Every trip I go on starts from this simple packing list.
Out of a mixture of necessity and comfort I've learned to pack pretty light on my travels. Every adventure, big or small, I tend to pack the same things. Clearly I make standard divations from this list depending on the specifics of the trip. For instance, if I'm going on a diving tripI may leave out the blue jeans and hiking boots, and add a mask and fins. If I'm headed to Singapore, I'm likely to lose the first aid. For the most part, though, this is what I bring for a 1-3 week trip and why. Hopefully it will help you on your travels.
Clothing
Top half:
3-4 t-shirts that can also be used as undershirts under protective gear if riding a motorcycle.
1 large scarf, scarves can also be used as beach blankets, shade, towels, and more.
1 hat, sun protection is a very real and you need to lower your body temp. when it's hot.
1 flannel shirt, surprisingly I seem to need this even in warm places.
3-4 bandanas, take up zero space and can be used to stabilize sprained joints, or give shade.
1 multifunctional headwear, hard to describe but surprisingly useful.
Bottom half:
1 pair of blue jeans, this I usually wear to keep bag weight down.
1 pair of Columbia hiking pants that can zipped off at the knees.
1 bathing suit, every time I think I don't need one I inevitably do.
2-3 pairs of compression socks. Compression socks cost a pretty penny but they are worth it.
3-4 pairs of underwear. It's not pleasant to think about, but just reuse them a day or two.
1 pair of flip flops, comfortable to wear on dirty floors and safe for hostel bathrooms.
1 pair of ankle supporting hiking boots, I wear a pair of Scarpa that have lasted me 16 years.
1 money belt, if for no other reason, once I've spent all of my other money, I still have some.
Non-clothing
Non-electronics:
1 toothbrush, while usually easy to find it's always better to be safe than sorry.
1 toothpaste, even if the outside of you is dirty, if my mouth is clean it's a small comfort.
1 deodorant, deodorant is not sold everywhere and can be nice to have.
1 large pack of wet-wipes, not everywhere has a sink or shower.
1 first aid kit, this varies from trip to trip, but I usually bring the basics.
1 notebook and pen, nothing beats a notebook and pen when it comes to writing.
1 pack of cards, learning card tricks passes the times and it's a great excuse to talk to people.
Electronics:
1 computer, to get work from the road done.
1 charging cable, a computer with charging cable is useless.
1 phone, for obvious reasons.
1 multifaceted charger that can charge all of my devices.
1 external battery, I try and use this as a back up, not my main power source.
1 GoPro, I usually attach this to my helmet, bike, or backpack.
1 GoPro 3-Way, useful for a number of reasons.
1 GoPro external charger,
2 GoPro extra batteries, GoPros are notorious for short lifespans so I have back ups.
1 pair of headphones, I find music is needed on just about every trip.
1 Nikon D3300, my "real camera." It's bulky but for me it's worth it.
1 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens, this is my standard lens.
1 AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, for those shots farther away.
1 AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens, my hardest to use but most fun lens to try and use.
1 tripod, this is what usually goes first, but when I do have it, it improves photos drastically.
This may all seem like a lot, but it all fits inside the backpack I usually use for work which is a 34L bag. I hope this helped, and I'd love to hear if anyone has any suggestion or better packing tips as I'm always looking for better ways to travel.
Wiley H. Jackson
Teacher, Writer, Adventurer
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