What Do I Pack?
Alright, listen here guys. Ladies especially! Trust me when I tell you this: leave your big, bulky luggage behind. It’s called “backpacking” for a reason! No more wheeled suitcases for you!
You might be like “I can’t live out of a backpack” - but you can and you will! It’s actually kind of fun! It’s quite nice not having to stand in front of the mirror and change your outfit several times before you leave the house - you’re definitively a little more limited on options this way.
You won’t need that pair of fashionable flip flops or that new, two piece outfit you just bought for a night out “just in case”. Definitely no heels! Leave your straightener, nice jewelry and all your really cute clothes at home. It’s important to bring only what is essential for your trip! How many times have you gone on vacation and didn’t wear half the things you packed in the suitcase? The lighter your bag, the better - you’re going to be hauling ass trying to catch the next bus somewhere with an extra 40 pounds on your back!
Depending on the climate of your destination, you want to be prepared for all types of weather. You’ll need the proper clothing and footwear, toiletries, electronic accessories, maybe a couple protein bars that remind you of home and the emergency med bag just in case you run into some unfortunate events. Oh ya! And the actual back pack itself!
I use a Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical and it’s done me good thus far! It has some extra reliable straps around the waist for added support and plenty of compartments to effectively organize your belongings. This pack holds everything I need in there (which I was very surprised about - I was weary about traveling out of a backpack at first, too). It’s kind of like Mary Poppin’s bag that seems to fit a never ending list of items! Some friends of mine have the Osprey brand of backpacks and seemed to like those just as much.
For inside the bag, you’re gunna wanna bring:
2 long sleeves, a few short sleeves, few tanks, 1 pair of leggings, gym/spandex shorts, couple sports bras, a few sundresses, 1 sweater, few pairs of socks, 12 pairs of underwear, 4 bralettes (I never bothered wearing a real bra), comfortable shorts that could be for sleep or day time wear, linen pants. possibly a thin raincoat (everything should be light weight and easy to wash). For colder weather pack warmer clothes but avoid bulkier sweaters.. layering is key.
1 pair of sneakers & 1 pair of flip flops; possibly hiking boots
Packing cubes to organize clothing. Roll your clothes & separate the cubes into categories: tops, bottoms, swimwear, socks/underwear. This prevents a nightmare!
Mesh laundry bag to keep dirty stuff separate
Universal adapter - depending on where you go in the world they probably don’t have outlets like we do in the US. You’ll need one of these to charge your electronics
Medical supplies - I always bring some Advil, nausea pills, Vitamin C tablets, couple band aids? You never know
Camera/GoPro - didn’t happen if there’s not footage of it
A lock if you feel it’s necessary to secure your belongings in a locker at hostels
A journal! - Maybe this isn’t your thing but I am so happy I kept track of my travels through writing otherwise I mighta forgot about some of the smaller details, names of hostels, food we ate, etc.
Memory foam neck pillow - I bought one for $30 in the JFK airport and it was a god send! Without it, I can’t sleep on the plane as soundly and then I get really grumpy.. :)
Comb & head wraps - I rocked one daily
My own pillow case from home - I often lay it on top of the hostel pillow and it gave me some sort of peace of mind/comfort
Headphones
A small cross body purse/fannypack
Tooth brush & a holder for it, gutta keep that puppy sanitary!
Travel size shampoo, conditioner and body wash that, when it emptied, I filled up at hostels .. taking full advantage of resources
2 disposable razors, 1 tube of mascara
Microfiber body & face towel - you’ll need this for your showers; fast drying, lightweight! I got one like this on Amazon for cheap
Ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper - things get a little loud in hostels
SO, you need a minimalist’s mindset when packing for your trip. Lay out what you want to bring, cut it in half and then reduce it again! A lot of people don’t realize you can still do your laundry while traveling and also buy things along the way! Some of the toiletry stuff could be even cheaper overseas, like tampons and deodorant, as long as you aren’t crazy loyal to the brands you use back home. You’re going to want to save some room for a couple souvenirs anyway! The key is to strategically put things in your pack to maximize the space. Bringing your whole wardrobe is completely unrealistic, and frankly, you’ll look weird to the other backpackers if you’re too fashionable. A simple, faded tee is the true backpacker way!
Once you realize how efficient the backpack is, you honestly won’t find a use for your suitcase anymore! I know I haven’t used one since.. A lot of the time, major airlines will consider your pack a carry on which will end up saving you some money! Score!
* Stay tuned for a video on these packing tips!
