Packing List for Long-Term Travel & 4 Season Trips

Hear me out: it is possible to pack for a trip through all four seasons with just a carry-on. It’s also possible to travel long-term with style.

How do I know? Because I’ve done this myself! Today I’m sharing with you the exact packing list that I used to travel one year through South America. It took me a long time to master the art of packing light, and I’m excited to share my perfected travel packing list with you.

I’ve designed this packing list for long-term travel to keep you comfortable in all climates, from the sweltering tropics to frosty mountain regions. I’ll share my minimalist approach that focuses on multi-functional pieces. I’ll also provide tips on how to select good quality items that will withstand the wear and tear of long-term travel and backpacking. Let’s get started!

If you’re looking for more guidance, check out my tips on how to pack light.

Packing List for Long-Term Travel & 4 Season Trips

Bags to Pack for Long-Term Travel

Backpack with Rain Cover. The contents of this long-term travel packing list should fit into a 45 L (carry-on) backpack. However if you’re not a minimalist packer or are planning to bring additional hiking or camping equipment, get a larger pack (~65 L). I recommend a backpack over a suitcase since it will be easier to load into luggage compartments and carry around crowded spaces. Choose one that is durable, high quality, and comfortable.

Women’s 50 L Backpack
Men’s 50 L Backpack
Women’s 65 L Backpack
Men’s 65 L Backpack

Daypack with Rain Cover, ~25 L. You’ll use this a lot for day hikes and other excursions, so make sure it is durable.

Cross-body Bag. Get a small bag that you can keep with you at all times, whether walking around your hostel or sleeping on the bus. Use it to carry the amount of cash you will need for the day, along with 1-2 debit or credit cards. I also stash a small bag of medicine, a covid mask, tissues, and hand sanitizer in mine.

Lightweight Tote Bag. Use this for carrying larger items like water bottles or groceries around the city. You’ll also use it a lot if you’re staying in a hostel, for instance to bring your towel, toiletries, and clothes into the shower area. 

Essential Travel Items

Leave as many of these items as possible locked away in your accommodation for safekeeping. Although it’s not as common these days, you may need to notify your bank before being able to use your cards abroad.

Lightweight Wallet

Passport

Debit Card. I use Revolut, which allows me to withdraw local currency without incurring conversion fees.

Credit Card. I use the Chase Sapphire card, which rewards me with substantial points for travel-related purchases.

Cash

Travel Insurance. I use SafetyWing, which is the most affordable option I’ve found that also offers excellent coverage. World Nomads is also a good option for comprehensive coverage.

Proof of Onward Travel. Proof of onward travel is often a requirement when entering a new country. If your departure date is uncertain, use Onward Ticket to generate a temporary ticket.

Electronics Packing List for Long-Term Travel

eSIM or Local SIM Card

Phone. Pick a strong screen cover and case for your phone – it will inevitably face some rough handling if you’re traveling long-term.

Headphones

Chargers

Adaptor. If needed. 

Portable Charger. This will come in handy for long bus rides or if there’s no outlet next to your hostel bed.

I’d encourage you not to take any large electronics with you when traveling long-term. It will become a burden to carry them and keep them safe. Use your phone to look up essential information and spend your free time immersing yourself in your destinations. If you really can’t go without technology on a long trip, bring a lightweight tablet instead of a laptop. Also consider a Kindle to avoid carrying around heavy books.

Toiletries Travel Packing List

Bring your usual toiletries (packed into small containers) or buy them once you arrive. Make sure to include the following:

Hanging Toiletry Bag (optional). If you’re staying in a hostel, most shower areas have hooks, but no shelves for your personal items. I use a tote bag, but a hanging toiletry bag would come in handy for organizing your items.

Mosquito Repellent. Protect yourself from bites and mosquito-borne diseases by wearing long, loose layers and using mosquito spray. This one is better for your skin as it is chemical free, and I found it to be just as effective as DEET-containing spray.

Sunscreen. A long, multi-season trip will take you to areas where the sun is very strong. Prevent a bad sunburn from ruining your trip or damaging your skin. I recommend this reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve the beautiful ocean ecosystem.

