Updated RLI Backpacking List

Posted by on Jul 22, 2010 in Blog | 1 comment

After re-visiting our packing list for the RLI team taking on our seconds mission journey, we decided to repost a new and more realistic packing list. Most of what was on the first one, WE did not . Therefore, here is a better one. This is for our fourteen month around the world trip. Many people take a one year round the world trip, and this is more than adequate for that.

The key. One Bag. Light. Portable. If you choose one of those huge bags you will silently grumbling at the rest of us running around with a light bag. You are going to be jumping in and out of buses and taxis, tuk tuks and horses. So… pack light. Really. Seriously.

RLI Backpacking List:

Shirts:

  • 4-6 Tees/T-shirts
  • 1 Dress Shirt/blouse
  • 1-2 Tank top/or undershirt

Pants:

  • 3-4 Pairs of pants: 1-jeans, 1-cargo pant (can zip off into a pair of shorts), 1-other light weight cargo/scrub/or capri for everday wear, and a optional pair of lounge pants of your choice. 1 Long Skirt (Ladies)

Underwear:

  • 6-8 Underwear
  • 2 Bras & 1 sports bra(Ladies)
  • 3-4 Socks

Shoes:

  • 1 Hiking shoe
  • 1 Sandal (SLIP RESISTANT is a must!)

Jacket:

  • 1 Long sleeve windbreaker/sweatshirt (with hood/ preferably waterproof, but able to keep you warm during long bus rides with AC )

Toiletries:

  • Shampoo & Conditioner (travel size)
  • Deodorant/Body Spray (PLEASE!)
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush & Paste
  • Facecloth & travel bath towel or Sarong (sarong’s is what they use in SE Asia, it folds up small also)
  • Toilet paper/Wet Wipes (small amount to get started)
  • Hand Sanitizer (travel size)

Misc:

  • Hat
  • Bandana (or “sweat rag”)
  • Scarf (Ladies)
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight
  • Small mirror
  • Inflatable Neckpillow (*Optional* tho definitely useful. Great for flights and overnight bus rides.)

Medicine:

  • Vitamin C
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylenol PM

Electrical:

  • I-pod
  • Laptop
  • Headphones
  • Camera/Video Camera
  • Universal Power Adaptor

Books:

  • Bible
  • Journal & pen
  • Fun Novel(for the many bus rides)

TIPS:

You want everything to fit in one backpack. A 2nd bag can double as a purse, or daypack for when we make day trips. When packing your clothes you can save LOTS of space by rolling them. For underwear & socks a small mesh bag works best in keeping them organized/compact, and easy to get to. For meds & toiletries you’ll want to have zip-lock bags. Airports require them to be sealed in an airtight ziplock bag, and also you’ll save yourself alot of hassle with spills. Keep in mind the fabrics you choose for your clothes. You will want comfortable stretchable, moveable, lightweight, breathable, and even water absorbent pants (if possible) for when we’re traveling on bus rides, hiking etc… (cause believe me you will have sweat marks all down your legs). With shirts, you’ll want something that won’t stretch out or loose shape quickly. Usually shirts that are a 40-60% cotton with polyester, rayon, spandex or some type of synthetic fabric mixed in hold up really well and don’t fade in color. Clothes are washed by hand 90% of the time and hung out to dry so keep this in mind. You want fabrics that won’t look bad wrinkled, or are wrinkle resistant.

Backpack suggestions: Kelty Redwing pack comes in 3 sizes: 2500, 2650 & 3100 cubic inches. It has excellent reviews, and is not too big and it’s reasonably priced between $50-$100. Try to get a pack that zips from the top to the bottom like a normal backpack. This makes it easier overall to get into and to pack.
The Eagle Creek Explorer LT is another great bag capable of being carry on size. The main compartment is 3000 cub. in, the attachable daypack is 1200 cub in, and it comes with a rain cover. This is the bag we used for our 14month/14 country trip. The Eagle Creek Explorer Trek $67.is a smaller version without the daypack or rain cover a total space of 2400 cu. in. Also the Osprey Atmos has really good reviews as well and worth checking out.