#likeapro

I'm a BIG fan of organization and preparation. One of my favorite aspects of any trip is browsing around to see what other people do and use. I then work within my own constraints to figure out what I need and what I don't. I've categorized these needs into 'kits' to focus on particular areas. Here are the categories I've boiled my gear down to:

Critical Items - Items that should NEVER leave your side

Clothes - Self-explanatory

Toiletries & First Aid - Better have it and not need it..

Electronics - Entertainment & charging needs

Information - Copies of important documentation

Flight Gear - Do you want to be comfortable on the flight? (Optional)

Misc - Personal items (Optional)

The goal with these kits is to make it as easy as possible to know that you have everything you need. For example, if I grab my charging kit I know that I can charge anything I'm carrying. When I grab my toiletry kit I know that I have all of my toiletries and medicine with me.

Here's how I handle each category. Remember that this is tailored to my specific needs and yours may be different. This is just a list of everything that's worked for me and what I will be sticking to for my next trip.

Critical

Always stuffed in front pocket

Passport

Wallet

Phone

Clothes

Note: This does not include what I'm already wearing.

Stored in a single packing cube and stuffed in bottom of bag:

3 Shirts (would be 2 or even 1, but I use cotton shirts)

2 Socks

2 Pairs underwear

Swim trunks

1 Pair Pants/Shorts

Please don't forget to wear comfortable shoes. This is one of the most important things to wear.

Stuffed next to packing cube in backpack

Throwaway sandals

Cold Weather (If applicable)

Stuffed wherever available in my backpack

Packable Down Jacket

Packable Parka

Long Sleeve

Thin Sweater

Beanie

Toiletries/First Aid

All packed in a toiletry kit

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Sink Stopper

Tweezers

Small Mirror

Chapstick

Travel Trimmer

Comb

Deodorant

Soap

Wet Wipes

Packtowl

Scrub

Q-Tip/Floss Pack

First aid kit

Bandages

Alcohol Wipes

Neosporin

Medicine

Acetaminophen

Melatonin

Advil PM

Pepto

Nyquil

Electronics

Packed wherever it fits

PSP

iPad w/ Videos & Books

Travel Adapter

Packed in a portable hard drive case stuffed wherever it fits

Portable Charger

Two micro usb cables

Audio Splitter

Wall adapter

Micro usb -> lightning adapter

Information

Folder containing copies of the following:

Passport

ID

Debit/Credit cards

Hotel / hostel / airbnb confirmations

Flight confirmations

Flight Gear

Stuffed wherever available in my bag

Inflatable Neck Pillow

Eye Mask

Earplugs (take these anyway)

Misc

I like to use a clip for my water bottle and hang it off of a strap for quick access. Otherwise these items are stored wherever they fit.

Journal / Pens / Pencils

Playing cards

Water bottle

Snacks! Peach gummies and jerky are my go-to.