Taking a trip way down south little help guys

[LinemanARK]

Ok this has to do with work but I would rather listen to you guys than someone else. I was needed to know what you guys think I might need to pack for this trip. I am going to Guatemala for a sorta mission trip. I am a power lineman and myself and 12 other lineman from Arkansas are going down to install powerlines to villages that have never seen elec. before. I will be there for 3 weeks. I cant take my bow, done ask lol. The food there in the mountains (9000' elev) where we will be staying is not at all what I'm use to. refried beans and tortlia shells and maybe an egg or two. So if this was like a fly in camping trip what all would you take for meal replacements and camping gear. Stuff that I can back in one bag for check in and one bag for carry on, also how big of a back pack can I take for my carry on. This is my first trip out of the country so just let it fly good or bad. Thanks a bunch Mike

[stykbow67]

Maybe some mountain house meals,power bars, packs of oatmeal etc. Sounds like a very cool trip! I'm a lineman also so be safe brother!!

Steve

[LinemanARK]

Thanks Mr. Steve got the power bars but whats a mountain house meal and were do I get them I have about 3 weeks till I leave out if I have to order stuff. I even thought about MRE's if I can find them.

[LinemanARK]

Thanks Mr. Steve got the power bars but whats a mountain house meal and were do I get them I have about 3 weeks till I leave out if I have to order stuff. I even thought about MRE's if I can find them.

[karrow]

mountain house forsure. hows the water down there???

[stykbow67]

Mountain house meals are dehydrated meals similar to MRE's you can get them at Wally World in the outdoors section around here. You just add boiling water to the bag and let them sit for about 10min.

[LinemanARK]

They are sending all the bottled water we will need cases up on cases. I'll go look at wally world in the morning. I have a lot of walking and climbing to do while I'm there, every thing is ether up the MT. or down the Mt. no flat ground and no trucks all off hooks. I don't mind the pole climbing I try doing it at work at least a couple times a week. I have been a lineman for 20 years and this is the first time my co-op has ever sent anyone out of the country.

[LinemanARK]

anybody else have anything to add please

[calgarychef]

Bring a good water filter and a steripen, if the water is clear use the steripen and if cloudy use both.  I understand you have bottled water but sometimes that stuff runs out.  Don't eat food that isn't cooked, raw verifies etc are a good way to get the trots bad.  If it's something that you can peel like an apple or carrot it's a bit safer.  You'll win big points by eating like the locals as much as possible, food is one of the universal interests for all people and a good way to get on good terms with each other.

 Bring Gatorade.  Go to the world health organization website and look up the place you're going to and they will recommend the vaccinations that you should have and I think they have a first aid kit list.

Bring, Imodium and antihistamines ( the good ones) , cortisone cream for bug bites and insect repellant.  I'm not sure what the bugs are like ther but if they're bad look into permethrin treating some of your clothes but not all because you don't want that stuff on you more than necessary.  Maybe a permethrin treated bug net for sleeping under.  Antibiotic eye drops and ask your doc for a multi spectrum antibiotic, he'll know what to supply.

Probably a good idea to bring some elcheapo knives, multitools etc. for trading.  Candies for the kids and jewelry for the moms etc.

Sounds like a cool gig!

[calgarychef]

The airlines will probably have a metal rack that your carry on has to fit into, they also list the dimensions online.  You know that you can't carry more than ounce (?) bottles of liquid but you can in your checked in luggage.  

All your expensive electronics get carried on, binos etc.  else they'll disappear. Carry on a change of clothes in case your main bag goes missing.  All essential medications get carried on, if you have narcotics you need a prescription and a good thing for the other stuff too.

[Johnnylongbow]

Hey Lineman Don't over think things!!! A water filter and bug spray...  When in Rome... Eat the local fare and make the best of it!
Sun screen, a good hat, and a camera...  Get er done and Have a blast!!!  Wish I was going with...

[Mamba]

I really wouldn't worry about the food, I think you will be surprised.i have lived in the poorest of countries as an embassy guard and they still have good tasty food,  maybe bring a thermocel, candy for the kids, camera, open mind.  You will come back with a new appreciation of what you have.

[LinemanARK]

I am fore sure going in with an open mind and heart were we are going there arnt really any bugs like skeeters lol a group went in the fall of last year and they had awesome storys to tell I will post up some no hunting pics when I get back.thanks guys keep it coming Mike