First Leg Packing List

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One of the first questions I got when I told people that I was backpacking around the world was, "So what are you going to pack?" I fretted over this decision and read several different prescribed packing lists and watched numerous YouTube videos. Most sources were extolling the “less is more” route, which is not exactly my style. Eventually, I decided to ignore the prescribed lists and pack what I wanted. In general, I am not a high maintenance person and ended up balancing the practical with LE-specific luxuries. As I have now been on the road for six weeks, I have found this was the right choice for me. So here it is! All of the following items fit into my big backpack (a 75L Osprey Aria that I have named Fiona) or my small day pack. I also purchased a waterproof shell for my pack. I can turn the shell into a duffel bag and put my entire Osprey backpack in it and secure it with a lock. I carry my backpack like this on planes and buses to keep the straps from catching or someone breaking into my bag.

Clothing:

  • 4 tank tops
  • 5 t-shirts
  • 2 long sleeve shirts
  • 1 cardigan
  • 1 dress (It's the 7-ways dress from American Apparel that can be either a dress or a skirt.)
  • 1 skirt
  • 2 shorts (1 pair of running shorts and 1 normal pair)
  • 1 pair of yoga pants
  • 1 pair of leggings
  • 1 pair of Sahara pants that can be rolled into capris
  • 1 pair of pajamas
  • 1 bathing suit
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • 4 bras (2 sports, 1 strapless and 1 normal)
  • 4 pairs of underwear (They are Ex Officio, and are wash and wear. Minimalist travelers only bring 2 pairs so I am being excessive.)
  • 3 pairs of shoes (running shoes, flip flops, and dressy sandals)

Toiletries and Accessories:

  • Toiletries – 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, body wash, lotion, sunscreen, daytime moisturizer, face cleanser, face exfoliating pad, deodorant, avocado oil (for shaving), argan and rosehip oils (for nighttime moisturizer), toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, razor, replacement razors, *feminine products, contact solution, *contact case, * extract contacts, *chap sticks, brush, *hair ties, *bobby pins
  • *Makeup: BB cream, foundation, setting powder, blush, eye shadow, mascara, eyelash curler, travel makeup brushes
  • Medicines (Cipro, altitude pills, malaria pills, stomach pills, ibuprofen, Tums, antibacterial cream, band aids)
  • Camera with flotation strap (My camera is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof aka awesome!)
  • 1 sarong and 1 scarf
  • 2 travel towels (a large one for my long, thick hair and a small one for my body)
  • Compass with my initials engraved on it – a very special gift from my best friend
  • Steripen to purify my water
  • External hard drive
  • Chargers and cords
  • Passport carrying pouch
  • Sleeping silk
  • Taser

Daypack Items and Extras:

  • REI small backpack that can be rolled into a pouch and stored when not being used
  • Collapsible water bottle (Thanks, Mike!)
  • Journal (Thanks to Zubin and Reena!)
  • Book (I absolutely LOVED “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed!)
  • Eat’N Tool (spoon, fork, wrenches, and bottle opener)
  • Eye mask
  • Sun glasses
  • Regular glasses (and I brought my old pair as a backup)
  • Lifestraw (Thank you, Jonathan!)
  • Flashlight
  • Small purse
  • Laptop
  • *Unlocked cell phone
  • *iPod and headphones
  • Packing cubes (2 large and 1 small. The large ones are double sided so that I can keep clean clothes separate from dirty or damp ones.)
  • Wind resistant, water resistant warm jacket (I got this instead of a normal fleece jacket)
  • Rain shell
  • *TSA locks for locking my duffel when I travel or for lockers in hostels

* Item is not pictured

There you have it! Hopefully this helps anyone that was curious or anyone planning on taking a trip. Since I began my trip, I have made a few minor changes which I will incorporate in the next leg of my trip. Until next time...