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Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel

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Packing for any trip can be overwhelming. But packing for a long term trip can be downright rip-your-hair-out stressful! After years of traveling for extended periods of time, we have learned a lot about what to pack and what to leave home. We’re here to ease your stress and are sharing our top tips, tricks and an ultimate packing list!

Ultimate Packing List Long Term Travel

Packing for a trip is always a puzzle. You want to feel prepared for all situations, but not weighed down by overpacking (my constant struggle!). And when your trip will be longer than a couple weeks and will take you through multiple climates and situations, packing your bag can feel straight up impossible.

But we are here to help! *Cue superhero music.

We have been traveling around the world for the past 5 years, through different climates — snow, mountains, beaches, deserts — and different situations. From swanky rooftop bars in Europe to beaches in Southeast Asia to trekking in the Himalayas, we want to feel comfortable in every situation.

We have packed and unpacked and repacked hundreds of times, and we have learned a thing or two about what items are useful and which things are dead weight.

We’re sharing exactly what we packed on a yearlong trip plus our top packing tips and favorite travel gear. (Yes, we have some handy hacks to help you fit everything into your bag!)

And best yet, this packing list is written for men and women, so everyone can use it.

Creating your perfect packing list

As nice as it would be, there is no cut-and-dry packing list that will work for every person for every trip.

The best way to come up a packing list for you is to pull ideas from people you trust and adjust to fit your needs depending on your travel style and where in the world you’ll be going.

Things to consider when making a packing list:

  1. In what type of climates will you be traveling?

  2. How long are you traveling?

  3. Will you be staying and eating at fancy places?

  4. How many outdoor activities do you plan to do on your travels?

Tip: Check out our list at the bottom of this article of destination-specific packing lists to get yourself a free PDF checklist to help you prepare for your trip!

Before setting off on our year-long, round-the-world trip, we answered these questions and started freaking out a bit.

  1. Climate? Many climates; both tropical and wintery.

  2. Length of travel? The better part of a year.

  3. Fancy? Not too many fancy places on our list, but we wanted to be prepared to fit in on the occasional fancy-shmancy splurge.

  4. Outdoor activity? We usually base a lot of our travels around outdoor activities.

So how exactly do you pack for a year of travel through all types of climates? How do you pack to ensure you’re prepared for a fancy dinner as well as a 2-week trek? How do I find eco-friendly travel gear that doesn’t take up too much space in my backpack? 

Glad you asked.

We created a packing video of when Katie went on a month long trip around the world with the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

This video is illustrates how to pack a carry-on for a 1-month trip through multiple climates (aka 5 countries ranging from the deserts of the UAE to snowy Switzerland!).

YouTube video

Related: Check out our favorite gear in our online storefront!


Packing List Contents

We’re going to walk you through exactly what we packed for a year-long trip around the world. 

We hope this is a starting point and gives you the information and inspiration to create your perfect packing list for long term travel.

Below are all the different categories of gear you will need to pack. We have recommendations for both men and women, so anyone can use this list!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you would like to learn more, please read our disclosure and privacy policy.


Travel Backpack

Osprey Women's Backpack

Osprey Women’s Backpack
Osprey Men's Backpack

Osprey Men’s Backpack
Osprey Day Pack

Osprey Day Pack
Packable Day Pack

Packable Day Pack

Let’s start with the vessel that will carry all of your gear: a backpack. 

Backpack vs. Roller Suitcase

We strongly prefer carrying a backpack to anything with wheels. We feel like it gives us the most freedom when we’re traveling and prevents us from overpacking. That said, everyone is different. If you have a bad back, or tend to pack on the heavy side, maybe a traditional roller suitcase would be better for you.

What about those hybrid backpacks that convert to a roller duffel? We’re not typically fans of this style. We’ve found these don’t have as good of back support as a traditional backpack, and people end up wheeling them around most of the time.

The models of these are getting better and better, so we wouldn’t be opposed to trying one in the future.

Our friends over at Banana Backpacks have a whole guide on how to choose the right backpack for every type of trip.

What size backpack should I get?

We’re believers in less is more, and smaller is better. The more space you have, the more stuff you’ll collect to fill that space. You’ll also want to decide if you will carry your bag with on flight, or if you’ll typically check your baggage.

For most airlines, a carry on bag should be no greater than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. Anything bigger than 60 liters typically must be checked. We think a good size is between 50-60 liters. Check out this carry-on size chart to see the rules of your airline before getting to the airport!

