How many clothes should I pack for long-term travel?

Pack about one week's worth of clothing: 3-4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 5-7 pairs of underwear and socks. Choose quick-dry, versatile pieces and plan to do laundry weekly.

What's the most important thing to pack?

Your phone and a good power bank are arguably the most important items. Your phone serves as camera, map, translator, booking tool, and entertainment. A quality power bank ensures you're never without power.

Should I pack a laptop for long-term travel?

If you're a digital nomad or need to work, yes. Otherwise, a smartphone or tablet is usually sufficient. Laptops add weight and are targets for theft, so only bring one if necessary.

Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term

Q: How big should my backpack be for long-term travel?

A 40-50 liter backpack is ideal for long-term travel. It's large enough to hold everything you need but small enough to carry on most flights and manage easily.

Packing for long-term travel is an art form. Whether you're embarking on a gap year, digital nomad adventure, or extended backpacking trip, what you pack can make or break your experience. Pack too much and you'll be weighed down; pack too little and you'll be constantly buying replacements.

After years of long-term travel across six continents, we've refined our packing list to the essentials. This guide will help you pack smart for trips lasting months or even years.

Choosing Your Bag

For long-term travel, a 40-50 liter backpack is ideal. It's large enough to hold everything you need but small enough to carry on most flights. Look for a bag with good hip belt support, multiple compartments, and durable water-resistant material.

Popular choices include the Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40, Tortuga Outbreaker, and Cotopaxi Allpa. Try bags on in person if possible - comfort is crucial when you'll be carrying it for months.

Clothing Essentials

The key to long-term travel clothing is versatility and quick-drying fabrics. Merino wool is your best friend - it's naturally odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, and can be worn multiple times between washes. Pack 3-4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 2 pairs of pants (one convertible), and 5-7 pairs of underwear and socks.

Layer your clothing system: a base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer will handle most climates. A packable down jacket is worth its weight in gold for cold nights and air-conditioned buses.

Electronics & Tech

Your phone is your most important device - it's your camera, map, translator, and entertainment system. Bring a quality power bank (20,000mAh minimum), universal travel adapter, and all necessary charging cables. A lightweight laptop or tablet is essential for digital nomads.

Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are a game-changer for long flights and noisy hostels. Consider a Kindle for books - it holds thousands of titles and the battery lasts weeks.

Toiletries & Health

Pack a basic toiletry kit with travel-sized essentials. You can buy most toiletries anywhere in the world, so don't overpack. Focus on items that might be hard to find: prescription medications, specific skincare products, and quality sunscreen.

A small first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and any personal medications is essential. Don't forget hand sanitizer and a quick-dry travel towel.

Ultimate Packing List for Long-Term Travel

Choosing Your Bag

Clothing Essentials

Electronics & Tech

Toiletries & Health

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions