For a wallet, I use a plastic ziplock baggie. I convert all my coins into food, before leaving town. I carry in it: cash, debit card, driver’s license and a data card. I make a data card like a business card on the computer, or just write everything down on piece of paper, laminating it is a plus. Included on my data card are my phone card number and pin, phone numbers of people I want to call, and phone numbers of outfitters that I might have to order replacement gear from, and my bank’s phone number.
I learned that sometimes when you get away from your life of passwords and pins that you can forget them… Once after a 12 day silent retreat in Thailand I stood in front of the ATM machine and to my horror could not remember my P.I.N. I didn’t remember until I returned home. After that experience, I write it down somewhere. I don’t list it as “pin” because if I lost my wallet who ever found it could empty my account. I write it as part of a phone number.
On the PCT I brought some travelers checks. On the Appalachian there are so many debit machines and places that will take cards that I didn’t find it necessary. I also carry a extra credit card and a copy of my data card in my pack in case I lose my wallet.
