After spending years on the road, my best recommendation would be to pack as light as possible.
Please see my updated gear page here.
Please see my updated gear page here.
The Best Gear Based On Years Of Long Term Adventure Travel
The less you are carrying the more freedom you will have to efficiently get from one place to another. Once you have pared down your gear to the essentials, use packing cubes to keep it all organized.
Below is everything I have in my backpack. Obviously everyone has different needs and preferences but this will give you an idea of what you might need to bring on your trip. Happy travels!
Below is everything I have in my backpack. Obviously everyone has different needs and preferences but this will give you an idea of what you might need to bring on your trip. Happy travels!
Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel
An excellent book for anyone contemplating going on an extended trip. Vagabonding is about taking time off from your normal life to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. This is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit.
An excellent book for anyone contemplating going on an extended trip. Vagabonding is about taking time off from your normal life to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. This is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit.
The Rough Guide First-Time Around The World
Practical information including best routes to take, what vaccinations are needed, how to obtain visas, best travel gear, etc.
Practical information including best routes to take, what vaccinations are needed, how to obtain visas, best travel gear, etc.
Electronics
Toshiba Portege laptop
I like the Toshiba brand and they have plenty of light and compact designs. I decided on the Toshiba Portege as it's one of their best.
I like the Toshiba brand and they have plenty of light and compact designs. I decided on the Toshiba Portege as it's one of their best.
WD My Passport External Hard Drive
While traveling, your laptop will take a beating. Be sure to back up your important photos and other files to an external hard drive. WD My Passports always has good reviews on Amazon.
While traveling, your laptop will take a beating. Be sure to back up your important photos and other files to an external hard drive. WD My Passports always has good reviews on Amazon.
Carrying case for WD external hard drive
Carrying case for the Western Digital external hard drive above. Fits perfectly with room for the cable as well.
Carrying case for the Western Digital external hard drive above. Fits perfectly with room for the cable as well.
Nikon D7000 DSLR camera
The images and color that this camera produces are simply stunning. That's why it's one of the best reviewed DSLR's on the market. Ken Rockwell flat out says the D7000 is Nikon's best DSLR ever.
This is my serious heavy weight camera. I use this one anytime I want to capture the best shot possible.
The images and color that this camera produces are simply stunning. That's why it's one of the best reviewed DSLR's on the market. Ken Rockwell flat out says the D7000 is Nikon's best DSLR ever.
This is my serious heavy weight camera. I use this one anytime I want to capture the best shot possible.
Sony DSC-TX30/B 18 MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.3-Inch OLED (Black)
This is my everyday camera. It's light, compact, waterproof, dustproof, temperature-proof and shockproof. I've taken it spearfishing, surfing, volcano boarding, hiking, horseback riding...pretty much on all my adventure sports outing. It takes great pictures underwater and brilliant pictures just about anywhere else. It's great for nights out on the town as well because it's slim enough to slide it your front pocket. Also, it's good for taking quick shots in sketchy areas where you wouldn't want to bust out the huge DSLR and risk getting jacked.
This is my everyday camera. It's light, compact, waterproof, dustproof, temperature-proof and shockproof. I've taken it spearfishing, surfing, volcano boarding, hiking, horseback riding...pretty much on all my adventure sports outing. It takes great pictures underwater and brilliant pictures just about anywhere else. It's great for nights out on the town as well because it's slim enough to slide it your front pocket. Also, it's good for taking quick shots in sketchy areas where you wouldn't want to bust out the huge DSLR and risk getting jacked.
Samsung Galaxy S4 unlocked
If you plan on spending more than a few days in each location than having a phone is nice in order to get in touch with other travelers as well as locals you might meet. Be sure to get an unlocked (which means not "locked" into a single carrier's network) GSM (Global System for Mobile, the international standard) quad-band (supports the 4 different GSM frequency bands) phone, this way you will be able to use it in any country. All you need to do is buy a local sim card (which are cheap, typically around $5) and add minutes.
I love my Samsung Galaxy S4. Superior to the iPhone in all ways.
If you plan on spending more than a few days in each location than having a phone is nice in order to get in touch with other travelers as well as locals you might meet. Be sure to get an unlocked (which means not "locked" into a single carrier's network) GSM (Global System for Mobile, the international standard) quad-band (supports the 4 different GSM frequency bands) phone, this way you will be able to use it in any country. All you need to do is buy a local sim card (which are cheap, typically around $5) and add minutes.
