I’m a travel expert – here’s my packing list

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Before I share my ultimate packing list, I wanted to share some of my travel essentials.

These come with me on just about every trip, and are in tandem with the stuff I take as carry on luggage.

And they really do make things so much easier.

Backpacks

I always take an anti-theft backpack in addition to my main luggage on every trip.

As a full-time travel writer and part-time digital nomad, I work on the go a lot. I need my laptop and usually my DSLR camera as well, and these can get really heavy.

So when it comes to backpacks, I need something with a pretty good capacity that’s also comfortable to carry for long hours.

I use a Targus CityLite security backpack* and one from Briggs & Riley* interchangeably, depending on how much space I need.

Neither are available to buy right now because I’ve had mine for years.

The VINBAGGE anti-theft backpack* is virtually the same design though, and it is available and much more affordable.

It holds a 15.6in laptop, with a 25L capacity, which leaves a bit of room for stuff like a spare jumper or snacks for the road.

Regardless of the brand I go for, the main anti-theft features I look for in a backpack are:

• Inaccessible zips – ideally blocked by the shoulder straps and against the back or blocked by clips
• Hidden pockets – usually against the back, for phones and documents
• Durable fabric – to prevent being cut into but also preferably waterproof

Day bags and camera bags

My backpacks are usually too big to take out for daytime activities so I’ll also take a smaller day bag that I use for exploring.

I used to use a Lowepro Tahoe BP 150*, a padded camera bag with plenty of capacity to carry other stuff. 

It has clips on the side that restricts access to the zips, which can be a theft deterrent.

I still use it occasionally but it can be a bit too much bulk for longer trips where I need to pack more stuff.

A couple of years ago I switched to the Osprey ultralight dry stuff pack*.

The main attraction is that it folds down small enough to put into my pocket, but has a 20L capacity when opened up.

The fabric is also waterproof so I don’t need to worry about the contents getting wet, while the opening folds down and clips under the straps to act as a theft deterrent.

There are mesh pockets on the side for water bottles and umbrellas, and clips to keep them in place. Plus, the shoulder straps and sternum strap are both adjustable as well.

You can read more about why it’s my go-to day bag here.

The Osprey ultralight dry stuff pack doesn’t offer any protection for my camera though, which is why I also have a Lowepro Adventura SH 120 III*.

This bag is just the right size for a single DSLR with a general-use lens attached, plus my wallet and passport. I can also pack in my Insta360 GO Ultra* in the void next to the lens.

However, it’s still small enough that I can put it into a day bag or backpack and have space left for all my other stuff.

Gadgets and gear

My phone is currently the Honor Magic 7 Pro* and I have a case with cross-body strap for it.

It keeps my phone accessible – so I can quickly switch between my phone and my camera – but also secure. It means I don’t need to worry about dropping it or getting it stolen while I’m taking photos on my camera.

I picked this phone over the latest Google Pixel Pro for its camera but also for its extended battery life. With regular use, I can easily go a whole day without needing to recharge it.

If I know I’m going to be using my phone heavily, for photos or videos, I’ll take a power bank with me, like this pocket-sized option from Anker*.

Check your airline’s restrictions on power banks if you’re planning to take one – some carriers have completely banned power banks from their flights.

Medication and supplements

I always pack a small bottle of multivitamins; I haven’t settled on a favourite brand yet so if you have one then do write and let me know!

I use multivitamins to help keep my energy levels up, and make sure I cover all my nutrients when I’m on a different routine.

It’s especially important when I’m eating out all the time, and not always at places that have healthier options.

When I travel to hot countries, or I’m on a more active trip, I’ll take some Phizz multivitamin hydration tablets* as well. Sometimes I take these at home as well when I need a quick boost.

You just add the tablets to cold water and they’ll dissolve into a flavoured electrolyte drink that you sip.

Make sure you use a glass though as the tablets leave a residue that’s annoying to wash out from reusable water bottles.

I’ve tried a couple of different hydration tablets in the past – and I actually find the taste of these a bit cloying – but they really do help.

There are a few different flavours, including a caffeinated option.

My current favourite is the mango one* but if you haven’t tried them before, get a bundle* so you can try them out.

Other stuff

When I’m away for three or four weeks, I’ll take a couple of individually sealed Steradent tablets* as well.

Yes! I’m talking about the kind for cleaning dentures.

These are great for cleaning my retainers and to give my water bottle a deep clean.

And finally, depending on the weather and what I’m doing, I’ll either take my Samsonite Rain Pro ultra mini umbrella* or my Mountain Warehouse Pakka II waterproof jacket*.

Both pack away small and are super lightweight.

For expedition-type trips I’d take different gear but for general urban roaming, these are just fine.

My ultimate packing list

Before every trip, this is the packing list I use to tick off everything I need.

It’s been updated several times over the years so covers just about everything now and it includes things that I don’t personally use but that might be useful to you.

For specific brand recommendations, I have a curated and shoppable list on Amazon* that might make things easier.

Seasonal additions

If you’re going somewhere very hot or cold, use the following list as an addendum to the main packing list.

Special activities (soft adventure)

For certain activities, you’ll need extra gear. I’ve compiled these packing lists for the things I usually do on trips.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and is intended for soft adventure rather than serious expeditions.

This entry was last updated in June 2026 and was correct at the time of publication.

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