The first time I hopped around the world in 2019/2020 visiting 17 countries before Covid sent me … well, packing, I learned a lot of what I needed, didn’t need, and wish I had while traveling. I bought many things along the way and gave away some as well. This time, I am faced with the same tremendous feat of what to pack in my 70L backpack that will sustain me for 13 months.
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Choosing the backpack(s):
Leaving home for 13+ months while travelling to all seven continents with varying, and sometimes extreme, weather is no small feat. Keeping in mind I will have to travel with these bags in everything I do; these bags will essentially be my home for just over a year, I will need to keep things as light and as manageable as possible. I’ve chosen the Deuter 35L Women’s Backpack and the Osprey 70L Women’s Backpack. This is not to say I am going to fill either of them to the max. Neither of these packs are going to be filled to capacity because I am not Arnold Schwarzenegger. I need a small carry on for essentials: laptop, wallet, change of clothes, electronics, toiletries. This small pack is also going to be what I carry on the Camino and any other multi-day hikes on my journey; the big pack will be stored while hiking. The 70L will also not be filled but will carry all the other things I will need; sleeping bag, warm clothes and gear, extra clothing, extra toiletries, non-essential hiking gear and shoes.
Outdoor gear/Sleeping gear:
Recommended Travel Clothing and Accessories:
Klymit All Seasons Light Weight Sleeping Bag
Microfibre Travel Towel – quick dry, medium
Silk Liner – on those hot nights where you need some covering. Also protects from little critters.
Sea to Summit Dry Bags/Packing Cubes – I first started using these on my first trip around the world trip and they have totally changed how I pack and organize our things. Now, I never travel without them. These are available in all different sizes and are critical in keeping your clothing organized. If you are living out of a backpack long-term, keeping your clothes compartmentalized makes traveling, packing, and unpacking so much easier. Rather than a backpack filled with a jumble of shirts, socks, pants, shoes, and underwear, you can have a cube for each type of clothing. Finding what you need is easier and unpacking when you get to your next hotel is quick and easy. I use lots of these, in all different sizes, and I highly recommend them.
Shape Shifting Hydration Bladder – I prefer up to 2.5L as this is something that you start the day with first thing in the morning. Think about weight when deciding.
CamelBak Water Bottle – Very reliable and keeps water chilled
Shoes/Boots:
Light Weight Merrell Hiking Shoe – very comfy and no blisters!
Havaianas Flip Flops – any colour is a good colour!
Sketchers Go Walk Walking Shoes – I use walking shoes everyday to explore any city, countryside, museum I go to. Get a comfy, reliable, and neutral coloured pair that can be worn with anything.
Layers of Clothing:
When purchasing clothing, chose synthetic fabrics over cotton. Synthetic fabrics dry faster and are more resistant to wrinkling.
Jacket(s):
As you know, I do a lot of outdoor hiking and climbing, regardless of the weather conditions. I purchased this Women’s Arcteryx Alpha Gortex Jacket a couple of year’s ago to protect me from the elements. I can attest that after completing the Three Peak’s Challenge in Britain, it works. Everything I needed it to be – weather and water protection, warm, and comfortable with a very shielding hood and arm length. It is also light weight, not taking up too much real estate in the backpack.
While in Antarctica, the cruise line gives every person onboard a parka to wear and keep as a souvenir. This is a truly unique and exceptional bonus but one that I will need to ship home once the cruise is complete as I cannot carry the parka in my backpack.
Pants:
Protection is key, especially in the waters of Antarctica! I purchased the Women’s Arcteryx Beta Pant recently. Also compactible, weather/water (Gortex) proof, comfortable.
At least 2 comfy warm pairs (one fleece) – zipping off at the knee becomes capris/shorts
Tops:
1 lightweight fleece
2 long sleeve shirts – lightweight
5 T-shirts/tank tops – select a couple polyester/moisture wicking especially for hiking
Other:
2 pair lightweight Wright Socks – I hiked the Camino de Santiago and worn these the entire 900kms. No blisters, no problems!
2 pair Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks warm and lightweight
7 pairs underwear
2 bras, 3 sport bras
1 long and wide scarf for covering up arms/legs
1 bathing suit
Hat/cap – order from Storied Passport!
Sunglasses – UV protection. Trust me, you’ll need them.
Gortex Arcteryx Gloves – for Antarctica. Waterproof, weatherproof, warm and comfy.
There are a lot of travellers that get by with less clothing than this. Personally, I like having enough clothing to go six to seven days without having to do laundry.
Toiletries:
Travel sized shampoo and conditioner
Brush/comb
Moose/hair gel
1 bar of soap
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Deodorant
Razors
Tweezers
Nail clippers – I don’t know how many times I had to buy these while travelling!
Moisturizer – especially for my feet as they get very dry with all of the hiking I do
Makeup – limited: lip balm, 1 nail polish
Prescription Medications – Diamox, Antimalarial
Non-prescription medication – Advil, Benadryl, Gravol, pain relief creams, rehydration tablets
Electronics:
Laptop – MacBook Air – lightweight
iPhone
Headphones/earbuds
Charging cables
Essentials:
Passport
Copies of passport and other important documents – health insurance, visas
Visas for countries you plan to visit
Immunization book
International driver’s license
Wallet or secure and flat Money Belt (cash is king)
Debit/Credit Cards
Miscellaneous:
Deck of playing cards/Uno – comes in handy while waiting for buses, trains, flights. A great way to make new friends!
First Aid kit – travel size
Ziplock bags – separate wet items
Travel size laundry detergent
Clothes line (long thin rope will do)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Water purification tablets
Travel locks for backpacks
Emergency toilet paper (half a roll) – used much more than you might expect. This is something you really should consider carrying with you, as toilet paper is not found in all bathrooms around the world.