“You’re packing everything in THAT??” A great question that has yet to get old, which always leads to a fun conversation. In previous posts, we’ve broken down what being a minimalist means (strategic), why we’re doing it (it’s marvelously freeing), and how we’re doing it (researchhhh), so it’s fitting to include just what exactly is in our bags, aside from the fact we have a lot of people itching to take a peek into our backpacks. This packing list has been developed using hours and hours of our time reading an excessive amount of Amazon reviews and picking apart numerous packing lists (almost all of which were non-minimalist, so we wanted to get ours out there for all the travelers who are searching, but coming up with nada).

The list below outlines what’s in our 36 liter bags for an indefinite backpacking trip to humid and rainy Southeast Asia. It does not include hard-core trekking gear, which is a different type of backpacking. Note that if you’re going to a different climate or continent, the only deviations from this packing list would be in types of clothing and shoes, not quantity. Just because you may be going, say, to Africa or to Northern Europe, doesn’t mean you need to pack more than if you were going to Asia.

In reality, you’re capable of bringing no luggage at all, but that is a challenge not many are interested in trying. Instead, this list combines the elements that are meant for long-term, healthy, minimal though prepared travel, intended to mimic daily life, rather than the “I’m only going to bring 10 things and call it minimalist” travel.

Backpack

We picked the Osprey Manta 36. Our Osprey Porter 46s have been sold, which were truly great packs, but we wanted to downsize. Both models come highly recommended. The Manta includes a hydration pack with the tube that conveniently latches onto the front straps, so it’s always accessible. It also has several more handy pockets than the Porter. My (Macayla’s) low back has been suffering since I had a ski accident a number of years back, so we also went for a pack with a bit more waist support. If you’re on the hunt for finding the right backpack, hop on over to the backpack guide.

Clothing

Here’s a little quiz. You’re packing for your upcoming (week or several months long) trip. Do you:

A) Pack the cutest clothes (usually ladies) or grab handfuls of whatever (usually guys) and hope for the best?

B) Buy all new things because travel-designed clothing is the only stuff that works?

C) Bring every type of clothing because you never know what weather you’ll run into?

D) Do your research on the climate and check the tags on all clothing to make sure the materials (and the modesty) are suitable for the climate and countries?

Correct answer: (Obviously) D. Here are the preliminary guidelines for clothing: in hot climates thin and loose (!) clothing is key. Cotton and linen (which gets wrinkly) are natural fibers, and allow air flow whereas synthetic materials do not. Thin rayon, while still synthetic, is the exception. You may bring synthetic athletic clothing, but because they’re designed to be moisture-wicking, they quickly absorb smell along with your sweat. Your call. Fabric should be natural, either flowy or warm, and suitable for your climate. Mix and match! If you blindly grabbed a pair of bottoms and top, do they go together? Pack neutral tones or one color scheme. In cooler climates, items should be layer-able, and offer varying degrees of sun protection. (You’ll hate yourself if you get seriously sunburned and all you packed are tight tank tops and rough shorts.) And dress for the culture you’ll be in. Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are much more modest than Australia, North America and Europe. Asians and Europeans dress quite nicely when in public. Many cultures are offended by bare knees and cleavage. (You’ll be denied entrty to many temples in Asia if you have your knees, shoulders, or excessive cleavage showing. Fellas, this applies to you, too.) And for goodness’ sake — just because you’re a tourist, does not mean you have the right to be blatantly disrespectful of others. One packing list I read for Southeast Asia said, “Bring your cutest new bikini and strappy sundresses because this is the time to take photos and show off to your friends back home!” I’ll just calmly state my distaste with that flawed and entitled mentality and continue on with the actual list. Remember, the more culturally appropriate you dress as a foreigner, the more accepted and respected you’ll be. And who doesn’t want that?

