Light Travel Packing List

Light-, one-bag-travelers and backpackers are different than the average traveler. Sure, they like to travel and see the world, but it should be on their own terms and with keeping their options open. They travel as light as possible to be ready for every possibility that comes their way without compromising on the things they really need.

A normal packing list is made while looking inside a suitcase and writing down the items that are in it. A light travel packing list is thought out before a trip and is usually the result of earlier travel experience. These list are constantly updated and tweaked to get the maximum result. Clothes, toiletries and other items are specialized for this kind of travel.

Going into clothing could be a lens in itself, so we'll stay with the basics here. Depending on where you're going you need to bring different kinds of clothing. Just a simple example: you would bring something different to a summer holiday in Bali than to a trek through the Alps. Also the season in which you're going makes a huge difference. But no matter what kind of clothing, you're looking for 3 things:

- Light
- Dries quickly
- Wrinkle free

This means specialized clothing which is fabricated from materials such as silk, wool, fleece, polypropylene, nylon or synthetics. Avoid cotton because it's slow to dry and when wet doesn't contain heat.

You also want to look at layering your clothes. Layering is a simple way of keeping warm. You just put your clothes on one on top of the other to trap the warm air and insulate. The main advantage of layering is that you can regulate the amount of warm air that's being trapped. When you're cold you just add a layer, when warm you just take one off.

Base layer

The base layer is the one closest to your skin (i.e. underwear). When going to a warm climate this might just consist of a travel boxer. In colder conditions this will probably be a long-sleeved shirt with long johns. Main function of the base layer is to keep the body warm and wick away the moisture from your skin. Travel or long underwear can usually be found in outdoor stores. Patagonia comes highly recommended, but Odlo and Craft make quality products as well.

Middle or second layer

This layer is worn on top of the base layer. This layer insulates and traps more heat than the base layer could on its own. Depending on whether conditions, this could be either be a shirt and short for summer conditions to a fleece sweater and trousers for colder conditions. Most of the items are also available at outdoor stores. Products from Coolibar, Patagonia, Columbia and The North Face come highly recommended. There are numerous others, but these manufacturers make quality items that last for years.

Third or top layer

This layer should keep out rain or snow or add an extra insulating layer. This means that in warm weather this could be a light rain jacket or a thick, isolated winter jacket for the cold. This could also be in combination with water resistant trousers. Again these items can be found in most outdoor shops. Again the before mentioned manufacturers should be included in your choice because of their experience with this kind of clothing.

Other items

Above mentioned clothing are standard attire. But different types of trips bring different items. Some examples:

- Swimming trunks for summer vacation
- Bucket hat against the sun
- socks depending on the season

There's an ongoing debate going on whether to put one or two pairs on your light travel packing list. The most hardcore of light-travelers feel that the added weight and bulk of a 2nd pair compromise their way of travel too much. Others feel that because of comfort and hygiene it can be desirable as long as you keep it within weight limits.

It all depends on how long the trip will take. If the trip is 2 weeks or less 1 pair should suffice. The pair you bring should be comfortable and should be styled in a way to get you admitted to restaurants but also to be used for a hike.

For a second pair, many choose flip flops. Others bring a pair of canvas sneakers (think Converse Chuck Taylor). Because of the canvas top you can flatten them down to save bulk and they don't weigh that much. Keen is receiving good reviews for their light travel shoes as well.

When it comes to toiletries there's just one thing to keep in mind: keep it light. If for instance you're going on a 2 month trip to Australia there's just no way you can bring enough in one bag. Just bring the necessities such as a travel toothbrush, travel razor, a small deo stick, some travel toothpaste and a small can of travel shaving cream. Just remember:

- No matter which country you're in, you can buy most in stores in the larger cities.
- Hotels supply you with soap and shampoo.

You should just pack the little you do take into a ziplock bag. Not only is this light, it helps with the new travel regulations that are in effect at airport security.

Although most hotels provide towels, these are a must have for every traveler. Especially those made by MSR come highly recommended.

These lightweight towels are super absorbent, dry as fast as 1-2 hours and can be folded into small packages. Whether to take to the beach or dry yourself after a jungle shower, these towels work as advertised. Truth be told, they are a bit rougher than a normal towel, but use them a few times and you realize the added benefits greatly outweigh that little downside.

Taking a couple of larger Ziplock bags with you is a good idea. They will not only keep the odor of dirty laundry in, but keep moisture out as well. With ziplock bags it's easy to seperate dirty from clean laundry. You also make sure the insides of your bag remains clean and odorless as well.

Who knew that 2 little things could be so useful and give you peace and quite. When you invest in good earplugs you'll sleep through anything during your journeys. From plane engines to crying babies on trains to drunk fellow travelers who cause a ruckus in your hotel/hostel at 2.15 in the morning while you have to be up at 6 to catch a bus.

Added bonus is that they weigh next to nothing, so you can pack them and it has almost no effect on your packing weight.

