Introduction
Going on a travel adventure requires careful planning, especially when it comes to packing. In this comprehensive blog post, I’ll guide you through an extensive packing list that covers everything you need to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. From clothing essentials to electronic gadgets and travel necessities.
Essentials
Backpacks
It is important to have relyable and comfortable Backpacks. I am just a cheap fuck, so that is why I have 2 Backpacks which are the size of handluggage for flights ( 55x40x20cm and 40x25x20cm ). This allows me to hop on and hop off the flights without waiting for baggage and not losing valuable time. It also allows easier access to things in the backpacks. I do not recommend my Backpacks though! I still had the bigger one left from the time when I was studying. The smaller one I bought, because I thought it would be much more handy, but the straps do cut into your skin if you have the Backpack over your shoulder, over time this hurts and isn’t fun to travel around. When a friend joined me on my travels, I saw his Backpacks with a attachment system and a hipbelt for balanced weight. I think this is more comfortable, so I ended up building something similar myself , with carabiners and D Rings .
Large Backpack (55x40x20cm)
- Utilize vacuum bags for 5 shirts and underwear for 7 days to maximize space and keep your separate clothes always dry (The ones to roll work good for me, but you can also try the default vacuum bags with a small pump )
- Don’t forget a bag for dirty clothes to keep your backpack organized and free of the smell
- Pack 2 shorts and 1 long pant for versatility in different climates
- A large microfiber towel is a must for quick-drying and lightweight packing
- USB cables to charge your devices in buses, trains or using a power adapter
- 2 pens for filling out, signing or noting something when your phone dies
- Bring a notebook to jot down notes, memories, or use it for journaling
- Secure important documents such as proof of insurance, vaccination card, passport photos and emergency numbers in a waterproof container such as plastic wrap so you don’t have to worry
- Collapsible water bottle , it is more comfortable than a normal bottle (I’ve attached a carabiner to its handle, to attach it to my backpack). If it’s empty, it won’t take much space and doesn’t weight that much, but will safe or atleast ease your life. It doesn’t spill or leak on pressure, aswell!
- Bathing slippers for the hot days, in the hostel and in the shower, if you are worried about the cleanliness. The good thing about the linked bathing slippers: they have holes towards the sole, therefore the feet sweat even less and water can run off without problems
Small Bag (40x25x20cm)
- Carry a wireless power bank (max 20,000 mAh) for staying charged on-the-go. If your charging port gives up on you, the wireless recharge function will safe your life (trust me, traveling in Bangkok without a working phone is not fun at all)
- An international power adapter ensures you can charge your devices anywhere
- Use a 1-liter zip bag for up to 10 x 100ml containers for liquids
:
- wash concentrate
- toothpaste
- travel-sized shaving cream
- sunscreen
- after-sun care
- Your travel pharmacy/toiletry bag should include various essentials, such as:
- wound and blister plasters
- peppermint oil (helps with a headache or a blocked nose)
- pain relief balm (helps with pinched nerves and muscle tension, pinched nerves in the back may be really painful and make it hard to carry a backpack)
- toothbrush
- wet tissues
- medicine for headaches, cough, and a sore throat
- electrolytes (prevents your from diarrhea (good in asia) and hangovers !)
- soap bar for shower and shampoo
- lip balm with sun protection
- clothesline
- safety razor
- manicure set
- wound disinfectant/ antiseptic spray
- mosquito repellent spray
Fanny Pack
- Secure your belongings with 2 small padlocks for your backpacks zippers and 1 large padlock for hostel lockers (I prefer the ones with codes instead of keys)
- Enjoy some entertainment and relaxation with over-ear or in-ear noise-canceling headphones (I prefer the over-ear headphones , but they are not comfy in bed or to carry around)
- ear plugs to have a blessed sleep or if you go to a party and you love to be in the frontline :)
- Don’t forget your stylish sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and looking badass!
Nice-To-Haves
Large Backpack
- Carry a sleeping bag liner for added comfort during your travels, sometimes the hostels are not as clean as they are represented on the images
- A small microfiber towel is a nice-to-have for beach days or whenever you need your large one for other reasons (or forget the large one in a hostel, like me :))
- a tripod or a phoneholder for capturing memories
Small Backpack
- Keep yourself well-prepared with cable ties and travel duct tape for quick fixes. Duct Tape would have helped me quite often
- 1-3 face masks (if you get sick or want to prevent yourself)
- headlamp
My Additions
As you might know, I am a software engineer, still working while traveling. Therefore I have some more additions, which are optional, but could really improve the traveling.
Large Backpack
- A 13.3" laptop with a USB-C charging slot is perfect for staying connected and productive on your journey. Often you really need a bigger screen or a keyboard. If you use the Application Notion for planning, taking notes or as a diary, for example. Or just chill and watch Netflix for a evening.
- Don’t forget the charger to keep your devices powered throughout your travels yes I can charge my laptop AND my phone with the same laptop charger, as both use USB-C
- A carabiner with paracord is useful for multiple purposes, from securing items to makeshift repairs. I use it quite often to attach my bag of dirty clothes to it, so the smell doesn’t infect the inside of my backpack. I got it attached to the top of my large Backpack
Small Backpack
- Drone , to capture breathtaking aerial views with it and make your travel memories truly unforgettable
Fanny Pack
- JBL Go Speaker , enjoy your favorite tunes at the beach or a nice place with it
- Insta360 Go , capture immersive moments with it, I use Version 2 for action content or just walking in the city, to record the sightseeing. The Version 2 overheats pretty fast, but sometimes it is more convenient than holding your Phone up all the time. Also to make nice 360° videos the Insta360 X3 is a very popular camera.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive travel packing list, you’re well-equipped for an incredible journey around the world. Remember to adjust the list to suit your specific needs and destination requirements. As you are going on your adventure, embrace the excitement and immerse yourself in the wonders of the world. Safe travels, and may your experiences be filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories!
Happy trails and see you along the way,
Paul from Hike’n’Hustle