[SinglePic not found]A touch of minimalist and a wee bit more than bare bones.
I hope you’re not expecting a mini list like Gerard’s. I tend to over pack and then unpack. It’s more of an OCD routine I torture myself with. So far I’ve unpacked more than packed so I’m in good shape — that extra sweater, denim and a pair of flats. Lighten the toiletry (shampoo, conditioner and sunscreen) because we can buy those abroad — stuff like that.
I already released a snippet of my packing list about a month ago — a girl’s guide for travel must-have and essentials for on-the-go. I can tell you, after just two weeks on the road, I now have a new favorite list of must-haves. But you’re going to have to wait a bit longer for that list. So here it goes, my complete packing list!
Pack
Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible. Would have loved to have taken our newly won Tom Bihn Tri-Star, it’s a cutie. Truth be told, it’s perfect for the OCD traveling-type. Unfortunately, the only downside is it may be too small for a girl about to take on (half) the world, even for me. Instead, I’ll be taking the Mother Lode TLS Weekender. Watch the tutorial video and you’ll see why I think this is the perfect size bag for the carry-on type. (I added a little patch work to cover the not-so-cute logo. Lol)
Packing Aids include:
- Timbuk2 Transit Shoulder Bag
- Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack (3) – Half, Quarter, and Tube
- Dakine ‘Girl Wonder’ Daypack
- REI Shower Kit (used as medicine bag)
Clothing
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Tops
- 2 s/s t-shirts
- 2 tank tops
- 1 spaghetti straps
- 1 l/s convertible button up blouse
- 1 l/s SmartWool midweight crew shirt
- 1 light sweater jacket
- 1 lbd (little black dress)
- 1 sun/day dress
- 1 Northface Cipher Hybrid Jacket
Bottoms
- 1 denim
- 2 drawstring convertible cargo pants
- 1 skirt
- 1 athletic crop pant
- 3 shorts
- 1 pajamas
- 1 black leggings
Accessories
- hat
- bandana/ beanie
- sunglasses (Raybans)
- hair ties/ bobby pins
- jewelry – earrings, necklace, ring
Others
- 3 bras – wirefree bras pack really well
- 4 pairs of underwear – ExOfficio Women’s ‘Give-N-Go‘ underwear’ + other
- 1 bikinis
- 1 pair of Havaianas flip flop
- 1 pair of J41 Dune Vegan
- 1 pair of running shoes
- 1 pair of Toms
- 1 pairs of socks
All under garments and bikini are packed in my Eagle Creek’s Tube pack (in red above). All tops, shorts, skirt and dress fit in my eBag’s Half pack (in green above). Tip – ROLL your clothes! It does wonders. 😉
Toiletry
50/50. Gerard already mentioned I’ll be carrying the toiletry and medicine for the both of us. I forgot it’s an extended trip so it’s more like 60/40 with all the extra meds I’ll have to bring. Might have to throw a pair of shoes in G’s pack to even it out.
Everything you see above and listed below fits in my large, clear toiletry bag (top right image). It’s perfect for airport security and I’ve yet to have any trouble.
- toothbrush/ toothpaste/ floss
- face wash
- L’Oreal Active Daily Moisture Lotion with SPF15
- vaseline/ chapstick with SPF
- LUSH bar shampoo + conditioner
- Moroccan argan oil conditioner
- pumice stone
- loofah
- dry shampoo
- q-tips
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- razor/ shaving cream/ bar soap
- deodorant/ perfume/ cologne
- nail clipper/ filer/ tweezer
- brush/ comb
- contacts/ solution/ eye drops
Miscellaneous
- hand sanitizer/ hand wipes
- tissues
- grapling/ caribiner (4)
- neck/ money belt
- first aid
- sewing kit
- ear plugs
- laundry soap sheets
- flexo-line clothesline
- sink stopper
- laundry bag
- zip-lock bags
- umbrella
- sarong
- quick dry towel
- travel pillow
- extra pair of glasses
- straightener/ blow dryer
I know what you’re thinking, no straightener or blow dryer?! Yes, crazy I know. I’m shocked at the decision myself but I figured, with my track record, I’ll either break it or fry it within the first week. Happened in Vietnam and twice in Europe. No guarantees. But, I figured I can always buy a cheap one abroad. And since we’re spending more time in one place, I have no qualms leaving the hair tools behind once we leave.
Medicine
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- asthma inhaler
- dry skin ointment
- advil (plus PM)
- anti-allergy
- multivitamin
- echinacea
- ibuprofen
- imodium
- pepto bismol chewable
- antiseptic cream
- birth control pills
- diarrhea tablets
- malaria pills
- salonpas/ tiger balm
All of which fits in my REI shower kit.
