I have packed for over 200 trips across six continents, and I still consult a list every single time. Not because I cannot remember what to bring, but because the one time I trusted my memory, I ended up in Iceland without a proper base layer and in Thailand without reef-safe sunscreen. Packing lists exist so your brain can focus on excitement instead of anxiety.

This is the list I have refined over a decade of travel. It starts with a universal core that applies to every trip, then branches into climate-specific and trip-type add-ons. Print it, bookmark it, or save it to your phone. You will use it again and again.

The Universal Core List

These items belong in your bag regardless of where you are going, how long you are staying, or what you plan to do. They are the non-negotiables.

Documents and Money

Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
Visa documents or electronic travel authorization printouts
Travel insurance card or policy number saved on your phone
Two copies of your passport (one in your bag, one emailed to yourself)
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees (Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture, or Wise card)
Debit card from a bank that reimburses ATM fees (Charles Schwab or Fidelity)
Small amount of local currency for arrival (enough for a taxi and a meal)
Driver's license if you plan to rent any vehicle

Tech Essentials

Phone and charger with a braided cable (they last far longer than stock cables)
Universal power adapter — the EPICKA Universal Adapter covers 150+ countries in one unit
Portable battery pack — Anker 10,000mAh is the sweet spot between capacity and weight
Headphones or earbuds — noise-canceling is worth it for flights over 3 hours
E-reader (optional but lighter than books; a Kindle Paperwhite weighs 205 grams)

Toiletries (TSA-Compliant)

Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
Deodorant (solid stick avoids the liquid rules)
Shampoo and conditioner in silicone travel bottles (GoToob+ 3oz bottles are leakproof)
Face wash and moisturizer
Sunscreen SPF 50 — reef-safe if you will be near the ocean
Lip balm with SPF
Prescription medications in original bottles with a copy of the prescription
Basic first aid: adhesive bandages, ibuprofen, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, electrolyte packets
Hand sanitizer
Earplugs and sleep mask

Clothing Basics (Adjust Quantities for Trip Length)

Underwear — 4 to 5 pairs maximum, even for long trips (wash as you go)
Socks — 3 to 4 pairs of merino wool (Darn Tough brand lasts for years and has a lifetime warranty)
One pair of versatile shoes that you can walk in all day and wear to a decent restaurant
One pair of flip-flops or sandals — useful for showers, pools, and casual days
Two to three t-shirts or tops — at least one in a neutral color
One long-sleeve layer — works for sun protection, cooler evenings, and religious sites
One pair of pants or jeans — dark colors hide stains
One pair of shorts or a skirt
One outfit that can pass as "smart casual" for nicer dinners or unexpected events
Lightweight rain jacket — the Patagonia Torrentshell packs down to the size of a grapefruit

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Day bag or packable backpack — the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack weighs 90 grams
Reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (LifeStraw Go or Grayl GeoPress for developing countries)
Packing cubes — once you use them, you will never go back (Eagle Creek Specter cubes are the lightest)
Zip-lock bags — a few quart and gallon sizes for wet clothes, toiletries, or organizing small items
Travel towel — microfiber, quick-dry (PackTowl Personal dries in half the time of cotton)
Pen — you will need it for customs forms, and nobody ever has one

Climate Add-On Lists

Start with the universal core, then add items from the relevant climate section below.

Tropical and Hot Climate (Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Pacific Islands)

Tropical destinations demand breathability, sun protection, and moisture management. Cotton is your enemy here — it absorbs sweat and stays wet for hours.

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts — linen or synthetic blends
Quick-dry shorts (2 additional pairs beyond your core list)
Swimsuit (bring two so one can dry while you wear the other)
Rash guard or UV-protective swim shirt — far more effective than reapplying sunscreen every hour
Wide-brim hat or baseball cap with UPF 50+ rating
Quality sunglasses with polarized lenses (do not bring expensive designer pairs; bring ones you can afford to lose)
Reef-safe sunscreen — look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients
Insect repellent with at least 20% DEET or picaridin
After-bite cream or hydrocortisone for inevitable mosquito bites
Sarong or pareo — doubles as a beach blanket, cover-up, towel, or privacy curtain
Waterproof phone case — a $10 JOTO pouch protects a $1000 phone
Dry bag (10L to 20L) for boat trips and beach days

Cold Weather (Scandinavia, Iceland, Patagonia, Winter Mountain Trips)

Cold weather packing is about layering, not bulk. Three smart layers outperform one heavy coat every time.

