Mitch's Boat Trip Pack List
This list is combined from many lists used over a decade of going asea. Sometimes for sailing with a friend, or as a passenger, often as a bird-trip leader, sometimes as a trip organizer, and for long-term into international waters. Not all items therefore would be appropriate on for instance an organized bird trip. Weapons and whiskey, for example would be improper in most circles. However, very real concerns if travelling long duration and distance into foreign waters. For instance some high grade alcohol may come in handy in the event of the need to sterilize a cut, or a Short-tailed Albatross. I haven't personally used every single item on the list. The first 15 items on the list I have tried to organize into level of importance to me.
These are the things I would not want to go to sea without: ___ Binocs - these are all you really need ___ Camera/batteries/film - for the inevitible unbelievable ___ Lens cloth, tissue, fluid - spray will become a problem ___ Rain Suit - if it's wet, this will save your day ___ Thermals - if it's cold these will save your day ___ Outer Jacket - it's rarely t-shirt weather out there ___ Sunglasses - must have due to glare ___ Pens/pencils - must take notes - every bird & latilongs ___ Pocket Field Notebook - easier on paper ___ Field Guides - need these; better have pictures ___ Toothbrush/picks/paste - if you plan on eating ___ Sunscreen - you burn twice as fast on the water ___ Hat or two - chance for political or fashion statement ___ Water/Juices - boat water invariably sucks ___ Seasick Medication - dramamine, marazene, patch ___ Food/Snacks - fruit bars ... keep stomach full ___ Saltines & Ritz - good to munch on ___ Gum/Lozenges/Mints - gets very dry out there ___ Medications? - any prescriptions? ___ Galoshes - if wearing wet suit, need these ___ Chapstick - very dry over saltwater ___ Swiss Army Knife - don't leave home without it ___ Charts - always some onboard, I prefer my own ___ Compass - when going on friend's boats ___ Ski Cap & Gloves - if it's cold ___ Clock or Watch - alarm for overnighters ___ Sleeping Bag - good to lay on for warmth ___ Sm. Flashlight - for overnighters to search your bags ___ Extra Socks - first washover you'll wish you had these ___ GPS Unit - latilongs always available on board ___ Weather Radio - I like to listen for a few days in advance ___ FRS Radios - best for getting word around quickly ___ Ear Plugs - if you're sleeping near the engine room ___ Wristbands - can help motion problems ___ Pantyliners - not personally field-tested ___ Knee Brace - for rough seas, long workouts ___ Cognac, Brandy, Whiskey - Sterilization of Albatross ___ Tobacco, Pipe, Lighters, Cigarettes - do it @ stern only ___ Fishin' Gear (irons & feathers) - most boats armed to teeth ___ Wasabi & Soy - most boats have soy, but not wasabi ___ Weapons & Ammo - certain waters require for safety ___ Blue Binder (pelagics) - ID articles, Co Lines, etc. ___ Clipboard, Manifest, Bunk Assignments - if organizer Chum Kit: ___ TrashCan/Liners or 5 Gal. Bucket ___ Cutting Board/Knives ___ Squid/Anchovies ___ Popcorn ___ Cod Liver Oil ___ Aquarium Fish Nets ___ Rags & Towels ___ Rubber Gloves
Please feel free to download, print, or make paper airplanes out of this list.
© Mitch Heindel 2001
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