3 Days to Go - RTW Packing List

3 Days To Go...

How do you pack for a year on the road?  That is quite simple: you don't.  However, if you pack the same as if you would for 2-3 weeks on the road, and expect to re-wear clothes along the way, the packing experience isn't all that bad. Just expect to do 15-25 loads of laundry along the way, either on the cheap (sink) or luxury (washer/dryer).


Taking a step back, packing is not only limited by the amount of clothing that you are wanting to take with you. It is also limited to what you are able to fit within your pack under three notable conditions that need to be kept in mind:

1) Airplane weight limits - 20kg for most budget carriers often has the lowest fees
2) Comfort level - 20kg is way heavier than you'd like to carry
3) Available space - souvenirs build up quickly, clothes expand over time, and space (comparable to weight) is a valuable commodity.

There is a general rule of thumb that I've come across that is along the lines of 'pack your bag, empty it, cut it in half, and cut in half again.' I feel like this rule is good only for first time travelers, so unless your RTW trip is your first time abroad for more than a week, it is unlikely that would apply to you. That is, unless you want to do laundry every other day, which some people do.

I'm an overpacker, always have, and always will be.  But many trips abroad have made me realize what items of clothing I need in abundance, and what items I can do less of.  Generally, socks are good, long pants and shoes are bad.  My recent purchase of compression packing cubes has also allowed me to impose a new limit to myself. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't go.  One for shirts, one for pants. Period.  The rule of thumb works out well.  All items of clothing counted below include whatever I wear out the door as well as what is packed.  But then again, it could be also that I am packing for one climate only, and only need warm clothes for the majority of the journey.  Anything else will be purchased along the way.

Checked Duffel:

10 T-Shirts

3 Over Shirts

4 Pair Shorts

1 Long Pants

1 Night Pants

2 Swim Trunks

1 Fedora (Indiana Jones Style)

10 Pair Socks

Belt

1 copy of Information

Toiletries

Flip Flops

Chain Lock/Luggage Locks

Travel Towel

Sink Stopper

Clothes Line

Alarm Clock

Digital Luggage Scale

Carry-On:

1 copy of Information

Passport

Scuba Dive Log

Ipod Charger (AC and Computer)

Ipod Touch w/Ear Buds

Glasses

Camera Chargers and Batterys

Netbook

Netbook Charger

Mouse

Nikon D80 SLR

18-55mm and 55-200 mm VR Lenses

Olympus 1030SW Point and Shoot

Camera USB Cords

External Hard Drive

External Hard Drive Cables (AC and Computer)

Floating Strap for P&S

SLR Cleaning Kit

Memory Cards

Remote Control for SLR

Replacement Parts for SLR (lost some in Egypt)

Flip HD Camcorder

Tripods (X2 Large & Small)

Umbrella

Journal w/pens

Sunglasses

Oscar the Roaming Gnome

Travel Pillow

Money Belt

Playing Cards

Business Cards

Passport Photos

Power Adapters

Toiletries:

Toothbrush Brush & Paste

Deodorant

Face and Body Soap

Razor

Shampoo

Q-Tips

Nail Clippers

Tweezers

Claritin

Sunscreen

Lip Balm

Bandaids

Hand Sanitizer

Immodium

Contact Case & Solution

6 Boxes Contacts

Orajel
Dramamine
Bug Spray (with 15% DEET)
Floss

In the case of toiletries, many of the items are full sized.  While there is an argument on whether or not taking full sized items on a trip abroad is worth while, I am lazy and do not want to go shopping for small toiletries every few weeks.  Hopefully this will last at least for the first part of the trip.  Weighing on my digital scale showed that the grand total is around 14kg for the checked bad.  Not bad.  My pack weighed less when traveling to Egypt, however using a bigger bag and larger toiletries increased the weight. 

Once I return I will be posting an update to discuss how the packing list treated me and what I would do differently, as well as what my return weight is.

Posted in: Commitment,Packing List