I get ridiculously excited about travel. When I’m not on a trip, I’m making maps into wall décor, or thumbing through travel books, or curating my own wanderlust-inspired playlist.

Then of course, when I actually book a trip, I get even more crazed. It’s all I can think about. So I do tons of research in order to channel some of my energy (otherwise spent dancing around the living room) into something useful.

Thus, when we decided to spend 9 months backpacking around Europe, I read a lot. Particularly about other people’s experiences with longterm travel. I was trying to figure out the best ways to eat, sleep, and see each city on our list.

But if I’m being honest, I was probably the most concerned with what I should pack.

Living out of a backpack seemed really daunting to me before we left. Now that I’m on the other end of things… I can say that it’s been surprisingly awesome. I love my backpack and my travel gear, and I’m really happy with how I packed.

Michael has shared his wisdom with you. Now it’s my turn.

A quick heads up… I’m going to link to the products in this post where I can, but the internet is a fickle beast, so prices may have changed. We were in the planning stages of this trip for a long time, so we typically waited until things were on sale, bought them used, or made do with something we already owned. A few items, we received as gifts. (Also FYI, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click one and buy something, I’ll get a small cut of the sale, at no extra cost to you.)

Now, without further ado, let’s break my pile of stuff into smaller piles of stuff, so I can tell you about it in detail.

The Bag

The one piece of advice I kept seeing over and over again for longterm travel was to pack less. Soooo many travel bloggers said their biggest mistake was bringing too much stuff and then having to lug around a bunch of useless crap.

I hate useless crap. So after weeks of research, I decided on the Osprey Porter 30.

Y’all, this bag is amazing. So amazing, I wrote an entire blog post about why I think it’s the best carry on backpack for longterm, budget travel.

I’ve already decided that I will never travel for an extended amount of time with anything else. Plus, I’m pretty sure I get some major travel blogger kudos. Because I can confidently say that I did NOT overpack, which is probably 100% due to this bag.

Clothing

Packing clothes for 9 months in a carry on backpack is particularly tricky for ladies, because (due to idiotic social norms) we’re somehow expected to have tons of different types of clothing and outfits for different occasions. While Michael was able to wear the same exact outfit to a casual karaoke bar in Barcelona and a fancy dinner in Santorini, I felt obligated to have different levels of formality for different outings.

Chrysalis Cardi

Aaaand that’s why the Chrysalis Cardi gets its very own section. This one, simple piece of fabric can be anything.

I never thought that I would describe a piece of convertible clothing as “cool,” but this thing is somehow simultaneously functional and fashionable. It can be a scarf, a shirt, a poncho, two different styles of dress, and a cardigan.

If you’re willing to be a little adventurous, it can also be a maxi skirt or a high-low tunic.

The Chrysalis Cardi is my secret weapon for longterm travel around Europe. It allows me to be a budget backpacker without necessarily looking like one, which is fantastic. It’s also super soft and dries quickly.

I have an entire post dedicated to my love affair with the Chrysalis Cardi, complete with pictures of me wearing it in a million different ways. So if you’re interested in hearing me gush about this thing in more detail, please go there.

Other Clothes

My next tip for packing light is merino wool. Because merino wool is a miracle fabric. This stuff is actual heaven on earth.

Merino wool helps regulate body temperature, so it keeps you cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. Among other things, it’s breathable, durable, anti-wrinkle, and quick drying. It naturally protects you from UV rays, wicks away moisture and sweat, and is even fire resistant (though I’ve never personally tested that claim).

All of this is wonderful, but the best part is that you can wear merino wool clothing for several days in a row, and it doesn’t get stinky. It has natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, so bacteria doesn’t hang out on your clothes and make you smell like a human garbage can. (Sweaty people of the world unite!!!)

Unfortunately, because merino wool is the clothing equivalent of turning water into wine, it does cost a bit more than other fabrics. To me, it is worth every penny, and you will see a lot of merino wool in the next section.

You’ll also find that I’m also a big fan of neutral colored clothing while traveling. That way, everything matches, and I can throw on anything with anything.

Tops

Bottoms

Socks

Smartwool Hide and Seek Socks (x2) – These socks don’t have a ton of padding, but I wanted socks made of merino wool that didn’t show above my shoes. The heels and toes on these got pretty worn down, but never got any holes.

