Before leaving on a long trip it can be really difficult to know exactly what to pack in your luggage. I actually have similar problems trying to pack for short trips too! How much is too much? What will the weather be like? Will I need dressy clothes, hiking clothes, beach attire? Are there cultural differences I need to be sensitive of and be completely covered? Trying to figure all those questions out and have it all fit in your luggage can be quite the challenge!
For example, I began my travels in the Greek Islands in early September and ended my trip in Venice, Italy on the last day of October. When I arrived it was between 90-100F (32-37C) for the first two weeks. By the time I left it was snowing in the mountains and mornings were still hovering around freezing. One of the best things I’ve learned to do in every day life is dress in layers. Always have a layer – just in case. So that thought process helped me prepare for this trip.
The items listed below were the most used items in my backpack. They were used way more than others and I’ll go through them so you can see if maybe they’d be helpful for you too!
- REI Flash 18 day pack. This was the most used item and the one I spent the most time shopping for. At $39.95 (not including a Member coupon and dividend to use which made it super inexpensive!) it was the absolute best item I had! It comes with a foam pad in the back which I removed before leaving so I could easily roll it up and stick it in my big pack on move days. With that pad being removed, I used that space for my wallet, passport or other valuables to keep them well hidden and out of the main compartment. It was big enough to hold a water bottle, journal, book, jacket/sweater and at some points even my DSLR camera. The straps are comfortable and offer a sternum and waist strap for added security. I used this for 52 of the 54 days I was gone (the other 2 days being my flights 🙂 )
- PrAna tank tops the Mika and Meadow. I actually brought 2 Meadow tanks with me, I love them! I really don’t like clingy tops and I’m a lady who tends to sweat a lot when it’s hot. Clingy and sweaty are a horrible combination! The best part of these tops is they are super light and breathable. They are flowy and allow air circulation so sweat can dry on hot days. AND they dry super fast after they are washed! The Meadow has an inner shelf bra which is helpful for ladies who like that. I prefer to wear a bra and wear a racerback style bra which hides among all the back straps. Along with this though, they are really easy to layer with! You can dress it up with a sweater and scarf over the top!
- Title Nine Rogue 5″ shorts. I was hesitant about these when I tried them on because of their $49 price tag. I’m so happy I decided to buy them, I LOVE THESE SHORTS!! They are long enough that I didn’t feel self conscious, they have zipper pockets that could easily hold my iPhone securely and they have a tie inside to cinch them when I needed it. They dry super fast and are totally breathable. They paired easily with my PrAna tank tops and became a staple to my wardrobe!
- Patagonia R1 Pullover : I feel like I wore this almost as often as I wore my REI Flash backpack! This pullover is a must layer for warmth and comfort. I had another one for years and sadly, it was stolen on a trip in South America. I replaced it with this newer version almost 9 years ago and it still looks brand new. Not only does it keep me warm, it dries really quickly and is super lightweight. Even at home this is my go-to piece of clothing.
- Wrap sweater. A few years ago I picked up a 3/4 sleeve wrap sweater from a discount clothing store somewhere and it was a great purchase. It is my go-to travel sweater! It’s not heavy or bulky and can easily dress up my tanks or t-shirts. I can wear it in the summer if there’s a cool breeze or in evenings when the temperatures drop and also as a layer over tops with a pair of jeans to dress things up a little.
- I loved having my Kuhl Radikl pants with me. They have a great stretchy panel on the side of the thighs which made things super comfy when sitting for hours on a bus and flexible for hiking. Pockets were deep enough to safely hold my phone and they also have a zipper pocket in the back for ID’s and credit cards or cash. I also like that they don’t look like typical travel or cargo like pants.
- I don’t go anywhere without my Chaco sandals. The pair I own are at least 5 years old and I love them, they fit like a glove! If you’ve never worn Chaco’s it’s important to understand the strap system and make sure that you configure them to your feet to avoid blisters. I can easily walk 8 miles in these without any problem – NOTE: I do not suggest walking 8 miles in any new pair of sandals. Make sure you break them and your feet in! Happy feet = happy body ❤
- I became addicted to packing cubes years ago when I traveled as a tour guide. Organizing your luggage can make travels so much less stressful! I’ve always been a huge fan of Eagle Creek cubes and really like their newest ones with lightweight ripstop material. I also had some eBags cubes with me which held up great! When choosing cubes, I make sure they have handles and I like to have a variety of colors so I can easily recognize and pack my tops in one, bottoms in another, small one for electronics and toiletries, etc. They are an absolute lifesaver when keeping track of all your stuff, especially after having laundry done!
- Pajama pants. I have a cheap pair from Target that I love. They are tapered at the bottom, solid grey and are cotton. It’s nice feeling cozy and lounging around wherever you stay. They take up minimal space and perfect to feel at home in.
- A sarong. I rarely travel without a sarong. I can use it to cover my shoulders from the sun or a church/temple, as a towel in a hostel or at the beach. It works great as a privacy curtain in a shared hostel dorm room or a light coverup on the bus if the air conditioning is blasting. And those are on top of all the other things you can use a sarong for: skirt, wrap dress, top (YouTube some great ideas!). It’s worth the minimal weight and space it takes up!
The only thing that I missed and wished I had brought with me was a puffy down vest. They are so versatile and easy to travel with. I use one at home all the time and since they pack into their pocket, it’s super small and fits anywhere! Patagonia has a great one called the Sweater Vest, The North Face has their Thermoball Vest. I love my Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer, it’s incredibly light and super warm! You can usually find great vests on sale at a local sporting goods store or online. Shop around for great deals!
My trip would not have been nearly as comfortable or easy without the list of clothing above. I could have packed only these items in my backpack and been 100% totally fine (I would have packed a couple pairs of Title Nine Rogue shorts though!). Just remember everything you add into your bag also adds to the weight that you cart around with you! If you can’t manage carrying your own luggage or loading it onto a train or bus, you’ve packed too much. Don’t depend on anyone else to take care of your luggage beside yourself!
Obviously things vary depending on the time of year and country that you’re traveling to. If you’re going somewhere and plan on exploring the mountains and the sea, it’s nice to have items similar to the ones listed above. Mountains are always unpredictable – regardless of time of year, be prepared. For my personal comfort level, this list worked perfectly for me. For the complete list of what was in my backpack, check out my earlier post here!
What are some of your favorite must-have items in your luggage?
Inkleined To Travel 