My simple packing list for work, life and travel

Published Categorized as adventure, business Tagged
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You’re gearing up for a trip?

Niiiiiiiice.

Here is my packing list for your consideration.

I travel with only one carry on bag.

I aim for a max of 10kg, but have been able to keep it under 8kg for trips to warmer destinations.

Trust me, nothing crushes your spontaneity like having to haul a 40kg pack on your back.

You need less than you think.

Obviously, this isn’t suitable for cold winter traveling. More of a tropics & temperate climate sort of a list…

It will suit backpackers and digital nomads who like to travel light and still be able to get stuff done.


My rules for packing are as follows:

  1. You need less than you think
  2. USB-C all of your things
  3. You can buy stuff at your destination

Enough chit-chat, let’s get into it.

Documentation

  • Wallet
  • Visa(s)
  • Bank Cards
  • A$300-500 cash
  • Travel Insurance Policy
  • Passport(s) with photocopies
  • Original Drivers Licence(s) with photocopies
  • International license

Technology Stuff

General

Travel office setup

Bags

  • My favourite bag so far is the men’s Osprey Farpoint 40L. I has been dragged through som harsh terrain and lived to tell the tail. It is as big as a bag can get while still being small enough to fit on as carry on (with most companies). I don’t like the water bottle holders though.
  • 2x Small Packing Cubes. Make sure to get ones with a see-through top section.
  • Padlock (with code, not key).

Toiletries

  • Soap Bar
  • Hair Comb
  • Tooth Brush
  • Tooth Paste
  • 2x Plastic Bags
  • MicroFibre Towel
  • Lip Stuff / Lib Balm
  • Deodorant (RollOn, so you don’t get it confiscated on flights)
  • Sunscreen. I only use physical sunscreens that have Zinc Oxide as the only “active” ingredient. It is common for travel destinations to sell cheaper endocrine disrupting chemical sunscreens.

Layers

Clothes

  • 1x Jeans
  • 2x Long socks
  • 2x Short socks
  • 4-6x Underwear
  • 2x Hybrid shorts
  • 3x Cotton t-shirts
  • 1 x Collared long sleeve shirt
  • Hat/Cap
  • Sunglasses. I use a polarised pair from Hawkers Sunnies because the are good value and I won’t feel guilty when I break them…
  • Down Jacket. I love the black Patagonia Nano Puff). It just won’t die… I’ve had it for 10+ years.
  • A rain shell that I use to layer. Always get it a tad bigger so you can fit layers underneath it. Mountain designs is a good brand. I bought it from them 8 years ago and it’s going strong – they have changed the design to this raincoat.

Shoes

  • Light Shoes. I live in my sandals when travelling. Got the Birkenstock Arizona EVA. They are waterproof, comfy and a little more solid than typical “thongs” (flipflops). Sometimes make your feet sweat a little because of the material, but overall 9/10. Haven’t found shoes that will replace them yet…
  • Trail running shoes. I’ve been on the hunt for a shoe that does it all, but city shoes aren’t grippy enough to hike in and hiking shoes are ugly. The Salomon Sense Ride 4 shoes are my compromise for a “one shoe” solution. HMU if you have a better option.

Luxury Items

  • Travel “Bum Bag” to hide cash on you body
  • Water bottle (metal, wide opening at top make cleaning easier and store things in it when you travel. I use the CamelBak Chute Mag Steel (1L), but it is heavy. Lux item, feel free to skip…
  • Snorkel and mask; the rented ones are usually scratched up.
  • Kindle