What backpack brand is best?

There are so many great brands out there, and it certainly pays to do your research.

We really like Osprey brand because they’re made with quality materials, contain many side pockets and have an anti-gravity suspension system for extra comfort. 

If you’re socially-conscious traveler, take a look at Banana Backpacks. It’s a small company started by backpackers for backpackers, with packs that are intelligently designed and ethically manufactured to fit all your traveling needs. Seriously, we each have a backpack and they are great!

Each backpack purchased supports a young Cambodian student to have two meals a day for a year. It’s a great company supporting a great cause. 

The best part is they are not much more than the cost of a regular backpack. If you use the code “TWStravel“, you’ll get 10% your purchase at Banana Backpacks

Do I need a smaller daypack too?

Traveling with a day pack is a personal choice, but we both have one to keep all our valuables on us during long bus/train rides. If you plan on going on a multi-day trek, like Machu Picchu, having a small day pack is a great size.

Whether or not you choose to have a day pack, we highly recommend bringing a packable day pack. It’s perfect for touring a city or for short day hikes, and folds up small when stored.  


Women’s Travel Clothes

Tops: (layering is key)

Lightweight Dress x2

Lightweight Dress x2
Tank Tops x3

Tank Tops x3
Dressy Tank Top

Dressy Tank Top
Kimono

Kimono

Athletic Tops

  • 1-2 athletic tank tops

  • 1 long sleeve athletic shirt or zip-up

Bottoms:

Comfy Pants

Comfy Pants
Cotton Shorts

Cotton Shorts
Regular Leggings

Regular Leggings
Long Skirt

Long Skirt

Athletic Bottoms

  • 1 pair athletic leggings

  • 1 pair athletic shorts

Tip: Stick to lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics and pack layers. That way you’ll be comfortable in all climates and weather. 

Undergarments:

Bralette x2

Bralette x2
Swim Suit x2

Swim Suit x2
  • 8 pairs of underwear

  • 3 lightweight socks

  • 1 pair wool socks

  • 1 sports bra

  • 2 bralettes*

  • 1 – 2 swim suits (depending on how much you’ll be using them)

Shoes:

Chaco Hiking Sandals

Chaco Hiking Sandals
Sandals

Sandals

Hiking boots: Really think about how many times you’ll use hiking boots, and consider if it is worth the weight. On many treks, you’ll be fine with a good pair of sneakers. If trekking is a big part of your trip, it might be a good idea to find a good pair of lightweight hiking boots to replace your sneakers. We really like Vasque Boots for their comfort, style and customer service. 

Bralettes v. regular bras: I prefer bralettes over regular bras (with underwire) because they pack up small, they’re comfy, and they look cute even if they peek out of a tank! This is totally a personal preference though. Ladies with larger chests may find regular bras work better for them.

*Sandals: I prefer to pack one pair of versatile and comfortable sandals that strap behind my heel and can be worn for long days of walking as well as to the beach or in the shower if necessary.

Women’s Travel Accessories

Sarong

Sarong
Headband

Headband
Fitbit Charge 2

Fitbit Charge 2
Waterproof Rain Jacket

Waterproof Rain Jacket

Note: Depending on location or season, you might want to bring a warmer jacket. We loved our Columbia Omniheat Shell Jackets in South America. We had no use for it in Southeast Asia so we left it at home for that trip.

Another item every traveler should not leave home without is a sarong. It’s the Swiss Army knife of accessories: it can be a beach towel, a makeshift shade, bus pillow, table cloth, or light blanket. 

Women’s Travel Toiletries

Long Term Travel Packing List

Packing clothes can be difficult, but it seems packing toiletries is the thing that stresses me out more for some reasoning. This is my go-to list that I always fall back on.

Travel Toiletries Bag

Travel Toiletries Bag
Solid Shampoo

Solid Shampoo
Conditioner Spray

Conditioner Spray
Korean Scrubbing Mitt

Korean Scrubbing Mitt
Blemish Stick

Blemish Stick
Solid Lotion Stick

Solid Lotion Stick
Solid Perfume

Solid Perfume
Bobble Hair Ties

Bobble Hair Ties

Men’s Travel Clothes

Shirts:

T-Shirt x6

T-Shirt x6
Tank Tops x4

Tank Tops x4
Long Sleeve

Long Sleeve
Quarter Zip Long Sleeve

Quarter Zip Long Sleeve

Pants/Shorts:

Athletic Shorts x2

Athletic Shorts x2
Casual Shorts x2

Casual Shorts x2
Jeans

Jeans
Hiking Pants

Hiking Pants

For shirts, pants and shorts, it all depends on where in the world you plan to travel and when. If you’re headed to Southeast Asia, the above is what Ben packed. If you’re touring Europe, you might want less tank tops and more t-shirts, or a even polo. If you’re going somewhere tropical, leave the jeans at home, because it’ll be dead weight in your bag. 

