Bare Minimum Packing
These packs were actually for two of us. When I went to hike in Torres del Paine in Patagonia, I met up with another woman and we cut back on what we carried as we knew the hiking would be a challenge.
What’s the bare minimum you need on your packing list?
As a solo traveler, I feel it is important to pack light. By packing light I am in control. I face fewer line-ups at airports and I am more mobile. Because I can handle my luggage myself, I can save money by taking buses rather than taxis. And I think I am less of a target than someone who has a large suitcase or multiple bags.
To me, packing light just makes sense. But it seems that few can do it.
As I travel to conferences to speak about travel blogging, other bloggers wonder at my ability to put it all in one carry-on and a day pack. Last November I went to Los Angeles for four days, then to London for four days, on to Wales for a lot of walking and north to Liverpool and Edinburgh. I traveled for 19 days in total. Needless to say, the weather and activities between LA and Edinburgh were very different. But I had everything I needed in one carry-on and a day pack.
Essentially, you don’t need much more for a month than you do for a week. With this in mind, here are the packing lists:
Packing List – the Essentials
- All paperwork: hotel confirmations, flight information, passport and travel insurance info
- Global plugin adapter
- eReader – Kindle, Kobo, iPad (whatever you use)
- Journal and pen
- Computer and ac adapter
- Phone and cable
- Camera and charger
- Prescription medication, vitamins, supplements, water bottle
- Tiny first aid kit
- Conditioner, hair product, face cream, makeup, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, brush, razor, shave soap
- A few feet of duck tape can come in quite handy.
- A couple of resealable plastic bags.
Packing List for Women
To be pack-worthy, everything you take must go with many things. To have clothes for a range of activities that work together, choose one color palette. Working with a base color like black or brown along with a contrasting color such as grey or beige and an accent color, makes sure that everything you’re carrying works together.
- Shoes – two pairs total. one pair street shoes (or sandals) and one pair of dressier shoes. (if you need hiking boots, wear them on the plane. You can tie them onto your carry-on or backpack and wear your street shoes at your destination.) Shoes make or break an outfit so choose them carefully. Only bring shoes that have proven themselves comfortable.
- Pants – three pairs total or two pairs and one dress or skirt. (Wear your most comfortable on the plane.)
- Tops – five tops, one light sweater and one camisole (that works as an under layer for hiking and under a jacket for a dressier look).
- One cardigan OR light jacket that can dress up or down depending on jeans/pants and accessories.
- Belt, inexpensive jewelery, one scarf to dress up casual clothes
- Pashmina scarf – it has so many uses from head cover to beach coverup to protection from a wind storm.
- Umbrella, scarf, gloves, rain pants, hat, vest, pair of sunglasses (depending on weather of your destinations)
- Bathing suit
- Pajamas, underwear, socks
Sounds like a lot but it’s not. Rinse clothes out when necessary. Count what you didn’t use when you get back and don’t pack it again.
Packing List for Men
A man’s packing list is not a lot different from a woman’s except that it’s easier. There is not as much nuance in what a man wears and, throw a blazer onto a guy wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and he looks great. So, here’s the men’s packing list.
- Shoes – two pairs total. one pair street shoes (or sandals) and one pair of dressier shoes. (Like above, if you need hiking boots, wear them on the plane.) Only bring shoes that have proven themselves comfortable.
- Pants / shorts – three pairs total. You know your style but one pair should not be jeans.
- 4 t-shirts (make sure at least one of them is white to wear under a dress shirt). If you’re going some place tropical or humid, make sure that they are very light and pack more of them.
- 1 golf shirt or casual shirt with a collar.
- 1 dress shirts
- One blazer. (This is optional, of course, but really useful. Choose a light fabric.)
- Belt and tie (if you’re into that look)
- Umbrella, scarf, gloves, rain pants, hat, vest, pair of sunglasses (depending on weather of your destinations)
- Bathing suit
- Underwear, pajamas and socks
Packing Light Tips
- Don’t pack the bulky things – wear them on the plane.
- Follow carry-on rules according to your airline. Be really careful about the weight. Just because you can fit it into a carry-0n does not mean they will let you on the plane with it.
- Watch the restrictions on the size of bottle liquids and other items you are allowed to carry on board.
- Be considerate of other passengers and don’t hog the overhead space.
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