The following is my packing list I use for 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 yearly gear for life list. Updated October 2022.
Luggage
- tom bihn synik 30 if bring multiple “options” below
- gossamer gear packable vagabond* – [replaces synik when taking minimal options]
Pockets/Wear
- flowfold minimalist wallet w/ cards, cash
- iphone 12 mini verizon / airalo if international
- 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*, vaccination certificate* – if needed
Daily Life
- zojirushi travel mug
- apple airpod pro
- edc electronics pouch: 3 usb-c cables, sharge charger, portable USB charger, adaptors, superglue
- nitecore nu25 headlamp
Core Clothing (Wear or Carry)
- luna sandals
- xoskin anklet toe socks (2), darn tough crew (0-2)
- icebreaker anatomica briefs (3)
- western rise evolution pants and
- outlier slim dungarees* – if days <70f
- new way shorts* (2) – if most of day >75f
- icebreaker anatomica merino tee-shirts (1-2)
- western rise limitless button down shirt
- macpac alpha direct hoody – if temps <55F
- gorewear r7 shakedry shell
- montbell umbrero hat – sun & rain
- zpacks rain pants* – extended time outdoors in cool & wet
Toiletries
- 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
High Energy Exercise?
- heart rate strap
- tri-shorts
- xenith polartec delta shirt
- visor*
Sun? – Multiple hours in uv index >8
- sun glasses
- solbari weekend button-down shirt
- upf 50 arm/leg sun sleeves* – if doing multi-hour exercise outdoors
Beach? – Items to be added if a lot of time will be spent at beach
- board shorts replace one pair normal shorts
- rashguard long sleeve shirt replaces one tee shirt
- matador pocket blanket
- snorkling?
- neoprene socks*
- vision correcting swim mask*
Dressy Required?
- vivobarefoot gobi II ankle boots
- bluffworks hopscotch sport jacket*
Cold? – Items to be added if spending extended time outdoors temps below freezing
- vivobarefoot gobi II ankle boots
- mountain hardware grub gloves
- montbell plasma 1000 down vest
- patagonia micro puff hoody jacket* – cold&suit or extra cold
Extras
- sleep mask & ear plugs
- 4ft extension cord
- macbook pro 14”*
- bluetooth transceiver* – extended flights
- westone 5es iem* – extended flights
- 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
- ultralight packtowel* – water sports or staying in hostel
- international power adapter*
- gifts (handmade is nice)*
Aquire Locally
- sun screen
- aloe
- insect repellent
- snacks
- eating utensils
If a trip includes camping as well as travel in cities, I switch to a Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack which is great in the back country and passable for travel. I merge my backpacking list with the items listed above. When flying I check my trekking pole, stakes, and knife through using a cardboard poster tube and acquire fuel at my destination.