Packing our backpacks to travel the world was a tricky affair. We knew we could be away for over a year, would be travelling across many borders and exploring climates from the Tropics to the Antarctic. Each item we packed required careful consideration. We’re rather pleased with our choices so decided to write this ‘How-to Guide’ to answer the question we get asked the most. “What did you pack to travel the world?” We intend to refer to this list ourselves for future adventures.
We each chose to take a big backpack for the bulk of our belongings, and a smaller rucksack for the more day-to-day and valuable items we needed to keep an eye on. Travelling as a couple is great because we can divvy up some items. Lucky for me, Michael’s a strapping chap and carried some of the heavier stuff. Leaving me with the lighter items, aka the many anti-malarials and medications we needed!
The backpacks we chose are described as ‘travel system’ bags. We found them to be incredibly useful because they’re essentially one large, zip accessed space. These paired with travel cubes make for a very organized and easily accessible backpack. Not to mention, the straps on the back zip away nicely making them perfect for hold luggage.
I didn’t have much criteria for my rucksack, just something simple and versatile. Michael’s on the other hand had to accommodate a DSLR camera. Thankfully he found a bag which is both comfortable and protective, whilst not advertising there’s a fancy camera inside (more geeky camera chat below).
Dora’s Packing List
Day Rucksack – Deuter Speed Lite 20
- Laptop and Charger
- Mobile Phone and Charger
- Kindle
- Compact Camera
- Purse
- Passport
- Guidebook
- Diary
- Notepad and Pens
- Sunglasses
- Prescription Sunnies and Glasses
- Buff
- Headphones
- Antibacterial Gel
- Wet Wipes
- Inhaler
- Combination Bag Lock
- Length of Para Chord
Michael’s Packing List
Day Rucksack – Lowepro Photo Sport BP 300 AW II
- DSLR Camera
- 28-300mm Lens
- 16-35mm Lens
- 360 Camera
- Camera Accessories (spare battery, filters, lens cloth, etc)
- Mini Travel Tripod
- Selfie Stick for Phone & GoPro
- Laptop and Charger
- Mobile Phone and Charger
- Wallet
- Passport
- Headphones
- Buff
- Small Dry Bag
- Pen
(Shared items in green.)
Backpack – Osprey Farpoint 70
(70lt minus the 15lt day pack = 55ltr)
Packing Cube Large – Outer Layers
- Thin Waterproof Jacket
- Softshell
- Puffer Jacket
- Fleece Base Layer
- Wooly Hat
- Baseball Cap
- Spare Buff
Packing Cube Large – Misc.
- Medical: Anti-Malarial, Anti-Biotics and all sorts
- Travel Towel
- First Aid Kit
- Sun Screen
- Bug Spray
- LifeStraw
- Perfume
- Dry Shampoo
- Scuba Dive Log Book
Packing Cube Large – Clothes
- 1 Hoodie
- 1 Dress
- 1 Playsuit
- 1 Jeans
- 1 Long Running Bottoms
- 1 ¾ Running Bottoms
- 4 Shorts
- 5 Vest Tops
- 2 T-Shirts
- 1 Nice Top
- 1 Casual Shirt
- 2 Base Layers
Packing Cube Small – Underwear & Swimwear
- 3 Bikinis
- 2 Bras
- 2 Sports Bras
- 10 Pants
- 3 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Belts
Small Wash Bag
- Tooth brush and Tooth Paste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Tweezers
- Hairdressing Scissors
Small Make Up Bag
- All the Essentials and a few sneaky luxury items!
Electronics Bag
- Head Torch
- Spare Batteries
- Extra USB Mini Charge Cable
- Worldwide Travel Adaptor
- Gerber Multi Tool
- Combination Extendable Cable Lock
Miscellaneous Items in Bag Pocket
- Spare Purse
- Shoelaces
- Money Belt
- 2 Inhalers
Miscellaneous Loose Items
- 1 Large, 1 Medium and 1 Small Dry Bag
- Guide Books
- Another Notebook!
