BajaNomad

Packing tips for the desert and Mexico

AKtundra - 11-13-2011 at 09:45 PM

Still in the planning stages of a possible, largely camping based trip down Baja. I do a lot of camping here in Alaska ( took the family on our first fly-in rafting trip in 1999, and every 2-3 years or so, wind up with a month were I have spent more nights in my tent, than in my own bed. We have done several trips that were remote enough that it was 10-12 day float back to the road system/landing strip.

If we come down, we will be flying to SD, with checked bags. Regardless of what we bring, there are some things that just do not make sense to pay a bag fee to bring. ( definitely not worth bringing back, will likely stop at a thrift store before heading to the airport) First stop will be walmart to pick up essentials not worth bringing as checked bags. I can pack light, but I do not know desert camping, nor Mexico. I see a LIST in the FAQ section, and will page through the replies.

I see pic's of folk's Baja camps and realize i am not going to be able to bring that much gear. I see common patterns that i do not see in my own camp (pop up shelters & awnings for instance) What are some of the things unique to desert camping ? What are the "oh crap" things that are hard to find in Mexico if we forgot 'em or run out ?

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]

BornFisher - 11-13-2011 at 10:16 PM

Really need to know what months you will be in Baja, but the rule of thumb is don`t bother with a road plan because within 24 hours that will be gone. And bring half as much crap and twice as much money as you think!
Good luck, maybe some SD folks could lend you some camp stuff!

vgabndo - 11-13-2011 at 10:38 PM

Welcome aboard.

Bornfisher makes a good point about keeping it light and with muchos pesos. You could over-plan the caca out of this. That would be my technique. :yes:

We need input. Renting a vehicle?

Curt63 - 11-13-2011 at 10:40 PM

Be prepared for wind. Shovel, air compressor, water jugs, gas jugs, Sp Eng dictionary/phrase book, good tires and emergency cash.

Most important:

Patience, smile and wave at strangers, slow down from the rat race pace

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by Curt63]

KASHEYDOG - 11-13-2011 at 10:45 PM

You're gonna do what ????????????

Hey Aktundra, I suggest you go back to the play book and get the one titled how to survive in the wilderness of the BAJA, California desert. If you continue with your current plan you will need to buy and leave everything it takes to survive in a place where there are few stores, no water, no camp sites as we know in the US. Do you realize just how remote Baja is Or are you going on some "guided camping tour " of Baja???
Maybe I'm not understanding what you're thinking But if I'm right you need to come here on a trial run and stay in some of the places you're thinking of and EXPERIENCE it first.

BTW ... what are you thinking of driving down there. First thing to remember and understand is Baja is not the U.S.A, it's a foreign country and many car rental companies do not allow their cars to go to Mexico. You'll need Mexican auto insurance, passports, Mexican visas to travel beyond a certain distance, roadside assistance. This is not going to be a pitch a tent we bought at Wall Mart yesterday thing.....:lol:

Again, I suggest a dry run first. Come down and check it out. Stay in some hotels and drive around. Sight see. I can tell from you're current plan that you've never been here. It's much different then you've imagined........

And no I am not, as suggested earlier, lending you my stuff. It's taken me many years of "Wall Mart" trips to accumulate all the right stuff. No offence.......
However, you're welcome to call me if you'd like some advice.

[Edited on 11-14-11 by KASHEYDOG]

AKtundra - 11-13-2011 at 11:57 PM

Kasheydog, I appreciate your reply !!!

Over the course of any given year i spend 2-3 weeks a year in my tent, for the last 20 years. And I cannot recall the last time I camped in a campground ! ( we don't have many here in Alaska either, at least not in the places I travel) I regularly serve as an outfitter for groups as large as 20-25 ( many of which are flying in to ak). i recognize that just because I have camped above the arctic circle, in a rain forest, at altitude, or on beaches with NO ROAD access, does not mean I know squat about the desert. But hopefully I can evaluate the risks, and proceed with my eyes wide open. (and bring lots of pesos to retreat to a hotel!)

Not sure how I can experience it first, without..... experiencing it ?

I plan on bringing my usual camping gear with me. My reference to walmart, was to get groceries, fuel, and the things that are not worth paying xs baggage fees To bring with or take back ( why pay $50 to bring bulky water jugs, blue tarps, when I can buy them in SD?).

