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You’ve just landed in Colombia. As you step onto the tarmac you’re hit with a wave of frigid high-altitude Bogota air. Your thin Northface windbreaker clearly isn’t going to cut it. & due to your lack of preparation or imperfect long-term travel packing list, you’ll be wasting valuable travel funds gathering the gear you need upon arrival. Not to mention all the space wasted on non-essential items. Packing is an artform. & long-term travel packing is a skill honed over years of experience.
Poor planning can make or break a budget travelers trip. Money & space are tight with backpackers and crafting the perfect packing list for you takes time. But fortunately for you, through trial and error, we’ve honed the perfect packing list for any long-term trip. Whether you’re getting ready for a month-long single country excursion or a year-long round-the-world trip what’s inside your backpack is important. Here’s what’s essential for your long-term travel packing list & what you should leave behind.
First things first, this is what we carry in our backpacks. I’m not going to pad this list with unnecessary fluff. We travel light (to save on airfare) but not so light that we don’t have everything we need to live on the road full-time. If you’re looking for more ways to save money before you hit the road we have a HUGE guide detailing every money-saving travel hack we’ve learned.
Tips to Become a Packing Pro
Before we get into your long-term travel packing list, here are my tips to pack like a pro.
1. Stick to Carry On.
Trust me. You need less than you think on the road. The biggest mistake newbie travelers make is to bring everything but the kitchen sink. Don’t forget that people live in these destinations too. You’ll be able to re-up on shampoo and soap. When you’re carrying your entire life on your back every ounce matters. Keep it light.
2. Packing Cubes Will Keep You Sane
Bag packing can be a huge source of frustration. I’ve played with loads of backpacks and different packing methods but cubes are the way to go. You’ll be able to keep your clothes separate and organized in any bag. I stand behind Tripped Travel Gears bags. I’ve used them for years.
My bag method. Bag 1: Fancy dinner outfit, Bag 2: Short & Pants, Bag 3: Underwear, swimsuits, socks, Bag 4: Casual Shirts, Bag 5: Athletic wear
3. Keep in Mind What You Use Most
Put these items near the top of the bag. Or just in the easiest to access place. For me, this is my little toiletries bag. It always goes right on top.
4. Roll Don’t Fold
I’m sure some die-hard travelers will disagree with me because the jury is pretty split on this one…but I’m team roll your clothes. You can fit more, they stay wrinkle-free, and they are easier to keep organized.
5. Pack 3/4 of Your Bag
Do not pack your bag to the gills. I repeat…do not pack your bag full. After that first pre-trip pack, things will never fit as neatly into your bag again. It’s like unraveling a sleeping bag. & you want that extra wiggle room in case you find something you absolutely must have along the way.
Which Bag is Best?
Obviously, a long-term travel packing list must begin with the bag itself. Which bag is best? Evan & I travel with different backpacks. Both are amazing (but mine is better).
Evan’s Backpack: Deuter Unisex Futura Pro 40L
Why Evan loves his pack: Deuter backpacks are synonymous with top-of-the-line equipment and deliver on that German engineering they’re known for. Maximum pockets to keep things organized yet accessible. The ability to access from the top and bottom of your bag keeps you from having to take everything out just to get a clean pair of socks. Throw in a waterproof rain shell for when you get caught in some weather and it’s pretty much the perfect pack. Ventilation and padding save your back, as well as support straps around the top and bottom of the pack to ensure support and comfort. I sprung for the 45L which is the max volume permitted as a carry-on because who has time to hassle with checking bags??
Geena’s Backpack: Tortuga Women’s 45L Max Carry-On
I love this backpack. I cannot rave about Tortuga enough. This is the largest legal carry-on size and it’s extraordinarily comfortable with padded straps and lots of clips to take the weight off your shoulders. There are hundreds of hidden pockets for easy organization. I have a spot for everything. Another reason this bag is far superior to others– it packs like a suitcase. It unzips entirely, opening up so you can grab even the items stuffed down into the bottom of the bag with ease. It’s durable, weather-proof, and reasonably priced. Its perfectly rectangular shape also makes it even easier to stow on planes.
