Did you pack multiple massive suitcases for your most recent weekend getaway? You’re not alone. Now, imagine preparing for a multi-month journey and fitting all of your possessions into just two backpacks. Does this seemingly impossible thought riddle you with anxiety? Fear not as we tackle how this task is quite manageable (and even fun)!
First, the purpose of your planned journey matters and will help dictate your packing list. Three days of hardcore camping along the Kalalau Trail on Kauai will necessitate survival gear while an around-the-world trip will involve a greater ratio of practical day-to-day items. We will focus on preparing for this latter type of experience.
Regarding the best overhead compartment and carry-on backpacks to purchase, check out my detailed article on that subject. Here, though, we will talk about what to pack inside your backpacks.
Clothing
Less is more! This is a great mindset to live by. I got by with 4-5 shirts, a thin sweater, a jacket, 2-3 pairs of shorts, 1-2 pairs of pants, a hat, 4-5 pairs of socks, and 4-5 pairs of underwear. That’s it!
Be comforted that washers (and sometimes dryers) are available for self-service in virtually every hostel for a small charge. You can also elect for laundry service where and when that option is affordable. On average, I did laundry once every 10-14 days. And, yes, there were many instances of undies having to be turned inside out!
Cotton is the enemy because it takes up valuable real estate, adds extra weight to your pack, and takes much longer to dry. Vie for garments made of quick-drying material. I highly recommend shopping at Patagonia for comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking clothing. Their ironclad guarantee and return policy are quite generous as well.
Footwear
You only need three pairs of footwear. For hiking and climbing, I swear by my On Cloud Cloudrock Waterproof boots. They are breathable, comfortable, and supportive. I also wear these on travel days as they can be bulky to pack and add weight to an already heavy backpack.
Canvas sneakers (think Skechers) are a nice option to “dress up” so that you can go out on the town without feeling like an out-of-place climber or beach bum. They pack easily and lightly.
Speaking of the beach, get a pair of Chaco Zcloud Sport Sandals. They fit like a glove, are deceivingly comfortable, and never slip.
Toiletries and Medicine
In general, packing travel-sized items is a good rule of thumb. Target has a glorious aisle devoted to this. We are talking mini shaving creams, tiny sunscreens, plastic soap bar containers, toothbrush holders, and much more.
Priority #1 is your health and safety. Make sure you have an ample supply of necessary medicines, pharmaceuticals, and a handy first aid kit. The kit that I recommend from First Aid Only weighs only a pound and contains virtually everything that you’d need (298 pieces) in a true first aid emergency.
A quick-dry travel towel is also critical. Not only does it take up much less space than a cotton towel, but it is quite soft and – big shocker – dries quickly! Wise Owl Outfitters has great size and color options. It is worth mentioning that I also pack an additional microfiber towel (or serape) for use at the beach. Having two separate towels will keep you clean, hygienic, happy, and equipped for a wide variety of water-based activities!
For an aluminum-free deodorant, I always pack at least one Thai Crystal Deodorant Salt Stone as recommended by fellow travel enthusiast and friend, Rachel Dennis. Simply dab a small amount of warm water onto the salt slab, apply it to your body, dry the slab after use, and screw the cap back on. Try not to drop it though!
Water bottle
I live and die by my Twilight Blue 22-ounce Iron ºFlask. This gorgeous stainless steel water bottle is leakproof and keeps liquids at the temperature you want them to remain. A cinch to clean, it comes with three different easy-to-attach lids for your various drinking needs.
Larger sizes of the Iron Flask (up to 64 ounces) are available, but I found that the 22-ounce option strikes the perfect balance of holding a good amount of water while packing easily. The next size up, a 32-ouncer, also does the trick, but I found it to be a bit too big and clunky for me.
Technology
The pictures that I take while traveling are among my most valuable souvenirs. Having the most recent iPhone for this task has never failed me. I like the convenience of not having to lug around a big expensive camera. Once connected to WiFi, I always back up my day’s photos on Google Photos. When my phone was stolen, my utilization of Google Photos was literally the reason that my entire trip’s worth of pictures was not lost forever.
Gotta love listening to music and podcasts while traveling! Downloading Spotify is the way to go. Invest in a pair of Apple AirPods Pro to eliminate the annoying hassle of getting tangled up in headphone cords. They charge quickly and the charge lasts a long time.
You likely know that every country does not have the same wall outlets. If you plan on continent-hopping, AmazonBasics has you covered with an affordable world travel plug adapter set. It contains six different adapter plugs for use in most countries.
Anker makes the best portable chargers and can be a lifesaver when your phone dies. This lightweight charger is long-lasting, durable, and provides at least two full charges for your iPhone. The charger itself takes only about five hours to fully recharge.
At least once a week, as I travel, I make a point to journal my feelings, reflections, and plans. I have now purchased three iterations of this Old World travel journal. At just over eight inches tall, it is perfectly sized. It includes inspirational travel quotes on many of the pages and folds over protecting the pages from damage and general wear and tear.
Having a Kindle or iPad Mini certainly helps save space and weight as you read along the way. However, if you prefer the nostalgic experience of turning physical pages, be comforted that most hostels have a library where you can take and leave a book.
Fitness Gear
You will likely have to get creative if you want to stay physically fit along your journey. Authentic exercise is a key mindset. You don’t need equipment to hike, run, or walk! Generally, I will walk to a destination if it is 20 minutes or closer by foot. Additionally, at your accommodation, you can do bodyweight workouts to help build strength and endurance including planks, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and lunges.
Beyond that, if you want to bring along workout equipment, think light! On my next trip, I will be packing the DEGOL skipping rope with ball bearings. Another valuable asset is VEICK’s set of resistance bands with five levels of bands (10-50 pounds), handles, straps, and a door anchor. My advice would be to leave a few of the bands at home and take one or two with you in the included travel carry bag.
Important Add-Ons
For journeys of any length, it is critical to invest in a comfortable travel pillow. I adore my Travelrest Nest which is incredibly luxurious and packs down to a quarter of its size.
Most hostels provide a locker, but you are responsible for supplying your own lock. If you want to keep a key on you, purchase a Master Lock. However, if you prefer committing a short code to memory, go with the BRINKS 4-Dial Resettable Padlock.
Make copies of your travel documents and other key information. It is wise to scan or take pictures to print out and keep with you, email an additional copy of everything to yourself, and share this intel with trusted loved ones. This may include your passport, primary credit card(s), flight reservations, and planned accommodation bookings.
A universal way to break the ice with new hostelers is to bust out a deck of playing cards! I have found that they really come in handy.
Lastly, with special friends that you make along the way, it is always a thoughtful surprise to give them a handwritten travel-themed thank you note as you go your separate ways.
Takeaways
You can do this! Packing for a long-term journey can be stressful, but with concrete planning and knowing you can fill in the gaps along the way, you are sure to hit the road ready to go. Although not fully comprehensive, utilize the above framework and modify it according to your needs.
As my own multi-country adventures unfolded, I was comforted in knowing that I could buy most items in each place. Oftentimes, I would pick up odds and ends at a store near my hostel or even at the airport. Some of the most remote places that I visited sold necessities for purchase. In a worst-case scenario, there is always a kind fellow traveler out there to lend you a helping hand!
