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

Updated: