What I Pack for My Travels
Over the years, what I carry in my bag has changed a lot. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects the fact that I’ve learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006. And while many websites have packing lists, I want to combine all my previous posts on the subject (there are about three) into one updated post that reflects my current views on what people should pack on their trip.
First, the short answer to what you should pack: take as little as possible. I take only the essentials and if I really need something, I buy it. It’s not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas. I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid carrying lots of different clothes. I don’t want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand!
However, plans can change and if that happens, I buy a light jacket. I keep it until it is a burden and then I leave it behind. The more I travel, the more I realize I don’t need a lot of stuff. Everything I own fits into one backpack. Packing light is a cliche, yet one that has a lot of truth to it.
But the long answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list:
CLOTHES
1 dress shirt for when I go out to a respectable place in the evening.
1 pair of jeans (They may be heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot. A good alternative can be khaki pants.)
1 pair of shorts
1 bathing suit
6 T-shirts
1 long-sleeve T-shirt
1 pair of flip-flops
1 pair of sneakers
8 pairs of socks
1 pair of black dress socks
1 pair of dress shoes (Heavy to carry around, but when I visit local friends, we usually go somewhere not sneaker-friendly)
7 pairs of boxer shorts
1 towel
TOILETRIES
1 toothbrush
1 tube of toothpaste
1 razor
1 package of dental floss
1 small bottle of shampoo
1 small bottle of shower gel
Hair gel so I can keep the fro down between haircuts.
Comb
Deodorant
SMALL MEDICAL KIT
Band-Aids
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibacterial cream
Eye drops
Earplugs
Doctor-prescribed antibiotics
Tylenol
Hand sanitizer
GEAR (for those blogging, taking video, or anything else)
Laptop
Nikon Camera
iPhone
Tripod
Wireless microphones
Universal power converter (must have for everyone)
MISCELLANEOUS
A key or combination lock (everyone should have this, too!)
Zip-top bags
Plastic bags
Special tip: Buy a small backpack so you won’t be tempted to overpack. We subconsciously like to fill empty space so if you have a big bag, you’re more likely to overpack just so you don’t waste space.
I’ve found that this list leaves me wanting for nothing. I’m sure many of you will read this and say “But what about X” or “You really don’t need Y”. Well, that works for you and this list works for me. Tailor your list to suit your travels.
I write this post not because I think there is one perfect way to pack but to answer a recurring question about what I pack and why. I haven’t touched upon this subject in over 3 years and people keep asking me “what should I pack when I go away?” This is my guideline and suits my “chase the summer, live in hostels” lifestyle.
But the real point I want to emphasize is that you really don’t need a lot when you travel. Before I go on a trip, I write down a list of what I think I’ll need and then cut it in half. You never need as much as you think.
In the end, there is never a definitive packing list. Everyone has different needs. My list suits my needs. It might not suit yours.
68 Comments
Matt, how do you wash clothes while traveling long-term? Do you get little containers of detergent and then wash in hostel sinks? Or do you go to laundromats and get full service fluff-and-fold?
Well I’m not Matt – and I wouldn’t carry t-shirts myself as they are hard to wash. Depending on where in the world you are -in Asia – I just give my laundry to the nearest shop offering to do it for a $1 or so a kilo. In more expensive countries I wash it myself using shampoo usually in a sink (bring a universal plug!). I always carry lightweight shirts, that dry easier, and a travel clothesline to hang the stuff up with.
I am not Matt either. My husband and I pack similar stuff but NEVER cotton t-shirts. Always quick dry, wicking, generally cool travel shirts from Columbia, Exofficio or similar. These wash beautifully in a sink (yes to the universal plug) with my baggie of detergent powder. They dry overnight. 7 pairs of boxer shorts! Yeek…Matt must get Tilley underwear…two pairs are good for a year of travel. Wash one, wear one. Actually my son managed three months with one pair, washing nightly as they dry instantly (well almost). We also sub quick dry pants for the jeans although I always miss my jeans when travelling….if only someone would come up with a pair that are cool and quick drying.
F
I either head to a laundromat, wash it in the hostels, or hand it over to the front desk and let them do it!
I always bring some Duct tape
That’s a lot of things.. I tend to not pack stuff that are inexpensive and can be bought when travelling.
What about clothes for women??
3 tops (shirts usually), 3 bottoms (shorts/trousers/skirts depending on culture/climate), some bras and pants. We are lucky – our shoes take less space than men’s! My clothes usually take less space/weight than my partners – and that’s because of his second pair of shoes.
I agree. I’ve been living off 2 pants and 4 shirts for 3 months now.
I have a Deuter Futura 28L backpack. I started off with a Deuter Futura 32L but I did a trial run with it to Sydney earlier on in the year and it was too heavy (I could pack too much into it). The 28L just restricted me a bit more.
I also brought jeans with me, because as much as I like to travel light, I like to be comfortable as well. Jeans you can wear almost anywhere. Zip off pants… not so much.
I’ve also got my laptop, camera (not a SLR), first aid kit, 2 pairs of shoes etc. I even had a sleeping bag to start with, but I passed that onto someone else back in Cusco. Made room for other things.
