Most Thorough RTW Packing List EVER Written – (minimalist friendly!)


Welcome to the most thorough round-the-world packing list you’ll ever find! I’ll tell you what to bring, what not to bring, and why. Unlike lists written by newbies before they depart, my RTW packing list uses years of road-tested experience to argue for or against each item.  AND I continue to update as I come across new tricks or stop using things I used to use all the time.

Click here to skip the preface or here for a list without the “why.”

Note: this is a living document that I update as I find great replacement gear and as readers chime in with their tips and favorites. I use this list several times a year, each time I switch regions or travel lifestyles!

Credentials:

rtw minimalist packing list is important for enjoying your trip(s)!

Traveling for thirteen years, practicing backpack living even longer!

I’ve been traveling for fourteen so many years. I’ve packed for eleven a gazillion long-term trips. I have twenty-five months years of experience being in foreign countries with just a backpack full of stuff, and I’ve spent heaps more time living outside my home country. I’ve also logged well over 1,000 miles carrying a backpack in the woods. Currently I’ve been on the road for eight years. I’ve gone round-the-world three times. And counting!

Caveats:

I have strong feelings on the value of traveling lightly. I’m not an extremist. Some people carry even less than I do. If you’re trying to convince yourself to pack less, you’ve come to the right place. I’m a woman, so my list includes lady things. My countries traveled do not yet include India or rural China, but I’d blindly bet that those places also have for sale things you think you need to load into your pack at the outset, and at cheaper prices.

Travel Philosophy:

these guys definitely need a minimalist packing list

Both of these guys are carrying about the size of bag you should bring on their front sides. On their backs, they have double what any traveler really needs, for a total of 300% of the weight they need to be carrying. Quick – someone get them a minimalist packing list!

One glance at my domain name reveals I strongly encourage you to “take half the clothes.” You won’t even need “twice the money” if you take what you saved by not buying a bunch of junk at home. Please! Give yourself the gift of affording an extra month on the road or a few luxurious experiences.
(Related: Cheap Flight Hacks: travel longer!)

How Not To Overpack:

  • Don’t pack something just because you found it on a packing list
    – mine included. Generally, you’re not going to like wearing styles you never wore before or start using items you don’t currently (wet wipes, multi-tool, lush bar shampoo, etc).
  • Do it the MacGuyver way, not the Boy Scout way.
    You can improvise, borrow, or go without! Trying to prepare (materially) for every possible situation ultimately limits you in the form of a heavy, heavy pack. Minimalist packing list advocates understand this. Tracking down solutions as the need arises uses your brain, builds your character, exposes you to the communities you’re traveling in, and adds years to the life of your vertebrae.
  • Don’t pack your fears.  If you’re telling yourself you’d rather bring it “just in case” and that you’ll get rid of it when you’re sure you don’t need it, don’t pack that item. Do not. Don’t pack it. Really. Don’t. I guarantee you that if you do not heed my advice, 95% of the items that fall into this category will end up in the bottom of your bag weighing you down.

“I’ve seen plenty of travellers in airports and train stations almost in tears because they’re exhausted and stressed out over lugging a huge backpack or suitcase everywhere they go. Overpacking be the difference between a carefree vacation and a stressful nightmare.” – Hostelz.com, What to Pack

The List:

Really, I made three. Mostly to keep you from overpacking. You’re welcome! They are –
  • Stuff I’m Glad I Brought
    – – (aka RTW Packing List for Long Term Travel)
  • Stuff Currently Weighing Me Down
    – – skip to this list.
  • Stuff Other People Say to Pack & Why to Ignore Them
    – – skip to this list.
update 2024: photos now lacking – the source took them all away!  You’ll have to imagine
.


RTW Packing List for Long Term Travel

ITEMWHY I LIKE IT or WHAT I THINK

To Contain Things

27 Liter BackpackYOU DO NOT NEED A 90 LITER PACK! You may not even need a new pack. Above all, a great trip means not carrying unused, easy-to-buy-later stuff.

I've written in-depth reviews of 15 of the top RTW travel backpacks.

This video shows you how much stuff fits in different sized bags.

And here's my tutorial on how to pick a good travel backpack.

While your bag is important, don't agonize for hours weighing pros and cons of superfluous features. The size of bag (small!) provides 80% of the comfort and convenience.

Your vertebrae will be disgusted with you if you get too big a bag. So will your wallet, emptied by the extra stuff you bought to fill it. In hundreds of instances (like this one) I've sung the praises of my smaller bag.

Could you use a bag you already have? Yes! For years I carried the 1999 North Face Borealis I already owned pre-travel. The school bag's organizational features came in handy. I'm now carrying an Osprey Porter 30 that a friend gave me
24 Liter Messenger BagHaving a super-lightweight expandable bag is clutch on any packing list. If you hate messenger bags, consider a lightweight nylon backpack like this. It allows you to sprawl out at your destination but transit compactly. I've replaced mine a few times, but getting a light, expandable bag remains one of my top five packing tips!

Update 2018: I'm still carrying my 2014 thrift store score almost identical to this amazing foldable duffel bag. Definitely don't get anything bigger. I rarely fill it - even when I'm toting around a huge stash of food. Mine has a strap that allows me to carry it like a messenger bag. If you're not lucky enough to find one at a thift store, you could combine a strap like this with the foldable duffel to acheive the same setup.
Nylon Stuff SackMuch like the collapsible messenger bag or folding duffel bag, having a nylon stuff sack on your packing checklist allows you to spread out as needed. I fill it with dirty laundry and strap it to the bottom of my pack. It's dark-colored, so it blends in. For years I just used a heavy duty plastic shopping bag, but the black nylon is a bit less "hobo."
Reusable Nylon Shopping BagYou can see a theme here on my RTW packing list: get the best of both worlds - the option to expand, but the foundation to pack light and travel light. My nylon shopping bag keeps my shower items sequestered, makes a fantastic beach/outing bag, and is even used for market shopping when I rent apartments or stay in one place for several weeks, etc.
Travel Vest Airlines are really starting to crack down on weight restrictions - especially in Europe and Asia. Ten years ago, I got away with filling a 27L bag (easily meets carry-on size restrictions) until it felt like a bowling ball. Today half of my nine flights this year had me chewing my fingernails about weight on the way to the airport.

I've tried jackets that aren't purpose built, but they've been bulky, awkward to wear, ugly, and stuff fell out of the pockets. They required laboriously moving valuable electronics and small, heavy items from my bag to jacket, checking in, dealing with an awkward pile of stuff until boarding, then moving some stuff back to my bag once on the plane. Repeat ad infinitum.

On my next RTW trip, I will absolutely bring a vest-as-carry-on. My research says I'll buy this one (which often goes on sale here), but will get a size up so it fits well when full of ipad, book, phone, camera, etc. The only people who don't like this ExOfficio vest have complaints about style.

If you're a sexy Spanish man, you can probably pull off a vest like this. And this pocket-filled jacket is so beautiful and perfect for travel, it makes me weak in the knees, but the price might make you weak in the knees.
Toiletries CaseMy bag like this is nice for keeping contacts, fingernail clippers, etc. sequestered.

I didn't like the "hang it in the shower" kind. The bag was hard to keep dry, got everything in my toiletries bag wet, and the hanging flap always got in my way. However, minimalist traveler Julie loves hers. She reckons it creates a place to set your stuff, keep clothes and towels dry, and prevents her from forgetting shower items.
Shoulder Bag/PurseWhen I want to go out for the day, the messenger bag is often busy keeping anti-air-con sweaters handy and carrying food items. Additionally, it's too big when I just want a notebook, waterbottle, camera, and to-go snack. I use this packing list item at almost every destination. In transit, it's rolled up and packed in my backpack.
Quart Zip-LockThese should be on every travel checklist to get your 100ml/3oz toiletries through airport security. Get the freezer/durable ones.
Plastic shopping bagsYou know... what groceries get put in? You only need one or two. Plastic is not hard to come by. Overused and rampantly available in almost every part of the world. You'll put your wet beach clothes in one, you'll fill one up with rubbish on a long bus ride, you'll use it to take your dirty clothes to the laundry shop where your reusable nylon bags will often mysteriously disappear...
Travel/Money BeltIt's handy to have an "important stuff" container. Even though I don't actually wear my travel belt
anymore, it's still on my packing list: I use it to organize.

Ten years ago, my passport came with me EVERYWHERE. This isn't a bad idea. Just ask tourists who weren't in their hotels when an earthquake/tsunami/flood hit and were left identity-less, cash-less, and far from home. But I finally decided the discomfort and constantly looking like I'm pregnant wasn't worth it. So now I place my trust in fate, secure my hotel room/locker, and hope it will all be there when I return.

Brain Stuff

Pocket NotebookI make lists, store important info, keep emergency USD$ in the secret pocket, and use the magnetic closure to keep business cards, tickets, and receipts from fluttering away. I really like Paper Blanks.
Composition NotebookGreat for keeping big lists (life goals, future job ideas), journaling when my computer isn't a sensible option. Taped in lists of phone numbers and addresses for postcards. Made a multi-year calendar in the back for keeping track of birthdays and planning. Also doubles as a storage place for all 8.5x11 documents folded in half. Not every RTW packing list needs one, but I really like having a notebook!
PensI like writing. And it's fun to have different colors for postcards

MacGuyver

PassportClearly this is the number one item on the ultimate packing list. Not even the world's most hardcore problem solver would be able to get on an international flight without one! If, like me, you think souvenirs are a hassle and clutter your life, you'll still have the stamps and affixed visas when friends ask, "What did you bring home?!"
Travel InsuranceI'm not a privileged schmuck who says, "If you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to travel."

That said, if you care about your family's financial stability, at least get a $20-$40 a month policy.

For a quick primer on travel insurance, read:
Travel Insurance 101: Do You Need It?
If you're a newbie, also check out:
Travel Insurance 201: Don't Get Duped.

For RTW travel insurance, I use:
World Nomads - the best coverage for money ratio. If, like me, you don't know where you're going, World Nomads doesn't care.
If you're from the UK/EEA, consider: True Traveller.
For a decade I've covered shorter trips (90 days or less) with policies found on Insure My Trip - my favorite comparison site.

Update 2023: Reader Jacob's World Nomads pro-tip: buy a policy in 6 month increments to save money! (I also buy World Nomad policies in month-blocks. If my trip is just shy of, for example 4 months, buying a 4 month policy anyway can knock several $ off the price!
FlightsI don't advocate RTW tickets: here's why. But I will admit they're a good fit for some people. I've flown around the world three times for cheaper than you might guess.

I do advocate Free Flights! If you're American and have at least a few weeks before departure, get your bum on the free flight bandwagon before you leave!
U.S. Cash StashThis is the currency of the world, at least for now, so an emergency stash of greenbacks should be on your packing list whether or not you're American. I carry three twenties for emergencies. I carry two fifties because $50/$100 bills get a better rate when I just need a few days worth of the local currency (stuck, passing through, etc.) and want to avoid ATM fees.

Have a few small bills kept in separate places/bags for:
1) visas sold only in USD
2) visas that offer a better rate for USD (sometimes HALF PRICE!)
3) scammy border officials who will tell you they don't have change for a large bill
Yellow Fever proofIf you know your travel plans from start to finish, you may not need it (read up on Google). If you're just setting out and seeing where the wind takes you, get the vaccine and carry proof that you have it. Many countries will ask to see your vaccine document at the border, especially if you're arriving from a known-risk country.
VaccinesYour needed vaccines depend on your travel plans. Educate yourself and ask your doc. I've gotten some of my vaccines/boosters in Bangkok - hospitals there are gorgeous and cheap. I've traveled Asia, South America, U.S. North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe with: Hep A, Hep B, Yellow Fever, MMR, Polio, Typhoid, Tetanus
Debit & Credit cardIf you don't have a credit card earning you miles, open one today. Seriously, right now. Here's how.

My biggest travel regret is that I had been traveling for ten years, telling myself my budget life would never earn enough miles to matter, before I got a card. My current card doesn't even charge foreign transaction fees!

For cash withdrawals, see if your bank has a way you can avoid fees. It's usually complicated - e.g. a high balance or multiple accounts. But if starting up a savings account could save you a few hundred dollars in fees, do it! Some countries (UK, OZ) have pre-paid cards.

Make sure you tell your bank you're going, consider increasing your withdrawal limit (generally better to pay a fixed fee on a bigger withdrawal). Try not to have a single bank account holding every last dollar to your name that you are accessing from sketchy ATMs all over the world.
Driver's licenseEspecially for RTW travel, packing lists should include your license, even if you don't think you're going to drive.

Some countries will accept a foreign license, some "officially" will not. Often times the cops look the other way. Do whatever you're okay with. One guy I met made several color-copied, laminated "licenses." The corrupt foreign cops didn't know the difference, and it kept him from having to bribe them (they just confiscated his license. Over and over.)

On the other hand, some car rental companies will not accept anything but an "international license" - basically just your license translated into a million languages. It's hard to obtain this from abroad, especially while moving on a tight schedule. If you think you might rent, this may be the best $20 you ever spent.
Collapsible Water BottleA woman who couchsurfed with me in Croatia gave this to me. She wasn't using it, but I think it's GREAT. I often buy several gallons or liters of water when I'm in one place for a few days/weeks. Then I carry just the amount I need in my reusable, collapsible bottle that only takes up space when in service. It saves money and tons of one-use plastic bottles. Also fits perfectly in a seat-back pocket on planes/buses. In countries where I can't fill it with airport tap water, it generally slips through security because the agents don't recognize the liquid-containing shape.

Here's the one I recommend including on your packing list.
Cards & Duct TapeCards are great for entertainment. Fun icebreaker with new friends, pass the time with a travel buddy. Wrapped about three feet of duct tape around the outside. Great for pack repairs, flip-flop repairs, blisters, etc. Duct tape - just a few feet - should be on every RTW packing list.