Our Day Packs
In addition to the main pack, we also each carry one small bag for hiking or beach trips.
While on trains and buses, it’s very important that you keep all your valuables on you at all times. For us, it’s easiest to just put all the valuables
Topos Rover Backpack
This bag is perfect for hiking or heading to the beach. It’s our go-to day bag. I love that the fabric doesn’t hold onto dirt and that it’s easy to get sand out of.
Topos Photography Bag & Camera Cube
This bag is extra durable and has lots of padded layers to protect our most valuable goods. It also has handy pockets and padded straps for carrying heavy gear. The Topo Design Camera Cube also conveniently fits exactly into this particular pack. This cube lets you organize all your camera gear and carry it with you easily during the day.
This is what the camera cube looks like…
Marchway Waterproof Bag
90% of the time this bag stays rolled up and tucked away but for beach days, rafting, canoeing, rainy hikes, etc. it’s a lifesaver. This one is super durable for a cheap price.
Patagonia Fanny Pack
Patagonia is saving the planet. & it’s also saving me from forgetting all my shit. This fanny pack is perfectly sized to fit your phone, passport, the days cash, and even has a secret compartment for your credit cards and IDs. I’m not a purse person when I travel, I find the fanny pack far more convenient. I’ve used mine for 2 years and counting…
Camera Gear & Electronics
I’ll preface this by saying that the average traveler can just nix this entire section. Ok, not all of it but most of it. I’ll start with the handful of items that all travelers should pack with them & then I’ll share the extras that we bring along for all my prospective digital nomads out there.
Apple Watch
This is a must for every traveler. It has changed my life & I’ll tell you why. I’m no longer attached to my phone. I read the Broke Backpackers post on How Your Cell Phone is RUINING Your Travels & made a personal vow to leave my phone behind while we are out exploring. With my Apple Watch, I can still have the time, Maps.me, & other necessary apps on my wrist without any social media. I’m also obsessed with counting my steps because I find it incredibly impressive how many miles we end up walking every day.
- Phone Charger.
- Apple Watch Charger.
- Universal Outlet Plug. Most countries have a different electrical socket.
- 2 Power Banks. We each bring one.
- Headlamp. (& charger)
- Noise Canceling Headphones. You’ll thank me on your first long bus ride.
Now let’s get to the list of gear we travel with that you probably don’t **need**.
Nikon D3400
Our go-to lenses are the 18-140mm for everyday walking around & the 70-300mm for zoom. We would love to upgrade to a better zoom for wildlife photography in the future, but we aren’t ready to invest yet. We also always have an extra camera battery on hand.
Tripod
This one is lightweight, easily positional, allows for horizontal & vertical shooting, and is small enough to fly carry-on.
GoPro Hero 8
Cameras are heavy. But GoPros are not only light & easily hidden in your pocket, but they are also waterproof which makes them the go-to choice for underwater photography and for use in extreme weather conditions.
We have a couple of favorite GoPro accessories. The waterproof damage-resistant case. The floating handle (just in case of water-related accidents). The bendy positional tripod. These are the must-haves when traveling.
DJI Mavik Mini 2
Why did we choose the mini? Because it has fewer flight regulations abroad. Technically, this drone is small enough that you don’t need the often required “pilots” license in many countries around the globe.
Macbook Air
Even when working abroad, I never need a laptop larger than the light as a feather 11-inch Macbook Air. It’s the best laptop for travel hands down.
I also use an extra padded Macbook case just to make sure it stays safe when the bags get tossed around.
Toiletries and Medicine
This is where people tend to go crazy with the overpacking. & I don’t blame you. It can be hard to determine what is 100% necessary. Here’s what Evan & I bring on the road. Your lists might not look exactly like ours but this is a good place to start.
Packing List
- Toothpaste + Toothbrush.
- Deodorant.
