I loaded all the gear I currently have, filled all my water containers, and weighed the whole package. Including the bike, rack, bags, and gear I have about a 82lb load. Once you add my weight (165lbs) the entire machine is quite a beast that likes to go in a straight line!

Many people ask me what I am taking on the trip. This wasn’t easy to answer in a few sentances so I put together an inventory including some pics of the major categories of equipment I am bringing: clothes, electronics, mechanical parts/tools, and first aid supplies. Of course these are the basics and odds and ends are plugged in everywhere!

I read about Martin Strel about a year ago and was inspired by his story. He just finished a world record marathon swim down the length of the Amazon, 3,327 miles!

With one week to go it’s time to fatten up, stay healthy, get some rest, and relax! Over the past few months I have chipped away at the slew of preparatory tasks. With the exception of a few minor loose ends (waiting for the camera and dry bags to show up) I am ready to ship out to Belem.

This is my first experience with satellite phones but so far its been pretty easy. I bought a used Qualcomm GSP 1600 (pretty cheap on ol’ ebay) and went through GlobalStar for the service.

I won’t be brining much in the way of clothes (considering the heat index will be above 100F nearly everyday) but I was able to get my hands on the Sierra Designs Microlight rain jacket and pants. The weight and packability of these two items is key.

I fell in love with this watch the moment I saw it. My friend came back from a trip to Europe with this thing on his wrist (it is quite large!) and the tech geek in me was enamored. I also love the audacity of the enormous face… you can see this thing a mile away! That aside, the Suunto Core is a gem in terms of altitude, barometric pressure, depth, and direction information.

I’ve created a short video featuring some of my prep work, photos, video, and sponsors.

This tactical flashlight made by SureFire should stand up to conditions I’ll face in the jungle. I wanted a rechargeable flashlight that would be bright enough to illuminate all the bumps in the night I’ll hear while laying in my hammock. The LumaMax L7 can purportedly cause temporary blindness if shined directly into the eyes! I haven’t tested this feature on myself yet.

I thought I sent my money order, passport, letter of intention, and bank statements into a bureacratic black hole in downtown Boston. My plan of attack was to storm down to the consulate and demand to speak with someone about this outrage…then again they hold the power to let me into Brazil. Alas, bright and early Saturday morning the two-page 90 day visa arrived on my porch.