Nuts and Bolts - Packing Essentials for a Year Long Trip

Occasionally people have asked us how we pack for an entire year of travelling around the world. It's been over six months now, and we have it down to a science*.  This post shall highlight the critical and not so obvious stuff we lug around.

Luggage:
Firstly, each of us has one large rolling style bag (that converts to a backpack), and one standard style backpack. That's it. Everything we have for the year fits in those ten containers.

We each have an Osprey "Sojourn" luggage. They are an incredible bag that comes in various sizes. Steve has the largest, Nicole and Autumn have slightly smaller, and Zane the smallest. Super durable and fits more than you would think.

Can convert to a backpack. However, we have not used this feature more than once. We mostly just use the wheels with the handle. 

Clothing:

We have opted for generally temperate climates so we are not lugging around a bunch of bulky cold weather gear. We each carry about 7 to 10 days worth of clothing and expect to do laundry at least once a week. The clothing tends to be higher quality quick dry material, which has been important as a functional dryer outside of the U.S. is tough to come by. We have occasionally shopped for additional clothing on our journeys and have left a trail of leftover clothes across the globe (sometimes unintentionally). 

Other Essential Containers:

These are packing cubes and they are AWESOME. They are from eBags and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Each zippered pouch contains a different type of wardrobe. Short Sleeves, Long Sleeves, Pants/Shorts, Socks, Underwear. When we get to a new place, we just pull these out, stick them on a shelf or in a drawer, and we're done. Keeps our luggage very organized. Note, these do not vacuum seal. 

We have plenty of other smaller pouches for random things to keep organized. Hair clippers, A/V cords, Charging supplies, etc.

This is Nicole's purse. Again, eBags. It's specially designed for travel with RF shielding, wiring in the straps to prevent cutting with a knife, clipped zipper pulls to prevent pick pocketing. It's the perfect size and holds a ton of stuff. And, if I do say so myself, it's pretty stylish too.

Wet/Dry bag. This rolls up to nothing when empty and we fill it with our dirty laundry to keep it separate from our clean stuff. (Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Sarah!)

This is a super compact day pack that fits in it's own pouch. We use it almost daily. (Again, thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Sarah)

Portable safe. This is probably overkill, but we use it to store all of our computers and passports when we reach our destination. It's lined with stainless steel mesh and has a cable that can be locked to a radiator or other immovable object. When in transit, it rolls up to a manageable size that fits in my large luggage. 

Collapsible Tote Bag. This cute little strawberry unfolds in to a grocery bag. Nicole carries one in her purse, and we have a second for the purple backpack. They are super handy for random shopping excursions.

Passport Holder. It's RF Shielded to prevent scofflaws from nicking our info. Keeps all of our important stuff in one place, including immunization records.

Tech Stuff:

While I don't have a picture for it, I will say that Google Project Fi has been an absolute godsend when it comes to having a worldwide mobile data plan. We have never had to purchase a SIM card in any country, and have always had seamless cell service wherever we have gone (including Tanzania and Zanzibar). To make it more incredible, our plan, for two fully functional smartphones, is about $100/mnth. 

Chromebooks. All three kids (Autumn would rather not be called that anymore, but it's too difficult to write it otherwise) each have a Chromebook for all their studies and web stuff. We particularly like the Acer version. They are super durable, sip battery power, and are just the right size. 

Charging Station. We initially had two of these, but found that we can get by with one. It has a standard U.S. plug that we convert to the local outlet, and provides two places for our computer power and five USB ports. It doesn't transform to 120v, but that is not really necessary any more. All computers, tablets, and smart phones can take 240v (which is what most of the world uses). 

Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter. Hands down the best universal plug adapter on the planet. It looks like a little space ship but it hasn't found a plug it can't enter. It's way lighter and more compact than any of those awkward boxy type adapters. We have two, and put them to good use. 

Duel USB charger for a cigarette lighter. We keep this handy in our carry on luggage and pull it out right when we get in our rental car. 

Portable Scale. There is no standard acceptable luggage weight around the world, so we weigh our bags before we head to the airport every time. 

Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Not critical, but really came in handy on our RV and Houseboat trip. Never know when a dance party is about to break out. 

Knockoff Leatherman. Oh boy have I fixed some random stuff on this trip with this thing. Most recently, a DVD player. 

Safety Gear:

Portable First Aid Kit. We carry this on our day trips. We also have a bigger one in our main luggage as well as a small pharmacy of all kinds of medicines that can both make us poop, or make us not poop (whatever is required at the time)

Portable Car Seat. Bryce is still a wee lad and technically requires a booster seat. We found this vest that allows for using the standard shoulder strap system, yet still fits in his luggage. 

Duct Tape. Need we say more?

Camera Gear:

Sony Alpha A6000. I left my larger SLR at home and opted for this mirrorless model. It's super compact but allows for interchangeable lens. Great travel camera. 

A wee tripod. The fancy gorilla pod is too weak for the larger camera, and this can hold the weight. Again, not critical, but handy and compact. 

Odds and Ends:

Kleenix Packs. It's surprising how much we use these. I mean really surprising.

B@%f Bags. We've nicked a handful of these from airplanes and we keep them on hand for road trips. And they have come in handy.

Inflatable Therma-Rest. The world loves a family of four, not a family of five. As such, we have found ourselves short one bed on several occasions and we use this to make the ground a little more restful. Bryce has no problems with it....

Travel Belt. This belt has a zippered lining that gives me some emergency cash. Again, might be overkill, but it's peace of mind that matters. I wear it almost every day and it passes through security without having to take it off.

Marie Sharp's. I have more than a minor addiction to this hot sauce. It goes with us everywhere and I have had mules supply me with new bottles as they go dry. 

*We can go from a complete yard sale of things scattered about a house to fully packed and out the door in about an hour

All for now...