Updated February 2023
My packing list for trips than range from a few days to several months. Items “*” are optional. This list was extracted from my Packing & Traveling Light post. For a more complete description of these items see my gear for life. Packing list for upcoming Camino.
Luggage
- gossamer gear vagabond
- osprey 20l drybag*
- niteize waterproof pouch*
Pockets/Wear
- flowfold minimalist wallet w/ cards, cash
- iphone 12 mini t-mobile for international roaming
- victorinox rambler / swiss-tech util-key if flying
- uniball vision elite .5mm pen – doesn’t leak!
- garmin 955 gps watch
- n95 masks
- tickets* – if not on my phone
- passport* – if needed
Daily Life
- zojirushi travel mug
- apple airpod pro
- edc electronics pouch: 3 usb-c cables, anker 523 usb charger, nitecore 10k battery, usb adaptors, superglue
- nitecore nu25 headlamp with strap replaced with shock cords
- 6ft tape measure
- sleep mask
Core Clothing (Wear or Carry)
- luna sandals – preferred when sandals acceptable
- inov-8 ultrafly270* – rough terrain or close shoes required
- xoskin anklet toe socks (2)
- tommy john travel briefs (1), icebreaker anatomica briefs (1)
- western rise evolution pants and
- outlier slim dungarees – if many days <72f
- new way shorts – if many day >=72f
- icebreaker anatomica merino tee-shirts
- arcteryx cormac hoodie
- western rise limitless button down shirt
- macpac alpha direct hoody – if temps <55F
- montbell dry peak shakedry shell
- montbell umbrero hat – for sun & rain
- zpacks rain pants* – extended time outdoors in cool & wet
Toiletries/Health
- rei micro toiletry bag
- toothbrush
- reach floss
- razor
- folding brush
- nail clipper
- mini first aid kit
- toothpaste (dawn mist .6oz perfect size for shorter trips)
- 100sense body bar in matador flatpak soap bag
- extra n95 masks
High Intensity Exercise?
- heart rate strap
- tri-shorts
- xenith polartec delta shirt*
- visor*
Beach? – Items to be added if a lot of time will be spent at beach
- board shorts
- rashguard long sleeve shirt (UPF 50 when wet)
- matador pocket blanket
- snorkling?
- neoprene socks* – avoid heel blisters
- vision correcting swim mask*
Blazer Required? (these days black trailrunners, slacks, and button shirt get men into most places, so only needed for special occasions or business meeting with particularly old school companies)
- vivobarefoot gobi II ankle boots
- bluffworks hopsack sport jacket
Cold? – Items to be added if spending extended time outdoors temps below freezing
- montbell plasma 1000 down vest
- polar buff
- mountain hardware grub gloves*
- darn tough light cushion crew socks* (2)
- patagonia micro puff hoody jacket*
Extras
- panasonic lx100 ii camera*
- 5ft extension cord*
- macbook 12”*
- macbook pro 14”*
- etymotic hf3* – extended flight noise reduction
- platypus water bottle* – if longer hikes without water
- water purifier* – if hiking where water is available but of questionable drinkability
- immersion water heater* – if staying place without microwave, coffee maker, or stove
- folding foon*
- ultralight body size packtowel*
- mld sleep sack + alpha direct 120gsm “blanket”* – staying in minimalist hostels
- clothing line*
- international power adapter*
- binoculars*
- gifts (handmade is nice)*
Aquire Locally
- sun screen
- aloe
- insect repellent
- snacks
If a trip includes camping as well as travel in cities, I switch from the vagabond to a Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack + Vagabond packable for EDC. The Gorilla is great in the back country and passable for travel. I merge my backpacking list with the items listed above which can been seen in my lighterpack template. When flying I check my trekking pole, stakes, and knife through using a cardboard poster tube and acquire fuel and food at my destination.
Recent load including worn and carried clothing for a four month international trip that ranged from 25-80F with frequent rain, required me to wear a blazer, some nights in a budget hostel requiring bring a sleep system, and regularly exercising. Note: there was still room in the pack for some gifts I brought / took back home. Miss from picture that I was carrying most of the time include a a oral-b 6000 toothbrush and charger which my wife also used and a pair of vivobarefoot gobi II boots which got dropped at home when I realized I could get away with wearing my trail runners.
