Minimalist Packing List for World Travel – Updated

This post describes what I carry when traveling anywhere in the world and I consider it a minimalist packing list for world Travel. I do have stuff at my mum’s house in Australia but if it all got thrown out I wouldn’t miss any of it.

I update my packing list a couple of times a year, but I think I am getting pretty close to perfecting it. Actually, not much of what I carry has changed from the last time I updated this packing list for world travel, just how I organize it and that I bought a new bag… well two actually.

Links will either take you to posts with more information or places where you can get hold of the stuff.

It is probably good to note that this entire minimalist packing list for world travel is air-plane safe, meaning I can get it on as a carry on. Also, the first things I buy when I land anywhere is a cheap folding knife and a lighter.

Minimalist Packing List for World Travel

Note: I stay away from the cold, but this packing list for world travel is good enough to get me through an English winter.

Shoulder Bag

This is like my everyday “bug out bag”. It stays packed with the things I take with me whenever I go. When I need to go out I do not have to think about what I need, I just pick up this bag and I’m out. This is a new edition and the biggest change since my last packing list update. I like it so much that I did a whole post on why my shoulder bag is the best travel bag ever. Anyway, here is what is in it.

F*k’n LOVE my shoulder bag – Sometimes I even exercise with it on.

Main Compartment

The main compartment of my Shoulder Bag locks so if I am carrying anything especially valuable I make sure it is either in this part, or in my money belt around my waste if I feel necessary to wear it.

Umbrella

A compact umbrella but with as big a top as possible. Protects you from the rain and the sun. Also makes a good weapon.

Small Water Bottle

Water is a lifesaver – ‘Nuff said.

Poncho

A poncho is extremely useful. It provides emergency shelter, protects from the rain, can be used for extra warmth and makes a great groundsheet which is probably what I use it for most. It is also good to hide under if needed… seriously.

Small Micro-Fibre Towel

Being micro-fibre is important. It holds lots of water, cleans well and dries fast. I use it as a sweat rag or and to wash my face etc. It can also clean surfaces if needed, become emergency toilet paper, be used as a bandage etc. This towel is about 30×30 cm.

Smart Phone

I use my smart phone a lot! I learn languages, take lots of pictures, navigate with its gps, as an alarm clock, exercise timer, I even edit photos and write blogs on it sometimes… the list goes on.

Money

Money… it’s important. Also has some ID and a bankcard.

These last two items are often in my pocket, or in the front compartment, but by default I put them in the main compartment because it locks.

Everything that lives in the main compartment o fmy shoulder bag. Phone is not pictured because I used it to take the picture .

Inside the Green Bag

My green bag is like my urban survival kit.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of two essential oils that I use. It can be used for many things, and unlike most other essential oils, it does not need to be diluted.

When you buy oils make sure the bottle has a stopper, other wise it will probably leak. I still give it its own plastic bag just in case.

You need a stopper otherwise it will leak. Even when I taped the lid on! Luckily Lavender oil smells nice.

Survival Keyring

If I could only take one thing with me it would be my It has paracord, a small flashlight, a compass and a whistle.

Portable Battery Charger

I use my phone’s GPS a lot (I rely on it way too much) so I carry a small portable battery charger just in case it runs out. It is also good for my MP3 player and even my computer. I have noticed that airlines are getting more strict with them so make sure the one you get is not too big (electricity wise). Mine is 5200 mAh with 5V/2A and I’ve never had it taken off me. It can charge my phone twice.

MP3 Player

An MP3 player is great for any journey. It keeps me from getting motion sickness and stops people from trying to talk to me.

Water Purification Tablets

Purely for emergency situations. I have only ever had to use water purification tablets once, but they are so lightweight it makes sense to carry them.

My Urban Survival Kit.

Black Tin

My black tin lives inside the green bag. If my survival keyring is the #1 thing I would take, then my black tin is definitely #2.

Lip balm

Having sore, dry lips sucks. Get lip balm with UV protection, preferably made from natural products.

Gaffer Tape

Gaffer tape is great for repairs and has many other uses.

American Dollars

American money is the most widely accepted currency around the world. You should always carry a minimum of $50 and preferably in $20 bills or smaller. Also an emergency Visa or Mastercard as they are most widely accepted.

Paper and Pencil

For writing and also for fire starting. Also, a pencil is more reliable than a pen.

Small Flint Stick

Once my flint stick got taken off by TSA but I think that was because I had it on my keyring. The one I carry now is so small they never notice it. Even one a bit bigger than the one I have would get through. You can bury it in your bag if you are worried. I’m doubtful it would get picked up.

Tick Removal Kit

A tick removal kit contains tweezers and a small magnifying glass. I lost the magnifying glass somewhere so it is not pictured. The tweezers have never been questioned by airport security. Apart from removing ticks it is use full for splinters and other wound cleaning. The magnifying glass can also be used to start a fire.

