4 Steps to becoming a pro packer — my ultimate packing list
After reading, watching about nomads and remote working, there is no substitute to getting out there and actually trying this out. Reading, watching is different from hearing, seeing, tasting and living. I believe traveling can sometimes help with life choices and career choices that we often dont see back at home. While all of this exciting, not all trips are easy. There have been times I’ve fallen sick, gone completely broke.
A little bit of prep can help and I’ll be writing about travel preparation in a series of posts to come. Mostly focusing on the things available and people looking to travel from India.
There are some benefits to traveling light
Save money — If you’re flying on a budget airline, the cheapest option is to just go with hand baggage. Just avoid paying the extra baggage charges.
Relaxed travel — No giant suitcases to take around. The backpack can go under the seat and the hold luggage in the cabin. Best if the backpack has enough room to hold your tech and the clothing and just travel around with a single bag. I’m still yet to get there.
1. Luggage basics
Everything in a Backpack — for my marathons and treks *updated
This is definitely the most convenient way to carry stuff, even if you’re not constantly on the move. Your main concern should be comfort and that it sits easily on your spine.
Size 65L is big enough. Camping may require a bigger bag, but if you get much more than this, you’ll probably overpack.
Strength Some materials seem light but are actually much more durable than heavyweight canvas. Myth — Cheaper models probably won’t be as strong as a more expensive one isn’t true. I got this Mount Track backpack for Rs. 1,869. 12 treks and trips since then and no complains.
Waterproofing Getting a bag that’s water-resistant will cover you when you’re caught in the odd shower, but if you’re doing water sports, waterproofing is necessary. A backpack rain cover will also do the job.
Work backpack + Hold luggage — Digital Nomading
I replaced the Amazon basics backpack with a OnePlus Travel backpack. Its simple with 2 compartments, light but strong well padded for the shoulders and worth the investment.
OnePlus Travel backpack newer version comes with 3 compartments.
Hold luggage
American Tourister Cabin Trolley — I’m flying on a budget airline and the cheapest way to travel is with just hand baggages and avoiding checkin baggages. Most budget airlines allow Laptop bag + Cabin baggage upto 8kgs. Bought in 2011 and this rough rider has stayed with me since then.
Travel Day pack
AmazonBasics Ultra thin Foldable Day Pack, 35L — Good enough space for a Folds into a compact portable pack to save space and super light.
A smaller bag is handy for your pair of slippers, clothes, guidebook, camera, map, water bottle, medical kit and sun screen, and you can stretch it when you want to stay out for a night somewhere.
The idea is someday I will be able to move in and out with just the luggage I’m carrying around.
2. Tech
Main Camera — Sony Alpha 6300 + Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN Art for portraits
When you Google advantages of mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video; but that comes at the cost of access to fewer lenses and accessories.
Truth. I couldn’t agree more. Remember lighter the better when you’re traveling. Fewer lens? I’ve just switch between the 60mm for portraits and 18mm for a wider view. Expensive but worth the price.
My Insta here — https://www.instagram.com/wandermacha/
Panorama Camera — LG360
With 360 photography being the focus of these days, my photography gear is simple with a point and shoot 360 and an iPhone.
LG 360–Entry level 360 camera with 2K video support. A great device to get some hands on experience with shooting 360 videos and photos. Available at Rs. 17–18k and get a LG vendor to order it for you as there aren’t many vendors selling this item. The magic happens with the software/mobile app that works as a remote, view finder and will be directly able to upload the photos and videos to Youtube and Facebook. Alternatively check Ricoh Theta S
iPhone 6 will be clicking and shooting a bunch of instagram stories + remote for 360 cam.
Laptop
Macbook Pro 15" — Decent config with 250 gigs SSD and another 250 gigs in thI. expansion card for Macbook Pro. Transcend JetDrive Lite is the ultimate hack for more storage space in the pros. Barely visible once plugged into the SD card slot and Amazing read/write speeds. Don’t have to carry the external HDDs if you’ve one of these. Check support for your model before buying.
Accessories
MTT® KUKE 2400 mAh Ultra Slim Battery Case for iPhone 6 for some extended battery life. 1.5 hours for a full charge and a life saver.
OnePlus Power Bank 10000mAh Before buying the battery case, the powerbank came in handy. A single charge will power the iPhone upto 3 times. A must have.
Apple Earphones Love them. Music, podcasts, movies, calls.
Mivi Dualport USB wallcharger Charge camera, mobile simultaneously with the dualport instead of looking for multiple plug points.
Carry a travel adapter that provides grounding/earthing as most common complaints are getting shocks or damages to sensitive electronic components.
3. Clothing
Usually I pack around 5–7 days of clothing and just wash recycle as moving around. You would want to vary or go with more layers depending on the destination’s weather. Extreme cold weather would need a some heavy duty gear and I tend to either rent or avoid these places for long trips. The current pack should work for staying light and cool in a tropical country.
Shoes
Adidas Gazelle Boost CC Such amazing pair of lightweight shoes. These have come a long way 300kms+. They serve as my running, trekking, exploring all rounder activities.
Star Wars Crocs May be force be with me while traveling. Feather light. Best slip-ons.
Shirt, Sweater and Tees
NH7 Weekender Love this one. Almost everyone asks “Where were you?” pointing to “I was there” and all the artists who played during the weekender are at the back side of the tee.
March Tee A friend runs this online store. Simple high quality casual work tees. Usually has limited stock.
Shorts & Trousers
I’m usually a shorts person. They’re super comfortable. Just carrying around a trouser if I’ve to hit some fancy bars and events.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them when you’re packing. Less creases and more space!
4. The Other Stuff
Nabaiji Compact Microfibre Towel dries super quickly after use.
Sock combos — 2 no show socks, 3 thick running socks, 2 casual NBA team socks (Lakers and Bulls)
Running/Workout — Love to go on runs. Nike Compression wear, Shorts and a Kalenji running jacket.
Extras
Things I’ve missed here — Toiletries, medicines &first aid kid. Medicines and First aid kits tend to be too specific. Usually get the body wash, shampoos and other toiletries from the local store.
Took a travel insurance that covers $100000 for just Rs. 1500. One of the nationalised banks here gave a good deal on the forex. You can also check Bookmyforex for exchange rates and forex cards.
And That’s all folks. Not too exhaustive I guess and will keep updating when I add more things. Checkout Cashoverflow blog Travelfish Legal Nomads Tom Wahlin for complete travel and nomad guides. The format I’ve followed here is inspired from Tom Wahlin’s one on single backpack.
Next post will be on finding cheap tickets, acquiring and redeeming travel miles for free trips ;)
