Edit: I’ve launched a full website called PackHacker: We test and review the best gear for travel so you don’t have to.

Sometime back in January of 2016, I decided to leave my job with Apple and take a dive into the unknown — explore the world while working remotely.

Below is everything I’m currently traveling with, and basically everything I own (besides a storage locker in Minneapolis that holds my other possessions). Generally, it feels freeing and good to have next to nothing. Adding the constraint of a 40L backpack has made it even more challenging when deciding what to bring, and what to cut.

Everything on this list is TSA compliant, and I can fit this bag underneath the seat in front of me on the airplane. This allows for relaxed, fluid travel, with no need to race other passengers to the overhead bins. When arriving at a new city, I’m not forced to lug a giant roller bag to the hotel immediately as well—I can start doing whatever, right then and there, backpack in hand.

Some of this stuff is a bit pricey, but I’m apt to spend more on something I have less of. Paying for quality is worth it.

As a note, below are referral links, meaning, I get a little something if you click and purchase.

BUCKLE UP, THIS IS A LONG ONE—onto nearly 100 items. Oh, and if you’re more of a spreadsheet person, you can take a look here.

Pack

GORUCK GR2

GORUCK GR2: This is where everything started. After looking at loads of packs, I ultimately decided on the GoRuck GR2 for it’s durability and aesthetic. I don’t love the weight, but doubt this thing will ever break (will update if it does). My favorite part about this pack is the separate laptop compartment located closest to your back. It’s super padded & protected, and makes for quick access when it’s time to sling pixels. I also appreciate that it isn’t bright orange with a bunch of useless pockets. Would try a Minaal if I wanted something a bit lighter.

I don’t live in my home, my home lives on my back.

Clothing

Most of the stuff listed here is wool or synthetic, and wide in style variety for different contexts—good anywhere from:

Staying cool on a blistering beach in Ko Samet.

Keeping a low-key, muted, kinda grungy profile to get into Berlin’s best clubs (including Berghain 🏢).

Looking semi-fancy for a tasting menu meal in Paris.

Weather-wise, this combination of clothing works well down to about 25° fahrenheit. Anything colder, and I probably won’t travel there. I’ve had enough Minnesota winters to last a lifetime.

Tee Shirts & Tank

Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt | Woolly Short Sleeve Ultralight V-Neck | Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Tank Top

Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt (left): My favorite of the bunch. This thing fits so well, and hardly ever needs to be washed due to the merino wool material. Thinking of grabbing another.

Woolly Short Sleeve Ultralight V-Neck (middle): Thinner than the Outlier. Good for warmer weather. Not 100% on the color but the lighter color is better when it’s very hot/sunny out.

Icebreaker Men’s Anatomica Tank Top (right): Good for showing off the guns, especially if you’re huge like me from typing on the computer and moving a mouse around a lot.

Sweaters

Woolly Long Sleeve V-Neck | Ministry of Supply Mercury Sweater

Woolly Long Sleeve V-Neck (left): Basically the long sleeve version of the Woolly shirt above. A little thicker though.

Ministry of Supply Mercury Sweater (right): This thing looks pretty good, but requires a more frequent wash than the rest of the shirts in the bunch. If I was going to ditch a shirt, it’d be this one, although it helps keep a polished look.

Oxford

Wool & Prince Button Up

Wool & Prince Button Up: This thing is great and very versatile style-wise. Holds up well without frequent washing. The collar is a bit stiff right out of the box, but one wash fixed that.

Hoodie

Icebreaker Shifter Long Sleeve Zip Hood

Icebreaker Shifter Long Sleeve Zip Hood: That’s way too many words for what this thing is—a hoodie—but the quality and fit of this thing makes up for the uptight naming of it. Highly recommended.

Jackets

Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket | Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket (left): Does a great job at blocking the rain. The draw-string on the hood keeps it in place in windy conditions. Both jackets compress into themselves and make for easy packing and transport.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket (right): The weight to warmth ratio with this thing is magical. It’s extremely thin and light. The synthetic material inside the nano-puffs are more durable than actual down as well, meaning, if it gets wet, it’s not a huge issue. This jacket alone is good for about to 40° fahrenheit and above weather. Also doubles as a pillow when compressed (although it’s little stiff).

Pants

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier Slim Dungarees: Incredible fabric. Good cut & look. These are comfortable to wear, and still work for “fancier” events. Thanks to the NanoSphere® treatment, these dry quickly, and spills roll right off the fabric (although rain will drench them— they’re not “waterproof”). They’re also longer in length, which works well for a tall person like me. These would probably be my go-to pants even if I wasn’t on the road.

Shorts

Outlier New Way Shorts | Billabong Crossfire X Submersible Short

Outlier New Way Shorts (left): Maybe a tad short if you’re a taller dude, but overall awesome. Outlier continues to be my favorite brand for clothing due to the look and function of it. These shorts also double as swim trunks, and some of the internal construction lends itself to faster dry times, and an internal draw string keeps these things intact when hitting the waves. On the outside, they look and feel like ordinary shorts.

Billabong Crossfire X Submersible Short (right): Another shorts / swim trunks combo. Much cheaper than the outliers, and still do a good job. It’s a little harder to pass them off as “shorts” due to the swim-suit looking aesthetic and the “swishier” material that trunks usually have.

Underwear & Socks