I leave in about 48 hours for Hanoi. (Aaaaaah!) But Vietnam isn’t the only country I’ll be visiting in the next 5 weeks. I’ll also be in Cambodia, Thailand and Bhutan. It appears that temps will range from the 90s in Bangkok and Saigon to the 30s (at night) in Thimphu, Bhutan.
As the queen of packing light, I’ve spent an unusual amount of time over the last 2 weeks sorting through clothes that will work well as layers, pack well and enable me to wash them out at night so that they’ll dry quickly.
Fortunately, travel clothes have come a long way in the last 20 years and there are a lot more fashionable options today than ever before. I think I’ve narrowed down what I’ll be bringing with me in my one carry-on (that’s right, I’m not checking any bags!). Thought I’d share at least a partial list of my clothes:
- 1 pair of ExOfficio convertible pants
- 1 pair of Columbia capris
- 2 Columbia base layers
- 1 ExOfficio DryFlyLite
- 3 pairs of ExOfficio underwear (I’ve gotten away with 2 in the past but it’s always nice to have a spare so I’m not rinsing them out every single night)
I’ve got a couple of items on order from Royal Robbins – if they arrive on time, I might swap out an item or two.
I’ve also been using the Rough Guide books for research and will be carrying the Vietnam book with me on this trip and then my very trusty Lonely Planet guide to Bhutan.
As for electronics, this is where I usually get weighted down. Here’s what’s going in my bag:
- Kindle – I got a deal on one just before the holidays and have decided to carry this instead of paperback books. I’m excited to have found a book for free that I’ve always wanted to read, Autobiography of a Yogi.
- Digital Foci PhotoSafe – to back up my digital images from my SD card (hard lesson learned when I lost – but later recovered – about 300 images from India).
- iPhone – I’ll only use this for text messaging home and tapping into free wireless networks.
- Asus netbook – my latest purchase, which will allow me to keep up with my email and writing while I’m away.
This list is by no means complete. There’s my small bag of toiletries, snacks, paperwork, decaf tea bags and more. But it at least gives you an idea what I’ll be lugging around until April.
I’m hoping that since I’ll have the netbook, I’ll be able to blog from the road, sharing images of food, the locals, landscape and my groups!
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
Creature Comforts
Washing and Drying Travel Options
Tom Bihn Gear – win $200 in your name for Haiti!
Gear from XShot
Otterbox and Vemayca Cosmetic Bag
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Mary Gallagher says
Dear Beth: I have mixed emotions about the kindle as I like to leave the paper backs behind for the locals but then again the weight is an issue. Why did you choose this particular netbook and what does it cost per month or is it a part of your iphone and other communications bill? And are there any extra fees when you re traveling ie SE Asia and other places? I m a packer of scarves to change my look from basic black as well as extra warmth. And you?
Happy Trails, Mary
Beth says
Mary – the netbook is simply a tiny laptop. There are no charges to use it unless I connect to a Wifi service (like Starbucks’) that I have to pay for.
Andrea says
Wow! I’m impressed. That’s quite a packing feat for such a long trip. Have a great time – I can’t wait to read all about it!
Geogypsy says
I’m impressed with your packing so light. Maybe my next trip I can get it down to one bag. I leave next week for a month in South Africa and am taking my new Asus and also hoping to blog along the way. Have a great trip!
Jennifer @ Approach Guides says
Wow! I can’t believe you are packing for 5 weeks and are not checking any luggage. Very impressive! I look forward to following your travels!
Jessica says
Love your packing list, and thanks for sharing your read for the Kindle – I’ll have to add that to mine soon. I just finished Sherlock Holmes for free. Not bad at all!
Business Travel Blogger says
I just love this packing list. Its amazing that you aren’t planning to check ANY luggage. I just love my kindle too!
Budget Your Trip says
Great list! Pack light now, because when you get to Vietnam you’ll want to buy some tailor made clothes. I’m sure you’ll come home with a lot more than you took :).
Global Granny says
Yes indeed, 5 weeks, 5 months – shoot, 5 years, no matter. All that you need will fit into but a (small rucksack.
And yes, much like you Beth – love those convertible pants, plus a pair of capris. But I also always pack a longish skirt – I find that it really makes a difference in the ways locals (especially women) treat you.
Those 3 basics, plus a couple of tops, silk long underwear and a thin wool turtleneck for chilled nights at high altitudes, Tevas and a pair of floppys for my feet, and… the – bar-none – most important item: my trusty Katadyn water filter (thus eliminating the need to spread the plague of even ONE MORE plastic water bottle ‘cross the Planet).
Seriously – it’s amazing how little you really need – and it’s ever so FREEING when you travel truly LIGHT!