Hi Guys,
Am planning a long trip and have been scanning the threads and haven't found the answers I'm looking for, so any advice would be appreciated:

How do you pack sufficient amount of toiletries?
Like shampoo, tooth paste, contact lens solution. The longest trips I've done so far have been about 3 weeks and I take enough solutions to last the trip and dont worry, I use them meagerly (just enough to get the job done). I have lots of those travel size liquid bottles (2-3 oz, 50 cc) but what do you when you're traveling for a year or more? Of course I know you can buy everything on the road, but do travelers really buy a bottle of shampoo and other solutions as needed. The sizes in general stores aren't very small and compact for traveling, right?

I can get by with little of everything else, but I need my contact lens solution daily and you know how big those bottles are - what's the best idea for that? I have the small travel size bottles, but should I just buy the big ones on the road, fill my small bottle and throw away the rest - seems wasteful. Am trying to reduce weight as well as gain space.


What kind of footwear is needed?
My trip is going to head through the Americas into Europe, Africa and onwards to India. I like to do some hiking, trekking and who knows, join in for some sports once in a while (football with the foot). So, I know those adventure sandals that secure on the foot nicely with a good grip, waterproof and airation for hot climes seem to be the best solution. But is that the only piece of footwear needed? Would there come times when you need a closed-toe shoe? I guess I dont want to seem like a bum everywhere I go, all though I prefer this mode. I mean I'd like to look respectful at some times, I think, like applying for visas or getting the chance to meet some officials or is it excused because they know you're a traveler...

Previously, my motorcycle boots (Sidi Trepor) were inconspicuous enough that over jeans, they looked fine for getting visas, but now I'm traveling with a more rigid, bulky motocross boot (Oxtar TCX) and those wont suffice for comfy walking around. I know other travelers prefer comfort in riding boots over protection, but I value ankle protection and am willing to live with the downsides, which isn't that bad.

Water purification: what's the current best way to go about this?
I'm from the third world and know from recent experiences that I have a strong stomach (immune system), thankfully, but still know that water safety is important. Is carrying a filter the most economical method? To me, sounds like chemical purification isn't the best for long term health (that too if I'd be using it continuously for multiple years).

That's it for now.

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J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South