(Trying to) travel light: three months in, here’s what’s in my bag
In two days, I’ll have been travelling for three months. When I left, I thought I was packing light, but I already knew within a week that I had far too much.
In almost every city so far I’ve slimmed things down. And there’s scope for more. This list is still longer than it needs to be.
I’m not writing here about the benefits of minimalism — although there are many — it is just a list of the things I have, and why I have them.
If you’re planning your own trip, I hope you find it useful.
A couple of my key light travel ideas
- Whatever you pack on your first attempt is likely too much.
- Do it properly, and go for carry-on luggage only. And I would suggest avoiding a wheelie bag. It’ll only make you angry.
- It’s an evolving process. Across places and seasons, your needs will shift. You’ll have to ditch stuff — so don’t take all your most prized possessions.
- I’ve found I’m happy with memories and photos, so I’ve not picked up any souvenirs. But if you want some, leave some room.
My gear:
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
For me, this is the ideal travel laptop. With the keyboard it weighs 1.1kg, and its i7 processor is powerful enough for photo editing. I’ve also got the Pen, a memory card reader and a 128gb tiny USB stick. To backup my files I use a WD My Passport Ultra in a Mudder carry case.
Shure SE215 headphones
Comfy with brilliant sound quality. They are quite expensive but worth it — especially when you’re listening to music all day.
Fujifilm X100S
A beautiful, retro-styled camera. It is a joy to use thanks to all the real dials, and it gets a lot of compliments for its looks. It is discreet and unassuming, so it’s an ideal street camera.
Canon 5D III with a 24–70 f4 and 35 f2
The opposite of the Fuji. A great all-rounder with beautiful lenses. It’s actually too big. I end up only using it when I’m specifically out photographing. I think I will end up with a small mirrorless with two lenses as my one camera for travel.
Motorola G4 phone
With mid-range features but a budget price, this is a very decent Android phone. It’s not flashy and won’t attract unwanted attention either. I have a universal adaptor for this with a USB port, so I can charge it as the same time as something else. I’ve also got a Ukrainian SIM.
Monzo Mastercard
A game changer. A prepaid Mastercard, with a brilliantly-designed app, Monzo charges no international fees. Paying for stuff and taking out cash costs no more than at home.
Kindle
I’ve got one of the original models, and I love it. It’s nice when you’re on a long journey or before bed. Also, because it’s an ereader rather than a screen, it doesn’t do that thing of keeping you awake at night.
Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
This ergonomic and precise piece of nerdy gadgetry is one of the only remaining pieces of my PC. Not vital at all, but it’s a nice alternative to a trackpad if you’re working all day.
Local plugs
I bought a couple of European figure-of-eight plugs for my camera and laptop chargers. They are lighter than the UK versions and save the weight of adaptors too.
My clothes:
New Balance ‘15-ounce canvas’ trainers
My only pair of shoes. I spent ages choosing them. I wanted the perfect balance: comfortable enough to walk all day long, and smart enough to wear to the bar at night. I have about four pairs of socks.
Three plain t-shirts and a shirt
Along the way, I’ve ruined or forgotten quite a few t-shirts. My current uninspired line up is grey, blue, and dark blue. The shirt is also dark blue but rarely gets worn because it’s almost permanently crumpled. It stays for times when I want to look like I’ve made an effort — and can find an iron.
Seven or eight pairs of pants
Numerous and various, I have about a week’s worth of underwear. I guess you could get by with less, but it’s nice not needing a washing machine all the time.
Two pairs of shorts
One pair light blue denim, the other a sort of light brown. The latter’s pockets are crap. Whenever I lean back, all my coins roll out.
One pair of trousers and a belt
I guess these are called slacks? I bought them for the Croatian wedding and have kept hold of them. They’re kind of grey/cream. Now that it’s coming into autumn I think I’ll swap them and the shorts for a couple of pairs of jeans.
Gym top and shorts and light running shoes
Disappointingly, my knee injury hasn’t let me run while I’ve been travelling, but these stay with me as I live in hope. Anyway, the gym shorts are useful for mooching around on washing day. The shoes hang outside the rucksack.
Swimming shorts and Dunlop flip flops
According to the season, the swimming shorts may be redundant, but for me the flip flops always make the cut. They’re great for wearing around the hostel, especially in some of the, erm, less perfectly clean ones.
Feather-filled Quenchua jacket
My mum got me this last year and it’s fantastic for travel. It’s light as a feather (naturally) and squashes down to almost nothing. It’s warm, cosy and can stay in a shoulder bag permanently.
Other stuff:
Toiletries bag
Before taking everything with you, check the hostel. People often leave stuff like shower gel. So pack the essentials and fill in the gaps later. I’ve got a beard trimmer, tweezers, nail clippers, antiperspirant, hair stuff, anxiety medication and a few other bits.
Depending on where you’re going, it’s good to make a few exceptions. If you use something specific you might not find in other countries then make space, and maybe split it into 100ml bottles to get it past airport security.
Earplugs and something relaxing to listen to
At first, it can be difficult to settle into being in a hostel long-term. It’s worth having something on hand to help you sleep.
PureGym combination padlock
This little gem from one of PureGym’s vending machines has fit on every locker so far. I recommend a combination lock — a key is just one more thing to lose.
Memory foam travel pillow
I bought this before a night coach journey to Amsterdam. It was useful but the actual trip was hard work. I think I’ll stick to day rides, so the pillow and I may part ways.
Sunglasses
Another seasonal pick, I got my prescription pair from Glasses Direct. The product photo showed an understated tortoise shell, but what I got is glam 80’s leopard print. It was too late to return. Instead I own that look and get my strut on.
Passport, driving license, European health insurance card and credit card
The first you’ll need and the second you might. Hopefully the third and fourth stay in your pocket.
Lens cleaners
To keep my cameras and glasses clear.
Tea bags
If you’re like me, starting the day without a cup of real tea just doesn’t feel right. Not all hostels or places have it, so it’s worth having a secret stash for emergencies.
Passport photos
I brought these in case I needed to do some sort of paperwork. I haven’t needed them.
International Driving Permit
This is useful if you’re hiring a car in a country that won’t be immediately familiar with your license — in Ukraine, say. I haven’t used it, but it cost about £5 and was easy to get.
My two bags:
Lowepro Photo Sport 300 rucksack
This isn’t for travelling at all. It’s for photographers who run, ride, hike or explore. It’s slim, tough, good in all weathers and amazingly comfy. The camera loads from the side, so you can get to it without taking the bag off. It’s brilliant.
Manfrotto Windsor Messenger bag
This is a nice looking shoulder bag. It has padded compartments for my laptop and camera, and a front pocket for everything else. In the unlikely event you have an interview or meet a client on the road, you’ll look the part.
Stuff I don’t have but wish I did:
Towel
All hostels can give you a towel, but most charge. The downside is that they’re big, squeezing out other things. If you can make space, I’d suggest you take one — there’s a lot of travel towels now that fold down really small.
And that, I think, is that! Are you planning your own trip? What makes the cut for you?
