Packing Lists

🧳 General Packing Principles for Backpackers

• Pack light – The goal is to travel with carry-on only if possible.

• Use the 3x3 rule – Bring 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 pairs of underwear to rotate outfits.

• Choose multi-purpose clothing – Convertible pants, merino wool tops, and packable jackets are great choices.

• Stick to one main pair of shoes – Sneakers or hiking shoes should work for most situations.

• Roll, don’t fold – Rolling saves space and reduces wrinkles.

🎒 Best backpack size: 30-40L

👕 Clothing (Warm Climate Example: Thailand, Mexico, Greece)

• 3 x T-shirts or tank tops (breathable, quick-dry)

• 2 x Shorts (lightweight, versatile)

• 1 x Lightweight pants (for cultural sites or cooler nights)

• 1 x Long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection or evening wear)

• 3 x Underwear (quick-dry, merino wool recommended)

• 3 x Socks (moisture-wicking)

• 1 x Sleepwear

• 1 x Swimsuit

• 1 x Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes

• 1 x Flip-flops (for beaches/showers)

🧴 Toiletries (Travel-Sized Only)

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Sunscreen (reef-safe if swimming)

• Shampoo/conditioner (solid bars to avoid leaks)

• Razor

• Lip balm (SPF recommended)

• Microfiber towel (compact and dries fast)

🔌 Electronics

• Phone + charger

• Universal travel adapter

• Power bank (5,000mAh minimum)

🎒 Essentials

• Passport & ID

• Travel insurance details

• Reusable water bottle (filtered option for budget travel)

• Sunglasses

• Lightweight daypack

📌 Top Tip: Stick to carry-on only to avoid checked baggage fees and waiting at baggage claims.

1 week adventure

🎒 Best backpack size: 40-50L

👕 Clothing (Warm Climate Example: Vietnam, Colombia, Portugal)

• 4 x T-shirts/tank tops

• 3 x Shorts

• 1 x Lightweight pants

• 1 x Long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection or chilly nights)

• 1 x Light jacket (for unpredictable weather)

• 5 x Underwear (quick-dry)

• 4 x Socks

• 1 x Sleepwear

• 1 x Swimsuit

• 1 x Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes

• 1 x Flip-flops

🧴 Toiletries & Health Essentials

• Everything from the 1-week list

• Small first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal pills)

• Laundry detergent sheets (for handwashing clothes)

🔌 Electronics

• Everything from 1-week list

• E-reader or Kindle

📌 Top Tip: Bring a sarong – it doubles as a towel, cover-up, blanket, or makeshift pillow.

2 week adventure

🎒 Best backpack size: 50L-60L

👕 Clothing (Mixed Climates Example: Argentina, Nepal, New Zealand)

• 5 x T-shirts/tank tops

• 4 x Shorts

• 2 x Lightweight pants

• 2 x Long-sleeve shirts

• 1 x Warm fleece/sweater

• 1 x Rain jacket (lightweight, packable)

• 7 x Underwear

• 6 x Socks

• 2 x Swimsuits

• 1 x Sleepwear

• 1 x Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes

• 1 x Flip-flops

🧴 Toiletries & Essentials

• Everything from the 2-week list

• Nail clippers

• Small sewing kit

🔌 Electronics

• Everything from 2-week list

• Small tripod or GoPro

📌 Top Tip: Plan for laundry stops every 7-10 days to keep packing light.

4 week adventure

🎒 Best backpack size: 55L-65L

👕 Clothing (For Mixed Climates: Peru, Japan, South Africa)

• 6 x T-shirts/tank tops

• 5 x Shorts

• 2 x Lightweight pants

• 2 x Long-sleeve shirts

• 1 x Warm fleece or hoodie

• 1 x Packable rain jacket

• 8 x Underwear

• 7 x Socks

• 2 x Swimsuits

• 1 x Sleepwear

• 1 x Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes

• 1 x Flip-flops

• 1 x Sandals

🧴 Toiletries & Essentials

• Everything from the 4-week list

• Solid shampoo & soap bars (last longer and don’t leak)

• Extra razor blades

🔌 Electronics

• Everything from 4-week list

• Laptop/tablet (if working remotely)

📌 Top Tip: Bring packing cubes to stay organized and avoid bag chaos.

2 months adventure

🎒 Best backpack size: 65L+ (if carrying camping gear) or 55L-60L (minimalist travel)

👕 Clothing (For All Seasons: Europe, USA, South America)

• 7 x T-shirts/tank tops

• 5 x Shorts

• 3 x Lightweight pants

• 3 x Long-sleeve shirts

• 2 x Warm layers (fleece + hoodie)

• 1 x Packable down jacket

• 10 x Underwear

• 8 x Socks

• 2 x Swimsuits

• 1 x Sleepwear

• 1 x Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes

• 1 x Flip-flops

• 1 x Sandals

• 1 x Beanie/hat

🧴 Toiletries & Essentials

• Everything from the 2-month list

• Additional medications (motion sickness, rehydration salts, antibiotics if prescribed)

🔌 Electronics

• Everything from 2-month list

• External hard drive or cloud storage for backing up photos

📌 Top Tip: Reevaluate your items every month – send home or donate anything you don’t use.

3 months adventure

🔹 Layer your clothes – instead of packing bulky sweaters, bring thermal base layers.
🔹 Neutral colors – versatile outfits make it easier to mix and match.
🔹 Buy items on the road – you don’t need 3 months’ worth of toiletries; restock as needed.
🔹 Security tip – Always carry a digital and physical copy of your passport and travel insurance.