I came up with this list of objects that I could bring camping as easily as I could bring onto a plane as carry-on luggage. I actually had the list for a while but only recently finished obtaining everything that I needed to complete it (thanks mom and dad!). The exhaustive list totals 40 (- 2 + 5) things (or groups of things) that can fit into a bag with a total weight of 21.4 lbs. Beyond these items, the only things I'll consider for a trip are clothes (depending on climate and occasion) and gifts (depending on people to meet). See the picture below for a quick snapshot, and the corresponding list for an explanation of each object where necessary. I like to keep a checklist so I can run through it quickly and gather everything for a trip in a matter of minutes.
Edited with this
- Bag - one of the more important items on the list, probably. Choose with caution - most airlines limit carry-on luggage size to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (H x W x D), though bags without frames can be compressed. ~_^ I highly recommend making modifications to lock the zippers, which is a simple way to deter would-be thieves who see a convenient opportunity to reach into a pocket.
- Locks - to secure bag zippers, or valuables in lockers/cabinets. Choose something TSA-Accepted in case you need it on checked luggage.
- Loop cable - good not only for securing belongings to something stable, but for rigging up a drying line for wet clothes (see #32).
- Phone and tablet (including SIM cards) - I prep my devices for travel mode by entering travel itinerary into a calendar, setting up methods of contact (swapping international SIM cards and purchasing a Skype number), and downloading maps for offline use. If you have a Pixel or Moto Android phone, you have access to Google Fi (Pixel 2 or higher includes the SIM card digitally, woot), which automatically connects to data networks in 200+ countries; and even if you don't have those phones, you can still pop in one of their data SIM cards to any unlocked device. For media, I download a number of books, music albums, white noise albums (sleep = good), movies, manga, audio books, podcasts, and more.
- Watch/fitness tracker
- Chargers and battery pack
- Outlets (surge protector, international adapters) - save yourself from the nightmare of a single outlet by investing in a mini surge protector with USB ports. If you can get international adapters even better, just be careful of wattage differences.
- Travel wallet (ID, credit card, health insurance card(s), travel member card(s))
- Cash
- Travel documents (passport, travel info) - even if not expired, many countries require passports to be valid for the next six months. In this situation, expedited passport renewal will take around three weeks, and if you're near a major passport office (like in DC) you can do it in a couple of days. I like printing out my reservations (airline, hotel, train, etc.) so the info is on hand when getting the tickets, which you should keep in a safe place. Don't wait until you're on a train to board a plane to realize that you left your passport at home. ~_~
- Portable bag - for day trips when your main bag is secure elsewhere.
- Dental care (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss) - to save space and comply with the 3 oz. of liquids rule, I only bring enough toothpaste, contact solution, etc. to last a week or two. Any longer than that, and I'll just buy more products at my location.
- Eye care (contact case, solution, etc.)
- Deodorant
- Personal care (nail clippers, Q-tips)
- Optional: shower supplies (soap, shampoo) - most hotels have these; it's not stealing if it's in little travel containers ready to go. :)
- Optional: mouthwash
- Optional: hair product, comb
- Glasses
- Sanitation (hand sanitizer, tissues, gum)
- First-Aid Kit (medicine or vitamins, Aleve, Claritin, band-aids, antibiotic, ace bandage, face mask(s), Tums, Melatonin, cough drops, Day/NyQuil) - perhaps a little on the over-prepared side, but pain meds are a life-saver in foreign countries that don't have such relief over-the-counter. The kit is small and fits snugly in the bottom of your bag.
- Optional: Guidebook - a digital version is okay too.
- Optional: Book - in case you run out of power on your devices.
- Playing cards - not my favorite pastime, but a great way to socialize on trips.
- Headphones/earphones - over-the-ear headphones are a godsend for sleeping, especially on planes. My recommendation is Audio-Technica, and consider saving up for noise-cancelling. An extra pair of earphones is good to walk around with.
- Headphone splitter - if you travel as a pair. :D
- Sleep aids (eye mask, ear plugs, Melatonin)
- Slippers/sandals - one of the first things I do on a long plane-ride is take off my shoes. Slippers will keep you from having to keep replacing your shoes every time you get up, plus they double as sandals on the beach.
- Pillow - Yes these pillows are expensive, but they're incredibly comfortable by virtue of using memory foam, and are portable by being able to roll them into a bag. In addition, you can strap the ends and wear it in front if that's how you need to sleep. Consider spraying it with a good odor before a flight in case the plane smells terrible.
BlanketMicrofiber towel - these are very compact even at large sizes, and can double as blankets when necessary.- Sleep pants/clothes
- Underclothes (boxers, undershirt, socks) - this is one of my favorite items. Ex-Officio sells high-quality, quick-drying underclothes that you can bring on trips in 2 sets - just switch between the sets each day and hand-wash the dirty set at night in the shower so it can dry on #3 by morning. Yes, I only bring 2 pairs of underwear with me on trips. And yes, I do feel clean even when I wear the same outer clothes for days on end. :X
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray)
- Waterproof jacket - chances are you'll be outside a lot when traveling, so you need a jacket that's waterproof, windproof, and breathable, and still lightweight enough to compress into a small bag. With colder climates, it still works great by layering underneath.
- Walking shoes - feet can get sore easily when you're walking everywhere, so you'll want to invest in something that's not only comfortable, but looks appropriate for a variety of occasions. I also like to be able to slip my shoes on and off quickly, especially when visiting an Asian country.
- Waterproof pants - to complement #34.
- Writing utensil (pen or pencil)
USB flash drive(do people still use these?)Tile tracker - I hadn't thought about this before I recently received it as a gift, but this is a GPS tracker that you can leave in your bag and locate it using the app on your phone if your bag gets lost. You can also press a button on the tracker to ring your phone.(keeping up with ordering new ones every time the battery dies can be... frustrating)- Pocket knife - obviously won't fly as carry-on luggage, but you'll depend on it when camping.
Looking forward to doing a final test drive of the full list in the near future!
UPDATE 9/4/20: Additional items!
- House keys/security key - take it from me, forgetting these can lead to a bad time.
- Female items - self explanatory, but stick to the essentials ladies!
- Laundry bag - keep your dirties separate.
- Water bottle - helps you to stay hydrated throughout your trip, and if it folds up when empty then all the better!
- Cold protection (thick hat/gloves/scarf/jacket) - this is especially useful to consider if you're taking a snowboarding trip.
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