I love my Samsung Galaxy S4. Superior to the iPhone in all ways.
SanDisk 32 GB Mobile microSDHC Flash Memory Card
The Samsung S4 has a 16GB internal memory space but I wanted to have enough space for music, photos and video as well so I added this 32 GB mini-SD card.
The Samsung S4 has a 16GB internal memory space but I wanted to have enough space for music, photos and video as well so I added this 32 GB mini-SD card.
Sony Walkman 16GB MP3 player
I prefer to have an easy-to-use drag and drop device. I can share and update my playlist without having to use proprietary interfaces.
I prefer to have an easy-to-use drag and drop device. I can share and update my playlist without having to use proprietary interfaces.
X-mini II Capsule Speaker
This portable speaker packs up really small but provides great sound for the size. Great for sharing music with all your new friends on the road.
This portable speaker packs up really small but provides great sound for the size. Great for sharing music with all your new friends on the road.
Mini USB hub
There are never enough USB ports on your laptop for all the gear you're carrying. When you're sitting down to do some work, you want to charge as many devices as possible. This is the highest ranked mini USB hub on Amazon.
There are never enough USB ports on your laptop for all the gear you're carrying. When you're sitting down to do some work, you want to charge as many devices as possible. This is the highest ranked mini USB hub on Amazon.
Belkin 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports, 5 Charging Outlets Total (1 AMP / 5 Watt)
Sometimes there's only 1 outlet in your room or at the cafe. This device has 3 sockets and a couple USB ports for charging. It's also a surge protector. It's a little bigger than expected but still pretty light.
Sometimes there's only 1 outlet in your room or at the cafe. This device has 3 sockets and a couple USB ports for charging. It's also a surge protector. It's a little bigger than expected but still pretty light.
All-in-One Travel Power Plug Adapter
Great plug adapter I have used now in several countries. It's able to adapt your plug in any
Great plug adapter I have used now in several countries. It's able to adapt your plug in any
Health
Jump rope
It is often difficult to stay in shape on the road. Whenever I decide to stay in a city for more than a few days, I'll try and find the local gym and purchase a temporary membership. But more often than not, I am in remote area where I need to improvise in order to get my workout in. Sometimes jogging in some areas is not practical, so having a jump rope is handy because you can get a quick cardio workout pretty much anywhere. I've jump roped on hotel rooftops, in the park, in courtyards, overlooking rivers and oceans and even had a memorable morning workout on top of an old castle in Portobelo, Panama.
It is often difficult to stay in shape on the road. Whenever I decide to stay in a city for more than a few days, I'll try and find the local gym and purchase a temporary membership. But more often than not, I am in remote area where I need to improvise in order to get my workout in. Sometimes jogging in some areas is not practical, so having a jump rope is handy because you can get a quick cardio workout pretty much anywhere. I've jump roped on hotel rooftops, in the park, in courtyards, overlooking rivers and oceans and even had a memorable morning workout on top of an old castle in Portobelo, Panama.
Weight lifting gloves
Pretty self-explanatory. Essential for lifting at the gym but also great when out in the middle of nowhere and you're getting a workout by lifting rocks, jugs of water, or any other odd heavy objects.
Pretty self-explanatory. Essential for lifting at the gym but also great when out in the middle of nowhere and you're getting a workout by lifting rocks, jugs of water, or any other odd heavy objects.
Swimming goggles
Another great exercise when travelling is swimming. I've always loved being in the water or just near the water, whether it's surfing, sailing, or swimming. While on a long trip you're bound to end on the beach somewhere, or at a hostel or hotel with a swimming pool. These goggles are simple, small and pack pretty light. Great for when the pool is over chlorinated or you just don't want salt water in your eyes.
Another great exercise when travelling is swimming. I've always loved being in the water or just near the water, whether it's surfing, sailing, or swimming. While on a long trip you're bound to end on the beach somewhere, or at a hostel or hotel with a swimming pool. These goggles are simple, small and pack pretty light. Great for when the pool is over chlorinated or you just don't want salt water in your eyes.