Condom

Apart from doing the wild thing, a single condom can be used to hold water and that condom filled water could also be used as a improvised magnifying glass to start a fire.

Safety Pins

Good for emergency temporary repairs and also to drain blisters (after being sterilized, like with a flame).

Band-aids

Band-aids are useful for small wound care and also can be used for emergency repairs (improvised sticky tape).

Benadryl

Benadryl is a potential lifesaver in the case of anaphylactic shock. It can also be used as a sedative which means it is also good for motion sickness and insomnia. Like all pharmaceuticals, only use as directed and only take when really needed.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a mild to medium painkiller with anti-inflammatory properties. Not pictured because I ran out… will top up soon.

Activated Charcoal

This is something I am surprised is not in every travelers bag, along with lavender and clove oil. In fact, I even wrote a dedicated post to these three items entitled Three Must Have Travel First Aid Items That You Probably Don’t Have. The most useful use of activated charcoal is as a sh*t stopper when you get a bad belly, but it has loads of other uses so read that post I just mentioned.

Refer to Survivetravel.com/wilderness-travel-medicine for appropriate use of pharmaceuticals and other medical knowledge.

If you polish the inside of the lid it can also be used to signal or perhaps as a shaving mirror.

Front Compartment

Sunglasses

I buy cheap but tough sunglasses if I can find them. Otherwise I just get cheapo’s from street markets. The important thing is that they provide UV protection.

I try to be as inconspicuous as possible and in many places wearing sunglasses is unusual, but it is something I do anyway because your eyes are extremely important.

Toilet Paper and Sanitary Wipes

Being caught without toilet paper is never a good thing. Sanitary wipes are good to wash if there is no water about.

Lighter/Knife

A knife (not pictured) and a lighter are very useful survival tools. Unfortunately neither can be taken on a plane, but I make it a point to acquire them as soon as possible.

Emergency food

Dried fruit and nuts with honey is my personal favorite. Snickers bars are good (nuts and chocolate). The idea is protein and sugars, preferably more protein and less sugars… and long lasting.

Plastic bags

In case I need to carry wet/dirty stuff or just extra stuff in general. I always carry two because they can also be used to water-proof the whole bag in case I have to cross a river or something. I also use them as rubbish bags. Fold them up as a triangle and you won’t even know you are carrying them.

Notebook and Pens

To write stuff. Paper can also be used to start fires.

Also have some stickers in there.. blog promotion.

No sunglasses, knife or lighter in this picture. All went missing in Phuket and I haven’t replaced them yet (and I probably wont until I get to the Philippines). The plastic bags are in with the tp and sanitary wipes.

Laptop

My Asus T100 is a pretty good travel laptop. It is not as good as a Mac but it loads cheaper so if it goes missing or gets damaged during my travels I’m not too sad. It has a long battery life and doubles as a tablet so it is also good for entertainment. I did a lot of research when purchasing this. You can’t get better value for money. I highly recommend it as a travel computer.

When I have to transport my laptop I strap it to my shoulder bag, otherwise it stays where I sleep (my accommodation).

Mouse

The increase in productivity that a small computer mouse brings (in comparison with using my computers track-pad) makes it worth carrying.

My laptop strapped to the back of my shoulder bad. I just need a different color for the dry-sack.

Main Pack

Everything else I own lives in this pack. This one is a different pack from my last packing list update. I have been a bit bag obsessed lately but I think I’m happy with what I have got now – it seems to tick all the boxes for my requirements.

My main pack fully packed.

Compared to all the bags I have had for the past 5 years, this one is very comfortable to carry. It has a proper waist strap and a mesh netting at the back which separates it from your back which is great since I spend most of my time in the tropics.

Also, it has a rain cover, mesh netting pocket on the sides and is lockable. It seems to be pretty good quality also and since I picked it up in Malaysia it wasn’t very expensive. I am certain you could get the same thing with some North Face or other brand name badge sowed into it and pay five times the amount.

When I first got it I had the problem that although I could squeeze everything into it, it was pushing it, but now with my shoulder bag it is easy to carry both at the same time, and also means when I board vehicles I just put my pack in storage and keep my shoulder bag with me. It’s a good arrangement for me.

Anyway, here is what is in my main pack.

Main Compartment

This is the bulk of my stuff. Apart from the few items at the start of this list I group and separate. It helps with organisation and quick access.

Sandals

My sandals are barefoot technology and have a strap so they are secure on my feet. I can run in them if needed. They are not pictured. I keep them in a plastic bag so stuff doesn’t get dirty. Not pictured.

