Love the breakdowns and the detail you put into all your videos! I'm curious, do these companies send you free gear to review? Feels like you have like an entire retirement account full of travel gear. Enjoy the Galapagos, looking forward to your return video on how everything performs!
I know right, I do have a lot of stuff! It's collected over years though, plus a lot is stuff I use in my regular life, especially clothes and electronics. I sometimes get gear from companies but most of it I buy with the money I make off this channel. In this list, I bought everything here with my own money except the water bottle.
One piece of power clothing for the Galapagos was my UPF 50 l/s rash guard and swim tights, as well as sun gloves and a large sun hat. This, along with a shorty wet suit worked really well and dried quickly in the ever present breezes. I wish I had brought a pair of UPF 50 socks too, to protect my ankles. I think you’ll find a mere baseball cap to be insufficient for the intense sun. Everyone wears big hats. The volcanic lava will tear up the bottoms of your shoes so be prepared for that. And watch your toes with open toed sandals. Be prepared for wet or dry landings. Are you comfortable hiking in your sandals for a wet landing? I’d suggest croakies for your glasses/sunglasses. Also a clip on float for anything you don’t want to lose. I would also suggest a phone tether like the Nite Ize Hitch phone tether. A lot of snorkel/dive gear can be rented on the more populated islands. I will say this. The cruise is a radically different experience than going off of the islands. I think you’ll be missing out on a lot by just doing day trips. With that said, it’s still amazing and you’ll enjoy it. Waterproof case for your phone? I have mini Zeiss binocs. Best purchase ever. Please remember that many islands have a wet and dry side. If you see the volcano you should know that you might need rain gear. It’s hot, so the poncho is a good idea.
These are great suggestions. I have a sun-shirt with a hood, I may switch that out with the other long-sleeve shirt I was going to bring. Sandals are good for hiking, they have great traction, I think I'll be good here. Good idea on Croakies, I need something like this. I have the Nite-Ize hitch and a dry bag, good catch, I didn't have them on my list. Oh, I just bough mini Zeiss binos, Terra ED Compact. Much smaller than the ones I had here.
Nice bag, I would have liked to see what it looks like on your back all packed out with the load lifters and what-not. You are my model for how to pack light since you are male, don’t underpack, but still manage to bring smaller bags that aren’t overstuffed. My clothes are kinda large since I am 6’2” so I can never seem to be able to get under 30-35L (I have the Minaal 3.0 carry-on) but I would love to do personal item travel one day. Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to see the wrap-up.
Good idea. I'll try and get some video/photos of me wearing the bag on my trip. Doesn't seem fair that your clothes are bigger, short people have packing so much easier! 😆
I can do a more detailed write up when I get back on my experience with the hotels and tours. Most tours are fairly expensive, like $200-$300 per person. Hotel is cheaper because splitting it between 3 people. As of right now the cost will be about $1,500 per person for hotels and tours. We will have added cost for local transport, ferries, food etc. I'll track it when I'm there to get a better estimate. All-in I'm guessing less than $2,000 per person for 9 days, which is way less than most cruises. We could have definitely done it for less, cheaper hotels, lower cost or not as many tours. Booking last minute on-site rather than booking ahead of time etc. But I think we are hitting a good compromise between quality and price here. Galapagos Island itinerary: Day 1: Fly into San Cristobal from Guayaquil Day 2: Kicker Rock Tour Day 3: Ferry to Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Center etc. Day 4: Pinzon Island Tour Day 5: Isla Sante Fe Tour Day 6: Ferry to Isabella, snorkeling, flamingos, visit tortugas Day 7: Los Tuneles Tour Day 8: Isla Tintoreras Tour Day 9: Ferry to Santa Cruz, flight to Quito
I would love to do that. My understanding is Google Buds just use Google Translate, so I'm assuming you can use this function with any ear buds. I'll try it out with the ones I have. I'd like to test it against the Timekettle buds.
Yeah I don't think this will work for my entire body. I'm assuming I'll have to buy more sunscreen when I get there because I can't take enough with me on the plane.
How do you avoid packing "your fears"? I always bring stuff like a flashlight, carabineers, paracord, screwdriver and so on. Stuff that help me solve problems. I have rarely used them in a pinch, but it felt really good when I did, but it was years ago and I have carried it all since.