Admittedly I have bought stuff on the way, like Matt says, just grab it when you need it and ditch it when you don’t need it anymore.
Everyone thought I was nuts when I left home with such a small backpack. But it’s definitely do-able. I have not regretted bringing such a small bag the whole trip away. Best thing you can do….. Think how much your back will thank you
Hi Megan, can I please ask a question as I have the same backpack as you. How do you go about protecting your laptop against the wire frame back? I love the backpack, it is soooo comfortable, I am just concerned about breaking my laptop!
Love your website Matt, you have some fantastic posts and resources.
Steph- I don’t think Matt wears a lot of womens clothing but I could be wrong (lol jk dude)
My only exception is I bring one exercise outfit, just for running & general exercise. These are specific clothes types and expensive to keep buying on the go.
Bookmarked it! Leaving for a short 2 years round the world trip and packing gives me already a headache before even starting it
. I was thinking of 7 peaces of clothes but I will see it when my backpack will get full 
I go for zip-off convertible hiking pants. They dry quickly, are easy to wash, are fine for most any occasion (save the expensive meal with friends), and can be used for swimming.
One pair of good walking shoes and one pair of sandals (Chaco’s for me).
I prefer merino wool tops for the same reasons Lissie listed in a previous comment.
Leave all tech at home except the camera. Take extra memory cards and batteries. Download when the trip is done.
Matt…tx for the great tips…I jz returned from Krabi n guess what, I kind of packed light too ..in my case, I wanted to be trendy as well, so I brought along my tights which are much more lighter than jeans and tops of lighter material….that really helped actually..
To add on tights and leggings are good to go..
Ten-feet of suspension line (they now sell bracelets out of this stuff). You never know when you’ll need a clothes line, to tie something together, to hang something, etc. And large safety pins. You never know when you’ll need them!
For the ladies I would like to recommend a sarong. It’s small and lightweight. Doubles as a bath and swim towel, skirt, dress, scarf, sweat rag, sun cover, and even a mosquito net in the hammock.
My secret weapon for clothing is compression sacks! certainly helps fit everything in a smaller backpack!!
That’s a good weapon!
Matt, these posts pull me in every time. I appreciate seeing your list and then looking at my own bag of life and yup, it’s pretty much the same. Though, I’m still a,axed that no matter the size of the pack, we will always fill it.
Best advice here, and you’re right. Always go with a smaller pack!
Yes you mentioned things are important. I am troubled some time in travel without torch light, and medical kits.
So very important thing is medical kit, dress and insect killer.
Thanks
nail clippers. you forgot the nail clippers…
First trip to Paris for 7 days. What to pack for hubby and myself?
See above list
I was going to comment on clothes for women too! I am with Matt on the basics, but I like to have a simple dress and a pair of sandals! Have been known to make those sandals heels (I cycled across Canada with a party dress and heels – sometimes you just have to have some fun!). At least women’s dress shoes tend to weigh less! I also tend to avoid cotton t-shirts…fast drying tops are so much more versatile.
It’s kind of interesting to see what stuff others carry when they travel – especially bloggers. Awesome post!
dont forget your passport Matt! ;-P
I like your tip about buying a small backpack. It is so true that you will keep filling your bag until it is full. It is totally a sub-conscious habbit of mine, and if I travel with a small bag I always pack less, and never miss the things I would have put in a larger bag.
Heavily depends on where you’re going, as well. Jeans would just be brutal right now in Thailand! I was sweating bullets just in my hippie pants. I agree with the small pack. Mine’s tiny and it helps me save money by not buying souvenirs.
You get used to the heat when you live there!
I always try to travel light but end up with 2+ suitcases. I’m always trying to improve my packing skills but so far no luck.
Take what’s on this list then!
Hey Matt.
What can you say about carrying a tripod with you? I’m just wrapping up a year abroad, and I didn’t bring one because of the weight. Sometimes I regret it, but how do you find carrying it around all the time? What size of tripod do you bring?
Thanks
Ellen
La-Viajera.com
It’s heavy and I hate carrying it around but I need it so I suffer.
I normally packed light clothes and most of it is cotton. Climacool stuffs are also good when hiking. Cold or hot it gives you the comfort you need.
Big list. Large information. Thank you.
Yeah, I do! Forgot that on my list, huh? Then again, maybe I like to air dry!
Zip-lock bags are a really good tip. They’re incredibly useful for packing, and, at least in Asia anyway, they can be hard to find in stores.
I always carry a boiler or a tiny kettle & tea/herbs bags. I know that it might sound WEIRD, but I hate to run out of tea/herbs…heheheee.
Excellent list/tips, Matt! Quick question – how do you pack for winter vs. summer? How do you still pack light when you have to bring a lot of layers? Thanks! And happy holidays!
Excellent post! Been reading the “Make money on your blog” e-book too…my g/f got it for me for Christmas. I’m digging it! Happy Holidays!
Yes!
“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.”
Never leave home without it.
I just posted my packing list on my blog. Check it out!
You’re absolutely right! Everyone has things they may need and others may not. It becomes more difficult when you have to pack for different climates. We have done a couple of trips that involved different climates and the one thing I can say to people is: buy items along the way.
