Minimal Female Backpacking List
- Vittoria
- Dec 1, 2017
- 9 min read
One of the most important things when travelling long term is the items you decide to bring with you, and the ones you decide to leave at home. It took me months of research, comparison, feedback to arrive to the following list. My main priority was to leave with less than 100 items, because it sounded cool, it aspired to be minimal, and also it gave me a limit to how much I could bring with me, which made things easier otherwise I would have just carried the world on my shoulders, literally! And to my surprise I ended up with less than 80.
As I said in "6 Things To Do ~ 6 Months Before Travelling", don't forget to save the list online somewhere you can access it at all times because you will have a great idea and forget to write it down. Also try to divide your list into categories so you can break it down and think about one thing at a time. My list is divided into 8 sections. How did I choose my items? I picked only things that are:
Durable
Good quality
Good value
Multi-functional
Light-weight, this is definitely a must!
Compact
With special qualities like: waterproof, warmth-retaining or anti-transpirant
So I will travel the world with only 78 items to my name. Here is my Ultimate Minimal Female Backpacking List:
1. Packing
Backpack 40l: From the beginning we knew we wanted the smallest backpack we could fit out things in. So we gathered all our items first and then bought the backpack. We bought a 70l one first, and it was massive, and so so heavy. Then we bought a 45l which had a little room, so we settled for a 40l which can be carried on board of airplanes as hand luggage (not that we will use any planes). We picked Osprey because their backpacks are durable, great quality, vegan and they have a lifetime guarantee. What I like about this specific backpack is the zipper that goes across it, making it easy to access it.
Daypack 20l: We also wanted a light daypack we can take around when exploring the city. 20l is just right to fit my 14 inches laptop.
4 x Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are life-savers, they help organise your things and packing takes 2 minutes. My clothes fit into a 35 cm x 26 cm x 10 cm; my toiletries are in a 15 cm x 23 cm x 8 cm cube, tech gadgets in a 10 cm x 20 cm x 11.5 cm; and I have a 20 cm x 22.5 cm for some loose bits.
Laptop & Documents Case: I wanted a case to keep my laptop safe and that would have some pockets where I can store documents and photocopies.
Waterproof Passport Wallet: A traveler's passport is the most precious possession. I found a great wallet where I can store, money, debit cards, and passport without the risk of spilling something on it.
2. Technology
Laptop: I found a great 14' laptop for an amazing price, that will allow me to keep working on the blog while on the road and it's super lightweight and compact.
Kindle: I love reading, so I couldn't leave my Kindle behind! I can also use it to download guides so that it doesn't clog my phone.
Phone: My phone it's nothing special, but it has a great battery life and it has worked perfectly for the past couple of years.
Bluetooth Headphones With Mic: these headphones are great to use during sports because they are water resistant, they cancel noise really well and will allow you to chat on the phone with your hands safely warm in your pockets.
Camera: My camera was a gift I received almost 10 years ago, but it takes great pictures and it's small and lightweight.
Solar Power Battery Bank: I wanted a battery bank in case we run out of juice and we need to use our gadgets. This particular one can be charged by solar power, which is great, and I didn't even realise it came with a little fan that will keep us cool during hot weather. So double perk!
Hard Drive: this 2TB hard drive is one of the lightest gadgets we have. It's mind blowing.
WiFi Device: I previously talked about why we picked this item on my "4 Thing To Do ~ 4 Months Before Travelling" post. It works with any sim card worldwide, it connect up to 10 WiFi devices, it has a super fast download speed, and it's incredibly lightweight.
Universal Power Adaptor: Very compact and lightweight, it can be used in 150 countries.
Solar Power Headlamp: This headlamp is a bit bigger than I expected, it is very powerful and it can be charged using solar power.
I also have an IPod, which I have had for almost 10 years now: it was my birthday present when I turned 16. However I am trying to find an alternative so that I can listen to music without having to bring a supplemental gadget.
3. Shoes
Hiking boots: It took me a really long time to decide what shoes I was going to bring with me. After much debate I settled for 1 pair that I can use to walk and hike. They are all season shoes so they will keep my feet warm in winter and fresh in summer. Plus they are completely vegan.
Flip Flops: Something to wear in summer, on the beach and in the shower.
4. Clothes
Choosing what clothes to bring took me a very long time. I started by picking a colour pallet so that everything can be worn with everything else, giving me a lot of mix and match options. I decided to pick black, blue and grey, which are my favourite colours. Then I looked for the best quality clothing, lightweight, thermal, 2-in-1, etc. This is what I settled with, and I must say I am very happy with my selection. I have been living with these many items of clothing for 2 months now, and I don't miss anything else.
3 x microfiber underwear: Black, white and nude, which are fast drying and super comfy.
3 x socks: 2 x short, 1 x long.
1 x sport bra: I don't wear bras unless I am exercising.
1 x sports tights: One is thin enough to wear as extra layer underneath jeans.
2-in-1 walking trousers: You can zip off most of the legs to turn the pants into shorts. They are lightweight and fast drying.
4 x short sleeve tops: This counts for vests, t-shirts, undergarments.
Ultimate Travel Dress: This dress can be worn as pants, cardigan, tops, skirts, body suit. It's made from quick drying, non creasing, breathable fabric that packs up small for travel. See below the picture of how it can be transformed.
1 x fleece jumper: Baggy and cozy.
1 x light hoody: To layer on top of t-shirts in warmer weathers.
3-in-1 coat: this coat transforms into a rain jacket and a warm zipper jumper when you separate the external layer from the inside layer.
Here are some of the ways you can wear a Ultimate Dress:
5. Accessories
Scarf: I prefer infinity scarfs that don't take space and don't weight on the neck.