Make-up
- 5×7 make-up bag
- bareMinerals SPF 15 matte foundation/ mineral veil with SPF 25/ laughter blush
- benefit’s play sticks in jump rope
- eye primer/ eyeshadow quad/ eyeliner/ mascara/ curler
- lipgloss
Documents
- passport
- extra passport photos
- air tickets
- insurance
- driver’s license
- bank card/ credit card
- cash
- pen
And there you have it. My life in a carry-on for the next 8 months. It may look like a long list but most are small (carry-on size remember?) and shared between Gerard and I. Total weight including the pack itself (which weighs 3 lbs by the way) is 20 lbs!
[SinglePic not found]Do we look ready to take on 8 months on the road?
All of that for only 20lbs. Good job!
Oh, and on the additional stuff to bring, it would be a good idea to get a laminated color copy of your passport with you at all times. You can show this in place of your passport without having to worry about losing the original. You’ll never have to worry about falling prey to those passport scams!
Great idea! We took some pictures and brought a copy, but we didn’t laminate them. What sort of scam should I look out for? Now you have me a tad bit worried. Lol
Some “officials” might ask for your passport then they will hold on to it until you either buy something from them or they might just ask for cash outright. It’s never happened to me (and I sure hope it doesn’t happen to you!) but it pays to be safe ^.^
All of that for only 20lbs. Good job!
Oh, and on the additional stuff to bring, it would be a good idea to get a laminated color copy of your passport with you at all times. You can show this in place of your passport without having to worry about losing the original. You’ll never have to worry about falling prey to those passport scams!
Great idea! We took some pictures and brought a copy, but we didn’t laminate them. What sort of scam should I look out for? Now you have me a tad bit worried. Lol
Some “officials” might ask for your passport then they will hold on to it until you either buy something from them or they might just ask for cash outright. It’s never happened to me (and I sure hope it doesn’t happen to you!) but it pays to be safe ^.^
Salonpas and Birthcontrol! That’s all that’s in my med kit….
Haha, Mark. I’m sure you’re right. That and Rihanna. 😉
Salonpas and Birthcontrol! That’s all that’s in my med kit….
Haha, Mark. I’m sure you’re right. That and Rihanna. 😉
Looking forward to your new and improved packing list!
I can’t wait to work on that list. I’m surprised at some of the things I now can’t live without. Completely different than my original list before our round-the-world trip. Thanks for trippin’ by!
Looking forward to your new and improved packing list!
I can’t wait to work on that list. I’m surprised at some of the things I now can’t live without. Completely different than my original list before our round-the-world trip. Thanks for trippin’ by!
Nice! What brand(s) are those convertible cargo pants? I’m looking for a good pair to bring!
Hey Devon! They’re North Face – Women’s Noble Stretch Pants. I bought them on sale online so not sure if they still make them. Also, I’m short so the crop look on me looks a little funny. Makes me look short and stumpy some times. Lol. Most days I wear them long. 😉
Nice! What brand(s) are those convertible cargo pants? I’m looking for a good pair to bring!
Hey Devon! They’re North Face – Women’s Noble Stretch Pants. I bought them on sale online so not sure if they still make them. Also, I’m short so the crop look on me looks a little funny. Makes me look short and stumpy some times. Lol. Most days I wear them long. 😉
Waouh guys your bags are pretty small compare to mine I env you LOL
Waouh guys your bags are pretty small compare to mine I env you LOL
Wow! I’m amazed at what you were able to fit in that small bag. I don’t know how I’m going to pack my life in one suitcase, and I still have 2 months to go. I’m using the motherlode TLS mini. I love ebags suitcases.
btw. You both look so cute with your luggage. Hope you’re having fun!
Packing cubes does wonders! Lol. I managed to roll most of my clothes into the half cube. Perfect for the OCD traveling-type. 😉
Wow! I’m amazed at what you were able to fit in that small bag. I don’t know how I’m going to pack my life in one suitcase, and I still have 2 months to go. I’m using the motherlode TLS mini. I love ebags suitcases.
btw. You both look so cute with your luggage. Hope you’re having fun!
Packing cubes does wonders! Lol. I managed to roll most of my clothes into the half cube. Perfect for the OCD traveling-type. 😉
Doing some early morning research on traveling. THANK YOU for all the tips! Be safe and happy adventures you two!
Doing some early morning research on traveling. THANK YOU for all the tips! Be safe and happy adventures you two!
Too bad Gerard already lost your toiletry bag! Good work, G!
