Chasing Dakar: What To Pack For A Month Of South American Off-Roading

By  Andrew P. Collins

In a few hours I'm flying to Buenos Aires to help lead an off-road tour chasing the 2015 Dakar Rally some 10,000 miles from Argentina to Bolivia to Chile and back to the start. So uh, what should I bring?

Heavy gear (tools, vehicles) will be waiting for us, I'll be driving one of two support trucks (details unknown) while Magnus and our guests will be on rented Kawasaki dual-sport bikes. Not sure what's going on with access to clothes washing, but we're spending most nights in hostels so backcountry camping supplies can be left behind.

I figure a couple shirts, boxers, socks, computer, camera, and work boots (which I still have to buy) should pretty much get it done. But just in case, here's a complete list of what we're trying to lug.

The Official Outback Adventure Treks "Chasing Dakar" Packing List:

  • Passport & Visas

  • Drivers License

  • International Drivers License

  • Medical and travel insurance documents Vaccination certificate

  • Credit cards

  • Travellers cheques

  • Flight tickets

  • Cash

  • Travel Insurance Documents

  • Motorcycle helmet (preferably with sun visor)

  • CamelBak / Hydration backpack Min. 3 Litre. With pocket for day use items.

  • Goggles

  • Sunglasses

  • Ear plugs

  • Kidney belt

  • Riding Jacket Enduro Style preferred Riding pants

  • Riding boots

  • Gloves (two pairs)

  • Riding shirt

  • Riding socks

  • Waterproofs

  • Personal medication, a copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor if you are carrying any prescription medication.

  • Camera, Helmet cam Camera cards & batteries

  • GPS

  • Handheld UHF Radio

  • Mobile Phone with international sim card or roaming. Minimum of text function.

  • Mobile phone charger

  • Travel power adaptor

  • Copy of Itinerary in plastic bag or laminated.

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Mosquito and insect repellent

  • Stubbie holder (beer coozie)

  • Pocket knife or Leatherman

  • iPod/MP3 player

  • Torch (flashlight) and batteries (LED headlamp type)

  • Jeans

  • Shorts

  • Sunglasses

  • Thongs (sandals)

  • T-shirts

  • Bathers Windcheater/jacket (bathing suit)

  • Underwear

  • Running shoes

  • Hat (Soft wide brim type)

  • Beanie/balaclava

  • Warm clothes to sleep in

  • Soap

  • Shampoo

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shaving equipment

  • Pocket mirror

  • Towel

  • Hair brush & comb

  • Tissues

  • As usual if you don't think you'll need it... Leave it at home.

Obviously a few of these things only apply if you're riding a motorcycle, and none of the tools or food required for survival are part of this list. But I'm keen to hear your suggestions on anything I might be missing that we haven't chalked down!

Image by the author, graphics via yoppy/Flickr

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