Luggage
North Face Doubletrack 28 convertible backpack
This North Face design solves some of my issues with my previous pack including being able to zip the front compartment all the way down. (You basically have full view of the interior, similar to how a suitcase opens up.) This is key in order to have full access to the pack and an easier time loading and unloading gear. In addition, I found that about 90% of the time when you're traveling you can easily wheel your bag around. For the rare times that you will need to put it on your back (beaches, muddy or gravel roads, etc.) this pack offers the convertible backpack option. To date, I have only needed to use the backpack option once in Brazil. If I need to do some serious backcountry hiking or camping, I will leave the main pack at the hostel and just travel light with the zip off daypack and the Surge II below.
This North Face design solves some of my issues with my previous pack including being able to zip the front compartment all the way down. (You basically have full view of the interior, similar to how a suitcase opens up.) This is key in order to have full access to the pack and an easier time loading and unloading gear. In addition, I found that about 90% of the time when you're traveling you can easily wheel your bag around. For the rare times that you will need to put it on your back (beaches, muddy or gravel roads, etc.) this pack offers the convertible backpack option. To date, I have only needed to use the backpack option once in Brazil. If I need to do some serious backcountry hiking or camping, I will leave the main pack at the hostel and just travel light with the zip off daypack and the Surge II below.
Lowepro Toploader Zoom 45 AW Camera Bag
Lowepro camera bag for my Nikon. Fits the body as well as both lenses that I carry.
Lowepro camera bag for my Nikon. Fits the body as well as both lenses that I carry.
Eagle Creek packing cubes
I use 3 different sizes of the Eagle Creek packing cubes. These are perfect for staying organized. When you have to wake up at 5 a.m. to catch a bus or a flight and you've hit the snooze too many times, it's nice to be able to pack up all your gear and get out the door in less than 10 minutes.
I use 3 different sizes of the Eagle Creek packing cubes. These are perfect for staying organized. When you have to wake up at 5 a.m. to catch a bus or a flight and you've hit the snooze too many times, it's nice to be able to pack up all your gear and get out the door in less than 10 minutes.
Hanging toiletries bag
A hanging toiletries bag is essential. There is never any counter space in the bathrooms in hostels or cheap hotels/guest houses so a toiletries kit with a hook that allows you to hang it up is crucial. This way your kit does not get wet and you're able to grab what you need easily. Usually I end up hanging the bag from a doorknob or a towel rack. This Rick Steves bag is also decent and a little bit cheaper.
A hanging toiletries bag is essential. There is never any counter space in the bathrooms in hostels or cheap hotels/guest houses so a toiletries kit with a hook that allows you to hang it up is crucial. This way your kit does not get wet and you're able to grab what you need easily. Usually I end up hanging the bag from a doorknob or a towel rack. This Rick Steves bag is also decent and a little bit cheaper.
Clothing
North Face Resolve Waterproof Jacket
Sudden rain storms happen all over and this jacket covers you up very nicely. The hood packs into the collar so it can also double as a casual jacket to wear around town on a brisk day.
Sudden rain storms happen all over and this jacket covers you up very nicely. The hood packs into the collar so it can also double as a casual jacket to wear around town on a brisk day.
Blackhawk Men's Light Weight Tactical Short
Even though shorts are not worn in most places in the world (most men wear pants even in extreme heat unless you are at the beach), I get hot really easily and love to wear my shorts. This particular brand is worn by military personnel and law enforcement. There are all kinds of secret pockets, straps and loops for carrying concealed weapons and knives. I just need to carry my camera and wallet but if it's good enough for the pro's, it's good enough for me!
Even though shorts are not worn in most places in the world (most men wear pants even in extreme heat unless you are at the beach), I get hot really easily and love to wear my shorts. This particular brand is worn by military personnel and law enforcement. There are all kinds of secret pockets, straps and loops for carrying concealed weapons and knives. I just need to carry my camera and wallet but if it's good enough for the pro's, it's good enough for me!
Under Amour t-shirts
It is important to pack light and smart. I love Under Amour gear because they pack light, they're breathable and easy to wash. I use these shirts for working out as well as casual everyday wear.
It is important to pack light and smart. I love Under Amour gear because they pack light, they're breathable and easy to wash. I use these shirts for working out as well as casual everyday wear.
