What to Pack

FOR WOMEN

For any fashionista the big question ahead of a three to 12 month journey is: What do I pack? I have made the mistake before of packing too much and lugging it up and down mountains and multi-storey hotels only to use half of my gear.

It goes without saying; boots, thongs and sarong are the most important travel items. Here is my travel wardrobe and sorry – Louis Vuitton has been left at home.


Luggage

1 x 50L backpack

1 x 30L day pack

1 x small handbag to fit camera, kindle, passport, money and water

 

General wardrobe

1 x maxi dress

1 x black dress light-weight for evening wear

1 x shorts

1 x skirt or lightweight baggy trousers

1 x jeans

1 x light weight smart/casual trousers

6 x light weight short sleeve tops ( inc two smart casual)

1 x long sleeve casual top

1 x stylish casual cardigan

2 x fleece

1 x neck gaiter doubles as a beanie

1 x heavy duty gloves (leathery ones left at home)

1 x sarong (doubles as a towel)

1 x sun hat

1 x PJs

Underwear

1 x bathers/swimmers

 

Specialist cold/wet weather clothes

1 x Gortex waterproof jacket (Arcteryx)

1 x waterproof trousers (compact)

1 x down jacket – super compact (Arcteryx)

1 x merino wool thermal underwear (top and pants)

2 x hiking / climbing trousers, full length

1 x Gortex hiking boots (Salomon)

2 x heavy duty merino wool hiking socks

1 x woolen hat

If planning to visit warm climates then only the Gortex jacket and shoes are useful.

 

Shoes – no heels!

1 x Converse

1 x flip flops

1 x hiking sandals

 

Toiletries

This is where I start to fail ( everything should be under 100ml)

Deodorant, tooth brush
, comb
, shampoo, conditioner
, tea tree oil (doubles and antiseptic for bug bites)
, cleanser, hair oil, face moisturiser, body moisturiser
, sun cream
, bug repellent (if you are not the one in 10 naturally immune to Mosquitos you need carcinogenic deet – this is the only time I do away with healthy organic)
, perfume (small, Jo Malone), razor
, travel nail kit
, a small nail polish
, Panadol, Aspirin
 and Multi-vitamins.

Make-up – everything is small

I packed a small make-up kit which I haven’t touched except for mascara, lipstick and lip gloss.

 

Electronics

1 x tablet or computer

1 x kindle

1 x hybrid SLR camera

1 x compact camera

1 x go pro or waterproof camera

1 x phone

 

Travel specific

1 x head torch

1 x silk sleeping bag sheet

1 x travel pillow (a must)

1 x travel eye mask (a must)

1 x pack of ear plugs (moulded ones not foam – essential)

1 x first aid kit

 

Sports gear 


Goggles and snorkel

Compact Black Diamond Climbing harness, shoes and chalk bag (+1 x sports bathers as I like to swim laps/ surf).