Identification: is a main priority—a traveler must be able to prove who he is quickly—so keep essential documents next to your skin. Even when you bathe, have them in full view but dry, of course. I have heard that the next step is to have a microchip implanted under your skin so you can always be identified, but that is pretty extreme. We already have fingerprints for positive physical identification—maybe that’s enough.
NOTE: when traveling, “The WHO Immunization Card” is as necessary to carry as your passport. At the present time (1976) you MUST CARRY evidence of a “typhoid booster” shot (annually), a “smallpox booster” shot (updated annually), a TB test (updated annually) a, “cholera booster” every six months and hepatitis protection—a gamma globulin shot every four months. Some countries are very serious about this evidence and others are lax. Be prepared!
Wardrobe: I like a baseball cap with a bill to keep my nose from getting sunburned. I like sturdy, lace-up ankle high leather boots with “tractor tread” soles so I don’t have to worry about my feet. A change of underwear and socks are nice. A couple of bandana handkerchiefs are handy. Tee shirts and shorts in the tropics are good and I like to have one presentable collared shirt with buttons for “dress-up” occasions. Jeans seem acceptable almost everywhere and a lined jean jacket is good protection for all but very cold weather. A real wool sweater is practical if you can afford it.
In South America
I tried wearing a poncho as a combination “coat and blanket” but it never worked for me. I like a separate coat and a blanket better.
For a backpacking earthprober, “comfortable” is better than “stylish”.
I never found one trouble-free backpacker’s wardrobe that would accommodate all climates and all cultures and all conditions, but I also discovered that whatever I need seems to appear whenever I need it—this always works for me so I don’t worry much about how I’m dressed.
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