Whatcha Packin’?
I was on the road for more than seven years, traveling through all kinds of climates. Everything I needed for hiking or a night at the opera, in any kind of weather, had to fit in a single backpack.
I needed clothes I could wear for three days, rinse out in a sink, dry in an hour, wad up in a ball, cram in my pack, and wear again. I needed my entire summer and winter wardrobes to fit in a space smaller than some women’s purses, so there’s room in my pack for everything else.
What I learned about packing light is this — it’s not about having a better suitcase (although that helps). It’s about having the right gear.
These items may seem pricey, but they’ve taken me from Iceland to South Africa in comfort. Along the way, I’ve ditched anything that didn’t work and condensed my collection to the essentials.
These are the road-tested, nomad-approved items I ended up loving.
* Note: Using the links on this page to shop helps support the site. But the recommendations are 100% genuine.
Packs & Accessories
Gregory Deva 60L
My main pack is a Gregory Deva 60L pack. It can hold everything I need for a year or more on the road, and I find it comfortable, well-organized, and easy to manage compared to other packs I’ve tried.
I have to check this size pack when I fly, but I don’t mind. Checking a bag allows me carry items that aren’t allowed in the cabin, and a carry-on size pack wouldn’t hold everything I need for my life.
The Gregory Deva has been a dream for me. I’ve had it for several years and I’m still in love with it. Check out my full review for more details.
Pacsafe Metrosafe Daypack
To keep my laptop and electronics safe, I use this secure backpack. It’s my personal item on flights (I travel without a carryon) and my “city bag” when I’m out working in cafes. It has features like locking zippers, straps that can be secured to a chair or table leg, and it’s slashproof and has steel cables in the straps that can’t be cut.
All that security adds a bit of weight, but that can’t be helped. I love how it organizes my credit cards, glasses, keys, and pens, and the water bottle pockets are stretchy and secure. It’s so durable, I once ran it thorugh the washing machine and it came out gorgeous (not recommended!)
Stuffable Daypack
If I’m leaving the house without my laptop, I like to carry a lighter pack instead of a purse. This stuffable daypack from Chico is durable, practical, and lightweight. Plus it’s made from recycled materials.
It’s great for carrying a rain jacket and water bottle for the day, but it’s also sturdy enough to handle a full load of groceries (pro tip: those water bottle pockets can hold two bottles of wine!)
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Compression Packing Cubes
Regular packing cubes are worthless in a backpack. But these compression cubes can reduce the size of your clothing load by nearly half! Just fold or roll your clothes, zip then inside, and then use the second zipper to compress everything.
My entire travel wardrobe will fit in one set of these. Check out my full review of the Suited Nomad compression cubes I carry if you want more info.
Eagle Creek Toiletry Bag
I’ve went through a lot of toiletry bags my first few years. Then I found this one from Eagle Creek (a brand I’ve grown to love!)
It’s durable, super lightweight, and has just the right amount of compartments to keep me organized. I put my shampoo & conditioner bars in the top, toothbrush and paste in the middle, and in the big compartment I keep makeup/skincare in the front half and haircare supplies in the back half.
Hang it in the bathroom and you’re good to go!
Clothing
Everyone has their own clothing formula. For me, what works is:
- 3-4 pair of pants (long pants that roll up to the knee are my favorite)
- 1 skort
- 1 sundress
- 4-5 short-sleeved shirts
- 1 long-sleeved button down (doubles as a light jacket, sun & insect protection)
- 4 pairs of socks
- 5 bras (sport bras are easiset to care for on the road)
- 5 pair underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 2-3 pair of shoes (One hiking/tennis show, one sport sandal)
- 1-2 scarves
I sometimes pick up fun pieces of clothing as I travel, but they rarely last long with my lifestyle.
High-performance clothing is vital for nomadic life. You need clothing that is;
- Featherweight
- Space-saving
- Wrinkle, stain, and odor resistant
- zippered pockets, hidden pockets, UPF protection and other features
- Durable enough to stand up to constant use and washing
- Carefree enough to all go in the washing machine together
I’ve gone through a few sets of clothing in 10 years. Here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite brands/items. Each one is linked so you can find out more about it.
Outerwear
I got by with nothing but a fleece jacket and a rain shell for years. Even in Iceland in February, I layered the rain shell over the jacket and stayed fairly warm! When I visited cold places, I’d buy a warm hat, scarf, and mittens and then donate them when I left.
If you visit a lot of colder places, you may want a packable down jacket as well.
Thick fleece jacket
A heavy fleece jacket like this one from Carhartt is all I’ve ever needed!
Look for one with lots of pockets, in a fitted style so you can layer your rain shell overtop for extra warmth when you need it.
Stuffable rain shell
This Marmot rain jacket is legendary for its quality (I’ve had mine for 10 years!)
Loaded with features, but almost weightless, it packs down to the size of your fist.
Footwear
I usually have some kind of tennis shoes or hiking shoes for everyday wear. It’s hard to recommend those, because fit and support are so personal.
But I can recommend these Teva Tirra sandals! They’re amazingly comfortable and supportive, can be worn in water, and are cute enough to wear with a sundress for casual wear. Some of the most versatile shoes you’ll ever own — which is exactly what a nomad needs.
I usually carry a third pair of shoes, which could be anything from flipflops to hiking boots to high heels, depending on what I’m planning.
I always travel with a pair of Powerstep insoles. They’ve kept my troubled feet healthy for years, and I can move them from tennis shoes to hiking boots to ballet flats as needed. If you have problem feet or plantar fasciitis, check out my full review at this link.
Other Items
Padlock
The flexible band on this Master Lock has come in handy for locking up my valuables — not just in hostels, but also in cupboards and drawers all over the world.
Universal power adapter
A universal power adapter will take you anywhere.
There are lot of similar models on the market. Look for one with USB and USB-C ports, like this one.
Door lock
If you worry about who else has a key to your lodging, this security lock will give you peace of mind.
It’s heavy, but small and easy to pack.
Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle can keep thousands of little plastic bottles out of our landfills.
I love this double-walled aluminum style that keeps water cool & refreshing all day.
Shopping/Laundry bag
This Chico Vita bag is one of the best things I ever bought.
Big enough to carry a load of laundry, packs down to pocket size, weighs nothing. Lasts forever, wipes clean with ease.
First aid kit
My first aid supplies fit in a pencil bag.
I carry a couple of bandaids, some antibiotic ointment, and a few tablets each of pain reliever, anti-diarrheal medicine, and allergy meds. If I get sick or hurt, I pick up what I need at the local pharmacy.
Baggies & rubber bands
Rubber bands are endlessly useful to close bags in the kitchen and keep small items together.
Some ziplock baggies also make it easier to save leftovers and carry coffee or salt to your next home.
Yoga mat
The Manduka EkoLite is the lightest weight mat I’ve found. It can be rolled or folded and provides a slip-free surface for yoga or mat exercises.
Works best on a rug or carpet for padding.
Curious about the other practicalities of nomad life? I cover topics like mail, banking, and insurance in my How to Become a Digital Nomad post.