Everything I Packed for Asia - In Just a Backpack
Hello from Vietnam!
I finished this post before my trip began, and if all has gone planned, I'm publishing it while I am here. This is trip #2 to my favorite continent, Asia.
I get so many questions on what I pack when I travel and where I get these items, so I did my best to be as specific as possible. I put a lot of time into this and tried to link as many things as I could. Please let me know if this helps you or if you choose to purchase any of the items I connected!
OK.. This is a long one. Ready, GO!
What I Wore on Plane
White sneaks - Platform Old Skool Vans in White
Of course these go with EVERYTHING! Dresses, shorts, etc.
Light weight pull over draw string sweatshirt (Express)
Cotton leggings (Express)
What I Carried
First of all, shout out to my BFF Allie for this great gift (check her out on Instagram friends, her posts are to die for @adventuresaftercoffee)
This rolls itself up into a small carry case
Every item inside my day pack, including the backpack itself, fits inside my main Kelty backpack. I am only choosing to keep them separated for my long haul flight.
Kelty Women's Redwing 50 L
I did a TON of research and the Kelty's seemed to be the best option for me. It can top load or zip down all the way to sort of 'front load' as well.
50 L is typically the largest you can go in order to keep your bag as a carry on on a plane. If you over stuff your bag, a 50 L may even be pushing it.
Mine is out of stock and I don't think they make that exact one any more, but I will link two other Kelty's below:
This color is my FAVORITE
I purchased this backpack to begin with, but I was nervous that it wouldn't fit all I needed it to, so I exchanged it for the 50 L. However, now that I am all packed, I know the 40 L would have been just fine!
Right now this one is on sale! The original price is $124.95 and it is discounted to $93.71
Originally $139.95 and on sale for $104.96!
Everything Inside my Eddie Bauer Day Pack
*Again, every item inside my day pack, including the backpack itself, fits inside my main Kelty backpack. I am only choosing to keep them separated for my long haul flight. All will be inside my Kelty for travel purposes and smaller flights.*
Easily Accessible Front Pouch:
Eye mask
Head phones
Ear plugs
Book
Eye drops
A pen (you will need this to fill out customs card on the plane!)
Sunglasses (I won't need them on the plane, but the best spot to avoid getting squished and broken... bring a cheap pair)
Phone charger
Main Zipper Compartment:
Originally $90 and on sale for $53 on Amazon!
Change of clothes for arrival
To lock Kelty backpack up (main compartment, lock two zipper strings together)
I do not plan on sending my things through TSA this time (carry-on only), but make sure you purchase TSA approved locks to use for your suitcase next time you travel abroad
Travel blanket
Shout out to Collin's Dental for the awesome roll up velcro blanket. I have never seen anything like it, but I linked three other 'travel blankets' below:
Mini clutch/wallet for passport, cash & change, receipts
(originally $399, on sale for $255!)
Click here for a link to an article in regards to the new GoPro Hero 7 compared to the GoPro Hero 5. In my opinion the price savings to stick with the 5 (or 6) is worth it, as I personally wouldn't benefit for the difference in upgrade
Absolutely love this for when I want to be hands free (walking in airport, kayaking, on any type of boat, etc.)
Only $6.99 and one of my favorite accessories for my cam
I have gone through my fair share of portable chargers, and I finally invested in one that is 'legit'. This bad boy can charge your iPhone up to SEVEN times. The whole thing charges in just a few hours overnight. It's a bit on the heavier side, but that's because of how much juice it can hold.
This invention is genius. This 3 in 1 charger plugs into my portable charger, and I can charge my iPhone and GoPro AT THE SAME TIME. Genius, I tell ya.
The cord is only 1 ft long but I purposely searched for a short cord, as I want to keep my phone and GoPro tucked into my bag when charging.
BAG OF WIPES!!
