Full-Time Travel Packing List for Men

When I started putting together a packing list for our full-time travel adventure, I told myself, "Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." To this end, I wanted enough clothes for several weeks without doing laundry, if necessary. Also, I wanted an assortment of colors so I would not get bored wearing the same thing day after day.

My only limitations were the airline restrictions and how much I thought I could carry through a train station. After much debate, I decided I could manage one 50lb rolling duffel bag (the airline weight limit) and one 30lb backpack (my limit).

Although the process of selecting and packing bags is included in the final part of our "Preparing to Travel Full-Time" series, I spent months meticulously researching what would make the final cut. The complete packing list of items I left the United States with is included below for everyone's entertainment. Keep reading to find out what I'd do differently!

My clothes, shoes, and outerwear were packed in an Osprey Transporter® Wheeled Duffel 90. This is a large (90-liter) checked bag. The maximum weight the airline allows for checked bags (without an additional fee) is 50 lbs. Interestingly, the 90-liter bag, when packed full of clothes, weighed just over 50 lbs.

Total weight = 23,273 grams (51.26 lbs)

NOTE: The clothes I wore during travel are included in the packing list above. The total weight of those clothes, including shoes and outerwear, was just over 3 lbs. Consequently, the weight of my rolling duffel bag at check-in was approximately 48 lbs.

My electronics, equipment, and accessories were packed in a Nathan Mission Control Tri Bag 55L. This is a large (55-liter) backpack with numerous compartments including a main section that held the Peak Design Everyday Backpack with camera gear inside.

The maximum weight I can (uncomfortably) carry while pulling my rolling duffel and dealing with life is 35 lbs. As luck would have it, the backpack weighed just a little less than that when filled with everything that would not fit in the duffel bag.

Total weight = 14,299 grams (31.5 lbs)

When we started this journey, I thought packing everything I needed for year around travel into one duffel bag and one backpack was the true definition of minimalism. But, after hauling luggage onto trains and up flights of steps for a year, I have a newfound appreciation for the concept. I also better understand what's needed and what's not. For example, I don't need seven pairs of pants. But I do need a pair of grippy socks!

Based on substantial experience, I have put together a complete list of items I would pack if I could start over again. Significantly, I would reduce my rolling duffel from a 90-liter model to a 60-liter model. By doing so, I would also reduce the total weight of clothing and shoes from 50 lbs to 35 lbs. Additionally, I would decrease the weight of my backpack by a few pounds.

If I had it to do over again, I would pack my clothes, shoes, and outerwear in an Osprey Transporter® Wheeled Duffel 60. This bag is a 1/3 smaller than my 90-liter duffel bag. The smaller size and reduced weight would make train travel and stair climbing considerably easier.

Total weight = 15,087 grams (33.26 lbs)

NOTE: The clothes I wear during transfers from destination to destination are included in the proposed packing list above. The total weight of these clothes, including shoes and outerwear, is just over 3 lbs. Consequently, the estimated weight of the rolling duffel would be around 30 lbs. That's almost 40% less than my current bag!

I plan to get down to this weight in the next few years. To make this happen, I have a short rotation of clothes that I'm wearing and will not be replaced when worn out.

If I'm being honest with myself, a 35lb backpack is too heavy to carry from destination to destination. If I were to go back and do it again, I would have a maximum of 25 lbs. Also, the Nathan bag is a wide load to get on and off a train. I think an Osprey Global Carry-On Bag would be better. This is a 36L backpack that would also hold 25 lbs of accessories and equipment, including my 20L camera bag.

As hard as it is to admit, I have some camera equipment I have not used enough during the last year to justify its weight. Significantly, the Canon RF 70-200 lens takes beautiful photos. But, it doesn't get much use in the narrow streets of Europe's old towns. Likewise, the Canon Speedlight is an excellent flash but has limited uses for travel and street photography. If I were doing it over again, I would hold off buying some of these heavier items to see how much (or how little) I would use them.

Following is a recommended packing list for all the electronics, equipment, and accessories required by a full-time traveler and amateur photographer.

Total weight = 11,247 grams (24.77 lbs)

A 25lb backpack sounds much better than a 32lb one (that's almost 25% lighter)! Unfortunately, I can't bring myself to get rid of the 70-200mm lens or the flash. But, the other things will be left behind for another traveler to enjoy at some point which will get me under 30lbs.