Haha. He didn’t lose the bag. Just left a few contents behind. Lol. I’d be piss’d if he lost my bag. 😉
Too bad Gerard already lost your toiletry bag! Good work, G!
Haha. He didn’t lose the bag. Just left a few contents behind. Lol. I’d be piss’d if he lost my bag. 😉
Hey guys!
We love all the info you put on here!! Tony and I went with carrying sized roller bags with the option to convert to a backpack— we found that we almost never used the backpacks because the wheels were all-terrain on our Osprey and Eagle Creek bags and worked well in many places.. With the exception of Ilha Grande which didn’t have roads! 🙂
Q– regarding hair care- invest in a dual voltage flat iron. Not too expensive. I have a conair one purchased at target for $30 and it lasted all the way around the world without frying! 🙂
Hey RUBY!! Ah yes, Ilha Grande. Lol. I remember. Your Osprey had wheels? Cool! I think we opted out of the wheels for more space. Thanks for the tip on the flat iron!! My mini Chi made it through South America but it was never hot enough. Did you have the same problem with yours?
Hey guys!
We love all the info you put on here!! Tony and I went with carrying sized roller bags with the option to convert to a backpack— we found that we almost never used the backpacks because the wheels were all-terrain on our Osprey and Eagle Creek bags and worked well in many places.. With the exception of Ilha Grande which didn’t have roads! 🙂
Q– regarding hair care- invest in a dual voltage flat iron. Not too expensive. I have a conair one purchased at target for $30 and it lasted all the way around the world without frying! 🙂
Hey RUBY!! Ah yes, Ilha Grande. Lol. I remember. Your Osprey had wheels? Cool! I think we opted out of the wheels for more space. Thanks for the tip on the flat iron!! My mini Chi made it through South America but it was never hot enough. Did you have the same problem with yours?
I so admire you for keeping it simple. I wouldn’t know what to bring because I would want to bring everything! What shoes did you bring?
Good thing is, I’ve gotten accustom to buying things abroad. Visiting the local markets to buy your toiletry is far more fun than going to Walmart. Lol. I haven’t felt the need to shop (yet) so I think I’m ok. Though Gerard thinks 4 pairs of shoes is excessive. Haha. I don’t care.
I so admire you for keeping it simple. I wouldn’t know what to bring because I would want to bring everything! What shoes did you bring?
Good thing is, I’ve gotten accustom to buying things abroad. Visiting the local markets to buy your toiletry is far more fun than going to Walmart. Lol. I haven’t felt the need to shop (yet) so I think I’m ok. Though Gerard thinks 4 pairs of shoes is excessive. Haha. I don’t care.
Great list!! 🙂 Hope you guys are loving nz. I just got back from my trip in Asia and now taking it easy in Chch.. 🙂 Have fun!
We’re finally in Queenstown and the weather in the South Island is far better than the North. NZ has been treating us well. Christchurch is our last day. Will be there in a few days. 🙂
Great list!! 🙂 Hope you guys are loving nz. I just got back from my trip in Asia and now taking it easy in Chch.. 🙂 Have fun!
We’re finally in Queenstown and the weather in the South Island is far better than the North. NZ has been treating us well. Christchurch is our last day. Will be there in a few days. 🙂
Wow you two are inspirational! So much stuff into a carry on…IMPRESSIVE! that’s my next goal. downgrade my pack to a carry on size.
I don’t travel with any more items than you but somehow my 65L is full? i’ve gotta get into the cube thing…
Totally! Packing cubes are the best!!! Plus it keeps things so organized and compact. Really does wonders for your carry on. Good luck!
Wow you two are inspirational! So much stuff into a carry on…IMPRESSIVE! that’s my next goal. downgrade my pack to a carry on size.
I don’t travel with any more items than you but somehow my 65L is full? i’ve gotta get into the cube thing…
Totally! Packing cubes are the best!!! Plus it keeps things so organized and compact. Really does wonders for your carry on. Good luck!
Love this list! We have less than a month to go before we set off on our 2 year trip so I;m definitely going to be comparing all the stuff I’m packing to this list! Amazing that all that fit into the backpack! Any idea how much everything weighed?
Hey!! Where you guys heading first?! We’re heading home.. and after 8 months, this list definitely needs a little modification. But I was happy with it for the most part. Let us know if you have any q’s. Gerard has his packing list up too. 😉
Start out in Japan in less than 3 weeks — eeek coming up so soon! And then traveling through SK, China and South East Asia – so hoping we won’t need any heavy warm wintery items. Question — how did the lush shampoo bar work out for you (I notice it’s crossed off the list now) ?
I did. The lush bar is hard to keep dry on the road. Plus, it was much easier to just buy travel size shampoo/ conditioner abroad at the local 7/11. Toss or refill as you go. Most places in Japan have free shampoo. Thailand too. Yup, it’s really easy to just pick things up as you need them while abroad. 🙂
Love this list! We have less than a month to go before we set off on our 2 year trip so I;m definitely going to be comparing all the stuff I’m packing to this list! Amazing that all that fit into the backpack! Any idea how much everything weighed?
Hey!! Where you guys heading first?! We’re heading home.. and after 8 months, this list definitely needs a little modification. But I was happy with it for the most part. Let us know if you have any q’s. Gerard has his packing list up too. 😉
Start out in Japan in less than 3 weeks — eeek coming up so soon! And then traveling through SK, China and South East Asia – so hoping we won’t need any heavy warm wintery items. Question — how did the lush shampoo bar work out for you (I notice it’s crossed off the list now) ?
I did. The lush bar is hard to keep dry on the road. Plus, it was much easier to just buy travel size shampoo/ conditioner abroad at the local 7/11. Toss or refill as you go. Most places in Japan have free shampoo. Thailand too. Yup, it’s really easy to just pick things up as you need them while abroad. 🙂
Great packing list! Question: With all of your toiletries, did you have to check-in your bag or were you able to carry it on for most airlines? I’m going to Peru for only 15 days in October and will be using your packing list a jump point for my own. Thanks and safe travels!
Hey.. nope. All my toiletries are under 3oz or 100 ml and fit into one large plastic toiletry bag which makes it easy for me to pull out during security check in. A few times security ask me to take it out but once they saw they were all small bottles, I passed.
Ohhhh, we’re heading to Peru in September! I’ll probably modify this list after this trip. A few things I never found much use for. 🙂 Let me know how packing goes, would love to trade info since we’re heading the same way. 😉
Great packing list! Question: With all of your toiletries, did you have to check-in your bag or were you able to carry it on for most airlines? I’m going to Peru for only 15 days in October and will be using your packing list a jump point for my own. Thanks and safe travels!
Hey.. nope. All my toiletries are under 3oz or 100 ml and fit into one large plastic toiletry bag which makes it easy for me to pull out during security check in. A few times security ask me to take it out but once they saw they were all small bottles, I passed.
Ohhhh, we’re heading to Peru in September! I’ll probably modify this list after this trip. A few things I never found much use for. 🙂 Let me know how packing goes, would love to trade info since we’re heading the same way. 😉
The eBag Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible is awesome. That’s the same bag i use. I wish it had a little bit more structure to it like G’s Osprey Porter 46 – that’s another great bag. Those other traditional HUGE backpacks are out – you gotta go with carryon size these days, in my opinion. The less i carry the less burden i have while travelling – physically and mentally.
I know what you mean, it keeps collapsing on me when I try and pack. I don’t know how I’d survive with anything bigger. By far the best decision we made in terms of packing. Carry-on all the way! Now let’s see if I can do that for winter in Eastern Europe.. Oye vey..
The eBag Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible is awesome. That’s the same bag i use. I wish it had a little bit more structure to it like G’s Osprey Porter 46 – that’s another great bag. Those other traditional HUGE backpacks are out – you gotta go with carryon size these days, in my opinion. The less i carry the less burden i have while travelling – physically and mentally.
I know what you mean, it keeps collapsing on me when I try and pack. I don’t know how I’d survive with anything bigger. By far the best decision we made in terms of packing. Carry-on all the way! Now let’s see if I can do that for winter in Eastern Europe.. Oye vey..
Hey guys
You’re packing list is great and totalling inspiring, thank you! I’m baffled that i’ve only just come across your blog as i’ve been a packing list fiend for the last 6 months trying to gather as much experience from others as possible. I do have question about your daypacks. If you say you’re travelling with just carry on, how have you managed to travel with 2 bags? Obviously they’re both carry on size, but my airline (Qatar, who i’ll be flying to India with in 3 weeks!) only allow one carry on. I’m totally set on just taking carry on and travelling mega light, but i’d also like a day pack on occasions where i’m out and about with just my camera etc and want a good back to take it with, preferably another back pack. What are your views on that? I’d like to be able to fit another bag in my main bag if that makes sense 🙂
Hope you’re both doing well, your site is amazing.
Alex
Thanks Alex! Well all the airlines we’ve been on allow one carry-on and one personal item (like a purse or small bag as long as it fits underneath your seat). In our case, our daypack was our personal item. We stuffed pretty much all our electronics in there and it had no issues going on the plane with us. Hope that helps!
