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Page 1: GENERAL PACKING LIST - media.nomadicmatt.com

GENERAL PACKING

LIST

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Page 2: GENERAL PACKING LIST - media.nomadicmatt.com

General Packing List 

 

 

Over the years, what I carry in my bag has changed a lot. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects that I’ve learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006.

I’ve traveled with big duffel bags, 60L packs, 30L packs, carry-ons, and everything in between. I’ve learned different packing techniques through the years.

And today I want to share that knowledge with you.

So what should you pack on your trip?

First, the short answer to what you should pack: as little as possible.

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Packing light is a cliché, yet one that has a lot of truth to it. The more I travel, the more I realize I don’t need a lot of stuff. Everything I need now fits into one backpack.

I like to write down everything I think I’ll need — and then cut it in half. I always ask myself, “Will I use this enough to justify the weight?”

Most of the time the answer is no.

I take only the essentials, and if I really need something I didn’t bring, I buy it on the road. It’s not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas.

I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid having to carry lots of different kinds of clothes. I don’t want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand! However, plans can change, and if that happens, I’ll buy a light jacket or a sweater. I’ll keep it until it is a burden and then give it away.

Also, you can do laundry overseas, so I like to carry enough clothes for 7-10 days and then just do laundry, then repeat. There’s no need to bring a lot of stuff when you can just wash what you have.

And the long answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list — but you should tailor this to your needs.

(Note: This focuses on travel to a non-winter climate. If you’re heading somewhere cold, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.)

     

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CLOTHES 

❏ 6 T-shirts ❏ 1 long-sleeved T-shirt ❏ 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot — a

good alternative is khaki) ❏ 1 pair of shorts ❏ 6 pairs of underwear ❏ 1 bathing suit ❏ 1 pair of flip-flops ❏ 1 pair of sneakers ❏ 8 pairs of socks (I always lose my socks so I take extra! I have no idea

where they go. Gnomes?) ❏ 1 pair of dress shoes (heavy to carry around, but when I visit friends, we

usually go somewhere not sneaker-friendly. This is destination dependent. I do this more so Australia and Europe — where people care — and less so everywhere else.)

❏ 1 dress shirt (for going to a respectable place in the evening) ❏ 1 pair of black dress socks 

TOILETRIES  

❏ 1 toothbrush ❏ 1 tube of toothpaste ❏ 1 package of dental floss ❏ Deodorant ❏ 1 razor ❏ 1 small bottle of shampoo ❏ 1 small bottle of shower gel ❏ 1 towel (always pack a towel!)

  

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SMALL MEDICAL KIT  

❏ Band-Aids ❏ Hydrocortisone cream ❏ Antibacterial cream ❏ Eye drops ❏ Tylenol ❏ Hand sanitizer 

GEAR (for those blogging, taking video, or anything else)  

❏ Laptop/tablet ❏ Smartphone ❏ External battery ❏ Universal power adapter/converter ❏ Camera ❏ Power bar (so you always have enough outlets)

MISCELLANEOUS   

❏ A key or combination lock (everyone should have one!) ❏ Ziplock bags ❏ Stuff sack (for dirty laundry) ❏ Lifestraw (water filter) 

Special tip: Buy a small backpack so you won’t be tempted to overpack. We subconsciously like to fill empty space, so if you have a big bag, you’re more likely to overpack just so you don’t waste space. Unless you need cold-weather clothing or camping gear, a 40L bag will suffice for most backpacking trips. 

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I’ve found that this list leaves me wanting for nothing. I’m sure many of you will read this and say, “But what about X?” or “You really don’t need Y.” Well, that works for you, and this list works for me. Tailor your list to suit your travels.

The real point I want to emphasize is that you really don’t need a lot when you travel. You never need as much as you think.

 

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HOW TO TRAVEL THE WORLD ON $50 A DAY

LEARN TO TRAVEL SMARTER

My New York Times best-selling book“The bible for budget travelers” - BBCMaster the art of budget travelEnjoy a richer travel experience in any destination

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