Years ago, I was a 20-year-old lugging around two massive suitcases, a duffel, and a backpack through Paddington Station in London. On my way to study abroad, I stumbled and struggled with my load, drawing sympathetic glances from passersby. That was me. Since then, I've learned to pack efficiently. With 15 years of travel experience, I’ve developed a streamlined system for packing light and smart. Here’s what I take on my current trip.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) was a trip highlight, especially for gnome photos!
Understanding Your Trip's Purpose
Before packing, clarify your trip's purpose and consider the weather. You won't need a bikini for hikingKilimanjaro. This January, I embarked on a four-month adventure across South America. Packing was a challenge as I had to prepare for both warm and cold climates, especially with potential plans for Antarctica. My essentials included warm clothes and reliable hiking boots for treks in Colombia and Chile. I document everything I pack, especially since I carry around 30 pounds of camera gear, which limits my options. Here’s my approach.
My Packing Approach
I believe in packing only items that are functional and versatile. Fashion isn’t my priority; I lean towards comfort with tank tops and flip-flops. If I plan to wear something only once, I leave it behind. I ensure my clothes coordinate for easy outfit changes. I “army roll” my clothes to maximize space and use zippered bags for smaller items, while packing cubes are great for backpacking. Below is my effective system.
My Luggage Choices
- Osprey DayPack: This 36-liter backpack accommodates all my camera gear and includes a laptop sleeve. It’s carry-on friendly, but won’t fit under the seat due to my laptop. Osprey offers a lifetime warranty, making them a fantastic choice.
- 22-inch Carry-On Suitcase: I found this for $60 at Target. It holds my clothes, shoes, toiletries, and chargers, fitting comfortably in the overhead compartment. I usually check it because of full-size liquids, which can be pricey abroad. Make sure to get a suitcase with 360-degree wheels!
- Nike Duffel:I borrowed a similar bag years ago and loved it. It fits neatly under the seat and carries snacks, my journal, and jackets. I bought it at JC Penney but added a link to the same one on Amazon.
I keep my camera gear minimal, packing only what I need. Here’s the breakdown.
Camera Gear & Electronics
Camera Body: I use a Nikon D800, a full-frame DSLR. I’m waiting for mirrorless cameras to match its performance before switching. Lenses: My lenses feature fast apertures (f/2.8 or f/1.8), perfect for low-light conditions, thanks to my background in music photography.
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8: My go-to lens.
- Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR: Heavy, but essential for portraits, especially during my Galapagos trip.
- Nikon 50 mm f/1.8: My lightest lens, ideal for low-light situations.
Miscellaneous Gear:
- Nikon SB 800 Flash: Rarely used, but packed out of habit.
- Rodes Microphone: I brought this for video but didn’t use it.
- Holga: A medium format film camera with square frames, paired with Kodak Portra ISO 400 and Ilford XP2 ISO 400 films.
- Circular Polarizing filters: I keep two, one for each lens.
Hard Drives: Two 5Tb Seagate Drives: One backs up my Mac and photos; the other stores my travel archives. I also carry a 2TB drive for this trip's photos. MacBook Pro: I use a maxed-out 15-inch model for reliability on the road.
Clothing Selections
Pants
(Clockwise from top left)
- Patagonia Capilene Thermals: Excellent for cold weather, also serve as pajamas.
- Cropped Yoga Pants: Great for workouts and travel, priced at $20 from American Eagle.
- PrAna Hiking Pants: The best for hikes, flattering and functional.
- Skinny Jeans: I wear these at night when it gets chilly; also from American Eagle.
- Long Yoga Pants: Comfortable for lounging or dressing up; also from American Eagle.
Shorts
(Clockwise from top left)
- Comfy Shorts: My go-to PJs for warm climates, from American Eagle.
- Patagonia Outdoor Shorts: Ideal for various activities, quick-drying and functional.
- Jean Shorts: Stylish yet practical, matching almost everything. Found at Target.
Jackets
(Clockwise from top left)
- Marmot PreCip Jacket: A lightweight raincoat that excels in heat and cold.