Woolly Crew Socks (x1, Currently out of stock) – Also merino wool, but for colder days. A lot more cushion and much less wear after 9 months of walking every day. The odor-resistance is an awesome feature for someone who owns exactly 3 pairs of socks. (Also, I probably should have packed an extra pair of these.)

Undies

Thinx (x1) – I packed one pair of Thinx period panties, and these are a serious game changer. They can be a back up (or even replace!) pads and tampons, depending on your flow and which style you choose. This link gets you $10 off your first order.

Other undies (x5) – These don’t take up much room and they also dry quickly.

Ibex Bra – I wanted a merino wool bra and found this. It’s awesome, but has zero padding, and thus shows off a bit more than I would like. I solved that problem by using these guys with it. This bra has been great for travel because it takes up almost no space in my bag and I don’t have to worry about underwire getting wonky in my backpack. (Update: I’ve since purchased the Knixwear Evolution Bra and highly recommend it!)

True&Co Feathers T-Back Bra (discontinued style) – A more traditional/normal bra. I looooove it, but it’s not the best for traveling. It’s not odor-resistant, it takes up way more space, and I definitely worry about the underwire twisting out of shape when it’s in my bag.

Sports Bra – Good for hikes and running.

Outerwear

Ibex Freya Full-Zip Cardigan (Pewter Heather) – The most frequent email I receive is people describing a picture of me wearing this jacket and then asking me what it is. (I totally get it. Finding decent looking women’s travel clothes can be tricky!) I like the asymmetrical zipper, because it makes it look slightly cooler than just a regular jacket. Also, when you wear it unzipped, it kind of cascades down in a more flowy cardigan type way.

Calvin Klein Double Breasted Trench (Black) – A good outer layer, particularly for Europe. It’s a pretty basic wardrobe staple that allows you to blend in anywhere. This one has a button-off hood and zip-off inner flannel liner, so it can be worn across several seasons. It also makes packing an umbrella unnecessary.

Accessories

Vans Authentic Low Top (Pewter/Black) – I’ve worn Vans and Converse pretty much my whole life, so I’m really used to them and I think they’re comfortable. (I can see how other people might want some Dr. Scholl’s inserts.) Of note, we have walked A TON in the last 9 months, so they’ve definitely seen some wear and color fading.

Dexflex Comfort Flats (Nude) – Super comfy and a classic look. I was glad I had them for nicer occasions, but they could probably be skipped for a more casual itinerary.

Flip Flops – For beach days and hostel showers.

Belts (x2) – Kept my pants up, and made me feel slightly dressier when my shirt was tucked in.

Patterned Scarf – One I already owned. It’s much lighter than my Chrysalis Cardi worn as a scarf, so this one is for chilly (but not freezing) days.

Beanies (x2) – One black, one gray. I get cold easily and a beanie is an easy way to add another layer.

Behind the Head Ear Warmer – More protection against the cold. This style is nice because I can wear it with my hair in a ponytail or bun (unlike a beanie).

Agloves – These are touchscreen gloves, so they keep my hands warm while still allowing me to use my phone.

Bathing suit – For beach days and intermittent hot tubs.

Jewelry – My everyday jewelry is a necklace, my wedding rings, and a watch. But if you want to see everything I packed, here’s a picture. Despite the fact that I had a very small wardrobe, the same outfit felt different when I changed out earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. So that was nice, even though I’m not usually a big jewelry person.

Giani Bernini Crossbody Purse (Cappuccino) – This was the purse I used before our trip, so it’s nothing fancy or specifically made for travel. I do think a crossbody purse is best though, because it’s relatively small and allows you to be hands-free while you wander. It also deters would-be pickpockets.

Sunglasses – I’ve gone through a few pairs on this trip. Thankfully they are cheap and easily replaced.

Toiletries

Dr. Bronner’s (Peppermint) – This soap can be used for anything: shampoo, body wash, dish soap, and laundry soap when handwashing clothes in the sink. (Okay, it’s not the *best* shampoo ever, but the multi-function use can’t be beat for longterm travel.)

Liquids Bottles – Originally filled with Dr. Bronner’s. Then refilled with various other liquids (e.g. shampoo, sunscreen) as the Dr. Bronner’s got used up.

