Backpacking Gear for Women on the Road

I mean the technical or semi-techie stuff: the backpack itself, but also the best travel laptop, GPS, personal locator beacon, water purifier, video and travel cameras, travel money belt or neck wallet...  the extras you might consider taking along, not to mention all the women's travel clothing you can fit in.

If you're wondering what to take with you in terms of clothing and accessories (yes, even we backpackers accessorize!) please head on over to my travel packing list.

Getting the most appropriate gear will be one of your most important decisions
Photo: Anne E. Sterck

As far as your travel gear is concerned, I won't recommend specific brands. There are excellent review sites that do just that (just Search for the product - laptop, backpack or camera - plus 'reviews'). 

What I will tell you is what to look for when you purchase these items, and the pros and cons of taking them in the first place.

These are some of the questions I'll try to answer:

• Do you need to take your laptop with you? And if so, what is the best travel laptop for you?
• How big should your backpack be?
• What kind of cellphone should you look for - and do you need a cell in the first place?
• How important is a travel mosquito net?
• What is a personal locator beacon (PLB) and why is it an important part of your kit?
• What should be on your first aid kit checklist?
• What do you look for in good travel cameras?

There's little worse than a poorly loaded backpack that's too big, a holey mosquito net where malaria is endemic, or a flashlight that simply won't light.

You may want to save money - but these necessary extras are not where you want to skimp and save at the expense of quality.

So what should solo women on the road take along for the journey?