ONE YEAR OF TRAVEL: WHAT I’M BRINGING WITH ME
The big departure date is arriving soon! On January 1st, I will officially begin my year of travel. I’ll board a plane bound for New Orleans and spent the month volunteering with a local community organization (of which I’ll be telling you lots about soon).
As I’ve chatted with friends and family about my project, a common question is posed – What does one pack for a year of travel?
Last week I chatted with enRoute Magazine about what would be in my carry-on. But what about the other things that one needs to bring? Underwear? A sleeping bag? A curling iron?
To be honest, I have no idea how one should pack for a year of travel. My needs will vary throughout the year, and my general theory is that I’ll be able to pick things up as I move along. But this is what I’ve boiled it down to for my departure.
CLOTHES:
- 7 pairs of underwear (mix of briefs and boxers)
- 7 pairs of socks (mix of low ankle sport socks, and wooly socks)
- a pair of jeans, a pair of canvas hiking pants
- 3 pairs of shorts (including one that functions as swim trunks)
- 5 t-shirts
- a leather belt
- 3 button-up, long-sleeve shirts
- a fleecy, zip-up sweater
- a Goretex™ jacket
- 3 paris of footwear: hiking shoes, converse sneakers, flip-flops
- a toque, a pair of fingerless gloves
Added: A hat (thanks Lisa!)
GEAR:
- laptop
- camera
- iPod Touch
- quick-dry towel
- universal adaptor
- small bag for toiletries (bar of soap, shampoo, tooth brush, tooth paste, razor, deodorant, sunscreen, nail clippers, Advil, bandaids, earplugs)
- cheap, replaceable sleeping bag
- extra ziplock bags
- head-lamp
- passport
What am I missing? Any tips?
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Photo Credit: Richmond Lam
OMG! I can never travel with 7 pairs of underwear. I own 46. I’d have to bring atleast 16. :/
I’m preparing for 2+ years of nomadic travel so I’ll be compiling my packing list soon. Just at first glance I found two essential items missing: Sink plug stopper and travel clothesline to do your own laundry.
what about a hat and sunscreen for all those days lazing on the beach ;) or I mean working on a farm (don’t you need a cowboy hat for that?)
A good water bottle…and only take 5 pair of undies, 5 pair of socks.
Hello Daniel,
Bring a lighter and lighter fluid. Fire is your best friend. It brings you light and scares away the mosquitos. (And lights up cigarettes of banditos…very appreciated).
Peace and harmony on your journey,
If you need an assistant (my nickname is MacGyver) I’ll be ready!
Betty Esperanza
bettyesperanza4hire@yahoo.ca
Don’t forget your toothbrush!
Also, I recommend a multitool of some sort. A jackknife even?
And you probably won’t wear all those clothes, leave room for the things you will buy along the way.
Be safe Dan! Have a great time!!
xo
a,
Well Daniel, on a trip like this I do believe you should take a small bible along.
Daniel,
I recently quit my job to pursue the dream of long term travel. I will spend 14 months in 11 countries.
I am taking a 40 L pack. here’s my advice: I would ditch the sneakers & take only lightweight hikers, tevas (or equiv) and flip flops. I also travelled with one of those new fangled quick dry towels & found that it smelled like mildew no matter how many times I washed it. I also found a silk sleep sack vs sleeping bag to be a less bulky option. agree with hilary on the sink stopper & clothesline
have fun & safe travels
suzanne