Are you going on a long-term trip, through multiple countries, with vastly different climates? Or maybe you’re stepping onto that plane with no idea where you’re going (check out my Southeast Asia Budget post for ideas) or when you’ll be back? You’ve come to the right place. I have the ultimate packing list for you.
Packing for a trip that could take you anywhere, for an indefinite amount time, can be difficult…and even daunting. Whether you are on the beaches of Bali or the peaks of Switzerland, this ultimate packing list will have you prepared for anything.
The Backpack
The first step, before diving into the ultimate packing list, is choosing the right backpack. This will be your best friend, your livelihood and your home…so a wise decision is necessary. No pressure.
*Hint: I always travel with my backpack and, also, a cross-body bag. Think about bringing something that qualifies as a personal item on flights with you for electronics and extra space.
For most long term trips, a backpack will serve you better than wheeled luggage. A backpack is less cumbersome and entirely more mobile. When you get dropped off on the side of the road in Cambodia and discover you are two miles down a dirt road from your hostel, you are going to be happy you have a backpack.
There is a draw – for some travelers – towards choosing a backpack that is small enough to pass as a carry-on. On average, airlines have a carry-on size limitation of 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm), and a carry-on weight restriction of 15-20 lbs (7-10 kg). Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of having a carry-on sized pack:
Pros
- Could save you money
- You could avoid checked baggage fees, although many airlines are starting to charge for carry-on items as well.
- No lost or delayed luggage
- The airlines can’t lose your luggage if it’s on your back.
- Takes up less space
- When you start taking mini buses, tuk-tuks and boats in the countries you visit, you’ll soon realize that space isn’t always abundant. Smaller backpacks guarantee there won’t be any problems with your luggage getting rejected.
- More mobile
- Lighter, smaller packs will allow you to walk and/or hike more. If you find yourself legging it across Paris because you can’t afford a taxi, you’ll be effortlessly running miles with your small pack like an episode of the Amazing Race (okay, maybe not “effortlessly” unless you have the quads of an Olympian).
Cons
- Packing limitations
- It’s pretty obvious, but with a smaller pack, you can’t bring as much with you. If you are traveling for multiple months, or even multiple years, having a slightly larger pack allows you to follow the ultimate packing list exactly, and you can be prepared for more climates and situations.
- To be sure, you better go small
- Most airlines have a carry-on weight restriction of 15-20 lbs (7-10 kg), but there are a few airlines that have a 5 kg (11 lbs) weight limit. In order to be sure your pack is going to pass as a carry-on with any flight, you are looking at keeping it around 10 lbs. That’s not a lot.
- Not all airlines have spacious overhead bins
- When you’re in the last zone to be boarded, and the overhead compartments are the size of a toddler’s sock drawer (I’m looking at you Air New Zealand) your carefully planned backpack isn’t going to fit…no matter what you do.
So, is it worth it? With many airlines offering cheap checked luggage rates ($15-$40), as long as you book ahead of time and not at the check-in counter, it might be worth going a bit bigger. I personally travel with a Women’s Gregory Jade 38L Pack. When it is packed to the maximum, I can pass it as a carry-on with most airlines, and it carries everything essential during my travels. With whatever pack you choose, pay attention to your flight’s restrictions. If you’re over the carry-on limit or pushing it, it might be worth paying the extra $40 when you first book your tickets to check your pack. If they decide your pack is too big at the check-in counter, or when you’re boarding, you’re easily facing a $50-$200 fee.
The Ultimate Packing List – Clothes
This ultimate packing list includes items that will allow you to travel multiple climates for a year or more. This ultimate packing list is geared towards a pack that is around 35-38 liters. If you have a smaller pack, skip some of the less essential items (a hammock, for example). If you are taking a specialized trip to Nepal, strictly for hiking Mt. Everest, then you will not be needing the warm weather items. Just like, if you are taking a trip to Brisbane, Australia just for the beaches, then you can skip the cold weather gear.
*Hint: Don’t panic too much about clothes, you can always pick up another tee or long sleeve shirt on the road if you need it. Packing less is better than packing too much.
