A Real Packing List

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The type of traveller you are and the type of activities you want to do will affect your packing list greatly! As for me, I like hiking and active travel, and do not go clubbing, dine in expensive restaurants, or stay in 4- or 5-star hotels. My packing list therefore, does not include smart clothes and shoes, heels, make up or dresses.

Packing would still be a challenge. Near freezing temperatures some nights, over 40 degrees Celsius some days, eight months long a trip, some Muslim and Orthodox Christian countries, modern cities, rural towns, hiking, swimming, camping... could everything I need fit in my 24L backpack and remain under the 7kg carry-on luggage limit?

Yes, it could and it did. The secret to light packing is this:
  • Pack versatile, mix and match, and layering clothes
  • Buy quality performance items that moisture wick, quick dry, and last
  • Accept that you will be washing clothes frequently
  • Remember that you can acquire and discard things during your trip

My test-pack did not differ too greatly from the real-pack. Just a thermal and scarf were omitted.

Clothing and Shoes

  • Kathmandu moisture-wicking quick-dry shirts (2): look like casual cotton tees but perform like sports shirts
  • Kathmandu long-sleeve collared shirt: a warm layer that also suits city sightseeing or dinners out
  • Kathmandu chambray dress: for hot days, city sightseeing, and modest garb for religious sites
  • Mountain Designs long hiking pants*
  • Mountain Designs hiking shorts
  • Black Running Bare leggings: double as running tights
  • Kathmandu Arbury soft shell jacket
  • Sleep shirt*
  • Thermal vest*
  • Underwear (4)
  • Berlei sports bras (2): light packing, quick-dry, and fancy enough for a swim
  • Feetures running socks: essential for long days on my feet
  • Low cut socks (2)*
  • Mountain Designs wool socks
  • Running shorts: double as swim shorts
  • Neck gaiter/head tube
  • La Sportiva light hiking waterproof shoes*: double as running shoes
  • Thongs/flip flops*
  • Olukai flat slip on shoes: for city sightseeing and giving the hiking shoes a break, packs down small
*These items probably won't make the flight home as they are now well-worn.

Neck gaiters or head tubes are perfect for cold mornings and/or dusty places like the Namib desert at sunrise.

Accessories

  • Small microfibre towel
  • Packaway daypack
  • 1L water bottle and plenty of Aquatabs
  • Various chargers and cables for devices, adapter plugs
  • Smartphone
  • Electric shaver/epilator
  • Sewing kit
  • Pegless clotheslines (2)
  • Ziplock bags
  • Carabiners (2)
  • Envelopes and rubber bands for managing currencies
  • Pen and paper: for planning, note-taking, and border crossing forms
  • Small toiletry bag

Limited use items

  • Running singlet
  • Extra blouse+
  • Mesh clothing bag
  • Padlock
  • Safety razor
+Discarded a few months into trip.

Items acquired

  • Floppy hat
  • Long sleeve thermal top
  • Compact umbrella#
  • Serrated butterknife and teaspoon#
  • Exfoliating mitt
#Will not be brought back home.

Wearing dorky hats and hiking gear for 8 months is okay if you don't care what people think. Then again, in Cappadocia, everyone is looking at the amazing landscape anyway.

I hope this list can give you an indication of how it is possible to pack light on a long backpacking trip if your travel style is similar to mine.

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