I have planed my own fly-in trips above the Arctic Circle, fly-in trips into the rain forest both in "bush" planes. I am kind of viewing this a a fly-in trip to the desert, just happens to land in SD and be on a regular jet !

I have made arrangements for a stock SUV ( with Mexican insurance) with the understanding it will be taken to Baja. Do not plan on using a tour company. plan on coming down this winter. Plan on alternating a few nights camping, with a few nights in a hotel. plan on spending a week or two unless the money runs out. And plan on calling Kasheydog if I see a bug or feel like an espresso !

I do appreciate the comments Kasheydog, and do not feel like I am arrogant enough to dismiss them.

Thank you

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by AKtundra]

mcfez - 11-14-2011 at 09:33 AM

So you have your basic camp gear. Have Gear - Will Travel.......sounds like you know your stuff.

Tires - Mini air compressor is a must for Baja...reducing your air pressure is a must for sand/washboard road. Can of "Fix It". 4 Road flares".....a must.

Water - I always carry 5 gallons for drinking and for the car.

Safety - One can of "Wasp Spray" . This is good for bears and bad guys. Most weapons are illegal in Mexico.


If you plan to fish off any floating device....fishing license for each person. You can buy on line.

Batteries for the camera.....VERY costly in Mexico. If you are buying film for the camera...you must be a old goat :-)

Take a freezer lock bag..put in a copy of your(s) DL, facial picture of all, copies of medical prescription(s), emergency phone numbers, 100 bucks worth of USD's and Pesos. Hide in your car somewhere smart. All this is for if you get stuck somewhere, one of you get lost, ect. Be prepared for any adventure!


Baja Almanac
http://www.baja-almanac.com/
Dont be stupid to travel without this!


Penny candy / lollypops for the kids at the villages you may visit


Funny...I used to travel nearly the same way as you do! Carry on bag and the ziplock packet. Buy what we needed once we arrived at our destination. No luggage waits...no carry. Beat everyone to the Taxis :-)

David K - 11-14-2011 at 09:44 AM

have a look at my Shell Island camp pics. things we bring incl. shade and tent plus table and chairs, ice chests, stove and lanterns, fire wood, simple foods to cook for dinner, sandwich fixens for lunch, whatever you like for breakfast. this is because we are not around civilization camping. lots of drinking water. we use sea water for dishes and cleaning. we bring 5 gallon water jug for rinsing and cooking but never use it all.

wilderone - 11-14-2011 at 09:50 AM

AKtundra - you'll have a wonderful time. I have flown into Cancun with a Navy seabag full of camping gear, rented a car and camped for two weeks. The desert in winter: there are times when the temperature gets to freezing, and there are times when the wind blows, incessantly - maybe even three days. You will need cold weather clothing, gloves, caps. Get something that will double-duty for rock scrambling gloves, sun protection hat, layering with good techno fabrics. The rest of the time it will be perfect. Your stove and fuel will be a consideration because you can't fly with fuel. If you'll be shopping in San Diego for fuel, no problem, unless you need a specific fuel cannister that local stores may or may not have. You can get away with a $39 tent if you bring extra stakes and guy lines. Tie these to big rocks, bushes, your car when the wind blows. You won't need awnings and stuff like that. Camp at places with palapas, near cliffs that provide shade, trees. Thrift stores are a good source for clothing so you don't use checked baggage space. Get some styrofoam coolers once you get to San Diego to pack your food in. Be sure to go to a Henry's Market where they have bulk bin stuff - oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, dried soups, trail mix. Within a one-mile radius of Rosecrans and Midway Drive, there is a Target, Big 5 sporting goods, Henrys, Big Lots, Goodwill, Amvets Thrift, Sport Chalet. And there are good 99 cent stores for toiletries. There are tons of places for you to explore without having to take a lot of offroad risk. You going to see the whales at Scammons Lagoon? Easy dirt road and great camping there. Have fun!

shari - 11-14-2011 at 09:50 AM

AK...you are an experienced camper and you need less gear in baja. We are minimalist campers and dont even bring a grill because they are easy to scrounge, beachcomb...we usually find old lobster traps and burn off the plastic covering...but usually can find some old grill type thing that someone else has used and left behind (the mexican way)

and remote camping means lots of burnable stuff for cooking...we bring one frying pan, one pan for boiling water, tin foil, chopsticks, one tin plate & cup each...it's easy...you dont need all the crap many campers bring. Just put rocks in your tent for wind...I wrap my jeans or sweater around them so they dont tear the tent.

