Words by Matt Dursum
As I approach two years in Latin America, I can’t help but look back at my gear choices and how I took care of things. Would I make any changes? Absolutely. Not using a hair dryer to quickly dry my merino wool boxers would be one. Like those unfortunate undergarments, most of my clothing and gear sustained unthinkable damage, mostly thanks to my carelessness and the ever changing weather and climates of Mexico and South America.
Thankfully, I brought some good stuff with me. From long hikes, days walking in hectic cities, snow and tropical sun, I needed my gear to withstand the elements and be both comfortable and durable. After almost two years of rigorous use, I’m stoked to share my gear review for my most essential pieces of gear.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Men’s Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint 40 Men’s Backpack has been my faithful pack. I bought this backpack from REI a few years ago, having it shaped to my back. Through heavy rain and beating tropical heat, it’s held up nicely with no wear or tear other than minor wear to the velcro on its laptop sleeve.
I like its multiple compartments and pockets. I can easily fit my clothing and some electronics in its large main compartment. By rolling my clothes neatly into Eagle Creek compression bags—another must-have piece of gear, I could fit every item of clothing I have into the tight space. My electronics, computer, and journals fit snugly inside the zippered front pocket.
One of the standout features of the Farpoint 40 is its ergonomic design, which distributes my weight evenly. It balances functionality and size, making it perfect for cramming in carry-on compartments. The 40-liter capacity never felt bulky or awkward and always felt like an extension of my body. Padded shoulder straps and a hip belt keep it snug on my body, no matter how much weight I add to it.
Aviator Jeans
Versatile, stylish, and comfortable, my two pairs of Aviator jeans served me well, especially as travel pants. These jeans combine classic aesthetics—great for blending in with everyday clothes—with added hidden security pockets.
My Aviators provided comfortable freedom of movement on long journeys through cities and air travels thanks to their stretchability, allowing exceptional freedom of movement. Whether I was hiking steep village pathways or climbing rocks, these jeans never restricted my motion. Also, I could store a lot of items in their deep pockets.
My only complaint is their durability. Don’t get me wrong, I wore these pants into the ground. What gives them their comfortable stretch also makes them arguably less durable than classic jeans. Because of this, I recently replaced them with a super comfortable pair of Brazilian Beagle Jeans out of necessity.
Patagonia Quandary Pants
The Patagonia Quandary Pants have been perfect for hiking. Their stretchy and lightweight fabric make these pants breathable and lightweight. The pants have a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that keeps them dry while protecting my legs from the sun.
What truly stands out about the Quandary Pants is their versatility. Hiking pants one minute and comfortable city pants the next. I’ve even worn them while rock climbing. The pants have deep pockets and a zippered thigh pocket, which has been perfect for storing keys.
After two years of use, the Quandary Pants have shown minimal signs of wear, and the color has remained. They are still my trusted outdoor pants when traveling through the outdoors.
Outdoor Products Backpacker Poncho
For rain protection, the Outdoor Products Backpacker Poncho comes in handy. During heavy rainstorms, I could fit it over my backpack, keeping myself and my gear dry. Made from durable ripstop nylon, it’s like a sturdy tent, easily folded into a neat travel-sized pouch.
Another highlight of this poncho is its versatility and size. I can transform it into a makeshift shelter or groundsheet if needed. After two years of use, its seams and snaps remain intact, and the fabric shows minimal signs of wear.
Merrell Accentor 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots
Next to my backpack, nothing has been as functional as my Merrell Accentor hiking boots. These things have taken some damage over the years but have held up nicely. Aside from some minor wear and tear on the inside tongue tag, they’re still in great shape.
Aside from hiking, I wear my boots on long travel days. Their heel support and form-fitted comfortability make carrying heavy gear and running through airports easy. They breathe in hot tropical weather and provide warmth in frigid winter conditions, making them incredibly versatile. I couldn’t imagine traveling without them.
Other Gear
After two years of extensive use, the Osprey Farpoint 40 Men’s Backpack, Patagonia Quandary Pants, and Outdoor Products Backpacker Poncho have been great and remain relatively damage-free. The Aviator Jeans, unfortunately, couldn’t withstand two years on the road. Would I recommend them for traveling? Absolutely. But just don’t expect them to get you through an extremely extended period abroad.
It’s worth mentioning the utility of my Eagle Creek compression bags. I have six of them and they’ve made packing hassle-free and organized. I use an Army Roll packing technique on my clothes and keep them snuggly in my Eagle Creek compression bags. By using the inside straps on my backpack to truss them into the bag’s frame, I’m able to save a lot of space inside my bag.
As far as my other gear, the only thing I still carry is the aluminum water bottle I bought in Mexico City. It saved a lot of plastic waste and held up really well, even after tumbling down boulders and colliding with the occasional street sign. Clumsy people like me, especially, need good dependable gear. Spending almost two years in Latin America without it is a waste.