Bringing a paperback (not the hardcovers: they weigh too much) is always a good choice. When you have an interesting book you'll always have a source of entertainment and it helps you to get through those waiting periods that all journeys seem to have.

For a short trip one or two are enough (depending on your reading speed) but you might need a few more if your trip takes longer. You can buy books all over the world, either second hand or new.

What you read could be any type of book, but consider reading a guidebook as well. It will get you informed about your destination and it gives you an opportunity to consider the things you want to do and see.

Carrying a couple of books with you can really add up to the weight, so getting rid of them after reading is the best option. You could either mail them home, sell them to 2nd hand bookstores or just exchange them with fellow travelers.

Why would you want to bring a music player, phone, pda and gps device when you could combine it all in a smartphone.

Connecting is easy either through tripleband gsm (which enables you to use virtually every mobile network in the world), wifi or use it as a bluetooth modem for your laptop. And they are stacked with applications that fill all your communication, scheduling, planning, and entertainment needs.

Smartphones come in all sizes and flavors, with Blackberry, Symbian, Apple and Windows Mobile the most popular operating systems. Blackberry, HTC, Nokia and Apple are the most popular manufacturers, but it's all about budget and personal preference which is the best choice for you.

Handheld digital cameras have the advantage of fitting in your pocket and you can whip them out fast to take a picture. The disadvantage is that quality wise they are not up to spec with a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. DSLR cameras produce better pictures (although the skill of the photographer has something to do with it as well). But they have the disadvantage of added bulk and weight. What camera you should bring is up to your own preferences and the kind of trip you take.

If photography is your hobby and you want to take the best pictures possible you should bring a DSLR. If it's just about documenting a trip and take a few pictures, a handheld digital camera is more than enough.

The kind of trip you're going on also dictates the camera you bring. When on a weekend trip or just going on a summer holiday or city trip, a handheld is good enough. When going on safari in Kenia or whale watching in New Zealand, you might want to bring a DSLR.

As with the smartphone, choosing a camera is about your personal needs and budget. Simple rule of thumb: if you just want to document your trip and shoot pictures, take a handheld. Only if you're serious about photography bring a DSLR.

Above are the things you would bring on every trip you go on. The items mentioned here are more trip-dependable and have a more singular use.

Water purifiers

When going on extended trips to third world countries you run the risk of getting sick from drinking local tab water, simply because of poor water quality. When you know that bottled water will not always be available, it's a good idea to bring your own water purifier. They do add bulk and weight, but not getting sick is an obvious advantage.

Pacsafe Bag Protector

Not everyone has your best interest at heart. There are countries where you can't leave your bag in your hotel room or hostel and be sure that it's safe. Then a Pacsafe bag protector could be real handy. You put your bag inside the protector which is made of a metal mesh. You pull that metal mesh tight and connect it to a solid object. Then it's just a matter of putting on a padlock. You belongings will then be secured and safe.

Daypack

A daypack can be handy to use when you're just out strolling around the city you're in. It could contain a water bottle, maps of the city, gadgets or just some souvenirs you bought. You want to have a daypack that is light and can be folded into a small package so you can store it in your regular bag while traveling. The Kiva Key Chain Pack is one of the best options in that regard.

Netbooks

Most smartphones have web capabilities but they have small screens so the usual web experience is nothing to write home about. Also due to its size, typing out long emails on your mobile phone leaves something to be desired. Laptops were an option, but they were still pretty heave to carry around. Enter the netbooks. These are smaller versions of laptops with screens ranging from 8 to 11 inches (20 to 30 cms) in diameter. They have less computer power but they are also much cheaper. They are perfect for surfing the web, updating your blog or Squidoo lens, sending out emails or other web activities. Weighing in at about 2 pounds (1 kg) the added weight doesn't count for that much.

He who talks the talk should walk the walk. Here's my own light travel packing list (updated for summer 2011):

Clothing:

- 4 pair of lightweight boxer shorts: 3 packed, 1 to wear
- 4 pair of socks (lightweight): 3 packed, 1 to wear
- 2 pair of zip off legs trousers: 1 packed, 1 to wear
- 1 lightweight pull-over/sweater: packed
- 3 lightweight and quick-dry shirts : 2 packed, 1 to wear
- 1 pair of hiking boots: to wear
- 2 lightweight and quick drying t-shirts : 1 packed, 1 to wear
- 1 jacket which doubles as rain jacket: to wear
- 1 jungle hat: packed
- 1 pair of swimming shorts: packed
- 1 pair of flip-flops: packed

Toiletries (packed in a small ziplock bag):

- 1 travel deo stick
- 1 small tube of toothpaste
- 1 travel toothbrush
- 1 travel razor
- 1 small can of shaving cream

Misc:

- 1 ultraLite quickdry towel
- 2 larger ziplock bags (for laundry/storage)
- 1 small bag which I use as daypack
- 1 pair of earplugs
- 1 paperback

Gadgets:

- 1 Digital camera with 1 extra battery + adapter
- 1 Smartphone + adapter
- 1 AC adapter plug

(This is a packing list for a summer holiday)