The Ultimate travel Packing Guide for 2024
It’s time for your next big life adventure?!
Well, before you take off let’s go through my Ultimate Travel Packing List for your next backpacking extravaganza!
Now obviously, the length of your trip will always change the way your bags are packed. Meaning a weekend trip to the lake is going to be quite different than 6 months, or even a year travelling through Latin America, Africa, or Asia - So we need to pack accordingly!
Having travelled long term on several different occasions over the last 12 years, I have made many mistakes along the way. If I could go back, I’d be having a stern talk with my 18-year-old self who though travelling around Australia for 6 months with an oversized suitcase, big backpack, and a laptop case would be a good idea. What a pain in the ass that was! Luckily for you however, you don’t have to go through the same mistakes as I did because I am going to give you away everything I’ve learned for free!
Granted, everyone’s travel styles are going to be different, and not all the travel gear I use will be best for everyone. After years spent on the road, moving every other day and living out of a bag, this is what I have found fits MY travel style the best. I try to focus on high quality, lightweight and durable items to bring less but go further.
Everything underlined within the lists are linked with amazon.com for ideas, inspiration or to purchase. The pictures below the lists are also linked to the individual Amazon lists for each category grouped together for your convenience.
Essentials / Miscellaneous
Starting off we have the random items that don’t necessarily fit in the other categories but are brought along on every trip.
For some, this would include a neck pillow, earplugs, headlamps, etc. but again, these lists can vary from person to person. So, if there is something missing here, but is essential to you, bring it along!
Clothing and Apparel
When I first began travelling, I wish I had listened to others and broke down my clothing list to what it is now. My first trip I took something like 11 T-Shirts and 4 pairs of pants!!! Please, don’t make that same mistake!
Try not to overpack as it will just become a pain to lug everything around. My current list will typically last around one week before needing to do a load of laundry and has been the perfect combination for the last several years.
Note: I keep my clothing neutral colors with no patterns or heavy branding which enables me to mix and match all outfits and allows me the most outfit combinations possible.
2 Sweaters (1 Hoodie / 1 Crewneck)
2 Pants (1 Jean / 1 Hiking or Cargo Pant)
Weather Dependent – Scarf, Toque/Beanie, Puffer Jacket, Keffiyeh, Etc.
Footwear
About as straightforward as it gets. Sneakers/runners for your every day shoes. Sandals for the warm weather, the beach, and the hostel showers.
And a pair of boots if you plan on doing any hiking.
1 Pair of Hiking Boots
Toiletries
We all have our go-to brands or products when it comes to the toiletries section. It doesn’t matter what kind you bring as long as you have the majority of it. A few tips are to get a cover for your whole toothbrush, or at least the head of your toothbrush. And also get travel sized bottles for any liquids in order to save space and weight within your bag! No matter where you’re travelling, you should be able to replenish your toiletry supply as needed.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Bonus Tip - Sunscreen tends to be much more expensive outside of Western countries due to it being sold primarily to foreigners. Bring some from your home to save a bit of money.
Electronics / Tech
In our current age, it’s hard not to travel anywhere without our digital devices. I know some who leave much of this at home in order to save weight and space within their bags but as a Digital Nomad that is no longer an option for me.
Smartphone (Iphone, Galaxy, Google Pixel, Etc.)
Camera with Accessories (I.e. – Lavalier Mic, Batteries, LED light, etc.)
Ledger Nano-X Crypto Wallet (Specific To Certain Individuals)
Check A Bag Or Carry-On
It should be noted that I do not travel with Carry-On only baggage. I understand why many people opt for it these days with the climbing baggage fees and with airlines seemingly losing everyone’s luggage.
But I personally don’t have an issue with checking one of my bags. Have airlines lost my luggage? Absolutely, but it’s not the end of the world, and it is precisely why I put the Tile Trackers on my Tech List. I put a tracker in both of my bags so I am certain of their locations at all times.
Also, I prefer to have one bigger bag in order to conveniently carry everything on my Ultimate Packing List, comfortably. By all means this list is able to be split into two carry-on bags - I’ve done it! However, my current everyday backpack is a photography backpack which means it is great for carrying my camera equipment but leaves less room for other things.
So check a bag, or carry-on, It’s all up to you! But in the meantime, get ready and get packing because your next adventure awaits!