A poem to consider at packing time

A Full Set of Stuff

I tour full time with a full set of stuff,
Not less than I need or more than enough,
All safely stashed within easy reach
Ready for desert or forest or beach.
I have food, fuel, a good fly swatter,
Stove, tent and plenty of water,
a potty, skillet. four kinds of soap,
A Swiss army knife and a piece of rope.

A GPS, star chart and portable TV;
Tools for any contingency,
Cleaning supplies, things for the bed,
Sunglasses, towels, needle and thread.

Flatware, flashlight, several hats,
Air pump and patches to fix my flats,
Toiletries, spices, bolts and screws,
Gloves, helmet, three pairs of shoes

Credit cards, books, several bags,
Saws, brushes, and cleaning rags,
Full rain gear and lots of clothes,
A stash of money, a water hose.

A mirror, medicine, compass, and maps,
Scissors and twine and two mouse traps,
A shovel, sandpaper, a portable bar,
Alarm clock, cards, and a VCR.

Stamps and envelopes, parts to spare,
Pans and dishes, a folding chair,
Paper and pens, solar panels,
Summer cottons, winter flannels.

Well, you get my point, this full set of stuff
Is all I need to smooth the rough.
I can cook, eat, wash my hair,
Watch TV, or make repair.

I can sleep, bathe, read or dig
With just the stuff on my small rig.
Where tourists gaze and rush away
This cyclist parks and stays the day.

Down the back roads by lazy brooks
I take a nap or read my books,
Chase the wind, drift and roam,
Let night overtake me, everywhere is home.

Spend my time in a thousand places,
Share myself with a thousand faces,
Drink in life till I've had enough,
Thanks to my bike and a full set of stuff

-Anonymous

Jim Foreman discovered this poem and provided it to me for inclusion on this site. He also gave me the following background.

"I have no idea who might have written it and it may have even been "Anonymous" at the time. It probably came out in one of the early "camper" magazines or perhaps in the Wally Baum newsletter which dates back to 1936. I think the first time I saw it was in the Vagabundos del Mar Chubasco in around 1975 where it had a reference to a car. It's been modified many times and this probably won't be the last. "

Jim Foreman

Jim is alluding to the fact that he also modified the poem to more closely fit bicycle touring. The version shown on the website is the one that is his version. I think that he did a great job!

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