- Go as light as possible. You need less clothing than you think you do; try to choose items that will do double duty whenever possible.
- Keep your most important documents with you at all times (and keep copies where you can retrieve the information if originals are lost or stolen).
- Keep essentials in your carry-on while traveling so you can still function if your main luggage gets lost.
- Check your destination's governement regulations and learn what you can bring along before you travel.
- The items on the following checklist are merely suggestions so you don't forget anything important. Adapt the list for your own personal needs.
When packing for an international adventure trip, there are a few key things to remember:
Packs/Luggage
- Travel pack or duffel
- Day pack or waist pack
- Packing organizers
- Pack rain cover
- RFID wallet or money belt
- Dry bag (for wet clothes)
- Resealable plastic bags
- Luggage locks
- Luggage tags
Clothing & Footwear
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirt(s)
- Quick-drying pants/shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
- Lightweight fleece or jacket
- Rainwear (jacket and pants)
- Sun-shielding cap or hat
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit
- Clothing for casual or evening use
- Bandana or Buff
- Socks (synthetic or wool, 2 or more pairs)
- Hiking footwear; sandals and other shoes
- Warm insulated jacket or vest
- Long underwear
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
When possible, choose synthetic quick-dry clothing that will pack small, wick sweat and dry fast. Look for clothes that can serve more than one purpose and base your choices on the type of trip, trip length and possible weather extremes you expect:
For cold weather, add:
Travel Gear
- Water bottles or hydration reservoir
- Water disinfection system or tablets
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Knife or multi-tool (in checked luggage)
- Book/reading material
- Field guides; historical guidebooks
- Language phrasebook
- Journal or sketchbook with pens/pencils
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Sleep sheet (or sleeping bag liner)
- Travel pillow
Health & Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Skin lotion
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- First-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Toiletry kit
- Toothbrush
- Tissue or toilet paper
- Cosmetics
- Brush and/or comb
- Sleep aids (eyeshades, earplugs)
- Travel clothesline and travel packets of detergent
- Sunglasses or glacier glasses (with sunglasses straps)
- Sunscreen
- SPF-rated lip balm
- Insect repellent
Sun and bug protection:
Personal Items
- Cell phone (with weatherproof case)
- Charging cables and plugs
- Headphones
- Electrical adapters/converter
- Portable power
- Camera or action camera
- Camera bags
- Extra batteries