We don't need much to travel across the globe, but there are some essential items that have made our long-term travel journey more convenient and practical, especially as we camp and find ourselves in different climates. We'll hash out the individual items and link them when we can. Packing for an epic and long term trip doesn't have to be a daunting task!
Keep in mind, this is not an extreme minimalistic packing list. We didn't chop off the handle of our toothbrush or every tag on our clothing to cut ounces. While we are conscious of keeping it lightweight and simple (hence the carry-on bags), we're not exactly dirt bagging our trip, either. We typically hunker down in a location - whether it be camping, a friend's house, or an Airbnb - for at least a week on end, so it's less backpacking and more stationary.
Our advice for packing for a big trip is to first read 7 blogs (see at bottom), get gear advice from friends or local outdoor shops, and finally, trial and error on small scale trips in advance. Eventually, you'll find what's useful for your bag and your trip. Just be you.
HERS:
PACKS
- [1] eBag TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
- [1] Patagonia Mini Messenger Bag
- [1] Anti-theft Travel Safe Wallet
CLOTHING
- [1] Mid-weight North Face Down Jacket
- [1] Patagonia Rain Coat
- [3] Sweaters (casual & athletic)
- [7] Shirts + Tanks
- [5] Dresses (casual & beachy)
- [2] Shorts
- [3] Pants (leggings + gaucho + jeans)
- [5] Underwear + Swim Bottoms
- [3] Bras (2 sport - doubling as swimsuit + 1 regular)
FOOTWEAR
- [1] Chaco Sandals
- [1] Leather Strappy Sandals
- [1] Brooks Cascadia Running Shoes
- [4] Socks
HEADWEAR
- [2] Headbands
- [2] Baseball Caps
- [1] Beanie
SLEEP GEAR
- [1] Medium-size Travel Pillow + Satin Pillow Case (because Brooke's a nut)
- [1] Sleeping Pad (petite)
- [1] Backpacker’s Sleeping Bag for 50 Degrees+
TOILETRIES
- [3] Travel Containers for Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner
- [3] Qalo Silicone Wedding Rings
- [1] REI Camp Towel
- [1] Make-up Bag (just the basics)
- [1] Diva Cup
- Other essentials: Travel Nail Kit, Travel Brush, Razor, Deodorant, Toothbrush
ELECTRONICS
- [1] Kindle (borrowed from fellow previous world travelers)
- [1] Unlocked iPhone 6
- [1] GoPro + Accessories
- [1] Headphones
MISCELLANEOUS
- [1] Travel Laundry Sheets
- [1] Travel Clothes Line
- [1] Water Bottle (Hydroflask)
- [1] Water Purifier Life Straw
- [1] Bamboo Travel Cup
- [1] Head Lamp
- [1] Versatile Hungarian Towel/Blanket
- [3] Organizational Packing Cubes
- [2] Malaria Meds (Thailand/Zambia)
- [1] Homemade First-Aid Kit (allergy, sleep-aid, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, epilepsy medication for Bobby, anti-venom, band-aids, gauze, tape, etc)
- [1] Travel Bible
- [1] Universal Charger + Cord
HIS:
PACKS
- [1] eBag TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
- [1] Anti-theft Hip Pack
- [1] Packable Daypack
- [1] Slim Wallet
CLOTHING
- [1] Black Diamond Down Sweater
- [1] Black Diamond Storm Rain/Wind Jacket
- [7] T-shirts + Long Sleeves + Collared
- [1] Jeans
- [2] Shorts + Swim Trunks
- [3] Boxer Briefs
- [1] Thin Gloves
FOOTWEAR
- [1] Chaco Sandals
- [1] Nike Wildhorse Trail Running Shoes
- [4] Socks
HEADWEAR
- [2] Baseball Caps
- [1] Beanie
SLEEP GEAR
- REI Half Dome Tent (2004)
- [1] Sleeping Pad (petite)
- [1] Backpacker’s Sleeping Bag for 50 Degrees+
TOILETRIES
- [2] Qalo Silicone Wedding Rings
- [1] Travel Towel
- [4] Essential Essential Oils (Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood)
- Other Essentials: Deodorant, Chapstick, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Retainer, Nail Clippers, Small Comb
ELECTRONICS
- [1} Goal Zero Solar Panel
- [1] iPhone 5c
- [1] Kindle (borrowed from fellow previous world travelers)
- [1] Macbook Air 11-inch
- [1] External Hard Drive
- [2] Power Banks
MISCELLANEOUS
- [1] Bison Design Belt/Utility Strap
- [1] Camp Stove
- [1] Pot + Pan
- [3] Dishware (plastic plate, cup, utensils)
- [1] Water Bottle
- [1] Camelback Bladder
- [1] Aeropress + Filters
- [1] Steripen
- [2] Packing Cubes
- [1] Harmonica
- [1] Compass (from mom!)
- [2] Small Combo Lock + Cable
- [1] Headlamp
- [75] Personal Contact Cards
- [2] Passports
- [3] Journals + Pens
- [1] Cluster of fly fishing essentials, just in case.
PLEASURABLE PACKING TIPS:
Pick classic clothing pieces that are versatile and go with everything in your pack. Clothing that doesn't wrinkle easy will make your life a heck of a lot easier, too.
You be you. Don't try to pack like anyone else, just bring what you need.
If you are asking yourself if you should bring something or not, the answer is likely no.
Don't worry about getting the coolest stuff. Our plate is a children's plastic plate, Bobby's boxers were given to him years ago, and we used plenty of stuff we already had.
Be creative. While Bobby brought a few fly fishing essentials like flies, line, and tippet, he makes a rod from branches. We use shorts and bras as bathing suits and Bobby uses a sweater as a pillow.
Remember that almost everywhere you go, they have the same novelties. Don't sweat the small stuff. If you need something you don't have, eventually you'll find it!
Lululemon's anti-stink, quick dry and high quality material is a game changer! In Brooke's bag you'll find Lululemon leggings, shorts, jacket, undies, sports bras and tanks. Save your pennies, its worth every one.
SUGGESTED TRAVEL PACKING BLOGS:
Epic trips are about going, not packing.