Hey guys
You’re packing list is great and totalling inspiring, thank you! I’m baffled that i’ve only just come across your blog as i’ve been a packing list fiend for the last 6 months trying to gather as much experience from others as possible. I do have question about your daypacks. If you say you’re travelling with just carry on, how have you managed to travel with 2 bags? Obviously they’re both carry on size, but my airline (Qatar, who i’ll be flying to India with in 3 weeks!) only allow one carry on. I’m totally set on just taking carry on and travelling mega light, but i’d also like a day pack on occasions where i’m out and about with just my camera etc and want a good back to take it with, preferably another back pack. What are your views on that? I’d like to be able to fit another bag in my main bag if that makes sense 🙂
Hope you’re both doing well, your site is amazing.
Alex
Thanks Alex! Well all the airlines we’ve been on allow one carry-on and one personal item (like a purse or small bag as long as it fits underneath your seat). In our case, our daypack was our personal item. We stuffed pretty much all our electronics in there and it had no issues going on the plane with us. Hope that helps!
Hey Kieu and Gerald! I just wanted let you guys know that you both have been such an inspiration! I was wondering if you were to pack again, are there things you guys would leave out? or bring that you didn’t bring this time? Would really appreciate the input! Thanks guys!
Definitely, there are things I wish we didn’t bring. In fact, I actually crossed them off the list above in the mean time, but planning on writing that post soon.. hopefully. They’re mostly small items like laundry sheets and sink plug. I didn’t need to bring more than I brought but if I needed an extra shirt or something, I was able to buy it on the road. It’s more fun that way too. Better to under pack and shop as you go then to over pack and dread tossing your belongings, I say. Hope that helps and thanks for trippin’ by. Really appreciate it. All the best!
Thanks for the prompt reply Kieu! Will definitely be looking forward the post. Actually, I should say I always look forward to all of GQTrippin’s updates. 😀
Hey Kieu and Gerald! I just wanted let you guys know that you both have been such an inspiration! I was wondering if you were to pack again, are there things you guys would leave out? or bring that you didn’t bring this time? Would really appreciate the input! Thanks guys!
Definitely, there are things I wish we didn’t bring. In fact, I actually crossed them off the list above in the mean time, but planning on writing that post soon.. hopefully. They’re mostly small items like laundry sheets, my Toms, that extra bikini and sink plug. I didn’t need to bring more than I brought but if I needed an extra shirt or something, I was able to buy it on the road. It’s more fun that way too. Better to under pack and shop as you go then to over pack and dread tossing your belongings, I say. Hope that helps and thanks for trippin’ by. Really appreciate it. All the best!
Thanks for the prompt reply Kieu! Will definitely be looking forward the post. Actually, I should say I always look forward to all of GQTrippin’s updates. 😀
Hey Kieu and Gerard. I am planning my first 1 year RTW trip for next summer and I love your website. Q, your pack looks great and I am interested in it. Did you ever find it to be too big? At 54-60 liters, it seems like it might be too big. I know if I have the space, I’ll fill it! Were you always able to carry it on flights? How did you like the waist strap? Congrats on the engagement!!
Hey Amy! Congrats on your decision for travel, yay! I do love my bag and it definitely passes for carry-on. That said, I hated the waist straps, so most of the weight was on my shoulders. Although the most I had to lug around was about 20lbs or less. Other than that, it’s a good bag, Organized. I’d also recommend you looking into Gerard’s pack, the Osprey. I like the Farpoint one with detachable dayback. Our friend Devon had that one and it looked cute. http://www.answeringoliver.com/2012/02/my-rtw-packing-list.html Good luck!
Hey Kieu and Gerard. I am planning my first 1 year RTW trip for next summer and I love your website. Q, your pack looks great and I am interested in it. Did you ever find it to be too big? At 54-60 liters, it seems like it might be too big. I know if I have the space, I’ll fill it! Were you always able to carry it on flights? How did you like the waist strap? Congrats on the engagement!!
Hey Amy! Congrats on your decision for travel, yay! I do love my bag and it definitely passes for carry-on. That said, I hated the waist straps, so most of the weight was on my shoulders. Although the most I had to lug around was about 20lbs or less. Other than that, it’s a good bag, Organized. I’d also recommend you looking into Gerard’s pack, the Osprey. I like the Farpoint one with detachable dayback. Our friend Devon had that one and it looked cute. http://www.answeringoliver.com/2012/02/my-rtw-packing-list.html Good luck!