Merino wool base layer top and bottom — Smartwool 250 or Icebreaker Oasis for serious cold
Insulating mid-layer — a down jacket (Patagonia Down Sweater or Uniqlo Ultra Light Down) or fleece
Waterproof outer shell — Gore-Tex is the gold standard; the Arc'teryx Beta LT is worth every dollar
Thermal socks — at least 2 extra pairs of heavyweight merino wool
Insulated, waterproof boots — broken in before you travel (blisters in freezing weather are miserable)
Warm hat that covers your ears (beanie or trapper style)
Insulated gloves — touchscreen-compatible if possible
Neck gaiter or balaclava — more versatile than a scarf
Hand warmers — disposable Hot Hands packets weigh nothing and last 10 hours
Thermal water bottle — hot tea or coffee stays warm for hours in a Hydro Flask
Moisturizer and lip balm — cold air is brutally dry; your skin will crack without them
Sunglasses — snow glare can be blinding; polarized lenses are essential

Desert Climate (Morocco, Jordan, Southwest USA, Australian Outback)

Deserts are a contradiction: scorching days and surprisingly cold nights. You need protection from sun, sand, and temperature swings.

Loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts in light colors — they actually keep you cooler than tank tops by blocking direct sun
Lightweight pants — zip-off convertible pants work well here
Bandana or buff — protects your neck and can cover your nose and mouth during sandstorms
Closed-toe shoes with good ankle support — sand gets into everything open
Heavy-duty sunscreen SPF 50+ and reapply every 90 minutes
Electrolyte packets — dehydration sneaks up fast in dry heat
Warm mid-layer for evenings — desert temperatures can drop 20 to 30 degrees Celsius after sunset
Headlamp — many desert campsites and accommodations have limited lighting
Dust-proof bag or cover for electronics

Rainy Season or Monsoon (Southeast Asia in summer, UK year-round, Pacific Northwest)

You cannot fight the rain. The goal is to stay functional and dry enough while accepting that some wetness is inevitable.

Waterproof jacket with sealed seams — a $30 rain jacket with sealed seams outperforms a $200 jacket without them
Waterproof pants or rain skirt for sustained downpours
Waterproof bag cover or pack liner — a heavy-duty trash bag inside your backpack works in a pinch
Quick-dry clothing exclusively — nothing cotton
Waterproof shoes or boots — or sandals you do not mind getting soaked (Teva or Chaco)
Compact umbrella — useful in cities where a rain jacket feels too warm
Extra zip-lock bags for electronics, documents, and anything that cannot get wet
Antifungal powder — your feet will thank you after days of humidity
Dry bag for daily carry

Trip Type Add-On Lists

Layer these on top of your core list and climate additions.

Business Travel

Wrinkle-resistant dress shirt or blouse (Ministry of Supply or Bluffworks make travel-specific versions)
Dress shoes that can be polished (or dressy flats)
Blazer or sport coat in a dark, wrinkle-resistant fabric
Dress pants or skirt (one pair is usually enough)
Tie or accessories if required
Laptop and charger
Business cards (still relevant in Asia and parts of Europe)
Portable garment steamer — the Hilife steamer weighs under a pound and removes wrinkles in minutes
Dopp kit upgrade — add cologne or perfume, lint roller, stain remover pen

Backpacking and Long-Term Travel

Backpack in the 40L to 65L range — Osprey Atmos AG 65 for comfort, or Osprey Farpoint 40 for carry-on only
Padlock for hostel lockers (combination locks are easier than keys you might lose)
Headlamp — essential for dorm rooms when others are sleeping
Travel laundry kit — a Sea to Summit clothesline and a few sheets of travel detergent (Matador brand)
Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth and hygiene to questionable hostel beds
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife (checked luggage only)
Journal and pen — you will forget details faster than you think
Extra passport photos — needed for some visa applications on the road
Copies of important documents stored in a waterproof pouch

Beach Vacation

Swimsuits (at least two)
Cover-up or sarong for walking to and from the beach
Beach-friendly sandals that can handle sand and water
Snorkel gear if you snorkel frequently (rental gear is often poorly maintained)
Waterproof sunscreen SPF 50+ — apply 20 minutes before entering water
After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
Waterproof Bluetooth speaker (JBL Clip series clips to a bag and sounds great)
Beach bag that drains sand
Polarized sunglasses — they cut glare off water dramatically
Book or e-reader for downtime

City Break

Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15,000 to 25,000 steps per day; running shoes or broken-in sneakers are ideal
Crossbody bag or anti-theft daypack — Pacsafe makes excellent slash-proof options
Museum pass or city card (research in advance; they save significant money in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome)
Portable phone charger — navigation drains your battery fast
Compact camera if your phone camera is not sufficient
Smart casual outfit for restaurants and nightlife
Public transit card or app (many cities now accept contactless credit cards directly)