I think packing lists help, then taking notes on what I liked and didn't like. It lets me see what I'm carrying that I never use. I've taken flashlights before but rarely use it, so I remove it from my next trip and I see that nothing bad happened. Plus I have a flashlight on my phone. I may take one if I'll be hiking a lot, but usually I don't bother. Plus most places I travel I'm at least near a city, if something happens and I need something, or to fix a piece of gear it's not usually a big deal.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the lems. I travel for work and need work boots (that I wear on the plane). Have been looking at a pair of lems for a while purely for their packability.
I like Lems, I also have the 9-5 shoes. They're lightweight and well made, but the leather is thin so they're not as durable as a pair of real work boots. I haven't tried the Boulder boot though so those may be different. Their shoes tend to have a large toe box, good if you like that, not if you don't.
I think you are all set. My packing list for Thailand will be very similar. Except for the Dice. 👍🏻 I remember from what a friend told me - That you need to have a photocopy of your passport on you 24/7. I would also bring a pair of Aqua socks. You did not pack it but remind the family that colognes and perfumes are forbidden to take in any luggage. My friend had a 50ml bottle of aftershave confiscated. Just double-check the latest rules. he went to Ecuador in 2019 just before you know what...
Good idea, I just renewed my passport so I need to get a copy made. I actually had to do this in a copy store in Argentina because they required a copy to get money from Western Union, but I didn't have one. Good call on the Aqua socks, those come in handy for snorkeling. I don't usually wear cologne so that won't be an issue =)
This video sums it up (th-cam.com/video/XUd4c2q5pbU/w-d-xo.html) but basically I usually use a sink stopper, or dry bag or Scrubba, add some water and soap, and swish them for a few minutes. How often depends on what I'm doing and what kind of clothes I have. Merino wool for a short trip (
I don't need no stinking swim suit! Actuallly one of my shorts is super thin and I use them as swim trunks (don't tell the French 😆). I'll take video and photos while I'm there and do a video or blog post on my itinery and experience on the tours. Cruises are easy because the itinerary is all set for you, but I don't think as fun, and yes having motion sickness on a boat for a week wouldn't be fun. Galapagos Island itinerary: Day 1: Fly into San Cristobal from Guayaquil Day 2: Kicker Rock Tour Day 3: Ferry to Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Center etc. Day 4: Pinzon Island Tour Day 5: Isla Sante Fe Tour Day 6: Ferry to Isabella, snorkeling, flamingos, visit tortugas Day 7: Los Tuneles Tour Day 8: Isla Tintoreras Tour Day 9: Ferry to Santa Cruz, flight to Quito Tours don't take all day so there will be a lot of other stuff in here, exploring, eating etc. but this is the major stuff.
I would love to know how the CARD adapter is holding up. I wanted to buy the 2-usb version but the one you have has the most mixed (and old) reviews on amazon.
We’re going soon as well. Did you find an affordable and reliable way to pre book any day trips? (We’re on a short trip - want to pre book most to ensure quality experiences every day.)
Yes, we booked all our day trips through tour operators online. Most of the tours are fairly expensive, like $200-$300 per person. However the total cost of our trip will be way less than booking a cruise, plus I think it will be more fun because we won't be stuck on a cruise ship the entire time. We're flying into San Cristobal, then island hopping to Santa Cruz and Isabella. Staying in hotels and booked individual day tours from the cities. For example we're doing the Kicker Rock tour in San Cristobal, Pinzon Island and Isla Sante Fe from Santa Cruz, then Los Tuneles and Isla Tintoreras from Isabella.
I guess I know it works if I don't get sick 😆 I like the bottle, it's super easy to use and works good as far as I know. I used it in NW Argentina where they say the water isn't drinkable, also just pulled water out of a couple rivers and streams.
Love the breakdowns and the detail you put into all your videos! I'm curious, do these companies send you free gear to review? Feels like you have like an entire retirement account full of travel gear. Enjoy the Galapagos, looking forward to your return video on how everything performs!
I know right, I do have a lot of stuff! It's collected over years though, plus a lot is stuff I use in my regular life, especially clothes and electronics. I sometimes get gear from companies but most of it I buy with the money I make off this channel. In this list, I bought everything here with my own money except the water bottle.
One piece of power clothing for the Galapagos was my UPF 50 l/s rash guard and swim tights, as well as sun gloves and a large sun hat. This, along with a shorty wet suit worked really well and dried quickly in the ever present breezes. I wish I had brought a pair of UPF 50 socks too, to protect my ankles.
