Ten Things I Always Pack

There are essential items that are a must for every trip – passport, wallet, clothes, shoes, etc. Beyond those essentials, I have found these ten items (not in any particular order) to be every bit as important. I could leave them behind, but then my trip is going to suffer.

1. Camera

Mirrorless with prime lenses. Sony A7RIII with 90mm f/2.8 macro, 55mm f/1.8, and 25mm f/2.0.

2. Umbrella

Simple, lightweight, telescoping umbrella. (NOT an ultralight, ultra-compact travel umbrella.)

3. RFID Sleeve

Around-the-neck passport/travel wallet. Simple. Stashable. Easy to access in terminal.

4. Headphones

One wired pair of earbuds with a traditional 3.5 audio jack. A second, wireless bluetooth pair of earbuds.

5. Powebank

Xiaomi’s 10,000w slim bank and 20,000 dual USB powerbrick.

6. Charging cables

At least two of each type cable interface needed for my devices. 

7. Body spray

Travel-size Lynx body spray. It gets a bad rap in the US, but a quick shot of body spray does wonders after 12 hours of transit.

8. Mouthwash

A travel-size bottle of mouthwash really helps feel socially acceptable after a long haul nap. Gargle and a splash of water on the face does wonders for feeling refreshed.

9. Sarong (or big scarf)

If Douglas Adams had written for an eastern audience, I think he’d have written Ford to never loose his Sarong instead of a towel. The sarong can be everything from a scarf, to a head wrap, to a blanket, to a pillow, to a towel, to a wrap of clothing. It is the ultimate versatile travel piece.

10. Power adapter

A global power adapter is crucial to keeping all of the electronics going. Having multiple USB ports and a fuse is even better.