Pack | Pack Like a Pro Intro

Over the last decade, I’ve mostly lived out of a backpack.

I started with 70 litres, downsized to 38L, and now — if I really wanted to — I could probably live out of a 20L bag. That’s what a decade of vagabonding teaches you: how to simplify, how to pack with purpose, and how to invest in gear that’s lightweight and durable, even if it costs a bit more upfront.

The truth is: I travel heavy.

Not for myself — for the people I meet.

Since 2018, I’ve been asking friends (and their generous friends) to donate baby clothes, cold-weather layers, shoes, and other essentials that I can pass along to porters and guides, especially those around Mount Rinjani. I carry up to 55kg of luggage: about 40kg of check-in, 15kg carry-on. But what I actually pack for myself is closer to 20kg — and half of that is just tech for remote work.

My setup looks like this:

• 60L Baboon to the Moon duffel

• GotBag day pack

• A few totes

• Everything gets packed into a 60L Patagonia Black Hole wheeled duffel once I’ve handed off donations

Over the years, I’ve streamlined everything I bring. My clothes are functional. My gear is back- and neck-friendly. I don’t bring things “just in case” — I bring things I know I’ll use.

Some hard-earned truths about packing:

Once you start travelling a lot, you realise you’re just going somewhere that someone else calls home. People are living their everyday lives — going to work, going to school — and they’re wearing the same kinds of clothes you’d wear at home. Unless you’re going to a deserted island or a themed party, you don’t need “holiday clothes.” You need your clothes — just the light, breathable ones.

Please don’t buy a whole new wardrobe just because you’re going on a trip. Use what you already have. When something needs replacing, replace it smartly — with well-made, versatile options you’ll use again and again. I’ve noticed that the things people buy just for travel usually become the things they never wear — because they wouldn’t wear them at home either. They’re not comfortable, not practical, and not aligned with how people actually dress in hot places.

In Southeast Asia, for example, it’s common to see locals fully covered — not because they’re modest or shy, but because it keeps the sun off and actually helps with heat regulation. It’s counterintuitive, but it’s true. The less skin you expose, the cooler you can feel.

It’s also about respect. Cultures here tend to be more conservative — and my rule of thumb is to match what the average person is wearing. I would never wear booty shorts or a tank top in places where I don’t see locals doing the same. It’s not about judgment. It’s about being aware of context and blending in.

My only two pieces of advice are:

1. Modesty - even if you are near the beach, dress to fit in: wear just as much or more than what most of the locals are wear. There is a time and place to walk around shirtless or in a bikini, and public areas in Southeast Asia are not it.

2. Comfort and Functionality over Fashion - it is hot and humid hear, so light breathable natural fiber clothes are ideal.

And if you do want to shop — do it locally.

So many places have amazing local designers and independent brands doing beautiful, meaningful work. Some support single mothers, people with disabilities, or survivors rebuilding their lives through dignified employment. Buying from them keeps money circulating locally — and the things you bring home are way more useful (and meaningful) than mass-produced souvenirs.

You can also pack your suitcase full — and leave behind things you no longer need. Or do the opposite: pack light so you have room to support local designers along the way. Clothes, accessories, homeware, or gifts — items made by human hands carry stories that last much longer than keychains or fridge magnets ever could.

If I know I’ll be away for a month, here’s what I pack:

• AIRPLANE CLOTHES

  • Beanie - double up as an eye mask

  • Sarong - double up as a scarf, blanket, and floor mat if flights are delayed

  • Oversized T-shirt

  • Long Sleeve flannel or sweater

  • Comfy pants with pockets

  • Compression socks

  • Heaviest/bulkiest pair of shoes, usually high tops

  • Extra undies, just in case of lost baggage.

  For my neck and back:

  • Memory foam travel pillow

  • TRTL neck pillow (for long distance flights)

  • Yoga Therapy Balls

• CLOTHES

  Laundry can be done within a day and in about 2 hours if you pay extra.

  • 2–3 T-shirts

  • 1 pair of lightweight pants

  • 1 pair of yoga pants

  • As much undies as possible

  • Swimmers

  • An extra pair of socks

  • 1 pair of Earthrunners - double up as water shoes and trekking shoes

• TOILETRIES

  This one is so subjective but here is what I do.
  
  In the last few years, I have only used solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash. But if you don't, start saving travel size (<100ml) bottles for refilling.

  I never scrimp out of skincare, all travel size, but just bear in mind that the humidity here helps your skin a lot.

  But don’t forget:

  • non-toxic reef safe sun screen

  • non-toxic mosquito repellent

  • period/menstruation cup

• WEATHER SPECIFC

  • Hat for the sun

  • Rain jacket / poncho for the rain

  • Base layers for the cold, usually for trekking mountains only

  • Wind jacket if you plan on riding a bike also to keep the wind out of morning hikes

• GOING PLASTIC FREE

  • Water filter bottle

  • 1L + 500ml thermal bottles

  • 1L collapsible water bottle - if you drink a lot of water

  • Collapsible takeaway container

  • Collapsible cup

  • At least two tote bags

  • Packable 20L backpack for day trips - doubles up as shopping bag

• REMOTE WORKING

  • Laptop

  • iPad - doubles up as second screen

  • International plug with USB ports

  • Extra cables

  • Notebooks

Things I’ve Bought Before But Will Never Pack Again

• Hiking shoes – If porters can trek in flip-flops or barefoot, I can use high tops

• Travel towels – I use my sarong if needed

• Yoga towel - It’s a scam! They are always too slippery.

• DSLR camera + drone – Too bulky for how often I would actually use them

• Waterproof jacket with fleece lining – Too hot and not worth the weight

• Bamboo cutlery – I’ll use my hands

• Fancy/cute clothes to “look cute in” – Not for me.

TL;DR: Most people overpack and overbuy before they travel. After a decade on the road, I’ve learned to pack light, dress like a local, and bring only what I’ll actually use. When I do shop, I shop local — and I leave space in my bag (and life) for things that matter. This guide breaks down what I bring, what I’ve ditched forever, and why “cute holiday clothes” rarely survive the first week.