Never travel without the following (all can be found at Target/Walmart in travel isle):
Antibacterial hand wipes (red wrapping)
Clorox antibacterial wipes (green wrapping)
Flushable toilet wipes (especially for Asia, South America, Africa)
Toiletry bag
Like above, most items listed can be found at Target or Walmart in their travel isles:
Travel size toothbrush & toothpaste
Travel size dry shampoo
Mini lotion
Travel size deodorant
QTips
Travel sunscreen SPF 30
Travel bug repellent lotion with DEET (Deet is so important!)
Razor
Mini shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face wash
Hair ties, bobby pins, two scrunchies
Glasses & case
Comb & travel size brush
Travel pack makeup remover wipes
Travel size perfume
Daily contacts
(Note: if you need tampons while on you’re trip, BRING THEM. Regular tampons aren’t commonly found in Asia)
SMALL makeup bag w/ only mascara, brow powder, & one tinted chapstick
Everything Inside My Kelty Redwing 50 L Backpack
Save room at the top of your backpack for your electronics case and toiletry bag! Travel blanket & rolled up day pack can be attached to the outside of the Kelty. Raincoat is thin and there is a small space for it in one of the compartments.
Main Zipper Compartment:
Packing cube #1:
3 pairs of shorts
High waisted faux denim linen shorts (Old Navy)
Black Nike shorts & Grey Reebok shorts (Burlington)
2 pairs of linen or polyester pants
5 thin tank tops
5 short sleeve shirts
Packing cube #2:
Two thin dresses
Two rompers
2 bathing suit tops
3 bathing suit bottoms
1 one piece suit
2 sleeping t-shirts
Nike shorts for sleeping
Mini packing cube #3
1 pair flip flops for shower & beach
1 pair walking/hiking sandals
I am OBSESSED with these shoes. I purchased both the above to see which pair I would want to bring with me, and let me tell you, the BOBS by Sketchers are the comfiest pair I have EVER owned in my entire life. Not only that, I get a million compliments every single time I wear them. They became my every day shoes. They are lined with memory foam and my feet constantly thank me.
The reason I am choosing the first pair to bring is because they are better suitable for hiking and rough terrain. I did not want to bring my hiking boots on this trip because they are bulky and it will be so incredibly hot. The Grition Hiking Sandals are perfect for what I need them for. They are comfortable and yet fashionable. If I were to go on a walking trip around Europe, I would have chosen the BOBS, because my feet feel like they are walking on a cloud when I'm slipped in them.
Top Zipper Pouch:
1 sports bra
2 bralettes
3 pairs of socks
10 pairs of underwear
Accessories for Side Pouches & Front Pouch:
Actually will be fastened to the outside of my Kelty
They make ones that you can blow up to use then release the air to store, but I prefer the memory foam one that I have, instead of feeling like I am lying on a pool float for 14 hours LOL... personal preference.
Make sure you purchase one that clasps together. My first pillow I ever had did not have that feature. I bought a new one last year just because I needed one that could connect to my backpack or bag.
The kind I linked above has a washable cover (HUGE BONUS!)
A MUST for backpacking. Fast drying and thin.
I will probably just use this for a beach towel, most the hostels I am staying at have cotton shower towels. I really can't get on board with a microfiber shower towel.
I actually stick this in it's carrying case on top of clothes in packing cube #2 and zip it up within
Roll up travel sun hat (GENIUS!)
Wash cloth
Wrinkle release spray
So that I’m able to hang up clothes while using wrinkle release spray. Very important for me since I am packing ALL thin, easily wrinkled materials.
Plastic Ziploc with band aids, EmergenC packets, cough drops, Zzzquil for time zone adjustment
2 empty large Ziploc baggies for wet bathing suits when traveling in a hurry
A must carry for inside one of the pockets
In case of a downpour, you must have backpack protection!
Last but not least - PACKING CUBES (game changer)
Set of 6, 3 various sizes
Cheaper for the all black option @ $19.99
There ya have it. Until next time.
Xo,
Jenn