- Flip Flops
- Trail Running Shoes
- Plimsolls
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Shower Gel
- Moisturiser
Backpack – Lowe Alpine Voyager 70
(70ltr)
Packing Cube Large – Outer Layers
- Thin Waterproof Layer
- Softshell
- Puffer Jacket
- Hoodie
Packing Cube Large – Trousers
- Jeans
- Walking Trousers
- 2 Pairs of Shorts
Packing Cube Large – Base Layers
- 6 T-shirts
- 2 Base Layers
- 1 Smart Shirt
Packing Cube Small – Underwear
- 10 Pairs of Socks
Packing Cube Small – Underwear
- 10 Pairs of Pants
Packing Cube Small – Swim Gear
- 3 Board Shorts
- 1 Rash Guard
Small Wash Bag
- Tooth brush and Tooth Paste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Shower Gel
- Nail Clippers
- Ear Plugs
Electronics Bag
- External Hard Drive
- Charger Pack
- Travel Speaker
- Camera Charger (charge unit only, use cable from laptop)
- Worldwide Travel Adaptor
- USB Memory Stick
- Extra USB Mini Charge Cable
- GoPro Transport Case with Accessories
Miscellaneous Items in Bag Pocket
- Pen Knife
- Length of Para Chord
- Pack of Cards
- Head Torch
- Money Belt
- Small Wallet
- GoPro Larger Accessories
- Small Net Bag
- Large Net Bag – for dirty washing
- 2 Carabiners
- Scuba Dive Log Book
- Small Dry Bag
Miscellaneous Loose Items
- Belt
- Travel Towel
- Guide Books
- Sunglasses
- Notebook
- Combination Bag Lock
- Combination Extendable Cable Lock
- Flip Flops
- Running Shoes (will wear either these of flip flops)
Region Specific Extras
We found that in certain areas we needed a few extra bits and pieces. Some items we knew we would need early on so we brought them from the UK, but most extra items we bought on route. Once used and we knew we wouldn’t need them again, we sent them home. We have very limited space in our backpacks and find extra items more of a hindrance than a help.
Items Included:
- Waterproof Over-Trousers (for proper hiking or colder climates)
- Walking Boots and Socks
- Gloves
- Wooly Hat
- Scuba Mask and Snorkel
- Full Size Camera Tripod
Camera Gear
This list is a duplicate of the above items, but with an explanation of choice.
Michael did his research on the matter…
It was tough to decide what camera gear to take on our trip, I knew I wanted professional photos, so needed my DSLR camera, but what lenses and what supporting gear was the really tricky part. After consulting many blogs I found my requirements most in common with vloggers and sports photographers, so I decided less is best. I couldn’t be bothered changing lenses constantly, therefore, I had to make compromises. On the whole I am very happy with my choices. Here it is, explained:
Nikon D750 Full Frame DSLR Camera
- In theory a great camera, but I had many issues with it on route and really struggled to get it serviced. Due to several recall issues, I found myself to be heavily compromised at times on the trip, not what I expect from a professional grade camera. I very much doubt my next camera will be Nikon, based on my troubles with this model. Issues were lens flare problems (which persisted even after servicing), shutter timing issue, dust inside the body (standard issue but seemed worse with this camera than any I’ve have before) and auto exposure inconsistent.
Nikon 28-300mm Lens
- Many camera snobs will dismiss you for carrying a ‘super zoom’ lens like this, but for travel it is fantastic and still a very capable lens. Better that your photo isn’t 100% sharp than to miss the opportunity altogether. I highly recommend this lens for travelling.
Nikon 16-35mm Lens
- Great for those wide angle shots.
Ricoh Theta 360 Camera
- Really fun photos that are a little bit different…
Camera Accessories
- Spare Battery and Charger
- Neutral Density Filter, Polarizing Filter
- Lens cloth
- Mini Travel Tripod (hand size)
- Lens Hood (one hood for both lenses)
- Selfie Stick for Phone & GoPro
- Laptop with Photoshop and Lightroom Software
Compact Camera
- Sometimes it isn’t safe or smart to carry your expensive and bulky DSLR camera about. We started with a Sony RX100, but after someone dropped it in some salt water we replaced it with a cheap Sony Compact. Photo quality isn’t wonderful, but it is better than nothing.
One Response
Amazing stuff guys!!! Love the details of what you packed. I need that in my every day life – screw wardrobes!! X