Have laptop, will travel

Even perched on a mountain, Sir Chris Bonington would not travel without his laptop

I never travel without my laptop computer. I take it everywhere, even into the foothills of mountains when I'm on an expedition. Much of my travelling these days is for business presentations or leadership workshops, and as all my work is on file I have to take my computer everywhere I go.

I am addicted to a computer game called Civilisation and play it every time I fly. It's great for passing the time – it gives the player the chance to conquer the world.

In addition to all my climbing kit, I always try to take a good book and a pack of cards when on an expedition. My preferred game is bridge and if possible I like all my team to be able to play.

I am superstitious and wear a small Buddhist charm around my neck when climbing. I bought it in Tibet, where it was blessed by a tribesman, so I like to think it's lucky.

Although I love the concept of travelling light, my travel arrangements are so complex it's usually not possible. Last week, for instance, I had a whole string of meetings in various parts of the world, all requiring different dress from black tie to climbing gear.

My way of life always results in having to take absolutely everything along. But of course the best way to travel is with everything in one small bag, allowing you to keep everything with you, and avoiding the risk of losing baggage when you fly. Toronto airport recently lost my bags between terminals, which was incredibly frustrating.

As I travel so much, it is very hard to tell where my work ends and holidays begin. My wife, Wendy, and I have just returned from a lovely trip to Australia where our son lives, and we are going to try to go out there at least once a year from now on.

Wendy is a fanatical golfer and we are planning a holiday in America which will allow her to play golf and me to climb. With her golf clubs and my climbing gear I don't imagine that we will be travelling light.

Sir Chris Bonington CBE was the first man to climb the south-west face of Everest in 1973 and has made more than 20 major expeditions, to nearly every mountain range in the world. His latest book is Quest for Adventure.

Interviewed by Sarah Dix

- INDEPENDENT