3-Month Backpacking Trip: What’s in my bag?

Welcome back, my travel enthusiast fellows!

Packing for a backpacking trip overseas can be a gruesome task. In my experience, my biggest problem has always been over-packing. I remember, because when I studied abroad in Singapore, I brought two large suitcases full of things with me. I didn’t use most of them. When I decided to travel in Japan, I had to lug around my two giant suitcases, which became a huge pain.

Nowadays, over-packing would be detrimental in the long run as I carry all my possessions on my back. Over time, I’ve cut down the stuff I take from 2 luggages to 1 backpacking bag and 1 day bag. Like so: Without further ado….

What’s in my bag?

Previously in my post on Ways to Budget Travel, I’ve mentioned my love for my Osprey 48 liter bag + waterproof cover. Here, I just want to emphasize how important proper gear is to traveling.

I specifically chose this size because it easily fits into all airline carry on cabins. Especially with budget flights, I can just pack it up and just bring it in as a carry on without having to pay for a luggage. The state-of-the-art suspension system made all my material possessions in my bag feel weightless, and is a lot easier on my back.

I am a minimalist in the things I pack when traveling. I also like to under pack to buy some clothes in the country I’m traveling as souvenir. 😉 Because I carry everything in my bags, I like to keep all my clothes and accessories as lightweight as possible.

• 1x stuff sack
• 5x shirts (3 tank tops for comfort/going out, 2 formal)
• 1x water resistant jacket
• 1x stuffable dawn jacket (I highly recommend getting these for ultra lightweight and warmth)
• 2x pants (1 comfort, 1 going out) 
• 3x shorts
• 3x dresses
• 4x socks (sporty and comfortable)
• 1x scarf/shawl
• Underwear (lots)
• 1x shoes
• 1x flip flops
• Waterproof bag set (for water activities)
• Safety pins/needle and thread
• Multi-tool knife
• Duct tape
• Ropes
• Headlamp
• Ao dai – since I’m planning on celebrating Vietnamese New Year, Tet, in Vietnam, I’m bringing my custom made ao dai. I don’t typically bring this on my trips! Here’s a picture for reference!

First Aid Kit – whatever brand or name you use, here is the gist of medications you want to take with you.

• Anti-diarrhea
• Antibiotic cream
• Band-aid
• Antiseptic wipes
• Allergy
• Fever
• Cough
• Pain reliever
• Anti-mosquito/anti-itch cream (tropical countries)

Paperwork – I like to keep all of my paperwork in zip lock bag to protect them from water damage

• Printout/screenshots of plane tickets 
• Passport book/card (+2 photocopies to bring on day/night trips)
• Vaccination records (depending on country)
• Visas (Vietnam, for example)
• Copy of TEFL certificate (If I plan to teach while abroad)

Travel cards

• Capital One Quicksilver – 1.5% cashback on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees
  
• Charles Schwab – no ATM fees, no foreign transaction fees worldwide. With this card, you can withdraw from anywhere at any ATM!

Day Bag

• Laptop/Ipad
• Chargers
• Power bank
• Journal
• Money Belt

  

ADDITIONAL GEAR: IF YOU PLAN ON HARDCORE BACKPACKING + CAMPING

• Camping tent and poles (poles can go on side straps, tent can go on bottom straps); I loved our Marmot tent because of lightweight and the air flow system. We had taken it on our trip to the freezing top of a volcano and survived thanks to it. The high price is worth the durability. 

• Portable pots and pans

  

  
  
• Alcohol stove for $8.99
• Titanium camping spork for $10.93

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Final thoughts

Whether you’re traveling short term or long term, I hope that my list has helped you. Thanks so much for reading! I’d also like to know what you have in your bag. Let me know in comments below- Cheers!

Read more of my posts from the Travel Blogging Challenge:

Week 1:  A favorite travel photo of you and intro
Week 2: Little known travel tips
Week 3: Funny travel story
Week 4: Travel Misadventures
Week 5: Top Three Cultural Foods

Week 6: Unusual Travel Activities/Photos
Week 7: Inspiration for Traveling
Week 8: My Five Favorite Travel Blogs
Week 9: Gross/Disgusting Travel Stories
Week 10: The Most Unforgettable Adventures!

These awesome people are also doing the challenge!!! Click to see their stories!

• In the Wild LA – Julie
• Journey Through the Trees – Victoria
• Trouvaille, Mon Cher – Aly
• Simply Kailin – Emily
• The Ben Lessard – Benjamin

Interested in participating in the Weekly Travel Blogging Challenge? Feel free to make your own today!