Undergarments:

Wool Socks

Wool Socks
Swimsuit Boardshorts

Swimsuit Boardshorts

Shoes:

Lightweight Sneaker

Lightweight Sneaker
Chaco Hiking Sandal

Chaco Hiking Sandal

Note on hiking boots: Some travelers love to bring their hiking boots along, but for us it’s just not worth the weight. We brought them with on our 3-month trip in South America and only used them 4 times, so for future trips we leave them at home. 

Men’s Travel Accessories

Buff

Buff
Sunglasses

Sunglasses
Fitbit Charge 2

Fitbit Charge 2
Waterproof Rain Jacket

Waterproof Rain Jacket

Every traveler should own a buff. It has so many uses: a sun blocker for the back of the neck, dusk mask, sweatband and even an eye cover for night buses. We always choose to buy inexpensive sunglasses because if we break or lose them along the way and they’re easy to buy anywhere.

Another item every traveler should not leave home without is a sarong. It’s the Swiss Army knife of accessories: it can be a beach towel, a makeshift shade, bus pillow, table cloth, or light blanket. 

Depending on location or season, you might want to bring a warmer jacket. We loved our Columbia Omniheat Shell Jackets in South America. We had no use for it in Southeast Asia so we left it at home for that trip.

Men’s Travel Toiletries

Solid Shampoo and Tin

Solid Shampoo and Tin
Organic Bar of Soap

Organic Bar of Soap
Solid Bug Repellent

Solid Bug Repellent
Solid Shaving Cream Bar

Solid Shaving Cream Bar

Don’t worry about running out of toiletries during your trip. You can always pick up some more along the way. Think about it, people around the world have to keep clean too! It might not be the exact brand you like, but part of traveling is being flexible. For months Ben only used little shampoo bottles from hotels. 

One of our best tips when it comes to toiletries is to go solid whenever possible.

  1. It’s lighter (less weight the better),

  2. You can get through airport security quicker and

  3. It’s a lot less messy (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cleaned up spilt shampoo in my bag).

There’s a solid for almost everything: soap bars, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and even shaving cream.


Travel Gear

Eagle Creek Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes
Steripen

Steripen
Headlamps

Headlamps
Psi Bands

Psi Bands
Microfiber Towel

Microfiber Towel
Travel Locks

Travel Locks
Collapsible Cups

Collapsible Cups
Multi-tool Knife

Multi-tool Knife

I could talk your ears off about how great all these travel items are, but I’ll try to keep is short. Packing cubes are a necessity when traveling longterm to keep your bag organized.

We also love our Hydroflask insulated water bottles. They are the perfect size for carrying in a backpack and they are super durable. 

Using the Steripen has allowed us to drink water from the tap all around the globe even in places where we were told not to. It’s quick, safe and has saved us hundreds of dollars that we would have spent on bottled water.

We always look for items at have multiple uses and we used our collapsible cups as wine glasses on a long hike, guacamole dip holder, or even cereal bowls. 


Travel Electronics

Apple MacBook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro
Asus Portable Laptop

Asus Portable Laptop
Seagate External Hard Drive

Seagate External Hard Drive
Water-Resistant Computer Case

Water-Resistant Computer Case
Nikon DSLR Camera

Nikon DSLR Camera
GoPro Hero Camera

GoPro Hero Camera
iPhone

iPhone
Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite
Portable Charger

Portable Charger
Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Headphone Splitter

Headphone Splitter
Universal Outlet Adapter

Universal Outlet Adapter

Because work online while on the road, we bring our electronics everywhere we go. Although we have different taste in operating systems (Katie’s more of an Apple lover and Ben is a PC guy but has recently made the switch), we love our computers because they have lots of storage, fast processors, and are a great size for travel. And to protect our beloved computers, we keep them in a water-resistant computer case whenever on the road. 

