A traveler's packing list

I love it when a flight takes off at the start of a new journey. But I never shake the feeling once the tires leave the tarmac that I forgot something essential.

So long as you have your phone, passport and wallet on your person, then there's no forgotten item that can't be replaced with sufficient money and hassle. But better yet is to avoid the feeling (and reality) of forgotten items with an actionable checklist.

• If you just want the list, check out this spreadsheet here.
• If you want more details, read on.

Clothes

To talk about clothes we need a quick note on terminology

• Base layer this is your socks, briefs and basic shirt/skivvies. Their job is to wick sweat away from your body.
• Middle layer this is your shirt/jumper/fleece. Their job is to keep you warm and insulated.
• Outer layer this is your rain coat, overcoat or jacket. Their job is to keep you dry and protect you from the wind.

FYI - I'm not sponsored by any of the products I link. I would love to be sponsored, but until that happens you'll just have to enjoy my unbiased opinion. With that in mind, let's talk clothes.

Always bring

This very much depends on your destination, activities and personal flair. However, you're almost always safe taking woolen clothes and athletic-style cotton + polyester blends are great because they're moisture wicking.

• 1-7x T-shirts one per day of travel until you reach seven and then bring no more. These are casual wear in summer and a base layer in winter. I recommend some muted, cotton/polyester short sleeved shirts from Uniqlo. Reviews are also great for merino wool shirts.
• 1x dress shirt for the office and the opera. Wear it in plain white so no one notices if you wear it twice (or thrice). Get a non-iron fabric because even when hotels pinky promise they have a clothes iron they are lying they do not have a clothes iron. I recommend a non-iron shirt from Uniqlo.
• 1x hard shell jacket you need something lightweight and dry when it rains. This is your outer layer. Always bring a rain jacket no matter what. I enjoy the Marmot Eco Precip in fire engine red.
• 1-2x trousers bring lightweight pants no matter what, and also one pair of business slacks for the office/opera. Lightweight pants are amazing in summer, it's one fewer zone you need to sun screen. Pants with zipper pockets are more secure against pickpockets. I recommend Prana Zion climbing pants.
• 1-7x underwear one per day of the week until you reach seven days then stop there. Get something tough and moisture wicking that you would/do wear in your day-to-day.
• 1-7x socks one per day of the week until you reach seven days then stop there. I like my Icebreaker socks and reviews are great for Darn Tough socks.
• 1x pair of shoes and only one pair. For any serious travel you should wear boots or runners. Only bring dress shoes on pain of death. My Salomon X Ultras are fine but they don't set my world on fire. If I had my time again I'd get a Lowa Renegade Mid or a Danner Mountain 600.

Whatever your boot, make sure you tie your shoelaces correctly.

• 1x neck gaiter, sometimes called a neck sock or a 'Buff' after it's most popular brand. This is a loop of fabric that sits around your neck. You can wear it as a face mask, sweat band, and other configurations. I wear it to prevent sunburn on my neck and as an eye mask for sleeping on flights.

If it will be cold, bring

1. 1x gloves in whatever make and style works for you.
2. 1x beanie so long as your beanie is warm and doesn't feel scratchy, you can't go wrong.
3. 1x thermals as a base layer to keep your legs and torso warm. Take something light for a chilly voyage, like Uniqlo AIRism base layer, or heavier long johns if you're entering true winter.
4. 1x overcoat you'll need this for enduring a northern Christmas. You can usually leave the hard shell at home if you bring this. I like my Wool Blend Overcoat.

If it will be summer, bring

• 1x hat if it will be sunny. Like a pair of light trousers, this will reduce the amount of sunscreen you need to apply. Aim for a brim around 75-80mm, larger brims can be cumbersome for travel.
• 1x swim shorts which double as everyday shorts. I take a pair of tomato red board shorts from Amazon essentials, but they're too casual to wear away from the sea shore.
• 1x flip flops especially if you'll be enjoying the beach or communal showers.

Toiletries

If you're flying through an American airport, the TSA Liquids Rules a.k.a. the 3-1-1 rule will limit your toiletries:

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Even if you don't fly American, liquids can burst or spill. Opt for powders, putties and solids where possible.

1. Soap in a bar, whatever you use at home, wrap it in a soap bag and take it with you. If the TSA isn't going to screen your luggage, then it's fine to take liquid soap. Or, you can swipe a tube from your hotel.
2. Shampoo in a bar will last far longer than liquid shampoo. The Lush Shampoo Bar comes well recommended. If you're not flying through a TSA airport, you can just decant hotel shampoo into a travel bottle as you go.
   
3. Hair product in a bar (ok not an actual bar). It doesn't make a difference to the TSA if it's a creme, putty or paste, it counts under the liquids rule. But, solid hair products take up less volume, so it's a good idea to take hair putty or paste rather than gel.
   
4. Toothpaste can in theory come as a powder but the reviews are mixed so just take a small tube less than 100 milliliters.
   
5. Toothbrush. While I'm happy to use a small electric toothbrush head without the machinery, others seem to prefer the Quip and the Philips One.
   
6. Toiletries bag. Get one that hangs up, and ensure that it's see through for traveling in the USA. I hear that the AER Travel Kit 2 is great.

Electronics

Many say you should aim to be a USB-C maximalist. I've not reached such heights in my own travels, but it's true that you should minimise the different cables you need to bring.

It's impossible to screw up the basics: laptop, peripherals, USB cable, etc. but there are some products you should invest in:

1. Zendure Passport III is the best travel adapter I've used, but it leans heavily on USB-C. The Passport II Pro is great if you still rely on USB-A.  
2. Anker 737 Powerbank is excellent . Your powerbank should go in your day pack so you never run out of (phone or laptop) energy. Friendly bartenders will even charge your powerbank while you enjoy the sunset.
3. Poly Voyager Focus or similar noise cancelling headphones.

Don't forget to pack your travel apps - more on that here.

Travel infrastructure

You will need to take a few pieces of travel infrastructure - your passport, a printed copy of your vaccine certificate and travel insurance, a handy umbrella, and some :

• AER Travel Pack 3 is a great backpack (read about it here!). Photographers enjoy the Peak Design Travel Backpack for it's quick access and great organisation. I've travelled with the Life Behind Bars Peloton and it's fine, it's decent, it's serviceable for travel.
• Packsafe Anti-Theft Sling is a fine day pack / everyday carry. I'm slightly more paranoid about security than some, so you may prefer a more relaxed model. Consider taking a larger everyday carry that will fit your laptop if you're working on holiday. Your day pack can double as a carry-on personal item on many airlines.  
• Scrubba Dry-bag, for washing your clothes. Hotel laundries are expensive and they don't wash according to your flight schedule. If you don't bring a dry bag, then learn to love coin laundries.  
• Sea to Summit Inflatable Neck-pillow for sleeping soundly on long flights. Mine lasted about two years before developing a fatal leak. I remain on the search for a sturdier model.