decent quality, saved a bundle, and it all held up surprisingly well. Plus, I didn't hesitate when I left a few of those things behind in a Bangkok hostel room because I just couldn't stand to wear that blue t-shirt one more time no matter how well it 'wicked' away perspiration! The best advice I wish I'd followed more closely was the oft-repeated traveler's adage that just before you leave 'cut your pack in half and double your money'. I’m a gear nut too and the toughest part was definitely deciding what to take/leave behind. I thought I’d made ‘tough’ decisions and was taking just the essentials, but still ended up with more than I needed. Electronics was my Achilles heel and among other things I think I could certainly live without taking my laptop next time. It was a ‘nice to have’, but not a necessity and definitely felt like a liability sometimes. I’d just put everything online and access it from any of the cheap internet cafes you’ll find everywhere. My iPod, camera and travel alarm ended up being my most/only used electronics.

As for clothing, don’t be afraid to take too little. Buying stuff on the road can be refreshing after wearing the same stuff repeatedly for months. Just one new thing can make you feel like a new person. Plus, haggling for t-shirts in Thailand, a new daypack in Cambodia or tailor-made clothes in Vietname made for memorable experiences. Finding an REI-esque store (Kathmandu) in Australia/New Zealand that was having it’s own super clearance while I was there was great too. As I’m sure you already know, you can buy just about anything you need in just about any country you’ll visit.

REI is certainly the best and I bought my core, technical gear there (and a lot more). But, since things are likely to get stolen, lost or damaged, I opted to buy some things (polyester underwear, synthetic socks, quick-dry t-shirts, sunglasses, etc) at places like Target. Still got decent quality, saved a bundle, and it all held up surprisingly well. Plus, I didn’t hesitate when I left a few of those things behind in a Bangkok hostel room because I just couldn’t stand to wear that blue t-shirt one more time no matter how well it ‘wicked’ away perspiration!

The best advice I wish I’d followed more closely was the oft-repeated traveler’s adage that just before you leave ‘cut your pack in half and double your money’.

]]> By: Anonymous http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-312 Anonymous Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:42:27 +0000 http://livesofwander.com/2008/02/22/is-a-minimalist-technophile-an-oxymoron/#comment-312 "or at least acquiesce when she berates my desire to take something frivolous"- You hit the nail on the head with that line Jeff. I'm sure there will be plenty of paring down with Theresa's "help". But good call on the underwear. “or at least acquiesce when she berates my desire to take something frivolous”- You hit the nail on the head with that line Jeff. I’m sure there will be plenty of paring down with Theresa’s “help”. But good call on the underwear.

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