We dont even bring much food as there is lots of seafood around, clams, scallops, fish, lapas, depending on where you camp...or fishermen willing to give you a fish...we just throw it on the makeshift grill and eat it! no muss, no fuss.

It will be easy to just go to a second hand store and get what ya need for a few bucks... many places you dont even need 4X4 if you air down...anyone who camps in Alaska will be fine here...

we look forward to your trip report

David K - 11-14-2011 at 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
AK...you are an experienced camper and you need less gear in baja. We are minimalist campers and dont even bring a grill because they are easy to scrounge, beachcomb...we usually find old lobster traps and burn off the plastic covering...but usually can find some old grill type thing that someone else has used and left behind (the mexican way)

and remote camping means lots of burnable stuff for cooking...we bring one frying pan, one pan for boiling water, tin foil, chopsticks, one tin plate & cup each...it's easy...you dont need all the crap many campers bring. Just put rocks in your tent for wind...I wrap my jeans or sweater around them so they dont tear the tent.

We dont even bring much food as there is lots of seafood around, clams, scallops, fish, lapas, depending on where you camp...or fishermen willing to give you a fish...we just throw it on the makeshift grill and eat it! no muss, no fuss.

It will be easy to just go to a second hand store and get what ya need for a few bucks... many places you dont even need 4X4 if you air down...anyone who camps in Alaska will be fine here...

we look forward to your trip report


Good suggestions from a Canadian to an Alaskan! The electric air pump for your tires (and accurate gauge) is unavoidable if you come to deep sand or beach driving... even with 4WD.

Hook - 11-14-2011 at 02:26 PM

Geez, somebody bring an old grate down for Juan and Shari, will ya??!!! Even a piece of expanded metal or something.

Yeah, you could also scrounge for food like them. But I've seen both of them; they've got, like, 1% body fat. That doesnt sound like ANY of my friends who live in AK.

If you go by my itinerary, just bring enough food for that first night at Santa Inez. Hit a fish taco stand in San Quintin on the way down. One called La Pasadita has always been good. But I havent been through there in about 5 years now. Maybe it's gone............but I doubt it.

Then, shop at Saul's in Mulege for your foodstuffs for the rest of the week.

There is nothing outside of a four season tent that could take the winds that can occur in BOLA; rocks or no rocks. If you've camped much, you know that. While the tent might not move, it will lay nearly flat if it doesnt have enough support. And two shock-corded poles is not enough support.

Sleeping in SUVs sucks, dont you know? Everything out at night; everything back in for the day. Bring a decent tent. This would EXCLUDE anything made by Coleman.

Bring layers of clothes. Plan on potentially having to endure nights in the upper 40s and days in the upper 70s. Santa Inez COULD actually hit the 30s at night. But it's only one night each way.

Layers on the bed, too. A 3-4lb Holofil-type bag and a single wool blanket should get you through anything. Down-filled not necessary; in fact, too hot.

Cots are nice but too bulky/heavy and they can punch holes in a tent bottom, unless you want to carry something to prevent that. So, a Thermarest is best. I find full sized air mattresses too noisy and too bulky.

For campware, bring a couple of Rubbermaid bins with snap on lids in the 10-15 quart or so size. Load your campware into these, excepting your stove, of course. These now double as basins for washing dishes, hands, anything.

Paper plates, of course. Dont cheap out on these. Get the Diamond or Dixie brands; something substantial that stands straight out when you hold it with heavy food on it. Go with conventional utensils; plasticware sucks.

Borrow backpacking cookware, if you can. A boiling pot that holds enough pasta for two is all you need, with a collapsible handle.