I pretty much exclusively use Each & Every deodorant now. It’s compact, natural, lasts forever, and unlike other *natural* deodorants this one actually works. It also smells really refreshing. They also have bar shampoo which is great for eco-friendly traveling.
- Nail Clippers.
- Tweezers.
- Q-Tips.
- Shave Bar.
- Shampoo.
- Razor.
- Sunscreen (Reef-safe). We’ve tested more than 20. This is my favorite.
- Aloe Vera. Because this will be difficult to find in most countries.
- Bug Spray. Avoid aerosol to keep it in your carry on. I highly recommend Ben’s.
- Bandaids & Neosporin. Bandaids purchased abroad rarely work like the kind at drugstores back home.
- Anti-Itch Cream. You will get bug bites. There’s no way around it.
- Pepto-Bismol Tablets. Food poisoning is a real bitch.
- Ibuprofen. Headaches or hangovers.
- Hairbrush & Hairties. I always forget to bring extra hairties. Don’t be me.
Everything else you can live without on the road. Or pick up along the way if absolutely necessary.
Looking for tips on how to stay healthy while abroad? I wrote an entire guide filled with my tips and tricks.
Clothes for Every Climate
The internet is littered with unhelpful clothing packing lists. Because the truth is everyone has their own style. Some travelers wear brightly-colored sundresses for picture-perfect Instagram shots, others muted neutrals that make mix & matching easy, and some (like myself) are packing based on pure function.
Your clothing packing list is also extremely dependent on your destination, not just your personal style. I definitely didn’t bring the same items to Colombia as I did to Egypt. Here are all the items you should **consider** packing.
Outerwear – For Cold Climates
- Waterproof Insulated Shell with a hood. For both warm and rain. Northface has some great options.
- Northface Fleece. Or any kind of warm zip-up for layering.
How cold of climate are you visiting? Those two layers will get you through temps as low as 40 degrees but if you’re expecting snow or below freezing temps I would consider supplementing your gear with thermal long underwear and a thermal shirt layer, potentially a parka, gloves, and a warm hat.
The Clothing Essentials
- 10 pairs of underwear for women. 5 for men.
- 2 pairs of ankle socks.
- 2 pairs of thick hiking socks.
- Bralettes. One or two.
- 6 shirts. A variety of tank tops and t-shirts.
- 2 pairs of leggings. I’ve had my Lululemon leggings for 12 years now.
- One long dress. For any “fancy” dinners.
- One jumper. For looking midly presentable while exploring metropolitian areas.
This year I’ve thrown a new wardrobe essential into my backpack… a SOMI underwear/swim set. Underwear that doubles, neigh triples, as both gym attire & a swimsuit. Soft as silk and made in supportive, yet cute, designs these are my new favorites. I got the Maverick Bottoms with the Betty Bra Top. Just when you think it can’t get better- they are also made from recycled materials & the company cares deeply about sustainability.
I do laundry once per month while long-term traveling. That being said, I often wash items like underwear and socks in the shower as needed along the way.
Beach + Warm Climates
- Swimsuits. 2 should do it.
- Shorts. One denim & one fabric.
- One sundress.
- One lightweight jumper or romper.
If you’re a man add a few more pairs of athletic shorts to supplement your wardrobe in lieu of dresses and rompers.
Athletic Wear
Not for jogging and gyms but trekking. Or just lounging. That’s up to you.
- One pair of athletic shorts.
- 2 sports bras.
- An extra pair of leggings.
Evan swears by his Lululemon ABC pants. They look nice enough to be worn to dinner but comfortable enough to hike or lounge in.
Footwear
Merrel Moab 2 Hiking Boots
Although bulky and heavy, if you’re planning a trip that involves extensive hiking or trekking these shoes are worth the weight.
Teva Sandals
I live in these shoes. I wouldn’t ever travel without them. I’ve brought them everywhere from Indonesia to Iceland.
Adidas Cloud Foam Running Shoes
Versatile tennis shoes are a travel must-have for any backpacker. These are my choice for exploring cities and short hikes.