Katie’s baby is her Nikon DSLR camera and would never leave home without it. Ben records most videos on the GoPro Hero which is great for everyday films or extreme activities like snorkeling with reef sharks. You probably already own a smartphone, but make sure to travel with one that has a good camera.

Our Kindle Paperwhites are not only used for fun reading, but we use them everyday when traveling because we download guide books (see below) to get tips on where to go next. You can even rent Kindle books online from your home library and never have to pay for a guide book again. Everyone has had their device die on them at the exact wrong time.

That’s why we carry our Anker external battery pack that can fully charge an iPhone seven times before needing to replug. Whether your at the beach or on a day hike, a portable Bluetooth speaker is a great addition to keep the jams going. 

Cord Management Tip: Carry all your extra charger cords and plugs in a packing cube or zipper pouch bag. We also use small strips of Velcro to wrap the cords up and keep them organized. Or you could use these permanent twist ties in fun colors.


Health/Medical Backpacking Supplies

Backpacking First Aid Kit

Backpacking First Aid Kit
Neosporin Gel

Neosporin Gel
Tums Antacid

Tums Antacid
Emergen-C Booster

Emergen-C Booster
  • Multi-day Backpacker First Aid Kit (including moleskin for blisters, athletic tape & gauze)

  • Arnica pills (natural alternative to Ibuprofen)

  • Anti-diarrheals and laxatives (a.k.a. stoppers and goers), sometimes a good idea when traveling to far and unfamiliar places

You never want to use these items, but it’s always good to have them handy. Extra small toiletry bags are great for keeping pill bottles in one location. Pick some up at the dollar store or you could use a small packing cube.  


Travel Documentation

  • Passport

  • Passport photos (at least 10 extras for visas or even when signing up for SIM cards in some countries)

  • Vaccination Documentation (if needed for countries you’re visiting, like certain South American countries)

  • Paper copies of passport photo page (at least 2)

  • Copy of travel insurance policy and emergency numbers

  • Copy of all documents saved online to the cloud (any cloud storage will do, but Amazon Cloud Drive has worked well for us)

Expert Travel Tip: Never leave home without travel insurance! Your mama would be pissed! Seriously, bad things can happen anywhere and it’s good to be covered. To find out what we look for in a policy and which companies we recommend, check out our detailed Travel Insurance article.


Travel Apps

Google Maps

Google Maps

Know exactly where you are at any time without using data or WiFi. Just load the area of the map where you’re going to go and your phone will track where you are via GPS. 

Trail Wallet

Trail Wallet

Created by backpackers for backpackers. Track all your expenses while on the road so you can easily stick to your budget. We swear by this app and use it every day. 

Duolingo

Duolingo

Fun way to learn a new language for free on your phone. It’s like playing a game where you can complete with your friends.

Convert

Convert

Find the up-to-date exchange rate for any currency so you know exactly how much things cost. It even converts metric to imperial for lengths and speeds, so you really know how fast your taxi driver is cruising.

One Second Everyday

1 Second Everyday

Document your travels with one-second videos everyday. The only hard thing is picking the best one second when you’ve had an awesome day traveling. 

Find our other online travel tips we’ve shared on your Money-Saving Travel Resources article. You’ll thank us later!


Travel Guide Books

Without fail, Lonely Planet guide books have led us to the most incredible places around the globe. We especially enjoy the “On a shoestring” series which are geared toward travelers on a tighter budget. Get them on the Kindle version for a lighter load in your backpack. 

Fun Travel Books

Great books to get you in the wanderlust mood whether you’re at home or on a long bus ride. Don’t forget to get them in the Kindle version. 

Want more suggestions? Check out our ultimate list of books for travelers. This list is broken down by category so you are sure to find something that will cure your wanderlust whether at home or on the road!

Destination Specific Packing Lists

Southeast Asia Packing List Free Download | Two Wandering Soles

Need help planning the perfect trip?

Be sure to check out our Travel Planning homepage for resources on everything you need to know from how to get started to packing, budgeting and more! Or you can read some of our favorite articles about planning your next trip below. 

Did you find this packing list helpful? Save it on Pinterest!

How to Pack for Long Term Travel
Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel

We want to hear from you!