When camping, I have ditched a propane or briquet grill for a griddle that fits on the camp stove. It has raised ridges on one side, a flat surface on the other. I cook meats on the ridged size, eggs and stuff on the other. Fits across an entire two burner stove. VERY handy. Grilled cheese sammy, tuna melts..........OH YEAH!!!

For a stove, a two burner is nice. Propane, of course. Who wants to carry fuel that can spill? Who wants to deal with pouring it? Haz mat spills are dangerous.

Constantly working off the back of an SUV tailgate also sucks. Beg or borrow one of those nifty roll-up tables and use it in conjunction with the tailgate.. A conventional, light-weight lawn chair fits under it perfectly. Instant dinner table. I hate holding a plate while eating. I hate eating off a corner of whatever is supporting the stove.

Buy your drinking water as you go, by the gallon. But you should carry about 3-5 gallons of wash water. The Reliant/Reliance brand with the spigot is nice but those develop holes real fast, I have found. Oxymarooon in my experience. I prefer the thicker plastic water carriers that are similar to gas cans before CARB ruined them.

Showers? Check into a hotel every third or fourth day. You're not going to get that sweaty this time of year. You can still wash your hair every other day in the basins, if need be. Solar showers ARE great but they're best in areas with trees or something to hang it up at 8 feet or so.

For lights at night, they make some nifty, small LED lanterns now. I'm not a fan of Coleman lanterns; someone always has their's set on supernova. They're kinda loud, too. Just be courteous, if you bring one.

Sanitary facilities? Your base camp should have one at Concepcion. If elsewhere, bring an entrenching tool.

The wife has REALLy sold me on the anti-bacterial wipes for washing hands, faces or anything D-E-L-I-C-A-T-E. We also recently found some exfoliant wipes for faces at Wally World. Very tough material; doesnt leave wisps of fiber even on three-day old beard growth.

For cleaning other non-skin items, I like carrying Windex. It leaves no soapy residue like SG, 409, Fabuloso, Fantastic, etc. and can be used on almost anything, including..........get this, windows.

i'll let some of the motorheads fill you in on stuff for the vehicle........



[Edited on 11-15-2011 by Hook]

paranewbi - 11-14-2011 at 06:12 PM

AKtundra...welcome!

U2U me for my contact info...live in Imperial beach 2 miles from border 3 exits up from the TJ crossing you'll be going thru.
Have beach chairs, water carriers, tarps, poles, etc... lots of camping gear...all that stuff you can't carry on a plane. You can stop by and pick up anything you want to use. Drop it off on your way back to airport.
Even a 2 person kayak if your into it...and snorkel gear for 6! And I know Fez's shrimp bait recipe, but you have to give me a couple of weeks to brew it up for you.

Been camping in mex since the 70's so I want to see you and your family enjoy it! Probably never have to repay the favor...my car won't go north for some reason.

paranewbi - 11-14-2011 at 06:16 PM

P.S. I have everything Hook listed above...don't cart it, come get it. Might kill wife and I to watch you go without us though.

shari - 11-14-2011 at 06:31 PM

YOU are the bomb Paranewbi!!!!! way to step up to the plate amigo.

Ateo - 11-14-2011 at 06:57 PM

Sounds like you know how to survive. Unless you're going into the middle of nowhere part of Baja (which I doubt on your first trip) you'll be fine. Water, food and shelter. I did this for the first 10 years exploring baja. I brought canned food and water - that was it. I slept in small tents, surfed and swam during the days, and never died. I never even had proper immigration documents. I thought I was on the fast track to turning into pure energy, so who needed anything!?!?

Now that I have a wife and kids, I still try to keep it simple. But now I bring lanterns, sunscreen, propane, extra blankets, pillows, ice chests, canopies (if you have no room bring wide brim hats), extra gas cans, immigration docs, carne asada, fix a flat and goo and air compressors, and about 50 other things. For the most part it's all convenience stuff.

If you're traveling light, and you're tough Alaskan style, then rough it. Many have and many do every day of life thru-ought the world. Have a good time. Sounds like fun! Enjoy!

Again, I have no secret things you'll need on your journey. Water, food and will gets you far. Everything else can be found, fixed with duct tape (duct tape!!!!!), or traded for.

AKtundra - 11-14-2011 at 10:23 PM

My goodness paranewbi, I appreciate the offer to borrow the camp gear !

