The Ultimate Travel Essentials Packing List (2026)

Figuring out what to pack when you’re leaving for several months, and actually not forgetting anything, is genuinely hard. So I decided to put together the list of things that actually get used here, in case it helps some of you out. And honestly, even future me, who’s going to have to repack this bag for the umpteenth time, will probably end up coming back to this list too.

1. Packing & Organization Essentials

The non negotiables for keeping your stuff organized. It really does change everything to be able to categorize your things instead of having to unpack the entire bag every time you move somewhere new every couple of days.

Travel Packing Cubes

I’ve personally been using this set for 3 years now and the organizers haven’t budged. Since I move across several seasons at once, I’ve got winter clothes, work clothes for the harvest in the cellar, and summer clothes all at the same time, so it’s incredibly handy to be able to separate everything into compartments and just stop thinking about my winter stuff while I’m cruising around on a scooter in Bali.

or Vacuum Storage Bags

I found this option which works on the same principle as the one above, except it’s got a vacuum system to save you even more space. I’m not sure I’ll actually buy it myself, but I think it’s pretty cool.

Electronics Organizer

Genuinely ideal if, like me, you’re carrying around a thousand electronics, a camera, a laptop, a drone, a phone, this way you don’t lose anything and can keep it all in one place. Cables, SD cards, hard drives, chargers, all sorted.

Digital Luggage Scale

The number of times I’ve shown up at the airport completely blind, not knowing if my bags would make the cut. It’s so complicated, every airline has a different limit, 18kg here, 23kg there, sometimes even 32kg. No more stress now with this little gadget, especially handy when you’re planning on travelling with 6 bottles of wine in your bag.

2. Travel Documents 

Passport Holder

This is honestly my most useful purchase. We all know someone who couldn’t board their flight because their passport was slightly damaged. So I prefer to keep mine protected at all times, especially since even when you live abroad, you still get asked for your passport constantly. In California or New Zealand for example, it’s systematic, they unfortunately won’t accept a foreign driver’s license or ID card when you want to get into a bar or buy alcohol at the supermarket, so it’s always on me, and given how fragile the document is, it’s incredibly easy to damage.

3. Tech Essentials for Travelers

Universal Travel Adapter

Genuinely essential if you’re hopping between several countries back to back. It works in most countries and has several USB ports, so you can charge most of your devices at the same time.

Power Bank

Since I don’t want to lug around multiple batteries for my drone and my camera, having an external battery is a must for me, and this one is really cool because it recharges with sunlight, slowly, but it still recharges, which makes it perfect for camping over several days. 

Batteries and airports though, what a nightmare. I get stopped basically every single time because of the voltage, it’s really annoying, but good to know, just ask for a slip of paper when you drop your checked bags off before going through customs.

Bluetooth Speaker

It’s always nice to have a little one with you.

4. Outdoor & Adventure Gear

For the more adventurous travelers.

Solar Camping Lantern

Possibly the object I use the most, whether I’m camping in Hawaii, on a road trip in New Zealand, or just heading to the bathroom at night. Genuinely incredible, it also recharges with sunlight so I’ve never once been caught out without it.

3L Hydration Bladder

A must have if, like me, you love hiking. It fits perfectly into my bag alongside all my photography gear. Speaking of which, if that’s something you’re into, I’ve also got an article on my photography essentials.

First Aid Kit

I didn’t have one until recently, but ever since my fall, I always bring one on hikes just in case, bandages, disinfectant, the basics you’re glad to have on hand if someone gets hurt.

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

For anyone who feels the cold like I do, this is such a nice one to have, and it’s rechargeable too, which means yet another cable to add to the cable box, oops.

5. Travel Clothing I Never Travel Without

This list obviously isn’t exhaustive, because I have way too many clothes crammed into my bag. Since I actually live and work in the countries where I do the harvest, I’m not really a full time backpacker, but here are the essentials I use the most and would still keep if I had to travel light.

Bottoms

Leggings

My absolute must have, I think I own three of them at this point. I work in them, hike in them, even wear them out to the bar. Genuinely excessive at this point.

Running Short

A cute little short that works just as well for sport and hiking as it does as a casual outfit for warmer destinations.

Linen Pants

A flowy pair of pants that takes up no space and works across every season, way better than that pair of jeans you’re planning on bringing.

Jackets

Fleece

The perfect pullover, warm but doesn’t take up much room, I love this fleece.

Rain Jacket

A rain jacket takes up barely any space and is genuinely useful no matter where you’re headed.

Footwear

Birkenstock

You need a pair of flip flops or these plastic Birks, between hostel showers, hot destinations like Indonesia, or just outdoor showers when you’re living in a van, it’s genuinely so useful, you won’t regret bringing them.

Hiking Shoes

It all depends on where you’re headed, but a solid pair of sneakers or hiking shoes is always a good call if you’re planning on doing any hikes. And to save on the weight in your suitcase, just wear them onto the plane, then take them off mid flight, sorry to the person sitting next to me for the smell, and there you go.

6. Travel Comfort Essentials

The little things that genuinely make day to day life better.

Perfect Travel Bag

This is a duffle, and I much prefer carrying it on my back rather than dragging a suitcase around, but it’s still so much easier to actually find your stuff in than a classic hiking backpack.

“Banana” Bag

This is the bag I use when I’m out and about, a night out, exploring a new place, it’s the perfect size since I can fit my phone, my papers, and even my camera or drone in there. 

Microfiber Hair Towel

Honestly such a good investment, nothing more to say, I use it constantly.

Microfiber Travel Towel

Perfect for the beach, the river, or a quick shower at the back of the van. It dries fast, but god, there’s nothing like getting back to a real cotton towel after months on the road, and a hot shower, oh god.

Portable Travel Hair Dryer

I went without one for a long time, but with hair as long and thick as mine, washing it at night without drying it is a nightmare, so now it’s earned its little spot in my bag.

And if you’re into skincare, I’ve also put together a separate article on the essentials I always bring with me when I travel.