I think you’ll find a mere baseball cap to be insufficient for the intense sun. Everyone wears big hats.
The volcanic lava will tear up the bottoms of your shoes so be prepared for that. And watch your toes with open toed sandals.
Be prepared for wet or dry landings. Are you comfortable hiking in your sandals for a wet landing?
I’d suggest croakies for your glasses/sunglasses. Also a clip on float for anything you don’t want to lose. I would also suggest a phone tether like the Nite Ize Hitch phone tether.
A lot of snorkel/dive gear can be rented on the more populated islands.
I will say this. The cruise is a radically different experience than going off of the islands. I think you’ll be missing out on a lot by just doing day trips. With that said, it’s still amazing and you’ll enjoy it.
Waterproof case for your phone?
I have mini Zeiss binocs. Best purchase ever.
Please remember that many islands have a wet and dry side. If you see the volcano you should know that you might need rain gear. It’s hot, so the poncho is a good idea.
These are great suggestions. I have a sun-shirt with a hood, I may switch that out with the other long-sleeve shirt I was going to bring. Sandals are good for hiking, they have great traction, I think I'll be good here. Good idea on Croakies, I need something like this. I have the Nite-Ize hitch and a dry bag, good catch, I didn't have them on my list. Oh, I just bough mini Zeiss binos, Terra ED Compact. Much smaller than the ones I had here.
Great suggestions! Definitely would do a broad brim hat, neck gaiter, closed toe water shoes, croakies or glasses leash, rash guard.
Nice bag, I would have liked to see what it looks like on your back all packed out with the load lifters and what-not. You are my model for how to pack light since you are male, don’t underpack, but still manage to bring smaller bags that aren’t overstuffed. My clothes are kinda large since I am 6’2” so I can never seem to be able to get under 30-35L (I have the Minaal 3.0 carry-on) but I would love to do personal item travel one day. Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to see the wrap-up.
Good idea. I'll try and get some video/photos of me wearing the bag on my trip. Doesn't seem fair that your clothes are bigger, short people have packing so much easier! 😆
I'd be interested in your itinerary and costs as I would like to do this trip next year. I'm looking forward to your trip review.
I can do a more detailed write up when I get back on my experience with the hotels and tours. Most tours are fairly expensive, like $200-$300 per person. Hotel is cheaper because splitting it between 3 people. As of right now the cost will be about $1,500 per person for hotels and tours. We will have added cost for local transport, ferries, food etc. I'll track it when I'm there to get a better estimate. All-in I'm guessing less than $2,000 per person for 9 days, which is way less than most cruises. We could have definitely done it for less, cheaper hotels, lower cost or not as many tours. Booking last minute on-site rather than booking ahead of time etc. But I think we are hitting a good compromise between quality and price here.
Galapagos Island itinerary:
Day 1: Fly into San Cristobal from Guayaquil
Day 2: Kicker Rock Tour
Day 3: Ferry to Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Center etc.
Day 4: Pinzon Island Tour
Day 5: Isla Sante Fe Tour
Day 6: Ferry to Isabella, snorkeling, flamingos, visit tortugas
Day 7: Los Tuneles Tour
Day 8: Isla Tintoreras Tour
Day 9: Ferry to Santa Cruz, flight to Quito
Have fun!
Thanks!
you should make a video testing live translation with google buds or other ear buds that can utilize in ear translation
I would love to do that. My understanding is Google Buds just use Google Translate, so I'm assuming you can use this function with any ear buds. I'll try it out with the ones I have. I'd like to test it against the Timekettle buds.
I have the badger sunscreen stick. I believe it is mainly meant for the face. It is quite thick.
Yeah I don't think this will work for my entire body. I'm assuming I'll have to buy more sunscreen when I get there because I can't take enough with me on the plane.
How do you avoid packing "your fears"? I always bring stuff like a flashlight, carabineers, paracord, screwdriver and so on. Stuff that help me solve problems. I have rarely used them in a pinch, but it felt really good when I did, but it was years ago and I have carried it all since.
