The Ultimate All-Season Travel Packing List (And How to Pack Lighter)
Creating the right travel packing list can make or break your adventure. Whether you’re heading off on an island-hopping trip, a multi-day hike or a weekend road trip, knowing what to pack—and more importantly, what to leave behind—is an art form!
After years of trial and error (and way too many over-packed bags), I think I’ve finally perfected the things I need to bring, and the things I definitely do not. You can easily tweak this core travel packing list depending on where you’re heading and this list is by no means everything you will need. These are just the travel essentials that I swear by and won’t leave home without!
Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)
Here is my ultimate travel packing list to help you pack smarter, travel lighter, and stay organized on the road.
The Core Luggage & Organization Tools
Getting your gear organized before you even zip your bag closed is half the battle.
Main or Carry on Backpack
A durable, lightweight bag is essential. I swear by Osprey Women’s Renn 50L backpack because it easily fits in overhead bins and withstands serious wear and tear. I’ve had mine for a few years now and if I ever need to replace it, I will be going for the exact same model. I find 50L the perfect size for most trips. I previously had a 65L pack and I found when it was fully packed, it was annoyingly heavy to carry around. The 50L fits everything I need and I’m not tempted to pack things that I don’t.
Osprey is more expensive than some other brands on the market, but their bags are super high quality, really comfortable to wear and worth every penny! Whenever we meet other travellers with Osprey bags, it almost always turns into a chat about how we are all Osprey stans. My partner has been using the Osprey Aether Plus 70L backpack for the past 4 years and will fan-girl over it every chance he gets!
Packing Cubes
I resisted getting packing cubes for years but now I don’t know how I survived without them. They keep your clothes compressed and organized and are great for keeping dirty laundry separate. Packing cubes are also really useful for longer trips where you might be going through different climates. You can keep jackets and gloves shoved away in the bottom of your bag if you’re in warm climates, or pack away your swimmers and towel until you get to the beach. Check out this BAGAIL packing cubes set.
Toiletry Bag
Go for a hanging toiletry bag—it saves counter space in tight hotel bathrooms. I prefer one with both waterproof sections to keep things dry and a mesh section (in case things are already wet and need to air out). Try this lightweight hanging toiletry bag.
Daypack or Crossbody Bag
An anti-theft crossbody is ideal for keeping valuables safe when you’re out and about. I have had my Pacsafe crossbody for about 5 years and I honestly feel so much more comfortable when I’m carrying around my valuables. The exact model that I use is no longer available but the newer models look just as good. Check out the Pacsafe Go Sling bag for something compact. If you want something a little more stylish, the Pacsafe Go Anti-Theft Lunar bag has a better colour range and is big enough to fit a small drink bottle. Again, this brand is not the cheapest option on the market, but the features and quality that they offer is well worth the cost.
Universal Travel Electronics
No matter where I’m headed, these tech essentials stay in my personal item every single flight.
Universal Power Adapter
Never get caught with the wrong plug. This Universal All in One Travel Adaptor works in over 150 countries and includes USB-C ports.
Portable Power Bank
Crucial for long travel days when you’re using maps or taking photos. I recommend this NOBIS Portable charger because it holds a lot of juice, it charges quickly and it is relatively slimline and lightweight compared to some of the others on the market.
Essential Toiletries
TSA-Approved Leak-Proof Bottles
I personally hate buying travel-sized toiletries for travelling. It feels like such a waste of single-use plastic and I can never get travel minis in the brands that suit my curly hair. Instead, I fill these Silicon Travel Bottles with the products I already use at home so I don’t have to compromise on quality or convenience. They’re also handy if you’re on a longer trip because you can be a bit sneaky and fill up your body wash at the hotel!
Apparel & Footwear
Versatile Walking Shoes
Comfortable shoes are probably the single most important item to pack for me. My current favourite is the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe. It looks like a sneaker so you can get away with wearing it just walking around the city, but it is as comfortable and supportive as a hiking shoe. I wore mine for all of my hiking along the Pamir Highway which can get pretty rough and I had no problems. They are also crazy lightweight so won’t weigh your bag down when not in use. I’ve had far more expensive shoes that were not as comfortable as these guys! They really are a steal.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Weather is unpredictable—always pack a Waterproof Packable Windbreaker. As you can see, we definitely needed it when we were hiking Acatenango in Guatemala.
Packable Down Jacket
If you are going anywhere with unpredictable weather, having one of lightweight packable down jacket in the bottom of your bag can be a life-saver! I can’t tell you the amount of times I thought I wouldn’t need a jacket and I’ve ended up needing to pull this guy out to save the day. They are a bit of an investment but I recommend getting a good one. This North Face Packable Down Jacket ticks all of the boxes.
Final Tip: The “Just in Case” Rule
If you are packing an item purely “just in case,” leave it at home! Unless it’s essential medication or rain gear, you can almost always buy forgotten items at your destination.
Like it? Pin for Later!