Update: I use the duct tape all the time. The cards? I continue to like the idea of having them if I want them that they're still on the list. But I virtually never use them.
Safety PinsI recommend a small variety of sizes for every long-term travel packing list. They've come in handy in myriad ways. I store mine by using them to secure a strip of cloth that covers the brand patch on my bag. (Covering it makes my bag look less pristine which helps me blend in. The bag's age helps, too.)
Keychain LED flashlightSure, you could use your phone's flashlight in the dark at hostels or walking home on an unlit island path late at night... if your phone still has battery life. I use my keychain light occasionally, but won't replace it when it dies/breaks.

Reader Ale says she adores her magnetic clip light: hands free, better than a headlamp, good night light, long lasting battery, "best thing i ever bought haha."
Batteries for LED lightMy light required Energizer CR 2016 batteries, which are really light and worth packing around.
Travel lockI rarely use my TSA approved travel lock, but it's good for peace of mind. If I leave my bag in luggage storage for the day, I put all my electronics, etc. in the main compartment of my backpack and lock it. It won't stop a determined thief, but it will deter an opportunistic one!

When I lose or break the ones I have, I'll probably go with a flexible lock like this that can double as a backup for when my heavy duty lock won't fit the locker or door hasp.
Keychain carabinerI think this S-biner is handiest for organizing lock keys, room keys, rubber bands, hairties, etc. Oh yeah - and opening the beer your brought back from the 7-11!

I use the D-style biner to clip my bags together if I can't keep a close eye on them (makes them awkward to grab and run with). One packing passionista argues that clipping a carabiner through your bag's zippers is a better thief deterrent than an actual lock because a lock screams "VALUABLES!"
The World's Smallest Washing MachineWhether or not the world's smallest washing machine belongs on your RTW packing list really depends on where you're traveling and your travel style.

If you're traveling slowly (4+ days in each place) and in places where laundry service is cheap (Asia, India), you don't need this.

If you're traveling quickly or in countries where laundry service is expensive or non-existent (I once spent an entire day trying to do laundry in Sao Paulo, Brazil), having this 5oz/150gram miracle is a lifesaver. It will work with any soap, and tests proved it washes clothes as well as a home washing machine in 30 seconds, as well as an industrial machine in 3 minutes. Even hardcore minimalist travelers who travel with just two sets of clothes might prefer this over scrubbing out each item individually in a sink at night.

You can't wash your entire wardrobe in one go, so if you have a ton of laundry and no patience, you're better off just slowing down your travels and coughing up the cash for laundry service or a laundromat (if you can find one!). If you hate scrubbing and can spare the luggage space, reader Rachel recommends SOAK - a teaspoon in a sink-full of water for 15 minutes is supposed to be absolutely brilliant.
15 ft. parachute cordThis army staple will have you stringing up drying lines in a hotel room, tying up mosquito nets, tying up a hammock... If you are a creative problem solver, this needs to be on your RTW packing list.

Says reader Jason in the comments here: "...I arrived back in the US after an epic round the world trip that lasted 167 days. Your travel advice helped me with my packing choices and you are right, parachute cord is handy."
Rubber door stopGreat for peace of mind when sleeping alone. Didn't work well on a bamboo floor, and most doors have deadbolts/chains/etc. I like having it. Probably don't need it.

Update: I only remember using this twice in three years of carrying it around. But it's lightweight rubber. I often choose to sleep in situations many other travelers would deem "sketchy." You, too? And you're a woman? Consider one, then.

Update #2: door alarms like this, which still work when the door opens outward.
Rubber bands x 5A variety of sizes came in handy often in NZ for sealing up food in our van-pantry. Now I have them around for MacGuyver moments. Rubber bands are so lightweight, you'd be crazy not to have them on your packing list.
Heavy duty lock & keyPerfect for locking a locker or a door that comes with a lockable hasp. It's annoying that it's so heavy, but worth it when I go out and know that my passport, computer, camera, and sentimentals are safe from all but the most determined thieves. I picked Masterlock! Whether or not you actually need a heavy-duty lock on your RTW packing list depends on your level of security consciousness, I guess.

Update: I'm on the brink of dropping this. I stay so rarely in the kind of accommodations, now, that offer an opportunity to use this. But if I got stuck in one without it, I'd really want.... this heavy item.
Twist ties x9 Awesome for peace of mind - securing zippers to deter opportunistic thieves from unattended baggage. And other MacGuyver applications.
Sewing kitI wouldn't recommend a full blown kit, but it is nice to have a needle and thread to repair bag straps or clothes. I picked mine up at a vegas hotel, have used it several times, and always toss it in when packing for travel.

You could easily assemble your own if you don't want to buy one like this .
Roll of TPDon't bring this. But leave space in your bag. You can often pick up rolls at convenience shops/kiosks or take the rest from your hotel room.

In developing countries, I always carry a roll plus a few sheets in every bag/clothing pocket. Remember to check before dropping off or doing your laundry, or you'll be very sorry.

I've tried going local and just washing with the pail of water. Inevitably, I soak myself, don't feel clean unless I really scrub (and then sometimes there isn't soap with which to wash afterward!), and want to dry with TP anyway. If you can forgo toilet paper, more power to you!
Bamboo or Plastic silverwareNice to have when that bag of mango slices you just bought didn't come with a skewer and you haven't washed your hands for what feels like three years. Easy to obtain for free.

NB: You'll see below that I do NOT recommend a multi-tool for weight & low-use reasons. If you're going to carry one anyway, consider one with silverware.
Garbage BagMostly for backpacking – the real kind. But the heavy duty 40 or 50 gallon bag could double as a poncho or a backpack cover in the rain (If I remembered I had it in time. It's light enough and out of the way so it feels worth keeping around).

Update: I have never used this. I don't even thing I have it anymore. However, I still think it's worth having on an RTW packing list. I wouldn't include it on a general travel packing list.

Comfort

Sleep SackThis is one item I actually recommend buying. Some tropical countries provide a mattress covered in a fitted sheet with an unappealing blanket that's either too hot, made of an itchy material, or seems unwashed. Some hostels charge extra for sheets. Sometimes I'm freezing and it adds extra warmth.

A silk-liner is spacious, cool when you’re hot, warms you up in the cold, dries quickly if you wash it on the go, and doubles as a beach, airplane, and airport blanket! I like Cocoon Silk.
SunglassesMy future's so bright... I always buy retail rack specials. I don't know how long these polarized glasses are going to be on mega-sale, but there's always these basic glasses that amazon buyers *love*!

Earplugs!Earplugs are a definite contender for a top spot on the ultimate packing list. Great for keeping out crowing roosters, karaoke, all-night bands, loud neighbors, squeaky fans, etc. Supposedly, your brain kind of needs the silence.

I keep a few "single use" pairs stuffed in practically every pocket imaginable so they're always available. You roll them into a tiny cylinder and quickly stuff into your ear canal before they re-expand. I use each pair more than once (which is supposedly medically risky).

If you can't pick them up through a blue-collar friend, at a sports stadium, or from a library dispenser, these are the ones I recommend buying. I like this size - bigger ones hurt my ears.
Travel Bug SprayI have a cavalier attitude toward carcinogens when it comes to itchy bugs. If you don't know that this stuff is seriously evil - cancer giving evil - educate yourself before you buy. It certainly doesn't belong on everyone's packing list.
Sleep MaskKept my airplane freebie on a whim a few years ago. It came in handy so often, sleeping in airports, on planes, on buses, etc. that I finally bought a good one. If you aren't sensitive to light, maybe you don't need one. But getting sleep in often uncomfortable situations hugely affects the quality of your adventures.
Travel PillowI did fine for years using my fleece as a pillow (and sometimes still do when I'm lazy). I decided to test a travel pillow out in 2015 after being in numerous situations where I longed for one. Update 2020: still using it!

If a pillow is what it takes for you to get at least SOME sleep on overnight bus rides, add it to your packing list. You'll be in far better shape upon arrival. Save space with the inflatable kind. I have this one, and I love it. Ironically, I use it even more at hotels than I do in transit. When the bed pillow is too big, I inflate my travel pillow to the perfect height and fall right asleep!

FWIW: Unless you are a really picky sleeper, I don't recommend the J-pillow, now en vouge. Yeah, it's super cool. And yeah, it takes up TONS of space for occasional comfort only slightly better than than provided by an inflatable or your fleece.
Hankie (aka Sweat Rag)Ew, gross, eh? Well, people often comment that Asians don't seem to sweat. Not true. They just think it's gross to make other people look at it. So they keep a folded cloth handy to dab up any perspiration on their faces. I finally adopted the practice a few years ago in Thailand. If you're headed for Asia, consider adding this to your packing checklist.

Electronics

SmartphoneWe pocket zombies love our smartphones. I'll argue below (items weighing me down) why you might be able to do without it. If not, at least try the Bored and Brilliant Boot Camp Smartphone Challenge.

Phone Security StrapReader Ale says something like this almost saved her skin. "This is one of those accesories that are not popular at all, but i have to say, the moment i took my phone strap off, my phone got stolen. So…there you go, i bought one, because im super clumsy and i was using my phone as a camera all the time near water and cliffs, so i would strap it to my jacket, belt or just around my wrist. I took the thing off in the last city i was visiting, because i thought my phone was not at risk anymore and it looked silly with the lanyard thing and it got stolen in the metro. Didnt even notice the pick pocketer."
Solar Power BankAgain, reader Ale says, "im surprised you didnt mention a solar power bank in your list. For me it was a MUST. I have a nice one that works to fully charge 2 phones at the same time. I would strap the thing to my backpack during the day, and never had to deal with my phone dying. Specially since location apps drain the power of my phone."
Laptop ComputerBought my Toshiba KIRAbook on sale at Costco. It's everything my $300 Netbook wasn't. Incredibly fast, battery lasts ages, handles power use (a dozen applications open and a bazillion internet tabs). Geek speak: Windows 8.1, 8GB RAM, 256 SSD, i7 processor

If you just want something to check email and skype, you could get by on a smartphone and/or internet cafes. If you're committed do documentation in any way, a laptop is an almost-necessary packing list item. Otherwise, internet cafe's could frustrate you endlessly. A laptop is also a burden - one more valuable and one more reason you might shy from hammocking randomly on a beach somewhere. “The things you own end up owning you!”

Read more of my KIRAbook thoughts here or see it on Amazon.
Computer cordPlug it in, plug it in...
Digital CameraObviously most people have smartphones to serve this basic purpose. If not, be sure a camera is on your packing list.

Reader Dan says most digital cams under $200 are not better than your iPhone or Galaxy.
He thinks it can be worth carrying a more rugged digital camera. He has an Olympus Tough that is waterproof and drop proof, great for the beach, rafting, caves, snorkeling, and food fights. He reckons a GoPro camera also works great if you want to spend a little more for something lighter.

Related: a common trick (perhaps now just well-known common sense?) to avoid losing all your vacation photos is to bring several SD cards, swapping them out regularly in case of camera theft. Cloud storage is an alternative, but barriers include slow uploading speeds in your country of choice or data caps (like in Australia/New Zealand).
Extra Long charger cableYou'll recharge your electronics every day. In hotel room after hotel room, you'll be longing for a longer cable.

If you use micro USB stuff, this cable is a MUST. It's the longest I could find, and it's great. Its braided sheath means it doesn't get tangled, banged up, or easily damaged. Color options make it easy to spot among all the other cables I have.

If you're an Apple baby, this 6 ft. cord or this 10 ft. cord both work for iPhone 12 down through 5s and a bunch of iPads.
MP3 playerYeah, your smartphone can do double duty. But I hate running with something so heavy, and I've loved being able to hook my playlists up to a hardwired sound system. Once, at an event venue in Australia that unexpectedly didn't have wifi (and therefore Spotify), my iPod rescued the fancy dinner! And the food critic from the national magazine covering the event liked my music so much, he commented on it in his review!

When my old iPod Nano dies, I'll probably buy this 16 GB MP3 player or this 32 GB one. I also really like this waterproof one, too. We'll see!

iPod charger cordIs anyone else annoyed by Apple's proprietary charger cables?
EarbudsMy old Apple earbuds that came with my iPod were brutal. The rubber sheath was peeling, they killed my ears during long listening sessions, fell out when running, faded in and out, and then actually fell apart.

I was horrified to discover how much these Bose Headphonesare worth, but they are excellent. If you love, love, love music or running with earbuds is a regular part of your life, I'd recommend splashing out. Otherwise, I'm sure cheapies will suit. You can replace them as they break.
mic/earbuds for skypeAs a product, these Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones are pretty cool. I don't think they're worth the dent they'd put in your wallet. That said, they are lovely on airplanes and buses, and come with a mic so I can use them for Skype when I'm in a noisy place.

If you will talk often to people back home, having a headset is a dream. My RTW packing list will always have one, but you know yourself. Maybe cybercafes and smartphones will meet your needs.
google voice accountGoogle voice currently offers an amazing service to U.S. Citizens FOR FREE. You need an American IP address and an American phone number, so this one is tricky to take care of if you’re not on American soil. Not everyone has Skype, Facetime, Viber, Whatsapp, or even a smartphone/laptop/tablet. But I’d guess most people you know have a phone. If the number is American, Google voice allows you to call them for free! FREE! The rates to numbers outside America are super competitive.

A google voice account definitely belongs at the top of the ultimate RTW packing list. If you're not American, consider trying to find a way to make it work for you!
Plug Adapter KitEvery international travel packing list needs plug adapters. The best kit I ever found had four very small, lightweight adapters. The kit came with a converter, which I junked. Heavy, and probably unnecessary as cameras, laptops, etc. come with built in converters these days. If you need your blow dryer or razor, you might need a converter, too.
16G USBA thumb drive is great for backing up my computer occasionally, grabbing files from travel mates, and the occasional internet cafe usage (look out for viruses!).

Given it's weight (none) and the number of times I've used it in the last several years (lots) I'd recommend it for any RTW packing list.

To Put on My Body

Sports sandalsI became a barefoot aficianado and finally ditched my Chacos - formerly my top recommendation.

Now I love combining my Earthrunner sandalsLems sneakers
Chacos are versatile enough as a traveling shoe to be the only footwear you need. Good for heat, water, walking long distances, hiking, and can adjust straps to fit gargantuan layers of wool socks if you go somewhere cold.

Tevas are also popular. Barefoot aficionados like Xero Shoes

Readers have written in liking easy-to-dress up-or-down laceless Chucks.

Consider just one pair of shoes for your personal RTW packing list. If you end up hating it, you can always add as you go! There have been times I've had more than one pair of shoes. However, the convenience was tempered by the annoyance every time I repacked and struggled to fit the pairs I wasn't wearing into my bag.
Underwear x 15The women's brand here has awesome, deep, built in pockets. If you're a lady, you know how clutch this can be even when you're not traveling.

Although I have more, 10 pairs is plenty, even for an RTW packing list. Women can get away with having extra, but your small clothing stash will require frequent washing. Therefore, undies never run out.

When my knickers wear thin, replacing them makes for a fun souvenir. (e.g. It broke my heart when my favorite Brazilian pair had to be let go.)
Bras x 4Wish I would have bought something that would allow me to wear racer back or neck-halter tops. Two white and two black have given me plenty of versatility.
Shirts x 6Most people in the world wear t-shirts (not tank tops), and I like to blend in. DON'T BRING MORE THAN FIVE! Adding to your supply or replacing stained/stinky/torn shirts will give you automatic souvenirs. My current stash contains two shirts new within the last month, one new within the last three months, and I've gotten rid of two I packed originally.

Under Armour has great, quick drying, non-stinky, durable t-shirts.
Pants x3If you can afford them, these anti pick-pocket pants make my heart beat faster... that's how awesome they are. You couldn't custom-make anything this good. The traveling friend who turned me on to them likes that he can wear them to work, and that they're made from stain and tear resistant material - "also awesome for hiking and to keep things from falling out during a hike."

I originally only packed two pairs of bottoms - leggings and cargo "travel pants," which made laundry day challenging.

Jeans are nice for temperate countries, but tend to go unworn in the tropics.

I mostly skip shorts to blend in and to minimize being denied entrance to places like Angkor Wat temples. Even those in capris are often turned away from specific areas.

I really like zip-off or capri-converting travel pants that allow me to have shorts when I want them.
Fleece Pull-overEven if you are going to an equatorial desert, your packing list needs a fleece. In warm places, when you pay for A/C, you GET A/C. Buses, airplanes, grocery stores, movie theaters, shopping malls, lobbies... all absolutely frigid. Since my REI fleece shrunk, I've picked up all of mine second-hand - usually in skiing destinations.

A lightweight down jacket or down alternative will take up less space and maybe be warmer, but can't really double as restaurant outerwear... unless you're a weirdo who doesn't mind breaking custom and eating dinner in your parka. If you tend toward outdoors instead of hors d'oeuvres, consider rocking the down.
Long-sleeve Poly ProIf you're into button-down and you don't have anti pick-pocket pants (and you're willing to $pend on good clothes), consider this pick-pocket proof travel shirt. It's "Nature-Like Nylon," which I actually like more than polypro both for its softness and no-stink-factor.

This type of long sleeve is great for me as an outdoors lover (polypropylene dries quickly when compared to other fabrics - especially cotton... key in hypothermia prevention on the trail). Comes in handy on the bus when I want to use my fleece as a pillow but still need protection from the A/C.
Gym Socks x 1Light, below ankle socks are easy to carry, great for warmth on busses. I've never regretted having a few pairs of socks on my RTW packing list.
Wool Hiking Socks x 1A wool pair of socks is handy in cold places (occasional mountain towns) where you wear everything you own. Also great on busses. I like Smart Wool.
Dress with SleevesWhile I am NOT a dress type of woman, I also hate wearing clothes. A dress I bought at a market in Cambodia was the perfect answer. I roll out of bed and throw it on to pay visits to shared bathrooms. It doubles if I need something nice.

BikiniWater baby! Waiting to buy a a bikini until you're on the road is risky. I found out the hard way that suits at your destination may not fit at all, and can be cut in a style outside your comfort zone. Given my experience, definitely put your swimsuit/bathers/togs on your packing list.

Buying something online will allow you to pick a top and bottom that actually fit if, like me, you struggle with pre-matched bikinis.

Personal Care

Contact LensesI like to see. I try to carry at least six months of my Acuve 2 & Oasys, and I try to refuel in Asia where I don't need a prescription to buy. (NB: contacts are the same general cost around the world. To consider: no optometrist in Bali carried my 8.4 curve.)
Contact solutionI keep full-size bottle of solution in my bag and re-fill a travel bottle as needed. If you need this on your packing list, know this: unless you're going really far off the beaten track, you'll be able to replace it as you go for same or cheaper than 1st world prices.
Contacts CaseSupposedly you need to change the case like you'd change a toothbrush. If you care about this, maybe add an extra one or two to your packing list.
Rimless GlassesCome in handy when I don't want to wear my contacts. You can order cheaply through Zenni Optical. I had a great experience, but lots of other reviewers didn't.
[Organic Cotton] TamponsTampons are hard to come by in some countries. I started out with six boxes of 20, back when I knew I'd have a car in NZ for a year. Despite my feelings on carcinogens in bug spray, I strongly prefer not to use mainstream rayon-and-chemical-laden tampons. Which, if they're available at all, are all you'll get in a developing country. I like this kind.

If this is an item you use already, read up on availability in your first destinations and definitely put a few months worth on your RTW packing list.
ShampooAvailable at roadside shops, 7-11, everywhere in 100mL (3oz) sizes - perfect! You can also buy sachets a lot of places, which ultimately seems more wasteful and is definitely more expensive.

I know y'all are going to think I'm a total crazy-pants... (I am!) but you could consider a hair routine that doesn't require shampoo. Sounds insane, I know. Here's how I do no shampoo, while still looking normal.
Conditionersee shampoo
Face Wash - Baking SodaGive it a try. Baking soda is a bit gritty, so it exfoliates. I either mix it with water to form a paste and store it in a small bottle or dip my wet fingers in a little container of powder. I don't know how it works with makeup. Baking soda does triple duty as shampoo and deodorant, not to mention battling shoe stink and other travel smellies.
Deodorant - Baking Soda"Normal" (chemical-laden) deodorant is available everywhere - 7-11, pharmacies, roadside stands, etc. No reason to bring extra.

I've been using baking soda for 18 months, and I love it! I never ever, ever have B.O. Ever. And I couldn't have said that at any point during the last few decades of my life.
Travel Towel - mediumSome places provide towels, some don't. I'm committed to keeping a travel towel on my RTW packing list, despite having adopted a slower travel style that sees me using it less and less. If this is your first big RTW trip, I think it really pays to have one.

These things are notorious for stinking and needing washed often. I'm glad I have a medium so it takes up little space. If you don't get one of these travel towels, I'd recommend a washcloth. It won't dry as fast or provide any coverage, but it shouldn't get as irreparably raunchy. Forget about using a sarong or t-shirt. See here for my reasoning.
Compact MirrorSort of belongs in the MacGuyver category. Good for eyebrow plucking. In terms of frequency, I don't use this enough to justify having it on my packing list. BUT, when I do use it, I'm really glad I have it!

This one is spendy, but has a light that could be a great back-up in dark hostel rooms.
SunscreenI think Solbar is the best sunscreen you'll ever own. Amazing if you genuinely want to keep the sun off. Read more here , or see it here. I have this on my packing list because I've found even mediocre sunscreen to be quite expensive in other industrialized nations. In Asia, it's almost impossible to find it without "whitening" ingredients.

Don't forget to repackage it into a 3 oz. container if you're traveling carry-on only.
LotionI always need lotion after a shower, no matter the humidity.
Fingernail ClippersAlso potentially belongs in MacGuyver category. I use these
all the time, and they double as scissors for many situations. I recommend them for every RTW packing list!
ToothbrushYou don't need a pack of six
- just replace as you go!

Update 2016: After reading James Turner's awesome packing list, I'm considering getting the battery-operated Oral B brush he recommends. No voltage hassles as I jump from country to country.

Update 2017: I love it! Battery-operated electronic toothbrush is where it's at!
Toothbrush coverA toothbrush case is overkill unless you're a germ-a-phobe, but a I think a toothbrush cover belongs on the ultimate packing list. Your toothbrush will be constantly subjected to questionable surfaces. I love my smiley toothbrush cover - keeps the ick off *and* makes me happy!
Travel ToothpasteToothpaste takes a long time to use up and is widely available. This
is a good size and the kind I like.
Floss x 2Also a MacGuyver tool.
Electric Hair Trimmer & BatteriesAs a person not obsessed with shaving, my battery-operated trimmer is way faster than razors when I finally get around to ridding myself of body hair. This one is on my current packing checklist, but when it dies (hasn't in five years!), I'm switching to this little guy.

Helps dudes go a few more weeks without a haircut by trimming up sideburns/around the ears and neck. Also wonderful for all those times that he goes days or weeks without shaving.
Blush & MascaraI hardly ever wear makeup, but occasionally I want to decorate my face.
Chapstick x2If you don't already use chapstick,
you probably won't start. I like to have it around. If in doubt, leave it off your packing checklist: buy when you're sure you want it.
Q-tipsWearing earplugs will make you feel the need to clean your ears, so consider this awesome washable Q-tip for your RTW packing list - even if this need doesn't already arise in your current life.
Bobby pins x 8MacGuyver. And great in a pinch to keep your hair out of your face etc.
Hand SanitizerThis stuff keeps getting dumped on me, but it has come in handy. i.e. Long bus trips when your mango snack didn't come with a skewer and your hands are filthy, etc. Don't get the scented or gel kind - leaves your hands feeling sticky and tasting like perfume.

Unless you already use the stuff, I'd say wait to buy it until you experience a time you wish you had it.
Large Hair ClipWhen I had really, really long hair, this was always on my packing checklist. No need to tote a back-up around as it will probably get broken before you ever get a chance to use it, and replacements are widely available.
Hair Ties x 4Used for securing my hair when I go swimming. Also a MacGuyver tool.
Drugs - painAspirin/acetaminophen/paracetamol have come in handy on multiple occasions. Add a small stash to your packing list - it can be replenished easily and cheaply on the road. Long bus rides, dehydration headaches, hangovers, long jungle treks, miles of swim/snorkeling... you'll eventually want this stuff.
Drugs - otherYou know yourself. My immune-system-of-steel leads me to recommend against having your own, personal pharmacy - even for an RTW packing list. I threw alkaseltzer packets in at random, and my travel partner ended up using them for digestive troubles.

If you regularly take any over-the-counter meds, throw in a few (labeled!) doses. Generally, you can get OTC meds as needed in any country at any pharmacy. The internet will help you.
Bandaids x 10I never use bandaids in my normal life. But in the tropics things get infected more easily, so I always add these to my RTW packing checklist. A past travel partner was accident prone and used most of my stash at the time.

Unique to My Life

Diving CredentialsI decided to get certified finally, with CMAS. I love the water but could never justify adding a $400 ticket item to a $2,000 trip. Now that I'll have plenty of opportunities to use my certification, I went for it. It's an expensive sport, but worth it. Just don't make the mistake I made.
Workout RoutinesI picked workouts that can be done without equipment. In tropical countries, I barely use them at all. Most are just torn out or printed from the Women's Health website. Rather than a having these as a physical item on your packing list, consider an app.
Photos to MailI like to send photos as postcards. I brought along prints from family gatherings. I use them to write home so my nephews don't forget me and my family is reminded of all the fun we have together and how much I love them. I'd rather remind them of our times together than send a postcard of our time apart (the place I'm in). The slowly dwindling stash also doubles as something to share with new friends.

Okay, but that’s not all. Like others, I’m also carrying around a bunch of junk. Here are things that seemed like a good idea when packing months ago:

(Update: some items I’ve since purged, others I continue to succumb to “but what if I end up needing it?” thinking. Better to stick to a minimalist packing list in the first place – do not pack questionable items!)

Stuff Currently Weighing Me Down

ITEMWHY I HAVEN'T TOSSED IT OUT YET

To Contain Things

Small Nylon Stuff Sack

If a bigger nylon stuff sack is on your RTW packing list, I don't think you need a small one. In past travels, I used this football sized one for containing toiletries. I like my nylon shopping bag, because it's bright green - easy to spot. I keep this extra stuff sack around "in case I need it someday." #hoarderinsecurities.
Coin PurseI get rid of (heavy!) coins as fast as possible. I tend not to carry a purse or keep money anywhere but my pockets. Right now the coin purse contains a single coin, a safety pin, and the piece of hard plastic my Philippines SIM card came in that has the telephone number of the SIM on it. Junk!
Various Zip Lock BagsI have half gallons, a dirty one gallon, and a broken two gallon bag that I keep in case I need them for some MacGuyver purpose. Which is stupid. Just carrying them around because it makes me feel better. Like that pair of jeans you're thinking about packing for tropical destinations. (DON'T DO IT! Jeans are heavier than zip lock bags!)

Brain Stuff

Books - 6I have six at the time of writing. These are my vice. Every traveler has one. I try to only carry one or two. However if my stash is that low, I can't seem to escape a bookstore without two or three more books in hand. #addict

Comfort

GumMy last pack! Why did I bring so much gum? I'm not really even a gum chewer. And it's pretty widely available. And usually I forget I even have it. So unless you're a true addict, you don't need to waste space and weight by putting this on your packing list.

Electronics

Cell PhoneIf you have a smartphone, you're probably bringing it. I left the U.S. years ago, just before smartphones really took off, often traveled on Nokias, and have yet to be sucked into the pocket-zombie world. These days, I still don't have one, and I often don't bother with any phone at all. Here's why:

Figuring out each country's system, recharging, finding the right SIM, etc. is a pretty big hassle. I mostly use skype and google voice (see #2) to talk to my family and friends.

