Not long ago, I spent four weeks traveling through Thailand, South Korea, and Japan. The trip was predictably amazing, full of gorgeous scenery, fascinating temples, and terrific, if occasionally intimidating, culinary experiences. However, my greatest accomplishment of the journey, and maybe of all time, was packing for it. I brought enough clothes to island hop off of sunny Phuket, spend Thanksgiving in Seoul, and wander through mountain towns in the Japanese Alps in December, all stuffed into a bag that fit, with some aggressive shoving, into most airplane overhead compartments. If you’re planning a trip that covers more than one climate zone, keep reading for some wardrobe essentials and a little packing advice.
The key to packing for any trip is starting with a great bag. There are hundreds of backpacks and suitcases on the market, all with special features and gadgets and pockets galore. I haven’t experienced every option out there, but I am a huge fan of Kelty’s Redwing 50 backpack. Retailing for around $100, it’s definitely on the budget end of hiking backpacks. That being said, it’s sturdy with a spacious interior and several easily-accessible exterior pockets. It’s also light weight and versatile, and has survived a trek up Kilimanjaro, several camping adventures, and a year in Iraq.
Now that we have our backpack, let’s talk about the basics – things you would bring on every trip. This list is pretty standard. On longer trips, I just accept that I’ll spend at least one day doing laundry.
– 1 pair of jeans (I’ll plan on wearing the second pair of pants)
– 4 t-shirts or tank tops
– 2 sweaters or long-sleeved shirts
– 1 cardigan
– 3 pairs of socks
– 2 sets of pajamas
– enough underwear (I’ll let you decide this one for yourself)
– 1 versatile dress – sometimes a girl just needs to look good.
Don’t try to plan out outfits. Think about the shirts or sweaters you wear the most – the ones that are always in your laundry hamper – and bring those. It’s the best way to ensure that you don’t pack something you’ll never end up wearing.
For warm climates, add the following:
– 1 pair of shorts
– 1 swim suit
– 1 swim suit wrap that can double as a beach blanket
– 1 light-weight rain shell
– 1 fleece for cooler evenings
If your trip takes you into cooler climates, rely on layering and throw in the following:
– 1 pair of gloves
– 1 scarf
– 1 winter hat
– 1 coat. Coats are notoriously bulky, so finding the right one is key. I love my North Face down jacket. It’s breathable, waterproof, and rolls up small.
Now that clothing is taken care of, let’s talk toiletries. This backpack is coming into the cabin with you, so we’re limited by TSA in addition to the confines of the bag itself. You’re going to a place where people brush their teeth and shampoo their hair on the regular, so there’s no need to worry about brining enough to last you the entire trip. Stick to the bare essentials, which for me is usually eyeliner, a toothbrush, and a comb, and either use what the hotel provides or buy locally for the rest. You’ll be supporting the local economy, and I challenge you to find anything funnier than pantomiming “toothpaste” or “shampoo” to a very baffled pharmacist.
And finally, our shoe line-up. I’ve saved the best for last. I am most often guilty of overpacking when it comes to this category. If I’m being honest, barring any extreme activities requiring special gear, you can probably get away with one pair. After all, you can only wear one pair at a time. I love my Merrell waterproof hiking shoes. They are light, comfortable, and perfect for easy hikes and any kind of city walking. If you’re planning on spending multiple days on the trails though, I’d trade up to a more intense pair with better ankle support. I’m only human, though, and also always include one pair of flip flops and one pair of ballet flats – I need something to wear with that dress we talked about earlier. To save space in my backpack, I always wear the Merrells when I’m in transit.
The truth is, you always need less than you think. Traveling with the bare minimum is risky, but liberating. I dare you to leave your checked baggage behind, and see where your backpack can take you.
Let’s be fearless,
Jen