- Water Shoes — Next Level Minimalist: You only need one multi-purpose pair that’s suitable for hiking, showering, the beach, business casual, and walking. - Walking Shoes — Joshua has his Uneek Keens, and I have my Xeroshoes. Both have their pros and cons, but on the whole we really like them. I also brought along what turned out to be the comfiest shoes I have ever worn, and I will 100% buy another pair in the future. Yoga sling flip flops are FANTASTIC for city walking and aching feet, not to mention cute. - 3 x T-shirts — Next Level Minimalist: 2 x shirts: wash one, wear one. If you plan on buying others, pack ones you wouldn’t mind parting with along the way. - 1 x Dress / Skirt / Collared Shirt — Always have something that can be dressed up on hand. Tip: Pick something very flowy. While some sites say pack a maxi skirt (because it’s cute), I say avoid it (because it’s as hot as Hades). Anything that reaches your ankles made of heavy jersey or polyester is going to make you sweaty and irritable. Made that mistake in Europe, and ended up rolling my skirt all the way to my knees and fanning myself with a schnitzel box for some heat relief. - 1 x Shorts — Please don’t be the obnoxious and offensive tourist who wears daisy dukes or an awfully grungy pair. For the most part, overseas locations are dressier than you may think, so pack accordingly. And if you’re going somewhere warm, I’m warning you now, leave the denim shorts at home. - 1 x Capris — Next Level Minimalist: Only one pair of pants that can zip down to shorts. - 1 x Black Pants — Versatile, stretchy, cotton, durable, perfect. - 1 x Pajamas — Next Level Minimalist: Don’t bring pajamas and just pick from the clothing you already brought. I’ve tried both methods, and prefer to have ultra light, sleep-specific clothing. - 1 x Jacket — If you plan to be outside and in the rain a lot, bring a rain jacket. However, they’re incredibly hot and unbreathable. Our vote is to just buy the $1 poncho if necessary. A great option is a regular light jacket in a neutral color that can be dressed up or down (think versatile). We use ours much more often than we anticipated. - 1 x Sarong — Buy there. It can do or be anything, as well as wrap any part of you that needs covering. Guys — you might find it useful, too. - 3 x Underwear — Next Level Minimalist: 2 x underwear: wash one, wear one. We each bought ExOfficio, which are decent. The reason you don’t need a week’s worth is because it’s insanely easy to wash them when you shower. And you really won’t enjoy the smell of a build up of used clothes. - 2 x Cotton Bras + 1 Sports bra — Nude and convertible to go under anything. - 1 x Swimsuit — When bringing a suit, please be considerate of the region you’re going to. Next Level Minimalist: Both ladies and gents can bring boardshorts. - Light Jewelry — We advocate while packing minimally, still pack nicely. Even in the rural jungles of Africa, come Sunday, everyone emerges in their best. - Sun Hat — In love with my REI packable hat. Helps with those yucky squinting headaches, heat, sunburn, and can really dress up an outfit. Make sure you bring one that can be packed without being crushed. Straw hats will get folds in them, and stiff hats will be lumpy once shoved in with other gear. - Travel Organizers — The small eBags packing cubes are a gift from above. eBags are the cheaper version of hot brands, and are just as good of quality. Joshua and I each brought a set.