If you’re trekking in Nepal, don’t lug a sleeping bag around the world with you for 9 months until you actually need it – buy it there! Same goes for warm clothing. Things are usually cheaper overseas anyways.
A good plan is to bring a base layer (thermal top) and a lightweight fleece (for cooler climates). We also have a windproof/waterproof jacket each. Both are lightweight, and roll up very small.
Cheers for the post.
Safe Travels,
Goats On The Road
Currently on a year long romp around Asia. Because I am a photographer I carry gear that is a bit bulkier, but what Matt wrote pretty much covers the rest. Since I started during winter, I have much more stuff (it is currently 15 deg f here in Korea). But most of that will be shed by the time I hit SE Asia. If considering traveling during the winter months, I would recommend a pair of long undies (top and bottom), which fold up very small, warm gloves, beanie or head scarf, and then layer as much as needed – thermal, tshirt, sweatshirt, and waterproof light jacket have been doing the trick – beats carrying around a bulky, heavy jacket… The biggest pain for me is my Full frame DSLR, two bulky lenses, gitzo tripod, MacBook Pro (editing), 2 external hard drives, extra camera batteries, chargers, misc camera gear, business cards… I also brought a sleeping bag but will probably ship it home since I haven’t needed it. I plan on trekking through Nepal later this year so will probably end up buying some stuff along the way. Oh, and if you like to read, get a kindle and load it up with books, beats carrying those paper things around with you. Let me know if you have any photography related backpacking questions! Feel free to follow me on Facebook as well!
8 pairs of socks! Matt, lose the cotton and get some wooly socks! 2-3 pairs, tops… they won’t stink and you won’t have to wash them as often, and they dry very quickly if you happen to wash them in the shower or something… cotton sucks for socks lol, just saying!
It’s only Matt’s list, but for him this can be the perfect baggage. As a scuba diver, I pack my underwater camera housing, more swimming trunks and less surface clothes… I think this entry try to teach you have to pack what YOU really NEED.
Those little quick dry micro towels are good. I also find a thin sheet in the bottom of the bag goes nicely when arriving at a hostel which doesn’t have the cleanest sheets
Ourjourneytothesea… replace the sheet with a doona cover. Does the same job but doubles as a top sheet too or if necessary (esp in SE Asia) sleep in it and you won’t need a blanket
Thx for sharing seriously we dont need much thing when we’re on the road!i survive last wonter wf one fleece jacket one windbreaker one inner wear and one wool longsleeve with one pair of jeans LOL
I’ve found that packing light has also become my primary goal. It unburdens you both physically and mentally, and allows you to travel a little more freely. Furthermore, it seemed to me in my travels, that anything I may have needed but didn’t have could have just as easily been picked up along the way. There are some exceptions to this, certainly, but the key, I think, is to realize that you don’t need much.
I recently wrote a post about just this, in fact: http://athousandsteps.com/lessons-from-the-road/
I always keep medical kit and some food with me ans last but not the least a digital camera to capture snaps
to show my fiends on social networking sites 
I always see to it that I bring along loose change in case I need to take a cab or have a light snack along the way. It helps to makes things easier and faster.
Why the MacBook Pro?
Why not the MacBook Air? Paper light and plenty of horsepower for photo editing. I think it is the ideal “travel laptop” (and I’m a Windows guy).
Just wondering
I like the added power.
I replaced my 11″ netbook with a Dell XPS 13. It’s actually lighter than my netbook because it’s so thin.
I put Ubuntu Linux on it and been traveling with it for almost 2 months now and very happy with it so far.
If there’s one thing that travelling makes you realise, it’s that you need very little to travel. After years of travelling light, I’m always amazed when I see people travelling with enough supplies to get them through what seems a life time – prepared for every actuality which may eventuate!
Great list. How do you feel about space bags? I think they are usually unnecessary for the way there, but I love them on the way back. I tend to sweat more than most and it seals the smells in
. Do you have any experience with them?
I have no idea what a space bag is.
Hey Matt, i need tips on how to pack light while going on a winter vacation?
Please get back to me ASAP…
Thx
Go some place warm or pack a sweater.
Hey guys,
Thank you Matt for this post and thank you all for your helpful comments. I’m going abroad for nine months and I LOVE my music. I have bulky noise canceling headphones. Anyone who uses these knows its hard to beat the quality on a loud bus or airplane with earbuds. Has anyone traveled extensively with these and if so, did you wish you would have left them at home?
I’m tempted to take my MacBook Pro to SE Asia, ever had your laptop stolen / smashed to bits?
Nope.
Cool!
Which day/laptop backpack do you carry on the side that doesn’t make your load too big? I have to travel with my laptop for work so I am trying to figure out which bag to get that wont overload me on my 3 months trip.
Forgot to include – I have a 65L backpack for my main backpack. Thinking of trading it in for a smaller pack if I need an additional laptop pack. Thanks!
Hi Matt,
What bag do you use to pack your powers cords and chargers in, that you then put into your backpack? We are currently using a toiletry bag, and still on the hunt for a better option.