Here's my list exactly as it appears in my notes, which I always adapt depending on the trip. Check off each item as you go, your progress shows in the sidebar!
The basics
The main gear
The most important thing: choose your bag wisely. A 40 to 60L bag is enough for most trips. My personal pick: the Decathlon Travel 500 in 70L (55+15) : sturdy, well-designed, and very affordable. Along with it, I carry an Eastpak cabin bag for essentials and fragile items.
- Large backpack 40-70L : lightweight, ergonomic, sturdy (Decathlon Travel 500)
- Cabin bag / daypack : for essentials and fragile items
- Packing cubes / storage bags : to organize your bag by category
- Waterproof cover : if not included with the bag, essential in the rain
- Padlock : for hostel lockers and bag closures
- Laundry bag : to separate clean and dirty clothes in your bag
- Bum bag : to wear close to you for documents and money
Weight goal: try to aim for under 15 kg for your main bag. I've never quite managed it… but you're the one who'll be carrying it on your back for hours, so less is more!
Electronics
Essential tech gear
Anything electronic or battery-powered must go in your cabin bag : not checked luggage!
- Phone + charging cable
- Portable charger : essential for long days without a power outlet
- Universal adapter : for charging devices everywhere in the world
- AirPods / earphones
- AirTag : slip it into your bag to locate it if lost or stolen
- Headlamp : essential for treks and power outages
- Waterproof phone pouch : for water activities
- Camera / GoPro / drone (optional, depending on your preferences)
Admin
Documents & paperwork
Keep all your documents in a waterproof plastic pouch, and make digital copies on your phone or in the cloud.
- Passport : valid for 6 months after your return date
- Driving licence (national + international if needed)
- Printed visa if required for your destination
- Printed flight tickets
- Health card + travel insurance certificate
- Bank cards (including a backup one)
- Vaccination certificates
- Cash in local currency for arrival
- Waterproof plastic pouch to protect all your papers
Health
Toiletries & first aid
Choose compact, solid formats to travel light. And don't forget the first aid kit, better to never need it!
- Travel toiletry bag
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Solid soap & shampoo : practical, lightweight, eco-friendly
- Deodorant, sunscreen
- Hairbrush, hair ties, creams
- Mosquito repellent + soothing balm
- Medication : painkillers, anti-diarrhoea, anti-nausea, antihistamines, disinfectant, plasters
- Personal treatments (contraceptive pill, anti-malaria if needed, aspirin…)
- Hygiene products
- Sleep mask + earplugs : essential in hostels!
- Glasses / contact lenses + sunglasses
Mosquito tip: if, like me, they love your blood, take vitamin B1 (B1 only), one tablet a day. It gives your blood a smell mosquitoes hate. Tested and approved!
Wardrobe
Clothes (3-month example)
This list is calibrated for 3 months in a hot climate like Asia. Adjust the quantities to your trip's length and your destination's climate.
- 2 to 4 swimsuits : you can never have too many!
- 2 microfibre towels : one for shower, one for beach
- 7 pairs of socks + 10 underwear + 5 bras
- 10 tops, short or long sleeves
- 5 trousers + 5 shorts
- 3 evening outfits
- 2 leggings / joggers + 3 pyjamas
- 2 hoodies
- 1 raincoat : essential even in the tropics!
- Beanie, gloves, scarf if cold climate
Laundry tip: in Asia, you'll find "laundry" services everywhere, you drop off your clothes and pick them up washed and folded the next day for almost nothing. Just specify if you don't want a dryer for your delicate clothes!
Feet & accessories
Shoes & practical accessories
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Casual sneakers
- Hiking shoes if treks are planned
- Cap or hat + lightweight scarf
- Neck pillow : for sleeping comfortably on the plane
- Silk sheets : useful in less clean accommodations
Keeping busy
Entertainment & small extras
- Kindle e-reader : avoids carrying multiple books
- Deck of cards : perfect for transport and meeting people in hostels
- Downloaded movies / shows for long journeys
- Water bottle with carabiner : to clip to the bag
- Notebook + pens : for your travel journal ✍️
My e-reader tip: if you like reading, invest in an e-reader before you leave. Handy in hostels for reading in bed without disturbing others with the light, and you can carry 100 books in 200g!
Going further
Bonus tips
- Mini laundry detergent (tube or pods) for hand-washing if needed
- Swiss army knife (checked luggage only!)
- Important numbers written down : embassy, insurance, local contacts
- Medication in a labelled freezer bag : handy at customs
- Digital copies of all documents in the cloud
ℹ️ This article contains Amazon and Décathlon affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself.
Bag ready?
All that's left is to go!
Check out my complete checklist to prepare your departure and my Bali itinerary.