What do you think about our list? What would you add? Do you have any other packing tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Comments (13) on “Ultimate Packing List For Long Term Travel

  1. tleventer@gmail.com says:

    Great list. One comment though as I’ve seen in several places you recommend taking dryer sheets to keep everything fresh. Dryer sheets are synthetic "fragrance" items that are now being found out are AWFUL for you and for the environment. Try wool dryer balls and use a high quality essential oil instead. Better for you, better for the environment — the balls last SO much longer than the dryer sheets! BTW, yes I am a distributor for Young Living and only recommend those… but the tip is still valid 😉

  2. gwilson27@gmail.com says:

    Great list!!!! but could you please change the graphic for the Convert app to the actual app visual (as you did with Duolingo). There are 100s of conversion apps and I would like to try the one you use.
    Thanks

  3. codman_b@yahoo.com says:

    Thank you for the tips on the packing. It helps to make sure I am not forgetting things. I’ll be leaving soon for 17 days taking a little less than what was mentioned on this list; mainly the clothing section where I will downsize and wash a little more.

    Studied your articles a few months ago, and back again before the trip to make sure I am not forgetting anything. Anxious, but extremely excited! Thanks again! 🙂

  4. taylorwilliams193@gmail.com says:

    This post (and a few of your others) has helped me so much! Thank you! I was wondering what you pack all of your toiletries in. I am going on a 3 month volunteering trip overseas and I am trying to find the perfect bag for my toiletries and makeup. I will be packing my stuff in a travel pack (still trying to find the perfect pack!) and want to find something compact and easy to find all of my stuff. Do you recommend clear zip up bags or a toiletry bag I can hang on the door (if possible) or something completely different?!

    Thank you!

    • bwzweber@gmail.com says:

      Great question Taylor. Katie loves her hanging toiletry bag. We just got it off of Amazon and it works great. Different compartments for different sized items. I think we found it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2PAefun It folds up to about the size of a packing cube so it fit great in a backpack. We’ll be sure to update the packing list.

  5. lgrem2@gmail.com says:

    Hi Katie and Ben, thank you for another excellent post! I have a question about your hiking pants for EBC trek, did you bring those with you or purchase some in Nepal? Trying to figure out how to pack for 7 months in many different climates! I cannot tell you how many times my husband and I have looked at your site and how beneficial it has been! You definitely inspired us to do EBC trek on our own and travel to Chitwan! Thank you very much! Have a wonderful evening! 🙂

    • ktdieder@gmail.com says:

      Hey Laura, that’s an excellent question – definitely one I had before arriving in Nepal. Since we had just traveled for 6 months through SE Asia and India, I had mostly lightweight clothes (aka NOT good for trekking in the Himalayas haha).

      If you have a couple days to spare, definitely do some shopping in Kathmandu. There’s literally everything you’ll need. I got my trekking pants, slippers and thermals there. Plus, I rented a down jacket and sleeping bag.

      This post is our packing list for EBC, and if you read through the (many!) tips, you’ll find out which stores in Kathmandu we found some of our items at.

      I would say that the snacks available in Kathmandu were just alright (and quite expensive for the selection). If you’ll be in a more developed city beforehand, I would suggest picking up some protein bars (we couldn’t find anything other than the equivalent of generic Chewy bars in Nepal). Chocolate is also very limited and expensive in Kathmandu.

      For hiking boots, you can find used ones pretty cheap in Kathmandu (we sold Ben’s there after our trek haha), but you might be hard pressed to find some that fit well and you won’t have much time to break them in. If possible, I’d suggest bringing your own footwear.

      Oh, and good call on Chitwan! It’s a totally different side of Nepal. Have so much fun and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.

  6. meaghanashley25@gmail.com says:

    Great post, guys! I definitely need this.

    I consider myself something of a travel book junkie, so I thought I’d add a few more recommendations:

    The Dud Avocado – Elaine Dundy
    An Embarrassment of Mangoes – Ann Vanderhoof
    What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding – Kristin Newman
    Jungle – Yossi Ghinsberg
    Around the World in 50 Years – Albert Podell
    In The Temple of Wolves – Rick Lamplugh
    Tales of an African Vet – Roy Aronson
    Lost Angel Walkabout – Linda Ballou
    Cry of the Kalahari – Mark and Delia Owens

    Absolutely ANYTHING by Tim Cahill, Peter Allison, or Bill Bryson.

    I also intend to read the rest of Mark and Delia Owens’s books.

    Cheers!

    • ktdieder@gmail.com says:

      Meaghan! I will always come to you for book advice, especially when it come to travel books! Thanks for the awesome additions!

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