Gear List for Backpacking Around the World

Packing for a trip around the world, or any long term trip for that matter, can be a bit daunting, especially if you want to pack light so you aren’t hauling around a ton of luggage everywhere you go. Generally speaking, the less stuff you have to haul around, while still making sure you have what you need, the happier you will be. Remember, less is more and if necessary you can often buy what you need when you get there.

Now that we've been traveling for a few months we've gotten a much better idea of the importance of packing light. As we travel around we meet and see lots of fellow travelers and many of them have tons of stuff and complain about it...we often see people carrying a big pack on their backs and another pack on their front. I'm so glad that we are so streamlined...very rarely do I think, "oh man, I wish I had more stuff"...I'm constantly reconsidering everything I have, trying to find more stuff to ditch, swap out or down-size.

Here is the list of gear I packed for our 7-12 month round the world, backpacking trip (RTW). Total weight for my backpack ranges from 30-35 Pounds (14-16 Kilograms) depending on certain items that are used up and replaced. Julie’s pack is about 30 Pounds, (14 Kilograms).

Try to give yourself a couple of months to develop your gear list, try out the gear at home and adjust before your trip.We will continue to update the info and details on this list throughout our trip. Make sure that you are comfortable with the things you are bringing and that they are things you will use, wear, etc...don't bring stuff that you don't need, like or know how to use.

Backpack: Depending on your size and the specific gear you need get a pack that is 50-85 Liters. The smaller the better but get what you need. I’m using an 85 liter pack because I need to carry computer equipment that allows me to work on the road. Even with the computer I still don't get close to using the entire capacity of the pack. Without the computer I’d probably go for a 70 liter pack myself.

• Osprey Aether 85: This is a durable, lightweight 85 liter backpack. It has plenty of room to carry most anything you need. If you can’t fit all of your gear in an 85 liter pack or smaller then you are definitely taking too much stuff.

Clothing: When thinking about what clothing to bring be sure to have a really good idea of the kind of weather you may encounter along your journey. Layering is a great way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Try to get clothing in the same color scheme so that you can create many outfit options with a small number of clothes. Also consider how easy it will be to wash and dry your clothes on the go. Synthetic, breathable materials are comfortable, durable and quick drying. Having the ability to wash your clothes in a sink or bath tub along the way saves time and money.

• 5 Short Sleeve T-Shirts: Under Armor short sleeve t-shirts. Comfortable, breathable, versatile, durable and quick drying. Wear it during the day, use it as an under shirt, sleep in it, layer it with a long sleeved t-shirt or button down collar shirt, etc.1 Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Under Armor long sleeve t-shirt. I prefer to get this in a lighter color like gray. This makes it work well in hot climates while still being good for layering in cooler weather. Great on it’s own or layered under a short-sleeved t-shirt or button downed collar shirt. Gives good protection from the sun and insect bites.
• 2 Long Sleeve Trekking Collar Shirt: 1 Exofficio, 1 Columbia. These are lightweight, duable, versatile, quick drying. They als have various pockets for holding gear on the go. Good for sun protection, layering in cooler weather, and insect protection. Can be worn alone or layered over a t-shirt. Roll up the sleeves and you’ve got a short-sleeved shirt. Also good for situations that need more of a dressed up look.
• 2 Pair Convertible Trekking Pants: These are ideal because they double as a pair of shorts when you zip off the pant legs. They are also lightweight, durable and quick drying. The style I like best have zippered back pockets and small unassuming cargo pockets with zipper closures. Zippers are a big deterrent for pick pockets...makes you less of a target.
  

- What about Jeans? Some people bring a pair and some people don't. Originally I thought it would be totally worth it to packed a pair of jeans but to be honest I hardly ever wore them so after a few months I got ride of them. The extra weight and bulk wasn't worth it to me. They take too long to wash and dry too. Julie has held on to her jeans and wears them more than I did so it's really up to you.