- Black Hoodie: Essential for warmth during flights, found at H&M.
- Basic Scarf: A simple, inexpensive scarf from Target.
- Columbia Fleece: A warm layer sourced from my parents' house.
Yes, I stuff things in my shoes to maximize packing space!
Shoes
(Clockwise from top left)
- Haviannas Flipflops: Comfortable and versatile for various occasions.
- Keen Terradora Hiking Boots: Necessary for my hikes, despite their bulk.
- Toms: Great for colder settings, but less utilized this trip.
- Nikes: My essential running shoes that double for urban exploration.
- Flat Sandals: Economical sandals from Target, set for disposal post-trip.
Tops
(Clockwise from top left)
- Patagonia Capilene Thermal Zip-Neck: My favorite thermal top.
- Running Tank: A lightweight tank from Target.
- Basic Tanks: Two versatile tanks from Macy’s for layering.
- Basic Tees: I love Arizona brand V-necks from JC Penney, packing eight total.
- Columbia Silverridge SPF/Wicking Shirt: My go-to for sun protection while hiking.
Evening Outfits
Always include a cute outfit for nights out. I prefer a simple dress that I can layer with a cardigan when it gets chilly. This one is from American Eagle.
Accessories
- Camo Hat: My trusty travel hat since 2006.
- Bikini: A functional yet stylish swimsuit from American Eagle.
- Tall Lightweight Socks: Affordable comfort socks from Walmart, perfect for flights.
- Hiking Socks: Five pairs for my multi-day hike in Colombia.
- Wicking Ankle Socks: My favorite running socks.
- REI Sahara Hat: A practical hat for sun protection.
Miscellaneous Items
(Clockwise from top left)
- Shoe Bags: These keep my suitcase organized, sourced from a Japanese dollar store.
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter: Essential for saving money on bottled water.
- Sturdy Combination Lock: Useful for securing my belongings in hostels.
- Resistance Exercise Band: A trial item for keeping fit while traveling.
- Nuun Electrolytes: Great for hydration on hikes.
- Playing Cards: A travel necessity from the dollar store.
- Baggu Reusable Shopping Bag: Multi-functional and adorable.
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Great for rustic accommodations.
- Toe Warmers: Crucial for colder destinations.
- Rain Pants: Indispensable for unpredictable weather.
- Quick Dry Towel: Versatile and efficient for travel.
Toiletries
I’ve used the same LL Bean toiletry bag since high school. I prefer full-size toiletries for essentials that are hard to find or costly abroad, including sunscreen and bug spray. Here are my top picks:
- BARE Republic Sunscreen: My favorite chemical-free option, available online.
- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Face Lotion SPF 50 Tinted: Worth the investment for skin protection.
- REPEL Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent: A safer alternative to DEET.
- Keychain Pepper Spray: For personal safety while traveling.
I pack toiletries in various bags I've collected over the years.
Items I Packed & Didn’t Pack
- Headlamp: A travel essential for hands-free light.
- Underwear: I packed 14 pairs, a bit excessive but ensures I won’t run out.
- Socks: Seven pairs of ankle socks and five hiking socks.
- Bras: Five sports bras for comfort.
- Toiletries: I tend to overpack these, collecting more along the way.
- Makeup: Minimal, mostly for evenings out.
- Sunscreen, Contact Solution, Bug Spray, Tampons & Band-Aids: Always bring full sizes; they can be expensive abroad.
- Journal: A Moleskin for documenting my travels.
What I Should Have Left Behind
These were the items I ditched after returning home for work.
After my Antarctica plans fell through, I carried unnecessary winter gear back to Texas. I left behind gloves, thermal layers, and other bulky items. This significantly lightened my load, allowing me to pack more useful items for my trip.
Got Packing Questions?
What packing tips do you have? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions. Contact me at info@savinghunt.com.
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*Note: I’m not sponsored by any brands mentioned above. All products listed are ones I genuinely recommend based on personal experience.
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