THE ESSENTIAL GEAR
Main Backpack
Choose this wisely. It will be an extension of your body. Make sure it is comfortable, durable and functional. Backpacks larger than 45 liters need not apply.
$85+ | BUY
Passport
The absolute most important and hardest to replace item required for vagabonding around the world. Always have this or a copy on your person at all times.
$50+ | APPLY
Cash Money
Spread various amounts of local and strong currency (US dollars, Euros) amongst your backpack and clothing. Don’t place all or an excessive amount of cash in one place.
$00+ | EXCHANGE
Credit/Debit Cards
Carry at least 1 debit card on your person and 1 in your backpack with no more than 2 credit cards. Keep your government issued ID safe but will not be required much abroad.
$00+ | READ
Smartphone
iPhone, Android or at worst a netbook. Avoid full size laptops. Think digital compass, hotel booking, maps, research, notes, journal, camera, calendar, digital guide books, novels, phrase book, music, weather, social and currency converter.
$200+ | BUY
Documents
Make physical copies of all important documents and cards. Typically a set on your person and or your backpack. At minimum, have a copy of your Passport in your possession at all times.
$.10+ | COPY
Clothing
No more than 3 sets of shirts, pants, socks and underwear will be needed. Choose matching colors for all pieces. Select fast drying travel clothing. Avoid jeans, white colors and coats – think layering.
$25+ | BUY
Footwear
Wear comfortable but durable sneakers/ boots. Do not bring more than 2 pairs of shoes. Even 2 is stretching it. Learn about choosing the right footwear here.
$75+ | BUY
Travel Towel
Invest in a specially made for travel towel. They are compact, fast drying and absorb more than significantly larger towels. Towels are also multi-functional and often not offered at hostels or charge a fee.
$10+ | BUY
Padlock
A padlock but preferably a small combination lock. Can be used for lockers and doors in hostels, guesthouses and bungalows. Also for locking up bags during train and bus rides.
$10+ | BUY
LED Flashlight
Headlamps are fine, but consider a couple of micro LED flashlights the size of a grape. They are extremely powerful and long lasting. Think third world country black outs, unstable beach bungalow electricity and when sharing dorms.
$12+ | BUY
Toothbrush & Kit
Although easily replaceable, have this and toothpaste in your backpack at all times. Think overnight train / bus rides and treks.
$6+ | BUY
Loperamide
Other than your required medications (if any), this widely available and legal drug should be in your backpack at all times. Traveller’s diarrhea will and can occur at any time. Loperamide works like a charm.
$5+ | BUY
Toilet Paper
No less than an 1/8 of a roll should be in your backpack as an emergency stash. In many places around the world, toilet paper is not used, offered or available. Napkins are also sometimes rare in poorer countries.
$8+ | BUY
Weatherproof Baggies
Preferably the NAVY approved LokSak brand but plastic bags will suffice for most situations. Used for protecting gadgets, medication and papers from water, humidity and severe weather conditions. Also used for TSA liquid regulations and temporary storage of wet clothing.
$12+ | BUY
THE PRIMARY GEAR
Daypack
This backpack should be about 2 – 3 times smaller than your main pack. Used to carry certain essentials while touring. Typically used for packing valuables, water and food for treks and long days while the main pack remains at your accommodation.
$50+ | BUY
Compact Compass
Extremely useful when navigating with a map in a new country or location. Choose the most compact one available.
$8+ | BUY
Flat Water Bottle
Although you will be purchasing water frequently, you may want to invest in the ultra compact Platypus bottle.
$12+ | BUY
Flip-Flops
Vibram Five Fingers or sandals will work as well. A must if you will be frequenting hostels with shared bathrooms. Always wear to avoid fungus from the shower floors.
$65+ | BUY
Backup Kit
This can be a small wallet or a nondescript pouch. Fill it with about $500 US dollars / Euros, copy of Passport and a credit card. Used only as an emergency.
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$10+ | BUY
Travel Mirror
Only the travel or “indestructible” survival mirrors that take up nearly zero space and weight. Mirrors are often not in accommodations in developing countries and tropical bungalows.
$12+
THE SECONDARY GEAR
Basic Toiletry Kit
Remember the 3 ounce rule and pack small size portions of soaps and shampoos. Don’t stock up your backpack with your favorite brand as most of them will be available worldwide. Put them all in a toiletry kit or a ziplock bag.
$10+ | BUY
Sleep Liner
Preferably the Silk Liner Mummy from Sea To Summit. Excellent protection from bedbugs and dirty sheets. Also makes a great emergency blanket. Packs to a size of a fist.
$65+ | BUY
Water Purifier Tablets
Not the system, but the travel tablets. Used for questionable water sources from accommodations and while outdoors. Just mix with contaminated water and drink.
$13+ | BUY
Water Purifier Tablets
Not the system, but the travel tablets. Used for questionable water sources from accommodations and while outdoors. Just mix with contaminated water and drink.
$13+ | BUY
Rain/Shell Jacket
The lightest and most compact model you can find. Good for warm and cold climates. With proper layering, it can do the job of a heavy coat.
$75+ | BUY
Mini First Aid Kit
Make your own or buy one but keep it a small package. Include the basics like bandages, gauzes, antibacterials, hydrocortisone and pain relievers.
$8+ | BUY
Bug Repellent
Useful in certain countries and available anywhere. If visiting an area where bugs are a problem, get the Sawyer Maxi Deet Spray about the size of a magic marker and has the strongest formula.
$3+ | BUY
THE DO NOT PACK LIST
Sleeping Bag
Even the most compact ones take up an exceedingly large amount of precious space. They take days to dry and are often not allowed to be used in hostels. Stick with a sleep liner.
Tent
Even if you plan on trekking or camping, this should not even be considered. Rent or buy during your travels if needed.
Coat
Unless you will be in constant freezing temperatures, any sort of coat is unnecessary and will be a burden. A rain jacket will suffice with proper layering.
White Clothing
Whether your in the cold or warm climates, the amount of walking and activity will turn your whites to yellow quickly. Stick with colored or dark clothing.
Denim Clothing
Although tough, denim takes up too much space and weight. When wet, it could take days to dry without a drying machine – of which is rare in many countries and it will cost more money as well. Choose synthetics or merino wool.
Large Laptops
Smart phones and netbooks are fine but never pack a full size laptop. The power cord alone takes up a large percentage of space and weight.
Specialty Bags
Such as specifically made for packing cameras and laptops. These are prime targets for thieves. The bags confirm the value of the contents.
GPS Device
An unnecessary gadget for vagabonding which can be replaced with a simple compass or smartphone. Useless unless your doing deep trekking.
The Word “NO”
Sure it physically weighs nothing and takes no packing space but it will slow you down and confine you. Take risks, be open, and say “yes” more often.