Now that I have been travelling for over a year with a backpack (a big Mountain Co-op Equipment backpack) I have had several people asking me how it is possible for me to manage with so few things. The reality is that there is not much that you really need. At the moment my backpack has around 18kg and I still think that the weight could be reduced more. Even trying to pack “light” I have a bunch of jewellery, purses and papers that I could really leave behind.

When I fly I bring a smaller backpack with me on the plane (8 to 10kg) where I keep my laptop, camera, kindle, bottle of water and personal documents. I also bring an extra full change of clothes in case there is a problem with my luggage I can survive for a day or two without having to buy new things. My big backpack goes in the airplane “belly” safely wrapped in a duffel bag I bought for it.

Since I was going over my clothing and general products with a friend I decided that I could share what I bring with me, for some people some items might be considered a luxury and for others the little amounts of things just ridiculous. I am trying to get better at packing each day.

This is my confession:

– Dresses: 3

– Jeans: 1 (when I first left Toronto I had 3! They are heavy so you really need one pair or no jeans at all.)

– T-shirts: 4

– Tanks tops: 3

– Sweaters: 3

– Jacket: 1 (I bought a light and warm REI jacket when I visited Seattle. It is very convenient as you can pack it really small and the hood and sleeves can be unzipped in case of warmer weather)

– Socks: 8

– Leggings: 4

– Panties: 10

– Bras: 3

– Swimming suit: 2

– Shoes: 1 pairs of sandals, 2 pairs of flip flops (outdoors and indoors), 2 pairs of closed shoes OR 1 pair of closed shoes and boots if it is wintertime.

I could definitely drop to a pair the walking shoes but it annoys me to wear the same pair of shoes all the time.

– Purses: 3 (one is small – just enough for keys, money and phone- and the other two are really with me because I AM A GIRL. No need for those.

I packed this way thinking of doing laundry once a week, ideally. I have not been camping in the jungle so I can buy whatever I need in the city you are staying: hygiene products, sunscreen or vitamins.

I have changed my luggage contents in two occasions this year. I have been lucky to be in Toronto to replace it. I think I have every weather condition covered. I always bring a small umbrella, sunglasses, a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag that we have ended up using quite a bit (when visiting friend’s houses or having friends over). Travel towels are also really useful if you are not sure a towel will be provided.

I have a set of three small leather bags that I got as a present and I thought I would never use them. They are great to store make up, jewellery and bathroom stuff: toothbrush, scissors, comb, my visine, etc. I pack them handy as that is usually the first thing I need when I arrived in a new place.

Ziploc bags are your best friend when travelling, specially the good quality ones.

Am I forgetting something?

If you do not pay attention to what is really important to bring you will end up mad at yourself  because of the kilos you are carrying over your shoulders or you will move slower in moments that you need to keep the pace to make it on time to that flight. Besides, there is always a place in your backpack that you might want to save for the return, if you wish to buy a souvenir or a present for someone.