Casualty Blanket

It’s a groundsheet, shelter, blanket, signalling device (foil back) etc. My casualty blanket in combination with my poncho is enough to keep me dry and warm in emergency situations.

Cotton Sheet

I am currently using a single bed sized cotton sheet instead of a sarong. I use it mainly as a towel but it can also be used in all the same ways a sarong can. Emergency clothing, towel, sun protector, ground sheet, blanket, bandages etc. I prefer the bed-sheet to sarong because it is just a tad more suitable as a towel, slightly bigger and cheaper to replace. The downside is that it doesn’t pack down as small.

Rain Jacket

Since I carry an umbrella and a poncho and I keep mainly to warm places I rarely use this, but when I do need to pull it out there is no substitute. It is completely waterproof (including torrential rain and snow) and provides valuable warmth since I don’t carry a fleece. It is Mine is not a Gortex jacket, which I feel is grossly overpriced, but it is basically the same.

Two Thin Cotton T-shirts

I have two loose-fitting, fairly thin cotton t-shirts. Oversized yoga t-shirts seem to work well since a lot of the fashion these days is short-sleeve and I’m not into it.

Slacks

Slacks/thin dress pants are great. They are light weight, fast drying have deep pockets and relatively cheap to replace.

Day Pack

Thanks to my shoulder bag my long time friend 30L outlander day pack does not get anywhere near as much use as it used to, but I still keep it for times when I need more than what is in my bum bag (such as more water) but do not want to take my main bag, which stays wherever I sleep. Usually Ill just put the extra stuff in there and then put my shoulder bag in there as well, or carry it on my front.

All the contents in the main compartment of my main pack.

Training Gear

I now keep everything I need to train in Survival Fitness in my draw-string tote bag, so in the morning, or whenever, I can just grab it and go.

Running Shorts

Two pairs which I also use for everyday use. Running shorts can also be used for swimming as they dry pretty quick.

I choose those that have built in underwear, a hidden pocket (which most do), are longer rather than super short and with pockets. Also, a drawstring is important.

Two Singlets (Tank Tops)

I exercise every day so a singlet is necessary if going in public to do so. It can also be used as a t-shirt replacement if needed.

Small Micro-fibre Towel

Being micro-fibre is important. It holds lots of water, cleans well and dries fast. I use it as a sweat rag, to wipe down surfaces, clean spills and as a towel when I do not want to use my big towel (like if I am traveling on the same day) and to wash myself if I haven’t encountered a shower in a while. It would also come in handy as a bandage. I clean it regularly.

Actually, now I keep two so I can do towel pull-ups.

Swimming Goggles

I also keep my swimming goggles in it.

Socks

A couple of pairs of thin, short socks for training.

Skipping Rope

My skipping rope is a new edition. I use it for Survival Fitness Training. It’s light weight and can also be used for emergency rope.

Plastic Bags

Two plastic bags to put wet clothes when I go swimming. Also just useful in general.

Waterproof Watch Timer

Mainly so I can time when swimming. This one doesn’t have a countdown but when I come across a small one that does I’ll get a watch that does.

Everything I need for Survival Fitness Training

Journey Clothes

These is what I wear for long haul travel e.g. a plane or long distance bus, or, any-time where I am uncertain of the temperature.

Zip-Off Pants

Many people despise zip-off pants but I think they are very useful. They are lightweight and since I only carry one pair of pants and one pair of shorts, if either are being washed these can double as either. Make sure you get ones that use comfortable materials. Some of the “high-tech” stuff does not feel very good on the skin.

Shoes

I love barefoot style shoes. They are relatively light weight, quick drying and good for your spine. I used to wear Lems but they changed the style (by putting a logo on them) so now I use Softstars.

Socks

Well, they are socks.

Thermal Top

I use a looser thermal (as opposed to skin type version) so that I can wear it as a light jumper. I find it a pain in the ass to put on/take off thermals underneath.

Shoes are not pictured, but they are never in the pack anyway. I am either wearing them or they stay in my accommodation while I wear my sandals.

Electronics Bag

All my electronic stuff that isn’t with my shoulder bag, housed in a dry sack.

Universal Converter

My universal converter cost me $5 and I have had it for years.

Random Small Electronics

A 128gb flash drive, a usb hub (not pictured), cords, usb charger etc.

Steripen

A Steripen purifies water with UV light. It is literally a life-saver.

All my random electronics.

Spares

This bag just contains random spare stuff an the contents changes. Two things that do really change is paperwork and zip lick bags which always come in handy.

Random spares – the contents of which changes periodically.

Warm Clothes

I keep these clothes in their own dry sack so they have another layer of waterproofing. Perhaps when I do need additional warm clothes it might be because everything else is wet… these won’t be.

