The Ultimate Travel Packing List: A Year in a Carry On Backpack

I realize that packing is a nightmare for some people, but I truly believe the hype around what to pack for a trip is overrated. As Gary Arndt (the most distinguished travel blogger/photographer in the industry) once told me, “Just put clothes in a bag, and go.”

I say this in an attempt to ease your anxiety over narrowing your wardrobe down from one or more closets and dressers into the likes of a 50L backpack. Yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s possible, and you’ll survive.

Here is one example of an ultimate travel packing list:

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I left the US in September 2015 to travel all over the world (destinations largely unknown) for the indefinite future.

This would start with a 7-day trek through Chilean Patagonia, where it was early in their spring season, and hikers must be prepared for 4 seasons in 1 day.

Immediately following, I would go to Thailand, where it was 90 degrees and humid (Jeans? No thanks). Eventually, I would make my way to Europe for the winter, and then, who knows. Follow me on Instagram to find out.

Editor’s Note: After Europe, I moved to Argentina!

I would face every climate within the first month of my travels, but as a seasoned international traveler and carry-on packer, I embraced the challenge.

I think a trip for even two weeks with multiple climates could easily produce the same travel packing list as a trip for two years.

There is a certain amount of clothing and essential items you need to get by, but the length of the trip might only mean increasing or decreasing clothing inventory by a few single items.

The Bottom Line:

You need underwear (plenty, in case you go without laundry for a while), and then you need clothes you are comfortable in for the various climates. Versatility and layers are key.

You will wear these clothes repeatedly (and no one cares), so make sure you love them. You will have what you need if you can get by with a few essential toiletries and carefully selected shoes. If you end up without something you need, you can buy it.

Related: Packing for Long Term Travel in a Carry On

General Tips For Packing:

• Safety pins are the best backpacker tool, zipper lock, and fix-all
• Shampoo can double for body wash
• Conditioner can double for shaving cream
• Sample vials of perfume are the perfect size for travel
• Scarves can be used as an accessory, warm layer, blanket, sheets (pillow covers)
• Ladies: Always, always, always, make sure your purse zips closed (don’t make it easy for pick-pocketers to steal from you)

Packing List For One Year in a Carry-on:

Backpack(s)/Purse:

Choosing luggage is just as tricky as choosing clothes. I would need a purse that could fit my laptop and has a zipper, but I also knew I would need a bag dedicated to my mobile office (I have quite a lot of electronics as a digital nomad), and this is a pack I need to keep with me at all times during transit (no packing this one under the bus, etc.).

And then, of course, I needed a main pack for clothing.

Main backpack – Osprey Kyte 46: I used to use a 50L but wanted to try to downsize, so I got a brand new Osprey Kyte 46 (that opens from the bottom as well) for this trip.

*If you don’t have a backpack yet, don’t buy one until you watch my video about How to Choose the Perfect Travel Backpack. It’s really important that you get the right pack for YOU (no matter what anyone else says).

Smaller pack – REI Traverse: If you aren’t planning to work on the road with a mobile office, you may not need this entire section of gadgets. I only brought this pack to carry my electronics and valuables.

Purse – (My new one is a Pendleton Tote): [The purse would be packed empty, I did not plan to carry all three of these together.] This purse has a zip top and an over-the-shoulder strap to make it easy for me to carry, and it fits my laptop, which is important for me.

Editor’s Note January 2016: I switched out my Kyte 46 for a Farpoint 55. Read my pack comparison here

Non-Clothing Items:

Related: The Best Travel HAIR Products

Results after 2 months: I actually ditched the hair dryer. It wasn’t convenient to be constantly on the go, and I kept ending up in places with hair dryers, so I didn’t use it.

I wish I didn’t bring my Kindle, I enjoy the convenience of audiobooks now. Also, I’m really glad I didn’t bring my hydration pack. Water bottles, when needed, are much easier and more convenient.