As far as calling places to make reservations: phone conversations between people who don't share a first language are always a bit frustrating and often fruitless anyway. That said, if you'll be job or house hunting, you'll need a cell phone. If you're hitting the road with a smartphone, research having it unlocked.
AV Camera CordBought a new camera on the road, and it came with a cord I won't use while traveling. However, thought I might want it back home to show pictures on a TV. In reality, I will probably never use this. Ever.
NZ plug adapterWhile I do think you need an adapter kit on your RTW packing list, this particular one is the bulky replacement I had to purchase when the smaller adapter from my original kit went missing. I'm keeping it around for future just-in-case. Given it's bulk, it would probably be better to hand it off to another traveler and buy again later.
Flimsy Laptop SleeveI convince myself I might want it someday. So it floats around.
Extra EarbudsTo be fair, my iPod earbuds fell apart, and I did use these. However, back up headphones don't belong on your packing list. Silly. Cheap replacements can be found anywhere that Lonely Planet will guide you.

MacGuyver

Keychain red LED flashlightI do think you need some kind of light on your RTW packing list. However, this flashlight is basically burnt out, and the batteries aren't replaceable. But I still keep it around. What if I find myself in a cave, and... miracle of miracles, I happen to have it in my pocket and it's the think that saves the day!? #hoarderinsecurities
Zip ties x 5MacGuyver. And #hoarderinsecurities. Please, do not put zip ties on your packing checklist.
Duct Tape - second stashThis is another three feet wrapped around a piece of cardboard (in addition to the same length wrapped around my playing cards box). Unlike most other things I pack around merely because of my hoarder insecurities, I actually remember consistently that I have it. I love to MacGuyver things.
Mini HighlighterGot it for free, it's tiny, who knows where you're going to need a highlighter?! After nearly two years, the answer is... NEVER. Conclusion: do not add to your RTW packing list.
SharpieUsed my Sharpie a tiny bit in NZ. Don't actually use now. I thought about it once. #hoarderinsecurities.
Expired Credit Cards to give to thievesLots of other travelers had this on their packing lists. The idea is to use these expired cards as decoys - leaving them in easy places, keeping one in your pocket to hand over should you get robbed. I brought five or six of them, but have never used them. The diligence it would take to always have decoys ready and remember which pocket has my real stash... not happening.
Water purifier tabletsHeaded off to see well-known, beautiful things? The infrastructure required to accommodate visitors includes access to safe water. Unless you're going - for weeks on end - to places that aren't written about in Lonely Planet, your packing list doesn't need anything but cash to buy cheap, purified, bottled water.

I do think, however, you should bring along your own collapsible water bottle.

Have fixed plans to be deep in the Congo? Definitely invest in advanced water purification.
Medical TapeJust tossed the half used roll in when I was packing under the guise of "what if I need it to MacGuyver something?" Let's be honest, people. I have duct tape, should any kind of tape be needed. I would never even remember I had this, even if I were longing for adhesive, unless someone said, "do you have any medical tape?"
Tissue packetThis shows up on many a RTW packing list. I just threw it in for emergencies. In an emergency I'd forget I have it, since I already have three or four different places I keep wads of tissue.
Folding FrisbeeFolds like those windshield sun shades. Never use it. Never even think about usng it. Never really come across a grassy open field where a game of frisbee would be appropriate. But what if I found a little kid to play with/give it to?! #hoarderinsecurities

Personal Care

Full Size Face WashFace wash lasts a long time and smaller containers are lighter and widely available. When I finally use this one up (next year?!), I will stick to 100mL (3oz) or less.

And actually, in 2014, I switched to baking soda. How-to post coming in 2015.
Hotel ShampooI used to pack around 3 hotel freebies in addition to 6 oz/100-200 mL containers... before I switched to baking soda. I think I'd forget about these hotel freebies, even when a situation arose that I might actually have used them up.
Small Hair ClipBrought as a backup. The reality is, I have hair ties (that I actually use) for this purpose. I invest far too much mental energy (too much = any at all!) into making sure it doesn't get broken. Gladly gave this away to a friend.
Solid/Bar Shampoo & containerI got Solid Bar Shampoo after seeing this on other people's RTW packing lists and thinking it was a great idea. A whole bottle in a single bar! Saves space and weight! Just add water! Ended up not liking it. 1) Lathering up takes awhile. 2) Keeping the bar dry is high maintenance. And if you store it wet or let it get too wet, it starts to disintegrate and then becomes a huge challenge to lather all the broken little pieces. 3) you have to keep it in a solid container that continues taking up space whether it's full or not.
Solid/Bar Conditioner & containerSame as shampoo, only the brand I bought takes a really, really, really long time to get the conditioner to lather. I.e. it takes me a full 15 minutes of lather, apply, lather, apply, lather, apply to coat a very long mane.

To Put on My Body

ScarfGot it as a gift. It actually has come in really handy on cold buses and for wrapping my busted ankle. So now I'm glad I have it. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend putting it on your packing checklist. Better to buy along the way as a souvenir.
Running ShoesHad these on my original RTW packing list, because I knew I'd use them in NZ for working out. They've gotten very little use in SE Asia. I have run a few times. And they would come in handy for the theoretical jungle trek I've not done this time around. And I liked having them when I busted my ankle, because they're light (er than my Chacos). I'm about to do something stable for a few months - living in the same place day after day. If I don't use the shoes then, they're getting donated!
Sports BraFelt guilty finding my sports bra in the bottom of my bag when I went to make this list. I'm just not dedicated to running in the tropical heat. However, as a fitness fan, this will always be on my travel packing list.
Running Shirtsee Sports Bra.
Running SpandexSame as above.
BeachWrap - muslin skirtReally, I'm conflicted on this one. It did come in handy when I started out with only two pairs of pants and nothing really to wear on laundry day. Probably if I were more of a beach person, I would use it more often. Now that I have three pairs of pants, I've not used it once.
Cowl neck tank topI don't really wear tank tops, but kept this because it's "nice" I tend only to wear it when it's the last thing clean. It's rare that my laundry situation gets that desperate, which is a great example of why you don't need a gazillion shirts on your RTW packing list.

Unique to My Life

Ankle BraceBlew out my ankle in the Philippines and needed help with rehab. Picked a brace up at a Chinese pharmacy in Thailand. My ankle has healed, but I keep it on silly grounds - like, "What if I re-injure it?"
Barefoot Running ShoesI'm really into barefoot running and bought these shoes for when I couldn't run completely barefoot (no grass, too much gravel/glass).

Running in cities in developing countries is tough. The pollution usually makes outdoor exercise pretty awful. And in the tropics, running is ugh. If I knew a runnable country was on my itinerary, I would absolutely keep these on my packing checklist.

Finally, there are lots of packing lists out there. Most of them are made by people who are just setting out for the first time, and they haven’t been updated with lessons that have been learned the hard way. Here are:

  • items I considered
  • why I ruled against them
  • why I think you might actually need some of these things
  • which items I secretly covet
  • how I’m faring without.

Stuff Other People Say to Pack & Why to Ignore Them

ITEMWHY I DON'T HAVE IT - - - WHY YOU MIGHT NOT NEED IT

To Contain Things

packing
cubes
I see packing cubes on many RTW packing lists. If you think you'll like sequestering your things, the cheaper version gets my vote. As a bonus, the cheaper version is also transparent, making your stuff easy to find. Pair these with nylon stuff sacks, and you're all set!

Update 2016: Finally Eagle Creek is making silnylon sacks (read: insanely light and durable) with no space-taking, brick-making, shape-holding seams. As a long-time lover of silnylon (brilliant in the outdoor industry), these are the only packing cubes that seem reasonable and useful to me.

Note that sequestering items can make fitting everything into a small bag difficult. As "organization nut" Danielle at World-Smith.com found after buying packing cubes, "they are way too bulky to fit a lot of stuff in a small space." And, "when everything you own fits in a 40L backpack, that’s really all the organization you need."

Reader Rachel says, "I have learned over time that the only cubes worth using when packing a backpack are the little ones that are meant for socks and undies. Because they are small, you can then cram them into the corners of your pack that other cubes won't fit in, and they don't turn into heavy bricks like the large ones."

Update 2016: If you're dying to organize, consider this sectioned stuff sack - all the joy of separating your stuff without the bulk!

Brain Stuff

kindle/
reader
Nothing sucks more than having something valuable that you're not cavalier about jettisoning but not ever using either.

If you're an avid reader like me and already use a Kindle, then it should be on every packing checklist you ever make.

Benefits: avoid packing multiple heavy books *and* access the internet!

If you're not an avid reader, stick to a real book or two that you can trade as you go. Or audiobooks. Or reading on your phone.

Comfort

foodIf this is your first RTW trip, I definitely recommend putting "treats from home" on your packing list. When you are taking off for a long time, familiar food is helpful in getting you through inevitable culture shock.
sleeping
bag
When I traveled in South America, my down, 20 degree (f) bag came in handy on nighttime bus rides through the Andes on transport with NO HEATER! Also in South American hotel rooms with no heater. But if you're not going to be spending more than two weeks in the high country, don't put it on your RTW packing list. Aren't sure where you're going? DEFINITELY don't bring it. You will be able to sort out a solution at your destination.

Worst case scenarios: you pack it around, never use it, and ruin it in the process. Soaked in a torrential downpour, then no time to dry it and it mildews. Torn by the edge of that shovel sticking off the crap-heap that tops every Bolivian bus. Stolen. Forgotten at that hotel you left at 3 a.m. to catch your flight to another continent after drinking all night. Etc.

A past travel partner had one of these, which he used heaps in New Zealand. I was unexpectedly impressed with the Coleman brand. When my Marmot dies, I might give one a go!

Reader Dan says he adores carrying his $60, 40-degree bag that compresses down really small. He uses it in many situations where I use a smaller sleep sack: in lieu of hotel/hostel sheets, a blanket on cold train/bus rides, to avoid dirtying sheets at a couchsurfing host's house, etc. He's also used it outside on a mountaintop because he wanted to see the sunsrise and all the rooms were full.


Electronics

external
hard
drive
If you've never used an external hard drive, you probably don't need one on your packing list. If you use one often, maybe you do. What are the going rates for internet in the countries you're going to? Can you upload along the way? Do you need to pack around a bunch of movies? How much space do you have on dropbox/google drive? External HD's are heavy - especially if you're never using it but have to worry about keeping it dry, etc.
power
strip
Lots of people swear by these. If you aren't a detail-oriented person, perhaps the brain space one saves you is worth it (vs. having to remember to rotate things that need charged).

Reader Dan reckons having one is terribly handy, allowing you to add more outlets at hostels and airports and keeping you from being tethered to awkwardly placed outlets. It even lets him reach power points from the top bunk in a dorm and snake the cord into his locker so he can charge things while they are locked up.
wireless
mouse
For a person who spends hours on the computer making spreadsheets, etc. for strangers like you, I should maybe get one of theseto ward off carpal tunnel. But so far awareness, internet cafes, and having a lighter load are working for me. Unless you already use one daily, don't put a mouse on your RTW packing list. You can buy on the road if you end up wanting one.
watchIf you don't usually wear a watch, don't start. Other people know what time it is. Make a friend. Even if they don't speak your language, they'll usually be happy to show you their watch face or cell phone.

MacGuyver

RTW
tickets
For lots of reasons, I think RTW tickets are not a fit for most wanting to travel around the world. They're great for people with specific goals. However, they don't necessarily save you money. For cheaper than you'd think, I traveled around the world three times only buying tickets four or five weeks in advance.
guide
book
Guide books are awesome to read before you go - which I would recommend to every single first-time traveler. The irony is, they are not awesome to carry around. However, if you're moving fast you benefit the most from possessing a book. If you're putting this on your packing list, get a Lonely Planet. They are the world's best guidebook. Period. I've used Footprint, Frommer's, Let's Go!... no one can beat LP's organization and ability to get you excited about the sites.

I have PDFs which I reference occasionally. Consider not traveling via guide book. (!!) 🙂
extra
passport
photos
You probably will need these if you're on a long trip to indefinite locations. So why shouldn't you add them to your RTW packing list?

1) You'll pay more for them at home than you will on the road.
2) You'll never be left stranded because you don't have them. A border where you have to have a photo or you don't get a visa? Guess what. Some entrepreneurial soul saw this unmet need and started up a shop next door offering just that service for the same or cheaper price than you'd pay back in your country!
photocopies
of
documents
I scanned mine and have them available via email. If your passport and credit cards get jacked, there is a good chance EVERYTHING got stolen... in which case your copies are gone too. Hence, the reason to have the documents available online and not as a physical item on your packing list.
traveler's checksIf you found an RTW packing list with traveler's checks on it, run the other way. Cash and plastic are king. Travelers checks have become obsolete, people have a hard time cashing them, and they are a pain to manage... all those copies, knowing the serial numbers... blah.
student
I.D.
Card
If you genuinely have one, bring it! If you aren't genuinely a student but intend to avail of those discounts... karma, karma, karma. But if you don't mind being reincarnated as a cockroach, you can get good fakes on the streets in SE Asian cities.
phrasebooksThe time I turned to a phrasebook, it was the middle of the night. I needed to go to the hospital. No matter which Khmer phrase I tried, the sleeping hotel desk attendant just kept mumbling "No speaking English" with his eyes firmly shut. Unless you're dedicated to actually learning the language, you probably won't use a phrasebook and therefore don't need it on your packing list.

I tend to learn my phrases one at a time, as needed, and write them down in a notebook.
mosquito
net
Most places where mosquitoes are a problem will have a mosquito net in the room. Most countries with mosquito problems will have these for sale, and often at cheaper prices than back home, if you decide you need your very own. Only if you're doing tons of camping would I *maybe* concede adding this an RTW packing list.
mosquito
coils
Same as mosquito net. Countries with mosquito problems sell mosquito coils and for as cheap or cheaper than you get them at home. If you try and bring them, they'll likely be crushed into pieces before you even get to your first destination.
head
torch/
lamp
I'm a minimalist above all else. However, one of these is really nice to have to have on your packing list. I'll bring one on my next RTW trip. For now, my heavily researched keychain LED works wonders.
knifeI did travel for a bit with someone who had a knife. We used it to cut mangoes. Overall, one of those "nice to have" but totally-not-worth-the-weight things. As with many items others have on their RTW packing list, you can almost always improvise, borrow, or just go without.

