World Race Packing List

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In January 2013, I set out on a year-long adventure around the world. I fit everything that I needed for the year in a backpack and day pack.

Keep in mind that not all of these things will be relevant to you depending on where you are staying, how long you are traveling for, ect. We had to bring our own sleeping gear including tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.

That being said…here are some of the essentials that I brought with me.

Osprey Ariel 75 Women’s Pack
I don’t have any regrets about the Osprey 75L. I think it’s a great pack and I would definitely recommend it. If I were doing the same trip over again I would still choose this pack.

Patagonia Refugio 28 L Day Pack

I loved this day pack and it has held up really well. I also took it with me on my month long honeymoon to Europe and it perfect to take with us during the day. I would recommend spending a little more money and getting a really nice day pack that will hold up for at least a few years.

Sea To Summit Compression Dry Sack

Although expensive, this compression bag was worth the money. I brought one of these with me and was able to fit the majority of my clothes in it. I put the rest of my clothes in the dry sacks below. If they weren’t so expensive I probably would have bought 2 or 3 of these compression bags.

They are hold up really well and fit a lot of gear.

Dry Sacks

Osprey Airporter

Before my big trip I had never even heard of an airporter and I wasn’t sure why I should spend almost $50 on one. However, they are worth it. An airporter zips up around your large pack and protects it. This also protects any items that you might have on the outside pockets of your bag.

On day 1 of my year-long adventure, my bag flew from Columbus, Ohio to Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA to Washington D.C and in the course of that day there were already signs of wear on the airporter. I can’t imagine what my pack would have looked like without it.

COFFEE/MUG

Depending on where you are traveling, you may or may not need these. When I was in Africa I was so glad that I had packed VIA packets. In some parts of the world, instant coffee is the norm and some instant coffee already has the sugar mixed in. If you are like me and drink your coffee black, VIA packets are a lifesaver.

For me, the VIA coffee was a nice treat for myself when I was areas where brewed coffee was not readily available.

I also brought a stainless steel mug from Starbucks. I’m so glad that I had this with me. A mug that won’t break is really useful. Especially if you plan on bringing some type of instant drink or beverage.

Starbucks Via Packets

Starbucks Stainless Steel Tumbler

I would also advise finding a mug with a handle.

Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Sleeping Bag

Thermarest Women’s Pro Lite Sleeping Pad

MEMORY FOAM TRAVEL PILLOW

NEUTROGENA SUNSCREEN

CLOTHES/SHOES

I will be the first person to admit that I brought far too many clothes. Since I’m petite and have to hem most of my clothes, I brought more than I really needed because I worried about not being able to find clothes that would fit me.

Each month I found myself giving away a few items of clothing and by the end of the year, most of what I had brought was gone. You don’t need to bring everything that I have listed but maybe pick and choose a few that would best suit your trip.

GAP FOLDABLE BALLET FLATS

STEVE MADDEN SANDALS

FLIP FLOPS

TOMS

I brought 2 pairs. The navy & the red

Tennis Shoes 1 Pair

Tip: Bring a medium or dark colored pair. I brought light-colored ones and they were dirty within the first hour of the workday on day 1. Also, wear them a few times before you leave to break them in and make sure they’re comfortable.

2-4 Plain V neck T-shirts

I bought mine at Target & Old Navy

JEANS

1 Skinny & 1 other

1 Pair of Nike & 1 Pair of Under Armour Leggings

31 BITS JEWELRY

1-2 Pairs of Nike Shorts

NIKE LONG-SLEEVE T-SHIRT