I think I have the ugliest backpack known to man.
It’s two shades of dog-poo brown. But, I think it’s because of it’s lack of exterior good looks, it was such a steal. The 65CL REI pack was mine of the takin’ at a cool $180. That’s $100 less than it’s prettier counterparts, although color aside, they are exactly the same.
One thing’s for sure — the inside of that bag sho’ is good lookin’.
That’s because it is packed for my adventure.
But D, what does one pack in their bag, you ask?
Like all good RTW-ers before me, and many more after me, I present you with my official packing list (Spoiler alert – if reading about my underthings makes you uncomfortable, skip this):
- 1 teddy bear for a very special project I will be announcing soon
- 1 bottle of Croatian brandy (to be consumed upon London arrival)
- 1 pair of hiking shoes
- 1 pair of black flats
- 1 pair of flips
- 1 pair of pants that snap-off into capris for hiking, etc.
- 1 pair of comfy yoga pants for slumber
- 1 thermal undershirt
- 1 T-shirt
- 1 thin fleece
- 1 jacket
- 1 tiny umbrella
- 1 mini flat iron
- 1 mini foldable hair dryer (shhh … let me be a little vain, I can always ship it home)
- 2 bags of peanut butter M&Ms (a gift for Shaun for letting me stay with her)
- 2 scarves to accessorize
- 2 necklaces
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 2 tanks
- 2 bathing suits
- 2 sports bras
- 3 regular bras (nude, black and strapless)
- 3 dresses
- 3 long sleeve shirts
- 3 short-sleeve shirts
- 6 pairs of socks; 1 of which are all thick and warm and go half-way up my calves
- 16 pairs of undies
- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, leave-in, razor and additional blades, shower gel, makeup, meds, vitamins)
14 Comments on "Preparing for my RTW travel: the backpacking packing (a list)"
Lol, the only color worse than dog-poo brown is baby-puke green! ha ha ha!! actually, i’m sure your shades of brown are earthy, natural looking, and maybe a little camouflage-esque!!!
No, they’re pretty gross, Paul.
But, agreed. Baby puke green is nasty, too!!
Good call on the bras. Now I know what to pack! And that pack is fine. If it was canary yellow, I’d be worried for you. Speaking of, me and a gf saw a fasion disaster yesterday. A red Adidas zip jacket with “Big Bird” (Sesame Street) yellow harem pants.
Now, that’s ugly, not you’re bag. Here’s to Croatian brandy!
LOL. That is ugly. I have nothing like that in my bag.
Wow…….months and months of travel in one backpack!!! Amazing. I’ve thought about doing this come November, should I do that – I will be referencing this for sure.
The clothes snob in me worries I could never fit the necessities in one backpack. Then again, what else can you do for RTW?! lol
Let me say this — being in London and seeing all the amazing clothing and well-dressed people hurts a tinge. BUT, it’s so worth being here that not having the cutest clothes is OK.
DEFINITELY do it!! Keep in mind if you are going in November, you are going to have less room since you will be packing warm clothes. No biggie, but something to consider.
Let me know if you have questions! Always happy to help!
I love stuff like this; great post!
It’s always interesting to compare packing priorities. I think you are more pragmatic than I am–your travel experience shows. For example, I took way more sports bras than I needed! 
Party on; will continue to follow you as you hit the road. Maybe we will intersect in the Balkans sometime this month?
Thanks!! I won’t be in the Balkans until later in my trip. I am in London, Ireland and Spain this month. Think I will be in Morocco in April. Possibly over to Tunisia … want to make sure I stay 30 days out of Europe so I don’t get kicked out … want to meet me down there?
I’m leaving in three weeks and I haven’t tested out my pack yet – eek! Although I think I may be on the right track as my list looks very similiar to yours.
But 16 pairs of undies are hilarious. I may stick to 7 and do laundry once a week.
I’d love to hear your non-clothing list. I’m erring on the side of light as I’m heading to warm weather countries and I’m sure I can pick up clothes for cheap.
I know it’s funny, but last time I went backpacking laundry was such a pain. Figure it’s best to have more than less!
My non-clothing list: 2 lightweight scarves, 1 warm scarf, pair of gloves, two hats that can be smooshed, 2 necklaces, some makeup, face stuff and hair stuff.
Anything else you want to know? happy to help!!
D I saw much worse packs when I went shopping for mine and think of it this way. Nobody’s going to steal from you when your camouflaged in the corner.
Nice to see you taking jeans I am too. I want to be comfortable and not look like a complete tourist
LOVE jeans. Couldn’t travel w/o them.
I think yiur bag is beautiful. I mean how many people go around with brown backpacks? Mostly it’s the standard slate black…which is so common. where did u get urs from? Brand etc
Aww, thank you!! I got it from REI, it’s their own brand! You’re right — not a soul had my backpack! I love it now. It makes me smile.