I will bring some smoked salmon fillets to repay your kindness!

I need the wife to gather her courage, and confirm she can get the time off !

KASHEYDOG - 11-14-2011 at 11:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AKtundra

I need the wife to gather her courage, and confirm she can get the time off !


Do I hear someone dancing backward all of a sudden ??
Does that mean you've been doing all this without permission???
Does that mean you've wasted all our time...:mad:...:fire:..:mad:
When your wife gives you the OK get back to us... OK


Sorry Nomads. But I had a feeling this newbie wasn't real from the start. Now that he has a REAL offer of assistance all of a sudden he may not be able to come.
He's lost my confidence.
I'm done.
I have to deal with this stuff every day at work.
I know it when I see it.

BTW.... What is the difference between the 2 threads

Packing tips for the desert and Mexico
AND
What's the Bucket List for a first timer?

If I'm wrong I apologize in advance and I'll buy dinner for the first Nomad to see him in Baja before spring 2012.



[Edited on 11-15-11 by KASHEYDOG]

redhilltown - 11-15-2011 at 01:12 AM

Critters.

Baja Coyotes are THIRSTY. Especially the dry beach areas because they can always find food but water is difficult. Every night as you go to bed coyote-proof your camp...just assume they will come. They can open coolers and they can drag off many many gallons of water, bite through the plastic and take a shower. I would bet everyone on here has a coyote water story. Crows and other birds can likewise make a mess of your food if you leave it handy during the day and leave your camp for a while.

And like the coyotes, if you are on the Cortez just assume the wind will come. It may or may not but always best to have prepared for it ahead of time. Chasing a canopy across slippery rocks at 3 a.m. really isn't much fun...really...it's not!

Skipjack Joe - 11-15-2011 at 06:15 AM

I have a coyote story to tell. And this seems like the right time to do it.

My son and I camp at Gonzaga every Christmas vacation. Last year we set up camp quickly and sped off in our aluminum boat to catch fish. We left about 12 one gallon bottles of water around the tent. Well, you guessed it. They came around and managed to twist off every sealed bottle top. Yes, they had learned to chew on the cap in a twisting manner. They were so skilled at it that most of the opened jugs were open and upright full of water when we returned.

The tragedy from their perspective was that they had learned how to open them but not how to drink from them. The few overturned bottles had water that spilled into the sand and filtered through it below.

But they are fast learners. The year before last we left all of our drinking water laying around and it remained untouched. Next year they will chew into the tent. I'm convinced it's only a matter of time.

woody with a view - 11-15-2011 at 06:20 AM

go easy on him Kashey. who among us has never gotten all geeked up about going to baja?

Hook - 11-15-2011 at 11:26 AM

Hey, the information we posted will still be out there for others to use.

I might have spent the most time on all the replies. I dont regret it. There is enjoyment in giving and receiving.

mcfez - 11-15-2011 at 12:21 PM

.............."I do a lot of camping here in Alaska"

Sounds like his backyard is Alaska...and therefor...they camp a lot there.

Going to Baja is not the same...therefor...he is asking a lot of questions.

I see no evil from AKtundra. Keep helping him...and others

shari - 11-15-2011 at 01:40 PM

I forgot to mention...in any of these threads to bring a little photo album of your home...preferrable with snow or nice scenes to show the mexicanos you meet..it's a great way to break the ice...oh yeah and I'm sure you have a headlamp and an extra lighter...right?

we keep our 5 gallon water jug in the car or tent at night...excellent point about coyotitos...

Barry A. - 11-15-2011 at 01:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
I forgot to mention...in any of these threads to bring a little photo album of your home...preferrable with snow or nice scenes to show the mexicanos you meet..it's a great way to break the ice...oh yeah and I'm sure you have a headlamp and an extra lighter...right?

we keep our 5 gallon water jug in the car or tent at night...excellent point about coyotitos...


Hey, "coyotitos" get thirsty & hungary too, you know!!!! :yes: ;D

Barry

paranewbi - 11-15-2011 at 03:32 PM

Aktundra....

The fish sounds great! If it doesn't make it, don't worry. I have an avid baja fishin neighbor who keeps me stocked up for letting him store his boat in my driveway (he posts on bloodydecks...another site to check out).