| Quantity | Item | Notes |
| 2-4 | Tank tops | *Tanks are small and don’t take up much room. Pack a variety of styles (camis, razorbacks, workout tanks, etc). |
| 2 | T-Shirts | *Thin, light t-shirts take up less room. |
| 1 | Long Sleeve Shirt | *Something that will actually keep you warm, or that you can use as a base layer in freezing weather. |
| 1 | Long John Shirt | *Columbia long johns are amazing, and they fold up extremely small. Absolutely game-changing in cold weather. |
| 1-2 | Jean shorts | *If you don’t like jean shorts, skip this and throw in your favorite pair! Jean shorts don’t compress well, so see how full your pack and decide how many pairs you can bring. |
| 1 | Packable Insulated Jacket | *Patagonia or Marmot are great brands. You want something that will pack down to the size of a softball. Despite their size, insulated jackets are extremely warm. Synthetic insulation is animal friendly and drys out much faster than down feathers if it gets wet. |
| 1 | Rain Jacket | *This can also be used as a light jacket. Pick one that rolls up to a small size. |
| 1 | Cardigan | *Great for cool days/nights and can be used to look a bit dressier you end up in a city. |
| 1 | Flannel | *For warmth and an alternative to a cardigan. They can also double as a towel or blanket in a pinch. |
| 1-2 | Athletic/workout shorts | *Good for everyday wear – great in hot climates – and workouts. |
| 2 | Spandex shorts | *Spandex are great in hot weather, and can double as swim shorts or underwear. They fold down to the size of a pair of socks, so you can throw in a lot of pairs. Don’t like spandex? Skip ’em! |
| 1 | Dress | *Get a dress that can go to the beach and out to dinner (thin, cotton dresses roll up small). |
| 1 | Maxi Skirt | *Pick a easy-to-match color and a stretchy material that rolls up into a small ball. |
| 1 | Long John Pants | *Columbia long johns are the bees knees and won’t break the bank. |
| 1 | Jeans/Jeggings | *A thin pair of jeggings is nice to have when you end up in a city. If you hate jeans, or only have thick jeans, skip this. |
| 1-2 | Leggings | *They roll up small, and can be used for warmth, working out, snorkeling (keep the sun off your legs), etc. |
| 1 | Hiking Pants | *Any comfortable pants that you could roll up for capris or fit a pair of long johns under on a cold day (the style of rocking climbing pants is what I aim for). |
| 1 | Flipflops/sandals | *If you’re a fashionista, keep your sandals to one small, strappy pair. Otherwise, cheap flipflops are the way to go. *Brands like Chaco are great for outdoor/water adventures, but can take up a lot of room. |
| 1 | Converse/Shoes | *Make sure they’re comfortable to walk (maybe even hike) in. For me, Converse are wearable and look nice with outfits. |
| 1 | Packable Hiking Boots | *Lems makes great hiking boots that actually fold and bend, making them easy to pack, even in a small backpack. If you don’t hike or aren’t planning on it, skip this! |
| 1 | Beanie/Knit Hat | *Beanies keep you warm and also jazz up an outfit. |
| 1 | Brimmed Hat | *Keeping sun off your face is essential. Get one that can handle being packed and crunched (I bring a 5 Panel Hat with a flat brim because it’s indestructible as far as packing goes). |
| 1 | Sunglasses | *Cheap sunglasses are less devastating to lose…and you probably will lose them at some point. Good news, it’s easy to buy a new cheap pair while traveling! |
| 5 | Socks | *I take 3 pairs of normal socks and 2 pairs of hiking socks. |
| 5-7 | Underwear | *Underwear is easily washed in the sink of your hostel, so don’t feel the need to pack a lot of pairs. |
| 2 | Bras | *One regular bra and one sports bra. |
| 2 | Bikinis/Swimsuits | *I bring one athletic bikini for surfing/diving and one for laying around the beaches. |
| 1 | Scarf | *I never travel without a scarf. I’ve used them for warmth, as a towel, to cover up in temples, as a shield from the sun, as a pillow, a blanket, wrap around your head to sleep, etc. They are so useful. |
Some packing hints:
- Do your research
- You may not know exactly where you are going, but do some research. If you’re flying into Bangkok and know you want to travel around Southeast Asia for a few months, check out what the climate is like in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, etc. throughout the year. You may think a country is hot all year round – like I did – but I was wearing a winter jacket in Northern Vietnam and a bikini in Southern Vietnam two weeks later.
- Lay out what you want to take
- Take all the clothes you want to take (using the ultimate packing list as a guideline). Lay them out on the floor. Then, whatever you having laying out, cut it in half – reduce it by 50%. Start thinking about what is necessary and what is the most functional out of what you have laying out. You’re favorite, simple, plain t-shirt is going to be more functional than your neon, see-through, mesh dress you wore at Electric Forest last year. Be practical.
The Ultimate Packing List – Toiletries
Most toiletries you can buy anywhere, so you don’t need to pack a year’s supply worth. Start out with some basics, and you can buy as you go along.
