Today I'm going to share with you what I pack in my backpack on my around the world journeys.
One of the most common questions I receive from my readers has to do with what do I actually
bring in my backpack.
Right now you're going to get a full exposure of what is in my bag for better or for worse.
First, we're going to start off with what clothes I bring.
The biggest thing I've learned over the years is that it is not a good idea to bring too
much stuff with you if you're traveling long term.
These days I'm traveling mostly in - well, almost exclusively - in tropical climates.
I will be going to a few colder areas later on this year.
What I'm packing right now I'm covered in all situations.
I wouldn't be able to travel in minus twenty for example but just about in any kind of
weather from cool to really warm I'm covered.
I actually only have one long sleeve shirt.
This is sort of a highly functional shirt.
It is very breathable and it is sort of what I call my safari shirt.
It has a lot of different pockets here.
It is just a great multipurpose long shirt and it is light and it is breathable.
I don't tend to wear it often in tropical climates but if I do need to put it on it
is something that isn't going to make me sweat too much.
I also carry several t-shirts.
When I first started backpacking I had about seven or eight of these but now I'm down to
four.
I only carry a few shirts because it is really easy to have them washed and I don't want
to have extra weight in my bag.
When it comes to shorts and pants, again, I'm all about minimalism.
I've got two pairs of shorts, which are right here.
These are lightweight.
What I'm looking for in shorts when I'm backpacking is I want lightweight, I want lots of pockets,
I want lots of security features.
I've got security pockets here.
Also, on the back I can easily put things in.
For example, if I have electronics or if I have valuables that is really important to
me.
These here are actually special pickpocket proof shorts.
These are designed to keep anything you have in your pockets.
I also carry two lightweight jackets.
This one is exceptionally light as it is more like a windbreaker.
This one is a little bit warmer.
For example, if I'm in a really cold place I put on layers.
I'll first put on this jacket and then I'll put on this jacket.
The same with pants.
I can wear these pants underneath these.
These would sort of be acting like thermal underwear or long underwear.
Finally, I've got my ginch (my underwear) and my socks.
I don't carry many of these.
I am in a tropical climate now.
I do have more than just one pair of underwear.
That is what is in this laundry bag here.
These are my clothes and all of Audrey's clothes, so I do carry more than one pair of underwear.
Of course, finally (viola) a pair of swimming trunks.
Overall, my recommendation when traveling is to carry as few clothing items as you possibly
can.
I've seen some people pack what seems to be their entire wardrobe from back home and that
is just backbreaking.
My ideal packing list for clothes goes something like this:
3-4 t-shirts (one of them being collared) a smart shirt that you can wear for social
outings. 1 long sleeve shirt, 2 pairs of shorts and no more than 2 pairs of pants, swimming
trunks, enough underwear and socks for several days.
You don't need a whole weeks worth and that should be it.
Recently, I've discovered something that has allowed me to organize my clothes really well.
These are breathable tiny little laundry bags.
What this allows me to do is I can sort all of my clothes into different compartments.
I can have my pants and my shorts in one of these.
I can have shirts in another and socks and underwear in another.
Little tiny accessories such as my bandanna, my swim trunks and whatever - that can go
in another tiny little one.
This is what it looks like when everything is put away in the cubes:
jackets, shorts and pants, t-shirts, socks and underwear, accessories and dirty clothes.
As you can see I have a lot of those right now.
Here is my toiletry and accessory kit.
Now if you look down I carry sunscreen (and I do choose the water babies because I have
sensitive skin and I freckle easily), mouthwash, deodorant, a cool little torch (a light that
comes in very handy) for when I'm camping or when the electricity decides to go out
in my guesthouse.
One of my favorite things is the Gerber.
My Gerber comes in very handy.
This multipurpose tool is excellent for repairs and for any kinds of things I need to do on
the road.
I've got a great little toiletry kit bag that hangs up on the wall.
Also, in here I have shampoo, soap that I keep in here, a razor and my toothbrush inside
of here.
I also take with me multivitamins - sometimes I don't know if I'm eating the healthiest
or if I'm not getting enough fruits and vegetables when I'm traveling - so this keeps me healthy.
I carry a basic first aid kit in case I get any bumps and bruises, cuts or whatever.
It is time for the best part - my toys.
These are the electronics I take with me.
This here is my Sony DSLR camera and it comes equipped with an 18-250 mm lens.
This is an all purpose lens that allows me to capture from wide angle all the way to
telephoto.
I also carry a lightweight Slick tripod which is just awesome.
This is sturdy but it is very light weight.
I can carry this around with me.
I have a little sling bag for it.
Finally, my ultrabook - my fourteen inch Dell ultra book.
It is slim and high powered.
It allows me to edit my photos and edit videos while I'm on the road.
Finally, this is the rest of the stuff that I carry:
A power adapter - it comes in very handy Over here I have my glasses and a pair of
sunglasses.
They all fit into this nice little case that keeps it protected.
My passport holder with my passport.
I keep my passport in one of these cool little bank books which keeps it nice and folded
and straight and it also keeps it protected.
Next, I have my backup wallet.
This is not the one I actually carry with me on the road.
This is what I keep back in my hotel or guesthouse.
It has some backup credit cards, a little bit of cash (and I like to keep that secure).
Here is my tiny little wallet.
I typically don't carry any cards in here unless of course I'm going to the ATM.
I just carry a small amount of cash that will last me for the day and I can keep that in
my pocket.
If someone takes this from me it won't be devastating.
Finally, last but certainly not least the actual backpack I use.
This is from a Canadian company called Mountain Equipment Co-Op - MEC - this is a super continent.
I find this bag lightweight, durable and very easy to carry.
Finally, my day pack.
This is my Lowepro.
It is perfect for carrying my camera and my computer.
It has a nice little area - right in here - where I can stuff my computer.
Most importantly, it has a dedicated side pouch for my dSLR and my camcorder which would
go right into here.
Finally, of course my shoes.
I just wear lightweight sandals and I have a pair of lightweight jogging shoes which
I wear sometimes when I'm hiking, walking around in the city.
I don't feel the need to carry anything else.
Okay, wrapping things up.
There are a few things that I think you should consider before packing for an around the
world trip.
First, embrace the concept of minimalism.
Take as few things as you can.
The less you are carrying on your back the happier you'll be.
Second, consider taking packing cubes.
You'll be able to separate your clothes and other items really easily.
When you go to look for something in your bag you won't have any issues.
And third don't feel you have to bring everything.
There is nothing that you can't find on the road.
In my experience traveling if I've ever run out of something - whether it be basic medicine
or toiletries or even if my t-shirts or shorts get shredded - I can pickup a new pair easily
wherever I am.
I hope you've enjoyed these tips and I want you to have the best backpacking trip you
possibly can have.
In the comments section please leave any tips or suggestions.
Is there something that I left out?
Is there something that you would do different?
Please let me know as I'm very curious to find out.