Packing Checklist for Adventure Travel and Long Term Travel
I’ve honed this packing checklist over LOTS of trips. I don’t bring everything on the list; I tailor what I bring for whatever I think I’ll be doing and in what kind of weather. But, by using this list, I make sure not to forget anything important.
Also, when I get home, I review what I packed and fine tune my list by deleting items I thought I would need, but never used or could’ve gotten away from using by substituting something else I packed.
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NOTE: This is an exhaustive list, so you should be able to ignore many items on this packing list because they won’t be necessary for your adventure. And if you are a guy, just flip some of the gear to something suitable for the occasion.
I use this base packing list for when I will be on regular hiking tours, cycling tours, occasional day paddling and for backpacking tours (on these, the tour company provides most of the gear. If you want my complete Backpacking Checklist, you can get that on the same Newsletter link here). If you are going on a full on kayaking or canoeing trip, you will need to expand this list to include the things you can’t rent.
Learn more about preparing for long term travel in the podcast below:
Best Packs and Suitcases for Traveling
When you travel for any length of time, you need to easily be able to carry your belongings. I have switched to a convertible suitcase/backpack as my main luggage (avoiding wheels which don’t do well on cobbled street!), and then usually a 20 L day pack for hiking, and then a lightweight foldable day pack for small hikes and playing tourist (don’t keep valuable in this pack!).
Non-Clothing Items Packing List
I review this handy long term travel packing list before each trip to make sure I don’t forget any essential items for my travels:
Non-Clothing Item Travel Packing Check List
Depending on my plans, I may not bring everything on this list, but by reviewing it, I make sure I don’t forget to pack something important.
In many countries, I find the bed linens too hot (Europe, with only a duvet and no top sheet can you hear me???), so I pack a lightweight silk sleeping bag liner to act as my sheet. Also great for if I am using a rented sleeping bag.
If you will be on public transport, also pack a cable to prevent theft – see pic
Compression Packing Cubes for Clothing
Water Bottle with Built-in Filter
Sleeping Bag Liner (even if not camping!)
Headlamp (store batteries backwards so it doesn’t accidentally turn on!)
Long Term and Adventure Travel Clothing Packing Checklist
Review this list to make sure you don’t forget to pack something important – you may not need everything on the list, depending on the climate and your planned activities.
Shoes
Socks
Don’t get blisters! Wear liner socks and if you get blisters between your toes, pack toe socks. Always keep a ‘dry’ pair for sleeping. If backpacking, sew a loop on each sock so you can dry them hanging off the back of your pack after washing, if you don’t have time to dry them.
Silk/Perfomance Liner Socks Toe Socks Padded Hiking Socks Hiking Socks “No Show” Socks
Clothing Packing List
The clothing packing list below is ready for adventure AND touring the city! Men, substitute as needed.
Roll Up Long Sleeved Hiking Shirt
Short Sleeve Performance Shirt
Hidden Pocket Wrinkle Free Skirt
Packing Head Gear
Packing to Keep Your Hands Warm and Dry:
Packing Outer Wear Checklist
Adapt according to the climate anticipated.
Breathable Lightweight Rain Jacket
Lightweight Performance Puffy Jacket
Head Scarf (great for style and modesty)
Pashmina (great for style, modesty and warmth)
Pack Covers (Back and Day Pack)
Packing Essentials for Biking and Paddling
Biking Packlist Add Ons:
Padded Seat Cover or Your Seat
Paddling Pack List Add On’s:
Miscellaneous Travel Packing Checklist Items
Backpack Umbrella (for rain AND sun!)
Toiletries (see below)
Emergency Packing Checklist
Review the COMPLETE Emergency Kit checklist, but at a minium, pack these depending on your planned adventures and risk:
Headlamp (batteries in backwards to prevent accidental turn on)
Also consider whether these items would be appropriate:
Small Pocket Knife (checked bag only)
Compression Socks (plane and sprained ankle)
Other Packing Items to Consider:
- A few extra zip bags (including one with some toilet paper in it)
- Bandana (So many uses!)
- Collapsible Trekking poles (Note: many airlines make you check them!)
- Mini Travel Towel
- Pocket reusable shopping bag
- Phone and other electronics chargers
- Laptop (or pad)
- Laptop case (USB adapter, if necessary)
- Earbugs for phone and/or laptop
- Small notebook or journal
- Pens and maybe a highlighter
- Sunglasses and strap
- Waterproof phone holder
- Non-expensive jewelry
- Luggage Tags (and put a copy of passport and contact number in all bags)
- Paperwork:
- Passport (make sure plenty of blank pages and at least six months after your return)
- Global Entry Card, if applicable
- Vaccine Card
- EU Digital Passenger Locator (for European travel during covid)
- Driver’s License (including your international license, if applicable)
- Health Insurance Card
- Copy of Travel Insurance policy summary and emergency numbers
- A no foreign transaction Credit Card (plus a back up). I use Capital One.
- A debit card (I use Charles Schwabb for refunds on Bank ATM fees)
Toiletries and Medicine
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Sunscreen (plus a mini bottle for day pack)
- Dried out baby wipes (re-wet to use)
- Hand sanitizer + mini bottle for day pack
- Comb or brush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Prescriptions + extra in case you are delayed (keep in carryone!)
- Sleep aids
- Depending on where you are going:
- Malaria pills
- Altitude pills
- Anitbiotic pills
- Diarrhea pills
- Electrolyte mix
- Face lotion
- Night lotion
- Body lotion + small bottle for daypack
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deoderant
- Hair Gel
- Nail Clipper
- Tweezer
- Minimal makeup
- Nail polish
- Small bottle of polish remover
- Nair hair removal
Other Important Things to Review
- Check to see if a Visa is required
- For exotic destinations: Visit a Travel Clinic (I use Passport Travel)
- Search: State Dept Travel + the country you are visiting” for info on travel advisories, etc.
- Check with the country you are visiting for any special requirements for entry
- Notify your Emergency Contact of your planned itinerary
- Notify credit and debit cards of your travel plans (some chip cards no longer require this, but check)
- Add your travel plans to the US STEP [Smart Traveler Enrollment Program]
- Get $20-$30 in new looking US dollars if dollars are readily accepted where you are going
- Get Travel Insurance
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