So many people ask how we pack for long trips. They are almost all dismayed when I tell them that we backpack. We each have one big backpack and bring a packable day bag in case we have snacks or personal items we want to access on flights or use for day trip activities along the way.

How to Pack Like an Elephant (What to Pack for Her)

Ryan bought packing cubes last year, but decided to buy a new waterproof backpack this year, so I am making use of two cubes. Here is what I am packing for our 7 week trip in Southeast Asia during monsoon season:

Shoes and Clothes:

  • 1 lightweight rain jacket that folds into its own pocket
  • 1 pair linen pants
  • 1 linen sweater
  • 3 pair stretch pants
  • 1 pair capri stretch pants
  • 3 lightweight fast drying long sleeve shirts
  • 2 lightweight shirts
  • 2 lightweight tank tops
  • 1 lightweight dressy dress
  • 3 Pairs of shoes (all light and crushable): water shoe, mary jane, and boot (which I will wear on the plane).
  • Socks stuffed inside of shoes.
  • 1 loop scarf (elephant print) for sun protection.
  • Underwear and swimsuit

For the environment:

  • 1 empty tin with lockdown lid for packing food/leftovers as we go
  • 1 tin with regular lid for nuts and snacks
  • 1 Hydro flask
  • 1 set silverware and reusable chopsticks

For entertainment:

  • 1 kindle
  • 1 earbud
  • 1 phone

Accessories and personal care:

  • 1 sunglass
  • 1 beanie
  • 1 pair of gloves
  • 1 lightweight backpack for accessibility on the airplane and day trips. Folds into its own pocket.
  • 1 small tin with jewelry, tweezers, and clippers.
  • 1 gallon bag of toiletries and personal items. 1 quart sized bag with liquids. I use small bottles and bring my own face and body care products because  I am particular about my products.

For health:

1 reusable face mask for protection on the airplane and bad air quality situations.

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How to Pack Like a Monkey (What to Pack for Him)

Like Surina mentioned, I decided to try a new backpack.  I decided to go with the Tortuga Outbreaker because it is waterproof, which will come in handy in Southeast Asia during the monsoon season.  

Footwear

  • 1 pair of minimalist hiking shoes
  • 1 pair of slippahs (If you ever visit Hawaii please call your flip-flops, thongs, or sandals slippahs. It’s what they are called here, so if you want to blend in and keep traveling aloha, say slippahs).

Clothes

  • 2 pairs of hybrid (stretch shorts that you can use for walking or swimming)
  • 1 pair of Outdoor Research stretch pants
  • 2 T-shirts
  • 1 tanktop
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • 5 pairs of organic cotton boxer-briefs
  • 1 lightweight packable rain-jacket by Outdoor Research
  • 1 dri fit long sleeve shirt
  • 1 dress shirt

Entertainment

  • Cellphone
  • Kindle
  • Sony Noise Cancelling Earphones

Electronics

  • Chromebook (For Blogging and watching Netflix)
  • Sony NEX Camera
  • GoPro

Accessories and Personal Care

  • Sonicare electric toothbrush
  • 1 toiletry bag filled with man stuff
  • Maui Jim Polarized Sunglasses
  • Glasses
  • Contacts