Reader Dan begs to differ. He likes having both a knife and screwdriver. He picks up a cheap knife at a random shop wherever he goes to cut food and do other odd jobs, paying a dollar and then leaving it when he boards a plane.
multi
tool
Heavy. Will you really be in a situation that you need this? And you won't be able to improvise or borrow ANYTHING else? C'mon...
cable
lock
Depends on your level of paranoia. A cable lock would have been nice to have when I traveled for five days on the Amazon sharing a small boat with over 100 other people sleeping in hammocks with no secure luggage storage. But trust, a small carabiner to hold my bags together (harder to steal) and strategic placement of valuables in locking bag chambers made me feel secure and kept unnecessary weight off my packing list.
compassIf you already have the skills to use a compass, you don't need one on your packing list (unless you're planning on doing some serious backcountry stuff, and even then you can probably rent).

If you don't already have compass skills, don't get one. This is one of those things where you can easily dream up situations where it would be really handy. Will those situations happen? Probably not. If they do, will you have your compass on you? Probably not. If you do, will you remember you have it, put your bag down, and unpack all the crap on top of it to get it? Probably not.
laundry
detergent
Laundry powder will probably just end up breaking open all over the stuff in your bag. Most countries will have small amounts for sale in 7-11s, etc. And many countries have laundry service that's so cheap it's not worth the time of doing it yourself.

The exception, as reader Rachel points out in the comments, is anyone with allergies to common soaps. She recommends rinse-free SOAK wash - no scrubbing required, no perfumes or dyes, works amazingly well.
sink
plug
You can improvise something if you really need to plug the sink. But think through this. Why would you need to plug the sink? To do your own laundry. But if you're on that much of a budget, you're probably staying in hostels or hotels where the sinks are really gross or shared with lots of signs posted around telling you DO NOT USE THE SINK TO DO YOUR LAUNDRY. And so you will likely spring for the (very cheap) laundry service anyway.

Some dedicated light-travel enthusiasts bring only two of everything and wash a set of clothes each night. If this is you, consider the world's smallest washing machine. Or... plug away. For everyone else, don't put this on your packing list.
candleWhy? Please don't burn down a hostel. If not for outdoor use, this doesn't belong on your packing list. If you really think you'll need them, you can probably buy them at your destination.
mailing/
office
supplies
Really? Seriously? Envelopes, tape, and most office supplies your heart desires are widely available. Don't want the hassle of shopping for it? I would encourage you to consider the hassle of carrying around 10 extra kilos, on top of the 15 you already have as you wander the streets in the rain being turned away from full hostel after full hostel.
patch
kit
Nah. Don't carry a patch kit. If your bag really tears, there is a cottage industry supporting the phenomenon of plastering your bag with the embroidered names of countries you've been to. Buy one of those patches and sew it on with the kit you brought or the needle and thread you bought at 7-11.
shoelacesIf your shoelaces really break, I've got news for you. People all over the world wear shoes requiring shoelaces, which also break. They remedy this situation by purchasing new ones at the local store after the breakage happens. Rather than clogging your RTW packing list with unnecessary gear, you should, too!
fake
wedding
ring
I followed the advice to add a fake wedding ring to my very first RTW packing list. It never stopped cat calls, which annoy me more than anything. Serious advances generally aren't annoying and can usually be fended off by dropping "my boyfriend" a few times very near the beginning of your chat. A ring is only going to fend off a nice person. More aggressive people aren't going to be less aggressive just because you're wearing a silly old ring. And thieves will see a person with nice jewelry who must have $$$$ money $$$$!

Personal Care

first
aid
kit
I think a first aid kit, even a tiny one like this, is overkill.

Bandaids, pain meds, a sewing kit. That's all I need.

You are not going to a war zone. You are not time traveling to the 16th century. You’re just going to another country. Where people also cut their fingers. And get colds. And have infections. And need antibiotics.

Unless you’re straying really far off the beaten path, please don’t fill your bag with all this stuff “just in case.”

You’re going to be able to buy first aid supplies abroad. You have the internet to help you make sure you’re taking the right thing and to translate it into the local language. And if it’s something you’ll find in a first aid kit, some other schmo carrying a 70L pack will gladly give it to you – happy to finally take a little weight out of their monstrous pack.

The only thing that I would recommend that I don't have now is antibiotic ointment that got used up by my accident prone travel partner in New Zealand.

Reader Kimberly says, "I always have a small first aid kit with me, no matter the trip. But this is because my trips always include hikes of various lengths. A bandaid or tourniquet are easy to find in a city, but could actually save your life on a trail."
malaria
preventatives
Not for this woman! Had way too many sunburns and freaky dreams on malaria meds. Doxy is said to interact with birth control, too, which could be a problem for you. Pretty sure doxy also made me ill in South America. A friend who's lived 20 years in the tropics and whose whole family has had malaria at one point says, "We think it's better just to take the drugs when you get it." Think you don't want to risk ruining your trip with an illness? Having chronic sunburn or hallucinations or vivid nightmares may be worse! Especially considering that you may not have even gotten sick anyway! Caveat: death from resistant malaria is on the rise in western Cambodia and on the Thai/Myanmar border. Bottom line: talk to a travel doc and decide for yourself whether this belongs on your RTW packing list.
bite
zapper
A friend of mine had a bite zapper, and it was fun to zap my mosquito bites. It was probably about 60-70% effective, but fun to do and way more gratifying than a cream. I would never seek one out or suggest adding it to your packing checklist.
tummy
trouble
meds
I did have ciprofloxacin (for traveler's diarrhea). I carried it around for a year. Just before it expired, a travel partner - whose stomach was far more sensitive than mine - finally used it. This is a cheap antibiotic. If you know you have an iron stomach like me, consider leaving it off your packing list. If you're not sure, it's cheap. Just bring one course. You can always replenish on the road.
birth
control
I have an IUD - an low-hassle option best for monogamous women. If you are already on birth control, bring enough for your trip or research which of the cities you might pass through have options for refills. If you imagine you might just meet the person of your dreams on the road and you or this person will likely have male anatomy, you'd be wise to pack a few condoms. But keep track of them. If they've been in the front pocket of your backpack which sat in the blistering sun on the top of a bus for seventeen hours, they're potentially going to harm you when you think they're helping you.
razorsI pick up disposable razors as I go and am not obsessed with keeping my body free of every tiny microscopic hair.
face
lotion
If you're a woman who has a skin care routine beyond "wash face," by all means - add this to your packing list! Otherwise, wait until the first time you want it and buy on the road.
hairsprayReally? *Really?* Maybe I'm blessed with the right kind of hair. Or comparative apathy.
comb/
brush
I haven't owned one for... ten years? I comb my hair with my fingers when I condition it in the shower. Try it!

Okay, okay -if you use a comb or brush already, of course it deserves a spot on your packing list.
wet
wipes
Unless you already use these regularly in your every day life, you probably aren't going to start. If your intended use is toilet related, please don't flush these. Ever. If you're a germaphobe, and hand sanitizer isn't going to cut it, *maybe* add these to your packing list. And prepare to be horrified in less "sanitary" places!

To Put on My Body

jacketAs long as you have one warm layer (like a fleece) you can always buy a jacket if you end up needing it, and usually for cheaper than in your home country. If you bring a jacket from home, you'll feel more attached to it and more concerned about taking care of it. Buy it second-hand abroad, and you'll be happy to wear it for three days in that mountain town and then give it to a local in need.

If you must bring a jacket, choose one with lots of pockets.... especially if you're going to Asia or Europe or any region where airlines weigh your carry-on. Being able to stuff small, heavy things into your pockets can save you lots of money. In a perfect world, we'd all have a travel vest as part of our wardrobes for this purpose. (Which could be combined with a fleece to serve the purpose of a jacket as well!)
rain
jacket
Admittedly, I don't like rain jackets ever - period. My skin just gets all clammy and wet underneath anyway. So I don't think it's worth having on a packing list. A travel partner I had wore his sometimes.
fancy
clothes
Good if you're trying to get a job or really like dressing up for other westerners (what's fancy for you is different than what many locals would consider "dressy" or appropriate for their cultural celebrations). Unless they're really versatile and easily serve casual purposes as well, fancy duds don't belong on an RTW packing list. If a wedding or something is on your radar, buy something to suit when the time comes.
scarfBuying one along the way as a souvenir is so much more rewarding. And chances are you will end up doing without or improvising, just like a good traveler. Same goes for dress scarves, unless you're obsessed with this accessory.
sarongSame as scarf.
buffIf you've used a buff before, go for it. If you're just considering one because it's on someone else's packing list, please don't. I borrowed one on long backcountry trips in New Zealand, but had van space to store a plethora of don't-really-need-it items. They're versatile, yes, but if you're not used to meeting your many needs with one of these, chances are it will sit in the bottom of your bag, and that new scarf and hat you bought that double as souvenirs will be at the top.
bootsHeavy items like this do not belong on an RTW packing list. Unless you are a serious hiker or obsessed with being maximally comfortable every single second of your life, you don't need boots. And, ironically, if the latter description fits you, you're about to make yourself VERY uncomfortable hauling around several kilos of stuff you don't need.

Reader Dan says he prefers boots for all the walking he does with a heavy bag, since they last longer than sneakers and do better in wet conditions. He often wears flip-flops when stationary, but never carries the boots on his back - always on his feet.

Reader Ale loved her super light, SoftWair soled, Dr Martens boots in Europe.
They protected her "clumsy" ankles, were okay hiking, looked good with dresses and tights on dress-up days, and were great to walk in - especially in the frequent rain. She comments: "I would say a good pair of nice and sturdy boots and a pair of sandals is all you need. F*ck ballerina flats, those shoes are the worst."
flip
flops/
shower
shoes
Eh. I tend not to do shower sandals, and I've not had athlete's foot since I was a child. Knock on wood. Rather than adding flip flops to your packing list, consider buying them as a souvenir. Unless you live in your slippers/jandals/thongs anyway, I vote for just one pair of sports sandals that go anywhere and do anything. But flip flops are light and packable if you must have another pair.
beltMy pants don't fall down in general. Most travel pants (cargos, leggings, etc.) feature elastic waistbands anyway. At least mine do. Unless you usually wear a belt, don't put one on your RTW packing list. If you end up needing one, you'll get it as a souvenir AND it will probably be cheaper than if you'd bought it at home.
winter
hat
Same as scarf. You probably don't need a hat on your packing list. If you end up needing one, it will be an opportunity for a souvenir.
nice
shoes
I'm blessed with an apathy about my appearance. There have been a few occasions that I wish I had nicer shoes. Overall, the extra weight makes them not worth having on my packing list. Maybe a pair of ballet flats that pack down. But definitely not heels of any kind. If that's you, backpacking may not suit you all that well. 😉

Congrats if you made it this far!

If you don’t already have your free flight organized for your trip, it’s not too late!
And you know how to avoid getting duped by travel insurance, right?

Departing travelers also read:
How I Afford Years of Non-Stop Travel
How to Get Insanely Cheap Flights
How to Sleep for Free When You Travel

and…
24 Jobs You Can Do While Traveling
How to Get a Free Backstage Cultural Pass
10 Things Travel Novices Need to Know

If you’ve been planning and planning, but haven’t taken off… read about how one newbie traveler finally threw caution to the wind:
Grabbing Life by the Handlebars: Retirement Before 30

If you’re not done thinking about packing, here are a few other packing lists for you to peruse:

  • The Reddit one-bag thread – crowdsource your minimalist RTW packing list!
  • A woman with too much gear – She hasn’t updated since her trip, but her list is a great example of why people are walking around with huge packs.
  • A couple with more gear than I think you need – Most people regret bringing this much stuff once they realize how easy it is to source as you need it on the road. Some say they don’t even remember they have most of it.
  • Want an NB packing list?  Lemme know if you find one!  Google didn’t turn anything up for me.

Finally, don’t forget packing light saves you money. US News and World Report interviewed minimalist packing experts (including yours truly1although they quoted me (grammatically!) incorrectly several times! ) to explain the financial and mental benefits of packing light. Here’s another guru’s great advice on minimalist packing, in case you’re still not convinced.

To paraphrase Rick Steves, “There are two kinds of travelers “those who pack light and those who wish they had!”

Happy Traveling! ♣

Liked what you read?
Or want to know The Cost of 2 Years of World Travel?

The info is sent for free to anyone who joins the Half the Clothes community!

updated August 2016, and cutoff March 2017

References

References
1 although they quoted me (grammatically!) incorrectly several times!


66 comments

  • May 28, 2021 at 11:58 pm

    Sorry forgot to mention – I could not do without a rain jacket. I am currently in Bogota and the weather here changes a lot! I hate umbrellas lol Also I am planning to do some hiking sometime soon so I am pretty sure a rain jacket will come in handy. But I guess it all depends where are you planning to travel to and what type of activities one is planning on 🙂

  • May 28, 2021 at 10:30 pm

    This article is truly amazing! And I really like your sense of humour 🙂 I read every single word, I currently travel full time and I wish I came across it earlier! Thank you!