Oral-B Electric Toothbrush – A small electric toothbrush for only $5! Plus, there’s no wall charger. This baby runs on a single AA battery. And I haven’t had to replace the battery yet! Even after 9 months of use, 2-3x per day, with at least 2 mins of brushing each time. Seriously, I promise I brush my teeth. The battery just lasts forever. (Update: finally had to replace the battery after 1 year of use.)

Makeup – A few basics, including red lipstick to make a boring outfit pop.

Sedu Dual Voltage Travel Hair Dryer – Dual voltage means that I don’t need a transformer to use it in Europe, but it’ll also work in the US with just a flip of the switch. (Of note, I don’t mind the way my hair looks when it air dries, but I am NOT going outside on a cold day with wet hair. And there were plenty of cold days this year, so it was worth packing.)

Aroamas Parisian Solid Perfume Stick – I didn’t end up using it a ton, but it smells nice and I like not having to worry about perfume spilling in my purse or luggage.

Wet Brush Original Detangler – Flexible bristle hairbrush made for use on wet or dry hair. I got the American flag one because I’m silly.

Goody Spin Pins – These things are awesome. They allow for quick and easy updos that stay in all day.

Contacts/Glasses – I’m blind without them. (Plus, travel themed glasses case!)

Liquids Bag – Various liquids in travel sizes. Contact solution, conditioner, lotion, eye drops, nail polish, nail polish remover, sunscreen, dry shampoo.

Menstrual Cup (in the picture above, mine is sitting on a Diva Cup carrying case, but it’s actually a Luna Cup) – Ladies, DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THESE THINGS. I hadn’t used a menstrual cup before this trip, but it’s been an absolute lifesaver while traveling. They hold a lot more than a tampon, and you can leave them in for up to 12 hours. (Which is extremely helpful for day-long bus rides, where bathrooms are few and far between.) And while I personally think exploring unfamiliar grocery aisles and buying strange products abroad is a fun adventure, I’d prefer to avoid mixing “adventure” and “feminine hygiene.” A cup lasts at least a year, and sterilizing it is as simple as boiling it for a few minutes.

Tech

Storage & Organization

Eagle Creek Pack-It Bag (only the smallest in that set) – These bags are feather light! I use this to store my socks and undies.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Toiletry Bag – For makeup and toiletries.

Striped Bag – Something I already owned that holds a bunch of random stuff (see misc section below).

Polka Dot Bag – Where I store all of my jewelry, with each piece in a mini ziplock bag, so they don’t get tangled.

Loksaks – These bags take a lot of damage and don’t fall apart with heavy use. They are also water and weatherproof. I keep important things in here, like medical information, doctor’s prescriptions, extra credit cards, and my passport. I also use the smaller one for my phone on beach days, because it keeps it from getting sandy or wet, but I can still use the touchscreen through the bag.

Cable Lock – For locking my bag in hostel lockers, or the bag itself when I leave it in luggage storage. The flexible wire guarantees that it’ll work in pretty much any situation. The combination lock guarantees that I won’t have to stress out about losing a tiny key.

Misc

Things I Use From Michael’s Bag That Would Be in My Bag If He Didn’t Exist

USB Drive – For occasional printing.

USB Battery Cylinder – We rely pretty heavily on our phones for Google Maps, so having battery to get back to our Airbnb, hostel, or hotel is pretty crucial.

Earplugs – Super cheap and worth having to ensure a good night’s sleep.

GoPro and floaty backdoor – Mostly for paddleboarding pictures, but we also took it hiking sometimes. (This was something we already owned and I like having a waterproof camera option.)

Medicine – Some basic medicine (e.g. Tylenol, DayQuil+NyQuil, Sudafed, Benadryl) has come in handy.

First Aid Kit – Bandaids, Neosporin, and alcohol wipes.

And that’s all my stuff! I definitely packed a bit more than Michael did, but everything still fits in my backpack pretty easily.

I know that if you’re planning a similar trip, you will probably still read, research, and obsess juuuust a little bit. That’s kind of how it goes. But I really hope this post helps other ladies who are looking to travel longterm with a carry on bag only!

And at the very least, I hope that it has drastically cut down on frantic internet searches, and made more time for dancing around the living room.

If you have any questions, please let me know! And if you missed Michael’s packing post, be sure to check it out too.

{PS – After this, I’ll be returning to my more regularly scheduled posts of silly stories, travel tips, and dancing Dubs. Norway is next!

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