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Packing for the lightweight international traveler
25
items A list of things that I bring with me as a semi-light packer on international trips
Sections
4
Clothes
Gear
Staying alive and healthy
Sleep well
Clothes
For longer trips I bring one athletic t-shirt, 2 “nice” t-shirts, 2 short short sleeves with collars, one long sleeve button down, a pair of athletic shorts, a pair of kaki style shorts, and a pair of pants. One pair of shoes. One swimsuit if applica...
Whether you're going somewhere hot or cold, merino wool is your best friend for comfort and SMELL. A lightweight merino in summer will help keep stink at bay, especially important if taking lots of public transport. This shirt is a good daily-driver ...
Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III T-Shirt - Men's | REI Co-op
For international trips, its a good idea to bring versatile options. A long sleeve button down can be made more formal for dinners or casual for walking around by messing with the sleeves. Importantly 100% linen is IDEAL for hot climates as it helps ...
Standard-Fit Linen Shirt | Banana Republic
Linen is fantastic for adding a bit of “dress” to hot weather vacations. This shirt is just an example but scour the the local TJ-max for 100% linen collared shirts that feel ultra lightweight but aren't see through. It may take some effort. Also, st...
Standard-Fit Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt | Banana Republic
Solid color T-shirts are incredibly versatile and may be worn as a standalone or under an open button down. Variety is your friend but make sure everything matches.
Men's Every Wear Short Sleeve T-Shirt - Goodfellow & Co™ Aubusson S: Lightweight Crew Neck
A pair of flax colored linen pants is all you need (unless you're fancy) on an international trip to anywhere warm or hot. Able to be worn no matter how hot it is, you will stay cool while keeping a bit of a dressier look, appropriate for most dining...
100% European Linen Drawstring Beach Pants in Flax
A nice all around linen short, superior in terms of comfort by far to traditional kaki shorts. Remember that comfort is very important to a successful trip, but so is fashion so pick shorts that go with everything.
Mid-Thigh Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
You should only be bringing one pair of shoes, therefore color theory says they should be white! White goes with everything, but what type of shoe? If you're like me and very active, a trail runner is perfect. You can get a morning workout in, walkar...
ACS + OG Unisex Sportstyle Shoes | Salomon
You should only be bringing one pair of shoes, therefore color theory says they should be white! White goes with everything, but what type of shoe? If you're like me and very active, a trail runner is perfect. You can get a morning workout in, walkar...
Men's Trail Runner - Weathered White (Weathered Grey Sole)
Buy them once and you'll never need another pair of standard socks. Merino wool keeps the stink away and they are plenty durable to risk being your only pair of socks. Combined with a pair of trail runners you can put down 30 miles in a day, wash the...
Smartwool Performance Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks - Men's | REI Co-op
Worried about blood clots on international flights? Worry ~less~ with these wool blend compression socks. Lightweight enough that they shouldn't be a hassel when not on a plane or other transit.
Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks - Men's | REI Co-op
Obviously we have to go merino wool for the underwear. Honestly? One or two pairs combined with washing them frequently is a recipe for success. No stink, quick drying, and lightweight. Buy a pair in heather gray, it wont show through linen pants.
Men's Active Boxer Brief
I have been rocking a marmot rain jacket for many years and it hasn't let me down even in intense florida downpours. Packs down small so that it's just there for when you need it. I never travel without a rain jacket, it serves double function as a s...
Marmot
For cooler and cold climates, a wool base layer is going to be the most effective long sleeve to balance weight with warmth. Quick drying and keeps you warm even if it gets damp. For intense activites pair this with a rain jacket, the jacket will tra...
REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men's | REI Co-op
I carry my mammut down jacket almost year round while in the mountains. It is very versatile and lightweight. By itself with a baselayer it keeps me comfortable down to freezing temperatures and with my rain jacket overtop it keeps me warm in much co...
Broad Peak Light IN Hooded Jacket Men
I always carry my smartwool beanie as it folds up super small but provides all the warmth I need for cold weather activites. Maybe not the most fashionable but when traveling light it's hard to beat the warm/weight ratio of wool!
Smartwool Merino Beanie | REI Co-op
Gear
The newly redesigned allpa 35 is an awesome pack. Mine is the older generation without some of the upgrades and I still love it. I can live full time out of just this backpack with space leftover for meals and souveniers and STILL fit it under my fee...
Allpa 35L Travel Pack
When you're in a new place, you might not know the next time you'll encounter fresh drinking water, especially if on a hike. Pair this with a small daypack and you're set for the days adventures.
Platy Water Bottle - 70 fl. oz.
This is my water bottle. It has a flap to hide the mouth piece and a loop to attach it to my backpack with a carabiner.
Contigo 24-oz. Jackson 2.0 Plastic Water Bottle with AUTOPOP Lid
Always nice to have a few carabiners on your backpack to attach things when needed.
Carabiner 10 Pack - Saiveina Carabiner Clips 8cm Aluminum D-Shaped Caribeaners Assorted Colors
Nice to have a way to listen to music/podcasts/shows while staying aware of surroundings. These have a very long battery life (like all day) and are comfortable. Would be nice for an audio guided tour as well since you can listen to both the audio as...
Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones, IP55, 36H
Staying alive and healthy
I never get on a plane without one of these bad boys in my personal item. International flights can put you in contact with airborne illnesses that your body just is not equipped to fight off, so why not protect your expensive vacation? Whether you c...
3M 9205+ Aura N95 Particulate Respirator - NIOSH Approved
Used this water bottle during a month-long stay in the Yucatan of Mexico (not the touristy areas) where the groundwater is extremely close to the surface and often picks up lots of contaminents. It was easy to just refill it from any tap and not worr...
LifeStraw Water Filter Bottles
1
I never travel without some Emergen-C packets. Often, its the first thing I drink when I arrive at my room and begin to relax from a day of travel. Does it definitely work? I can't say, but I rarely get sick when I remember to take one!
Emergen-C Immune+ Vitamin C Supplement Powder for Immune Support, Raspberry, 30 Ct, for Adults
Sleep well
I use these Loop earplugs every time I sleep outdoors or around others. They are comfortable to sleep on your side with and block out just enough noise so you don't startle at every leaf that falls, but you can still be aware of your surroundings. Pe...
Loop Quiet: Noise Reduction for Deep Sleep
I HATE neck pillows. They have never worked for me, they always slip out and end up not supporting my head so I wanted to find something different. This allows for several different sleeping positions and can be used as a regular pillow as well. It i...
Ajlrq Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow Grey