Simplified Packing List

Before I learned how to pack properly- this was the best I could do. Leaving a campsite in Nikko, Japan

The following is my personalized list, but many items I’ve seen other travelers carrying (or missing) in their packs.

Bag: my first solo year-long venture abroad I had the Ariel 55L Opsrey. It was perfect but I learned it still carried too much, despite a great hip belt, shoulder straps and ventilated back support. Much research later I found the two best options: Osprey Kyte 36L and Osprey Kestrel 38L. Osprey has well-made durable bags, warranties, and length sizes that fit your body like a glove. These two both fit in overhead compartments on airplanes and have raincovers integrated; though the Kyte has side zipper access so you don’t need to go through the whole bag to reach the bottom.
Titanium cup (with lid) and spork: Titanium can sit right in a fire and heat up the contents. Great for camping or for eating/drinking food at hostels, on trains etc.
Foldable knife: Not recommended as protection. Used mainly for peeling local fruit and veggies and cooking (at homestays or hostels).
Emergency blanket: compact solution to cold train rides, camp nights or snowy mountain peaks.
Mini scissors and tweezer
Mini first-aid kit: dehydration solution, bandaids, hand sanitizer, baby wipes. This kit saved me from post-food poisoning complications, treacherous hikes or hygiene in public restaurants and bathrooms.
Foldable tupperware containers (2): To save money I would seek out couchsurfers, hostels or homestays with kitchens and cook my own food. Then store it and carry it with me on a day long trip to eat later. Likewise, great for storing food during transit.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 person tent: This tent is pricey (450$ CAD), but after testing out low-mid range-high quality tents, I would invest in this one. It not only packs very small in length/width, but is feather light, self-standing and can withstand any weather condition. I’ve used it atop 3000m mountain peaks over night and in cold, dewy temperatures or dry warm nights. In the above photo I bought a 40$ tent in Japan and woke up in the middle of a typhoon to my tent’s fly ripping off and the floor flooding. Not to mention the intrusive weight it added to my whole pack. This tent is an important investment as it’ll save space, money in the future (camping is much cheaper than hostels), and add to your experience.
Diva cup + small panty liners (female): Most third world countries don’t have tampons at kiosks just very large and awkward panty liners. Save yourself the trouble and mess and grab a diva cup. It will last through that overnight bus trip just fine.
One small cosmetics case, including: small bottle of soap, conditioner and shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush. Everything else can be bought there. Yes, even contact solution and specialized deodorant.
Microfiber towel: lightweight, dries fast and never smells.
Outerwear: light, breathable rainproof coat + fleece + packable down jacket (optional: for winter travelers).
Black gloves for climbing, biking and chillier days. I washed the same pair over and over again using them to prevent blisters, numb hands and to help during tough hiking trails where I needed to use hands for balance.
Small beanie hat + Buff: My Merino wool Buff kept me warm around my neck, on my head, or as a shirt in tropical countries. A beanie is small and great for winter travel.
Black leggings: Multi-purpose, used for: nights out, hikes or extra warmth.
Black pants/shorts (colour optional, I liked black because it blends in dirt)
Hiking boots (not too heavy): No need to invest in a 200$+ pair of boots. I say this to everyone I meet because I see y’all carrying the bulkiest boots thinking it will help. Most do, but they take too long to break into and take up too much space. I’ve only owned two pairs in my adult life and each I bought at a thrift store under twenty bucks (the orange ones in the photo I bought in Tokyo for 10$ and summited Mt. Fuji in them two days later) and they lasted me many years. Plus, they packed small and there was no adjustment period after purchase. Buy used, whenever possible.
Light sandals/light runners: Reef makes classy and practical sandals that are ultra-lightweight.
One long and one short sleeve sports shirt: Under Armour- keeps in sweat better and heats you faster when you're cold.
One bandeau + one tank top (female): life savers in tropical paradises while carrying a pack or walking through town.
Bathing suit
Scarf: Though a wool Buff does the same, this is necessary for any Eastern countries that require you to cover up before entering a temple or sacred site. Plus a large, light one is great for laying on the beach, for picnics or for warmth while camping.
Day pack + day pack cover: One that folds up small is deal, though this is preference as some people like to carry extra items: cameras, art supplies, etc.
Waterproof document holders: Keeps your extra passport photos, insurance, resumes, plane tickets, personal information stored dry.
Small pencil case with pencils (waterproof): Writing utensils that come in handy at airports (filling in visas on arrival), for journaling, or for getting addresses and phone numbers down.
Two shirts: any random, funky shirts attributed to your own personal style. As much as practical gear is multipurpose, sometimes you want something of your own expression.
One large/ small notebook: again, for writing down important information, or simply for pleasure. And in case you lose your phone, you’ll have a back-up of addresses/phone numbers.
Camelbak: Easier to drink through a ready tube near your mouth than to pull out the water bottle deep in your bag (or even from a side pocket). Holds up to 3litrs and is easy to clean.
Tea tree oil: Kills foot fungus, bleeding gums, lice, bed bugs and many other uses.
Carabiners: Not just for hiking, you can attach all sorts of things to your pack like: a water bottle, hiking boots, food, camping equipment and so on.
Headlamp with extra batteries
A few ziplock bags: storage, dampness protection.
Nuts: My go-to snack for hour long treks, during transit or between meals- even as a meal replacement if need be. They keep a long time and it's always good to have back-up food.
Universal adapter
Small USB stick with a lot of memory: Back-up everything regularly. Photos, videos, documents, writing, phone numbers etc.
Small fanny pack: I have a Patagonia one, but any will do. They don’t look as dorky as you may think and you can wear them across your chest. Easy to keep your phone, wallet and snacks in, and ready whenever.
Luminaid inflatable waterproof solar powered light: Stumbled upon this from a fellow traveler. It’s used in emergency black-out scenarios but it works great while camping or in a no-electricity zone. Packs small, weighs almost nothing, and can be ordered online.
All visas/passports/documents scanned (and kept in weather proof case).
Sea to Summit II Spark SPII: super lightweight/small sleeping bag. Like the tent, a great investment. It is pricey but it's warm and as tiny as a Nalgene water bottle.
Nalgene or Hydro Flask water bottle: Besides the Camelbak, it’s good to have a bottle you can use to keep other liquids in whether its tea, soup, booze or electrolyte powdered water.
Waterproof watch: If you lose your phone you also lose your sense of time and your alarm clock. I never had one but wished I did, instead of asking others to wake me up in time for a scheduled flight or bus.
Black money belt: Vital piece of gear. Keep it under your shirt and keep all important things here. I had a beige one and it got dirty and sweaty too quick- black is better.
Chargers + headphones packed in glasses case for protection

Though the list may seem extensive, these items pack up very small and can efficiently fit into a small backpack. I did not add any personal items, as this is a generic inventory, so keeping extra space for clothing, food, or personal items picked up or taken along the way is a wise choice.