The Ultimate Packing List: What to Bring & What to Leave Behind

Updated: 24 June 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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So you’ve planned your trip but now need to pack. Don’t worry I got you covered 😎.

As of writing this, I’ve travelled to 19 countries through everything from sub-zero cold, to tropical heat. Using setups ranging from two massive suitcases to a single 30L backpack. So I’ve tested just about every packing style out there.

Along the way, I kept hearing the same name: Osprey, Osprey, Osprey. Eventually, I caved and bought their largest carry-on backpack. I hate to say it, but after my first trip using it, I was sold. It’s now been the backbone of every trip since. This packing list is built entirely around what fits the 55L Osprey carry-on.

That said, I’m not here to sell you this bag. But I do believe this size (around 40–55L) is ideal for most backpacking adventures.

Before we dive in, here are two common questions I get asked a lot.

I get it, carrying a heavy backpack isn’t for everyone. But in my experience, the versatility of a backpack outweighs the comfort of wheels. I’ve often been in remote areas with uneven paths, or places where you need to walk through sand and water. In Thailand, I had to wade through water to get onto a boat and let’s just say the suitcase travellers had some very soggy clothes. Plus, a backpack naturally limits what you bring, forcing you to pack smarter. And after all, it’s called backpacking for a reason.

When solo travelling on a budget, I often take the cheapest flights, sometimes with brutal layovers and tight connections. Being able to skip check-in lines and avoid waiting at the baggage carousel is a game changer. I also get anxious about checked bags getting lost, so keeping everything with me in the cabin gives me peace of mind. Many budget buses and trains also have strict luggage rules, so compact gear helps there too!

Now, let’s dive into my packing list. From my experience I haven’t had any problems with these items for carry-on luggage, except for my small rounded-tip travel scissors. After 5+ countries in a row, airport security at Guatemala made me chuck them 😔.

• Osprey Farpoint 55L Mens Travel Backpack
• Cipway Compression Packing Cubes
• Sea To Summit 5L Dry Bag
• My Camera bag
• Coin pouch with zip
• Passport case with card storage
• Ziplock bags

💡Tip: If you add a drop of detergent to the Sea to Summit Dry Bag, you can use it as a makeshift clothes washer!

• 4 T-shirts
• 3 Singlets/active wear shirts
• 1 Nice button up shirt (for going out)
• 1 Pair of convertible hiking pants
• 1 Nice pair of pants (I like bringing these dickies)
• 2 Swimming shorts
• 7 Pairs of underwear
• 6 Pairs of socks
• 1 Set of thermals
• 2 Pairs of wool socks
• 1 Versatile waterproof jacket (I have the old version of this North Face one)
• 1 Beanie
• 1 Hat
• Sunglasses
• 1 Pair of gloves
• Sneakers (casual/going out shoes)
• Hybrid hiking/aqua shoes: Salomon Techamphibian 5

💡Tip: Clothes will vary depending on the climate you choose. However, I find using a versatile jacket like the one above + thermals is more than enough for some cold climates.

• Toothbrush
• Small tube of toothpaste
• Floss
• Roll on deodorant (aerosols aren’t allowed on most planes)
• Electric razor
• 1 Small bottle of shampoo (<100ml*)
• 1 Bottle of face wash (<100ml)
• Moisturiser
• Sunscreen (<100ml)
• Bug repellent (<100ml)
• Rounded-tip scissors
• Small towel

💡Tip: Don’t count on buying sunscreen and bug repellent overseas. For many countries I have visited the locals barely use these products meaning shops will charge insane prices for tourists! Some hostels also charge a towel rental fee so bringing a small towel is a great cost saver.

*Generally, carry-on liquids must be under 100ml.

• Band aids
• Povidone-iodine (anti-septic, I prefer this over alcohol)
• Tweezers
• Eye drops
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Ibuprofen (I bring this over paracetamol, for the added benefit of anti-inflammation)
• Antihistamine (for allergies, skin irritation, some minor insect bites/stings)
• Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium trisilicate (for heartburn/indigestion)
• Antidiarrheals
• Antibiotics (consult your general practitioner if needed, depending on location)

💡Tip: Medical kits will vary depending on your health needs, and when in doubt please discuss this with your general practitioner!

• Combination lock
• Headlamp
• Small torch
• Water bladder/hiking vest
• Heroclip (I didn’t have this on my last trip but its so helpful!)*
• Pen
• Ribbons/keychains to help you identify your bag

💡Tip: Combination locks are vital for both locking your bag on the go and for use in a hostel. Most hostels do not provide locks and you will need your own padlock to use the lockers. Also, so many people forget to bring pens! Remember, when travelling you will have to fill out many boring customs forms/travel tickets.

*This is very niche to solo travel. But basically the Heroclip lets you hang your heavy bag on edges (think bathroom doors). As a solo-traveller there is no worst feeling then needing to go to the toilet and having your bag lay on the floor 🤢

• 2x USB C chargers
• Universal outlet adapter
• Ipad or laptop
• Kindle
• Camera – Fujifilm XT30-ii
• Tripod
• 1 Prime lens: TTartisan 27mm F2.8 AF
• 1 Zoom lens: Fujifilm 18-55mm F2.8-4.0
• SD card reader (to USB C)
• AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
• Power bank
• Watch
• Microphone adapter
• Fujifilm spare batteries

This section is relatively optional and to be honest, is very specific to someone with a designated camera.

• Water bottle (controversial but I usually buy a plastic bottle and refill it on the go, as many places don’t have drinkable tap water)
• Jeans (I love them but they are honestly such a pain to wash, dry and they are heavy af)
• Multiple nice outfits (dependent on your vibe, but I have never needed more than one nice outfit)
• Hoodies/heavy jackets (they are comfy but just too bulky! One versatile jacket is enough)
• Too many shoes (2 shoes are enough: casual + functional)
• Beach towel (many hostels will let you use one of theirs, and worst comes to worst you can use your small towel)
• Travel pillows (they are bulky and so often not worth the space)
• Sleeping bags (unless you’re camping, they are way too bulky to justify)

At the end of the day, packing is ultimately a subjective process. So please don’t take offence if I have left something out that you think is essential. This guide is my attempt at the most honest representation of what I actually bring and what I think has worked best for my past trips.

Let me know in the comments below if you think I’ve missed anything.

Thanks for reading!