This is what my first-ever packing process looked like.
Mom: “Do you really need three travel towels and two pairs of sunglasses?”
Yes. Obviously.
One towel for the morning hostel shower. One for the spontaneous hot springs I was definitely going to stumble upon. And one… just in case I spilled beer on myself. As for the sunglasses: losing things is a personality trait, so backups felt responsible.
Mind you, my backpack was a 70L monster. A literal giant.
And yet… Mom doubted it would all fit.
She was right, of course. It didn’t.
Like many of you, I have been there. Overpacking, stressing, and realizing halfway through a trip that I did not need half the stuff. I have sent home packages more than once with things I did not want to throw away but also did not want to keep carrying. Every gram counts.
Over time, I learned one simple rule: bring only what is necessary. This packing list is what I carry now, in my 35L backpack. Maybe it will help you downsize a little too.
It is based on a ‘travel forever’ mindset, mostly for warm weather with the occasional cold spell. If you forget something, you can usually buy it. A warm jacket doesn’t need to be expensive and you can leave it behind for someone else when you are done.
Pack smart and pack light. Quick-drying, versatile clothes are your best friends.
My outfit
Packing List – Backpack
First, a few words about sizing. A 36L backpack is big enough to fit everything, including snacks, but still small enough to take as cabin luggage. A 30L works great as a daypack and can fit all the essentials, though you might have to carry your snacks in a separate bag. Right now, I am really enjoying the light and comfortable Dragonfly from ULA.
Clothes
Some extra necessities
Toiletries
Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to take scissors and fluids over 100ml on most planes, if you’re traveling with just cabin luggage like me.
First aid
Firstly, if it comes to health, I am in no way saying this is all you should bring. If you have personal prescriptions, you should obviously bring those (in your cabin luggage!). Secondly, depending on your situation and plans, you might want to bring additional things like pills for motion sickness, altitude sickness, allergies or sleeping. Also, make sure you get informed about necessary vaccinations a few months before your adventure starts. In reality, this is normally my standard package:
Other
Then for the girls: 3 elastic bands, some tampons, make-up remover pads, some make-up (mascara, eye pencil, foundation)
And for the guys: Shaving cream, small hair spray
Finally, for lens wearers like me: Extra contacts, small solution, extra contact case.
Packing List – Small daypack
Electronics
Other
What better not to bring?
Detergent. If possible I use laundries along the way, most hostels generally have the option. In any case, some soap or shower gel works fine too.
Big bottles of shampoo, shower gel, or deodorant. Just for practical reasons: Some of this stuff is heavy and besides that, the airlines won’t allow you to keep it in your hand luggage.
Please also think about leaving valuable jewelry at home, since there’s always the risk of losing it or having it stolen.
Anything on your packing list that isn’t on mine? Let me know in a comment!
What’s more?
Epic Travel List
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