Shari, Thanks for the accolades!

AK...if your wife has the hebejebes...she might find some bolstering in my wife and her love for baja. We have camped alot down there and would go in a minute if we could break free.

After we got married here in the US, we put 75 of our 76 wedding guests on two busses and hauled them up to Tecate and walked all of them across the border to the Bar Diana for our reception and got married there so our friends in Mexico could see us get married! 90% had never been to Mex and they all loved it and keep bugging us to get married again there...don't think the Pope would like that. Our Mexican marriage license is way cooler than the US one. Plan to get married in Guatemala one day.

Just get here. Grab what you need. Then start planning your next trip back. eveyone does.

KASHEYDOG - 11-15-2011 at 04:08 PM

ahhhh Yes, Bar Diana. Love that little bar. Had my first "best ever" Marargrita there about 18 years ago. Fun bar. Gotta go back for a visit.
BTW.... How'd you get 77 people in there...:?:. That had to be a fun wedding....:yes:

paranewbi - 11-15-2011 at 04:42 PM

Kasheydog

Carlos the owner...well mostly Mario the bartender, arrainged the set up in the back patio area around the fountain (Diana statue in middle) with tables, music, 3 or 4 differant food venues, and waiters in black pants and white shirts. The Judge who married us did the service in both spanish and english (sort of) and took a long time to declare the blessing of all the citizens of Tecate upon us and I think they adopted us at the same time. It seemed like a bigger thing for them then for us but we were totally stoked at how it all came together. There were also about 20 other officials and people who have come to know us through our hours at the bar, present for the wedding....
To get this back to the AKtundra thread....
AK...if you want to get married in mexico, it takes about 3 months of paperwork, bloodtests, visa's, appostios, and a good friend in mex to get you through it! Thank you Mario!

805gregg - 11-17-2011 at 06:59 PM

Winter clothes, I we wore our down jackets at B of C in 1986. It gets cold in winter even on the S of C.

[Edited on 11-18-2011 by 805gregg]

AKtundra - 12-31-2011 at 09:19 PM

Thanks for all the help. Just got back from a great trip.

Just to close out this desert camping thread, with a lesson this screaming newbie earned.

BRING LEATHER GLOVES FOR GATHERING FIREWOOD !!!

EVERYTHING in this country has thorns !

Fortunately I had gloves in my recovery kit. My goodness, it would have taken forever if one had to pussy foot around.

Thanks again for all the comments to my previous posts

[Edited on 1-1-2012 by AKtundra]