Gloves: I love these gloves because they keep you warm, they are like a second skin, and they work perfectly on a touch screen.
Sarong: This can be used in 100 ways, as clothing, accessory, bag, beach towel, bedding, curtain, etc. definitely a travelling must.
Leg-suit Swimsuit: I wanted a leg-suit swimsuit because I will be travelling in conservative countries and I want to be respectful, also I don't shave which means I need to cover my bikini area a little bit, and this suit can be also used to exercise or underneath the dress as a top.
6. Toiletries
Toothbrush: I picked a Zero Waste compostable bamboo toothbrush with natural bristles.
Tooth Powder: Unfortunately this is not Zero Waste, but it lasts a really long time so it uses less plastic than regular toothpaste, and it's 100% Cruelty- free and vegan, it doesn't contain dyes or sweeteners, only 100% natural ingredients.
Castile Soap Bar: Castile soap can be used as shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc. so it's an invaluable item to bring on your travels. Plus you don't have to worry about spillage in your bag.
Deodorant: I use a solid Zero Waste deodorant from Lush, that works like a charm, even in the hottest, sweatiest days.
Coconut Oil: Is there anything coconut oil cannot do? Another incredible must in your arsenal to keep you moisturised, healthy and glowing. Here is a list of 77 Uses For Coconut Oil.
Nail Grooming Kit: Some may need only a nail clipper, but I like to keep my nails long, so I need a file and a cuticle cutter. The picture is not representative, but some might want the whole kit.
Moon Cup: This is absolutely revolutionary. I have been using a moon cup instead of tampons and pads for almost a year now and I am never going back. It's more hygienic, safer for your body, kinder on the planet, and a 1 time purchase for years and years. For the people who don't know what a moon cup is here you can find all the information you need.
~ One thing I want to make you aware is that some countries like China test products on animals by law. So plan ahead and buy more than you need if you know you won't be able to find cruelty free and vegan products later down the line
7. Useful Things
Handkerchief: The Zero Waste alternative to paper tissues and napkins.
Shopping Kit: As I talked about in my "Zero Waste Shopping", I am bringing with me a small version of a shopping kit with 2 cotton bags for seeds, nuts, grains, etc. and a net bag for produce. So wherever I am I can shop without harming the planet.
Cutlery Set: So wherever you are you can use metal re-usable cutlery, and ditch plastic. #GoZeroWaste :)
Collapsible Water Bottle: This bottle is great because it's lighter than glass and it collapses shrinking massively, taking up less space when empty. It also has a lock on the top, which prevents spillage.
Water Purifier: Since we are travelling to some underdeveloped areas might not have clean water, this is a great solution to be able to drink any type of water knowing it's safe to drink. It's compact and lightweight and it screws itself on almost all bottle tops.
Travel Sheet: The last thing I want to experience while travelling is bed bugs, or dirty sheets. This sheet works as a "pocket" in which you can sleep, so you don't touch a bed of dubious nature.
Sleeping bag: Initially I wasn't going to take a sleeping bag with me, however we will be using Couchsurfing quite a bit to find free accommodation along our travels and meet amazing people, and most ask for a sleeping bag, which is very reasonable. So I found this ultra compact, super lightweight sleeping bag that can be zipped open and turn into a double bed blanket. Absolutely perfect!
Eye Mask & Earplugs: So you can sleep in every condition.
Travel Pillow: This travel pillow is inflatable which makes it super compact when deflated.
Cotton Turkish Towel: I cannot stand microfiber because it doesn't dry properly, it feels super weird on the skin and it tends to stink after a while. So I picked a cotton towel, highly useful as an all-purpose towel for the beach, travel or bathroom. It also folds up considerably smaller than a terry towel, and it is more absorbent.
Reading Glasses: If you need aid while reading or on the computer definitely have glasses instead of contact lenses which are bad for the environment and are difficult to find around the world.
Mosquito Curtain: If you don't want to get eaten alive by mosquito while sleeping, you will need a mosquito net. Some hotels will provide one, but it's best to be prepared.
Umbrella: I initially didn't include an umbrella in my list because I thought the rain jacket would be enough. However I was advised to bring one because legs will get soaked, so I took the advice and I am bringing an umbrella.
Sowing Kit: This can definitely come in handy on the road, plus you can store all sorts of different bits inside the box.
8. Medicines
First Aid Kit: This first aid kit includes 160 essential and emergency items, compact and well organised. Most items are replaceable and there is space to add extra items as required.
Sun Screen: These are more than 100 ml, but I couldn't find anywhere a vegan and cruelty free sun lotion that was travel sized. However you can always transfer the cream in 100 ml containers, or travel by land like us and so you won't have to worry about flight restrictions!
Water Kefir: I first stumbled upon Kefir while reading a travelling blog of a girl who traveled to South East Asia and swore she never had any stomach problems because she took Kefir every day. Here is her story. Water kefir is a fermented beverage teeming with beneficial probiotic bacteria, as well as a magnificent source of a variety of enzymes and organic acids, and a range of B vitamins, vitamin K and folic acid. Here you can read more about it.
Vitamins: At the moment I am not controlling my diet too much, because I am focusing on everything there is to do before leaving London. So I take daily vitamins to make sure I don't become deficient in anything. I will soon resume my food diary on the app and website Cronometer, to make sure I intake all the nutrients my body needs naturally without the help of supplements. But until then...
Sickness Bracelets: We will travel a lot by ferry and boat, and I get sea-sick, so hopefully these bracelets will help.
Baby Wipes: These can be used in between showers to keep fresh, and they are vegan, organic, eco-friendly, parben free, cruelty free and bio-degradable! What more do you want?
Here you can find the online Excel Spreadsheet with all online links and prices.
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