Home » packing for an around the world trip

packing for an around the world trip

MY RTW TRAVEL PACKING LIST

You might be wondering just what one person needs in their backpack to survive a whole year traveling around the world and on the road? Below are pictures of my backpack, a list of the stuff in my backpack, and a picture of the final product as I arrived at the airport kissing my family goodbye to start my RTW trip.

***I updated this post at the bottom with dispatches from the road – what have I added – what I shipped home – what got stolen!****

The red backpack is my main pack – it’s a 52L Eagle Creek Meridian – I pondered going bigger, but as this backpack was free (from my bestest in LA) – free won out – and now that my RTW is over, 52 L was an awesome size. The blue bag (a Northface Surge) held my laptop and acted as a daypack when out exploring.

I used Eagle Creek packing cubes to organize everything in my bag, and if you ask me, it looks pretty nice (for now – I wonder how long that will last!). The main pack is stuffed to its seams, so that likely means some stuff wont make it beyond Australia (or perhaps even LA).

What’s in my Main Travel Pack?

My world CLOTHES/SHOES
2 pairs of capris
1 pair of lightweight Columbia pants
1 pair of jeans
2 skirts
1 pair of sleep/athletic shorts

1 slip dress (suitable for beach, or dresses up for going out)
3 tank-tops (1 is a dressy tank)
3 shirts/t-shirts
1 long-sleeved thermal
1 long-sleeved microfiber outdoorsy shirt

1 fleece pullover (The Northface)
1 zip-up hoody

3 pairs of socks (1 hiking, 2 cotton)
8 pairs of underwear
2 bras
1 sportsbra

1 scarf
2 pairs of leggings
1 hat

1 pair of Chacos sports sandals
1 pair of Balance hiking boots
1 pair of flip flops (for shower shoes in nasty hostels)

MISCELLANEOUS
PacSafe Mesh net
Microfiber travel towel
Silk-blend sleep sheet
Sunscreen
Deet insect repellent
1 extra copy of my passport
1 mini sewing kit
1 carabiner clip
1 headlamp flashlight
1 mini set of eating utensils
1 pocket knife
1 power converter
1 travel medical kit: Advil/Tylenol/Aleve, (Antibiotic), (Malaria medicine), Bandaids, guaze, triple antibiotic ointment, cough/zinc drops (4)
Random bits: bobby pins, safety pins, sharpie, pen, duct tape (wrapped around a pencil), small scissors, etc.

TOILETRIES
Refillable Travel size containers of: shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen for face, facewash, travel size toothpaste, floss, deodorant
Toothbrush
Razors
Diva Cup
Contacts (12 month supply)
Contact solution and 1 case
Eye Glasses
Hair ties

MAKEUP
1 small bottle of foundation
1 compact eyeshadow duo
1 mascara
1 blush

What’s in my Day/Computer Pack?

ELECTRONICS
My Laptop: Dell XPS M140 (I love it and truly hope it makes it through the trip – it’s not exactly new)
Faux-pod – my generic MP3 player
Camera: Cannon PowerShot SD800
Headset for Skype

MISCELLANEOUS
Journal
Book: Started with “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen
Neoprene laptop cover (it’s my computer’s rain coat!)
Pens
Deck of cards
My money belt (actually around my waist)

And this is the picture my parents took as they dropped me off at the airport!

PACKING DISPATCHES FROM THE ROAD

01/07/09 – RTW Update from Australia:

My beloved headlamp that was SO helpful at the hostels here was lost/stolen on my outback safari to Uluru. Plan to replace as soon as possible.
My hat was left on a bus along with my nalgene water bottle.

02/02/09 – RTW Update from Cambodia:

Shipped home a package of souvenirs by sea – hope it gets there!
My jean skirt is now unnecessary, shipped that home too.
One pair of capris was stained beyond wear (trust me) so left those behind in Phnom Penh.
Bought a pair of farmer-style pants in Laos.
Contact solution has been INCREDIBLY hard to find…wearing glasses for now

02/25/09 – RTW Update from India:

Helen brought me a new headlamp to replace the flashlight I have been stuck using.
She also brought a new nalgene water bottle and a SteriPen – amazing, truly.
Bought an Indian kurtah and haven’t regretted it for a moment. GREAT for trains and blending in as much as possible.
Picked up a new scarf. Lighter than the warm one that came in handy in Oz and Laos – much better for India.
Left my purple shirt behind in Jaipur, it was nubby as hell!

04/25/09 – RTW Update from Nepal:

Did some major shopping here! Shipped home a package of souvenirs.
Bought a knock-off Northface rain jacket for the Poon Hill trek – works like a champ.
Bought a safari-style hat for the trek…and beyond.
Replaced sleep-sheet – mine was too short!! And it was uber cheap.
New silk “hammer” pants. Great to sleep in, pack up tiny.

05/20/09 – RTW Update from Italy:

Sent another package home with souvenirs from Nepal – though super touristy Thamel has incredible bargins and neat items if you dig around.
Threw another worn out shirt away and replaced with a couple new ones from H&M. New sundress too, gave other away….didn’t fit right anymore.
Chacos smell disgusting and not responding to cleaning – but still work fabulously besides the stinky-feet syndrome.