Hiking and Outdoor Adventure

Hiking boots broken in for at least 50 miles before the trip
Moisture-wicking hiking socks (Darn Tough or Injinji toe socks to prevent blisters)
Trekking poles — collapsible carbon fiber poles like Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Hydration bladder (2L to 3L) or multiple water bottles
Trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, electrolyte mix
Navigation tools — downloaded offline maps, physical map and compass as backup
Headlamp with extra batteries
Blister kit — moleskin, athletic tape, and antiseptic wipes
Gaiters for muddy or snowy trails
Trekking pants with stretch fabric — Prana Stretch Zion or equivalent
Emergency whistle and space blanket — weigh almost nothing, could save your life

The Carry-On Only Strategy

Packing carry-on only is not just about saving on baggage fees. It is about freedom. No waiting at carousels, no risk of lost luggage, no hauling a heavy suitcase up cobblestone streets. Here is how to do it for trips up to two weeks.

Choose the Right Bag

Your bag must meet airline carry-on dimensions (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm). The best options:

Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L — backpack style, opens like a suitcase, built-in compression straps
Away The Carry-On — hard-shell roller with excellent organization
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L — expandable, photographer-friendly, premium build quality
Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 — soft-sided, opens flat, fits under seats on smaller planes

The Core Carry-On Packing Strategy

Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Your heaviest shoes, your jacket, your jeans. This is not cheating; it is smart physics.
Use packing cubes religiously. Compression cubes can reduce clothing volume by 30 to 40 percent.
Limit shoes to two pairs total. The pair on your feet and one other. Shoes are the biggest space killers.
Roll soft items, fold structured items. Rolling t-shirts and underwear saves space. Fold dress shirts and pants to prevent creases.
Decant toiletries into 2oz or 3oz bottles. You do not need a full bottle of shampoo for a week. Solid toiletry bars (shampoo bars, soap bars, solid deodorant) eliminate liquid restrictions entirely.
Pack for 4 to 5 days maximum, regardless of trip length. After 5 days of clothing, you are carrying dead weight. Laundry is available everywhere in the world. A sink wash with travel detergent takes 10 minutes and clothes dry overnight.
Choose a color palette. Pick 2 to 3 neutral base colors (black, navy, gray, khaki) and one accent color. Every top should work with every bottom. This is not about fashion; it is about math. Three tops and two bottoms create six outfits.

What Goes in Your Personal Item

Your personal item (a small backpack, tote, or messenger bag that goes under the seat) should contain everything you need if your carry-on gets gate-checked:

Passport, wallet, phone, and keys
Medications
One change of underwear and a t-shirt
Phone charger and portable battery
Headphones
Snacks
A pen
Any valuables (camera, laptop, jewelry)

Packing Mistakes That Cost You

After years of travel, these are the mistakes I see over and over:

Packing "just in case" items. That formal dress you might need. The third pair of shoes. The book you probably will not read. If you cannot name a specific occasion where you will use something, leave it at home. You can buy almost anything at your destination.

Ignoring the weight of toiletries. Full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion can add 3 to 5 pounds to your bag. Decant into small bottles or switch to solid alternatives.

Bringing too many electronics. Your phone replaces your camera, your map, your guidebook, your alarm clock, your flashlight, and your notebook. You probably do not need all those separate devices.

Not checking luggage restrictions before you fly. Budget airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and AirAsia have strict carry-on size and weight limits. A bag that is fine on Delta might cost you $60 at the Ryanair gate.

Failing to leave room for souvenirs. Pack your bag to about 80 percent capacity on the way out. You will buy things. You always buy things.

The Final Check

Before you close your bag, run through this 30-second checklist:

Passport and ID — in your personal item, not your checked or carry-on bag
Phone, charger, and adapter — charged to 100 percent
Medications — in original containers, in your personal item
Cash and cards — spread across two bags in case one is lost
Travel insurance details — saved on your phone and printed
One full outfit in your personal item — your backup plan if luggage disappears

Close the bag. Take a breath. You have everything you need.

Packing is not about bringing everything you might want. It is about bringing everything you will actually use and trusting that the rest can be figured out on the road. The world has shops. It has laundromats. It has pharmacies. Pack smart, pack light, and spend your energy on the trip itself, not on dragging a heavy bag through airports.

The Only Packing List You'll Ever Need (By Climate and Trip Type)