Things to Bring on a Trip Around the World

Pack light. Be happy.

Three days before my trip, I panicked—I hadn’t packed a single thing. I had procrastinated, hoping my backpack would magically pack itself. What do you bring on a long trip across multiple continents and climates? After much thought and research, I narrowed my belongings down to a select few. It was a painful process. I worried I would forget something, until I came to the realization that if I forgot anything, I could pick it up along the way. Whew! That mindset made packing easier. For instance, today I needed fingernail clippers. I forgot to pack fingernail clippers. (Long nails drive me nuts.) I found a pair at a pharmacy in Reykjavik, and I bought them. The most important thing is to pack light. Nothing is worse than carrying around a 200 lb. backpack.

The Backpack

The vessel to store all the goods. It’s important to make sure this bag is comfortable. I went to REI to try some on and decided on the Boreas Lost Coast Backpack. The designer in me wanted a backpack that was both comfortable AND looked cool. This particular bag won Editor’s Choice in 2012 by Backpacker Magazine. I discovered Boreas through my friend, Bri Scarff, who designed their website. The fine folks at Boreas gave me a special coupon to save $10 off any purchase of 2 items or more. Just use “KEEGJONES” during checkout.

I super-glued this California patch on my bag as a reminder of where to head home after traveling.

Clothes

There is no need to bring the entire closet. I hand-picked a few of my favorite clothes that I already own. It’s unnecessary to buy a bunch of new, fancy travel clothes. Most hostels have a washer or sink to do laundry. As an anonymous traveler, I’m the only one who knows if I’ve worn the same shirt 3 days in a row. Who cares?! It’s my dirty little wearable secret.

• 2 t-shirts

• 3 button up shirts

• 1 tie (sometimes it’s business time)

• 1 pair of long underwear

• 1 sweater

• 1 pair of sweatpants

• 1 pair of Levi’s

• 1 pair of REI waterproof pants

• 1 pair of shorts

• 1 pair of flip flops (to wear in the hostel bathroom and on the beach)

• Patagonia Down Sweater — This looks like a light jacket, but is extremely warm. It’s also designed to fold into a nice tiny cube by stuffing the jacket into the front pocket.

• Patagonia Rain Jacket — This jacket also folds into itself.

• 5 pairs of underwear

• 5 pairs of socks — SmartWool socks are your friend. They are comfortable and don’t become stinky like cotton.

• Clark’s Desert Boots — I love these. I picked up a new pair before I left, because I wore a hole through the sole of my previous pair. (I wore them every day for a year and a half.)

Pack clothes by rolling (instead of folding, this keeps them less wrinkly), and stuffing them into a compression sack to conserve space. Watch this YouTube video to see how to pack like a pro.

Electronics

Most of the things below are completely unnecessary. But for someone who has an unhealthy obsession with technology, I had to bring them.

• 13" MacBook Air — By far the best computer I’ve ever owned. It’s super light and perfect for 90% of the tasks I need it for - including design and photo editing.

• iPhone 5 — I discontinued my cell phone service while traveling. International data is expensive. So instead, I’ve been using my iPhone like an iPod Touch — bouncing from Wi-Fi hotspot to hotspot. After 3 weeks without cell service, I’ve realized how many times I impulsively check Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/Email. It’s freeing to have this distraction unavailable. Attention is a scarce resource and it’s a shame to mindlessly waste it on impulsive tendencies. Technology is amazing, and the benefits far outweigh the cons, but I’m practicing living in the moment instead of through my phone.

• Canon 5D Mark II — Along with two lenses, the 50mm f/1.4 and 24mm f/1.4, inside a Crumpler camera bag.

• Amazon Kindle — The battery lasts forever, holds hundreds of books, and only weighs 8oz.

Miscellaneous

• USA Passport — This could be important.

• Lock — To secure the backpack in a locker.

• Belkin Power Strip — with travel adapter plugs.

• Ear Plugs — To block out the guy snoring in the hostel.

• Advil

• Moleskine Journal

• REI Travel Sack — I ended up returning this sleeping bag. Most hostels have linens available, and this took up unnecessary space. Instead, I got a sleeping bag liner, which is essentially a sheet sewn together like a sleeping bag. I’ll use this in a worse-case scenario if the linens the hostel provide are bad.

• Day Backpack

• Fork Spoon — A man has to eat.

• Map of Iceland — My friend Jessica Zollman gave me the map she used during her trip to Iceland. It has hand-drawn annotations of cool things to do and see. Thanks Jessica!

Insurance

Getting stuff stolen would be a bummer. I bought travel insurance through World Nomads. It protects against stolen or lost baggage and also emergency medical evacuation. I picked this company, because it’s recommended by Lonely Planet and claims can be made online.

It’s amazing how few things a person needs to survive. Life is simple, yet easy to complicate. Pack light, be happy.