| Quantity | Item | Notes |
| 1 | 3.4 oz/100 mL Shampoo | *You can buy familiar brands in most countries. You can buy a bar of shampoo, which is easy to transport, but I find it to be more expensive and harder to replace while traveling. |
| 1 | 3.4 oz/100 mL Conditioner | *You can buy familiar brands in most countries. |
| 1 | 3.4o z/100 mL Detangler | *Leave in conditioner, or detangler, or hair oil. Whatever you need to brush your hair. If you don’t use a detangler (lucky duck), then skip this! |
| 1 | Brush/Comb | *Small travel sized brush or comb. Or both. |
| 1 | 3.4 oz/100 mL Face Wash | *I can get this to last me several months, but you can find familiar brands in most countries. |
| 1-2 | Deodorant | *I use a brand of deodorant that I can’t find in other countries, so I start out with two, which will last me many months. If you’re not picky, just bring one and buy what you find along the way. |
| 1 | Diva Cup | *In the name of all things good and holy, if you take one thing away from this packing list, let it be a diva/menstrual cup. It is hands down the one item I could never live without. It is so convenient and travel friendly. |
| 1 | 3.4 oz/100 mL Face Lotion with SPF | *I put lotion with SPF 30 on my face every day, sometimes twice a day. Depending on the countries your traveling to, you may not be able to find a decent brand of face lotion, so bring a bottle or two of your favorite brand. |
| 2-4 | Razors | *You can buy razors anywhere (I usually bring one nice razor for my bikini line and get cheap ones for everywhere else). |
| 1 | Bar of Soap | *You can buy soap everywhere. Also useful for washing clothes in sinks while traveling. |
| 1 | 3.4 oz/100 mL Lotion | *For sunburns and dry climates. You can buy lotion anywhere. |
| 1 | Chapstick with SPF | *Sunburns (even in cold climates) and dry places. |
| 1 | Tweezers | *They have many uses and come in handy. |
| 1 | Nail Clippers | *No one seems to pack these – careful if you pull them out in a hostel dorm, literally everyone will ask to borrow them. |
| Makeup | *If you need to bring makeup, keep it simple! I bring one eyeliner pencil, one tube of mascara, one small eye shadow palette, powdered foundation and one eyebrow pen. This will last me a year or more. |
*Optional: Sunscreen. It’s hard to pack sunscreen because you need so much of it in hot climates. You will be able to buy sunscreen everywhere you travel, but a warning: it’s ridiculously expensive. In the USA, I was buying 8 oz of sunscreen for $3-$5 USD. That’s not the case most places. In Asia and Australia, I found myself paying $12 USD for 5 oz (if I was lucky). And, unfortunately, Reef-Safe Sunscreen is hard to find and outrageously expensive when you do. If you have room in your pack, throw some in to save a few dollars.
The Ultimate Packing List – Electronics/Miscellaneous
| Quantity | Item | Notes |
| 1 | Unlocked Cellphone & Charger | *You want it unlocked so you can get sim cards in other countries. |
| 1 | iPad/Laptop & Chargers | *If you’re working while you travel, you’ll probably need a laptop. If you aren’t working, I would still suggest bringing an iPad for movies, photo editing/backup, etc. |
| 1 | Powerbank & Chargers | *Powerbanks are great for long trips or when you are in rural areas with limited to no electricity. |
| 1 | Camera/GoPro & Chargers & Tripod | *Cameras are a must. GoPros are also great for underwater shots. Pick up a cheap, travel friendly tripod for still shots or for when you’re traveling solo. |
| 1 | Hammock | *Emo hammocks pack down to the size of a softball and I cannot tell you how handy they are. I have saved money on hostels from setting up my hammock and camping. I’ve also used it as a sheet on beds that looked questionable. I’ll always travel with a hammock. |
| 1 | *Pacsafe Backpack Protector | *If you are a paranoid person, or will have extremely expensive valuables in your pack, or will be doing a lot of camping, a pacsafe backpack protector is a great option. It’s a wire, mesh net that locks up your bag to a tree or pole. I don’t always travel with one, but it really is great thing to have. |
| 1 | Journal/Drawing Pad/Book | *Entertain yourself and stay creative! |
*Optional: Water bottle. Traveling with a water bottle is great because you are reducing the amount of plastic you would be wasting by buying bottled water. Unfortunately, in many developing countries, you have no choice but to buy bottled water because there are neither safe nor reliable water sources to refill your water bottle. Bringing a collapsible water bottle is a great option because it can roll up and be packed away when you are not able to use it.
*Optional: Microfiber Towel. A microfiber towel can be a life saver. When you’re camping, jungle trekking, or taking a shower with a bathroom bidet (if you’ve been to Asia, you’ve done it) a travel towel is the sweet piece of fabric that is going to make your life dry and easy. Grab a cheap towel on Amazon that packs down well.
Pack, unpack and pack again!
Now that you have everything on your ultimate packing list checked off, start packing. You need to make sure everything fits. If you are bringing a purse or bag as a personal item, try using this for your electronics (and anything else that may fit) to free up space in your backpack.
- Roll your clothes
- Using the army/ranger roll technique will save you room.
- Packing cubes – why I don’t use them
- I personally don’t recommend packing cubes because I find that they waste space in my pack. I can appreciate the organization they provide. You can keep clean and dirty clothes separate easily, but there are too many gaps.
- Use the outside of your pack
- Be mindful of carry-on size restrictions, if you are aiming to take your backpack on a flight. You can put pairs of shoes on the outside of your pack, using straps and “water bottle holders”.
Pack everything up and see how it fits. If your pack barely closes (or weighs more than your flight’s weight restrictions) take a look at your ultimate packing list. What did you pack too much of? What really isn’t necessary? Take everything out and ditch a few items. You may want to leave some extra space for things you buy on the road, as well. If your pack is pretty empty, you can add an item or two that you really want to bring, but remember – extra space is better than none!
Now, get your ultimate packing list checked off and get out there.
Don’t forget to share this post and let me know in the comments if there’s an item that’s not on the Ultimate Packing List that you can’t travel without!
