I’ve recently thought about my world trip and all the things I stuffed into my backpack. Now, three years later, I would organize everything in a very different way. So, let’s take a closer look at my gear from three years ago and what I would do differently now.
When it comes to traveling, there are a few things to consider before a trip: an itinerary, travel regulations, budget. and much more. One important question always arises no matter where I travel to Was should I bring? Before my world trip I’ve done a lot of research about that. It’s not a big drama, because there are plenty of opportunities to buy or dispose of things on the way. My lesson learned is: There is no such thing like an ultimate packing list. Everybody has to decide based on individual needs. So my take on that, maybe that helps you a bit. Before reading the list, you should know that I was traveling in rather warm countries/seasons.
| Bags: |
|
| Bagpack Deuter ACT Lite 45 + 10 liter (lady’s version) |
Took it with me on many trips. The size was good. |
| Rain Cover Deuter |
Very important, I also used it when it didn’t rain. |
| Daypack Quechua 20 liter |
A bit too small, 25 liters would have been better |
| Very small shoulderbag (~ 20 x 15cm) |
Very convenient |
| Washbag |
Good to have all hygiene products in one place |
| Waterproof document bag |
I started loving it after a wet boot-trip |
| Waterproof gear bag 15 liter |
Gear bags help organizing, one should be waterproof just in case |
| Gear bag 15 liter (2x) |
|
| Cloth bag (for dirty clothes) |
Better than a plastic bag, but I would prefer a washing bag though |
| Moneybelt |
|
| ZipLock-Bag (10x) |
For all kinds of things like cloth, food, but today I prefer reusable ones. |
| wallet (2x) |
The second one was a dummy in case thief looks for sth. to steal, there is a “dummy wallet” with 20 bucks |
| Backpack-Water-System |
I sent it home at the first opportunity, the system I had was horrible and tasted like plastic. |
| Water bottle (Nalgene) |
It has a big inlet, so it can be used as cup for instant noodles too. I’m still using it to this day. |
| Plastic container |
For food and sometimes as a plate. I also still use that one. |
| Documentes: |
|
| Passport + copy |
Copies should be stored in a different location. |
| ID card + copy |
|
| Driver’s license + copy |
|
| International driver’s license |
You should get informed whether this is required |
| Vaccination record |
|
| Insurance cards |
|
| Tickets |
|
| Cloths: |
|
| Cotton scarf |
Very useful for all kinds of things |
| Underwear (10x) |
7x would have been enough |
| Bra (3x) |
|
| Bikini |
|
| T-Shirt (4x) |
|
| Top (2x) |
|
| Longsleeve |
Gave it away, because I didn’t need it |
| Zip-Off pants (2x) |
|
| Shorts |
Didn’t need those because of the zip-off pants |
| Shorts for sleeping |
I also used them during long bus and train rides. |
| Neutral pants |
To go out |
| Fleece jacket |
|
| Light rain jacket |
|
| Rain pants |
I wore them rather rarely |
| Socks (4x) |
|
| Hiking boots |
|
| Hiking sandals |
|
| Flip Flops |
|
| Body hygiene: |
|
| Shower gel |
|
| Shampoo |
|
| Conditioner |
|
| Deodorant |
|
| Bodylotion |
|
| Tooth brush / paste / dental floss |
|
| Foot powder |
To prevent smelly shoes |
| Nail clipper |
|
| Tweezer |
|
| Microfiber towel (2x) |
One was enough |
| First aid kit |
|
| Wet wipes |
|
| Washcloth |
Very useful to manage body hygiene in trains and buses |
| Hand antiseptic |
Very important for bus and train rides |
| Tech: |
|
| Smartphone |
Can be very helpful with the right apps |
| Digicam |
|
| Camcorder |
I wouldn’t pack that again, because my new camera does better videos. |
| Compass-Thermometer-Whistle-Set |
Good if you want to orientate without your smartphone |
| Travel plugs |
|
| Crank torch |
I would pack it depending on the destination, but often my smartphone LED is sufficient |
| Other: |
|
| Light sleeping bag |
I used it very often in trains and buses |
| Inlay sleeping bag |
Often recommended online, but in my opinion not needed |
| Glasses |
|
| Sunglasses |
|
| Notebook + pen |
|
| Merlin |
|
| 10m Paracord |
10m is way too much, but I would pack about 3m as cord/cloth line |
| Carabiner (4x) |
|
| Pocketknife |
|
| Sewing kit |
|
| Book |
Exchanged it about every other week in hostels |
| Fork and spoon |
Spoon could have been enough |
| Bought on the road: |
|
| Umbrella |
Useful while hitchhiking to stay dry |
| Foot file |
To keep my feet free of callus |
| Dress |
As a going out outfit |
| Blouse |
|
As you can see, I got rid of a few things but also bought some. I guess that’s the most likely scenario. I also think that it’s essential to think about your own “style” of traveling before a trip. I pretty much like hiking, nature and try to relinquish comfort (like taxi rides,…)
Did I miss anything? What do you pack for longer trips?
Don’t Panic!
Backpacking is my favourite "hobby" and here I write tips, tricks and reports about it.