Clothing:

Activewear:

• Rain jacket: mine came without a stuff sack, so I used a toiletries case to stuff it
• Arm warmers (I’m obsessed, but you might not need these)
• Light gloves: these proved to be too light for the crazy Patagonia weather, but I am still glad I had them
• Wool hat/beanie
• Running hat
• Merino wool sweater: packs light but adds a great layer of warmth
• Merino wool half-zip long sleeve
• Lightweight athletic top long sleeve
• Lightweight base layer
• Running wick away t-shirt
• Running tank top
• Running/hiking/yoga capris x2
• Cotton leggings/tights
• Running tights
• Activewear zip hoodie
• Running jacket
• Running skirts/skorts x2
• *Not pictured: A packable down vest I was given by a travel mate in Patagonia that is brilliant for layering in the cold weather, and I still have it with me. If I owned one myself before I left, I would have packed it, but serendipity made it happen anyway.

Results after 2 months: 100% success.

Tops:

• 2 Bikinis: bring at least two, so you can have one to wear while the other dries
• Sleepwear: I wear a pair of black cotton shorts and a t-shirt, I can also wear my cotton leggings and long sleeve black cotton shirt in cold places
• Scarf (sorry, this one is from Bali)
• 5 plain cotton t-shirts (this is one thing I have found I never seem to have enough of, so I tried to remedy this on this trip)
• 5 tank tops (same same)
• 1 cotton long sleeve t-shirt
• *Not pictured: Another scarf (see photo at end of the post)

Results after 2 months: 100% success.

Bottoms and Dress Clothes:

• Vetoed the dress I was going to bring – happy about this as I bought a super lightweight one in Thailand that packs down to nothing and cost me about $6
• 3 dressy tops (tank or short sleeve)
• 1 black cotton mini skirt (to layer over leggings or wear out dancing)
• 1 pair of jean shorts
• Button-up hoodie sweater (magic for travel, and also looks nice if I need to)
• Cotton leggings (these somehow snuck into two photos)
• 2 pairs of skinny jeans (both from H&M)
• 1 black maxi skirt (has been brilliant for dressing up and laundry days, packs small)

Results after 2 months: I have not used two of the three dress tops I brought, I could have at least left one behind. Still glad I didn’t bring that dress.

Shoes:

My strategy on the three shoes to bring if you’re packing in a carry-on only:

1. Flip flops for showers (Havaianas)
2. Comfortable walking shoes (Toms are my new fave)
3. Versatile boots or sandals to walk or dress up in, depending on the weather where you’re going. In my case, I’m eventually going to need both.

Beyond those three, only bring other shoes if activities on your trip demand them (i.e., hiking/running shoes, dancing shoes, wedding shoes, etc.)

Also, notice the plastic bag under the running shoes. A good idea if you want to keep your dirty shoes separated from your clothes inside your bag.

Results after 2 months: 100% success.

Related: Best Travel Shoes According to the Experts

Related (2016 after this trip): 7 Things I Wish I Packed on My RTW Trip

My Plan for Reinforcements and Surviving the Winter:

You’ll notice I didn’t pack a warm jacket or boots, and I planned to spend the winter in Europe. I had two ideas around this to make it work: I would buy boots when I get there (because at that point, I wouldn’t need to pack them in transit, I could just wear them). And two, I would have my brother bring reinforcements, including a coat, when he comes to visit me for Christmas.

If you don’t have anyone who could possibly bring you anything from home, just buy what you need and don’t be afraid to leave it behind or give it to someone when you move on.

Additional Notes:

• I have only checked my bigger pack on discount carriers (AirAsia and Thai Lion Air). Otherwise, I got stopped one time while boarding a flight, and they made me test it in the sizing bin provided. I proudly shoved it in there, got their approval to carry it on, and then made them laugh when I asked to take a picture of it:

• I will try a new pack my brother is also bringing for me: the Osprey Farpoint 55. I’m switching to the Farpoint for two reasons: 1) it opens up like a suitcase (dealing with a top and bottom-loading pack is too frustrating for months on end); and 2) it comes with a detachable daypack, which could dissolve my need for the separate pack altogether (we will see). I plan to create a comparison review between the Farpoint 55 and the Kyte 46, so stay tuned, I will link to it here when it is published.

Note: The Osprey Farpoint is now specifically a men’s pack, whereas the Fairview is the one they created for females. I’ve used both. I love both, and now that they have the Fairview Trek version, I love that too (I use the 50).

Editor’s Note 2017: This post is good, but this ultimate guide to packing for long term travel in a carry on is better!

For now, thanks for reading all the way to the end. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section. I will respond to them personally.

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