Toiletries

- Aloe Vera — If you fall in the fair skin spectrum, you do NOT want to be caught without some. Promise. - Sunscreen — Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the two ingredients you should look for in sunscreen. In a nutshell: chemical-based sunscreens are absorbed deep into the skin. UV rays pass through the skin to be absorbed by the chemicals, which then release that energy in other non-harmful ways. In contrast, zinc and titanium act like a rock barrier on top of the skin, which prevent the UV rays from ever penetrating the skin. Regardless of your preference, always use plenty of sunscreen. - Bugspray — One word. Mosquitoes. For information regarding malaria meds, see the medical packing list below. - Razor - Earplugs — Disposable, reusable, waterproof, foam, or silicone. My preference is the latter because of the ear pain and irritation that foam ones cause. - Minimal Makeup — Optional - Safety Pins — Helpful in a pinch. - Blossom Cup — DivaCup’s cousin. - Brush — The Wet Brush detangles without pulling and breaking snarled hair, made particularly for wet hair. Also nice and compact — a new favorite travel buddy. - Baby Powder — Mini luxury. You’d be surprised how convenient it can be when heat and sweat rash creep up. Can also double for dry shampoo. - Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Cover, and Floss - Mini Tweezers - Nail Clippers - Pony Tails - Bobby Pins - Hand Sanitizer - Coconut Oil — One word. Quadrillion-purpose. See my post on No Poo to find out why I love this (and the next 7 items) so much. - Solid Perfume - Crystal Deodorant - Dry Shampoo and Brush - Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soap and Caddy - Lemon Juice - Essential Oil — We really love using essential oils. They can help with all kinds of illnesses. Our essential oil of choice was Thieves, which is a mega immune supporting blend of rosemary, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lemon. - Spray Bottle of Colloidal Silver — Astonishing antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. - Hanging Toiletry Bag — This is my favorite toiletry bag I have ever purchased. Stiff sided fabric so toiletries won’t be crushed, 12 mesh pockets for organization, and acts like Mary Poppins’ carpet bag. Indiscreet for public sink or shower, works great for both men and women, and with the hanging hook, it will never have to touch a gross counter top or shower floor.

Electronics

- Kindle - Tablet — Samsung tablet with a micro SD slot so we can make sure all photos and videos are uploaded to the cloud. - Gopro — Uses micro SD - Headlamp - Unlocked Smart Phone — Check with your service provider to see if yours is already internationally unlocked. Verizon phones should be. Use with a local SIM card. - 320 hours of pre-loaded audio books on a micro SD card slipped into a phone. - Camera — Don’t bring high gig SD cards. I repeat DON’T BRING THEM. Your camera could be stolen, your pack rummaged through, water damage is possible, and electronic malfunction could wipe clean thousands of photos. Please rethink it if your main form of photo storage is one large SD card. Every single trip I’ve taken, I’ve come across someone(s) who has lost entire months of photos. Bring several small ones and swap them out, storing their contents safely. We purchased a tablet with a micro SD card slot specifically for this reason.

Miscellaneous

- Headphones - Cards - Journal and pen - Proof of Onward Travel — Many airlines require proof of onward travel before you even board, whether it be fudged or real. Digital ticket confirmations work in most places, but please check into the airline specifically. A couple we met along the way told us how they were frantically running through the airport since the airline told them at check-in they would only accept a printed version of the onward ticket confirmation. Note to self: Always get to the airport with lots of time to spare. - Copies of Every Important Document — Carry copies of your passport, photo ID, and visas if you have them. I shouldn’t have to say it, but people make this mistake often enough: don’t keep those copies and the originals in the same place. The purpose is to have a backup, not to have the backup lost or stolen the same time as the others. - Passports - Immunization Forms - Extra Passport Photos — Use them for visas on arrival. - Padlocks — You’ve put a lot of work and money into your packing. Don’t skimp on the padlock. - Money Belt — Keep all important documents and additional cash here, and actually wear it under your clothes. Note: Do NOT use it as a wallet. I’ve seen people pull it out when paying at a store, take it out to count the cash, and even wear it hanging from a belt loop. All of these scream, “ROB ME!” Don’t be stupid. - Towel — Microfiberrrrrrrrr. Genius. One of the best travel inventions in our book. - Cheap Sunglasses — You’ll go through plenty. - Sink Plug — If you plan on doing sink laundry, which you will if you’re a minimalist, then a plug of some sort to cover the drain will be a huge help. Otherwise, if you’re like us, just wash it in the shower. - Toilet Paper — Never be caught without some. Can’t even count how many times a personal stash has been a lifesaver. - Plastic Bags — Just a couple Ziploc can come in super handy. - Adapter Set — If you want to charge your electronics, you’ll need one. This is NOT a converter. Check all the tags on your power cords. If they do NOT accept 240v, research the voltage in the countries you’re going to to make sure your electronics can handle it. Please note that heat producing products such as American blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, CANNOT be plugged in in Southeast Asia or Europe, even if you have a converter. I tried it so you won’t have to. Trust me on this. - Travel Insurance — Coverage ranges from trip cancellation, stolen goods, medical emergencies, and evacuations. READ THE FINE PRINT. Please do your research on travel insurance. Some people love it, some people have a nightmare with making a claim. - Day Pack — We love our little 10L Mangrove. Seriously this thing is only $4 on Amazon. It’s useful all the time. Joshua is obsessed with how convenient it is and for so cheap. Also, it’s the most common backpack we see in Asia. - Bank Cards