ExOfficio's travel boxers
ExOfficio's motto for these boxers is "2 years. 14 countries. 18,500 miles. And 2 pairs of underwear." If there's some dude cruising around the world with 2 pairs of boxers, props to him. But I grabbed 4 pairs of these bad boys since I don't want to be washing my dirty boxers every day. Lightweight and quick drying. Also, super comfort
ExOfficio's motto for these boxers is "2 years. 14 countries. 18,500 miles. And 2 pairs of underwear." If there's some dude cruising around the world with 2 pairs of boxers, props to him. But I grabbed 4 pairs of these bad boys since I don't want to be washing my dirty boxers every day. Lightweight and quick drying. Also, super comfort
Under Amour boxers
Additionally, I have 3 pairs of these Under Amour boxers. This way I only have to do laundry once a week and I have fresh boxers every day. These are also lightweight, quick drying and comfortable to wear.
Additionally, I have 3 pairs of these Under Amour boxers. This way I only have to do laundry once a week and I have fresh boxers every day. These are also lightweight, quick drying and comfortable to wear.
Misc.
First aid kit
I've used just about everything in my kit so far. When you are away for this long and exposed to different environments, you're bound to get sick at some point. Also you are guaranteed to get cut up or bruised from hiking, trekking, biking, surfing, diving, horseback riding, etc. It's unavoidable if you're out there participating in adventures sports. All you can do is be ready to patch yourself up and pop a few Advil.
Be sure to add any prescriptions you may need from your doctor. I picked up a supply of doxycycline for malaria, and ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, antibiotics for the treatment of various infections. (This is not medical advice, please consult your doctor before your trip.)
I've used just about everything in my kit so far. When you are away for this long and exposed to different environments, you're bound to get sick at some point. Also you are guaranteed to get cut up or bruised from hiking, trekking, biking, surfing, diving, horseback riding, etc. It's unavoidable if you're out there participating in adventures sports. All you can do is be ready to patch yourself up and pop a few Advil.
Be sure to add any prescriptions you may need from your doctor. I picked up a supply of doxycycline for malaria, and ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, antibiotics for the treatment of various infections. (This is not medical advice, please consult your doctor before your trip.)
Sea to Summit premium silk liner
Super lightweight silk liner to provide extra comfort and a layer between you and the sometimes sketchy sheets.
Super lightweight silk liner to provide extra comfort and a layer between you and the sometimes sketchy sheets.
Aquis Adventure Microfiber Towel, Large (19 x 39-Inches)
Lightweight, quick drying towel. There's not enough room to carry a large conventional towel so you'll see a lot of travelers using these.
Most of the time, you'll be provided a towel wherever you stay or if not, you can usually rent one. If you're on a tight budget though, having your own will save some money over an extended trip.
Lightweight, quick drying towel. There's not enough room to carry a large conventional towel so you'll see a lot of travelers using these.
Most of the time, you'll be provided a towel wherever you stay or if not, you can usually rent one. If you're on a tight budget though, having your own will save some money over an extended trip.
Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp
Great for late nights or early mornings in the hostel when you don't want to wake everyone else up. Also nice when the power goes out, which happens quite often in Latin America. Also great for early morning hikes or if you go camping. It has a really cool red light function which is great for reading at night when you want a dimmer light
Great for late nights or early mornings in the hostel when you don't want to wake everyone else up. Also nice when the power goes out, which happens quite often in Latin America. Also great for early morning hikes or if you go camping. It has a really cool red light function which is great for reading at night when you want a dimmer light
Battery-powered travel shaver
This is a solid battery-powered travel shaver. It has it's own attached cover which swivels to cover the blade when not it use. Durable and washable.
This is a solid battery-powered travel shaver. It has it's own attached cover which swivels to cover the blade when not it use. Durable and washable.
Philips Norelco AT830 Powertouch with Aquatec
Decided to upgrade the razor to the Philips Norelco AT830 Powertouch with Aquatec.
Decided to upgrade the razor to the Philips Norelco AT830 Powertouch with Aquatec.
TSA compliant combination luggage locks
TSA compliant combination luggage locks, nothing sexy about it. But you definitely don't want to be messing around with little keys which will get lost when you're travelling. Go for the combo locks. There are sneaky pickpockets everywhere especially on the bus and in train stations so snapping a few of these on your backpack and luggage will help out a lot and give you peace of mind.
TSA compliant combination luggage locks, nothing sexy about it. But you definitely don't want to be messing around with little keys which will get lost when you're travelling. Go for the combo locks. There are sneaky pickpockets everywhere especially on the bus and in train stations so snapping a few of these on your backpack and luggage will help out a lot and give you peace of mind.
Hope you enjoyed my suggested packing list! If you have any other items you always travel with, leave a comment below.
