Last night I did my first test pack and I’m happy to say it turned out better than I thought it would. I was able to get everything in there with room to spare. The pack is a bit on the heavy side but I have to remember it’s not just housing my clothes, it’s got a fair amount of electronics in there as well.
Pictured above are…
- 2 T-Shirts (I’ll be wearing one)
- 1 Short sleeve button up (quick dry)
- 2 Underwear (ExOfficio) (I’ll be wearing one)
- Basketball Shorts
- 50mm f/1.4 Lens
- Nikon D70 w/ 18-105mm
- Laptop Charger
- Laptop w/ mouse
- 2 pairs of shorts (I’ll be wearing one pair)
- 1 Pants (Columbia quick-dry)
- 2 Pairs SmartWool socks (short) (I’ll be wearing one pair)
- 1 Packable rain jacket
- D70 Battery Charger
- Bag of misc cables
- 2 External HardDrives (for backup)
- Universal power adapter
- Gorilla Pod
- Copies of travel docs (passport, license, etc)
- Sunglasses
- Flip Flops
- Backpack raincover
- Small notebook w/ pen
- Passport
- Casio EX-FC100 (1080p video)
There are a few things I left out or just plain forgot to put in the picture. Those items include…
- Bathroom stuff (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc)
- Hiking low top shoes (Will be wearing)
- Cell Phone (Used to take the photo)
- Business cards with contact info
I’ve cut down my list a bit from my previous Minimalist Packlist and I still might cut a few things out. Also, let me state that when I did the test pack, I packed EVERYTHING with room to spare. Normally I’d be wearing a set of clothes so that’d free up even more space.
That’s what my backpack looks like fully packed. My flipflops get stored in the airspace between my back and the actual pack itself. The compression straps are there to just help keep everything nice and tight and to help lower it’s profile. Having taken this pack on the plane to Las Vegas a few months ago, I don’t foresee any problems using this pack as a carry on (I hope) for my trip. Like I said, it’s a bit on the heavy side but I’ve carried heavier packs for many miles over rough trails.
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Hello! I'm Adam Mayfield and
I am the aurthor of this site. Currently I'm living a minimalist
lifestyle. I've sold almost all of possessions and have a travel addiction I can't seem to shake!
What about a smaller bag (i.e. hip bag) for just running around town (down to beach, get some food, etc.)? Are you going to carry your stuff around in pockets, carry the entire backpack, or get something if needed once you get there?
I am actually planning on taking my camelback with water bladder. I should have included that in the photo. Good call though!
Awesome list!!! Loved the post.
Thanks! It'll be refined over time I'm sure!
Nice man you are set. Now you just need a cocktail with an umbrella!
lol hells yeah! Thankfully those are provided there.
Just a quick FYI. If you plan on visiting temples in Thailand – which I FULLY recommend you do, they are amazing! You need to wear long pants that cover at least your knees (which you have) and a long-sleeved collared shirt (no t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts allowed). You could buy one there of course but it may be worth looking into a "travel" shirt – obviously it should be extremely breathable. I also recommend you get a couple of small microfiber handkerchiefs / washclothes. You will be sweating up a storm in SE Asia and you will want to mop your brow/face. (As well as your hands after washing in the bathrooms as towels are not always provided/sanitary.) The microfiber clothes absorb a lot of moisture, are more anti-microbial (read – don't get gross and smelly) than a natural fiber and are WAY easier to clean and dry in the bathroom.
In Bangkok, check out the Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Po and Wat Arun (on the West side of the Chao Praya). Be careful of Tuk Tuk drivers, any Thai man in sunglasses, or any Thai man that calls you "my friend" (in English) or uses the word "khapom" when addressing you (a word showing extreme respect, but in this case a sign that he is sucking up to you). These guys will be nearby many of the sites above and may try to convince you the sites are closed. Do not believe them or go anywhere with them.
Also, at least for SE Asia, I wouldn't bother with a Camelback and would bring a smaller daypack. You can just buy water at convenience stores (avoid tap water unless you enjoy dysentery).
Good call on the long sleeve shirt! I kick myself a little bit for ditching my pack towel and my long sleeve shirt a bit. Oh well. Live and learn. I'll have to try and find a little cloth or something. Another awesome idea!
I have a list of temples I want to visit. I've had a fair share of dealings with the tuktuck drivers and am quickly learning the system and how to get a fair deal from them. I did go to a mall and he told me it was closed. I of course didn't believe him and once I got there it was actually closed! haha.
I brought the camel back which has been super nice to have. I didn't however bring the bladder along with me. I only wanted it for a small portable tough bag. I've done everything in my power to not drink any tap water and have only bought my water. They cost all of 7-9 baht.
Thanks for the help!