I think packing lists help, then taking notes on what I liked and didn't like. It lets me see what I'm carrying that I never use. I've taken flashlights before but rarely use it, so I remove it from my next trip and I see that nothing bad happened. Plus I have a flashlight on my phone. I may take one if I'll be hiking a lot, but usually I don't bother. Plus most places I travel I'm at least near a city, if something happens and I need something, or to fix a piece of gear it's not usually a big deal.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the lems. I travel for work and need work boots (that I wear on the plane). Have been looking at a pair of lems for a while purely for their packability.
I like Lems, I also have the 9-5 shoes. They're lightweight and well made, but the leather is thin so they're not as durable as a pair of real work boots. I haven't tried the Boulder boot though so those may be different. Their shoes tend to have a large toe box, good if you like that, not if you don't.
I think you are all set. My packing list for Thailand will be very similar. Except for the Dice. 👍🏻
I remember from what a friend told me - That you need to have a photocopy of your passport on you 24/7.
I would also bring a pair of Aqua socks.
You did not pack it but remind the family that colognes and perfumes are forbidden to take in any luggage.
My friend had a 50ml bottle of aftershave confiscated. Just double-check the latest rules. he went to Ecuador in 2019 just before you know what...
Good idea, I just renewed my passport so I need to get a copy made. I actually had to do this in a copy store in Argentina because they required a copy to get money from Western Union, but I didn't have one. Good call on the Aqua socks, those come in handy for snorkeling. I don't usually wear cologne so that won't be an issue =)
How do you go about washing your clothes and how long do you wear your stuff before you wash it?
This video sums it up (th-cam.com/video/XUd4c2q5pbU/w-d-xo.html) but basically I usually use a sink stopper, or dry bag or Scrubba, add some water and soap, and swish them for a few minutes. How often depends on what I'm doing and what kind of clothes I have. Merino wool for a short trip (
Don't forget a swimsuit! Would like to see your itinerary. A cruise is not a first choice for us as one of our party gets motion sick.
I don't need no stinking swim suit! Actuallly one of my shorts is super thin and I use them as swim trunks (don't tell the French 😆). I'll take video and photos while I'm there and do a video or blog post on my itinery and experience on the tours. Cruises are easy because the itinerary is all set for you, but I don't think as fun, and yes having motion sickness on a boat for a week wouldn't be fun.
Galapagos Island itinerary:
Day 1: Fly into San Cristobal from Guayaquil
Day 2: Kicker Rock Tour
Day 3: Ferry to Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve, Charles Darwin Center etc.
Day 4: Pinzon Island Tour
Day 5: Isla Sante Fe Tour
Day 6: Ferry to Isabella, snorkeling, flamingos, visit tortugas
Day 7: Los Tuneles Tour
Day 8: Isla Tintoreras Tour
Day 9: Ferry to Santa Cruz, flight to Quito
Tours don't take all day so there will be a lot of other stuff in here, exploring, eating etc. but this is the major stuff.
I would love to know how the CARD adapter is holding up. I wanted to buy the 2-usb version but the one you have has the most mixed (and old) reviews on amazon.
From my other comment. I've had it for probably 4 years and use it almost every time I travel, it's held up great.
Interested in this bag. Would love to know if it fits under seat. Thanks.
I'll find out in a few hours! =)
We’re going soon as well.
Did you find an affordable and reliable way to pre book any day trips? (We’re on a short trip - want to pre book most to ensure quality experiences every day.)
Yes, we booked all our day trips through tour operators online. Most of the tours are fairly expensive, like $200-$300 per person. However the total cost of our trip will be way less than booking a cruise, plus I think it will be more fun because we won't be stuck on a cruise ship the entire time.
We're flying into San Cristobal, then island hopping to Santa Cruz and Isabella. Staying in hotels and booked individual day tours from the cities. For example we're doing the Kicker Rock tour in San Cristobal, Pinzon Island and Isla Sante Fe from Santa Cruz, then Los Tuneles and Isla Tintoreras from Isabella.
Interested in how the water purification works out.
I guess I know it works if I don't get sick 😆 I like the bottle, it's super easy to use and works good as far as I know. I used it in NW Argentina where they say the water isn't drinkable, also just pulled water out of a couple rivers and streams.
heh i live here
In Ecuador? Nice, love your country, salud!
Are you bringing a day pack for day trips/hiking?
Never mind, I see your bringing the Matador 26L
Yep! =)
Too heavy, unproven, no water bottle pocket, crappy build quality. Why on earth would you even bring this on an international trip? 🤡
I take it you don't like Mystery Ranch? 😆