Lip Balm with SPF.

Bar Soap. Store it in a plastic bag. It’s a much better alternative to bulky shower gel on a long trip!

Bar Shampoo. Much easier to travel with than liquid shampoo.

Tissues or Toilet Paper. Long-term travel will likely take you to destinations where public restrooms do not provide toilet paper.

Hand Sanitizer. Public restrooms may also not be stocked with soap.

Wet Wipes. To freshen up during a hike or on long travel days.

Earplugs and Eye Mask. A must in hostels if you’re a sensitive sleeper.

Medicine. Bring items such as painkillers, stomach medicine, and motion sickness tablets. In some countries, birth control pills are affordable and available over the counter.

Electrolyte Tablets. Protect against dehydration on hot and humid hikes.

Vitamins. Stay on top of your health when traveling!

Nail Clippers. Tip: cut your nails before doing any hikes, your feet will thank you.

Makeup. Bring only the essentials, especially if you’ll be traveling in heat and humidity.

Menstrual Cup. An essential packing list item for long-term travel. Better for the environment, takes up little space, and you can leave it in place for 12 hours at a time.

What Shoes to Pack for Long-Term Travel

Hiking Shoes

Assuming you’re going to explore the outdoors on your travels, a good pair of trail runners or hiking shoes is essential. I recommend trail runners, which can be used for both running and hiking. Trail runners are lightweight, quick-drying, and with the right socks, can be worn in all four seasons. 

If you’ll be hiking on more rugged terrain, bring hiking shoes. I wouldn’t recommend hiking boots unless you’re planning to hike extensively in winter conditions or carry a substantial load. They are bulky and heavy, and the belief that they reduce the risk of a sprained ankle is a myth. Also, steer clear of running and general athletic shoes! Their minimal traction will cause you to slip on hiking trails.

These are my recommendations for the best hiking shoes and trail runners for travel:

Women’s Trail Runners
Men’s Trail Runners
Women’s Hiking Shoe
Men’s Hiking Shoe

Everyday Shoes

In total, you should bring 2 – 3 pairs of shoes on your long-term trip. Pack trail runners that are discreet enough to be worn in the city, plus a pair of good walking sandals. For more versatility, pack sneakers that you can wear to dress up a little, go out at night, or use for weight training at the gym. 

These are the sandals I recommend. For sneakers, Keds and Converse are my favorites.

Many long-term travelers pack a pair of flip flops to use in hostel showers. Confession: during a year of travel, I showered barefoot in hostels! If you know how to choose a hostel, there shouldn’t be hygiene issues with the showers.

Clothes Packing List for Four Season Travel

Clothes and shoes will occupy the bulk of your carry-on bag, and I’ve previously written in depth about how to pack light while still looking good. This clothing packing list covers a range of climates, from hot and humid tropical areas to frigid mountain towns. 

It’s important to pick good quality, quick-drying clothing that will stand up to the wear and tear of long-term travel. I’ve chosen these items carefully to prioritize comfort and also ensure that you look stylish and will not stick out as a tourist.

You’ll probably find many options for same-day laundry service at your destination, so there’s no need to overpack clothes on a long trip. You can also hand-wash items like socks and underwear with laundry bar soap.

Tops

• Athletic Top (1)
• Quick-Dry T-Shirt (1)
  • Women’s T-Shirt
  • Men’s T-Shirt
• Normal T-Shirt (1)
• Nice but Comfortable Top (1)

Bottoms

• Athletic Shorts (1)
• Lightweight Dresses (1-2). If you’re traveling to a warm destination, you can also buy them there.
• Midi Skirt (1)
• Maxi Dress (1)
• Linen Pants (1)
• Joggers (1) (optional)
• Hiking Pants (1). Invest in quality hiking pants that are not only functional for outdoor activities but also stylish for travel days, lounging, or gym sessions. A slightly loose fit means they won’t cling to you in hot weather and allows for layering thermals underneath in cold weather.
  • Women’s Hiking Pants
  • Men’s Hiking Pants