Packoderm - 1-1-2012 at 07:25 AM

aluminum foil
antibiotic cream
antiseptic wipes
aspirin, Aleve
awnings/shades
baby powder
baby wipes
backpack
bandages
bathing soap
battery charger
bed sheets
bee sting kit
beer/wine
bikes/helmets
binoculars
bird guide
blankets
board/card games
boogie boards
book
broom
broth for gravy
brown sugar
bucket
bug spray
bug spray
bungee cords
burn ointment
butane lighter
calculator
camera/Video
camp lantern(s)
camp shoes
camp stove
camp stove table
can opener
can/bottle coolers
can/bottle openers
candles
canned foods
canteen
cards, games
cb radio
CD Player
CDs
cell phone
cell phone charger
chairs
charcoal
charcoal chimney
citronella candles
clam bucket
cleaning Items
clothes pins
coffee pot
coffee/tea
coins for emergency phone calls
collapsible coffee cup
collapsible garbage can
comb/brush
comforter
compass
compass
cooking oil
cooking utensils
cooler
cork screw
corn on the cob holders
cots
cotton swabs
creamer
crimp tool
cutting board
dehydrated spices
deodorant
detergent
dictionary (Eng-Sp)
dish pan
dish rags
dishwashing pan
dishwashing soap
dog documents
dog leash
drinking water
dry cell batteries
dry foods
duct tape
dust pan
dust pan
dutch oven
Egg beater
elastic wrap
electric Multi-meter
engine oil
environmental soap
extra buttons
extra spare and Jack
eye wash
filet knife
fire grill
fire starter
first aid kit
fishing gear
fishing knife
fishing line
fishing reels
fishing rods
Fix-a-Flat
flashlight
flour
folding table
food
food bags
fresh vegetables
frisbee
fuel filter (extra)
gaff
gas Cans
Gorilla tape
GPS
GPS Receiver
hack saw
hair brush
hammer
hammock
hand crank blender
hand wipes
hand-held mirror
hat
hat/cap
headband led lamp
heavy jacket
herbs and spices
hooks
hot dog sticks
hydrogen peroxide
ice
ice chest
insect collection receptacle
insulated wire
JB weld
jeans/pants
Jiffy Pop popcorn
jumper cables
kite string
kites
knife
knife sharpener
lantern
Lantern fuel
lantern mantles
laptop computer
laser pointer
latex gloves
laundry bag
lawn rake
led flashlight/headband
light jacket
lip balm
liquor
long pants
long sleeve shirts
lures
magnifying glass
mantels
maps
masking tape
matches
matches/lighter
measuring cups
measuring cups
medical tape
medications
memory cards
mess kit
moisturizing lotion
musical instruments
nail clippers
nails/screws
napkins
net
Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS charger
octane booster
outdoor table(s)
pain killers
paper plates
paper plates/bowls
paper towels
paper towels
passports
pen and paper
personal medication
pet dishes
pet food
pet leash
pillow cases
pillows
plant guide
plastic bags
plastic cups
plastic cups
plastic silverware
plastic trash bags
pliers
pot holders
pot scrubber
potato peeler
pots and pans
propane
propane fridge
propane hoses
pry bar
radiator coolant
radio
rain poncho
razor
reading material
recreational medication
reference material
road flares
rope/twine
rubber bands (to tie hair)
safety pins
salt and pepper
sandals/flip-flops
saw
scissors
screen room
SCUBA gear
sempura batter
sewing kit
shoes/boots
short sleeve shirts
shorts
shovel
shower bag
silverware
sinus medications
sleeping bag
sleeping bags
sleeping pad
small baseball bat
smoker
snake bite kit
snorkeling gear
soap
socks
sodas
solar panel
solder
soldering iron
solder-less terminals
soy sauce
spare fuel pump
spare fuses
splinting materials
stakes
star Maps
starter fluid
sterile gauze
stun gun
sun block
sunburn lotion
sunglasses
sweater
swim suit
swimming trunks
table cloth
tarp
telescope
tent/tent stakes
thermometer, body
thermometer, Ext.
throw rug pillow
tie downs/straps
tire air pump
toilet paper
tongs
tongs and spatula
tool set (complete)
tools
tooth brush
tooth paste
toothbrush
toothpicks
towel(s)
Towels
trash bags
travel alarm clock
t-shirts
tweezers
umbrella
underwear
underwear
vitamins
wash rag(s)
washrags
water
water filters
water floats
water purifier/tablets
water Sox
WD40
weights for fishing
wet wipes
wetsuits
whisk broom
whistle
window cleaner
work gloves
wristwatch
writing tablet
yeast
zip lock bags
zip ties

wilderone - 1-1-2012 at 08:53 AM

AKtundra - give us a trip report - need some armchair travel adventure!

Neal Johns - 1-1-2012 at 10:28 AM

AKtundra,
Do not put the most important thing - water - in one container. Stuff happens.

Camp 1-5 miles from pavement off any dirt road and you are good to go anywhere at El Rosario and below. Above El Rosario is too populated.

Have a cheap tire patch kit and compressor, for flats and sand.

Everything else - camping is camping.

durrelllrobert - 1-1-2012 at 12:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by AKtundra


I have made arrangements for a stock SUV ( with Mexican insurance) with the understanding it will be taken to Baja.

Assuming that it has a manual transmission, be sure to bring a sparkplug wrench that fits it. Takes up very little space and can be used to get you unstuck in soft sand by loosening the plugs and using the (extremely low gear ratio of the) starter motor to inch your way out.

BajaBlanca - 1-1-2012 at 12:45 PM

back from your trip !!!!! please give us a trip report soon !!

packoderm

captkw - 1-1-2012 at 12:50 PM

hola, wow,,you live to that name,,holy sh-t,,I hope you have 3 ton axle's !!:cool: K&T