Gloves

I am hardly ever in conditions cold enough to use my gloves but when I am then keeping the extremities warm is crucial.

Thermal Pants

All the long pants I carry are fairly thin so if it gets cold I layer first with my thermal pants. If needed I wear these under my shorts. Thermal Bottoms

Thick Socks

Just like gloves, keeping the extremities warm is crucial.

Warm clothes have there own waterproofing so if everything else gets wet, at least I have these.

Mess Tin

What I keep in here has changed a bit since my last packing list.

My mess tin is an important survival item but I also use it every-day to make my tea in. It is fairly lightweight and I can boil water/cook in it if needed. It can hold fragile items if needed e.g. eggs. It can be used for signalling or a mirror if polished. They edges could be sharpened to make a knife.

To save space I put the following items in it.

Super Glue

A small tube of super glue is great for repairs and also can be used to help start a fire (super glue is pretty flammable).

Measuring Tape

A sewing kit style measuring tape is actually more handy than most people think. It has cm, meters, inches and feet. It can also be used to tie stuff.

Tape

Gaffer or electrical tape. Good for repairs and emergency first aid.

Hi Vis Velcro Band

I hold my tin closed with a high vis velcro-strap. This is invaluable for signaling or if exercising/walking at night and you want to make sure cars can see you.

Paracord

There’s actually quite a bit of paracord in here so if I need to hook up a shelter I can.

Band-aids

Band-aids are useful for small wound care and also as improvised sticky tape.

Compass

A spare compass compass which is also slightly bigger. I’ve had this one since college!

Sewing Kit

Not really a kit – just a couple of needles and some thread.

Condoms

Condoms are needed for safe sex, and safe sex is better than barefoot… because you can’t run from AIDS!

Also contains spare stuff such as random tablets, lip balm, super glue etc.

My mess tin used to be a full on survival kit, but now it is more like a random stuff, spares and repairs kit.

Middle Compartment

The contents of the middle compartment of my main pack.

Bucket hat

A small bucket hat which I rarely use now that I carry an umbrella but keep it since it takes up very little space and weighs hardly anything. It comes in handy when I need to have my hands free such as when exercising. It also makes for a good small towel replacement if my micro-fibre one is dirty or being washed.

Money Belt

My money belt is not pictured but inside it I carry my passport, passport photos, extra cash, a credit card and other identification. When in “if-y” places I use it as a money belt, otherwise I just keep it in my bag and often in my main bag which is left in my accommodation, assuming I feel that my accommodation is secure.

Sometimes I put my lock-pick set in it but not when boarding a plane.

Waterproof Socks

Waterproof socks are great or keeping your feet dry and/or warm, especially since my minimalist, barefoot shoes are most certainly not waterproof.

Pen

It’s a pen… for writing stuff, like on an immigration card.

Toiletries

Anything that raises a flag in airport security goes in my toiletries, so it is easy for them to confiscate without having to search my whole bag.

I put all my toiletries in a mesh bag. It is mesh so the water can drain.

Nail Clippers

If my scissors get taken away then my nail clippers can be used to cut stuff. Of course I also use them to cut my nails.

Small Scissors

I have been able to get my small pair of folding scissors aboard most flights, and they are cheap and common enough to replace if they do get taken off me. Incredibly handy.

I know that the scissors should not be allowed, and even the nail-clippers in some places, but I take the chance anyway. South East Asia and South America often just don’t give a f*ck, although Thailand did take my scissors off me.

When/if they get taken off me no big loss. I just buy them again when I land. I take budget airlines most of the time so it is cheaper than checking in a bag and even if I get hassled it is faster than waiting for my baggage at the other end.

Clove oil

A 50-100ml bottle of 50% diluted clove oil. I use it daily as a mouth wash and immune system booster. It is also extremely useful for many other things.

Tea

I try to drink green tea daily for health reasons.

Spirulina and Chlorela

Spirulina and Chorela are my “multi-vitamins” of choice. They are not really multi-vitamins but are (in my mind) the super-est of super-foods making them extremely useful for keeping healthy whilst traveling.

Dental floss

Can also be used as string, fishing line and sewing thread.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

A travel toothbrush that folds up, although finding them can be hard sometimes. Any normal toothbrush with a case works well.

Moisturizer

For moisturizing. No more than 100mls so it can board planes.

Deodorant

Roll on style.

Cue tips

For ear cleaning and also first aid.

My toiletries bag has everything that may raise a flag in airport security.

Front Pocket

Snacks. I also have a small pocket on the waist strap which comes in handy sometimes.

Well that’s everything. I hope I don’t change it too much cause updating this takes AGES! There isn’t much room to spare, but I could fit a travel pillow in there, which I plan on getting. Also, lots of places to strap to the outside.

What do You Pack For World Travel?

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