It’s been 2.5 years since my gap year in Europe, and after 2 years of working at a startup in Silicon Valley, I decided the travel bug was too strong to ignore so here we are! I am taking off for 8ish months traveling through New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia. Luckily it will be warm while in most of these destinations so my clothes skew towards summer clothes and I don’t have to bring as many layers. I absolutely loved my 44L Tortuga backpack that I used on my last 12 month trip, but decided I wanted to challenge myself to take even less on this trip. Given my love for Tortuga, I immediately researched a few of the backpacks from their newest lines and ultimately chose the 35L Women’s Setout. I am thrilled with the size and new shape. It holds a ton of stuff for only 35L. I also bought the corresponding packing cubes because DUH. Lastly, given that this trip is more outdoorsy and adventure focused than the European trip, I knew I wanted to bring a daypack with me as taking my cross body purse (personal item) was not a feasible option for long hikes. Luckily for me, Tortuga thinks of everything! I bought their Setout Packable Daypack. It’s 19L so it’s big enough to hold a water bottle, swimsuit, and a towel, but it’s unstructured so can pack completely flat or in a ball stuff in a corner of my bag. I can’t wait to try it out!
On to the packing list:
Clothes
- 1 pair of crop Lululemon’s
- 1 pair of regular length Lululemon’s
- 1 pair of jean shorts
- 2 light-weight dresses
- 5 Cute shirts (4 everyday shirts, 1 going out shirt)
- 3 sports bras
- 2 athletic shirts (1 to sleep in)
- Nike Booty shorts (to sleep in)
- 1 pair of running shorts
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks, 1 pair of compression socks for travel days
- one nude bra, one black bralette
- 2 pairs of shoes (running shoes, Birkenstocks)
- Patagonia (for cold airplanes)
- 1 Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Rain coat
- Running band
Electronics
- Computer + Charger
- iPad
- iPhone + Charger
- GoPro + Charger
- Headphones (Apple)
- Headphones (Bose)
- Plug adapter
- Portable charger
- Fitbit + Fitbit charger
- Backup hardrive (in case computer is stolen)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Flosser
- Any medication you take
- Retainer
- Deodorant
- Makeup
- Eye makeup remover
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Razor
- Conditioner
- Shampoo
- Brush
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Ibuprofen
- Hair ties and bobby pins
- Moleskin
- Bandaids
- Cough drops
- Topical steroid cream for bed bug bites or regular bug bites to help with itchiness
- Deet (for Southeast Asia)
- Malaria Pills (for Southeast Asia)
- Pills for travelers diarrhea (in case)
Miscellaneous
- Passport
- International Certificate of Vaccination (I needed this to show that I have received the Yellow Fever vaccination)
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I prefer the Chase Sapphire Reserve)
- Backup credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I am bringing a Chase Hyatt card)
- Charles Schwab debit card (they refund all ATM fees anywhere in the world!)
- License (as an extra form of ID when I don’t want to take my passport)
- Inflatable neck pillow
- Extra Passport photos
- Thumb drive with all documentation
- Handbag (for personal item on planes as well as day-to-day use)
- Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack
- Travel Towel
- Grayl Water Bottle + extra cartridge (Amazing water bottle that filters water so you can drink from anywhere)
- Ear Plug
- Eye Mask
- Lock (for staying in hostels)
- Pack of cards
Here is everything spread out on a table!
And I’m off!
The Pursuit Of Travel
Hi!
I’m wondering how you managed to fit all of that into a 35 L bag?! I have a super similar packing list to yours, and am struggling to even pack a 44 liter bag – I can’t imagine how you did it! I’m trying to decide between a 44 or 48 L bag, but am honestly struggling with both.
What’s your secret?? /any advice? Better to have a bigger bag or a smaller one that has zero extra space?
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Hi Jaia,
Packing cubes are definitely a life saver!! It’s amazing what you can consolidate into them.
My biggest recommendation is try to take as small a bag as possible! I even regret bringing as much as I did. I find that I tend to wear all my favorite things over and over again so inevitably there are a few items that end up sitting in my bag, mostly unworn.
Just remember it’s easy to do laundry, and your back will thank you for bringing a smaller bag. Also you save lots of money by not having to check a bag. I hate not having my bag in my possession too.
Don’t be afraid to throw stuff out/donate items if you find that you aren’t wearing them. Don’t carry dead weight!!! On the flip side, try to pack less and you can tell yourself that if you find that end up needing that extra shirt/pants/shoes etc, you can always buy it along the way and it becomes a fun memory that your favorite new shirt is on you bought in Thailand, etc.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
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