After six months backpacking, this is what I found useful to have in my pack.
Not listed: decoy wallet in back pocket w/ cash for the day, phone, and musical instrument.
Total weight: ~35 lbs
Kelty Redcloud 90L pack, internal frame
Top pouch
- Single-pouch lightweight day pack, rolled up
- 2L dry bag, rolled up
- Journal & pen
- Intl. outlet adapter
- Phone charger
- Headlamp
- Spare AAA batteries
- Lock & key (for hostel lockers)
- Pocket knife
- Small first aid/survival kit
- Bandana x2
- Eagle creek zippable wallet (do not lose)
- ATM card
- Emergency credit card
- Cash (400 USD if international, 40 USD if domestic)
- Passport
- Color passport copy (x2)
- Vaccination certs
- Spare house key
- Important reciepts
- Reciprocity/entrance fees
- Trip insurance policy #
Side pouches
- 2 nalgenes, one w/ duct tape wrapped around it
- Extendable hiking poles
Netting
- Granola/candy bars
Main pouch
- Laptop & charger
- REI toiletries bag
- Deodorant
- Travel shaving cream
- Razor(s)
- Small mirror
- Medicated ointment (mometasone)
- Toothbrush with head protector
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Advil
- Earplugs, sleep mask 💁
- Neosporin
- Dayquil & Nyquil
- Prescriptions
- Birth control
- Dramamine
- Medical tape for blisters
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Nail file
- Swiss army knife
- Ciprofloxacin
- Mosquito repellant
- 35L Dry Bag x2 (one for dirty laundry)
- Book(s)
- Clothes
- Rain jacket (slightly oversized to wear over day pack)
- Rain pants
- Pants x3 (1 is fleece)
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- Underwear x7
- Socks x4-6 (3-4 regular, 1-2 wool)
- Footwear
- Hiking boots
- “Minimalist” sneakers
- Casual shoes
- Flip flops
- Shirts
- Button-downs (3x)
- White Ts (3x)
- Color Ts (3x)
- Long sleeve
- Sweaters x2
- Belt
- Gloves
- Warm hat
Phone apps:
- Evernote
- Offline games, single and multiplayer
- Google Maps
- CityMaps2Go (costs $ but lets you download offline maps w/ food, points of interest, guides, reviews)
- TripAdvisor
- Spotify
- Airbnb
- Spanish-specific apps
- ConjuVerb - look up how to conjugate a verb, or what verb to use
- Learn Spanish Vocabulary - flashcard app w/ varying difficulty