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:
- You need less than you think
- USB-C all of your things
- 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
- Phone: iPhone 16 Plus
- Headphones: AirPods Pro (latest version)
- Charger. Heymix 100W or 120W GaN Charger
- Bare minimum cables:
- A short USB-C to USB-C (thunderbolt compatible) cable. I use this one from Anker
- A 1m or longer “normal” USB-C to USB-C cable. I like this one from Belkin
- Converters I like to have, includes; USB-C to Micro USB, USB-C to USB-A (male), USB-C to USB-A (female).
- Headlamp (Petzl Actik Core). Might be weird to you, but it has saved my ass when lost in the bush. Good for trail runs as well!
Travel office setup
- Laptop. Macbook Pro 13inch – M1 16GB 1TB – 2021 Model
- Computer Stand. Roost v3 (expensive, but light ) or Nexstand K2 (cheaper, but slightly more bulk)
- Keyboard. Logitech – MX Keys Mini (for Mac)
- Mouse. Logitech – MX Master 3 (for Mac)
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