  • November 16, 2020 at 6:20 am

    I just discovered your blog entry and even though it seems it’s been years since you posted it, I notice it is still getting comments. I think your list still stands up. As a 5kg or under (11 pound) packer who has travelled through Europe for a month at a time in all seasons, I’m committed to keeping things as minimal as possible. A male German tourist once looked over his 80L backpack at my 20L backpack and asked if I’d “ported” my luggage onward. When I replied “no”, he said, “but you’re a girl!” A fellow minimalist traveller once said to me that people pack “for their fears”, whether that is getting sick or not looking fashionable or getting pick-pocketed. You can still be sensible and (somewhat) stylish and healthy and clean without all the advertised ‘stuff’ that gets pushed on us as travellers. There are things on your list I wouldn’t take and that’s okay. You do you and I’ll do me. The only thing I would say is that your rubber bands could substitute for the door stopper. You can wind them into a wedge to shove under a door. There are lots of tutorials on Youtube that show you how to make rubber balls et.al. Thanks for taking the time to write such an interesting post.

    • November 20, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      So wonderful to hear from a carbon copy of myself! I found myself subconsciously wondering if you’d copy-pasted words I’d said somewhere! Especially “people pack for their fears.” Yes – the list is still weathering the test of time and getting lots of updates. 5kg is impressive to me! Amazing! Thanks for the rubber band vs. door stopper idea. And for saying hi!

  • August 27, 2019 at 1:51 am

    Hi, I enjoyed reading. I spent along time overseas. You have great guidelines. Alot of my time was military or related. Some of the comments, especially form professionals, seemed to miss the point. I travel with a 27ltr messenger/ bomber bag myself. But, if I’m going to do 8 or 9 months I’ll do my 40 ltr osprey.
    Thanks for taking the time.

    • August 27, 2019 at 4:50 am

      So glad to hear you enjoyed! I sometimes bring a 40L, but it’s always a different trip if I stick with the smaller bag/leaner gear set. Thanks for chiming in, Budd!

      • August 27, 2019 at 5:18 am

        That was a quick and nice reply

      • August 27, 2019 at 5:24 am

        These are pretty good Immarsat I phone 2. Fairly inexpensive. Just a thought.

  • November 5, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    What a great resource! I’m mentally preparing for 12-18 month road trip around the states next year and am working through the mental gymnastics of packing currently 🙂
    My only feedback on your list would be the first aid kit. As someone who once went on a hike and slipped and ended up with 5 stitches in my leg – I think my friend would have appreciate keeping her nice extra shirt to donating it as temporary tourniquet. Now whenever we go hiking my friend always asks “do you have the tourniquet?!” I always have a small first aid kit with me, no matter the trip. But this is because my trips always include hikes of various lengths. A bandaid or tourniquet are easy to find in a city, but could actually save your life on a trail.

    • November 6, 2018 at 6:57 am

      I’m so excited for your trip! Glad you found the list helpful. I’ve added your awesome first aid kit feedback for readers to consider. Happy travels!

  • August 16, 2018 at 3:54 pm

    I have to say the part of the list of items NOT to pack is the MOST STUPID LIST I HAVE EVER SEEN! And yes I have to use capital letters as I got so angry when I was going on with your list. I hope no one listens to you seriously! Just came back from nine months traveling the world and some of the items you said people shouldnt pack are absolutely essential! Are you aware that your list is actually LIFE THREATENING? Telling people not to pack malaria medication is not only stupid, it is dangerous! Being a medical doctor myself I have seen people die from malaria IN WESTERN COUNTRIES. And I’d probably rather go NAKED than not pack a medikit – this is not only for comfort but for basic security! In some countries you will get fake antibiotics – even in pharmacies. And then good luck… Oh, and Ciprofloxacin is not for travelers diarrhea. And Doxy is not recommended for malaria prophylaxis. Yes, it raises photosensitivity. No, it does not give you nightmares or hallucinations. For everyone else here who is sane and cares about his/her health: pack Malarone. It’s a safe standby medication without serious side effect. Malaria is a deadly disease. And those 50g more weight won’t let you stand crying at the airport or train station (which I, btw, never did – even though I had that incredible extra weight of stuff that could have saved my life.)

    • August 17, 2018 at 4:33 am

      Hi Sarah, thanks so much for adding your impassioned perspective. Among the many tasks that go along with running a large website is the task of adding updates to this list. I’ll be sure to incorporate your perspective. Thanks for contributing!

  • July 4, 2018 at 1:23 am

    Great packing list and commentary, Jema! I enjoyed reading it and will look forward to reading more of your articls.
    Some brief comments:
    Garbage bag: I began to bring a garbage bag after the earthquake in Nepal; I was not there at the time, but I was traveling. I looked around my room and realized that there was lots of stuff everywhere that would be difficult to repack quickly in an emergency. I decided that a large garbage bag would be handy for quickly gathering stuff and making a fast exit.
    Malaria: Mefloquine, which requires only a single weekly dose works well for me, but there is a long list of side effects. I did not experience any of them.
    Footware: I always have a pair of lightweight boots or trail running shoes and a pair of sandals. I would feel insecure with only a pair of sandals. In Cuenca, Ecuador a Keen shoe came unglued. I was lucky to have found an English speaking cobbler who quickly repaired it. It would not have been much of a problem finding a decent pair of shoes in this city. However, a pair of Teva sandals came unglued while wading to the shore at one of the Indonesia’s Gili Islands. There, my best option would have been to use my duct tape as a temporary repair. Fortunately, I had my trail runners as a backup.
    Sleeping bag: After my second backpacking trip which was to Europe and a couple of North African countries in 1973, I vowed never to save weight by leaving a sleeping bag out of my carry-on pack. No heat in any budget accommodation, no extra blankets, and nothing but cold nights when I arrived in France in early March. Since then, I have never left home without a very lightweight sleeping bag. For the last couple of years, I have used an ultra lightweight down quilt designed for wilderness backpackers. It is 17 oz. and, in a compression sack, compresses into a very small ball which saves lots of room in my pack: https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation/

    • July 4, 2018 at 6:18 am

      Hi Frank! Wow, these are such awesome and thoughtful notes! The garbage bag is a really awesome idea. I always have one in the backcountry (poncho, tent foot print, pack cover). It always comes in so handy.

      I kind of travel with a second pair of shoes – my five fingers. Definitely a concern if they break! That’s a good point about the sleeping bag, too. I’ve slept in unheated hotels in the Bolivian winter at 13,000 feet. YIKES. Will add your thoughts to my next round of updates.

      Cheers!

  • February 26, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I’m really struggling on what to pack with for Thailand. I will be there for 29 days and I have a backpacking backpack that I was going to bring and just carry on. Here are the issues I’ve run into:

    1) China Southern has an 11lb carry on restriction. My camera alone is 3 lbs, which means I won’t make the cut with only 8 lbs to spare. Unfortunately it looks like I’ll have to check a bag..any suggestions on what kind of luggage to use, considering I’ll be picking up and moving every couple of days or so? I really don’t want to be rolling around a carry on sized piece of luggage, but I don’t know what to use beside that.

    2) The backing backpack I’m planning on using for my carry on has a drawstring to the largest compartment..which means I’m not able to use a lock on it when I go out during the day and leave it in the room I’m staying in. Any suggestions here? This is my biggest concern!

    • February 26, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      Hi Kim!

      I hear you – I’m basically always struggling to pack… just this morning I packed up my bag and shook my head at some of the unnecessary things I’m currently carrying around.

      1) Being forced to check a bag (b/c of weight/size restrictions) can be hard. What I usually do is check my main bag and have a collapsible carry-on that I use on the flight. That carry-on often becomes by purse/day bag as I’m traveling around my destination.

      2) IF you have time, you could ask a seamstress or tailor shop to add grommets to the top of your drawstring bag, which would make it lockable. Eg:
      army duffel grommet closures

      Summary: I travel with one bag that can expand via a nylon duffel/messenger bag/nylon backpack. When my one bag is too large for carry-on, I move my carry-on essentials into one either the nylon duffel, messenger bag, or nylon backpack and check my main bag. If I have a bag that locks and need security, I put all my valuables into the locking bag.

      Hope that helps!
      Happy travels, Kim 🙂

  • February 2, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    Great site!

    I’m still reading it but from what I’ve read ref the packing list it’s not far off what I travel with. Only difference being cloths (man) I’m a wear one set carry one set guy and I don’t bother with my computer I tend to use my cheap (travel only) android tablet my decent tech stays home for safety.

    It’s nice to read a site where the author is saying “you must take these 9000 items because I say so!” With you it’s take it don’t take use common sense and think it through.

    I use the KISS system (keep it simple stupid) and in my house lol another minimalist here 😉

    All the very best.

    • February 2, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      PS. Forgot my list.
      1, base layer
      2, t’shirts
      1, jeans
      1, shorts
      1, long sleeved cycling top (bike hire)
      1, fleece
      1, pakaway water/windproof
      1, sun cap
      2, boxers
      3, pairs socks
      ID papers ect, tablet, dopp kit.

      All this fits in my cheep Chinese 35L backpack. I live and travel around the EU.

      • February 3, 2018 at 5:58 am

        Thanks for sharing your list! We are kindred spirits indeed. (p.s. – love your email address!)

    • February 3, 2018 at 5:57 am

      Hi Paul – Great to meet a fellow minimalist who is full of common sense! Thanks for sharing your packing approach (and for the anti-buy-all-the-things accolades. It’s tough to ignore all the web gurus shouting for me to create sales funnels and “convert” people… the cheerleading helps me stick to my guns and ignore the opportunities to $ell-out.)

      • February 3, 2018 at 9:28 am

        Hi Jema, I know the feeling! You know them shoot-um-up games where the players run around with little health bars above the heads. I sat on a bench christmas week watching folks shop I pictured them with the health bars but in this case “debt” bars. 😉 It’s very sad to see how people have become so relient on materials.

        The way I work is if it costs more than €20 then I wait for 1 month before I buy it. This then makes me question the item ‘do I really really need it’ ‘will I use it more than once a week’ and ‘will I still use it in 6 months time’ if I can’t say yes to all 3 then I don’t buy it. I never buy promotions (impulse purchasing) by paying full price makes me apply above rules.

        PS. My email is strange lol

  • November 24, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    Hi! I read your list and I think it’s fantastic. Thank you very much, I got many ideas of what to bring but more importantly what NOT to on my trip (not making a RTW trip but a month one and many of what you have said applies to me). I recently finished Med school and after reading your comments on medical stuff I would like to help by giving my personal opinion:

    – Agreed on the IUD vs the oral contraceptives. IUD is much more comfortable and with almost no side effects compared to the pill, which you would have to hoard if you go several months on a trip.

    -You almost never need antibiotics for a diarrhea. Unless you have something like Cholera, which you will not cure with a box of ciprofloxacin, taking antibiotics will do little to no good, and it might actually unbalance your inner gut flora making the diarrhea go for a longer time. Diarrhea’s a bummer but it’s better to wait for it to go away by itself.

    -Malaria prophylaxis is very important for tropical destinies for a short time or if you intend to go to the wild. The drug avoids the Malaria attack, but not the infection, which means as long as you take them you will not have the fever attack. They are useful for short trips as if you need hospitalization it’s better to be in a hospital in your hometown than in a foreign country where nobody speaks your language (and probably have a lower quality of healthcare), and more importantly can save you if you’re going to be in the wild for a week and getting proper care will mean days of trip back to civilization. So if you have no plans of stepping into the wild or are thinking of doing a months-long RTW then you could avoid taking them.

    Cheers. Happy travelling!

    • December 4, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Diego – thanks so much for chiming in – it’s great to hear from a traveler with some education in the med department. Amen for NOT bringing stuff! I didn’t know about the cipro – never taken it myself, and these days will only take antibiotics after trying evvvvvverything else. Good to know also about the Malaria. Happy travels to you, too!

  • August 22, 2017 at 1:43 am

    Thank you for the list! i just made my first solo travel (i’ve traveled a lot within my country, but always in my car, so it’s easy to overpack and just toss everything in the trunk) im a rookie but i think i can add my two cents :

    -A flannel shirt (traveled with only one from American Eagle) great for layering when the weather gets colder, great to use as a cardingan over tank tops or other shirts, cute enough to wear out at a bar or something, soft enough to use as an extra blanket/pillow. If you are a guy, it doubles down as a nicer shirt.

    -THIS LIGHT: http://amzn.to/2wlcc6F
    Dont fight me on this, best thing i ever bought haha. It’s small, it has a magnet so you can “clip” it to your clothes while using both hands, easy to put in any bunkbed as a night light, easy to strap in a backpack, long lasting battery. Only complaint, the light is not that bright, but if you are using it only to find stuff in the dark at hostels, as an emergency light somewhere or inside a tent, is more than enough. In my opinion, better than a headlight.

    -Boots. i read the comment of other traveler, but he was a guy, so im going to make my case in favor of boots on girls. I bought a pair of Dr Martens ( with SoftWair soles, super light not the classic heavy ones; goo.gl/2KP1kv) and they took me around Europe. They were good to walk around for miles, and they took care of my clumsy ankles, it rained a lot, so they were great to keep me decently protected from the rain, i went hiking with them, and even if they are not the best shoe for that, they got the job done, and again my ankles were very thankful. And they look cool; i had a couple of dresses to wear with or without tights, if i ever ended up going out, and they really looked good paired with the boots and i favor pubs and bars instead of clubs so i never felt out of place, i usually wouldnt care, but i ended up going out in London and Amsterdam, and i kinda felt the need of “dressing up” a little. I would say a good pair of nice and sturdy boots and a pair of sandals is all you need. F*ck ballerina flats, those shoes are the worst.

    -Phone strap, this is one of those accesories that are not popular at all, but i have to say, the moment i took my phone strap off, my phone got stolen. So…there you go, i bought one, because im super clumsy and i was using my phone as a camera all the time near water and cliffs, so i would strap it to my jacket, belt or just around my wrist. I took the thing off in the last city i was visiting, because i thought my phone was not at risk anymore and it looked silly with the lanyard thing and it got stolen in the metro. Didnt even notice the pick pocketer.

    -Old clothes; most packing list tell you about amazing (expensive) clothing items, but while i think is amazing to have a good jacket, vest, pair of leggins or whatever, everything else should be old or cheap clothes, especially tshirts and jeans, stuff that you can easily leave behind if you need to.