Additional Layers

• Chambray Shirt (1). Useful for chilly evenings or as a mosquito-proof layer in the tropics.
• Lightweight Fleece Sweater (1)
  • Women’s Fleece Jacket
  • Men’s Fleece Jacket
• Flannel Shirt (1). I love that these are soft, warm, and versatile. I’ve worn mine both around the city and on hikes.
  • Women’s Flannel Shirt
  • Men’s Flannel Shirt
• Rain Jacket (1)
  • Women’s Rain Jacket
  • Men’s Rain Jacket

Cold Weather Clothes for Four Season Travel

• Thermal Top (also in Scoop Neck) and Leggings (1-2). Layer under normal clothes for extra warmth.
• Puffy Jacket (1). Get a high quality jacket that will keep you warm while being lightweight.
  • Women’s Puffy Jacket
  • Men’s Puffy Jacket
• Wool Hat (1)
• Touchscreen Gloves (1)

Undergarments

• Underwear (7)
• Midweight Hiking Socks (2)
  • Women’s Hiking Socks
  • Men’s Hiking Socks
• Light Hiking Socks (1)
• Normal Socks (2)
• Bra (1)
• Sports Bra (1)

Accessories Packing List for Long-Term Travel

Light Scarf (1). A travel packing list essential that doubles as a towel or beach blanket. I also use mine as a beach cover-up, for sun and mosquito protection, and as an extra layer when it’s chilly.  

Swimsuits (1-2)

Headbands or Buffs (2). For hot, sweaty days or when you can’t be bothered to wash your hair.

Jewelry. Don’t bring anything expensive that will make you stand out as a tourist. Also consider buying some jewelry locally. 

Sun Hat. Protect yourself from sunburn or skin damage.

Sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the sun as well.

Miscellaneous

Microfiber Towel. Most hostels don’t provide towels, and even if yours does you’ll want a separate towel for the beach.

Tupperware Container. Use this to store your food in the hostel kitchen, or to bring leftovers home from restaurants. Depending on your destination, restaurants don’t always provide to-go containers.

Lock. Keep your belongings safe in hostel lockers. Every hostel has differently shaped lockers, and thicker locks are often too big to fit on the lockers.

Lighter. Even if you don’t smoke, you’ll need this to ignite hostel stoves.

Organizational Items for Long-Term Travel

Packing Cubes. These are essential for long trips! They will help keep you organized, especially if you’re staying in places with limited personal space like hostels.

Compression Bag (optional). Use it to condense your bulkier clothing, or to store laundry in.

Ziploc Bags. Bring a few in various sizes to organize miscellaneous items.

Optional Items

LifeStraw. Long-term travel will likely take you to places where tap water is unsafe. It’s best to be prepared with a filter that ensures you always have clean drinking water.

Headlamp. Useful if you’re staying at eco-hostels, camping, or planning to catch some sunrises.

Book, Journal, or Kindle. Keep yourself entertained on long bus rides. Most hostels have a small library where you can exchange books. 

Cooking Oil, Spices, etc. Hostels don’t always provide cooking oil or salt in their kitchens. Carry small quantities in bottles or bags.

Hiking & Camping Packing List for Long-Term Travel

Trekking Poles. Check if the hiking terrain in your destination is rugged enough to warrant hiking poles. Only bring them if absolutely necessary, since they cannot be packed in carry-on bags. You can often rent them in mountain towns.

Camping Equipment. In popular trekking destinations, you can usually rent camping equipment at affordable rates. However if you’d like to trek through lesser-visited places, I’d recommend including your own gear in your packing list. It can be difficult to find high-quality camping equipment abroad, and prices are often higher than they would be back home because these items are imported.

Take a look at my backpacking gear recommendations for more ideas.

Thanks for reading! I hope this packing list for long-term travel helps you navigate the challenge of packing for 4 seasons and extended trips with ease. What’s one travel item you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments.

Head to my Travel Tips Page for more tips that will help you prepare and budget for your travels.

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