{"id":16372,"date":"2025-03-17T07:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T11:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=16372"},"modified":"2025-04-29T10:22:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T14:22:53","slug":"packing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/packing\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Pack for My Travels: Your Guide to Packing"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Some<\/p>\n

What I carry in my bag has changed a lot over the years. Most of that change has to do with the fact that I now carry a lot of gear related to blogging, but it also reflects that I\u2019ve learned a lot about packing since I first hit the road in 2006. <\/p>\n

I\u2019ve learned different packing techniques through the years. I\u2019ve traveled with big duffel bags, 60L packs, 30L packs, carry-ons, and everything in between. I’ve done it all and in all seasons.<\/p>\n

And, today, I want to share that knowledge with you so you can be a better packer because a lot of people always want to know what they should pack for their trip. <\/p>\n

The answer?<\/p>\n

As little as possible.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Packing light is a clich\u00e9, yet one that has a lot of truth to it. The more I travel, the more I realize I don\u2019t need a lot of stuff. Everything I need now fits into one backpack<\/a> (for more recommendations from my years of testing backpacks, click here for my top travel backpacks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I like to write down everything I think I\u2019ll need before I go \u2014 and then cut it in half. I always ask myself, \u201cWill I use this enough to justify the weight?\u201d <\/p>\n

Most of the time the answer is no. <\/p>\n

I take only the essentials, and if I really need something I didn\u2019t bring, I buy it on the road. It\u2019s not that hard to find medicine, clothes, or an umbrella overseas. <\/p>\n

I also try to stick to the same climate during my trips to avoid having to carry lots of different kinds of clothes. I don\u2019t want to be lugging sweaters around Thailand<\/a>! However, plans can change, and if that happens, I\u2019ll buy a light jacket or a sweater. I\u2019ll keep it until it is a burden and then give it away. <\/p>\n

Also, you can<\/em> do laundry overseas so I like to carry enough clothes for 7-10 days, do laundry, then repeat. There\u2019s no need to bring a lot of stuff when you can just wash what you have. <\/p>\n

As for the long<\/em> answer to what you should pack? Well, below is my suggested packing list \u2014 but you should tailor this to your needs. <\/p>\n

(Note:<\/strong> This focuses on travel to a non-winter climate. If you\u2019re heading somewhere cold, you\u2019ll need to adjust accordingly.)<\/p>\n\n

1. Gear<\/h3>\n