    -Power bank, im surprised you didnt mentioned it in your list. For me it was a MUST. I have a nice solar powerbank that works to fully charge 2 phones at the same time. I would strap the thing to my backpack during the day, and never had to deal with my phone dying. Specially since location apps drain the power of my phone.

    Good Travels!

    • August 22, 2017 at 7:14 pm

      Wow, Ale – awesome contribution! I’ll check out the light and the power bank and phone strap. Amen to old clothes – the less attached you are to things the freer your travels (and life!), hey?

      Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

  • August 13, 2017 at 10:43 am

    I love how you updated all the time your post, based on the number of years or the things you did and saw.
    I don’t go with a backpack, my mom calls me a snob, maybe in a sense I am, but…I always appreciate people that have the courage and the gut to go out there and just sleep in a tent or carry sooooo many things.

    • August 14, 2017 at 7:31 pm

      Backpacking definitely isn’t for everyone, but no travel style is, hey? Happy travels, Ms. Gabriela 🙂

  • April 23, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    A few notes to compare from a different perspective

    I carry a sleeping bag with me on every trip. I got a 40 degree bag that compresses down really small for around $60 at some small camping shop. I always use it. I trust it more than some of the hotel/hostel sheets. I use it as a blanket on cold train/bus rides. When i couchsurf i use it so i dont dirty their sheets. Ive even slept in it under the stars on a mountaintop because i wanted to see the sunsrise and all the rooms were full. I dont blame someone for not having a sleeping bag, it can be bulky, but i cant imagine traveling without it anymore.

    I use to carry a utility knife and it has come in handy. But it was mostly the screw driver and knife part i was using. Now, i carry a small multi-head screw driver (about the size of a thick pen) that i use for any odd task. I also pick up a cheap knife at a random shop wherever i go. Knives are good for cutting food and other odd jobs. I usually only pay a dollar and then leave it when i board a plane.

    Boots are also a must for me. I dont carry much but i do a lot of walking with a heavy bag. A good pair of boots last me for months on the road while sneakers will only last a few weeks at best. Not to mention boots do better in wet conditions. When im on the road, i usually only where my boots when im on the move. when i arrive at a place, the boots stay off and i just wear cheap flip-flops around. occasionally i”ll also pack a cheap pair of flats for occasions when i want shoes but the boots stay with my bag. i never carry the boots on my back, always on my feet.

    The only reason you should have a digital camera is if it is more rugged than your phone. I carry an Olympus Tough that is waterproof and drop proof. its great for the beach and rafting, i’ve also taken it into caves, snorkeling, and food fights. a gopro camera also works great for this if you want to spend a little more for something lighter. But if im just wandering around a european capital, then your cell phone camera is just as good. most digital cameras under $200 are not better than your iphone of Galaxy phone

    ive never used rope, doorstop, or collapsible water bottle. you can also buy a plastic water bottle as you go and refill it. if you loose it, just buy a new one. last time i brought a purpose bought waterbottle, it got lost within a week of my trip.

    Lastly, something to add. a simple extension cord. I carry a 6ft, 3 outlet cord with me everywhere. i picked it up at a general store for about $4 and i stuff it in an old digital camera case (packs small). This thing is so handy. When you are in a hostel and there are not enough outlets, you can add more. more outlets at the airport, so you arent tethered to the awkwardly placed outlet. if you are on the top bunk in a dorm, this cord reaches the outlets that are knee level so you can charge your devices in bed. ive even been able to snake the cord into my locker so i can charge things while they are locked up. This thing is the best

    • April 24, 2017 at 2:32 am

      Dan! You are my hero! Thanks for all the awesome feedback and for so excellently illustrating the point that each person has to dial in what works best for them once they’ve figured out their travel style. Would you agree that a good modus operandi is to go with little until you figure out what you wish you had, vs. taking everything “just in case?”

      Fascinating to hear our differences and the way we successfully tackle the same issues with very different solutions (i.e. I’m just about to replace my collapsible water bottle, which is still one of my linchpin items that I use so much it finally wore out!)

      Will add your feedback. Thanks again from me and from everyone who uses this list.

      Happy travels to you, good sir! 🙂

  • March 25, 2017 at 12:24 am

    Hi Jema,

    Currently planning my first solo trip to Europe and I wanted to hear from someone with experience:

    I’ve got a North Face Surge 2 backpack ( https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/surge-ii-backpack-en-ca ) and I’m wondering if you think I can minimally pack 18 days into this? Do I need another bag as well to go with it? I’ve had friends with backpacking bags offer me their 55 or 65L bags but I’d like to avoid checked baggage fees and just carry on my stuff.

    What’s your opinion on this bag and what I truly NEED to pack if I’ll only be in Europe (During May)? I can probably skip a lot of stuff since I’ll be mostly in cities.

    Thanks,

    Mark

    • March 26, 2017 at 2:53 am

      Hi Mark! Of course my thoughts are that you should totally do it! But I have no idea where you’ll be for 18 days, how often you think you’ll have access to laundry (unless you’re going to be a two-outfit sink washer?), if you think you’ll be stopped long enough to do laundry, how big you (and therefore your clothes) are, etc.

      You can definitely skip a lot of stuff. I’m packing right now for six weeks in Australia followed by five weeks in the American west – two different temps, and I’m going to stay pretty close to the 29L pack skipping a bit of the stuff on this list because I’ll mostly be in the homes of my friends. I have an expandable nylon duffel that I will probably have full most the time but be able to cram if need be (airports, in transit, etc.)

      I never regret going smaller, hey. Of course sometimes I acquiesce to the urge to just toss in a bunch of stuff “just in case” (e.g. currently sitting at the airport at the tail end of a two week roadtrip through the American South with my Arubian-Dutch friend and I basically packed for three different kinds of weather out of laziness… didn’t feel like making the decisions necessary to dial it down to nothing but a carry on. But it wasn’t a hassle to carry the things from the trunk of our rental car into couchsurfing hosts’ houses and AirBnbs. If we’d done the whole trip by bus and train, I would have packed way tighter and lighter).

      Sorry for rambling… hope that helps a bit!

      Have a great trip!

  • February 21, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Am packing my bag when I came across this article. Thanks for a good checklist!
    Still wondering what the baking soda solution is..

  • November 19, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Hi and thank you for your informative website and list(s)! I found a lot of great ideas. I disagree with your comment that the Osprey Farpoint 55 is a backpack to avoid unless you are tall.
    I’m not a tall woman (just shy of 5’7″) and have been measured as having a shorter torso length (16″) and yet this was the only Osprey pack of 30 liters or more that had a shoulder suspension system (with load lifters) that fits me correctly and together with the nicely padded hip belt allows me to carry 85% of my pack’s weight comfortably on my hips. Seriously I can even shrug my shoulders as if nothing is there even when it is fully loaded!
    I have the S/M size and it is only 1.5 lbs heavier than the Porter 30 – and 1 lb of this is the detachable daypack so really it is only 0.5 lb heavier than the Porter 30.
    I was a bit concerned about its dimensions being a bit larger than United Airline’s carry on limits (especially the length) but as long as I only pack the main backpack about 80% full it is still under United Airlines total dimensions of 45″. I even went to their check-in area to verify that my Farpoint 55 would fit in their carry-on size-checker box and because it is bendable it fit no problem.
    The detachable daypack is super comfy as well. It can buckle into the front straps if you want to wear it double turtle style but I don’t like this as it adds weight to the shoulder straps and makes me feel huge no matter how lightly I pack the daypack. I far prefer to keep it securely zipped on (or to use it inside my bag as a packing compartment) while I wear my cross body day bag with tickets, phone, travel essentials when at the airport or traveling by bus/transit to my destination to keep these essentials easily accessible.
    I love the idea of a foldable nylon shopping bag and will get one of those for sure and have been toying with getting a foldable duffle too (for trips where I know I will return with more…but this defeats the whole traveling light but maybe it will give me even more room to spread out at my destination as you say. Then and again maybe I don’t need it since my main pack already holds 10 liters more than the Porter 30.
    I know that the Farpoint 55 will be too big for carry-on on some budget airlines but I primarily fly United so i should be fine. If this all fits any other folks criteria by all means check out this wonderful bag.

    • November 20, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      Hi Kathy – thank you so much for posting your Farpoint 55 thoughts for others to consider. I appreciate it especially because I know I’m really biased toward small bags. When folks who travel happily with larger bags chime in, it helps make the information here more balanced.

      It’s also helpful to hear from someone who tries to travel exclusively on an airline that is among the more permissive when it comes to carry-on sizes. Again, I’m biased toward budget airline travel in far-flung locales, so people who are in your camp can be left wanting. Thank you for filling the gaps!

      Just to clarify, I made the tall comment about the 55 because tall people wear larger clothes which take up more space… not because of the way the Farpoint 55 fits. I’m also 5’7″ with a short torso and have been wearing a Farpoint 55 (and Porter 30 and 46) for a backpack capacity explainer video being made and can attest that it fits well.

      Thanks again for sharing your Farpoint 55 thoughts. Glad you’ve found the bag that works for you and good luck dialing in the complimentary nylon/duffel pieces!

      Cheers!

  • November 2, 2016 at 3:45 am

    I have read a number of these RTW packing lists and the strong “encouragement” to use a small pack. However, I am hard-pressed to see how all of the recommended items can actually fit in a bag <35L in size. The list you present here is substantial, and, short of photographic evidence (which seems to rarely accompany such posts), I remain *highly* skeptical that it is feasible to fit everything into a small carry-on sized bag…

    • November 3, 2016 at 1:25 pm

      Hey Julie! You’re right – it does seem crazy that so much stuff fits in a bag. You’d be surprised though.

      The reason you don’t see photo “proof” on many blogs is because:
      1) It takes forever to stage such photos. At home, it’s at least an hour of work getting everything all spread out and organized, making sure you got it all, figuring out how to make each item visible, etc. On the road, it means finding a good spot for a photo and then taking literally everything out of your bag – definitely a monstrous effort to prove what we all know anyway.
      2) None of us have any agenda that would make it worth the hours of our time required to create, edit, upload, and tag said photos. I suppose I’ll speak for myself, but the majority of what I write and publish is to help others benefit from my experience. However, given that the associated compensation doesn’t elevate one above the poverty line, the lengths I’m willing to go to help vary enormously based on how much free time I have to kill. (Usually, not much!)
      3) In our modern-internet era, it’s becoming a cardinal sin to have photos on one’s site that aren’t high-res and stock-photo gorgeous. A photo taken in a dingy Bangkok hostel of a bunch of random stuff definitely doesn’t pass the test. And getting good photos elsewhere of stuff like this is a challenging task for even professional photographers.

      I emailed you a photo of most my backpack items on a bed/couch at a friend’s house. (All the little items.. like paracord, doorstop, headphones, etc. are still in that little green bag on the floor.) She asked me not to use photos taken in her home online, which is the 4th reason I don’t use that photo. (On top of the 5th reason that I just snapped it on a whim because I happened to have most the stuff out of my bag while looking for a misplaced item just before heading to the airport, so it doesn’t have every single item in my pack)

      I’m working on a backpack capacity explainer video right now to help people understand just how much stuff fits in a bag. I used something practical (adult medium t-shirts) to show how much fits in each bag. Guess how many fit in the 30L bag?

      55!

      Since I recommend travelers bring the equivalent of about 15 t-shirts in clothing (5 shirts, 2 pants, sweater/jumper, socks, etc..) that leaves the space of 40 t-shirts (that’s a lot!) for everything else.

      Anyhoo – I’ll come back here and link to the video for you when its done. Then you can see what actually fits in each bag!

      Sorry for my verbaciousness. It’s one of my biggest faults. :/

      Cheers!

      • September 15, 2017 at 12:56 pm

        What a great article with so much details! Photo for every single item! It is my dream being able to travel with just carry-on backpack unfortunately have not figured out yet how to make it possible for me.
        I don’t find it too surprising all fit in your bag but I am pretty sure all these stuff is going to weight more than 10 kg. Many budget airlines impose not only size limit but weight limit on carry-on luggage. Did you ever had any problems with that? If so how it got resolved?

        • September 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm

          Hi Alex – glad you enjoyed the list. It’s my magnum opus 😉 When I travel in regions whose budget airlines have weight restrictions, I get a travel vest or even just a jacket with a lot of pockets. Every heavy thing I have – electronics, padlocks, some of my toiletries, etc all go in there. It’s a pain to be repacking everything before and after a flight, but it works. Hope that helps!

    • November 3, 2016 at 1:26 pm

      Um… your email address you submitted got rejected. Use the contact form to let me know if you have another? Cheers!