• 1 Pair Shorts: Ideally you don’t have to bring extra shorts because your pants can double as shorts by zipping off the legs. If you do bring additional shorts then go with lightweight, durable, quick drying with zippered pockets. It’s also nice to have shorts that can double as swim trunks.
• 1 Pair Rugged Sandals with a Back Strap: I prefer the Keen Newport. They are very comfortable, durable, waterproof, closed toe and have a heal strap. This combination of things makes them extremely versatile. The solid foot bed, closed toe and heal strap give you good protection. They can be used for anything from a day at the beach, to a walk through the city, a light hike or to keep your feet off of questionable hostile shower floors. These are my go to for everyday footwear while backpack traveling.
• 1 Pair Trail Running/Hiking Shoes: I went with a great pair made by North Face. They are light, but stable. Their versatility allows for wearing around town, exercising, hiking, biking, or any activities where shoes are needed. Boots aren’t really necessary in most cases, so leave them at home. I also suggest shoes without Gortex, because once they get wet inside it’s going to take a lot longer for them to dry out.

• 3 Pair Socks: Synthetic, durable, quick drying, medium thickness.
• 1 Fleece Jacket: Jacket name. I absolutely love this Fleece. It is lightweight, comfortable, breathable, windproof to 50 mph, warm without being hot, water resistant, has zippered pockets and layers nicely under a waterproof outer jacket.
• 1 Waterproof Outer Jacket/Windbreaker: Jacket name. Small, light, waterproof, works in warm weather by itself during a rain storm, works great with layers in cold weather to keep you warm. Allows you to zip in a fleece jacket or other lining.
• 1 Beanie/Knit Cap: Keeps you warm on those cold nights you may encounter in some locations. Also great for covering up a bad hair day.
• 1 Buff: The "buff" is a versatile piece of clothing that can be used as a cap, scarf, mouth cover, eye cover (for taking naps or the occasional game of pin the tail on the donkey), head covering, etc.
  

Toiletries/Bathroom Items

Multi Purpose Wash: Works for shampoo, body, clothing, dishes and has citronella for mosquito repellent, also works for shaving

Travel towel
Bathing wipes

Toothpaste

Toothbrush

Deodorant

Toilet Paper

Razor

Electronics

Laptop

Nice Camera

Waterproof camera

Memory Cards 8-16 GB
Converter kit for electrical

General

Sunblock

Quart size zip lock Freezer bags

Door lock or stopper

Scan important docs

Mini clothesline

Scarf or bandana buff

13L & 8L waterproof stuff sacks

Duct tape

Tide stain sticks

Dental Floss

Sewing kit

Motion relief bands
Portable flashlight
Water Proof Stuff Sacks: We went with the eVacDrySack by Sea to Summit. These are great for organizing, space saving and protecting your gear. We each have 4 of them, two 8 liter and two 5 liter. This specific kind allows you to squeeze all the air out so that they compress your gear and minimize space. All of my shirts go in one 8 liter bag - my pants/shorts in the other 8 liter bag - my under wear, socks, buff, beanie & swim suit in a 5 liter bag - and I use the last 5 liter bag for things I want some extra protection for like my Journal, Outlet Adapter, Ear Plugs, etc. I also have a larger Dry Sack that I can slide my computer bag in for extra protection should it rain or we be traveling in a small boat, etc.

Safety & Security

Travel locks for all bag closures

Backpack locking cable w/ anti shim lock

Get neck holder and do as leg holder

Tactical Pen

Medical

First Aid kit

Medicines, allergies, Eye drops, prescriptions, antibiotics, malaria, etc.

Pepto Bismol or Imodium Tablets

Bug repellant

Food & Drink

Water clean tabs

Water purifier. UV light, also doubles as flashlight

Sleeping

Small sleeping bag

Neck pillow: Use clothing bag

Earplugs

Packing

Straps and clips for gear

Day Pack
I highly recommend choosing a main pack that has an integrated, detachable day pack...this has made life much easier for us. The day pack connects right on top of our main pack. We keep all of the essentials in the day pack at all times so that we can just grab it and go whenever jumping on a plane, bus, etc. All of this fits into a bag that measures 1.5x1x1 feet.
Day pack essentials for me include:
- Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, eye drops (All of this in mini size that fits in a small pouch.)
- Medicines: Prescriptions, Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Allergy, Sea Sickness, etc. (I put all of these into one pill bottle and restock it as needed from my larger medicine bag kept in my main pack.)
- First Aid Kit, Travel Size
- Water Bottle
- UV Water Purifier
- Snacks
- Sunblock
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Compass
- Whistle
- Water proof stuff sack just in case you need to protect everything at a moments notice.