Packing a handful of tops and leggings seems easy right?
Errr not so much when your trying to pack for hot and cold climates and fit your life into a 70 litre bag.
To be honest I also felt that were some ‘non-essentials’ that I wasn’t willing to go without for 3 months. I know to some this may seem absolutely ridiculous but it’s nice to have a few little luxuries when you’re away – hair straighteners are essential right?
There’s so much advice on the internet but as first-time long-term travellers, we read them with horror as we tried to imagine surviving with the minimal lists that some people advocate. We’re away now and after a bit of a frantic session to get everything to fit, we’re stuck with what we’ve packed. I wonder if we’ll still be thinking we got it right in three months time or will we be ruefully looking at those minimalist lists!
Anyway, here’s what I went for:
The first thing I purchased was my 70 litre Fairview Osprey bag. I wanted a compact bag that wasn’t too big as I just wouldn’t be able to lug it around. Secondly, it has a day bag which hooks into the main bag and thirdly the bag opens out like a suitcase so it’s easy to find things rather than having to pull everything out each time. To help with the packing, we also bought packing cubes in different colours making it easier to find particular items of clothes without pulling everything out.
Here is a list of all the items I packed, hopefully I haven’t got it completely wrong! Will keep you posted on that one.
- Underwear x10
- Ankle socks x6
- Hiking socks x4
- Sports bra x2
- Bra x2
- T-shirt’s x8
- Vest tops x3
- Thermal top x1
- Leggings x3
- Skirt x1
- Shorts x1
- Sport jumper x3
- Jeans x1
- Smarter trousers x1
- North face rain coat
- Rab jacket
- Flip flops x1
- Mizuno hiking runners x1
- Mizuno runners x1
- Birkenstock sandals x1
- Swimwear x3
- Gloves x1
- Wooly hat x1
- Scarf x2
- PJs x1
- Hydration reservoir
- Travel towel x3
- Spork x1 (Thanks Auntie Mainie)
- Sunglasses x2
- Reading glasses x1
- Kindle
- Sleeping bag liner
- Dry bag
- Money belt
- USB
- Head torch x1
- Blow up pillow x1
- Sterile water bottle
- Garmin fitness tracker/watch
- Straighteners
- Wash bag
- Hair brush/ tooth brush
- Makeup (Foundation/concealer/bronzer/blusher/mascara/lip balm/ lipstick
- Shampoo/ conditioner/ heat protector
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Perfume (got a little travel bottle from my Ma)
- Cleanser/ face wipes/ baby wipes
- Moisturiser
- Suncream
- Insect repellant
- First aid kit
- Medicine- inhalers (bring prescription) paracetamol/ Imodium/ anti histamines – always be prepared!
- Yellow fever certificate
- Passport photos (required for visas)
- Passport
All packed and ready to go!