  • September 7, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    LL BEAN DAY PACK (10#) (2)
    6 LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
    LL Bean Ripstop Trail
    2 All weather wicking longsleeve***
    2 Thermal Silk Long Underwear
    1 Hot Chillys Long Underwear
    5 SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS
    3 Collar Thai Silk
    Only multi-colored clothes
    Nylon Tank Top
    Custom Made Collarless Vest
    3 LONG PANTS
    2 Custom made pants (black)
    One for hard travel/hiking
    One for casual wear
    Waterproof nylon pants
    Thermal silk long underwear
    Hot Chillys Long Underwear
    Custom made cargo shorts
    Surf quality bathing suit (1)
    8 Nylon ultra-lite 5” inner seam shorts
    4 Polyester/Nylon half socks
    3 Polyester/Nylon full length sox
    Columbia Liteweight Rain Jacket
    Mittens
    Rain Poncho
    Flip Flops
    Terry Cloth visor
    Synthetic Towel
    Mesh Dirty clothes bag
    Frisbees (4)
    KEY Chain Led Lite, Lighter
    Rubber Bands, Document Copies, Pen
    Trash Bag (@)

    MILITARY VEST (4lbs)
    Custom made with a multitude of pockets inside and out utilizing zippers and Velcro. Vented backside. Carries a variety of items: 7”Tablet, Mp3, Kindle, GPS, Camera, Monocular,
    Compass,Altimeter,Mirror, Note pad & pen, First aid basics,Reading glasses, Led torch,Lighter,Document copies, Rubber bands, Smoke,Laser lite,
    Reading glasses
    WATCH altimeter/compass $150
    PRESCRIPTION GLASSES $300
    SOFT LEATHER FANNY PACK 3 lbs
    Wireless Rollup Keyboard (+)
    Wireless Mouse (+)
    Extra AAA Batteries
    MP3 (battery operated)
    Extension cord 6’
    Portable MP3 Speakers (+)
    Power Adapters,Chargers,Miners lite
    Alarm Clock,Key Chain Led Lite,
    Calculator Reading Glasses, Pen
    Lock,Harmonica, Ace bandage (#)
    Floppy Aerobie Disc backing
    SOFT LEATHER FANNY PACK 3 lbs
    Electric Shaver/Hair Trimmer
    Hand Soap,Shampoo,Deodorant (roll on)
    Toothbrush & Paste, Fingernail Brush
    Mirror, Manicure Set, Rubber Bands
    Wash Cloth, Door stop alarm,Scotch tape,Reading Glasses, Pen, Document Copies
    CREAMS,LOTIONS,DRUGS,1st Aid
    Prescription Drugs, Xanax, Ambien
    Tylenol 4 ,Doxycycline, Lomotil, Suntan, Anti-itch, Anti-biotics, Mosquito Babypowder, Sunscreen, Chapstick, Bandages, H202, Surgical Tape, Universal Sink Plug, Laundry Soap,
    Orajel Ziplocks, Key Chain Led Lite,
    Incense, String.
    Floppy Aerobie Disc backing
    NECK POUCHE #1**
    Passport, Credit cards, ATM cards Driver’s License & Large Bills
    NECK POUCH #2 (~)
    Pen & notebook, extra passport & driver’s license, inactive credit/ATM cards, small amount of $$$
    NECK KEY CHAIN *****
    LED pen lite, pen knife/bottleopener, fingernail clipper, whistle, keys
    BUNGIE CORD
    Modified for exercise & security
    formidable weapon

    NOTES
    Fold, roll & rubber band clothes
    Rubber bands in all bags…lots of uses.
    Zip lock baggies….use “em
    Anything that can leak…will
    Screw top lotions, toothpaste, etc
    flip tops invariably open in transit
    keep in ziplock bags in any case
    &/or scotch tape cap.
    Remove a battery on items that can
    accidently turn on en route
    All AAA battery operated devices
    Multiple document photocopies
    snugged away in different bags
    Tailor made clothes:
    Military vest, dress pants
    Cargo pants and shorts, Collar vest
    Keep moving parts to minimum:
    zippers, snaps, buttons, etc
    Mostly solid colors: mix & match
    Long term stays of weeks:
    Buy throwaway hats, Ts, etc. to
    preserves wardrobe; umbrella
    No short sleeve shirts, all weather shirts
    can be rolled up. Unbuttoned thai
    silks good for beach lounge wear.
    Torches: key chain led lites all bags
    Use Kindle & Android for room lite
    Mosquito protection at nite:
    thermal silk long underwear com-
    bined with long nylon sox.
    Terry cloth visor
    Combined with wet synthetic
    towel for heat protection
    String (clothes line)
    Scotch tape on screw off bottles
    Frisbees packed in back of LL Bean bag
    makes for comfortable & higher seat
    especially good on crowded buses
    Frisbee back fanny packs give added
    girth to my 5’6” 132 # frame
    filling up my paid assigned seat
    Emergency situations
    Imagine yourself w/o clothes or $$$
    Have agreement with banker for
    One call/email verification
    Hands free capability en route
    Compartmentalize: practice discipline
    Lanyards 4
    Prepare for all weather & conditions
    Camping trek: Hire porter/cook
    Rent equipment & specialized
    clothes.
    Predominantly solid dark colored clothes
    Versatility
    3 different type bags for
    various situations
    Maximize mix & match wardrobe
    Security awareness on the move & at destination… EVERYDAY
    Expensive adventure watch with altimeter & compass features or inexpensive digital watch & carry independent compass & altimeter…the argument goes on

    TRAVEL CLOTHES *
    MILITARY VEST
    BROOKS Addiction shoes* (=)
    …..with pronation insert
    Custom made pants
    Nylon sox
    Nylon ultra-lite 5” inner seam shorts
    All weather wicking longsleeve***
    Hat

    EXTRAS…carried in multiple bags
    Fingernail clippers, Rubber bands, Pens, Lighters, LEDs, Document photo copies, TP, Laundry & hand soap,Baggies

    LEGEND
    * worn when in route
    ** kept hidden out of sight
    *** UnderArmour
    **** carried in other bags as well
    ***** used solo for going out at nite
    hanging at beach..goodies at hotel
    (1) Speedo brand with zipper pocket
    (2) Minus travel clothes
    (@) accommodates all bags in rain
    (#) multiple uses: ankle support and
    insulate fragile items in transit
    (=) pronation prescription
    hiking, sprinting, casual friendly
    shine up after day of hiking
    (~) decoy…worn in or outside de-
    pending on situation, contents
    vary
    (+) insulate with Ace bandages while
    transit

    SHORTS: 6 PAIRS @ $15 = $100

    SOX 6 pair@ $3 = $20

    NYLON RAIN PANTS

    MONOCULARS $16

    UTILITY KNIVE, FORK $8

    COMPASS $3

    MATCH HOLDER $5 .

    COLMAN MATCH HOLDER $5.

    WATCH $150

    WATCH
    outdoors altimeter/compass

    IPAD $50

    CAMERA $150

    GPS $125

    PRESCRIPTION GLASSES $300

    KINDLE $150

    BROOKS ADDICTION WALKER
    $150

    PRONATION INSERTS $50

    LLBEAN SCHOOL BACKPACK $50
    . 32 litres

    FANNY PACKS 2 @ $20 = $40

    TAILOR MADE CLOTHES

    OUTDOOR VEST tailor altered $50
    Robot Check

    • September 9, 2016 at 4:42 pm

      Wow, Blaise. Incredible list. Why so many pairs of shorts? Have you found yourself using a compass in your travels?

      Did you really get a $50 iPad? The link doesn’t seem to work. Curious if you don’t have a smart phone? (I don’t! A luddite holdout, hey 🙂 Is that why you’re bringing a camera?

      Hot tip – I got glasses through Zenni Optical for really cheap ($15) and then another pair via groupon in Australia for $50.

      Why’d you decide on the LL Bean bag? Why two fanny packs? (In Australia they call them “bum bags” – ha!)

      And where are you headed?

      Hope you have a great trip!

  • August 9, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    Oh, also, for people who like to do their own laundry (I sometimes pay for laundry but I’m allergic to a lot of soaps so more often than not I do my own in the sink), if you’re going on a shorter trip and can spare the space, I highly recommend SOAK Wash. It’s a rinse-free clothing wash (originally designed for yarn and marketed to knitters). You just put a teaspoon into cool water, swish the clothes around, let them sit for 15 minutes, and they are magically clean with no need to rinse. You can see the dirt come out into the water. I was skeptical but it really does work, and even gets my stinkiest workout clothes clean and smell-free. Awesome stuff. Can be ordered on Amazon.

    • August 10, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      SOAK wash sounds awesome – I wonder how it works? I’ll add it to the list as a works-with for those who are considering a sink plug!

  • August 9, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    Love your site and love this list! I’m obsessed with travel and packing and gear, so I really enjoyed reading it. I love your humor, too. A couple notes from my own perspective:
    – Personally, I love packing cubes because I really like being organized. However, I have learned over time that the only cubes worth using when packing a backpack are the little ones that are meant for socks and undies. I pack t-shirts in one, pants in another, undies in another. Because they are small, you can then cram them into the corners of your pack that other cubes won’t fit in, and they don’t turn into heavy bricks like the large ones.
    – I take a pashmina (wide scarf) everywhere and have found it invaluable in all sorts of countries and climates as a shawl, blanket, head covering, etc. But then, I am a scarf-wearer in general, so it works for me.
    – One advantage to bringing a belt from home if you are like me and the way you are built causes your pants to always want to fall down is that you can buy one of the ones with a flat, plastic buckle. That means it won’t show under tighter fitting tops, and you can walk right through a metal detector with it on.
    – I agree on rain jackets and jackets in general in most climates, but with a couple of caveats. I was in northern India and found myself needing a warm jacket for a trip into the Himalayas and I could not find one anywhere and ended up wearing everything I owned plus a borrowed fleece and froze my ass off. Now I carry one of those newer, thin, down alternative jackets (they make down ones too, but I’m vegan) that weighs like 7 ounces and fits in its own pocket, and damned if I don’t use that thing just about everywhere in place of a fleece (lighter and packs easier too). I also have failed to take a raincoat to several locations where I didn’t realize how chilly it got when it rained and really regretted it, so now I have a 5oz Outdoor Research rain jacket that folds up so small I can ball it in my fist. Obviously it depends where you are going, but I love that technology has advanced so that you can have these backup items for not too expensive and not too much weight (both jackets were under $100 on clearance, and I use them constantly as an avid hiker and backpacker (trekker) as well as traveler).

    Anyway, I recently downsized again (like many people, I started out carrying a large backpack and daypack and have sloooowly gone down in size, and now I have a fantastic pack that I bought at the Columbia employee store for a great price. And you’ve given me some ideas to downsize even more! Thanks for the info and entertainment. I especially love your comments about shoelaces. And ugh, when people insist on taking heavy hiking boots!

    • August 10, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Rachel –

      Great to hear your perspective about packing cubes. I can definitely see using the small ones for the small things. I’ve traveled so long with a multi-compartment bag that I tend to think of packing cubes as only big, bulky objects that would make packing the main compartment a giant pain. But you’re right! If one didn’t have the smaller compartments that I have, I can see small packing cubes (ziploc bags?!) coming in really handy.

      Which down (alternative) jacket do you have?

      Happy to help anyone on the journey to mastering their own personalized minimalist packing list!

      • November 21, 2017 at 9:29 pm

        I missed your questions/replies… It looks like they no longer make my specific packable down alternative jacket, but it’s from Mountain Hardwear and they are a great company. I love that coat! And Soakwash (mentioned above) works by binding to dirt and rinsing it right out of your clothes! I use it at home for delicates too, and have sink-washed more travel clothes than I can count in it. It supposedly lengthens the life of your clothes, but I don’t know about that. Still love your list/blog!

        • December 4, 2017 at 6:29 pm

          Hey Rachel! Good to hear back from you! Isn’t it so disappointing when awesome stuff gets superseded by new gear? Makes me want to buy two of everything! (Maybe also something to do with disliking shopping 😉 ) Glad to hear the soakwash is still working brilliantly for you. Happy travels!

  • May 18, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    For women, might want to consider a silicon menstrual cup. I’d recommend getting use to it at home first, but can be great as you can pretty much leave it in all day and not be worried about accidents or adverse affects (i.e. TSS).

    I baseball cap and chap stick is always on my list as well!

    • May 19, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      The DIVA cup is awesome! I’ve never used one traveling or wilderness backpacking, because I wasn’t sure about contamination issues. There are huge bonuses though! I’ll ask the nurse on my favorite travel forum…

      • May 20, 2016 at 4:37 pm

        Here’s the answer! tl;dr – the cup needs to be washed with potable water, so just a bit less convenient in places where tap water isn’t potable. However, the DIVA cup is still fantastic from the leakage perspective… i.e. – none as compared to the horror stories that can happen with all other methods, hey.

  • November 26, 2015 at 12:52 am

    Was browsing this list for the billionth time and noticed my quote about packing cubes – thanks for the shoutout! Yes, they are great for suitcases and awful for backpacks. I don’t totally regret buying my set. I’m still going to use the smallest piece for holding things that are too small to go loose in my pack, and they also came with a nylon sack for dirty laundry that will be useful. But the larger sizes were a swing and a miss on my part.

    • November 26, 2015 at 3:37 am

      Great to hear from you, Danielle! Nylon sacks are the best, hey. My bag is designed for school use, so it’s got all kids of organizational built-ins in one pocket. But when I switch to a new bag, I’ll definitely be looking for some new solutions.

  • November 19, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    Excellent comments – I Appreciate the points . Does someone know if my business can obtain a fillable Packing List example to edit ?

  • June 14, 2015 at 5:42 am

    Aack! The Doug Ritter Photon Microlight is no longer available on aeromedix.com! It is available at dougritter.com. Was hoping to pick one up at a local store, but it doesn’t look like that is going to be possible.

    • June 15, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      Glad you were able to track it down! Will update the list – thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • June 2, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Your blog is hilarious and real. I just got a 40L and I’m seriously re-thinking it after reading this list.
    Thanks for turning the RTW packing “typical” help on its head!

    Cheers,

    Melody

    • June 2, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Glad you enjoyed! Amen to any smaller bag! I’m on a short trip at the moment, but with more stuff than I’ve ever carried (tropics + cold + wedding + farming). It’s awful!

  • March 15, 2015 at 2:30 am

    Luv u chica

  • January 1, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    I am actually the person that brings all the things I might need, but the only thing I ever feel like I packed too much of is shirts.
    I always bring scissors, duct tape, bandages, wet wipes, tiger balm, a tiny tool kit and 1 hat. And I never not use them.
    that said I have never packed more than 13 kg, which I don’t think is too heavy.

    • January 3, 2015 at 4:37 am

      Glad you’ve figured out what works for you! There isn’t a single item I’d vehemently insist that no one needs. However, I do vehemently insist that no one needs all the stuff they worry they might on their first-go-round. Thanks for the contribution/feedback! Happy travels!

  • December 30, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    Just found this. Thanks for the packing tips! I’m struggling to make my pack smaller.

  • April 5, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    This is a brilliant post, will retweet as its completely changed our packing strategy, without it we would have probably looked like newbies with our massive backpacks! Have seriously changed our thoughts after going through this so thanks!

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