Travelling light is the best thing that happened to me. No seriously, I am not sure I would have travelled as much if I would have kept carrying my 68L (super heavy) bag around. For those of you that have already travelled, were you not tired of packing and unpacking every day? Of having to constantly find a hotel to drop your bag or some sort of storage place. All the worries of being separated with your backpack since it is too big and goes on the roof of some local buses, where it gets all dirty and soaked from the rain?
Some of the gear here is the same that I use for my hiking gear list. There is a joy of having only what you need and leaving all the material stuff at home. As if a weight is lifted from your shoulder. Trust me, that feeling is stronger, the lighter you travel. So get lighter and fly away! |
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Backpack |
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Osprey Talon 22 |
I can only say good things about this pack. I have been using it intensively for years, and it is still going strong. The size is a bit big. Even when I bring a laptop, my gear floats in there, but the extra space (when you don’t fill it) is nice for food and gifts.
What I like
What can be improved
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Pants |
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Prana Stretch Zion |
These are my favourite pants for any adventure. It comes with a designed belt. Always useful to adjust those few pounds gained enjoying delicious food while travelling and the one lost trekking into wild places.
What I Like
What can be improved
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Shirt |
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Outdoor Research Echo Quarter Zip |
I find long sleeves to be more versatile. I bring two, one with a snug fit, the other one with a relaxed fit. This way, I can layer them in case of unexpected cold temperatures.
What I like
What can be improved
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Warm Layer |
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North face TKA 100 |
This has been my go-to layer for years. Having no pockets doesn't bother me, I always use my pants pockets for everything. If you run cold, look for a 200 or any mid-weight fleece.
What I like
What could be improved
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Rain Jacket |
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Montbell Storm Cruiser Jacket |
This is the ninth version of this jacket (it shows how popular it is). I prefer this jacket over the lighter alternative (sub 7 oz) for its durability, 3 layer fabric, and pit zip.
What I like
What could be improved
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Rain Pants |
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REI eVent Pants |
When it comes to rain pants, I do need new ones! But the one I have never seems to retire. It has been over 5 years now, and they just have tiny holes close to the ankle.
What I like
What can be improved
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Footwear |
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Altra Lone Peak
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Trail runners are one of the most versatile footwear. It breaths, it grips, it dries quick. You can use them as much for hiking, running, or simply walking.
What I like
What can be improved
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Socks |
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Darn Tough Micro-crew light cushion |
Nothing feels as comfy as merino wool when it comes to socks. But countless times I have gone through a pair because they lack in durability. That was until I came across Darn Tough socks. With their special material blend (merino wool, nylon, and lycra), I can have the pros of merino wool socks, without the cons.
What I like
What can be improved
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Headwear |
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Outdoor Research Visor |
I never was a hat kinda guy, so visor just fits me well. For maximum protection, I use a Buff to protect my neck.
What I like
What can be improved
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Neckwear |
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Merino Wool Buff |
I always carry with me a Buff on every adventure. The weight of this piece of gear is very minimal for its outstanding versatility.
What I like
What can be improved
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Underwear |
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Saxx Kinetic HD |
ExOfficio used to be my go-to underwear, but that was until I tried the Saxx undies. Since then, I have a hard time wearing out my last ExOfficio pair since I always have Saxx underwear on.
What I Like
What can be improved
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Towel |
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MSR Packtowl Ultralite |
I have been using this towel forever now. It is great! I would buy the same if its time comes. (I use the hand size.)
What I Like
What Could Be Improved
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Water Bottle |
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Smartwater 1L |
I know this is a plastic bottle, but its size is perfect. I use them until they give up on life. It's my way to justify the use of a plastic bottle.
What I like
What could be improved
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Water Filter |
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Sawyer Micro Squeeze |
I have been using this filter for a while for my hiking gear. It is only recently that it struck me to use it for travelling. (About time!)
What I like
What can be improved
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Electronics |
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Fenix HM50R HeadlampThis little guy has 500 lumens. It is very powerful for its size, it lasts up to 90h on the very low setting (enough for reading), totally waterproof and dust-proof (IP68). USB rechargeable so it works with the power bank above and actually uses the same cable (great one less cable to carry).
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Apple Airpods ProI never felt the need to have Bluetooth earphones until I actually tried it. Now, it would be hard to go back, I can charge my phone while listening to music and I love the freedom of movement. I chose Apple AirPods pro for its packing size, battery life, fast charging, sound quality, seamless connection with my iPhone, and the noise cancellation (which is a real game-changer for those noisy road walks). They are plenty of good options out there, shop around to find what works for you.
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Misc |
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EarplugsHave you ever woken up because of a 4am Islamic prayer or because of a couple arguing in the middle of the night? If you haven't, travelling will provide you with those experiences for sure. In some cases, earplugs might save your night. I usually bring 2 pairs, since sometimes they can cast a spell of invisibility and some morning, no matter how long I search, they have disappeared.
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Eagle Creek Travel LockI don't use a lock very often anymore, even in a hostel. Since when I leave for the day, I always carry my backpack with me for food, warm clothes, water, electronics... After all this, I don't have much to lock up except maybe my toothbrush and they don't sell very well in the black market. So no reason someone steals that from me.
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Recap |
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Packing
Clothing
Hydratation
Electronics
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Toiletries
Repair & Aid kit
Misc
I have made a PDF version of this recap list. Great for printing or offline uses.
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Questions & Answers |
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