Ultimate Packing List for Long Term Travel

A few years back, I remember packing for my first long-term backpacking trip to Southeast Asia (6 months), and having a tough time deciding what to bring. What’s necessary? What’s overkill? How big of a backpack do I need? These were a few of the many questions I had.

Figuring out how to pack for longer term travel can be tricky. You don't want to overpack and end up having to get rid of things along the way (which does happen inevitably), nor do you want to pack too little and end up spending unnecessary time and money on things you already had (which will also probably occur).

My entire setup: Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack + Lowepro ViewPoint BP250 Camera Backpack

Now, after spending several years on the road, traveling for many months at a time, I've continued to tweak the contents of my backpack, and now feel like I have a pretty optimal setup. I've put together a comprehensive packing list that includes everything I carry in my backpack.

Note: this list is optimal for SUMMER travel. During the winter, I change it a bit by adding a couple pairs of pants and sweaters.

BACKPACK

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack

After trying out a few different backpacks throughout my travels, I've found this one works best for me. It's the perfect size, allowing you to pack just enough without overpacking. The main pack is a 40 liter that zips all the way open like a suitcase, so you don't have to dig from the top every time you need something. It has a detachable 15 liter backpack that zips onto the front, which is great for using as a daypack and for storing extra stuff you didn't plan on accumulating. The backpack is extremely durable and well-made, so you don't have to worry about it falling apart out on the road.

If you are a photographer and carry a DSLR and/ or drone, I recommend the LowePro Viewpoint BP250 Camera Backpack. I love it because the bottom half has a drone case insert that you can perfectly fit a MavicPro and a couple spare batteries into.

PACKING CUBES

TravelWise Packing Cubes

I used to not use these, but since I recently started I've noticed how much better everything fits and how my backpack actually feels like a closet now.

I’ll give you the exact breakdown of how I sort everything (by packing cube) below:

CLOTHING

Packing Cube #1- Bottoms

1 Long Skirt
1 Short Skirt
2 Pairs Shorts
1 Pair Workout Shorts
1 Pair Leggings

Packing Cube #2- Dresses + Tops

1-2 Dresses/ Rompers
2 Short Sleeve Shirts
4 Tank Tops
1 Cardigan/ Lightweight Coverup
1 Pair PJs

Packing Cube #3- Socks, Undies, Swimsuits

3 Swimsuits
10 Undies
5 Socks (depending on your sandals to tennies wearing ratio)

And for the ladies...

1 Bralette
1 Nude Colored Bra
1 Strapless Bra

TOILETRIES

Packing Cube #4

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Hair Brush
Shampoo (I use mine as body wash as well to save space)
Conditioner
Face Wash
Face Lotion
Sunscreen
Razor

MISCELLANEOUS

Packing Cube #5

Bug Spray
Melatonin
Ibuprofen
Cough Drops
Extra Hair Ties + Bobbies
Any medications

Non-Packing Cube Items

1 Crossbody Bag
1 Tote Bag
1 Jewelry Bag (packed in a zipper)
1 Light Jacket/Sweater (I take a jean jacket)
1 Microfiber Travel Towel
1 Pair Sandals (lay flat in backpack)
1 Pair Flip Flops (lay flat in backpack)
1 Pair Tennies (wear while traveling)

TOP SECRET SECTION

I have a hidden, not easily accessible zipper in my main backpack where I hide my “emergency supplies”. In case any of these items are lost or stolen from my main wallet, I like to have backup.

Extra ATM card
Extra Credit Card
Extra Cash Stash (Local currency + I always have $30 USD stowed away in case of emergency)
Copy of Passport (I have about 5 printed and stashed around different parts of my backpacks/ purses)