Packing - The Eternal Struggle Made Easier

With almost exactly a month to takeoff for my next big adventure, it's time to dust off the ol' backpack and take stock of my travel gear. Packing can certainly be one of the most challenging parts of any adventure travel plans. You have to make sure you're comfortable, culturally appropriate, cautious both in your security and health, and comply with travel regulations. 

Having done this a few times now, I'm getting better at packing for adventure. I've learned slowly what items I have missed while on the road and what items are wasted space. I've learned to ensure your bag at its heaviest is a few pounds under airline restrictions. I've learned to centre the heaviest items in the middle of the backpack rather than the bottom. I've learned to leave at least 1/3 of your bag free for souvenirs and mementos. I've learned that comfortable and durable shoes make all the difference. 

My trusty pack from Boreas... which should never be this full if I'm packing properly.

And I'd like to share what I've learned in the hopes that your next packing exercise is made a little easier.

This list is meant to be a guide for packing for a reasonably adventurous backpacking trip through a hot and humid climate. This list is for approximate one-month trip duration and assumes a little shopping along the way. The list is also geared to a female traveller.

Don't forget any prescriptions or special medical items you might have, like retainers or contact lenses or glasses. Leave all your prescriptions and over the counter medications in their original containers and ensure they are in your name.

Make sure your bag meets all airline size and weight requirements to avoid extra fees. I ensure someone at home has copies of all my important documents as well as any travelling companions on the trip. Someone at minimum should know what to do in case you have a medical emergency. 

Ashley’s Adventure Packing List

Important Documents (2x copies)

• Passport
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance card
• Airline tickets
• Travel/trip vouchers
• Itinerary
• USD cash (if necessary)
• Credit and debit card – must have Plus symbol and 4-digit pin
  

General

• Day pack
• Money belt/wallet
• Ziploc bags
• Bag lock
• Sleep mask
• Alarm clock
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Collapsible water bottle
• Sleep Sheet
• Poncho/waterproof shell
• Light blanket
• Camera, charger and cables
• Extra SDHC memory cards
• iPod and earphones
• Reading/writing material
• Playing cards
• Pocketknife
• Duct tape
• Plug adaptor – D for SE Asia
• Travel laundry soap
• Clothespins

Clothes

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Light sweater
• 3x socks
• Compression socks
• Full length legging
• Sports pants (yoga, bike or hike)
• Shorter leggings/athletic shorts
• Cargo/walking shorts
• Sundress/tunic
• 2x wicking sport t-shirt
• 1x long sleeved shirt
• 2x tank tops
• 2x bathing suits
• Underwear (quick dry, min. 5 pairs)
• Sports and t-shirt bras
• PJs

Shoes

• Flip flops
• Sport sandals
• Lightweight, waterproof shoes like these from Asics or Adidas

Toiletries

I pack all toiletries in sealed bags to prevent soapy leaks or horrible shampoo explosions

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Soap
• Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
• Face cream
• Face wash
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray with DEET
• Antibacterial gel/wipes
• Toilet paper/wet wipes
• Eye drops
• Q tips
• Feminine products (tampons, liners, etc.)
• Brush
• Hair ties
• Ear plugs
• Travel towel

Medications

• Anti-malarials
• Antibiotics (Cipro)
• Immodium
• Tums
• Advil (ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Tylenol
• Anti-histamine
• Multi-vitamin
• Rehydration powder

First Aid

• Band-Aids
• Moleskin
• Polysporin
• Antibacterial spray/liquid
• Mini first aid kit including bandaging, antiseptic wipes, gauze, gloves, and tape. This is my favourite one from Mountain Equipment Co-op.

 Let me know what makes your essentials list or if there's anything I've missed. Happy packing!