Medical Kit

The purpose of the minimalist medical kit is to be prepared, but not by bringing the whole pharmacy with you. Instead pack little amounts to tide you over until you can pick up more.

- Dramamine — Car rides, taxis, tuk tuks, plane turbulence, buses, catamarans, etc. can all really screw up your stomach, and be a total buzz kill on your outing. - Pepto Bismal/ Laxative — We all know the pain of needing a bathroom at a moment’s notice, but fewer know the agony constipation can cause. Traveling is notorious for throwing off your body’s functions, and not having regular bowel movements can lead to stomach pain, infections, extreme cramps, and even head congestion. Keep it moving people. - Anti-bacterial — A tiny tube will go a longggg way. This is an incredibly common item, so I’ve listed it, but we prefer using colloidal silver instead. - Colloidal Silver / Essential Oil — Colloidal silver spray acts as an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal. It clears up allergies, boosts the immune system, kills pathogens, destroys infections, and can be used both orally and topically. Same for essential oils (we picked Thieves for health purposes). - Tums — Upset stomach, indigestion, heart burn. ‘Nuff said. - Bandaids — Just a couple for when you absolutely need them. - Ibuprofen / Acetaminophen — Things like Tylenol and Advil are more expensive in foreign countries, though not particularly hard to find. Pack at will. - Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — You never know the biting / stinging bugs you’ll encounter, not to mention the exotic foods you weren’t aware you were allergic to. On the night she was proposed to in Italy, a friend of mine found out the hard way she was allergic to figs. Where was the Benadryl when she needed some? - Prescription (Optional) — If it’s a refillable one and you’re traveling long-term, talk to both the pharmacy and the insurance company. In my case, the insurance company would not allow me more than a 3 month dose at a time, so I needed to line up someone to pick it up for me as well as plan to have a stationary address to which it could be mailed. - Itch cream (Optional) — Like antibacterial, a little bit goes a very long way. - Malaria Meds (Optional) — This one is a hot topic among the Southeast Asia travelers. Quite a few online sources say to always have it. I disagree, though I can only attest to my experience. I (Macayla) went to Western Africa for a month during the summer, during which my team of 50 took malaria meds religiously. And by religiously, I mean the medical staff distributed them on time, every day, without fail. In the end, 5 people still got malaria. Two in whom it sat dormant for months, and emerged after they stopped taking the malaria meds. Not quite effective. My opinion? They’re expensive, a pain in the butt to remember to take, only so-so in effectiveness, and cause crazy dreams and disrupt sleep. I’m opting for bugspray instead.

You’ve made it through! For those who are using this packing list as a template, which we designed it to be, you may be overwhelmed. But even though it’s a long list, look at what it packs down into! (See backpack photo.) Remember to only pack what you’ll use daily. If you found this useful, please hit the share button!

TL;DR

Minimalist packing thrives off multi-purpose and dual-use items. It’s not about bringing less, it’s about bringing quality. Pack your clothes so everything mixes and matches. Only bring toiletries you currently use every day. Bring a little bit of a lot of things, and only purchase more when you run out.

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