Minimalist Packing List for World Travel

I consider myself to be a survival minimalist so this post describes my personal survival minimalist packing list for world travel. This packing list serves me worldwide, everything fits into my carry-on luggage, and if the plane goes down, I have everything needed to survive, that’s allowed onto a plane. (no knife or fire starting)

Over the years I have refined my belongings in the idea of having less stuff to achieve more. Isn’t it ironic that I have continually bought things in an effort to have less.

This survival minimalist packing list for world travel is what I move around with. If I am in one place for a while e.g. working, I usually accumulate a few extra things e.g. in colder climates, special expeditions, work clothes etc. but they are discarded when I move on or they replace something of the same item e.g. clothing.

It is probably good to note that this entire survival minimalist packing list for world travel is Airplane safe, meaning I can get it on as a carry on. If I intend to ‘stow’ my bag underneath, I usually also include a good knife, but that is the only other addition.

The last thing I feel is important to note is that the first thing I buy when I land anywhere is a knife and a lighter.

Survival Minimalist Packing List for World Travel

OK, here it is. My survival minimalist packing list for world travel, divided into different sections.

Clothing

Obviously clothing is pretty important, and it is easy to get carried away with what you need and don’t need. Here’s my general tip: only pack 2 of everything, except maybe socks and underwear which you may want more of.

I prefer tropical weather, so I try to stick to lightweight, quick dry materials. Cotton or cotton blends works well for me.

Here’s what I carry in the way of clothing:
1 x Rain Jacket – Not Gortex, but on par i.e. cheaper
1 x Light fleece jumper – Not a hoodie
1 x Thermals – Top and bottom. I use looser ones that can be put on over t-shirt, since it can be a pain in the ass to put on/take off thermals underneath
1 x Trousers – Multipurpose i.e. good enough to go out in, for everyday wear or even hiking in cooler weather. I don’t use jeans as they take too long to dry and are slightly heavier, but to each their own.
1 x Zip off pants, lightweight. These are my alternate pants/shorts. Since I only carry one pair of pants and one pair of shorts, if either are being washed these can double as either.
1 x Shorts. Board shorts, quick dry
1 x Running shorts/Bathers, for exercise
1 x Singlet, for exercise or other
2 x T-shirts, as this is what I wear most
1 x Collared shirt, to go out in or everyday wear if needed
1 x sandals, barefoot technology baby. Lightweight and great for your spine
1 x shoes. Ditto on the barefoot
1 x waterproof socks, because barefoot shoes are definitely not waterproof
Socks and underwear, as needed. 3 pairs works well for me.
1 x Sunglasses
1 x Shemaugh. This is what they use in the desert (probably Arabia or something) and even the special forces have clicked on. It is very versatile depending on how you use it. Sun protection, face protection, cover your eyes for day naps, ground sheet, blanket, emergency towel etc.

All my clothing… basically 2 of everything

Survival Kits

I’ve written separate posts on my Airplane safe survival kit and how to make your own survival key-ring.

This survival kit also includes a medical kit.

Survival/Medical Kit all packed up

Toiletries and Liquids

I keep these all together because of flying restrictions i.e. all liquids in a zip lock bag.

Top Left Bag
Tea, Clove oil, small empty glass bottle to mix clove oil if needed

Top Right Bag
Teeth, soap, deoderant, moisturiser

Bottom
3% clove oil, sunscreen, lip balm, super glue

Note: Clove oil is exceptionally useful more medical and other uses. Check out Wilderness and Travel Medicine.

Toiletries and other liquids

Miscellaneous and Spares

Just spare and random electronics, pharmaceuticals, stationary etc.

Miscellaneous stuff including spares

Being a travel blogger, I also have a laptop. It is 10.1 inch.

How it is Packed

Now you have a basic rundown of what I pack… here’s how it looks altogether. The bag is small enough to get onto carry on luggage, however, I usually put my laptop and a few other things into the bag on the front for ease of use and to keep the weight down.

All packed away

So that bag on the front is my day pack. The following picture is what I usually keep in it.

What I put in the front pocket of my pack – easily transferable to my day pack

When I need to take everything I put whatever I would usually have in the day pack in the front pocket of my ‘big’ pack, which basically just includes things I commonly use for the day and varies depending on what I’m doing e.g. a small medical kit, portable charger, steripen (water sterilizer) mp3, poncho, water, smaugh etc.

Some things that often make it into my front pocket / day pack

Well that’s it for my survival minimalist packing list for world travel. Of course, everyone has different needs but in general just pack only what you absolutely need. If you find you need something you don’t have, you can always buy it later.

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