This is all I pack for most any trip. Really.
What is all this? Starting from the bottom-left corner, and going left to right:
Row 1: Harmonica, flashlight, power adapter, flash drive, maps, guidebook, iPod (and chargers – I use my smartphone almost exclusively now and take a three-outlet plug), travel journal/writing utensils/small writing pad & business cards, binoculars, earplugs, jeans (yes, I pack jeans), swim suit.
Row 2: Passport, wallet, digital camera with charger (the shiny silver thing above the passport), smartphone (internationally capable), 3 T-shirts & 3 polo/nice/casual shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, & 1 sleeping shirt.
Row 3: Socks, a couple bandanas, poof ball & shower/hygiene stuff, knickers (underwear).
Row 4: Backpack – the Lookout 40 by REI*. It has compression straps, a solid waist belt, sternum strap, and lashing spots on the bottom where a sleeping bag can fit. It also comes in a ladies model. It’s nice, but I feel it has way too many superfluous straps...
What’s missing?
Shoes, sweater/coat/jacket (if winter traveling), another pair of trousers, and paperwork (rental car/plane tickets & reservations – if you still need those). Obviously, I wear that sweater, the shoes, trousers, and coat (if applicable), and just slip the paperwork into one of the bag’s outer pockets.
Trust me: Everything in this picture fits in the backpack with room to spare. THIS IS ALL YOU NEED, and you can get by on less, even for a several month-long excursion. It’s also best to use stuff you already have – don’t go buy a bunch of new stuff. See my packlist HERE.
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*A note on using backpacks for travel, from my 30+ years of experience:
I have used many diffeent packs over the years: Northface’s Yavapai, REI’s Vagabond and Lookout (shown in the above image), Oakley’s Ballistic, Victorinox’s Mobilizer packs, and a few no-name brands as well. They each had their good points and downfalls, and I liked/disliked each of them for different reasons. From 2014-2021, however, I used Osprey’s Porter 46 exclusively, because it fit my larger frame (though I generally used only a little over half its capacity). It also had no frills, no extra pockets or straps to get in the way (unlike the Lookout), and outstanding compression capabilities.
Then, in 2022 I discovered Cotopaxi. They offer a lot of different options, but when I tried on the Allpa 35, it just...well...it fit. And at 35 liters, it's smaller than my Porter, even when I compress the Porter – plus it has a few additional features my Osprey didn’t. My wife was so impressed that she purchased the Allpa 28 and uses it exclusively for every trip. Even packed full, the Allpa 35 can still squish into the overhead bin on a commuter jet. Aside from lacking compression straps, I believe it to be THE travel bag (although the hip belt is unnecessary). Plus, their del dia patterns are just plain FUN! I Highly recommend Cotopaxi if you’re looking for a solid backpack – travel or otherwise. No paid advertising here, I just genuinely like their product. If their Allpa 35 had compression straps, it would be, hands down, THE best travel pack ever.
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