Packing List

I spent a couple of weeks gathering all the things I think I will need and want while I am traveling. Some of them are necessary, like shoes, and some of them are less important but fun, like a camera. I was shocked when I put everything onto the floor and realized how few things I was actually bringing. It's slightly scary to leave so many comforts and possessions behind, but it's also incredibly freeing and peaceful.

Osprey Stratos 36L Backpack

I went to REI and tried out a bunch of the backpacks in person. I got a lot of invaluable advice and tips from someone working at REI. If you are new to backpacking and traveling I highly suggest going in person and actually trying backpacks on. He even filled the pack with weighted sacks and let me see how different packs felt when they were weighed down.

One of the big pluses of this backpack is that it is small enough to carry onto a plane and can still fit everything I need to travel. It has hip supports so my shoulders don't have to take all of the weight. It also has a stretched piece of mesh that holds the pack a few inches away from your back allowing air to flow. It comes with a rain cover, but I will probably opt to just use the poncho I am bringing. I cut off some straps that are meant for hiking poles or ski's since I have no use for them.

LifeStraw and LifeStraw Water Bottle

The LifeStraw filters out bacteria and helps prevent severe digestive issues that some travelers face. I was going to get a LifeSaver water bottle, but the reviews on Amazon guided me away. People complained that it was incredibly bulky and that the seals often leaked. Also, if the filter dries out it stops working. With all these negatives I switched to a LifeStraw instead. They have much better reviews.

11" Macbook Air

Small, sturdy, lightweight, and good battery life. Something portable that I can blog with.

Poncho 

Large enough to cover me and my backpack.

Sleeping Mask 

I have a hard time sleeping if there is too much light around me, so this should help a lot both on planes and when trying to fight jet lag.

Microfiber Towel

Just about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can carry.

1st Gen Motorola G

These are incredibly cheap android phones that do everything I need them to. The cameras can be a bit lacking, but they have excellent battery life and run all the apps any other android can run. The 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen ones are much larger, which I dislike. I enjoy being able to use the entire phone with one hand without having to awkwardly move my thumb to try and reach the top.

10,000 mAh Portable USB Charge Pack

These are absolutely incredible. They are only $20 and have enough power in them to charge multiple phones. I can't count how many times we were about to leave the house but forgot to charge our phones. Just take the charge pack with you and the phone is near 100% before you get out of the car. For traveling, I don't have to worry about my phone or camera going dead... as long as I remember to keep the charge pack topped off.

Other Stuff

T-Mobile has free international texting in all the countries I am visiting. I have a couple extra android phones I am bringing in case Andrew and I want to try developing some apps. I have cables to charge my devices and transfer photos to my laptop. A pair a cheap headphones for the plane. I got a nice pair of hiking boots at REI that should last me the entire trip. I am only bringing 2 changes of clothes and a swim suit. Clothing is incredibly cheap in South East Asia, so if I find myself needing something more I will purchase it. And finally travel size toothpaste, deodorant, and a toothbrush. I will have to purchase soap and a international power adapter once I arrive in South Korea.

I have travel insurance and I have an international drivers permit (not to be confused with an international drivers license, which is a scam) from AAA for $15. This will come in handy in case we decide to get mopeds to travel with.