packing list for long term travel…

Some of the most common questions people have had when they hear about our trip relate to how big my suitcase is and what I am planning to carry around the world. People get even more curious when I share that we are not planning to check any bags on our trip. So what is my packing list for long term travel?

And if you’ve known me since the days when I checked 2 suitcases to come home for two weeks at Christmastime, you might be even more interested.

Below is a pretty exhaustive list of my packing list for long term travel. I’ve also included the items I consider “group gear” that are in Daryle’s pack, like the first aid kit, camera, etc, since I think those are important to getting the full idea of what we have chosen to bring along.

After my first hike to our current cabin in Sayulita, I am already considering what I might leave behind when we head out at the end of the month. I’ll let you know what doesn’t make the cut.

My Packing List for Long Term Travel

In my Osprey Porter 46L (that’s equivalent to 2800 cu in for those not well-versed in liters), I am carrying:

pack cover
daypack (REI Flash 18)
small purse (the thrift store one I started with has already been replaced with one bought on the beach)
money belt
cash/credit/debit cards
Passport
bamboo sleep sack
headlamp
water bottle (Insulated HydroFlask – insulation already very appreciated)
Steripen
AA and AAA batteries (Lithium) for headlamps and Steripen
non-TSA lock for bag
TSA lock and cable
mask & snorkel
Fozzil cup (small origami-like cup that unfolds flat)
spoon
sunglasses
baseball cap

Clothes

Patagonia Island Hemp Pants – khaki
Quick-dry hiking pants – black
Running/sleeping shorts
Quick-dry hiking shorts
Smartwool Mdwt Bottoms – black
Ankle length skirt-black
Knee-length skirt – black
Quick-dry tank (for running/hiking and everyday)
flowy cotton tank (for everyday but nice enough with skirt to go out)
3 Short Sleeve tees (everyday and sleeping)
longsleeve quick-dry hiking shirt – white
2 quick-dry longsleeve shirts (one nice enough to go out)
Longsleeve lightweight base layer
Sleeveless ankle-length dress, can be worn with base layer above in colder weather and still look nice
Knee length sundress
Sweater/Sweatshirt
Patagonia Nano Puff Vest
Rain Pants
Rain Jacket
Silk scarf
board shorts
longsleeve rashguard
bikini
lightweight running type hat
lightweight gloves
3 pair quick-dry underwear
2 Bras – one sportsbra & one regular
waterproof hiking shoes
Chacos
cheap flip flops
ballet flat shoes (Taos Repleat)
Socks – 2 hiking, 1 liner, 1 Smartwool pattern kneesock & 1 comfy Life is Good Snuggle Socks (for travel days)

Recording & Communicating

3 pens
2 sketching pencils
pencil sharpener
Moleskine journal
set of colored pencils
2 very tiny Moleskine notebooks
Europe train map
pictures of family
extra passport photos
small laminated world map

First Aid Cabinet (Daryle is carrying all but the last 4 items here)

Antifungal cream
bandaids
benadryl
hydrocortizone cream
cloth tape
triple antibiotic cream
4×4 gauze
latex gloves
safety pins
cough/cold medicine
Cipro (prescription)
superglue
tweezers
peptobismal tabs
Pearls probiotics
antiseptic wipes
allergy med
Melatonin
Ibuprofin
Excedrin migraine
malaria meds for 300 days
birth control pills for a year

Personal Care

lotion bar/solid perfume
Venus razor & spare blades
Dr. Bronner’s bar soap (also for handwashing laundry)
toothbrush
toothpaste
dental picks
deoderant
PackTowel (12″x30″)
Badger bug balm
bug spray w/DEET
body lotion
wetwipes
Fabreze (for helping out clothes that really need to be washed)
sunscreen SPF 4, 30 & 70
tampons (the little tiny OB ones)
contact solution
contacts for 6 months (I use the one-a-day kind, so this is definitely a space suck)
comb
shampoo
leave-in conditioner (does wonders for untangling hair after ocean use)
hand sanitizer
hair ties/clips/barette
3 wide hair bands (can double as a sleeping mask)
tinted moisturizer & sponge applicator
mascara
small mirror
bandanna (because they are infinitely useful)
small roll of toilet paper
earplugs
chapstick
nail file
watch
earrings
necklace

Fixing and Cleaning (Daryle is carrying this kit)

universal sink stopper
travel laundry line (was loving this item, but already broken and repaired once)
sewing kit
dental floss
duct tape
zip ties
glasses fix kit
superglue

Technology

14″ laptop/netbook
neoprene case for laptop
superthin drybag for laptop (Sea to Summit Ultra Sil)
international cell phone (Go SIM) (Daryle is carrying this)
point-and-shoot Panasonic (DMC-FH25K) (Daryle again)
Canon T4i w/2 lenses, all carried in neoprene sleeves (Daryle again)
Samsung Galaxy Player
iPhone 3 (back-up for the Samsung)
2 pair earbud headphones
Kindle drybag for Kindle/Samsung/iPhone
power strip/surge protector/charger for USB devices (Daryle again)
cords and chargers for assorted devices
flash drives (for sending photos home as backup)
outlet adapter set

*note that since we are not checking bags, all liquids/gels, etc listed are all 3oz or less

Since we checked our bags, I carried my daypack separately and had a little extra space, so I also brought:

A full size beach towel
3 full-size bottles of sunscreen
A full-size bottle of shampoo
2 books
3 magazines

(these items will most likely not be on the next flight)

Things I have already wished I had brought:

one of those thin little string backpacks (for taking places it might be unattended and get stolen, like the beach)
tote that folds up tiny and zips into a little keyring size clip on (for grocery shopping)
another bikini

So there you have it, my packing list for long-term travel. What is on yours? Share in the comments below.