The Little Things
Here are the handful of extra items that we have found to be invaluable on the road. We never travel without them now.
Lifestraw Filter Bottle.
This single purchase will save you hundreds of dollars while abroad. Most countries don’t have potable water, which means you’ll be running to the store every other day shelling out $1/water bottle just to stay hydrated. OR you can buy one of these babies and fill from the tap no matter how gross and discolored the water may be.
Ear Plugs.
Evan is a light sleeper. He needs them on planes, in hostels, and it’s handy to keep bugs out just in case.
Microfiber Travel Towel.
Most budget accommodations don’t offer towels for personal use. This microfiber towel folds up teeny tiny, dries insanely fast, and doesn’t mold so you can go ages between washes. The large size is closest to an actual towel size.
Sarong.
We bought our sarong abroad. Now it goes with us everywhere. We use it both as an extra blanket and as a beach towel.
Cocoon Sleeping Sheet.
We don’t actually use these compact sleeping sheets often. But it makes our long-term travel packing list solely because when it does come in handy it is oh so worth it. Staying in a less than sanitary room- use the sheet to wrap yourself in. Chilly on a plane or train? This makes for a perfect blanket.
Masks. The COVID kind. Not Snorkel.
Like it or not masks have become a travel staple. But finding a perfectly fitting mask that’s comfortable to wear for hours on end is difficult. These are bound to be your new favorite masks.
We did find it beneficial to bring our snorkel masks on short beach trips like the time we visited Hawaii. Otherwise, it’s too bulky and ends up just being cheaper to rent.
Medically Necessary Braces & Medications.
For me, this means a simple cloth ankle brace for my weak ankles. & before I had implanted birth control, it also meant my BC pills. Depending on the countries you plan to visit it could also include preventative medications like Malaria pills or pills to lessen the effects of altitude sickness.
Mascara.
I am very against traveling with make-up. It’s such a liberating feeling to live life without a mask of thick makeup smoothing out the “imperfections” of my face. But there are occasions you might want to dress up while traveling. I bring along a single tube of mascara for those occasions.
Podcasts & Books
Confession: we’ve been putting off buying a Kindle for ages. If you’ve been around long at all you know that I really prefer to do things the traditional way. Reading without holding paper just feels blasphemous. But I’m slowly getting with the times and honestly, it would be nice to not be reliant on picking out books in foreign hostels and carrying the extra weight.
These are my favorite books to inspire travel. Pick one up before your next trip OR be a modern traveler and just download them on your Kindle.
I’m a bit of a podcast nut. And just like my taste in books, they are all non-fiction and often educational. These are my favorites right now.
- Morbid. True crime podcast. This took me awhile to get into because sometimes their banter drives me INSANE. But if you can power through I think they cover the killers well.
- Criminal. Incredible. 5 stars. Pheobe Judge is actually who are van is named after & she has the most perfect soothing podcasting voice. You’ll also like her podcast “This is Love”.
- Stuff You Should Know. LOVE. Chuck & Josh have hundreds of hours of episodes to teach you facts about everything from grass to the Aspirin Murders.
- Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter. Because health is important & this is a podcast designed to break through the bullshit.
- No Blackout Dates. One of the few good travel podcasts on the web. (**Not biased because I’m on it**) This show was picked up by Matador Network so you know it’s good.
- Ologies. Interviews with scientists but not at all boring. Thanks Alie Ward!
- The Dirtbag Diaries. An adventurers podcast from Patagonia. It has a lot of climbing stories but it’s pretty much every extreme outdoors “sport” from backpacking to skiiing to running.
- Serial. The season on the Adnan Sayed case kept me so captivated.
Looking for a vanlife or car-camping packing list to be ready for every kind of adventure? Check out my guide to all the Vanlife Essentials.
Crafting the perfect long-term travel packing list takes years of trial and error but this bare-bones list will help any traveler start their first extended trip on the right foot.
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