Family Travel Packing Guide: Dad’s Backpack

The biggest question we have received is definitely about how to pack for a trip around the world.  Here is the breakdown of Jon’s backpack for our family gap year.  We spent a lot of time trying to figure everything out and plan to be transparent with everyone regarding how this initial packing list works out!  Check back to this page for updates about how our off-brand gear holds up, what we packed well, and what we ditch/change/add along the way.  Head here for Mom’s backpack and here for the Kids’ backpacks.  To find out what country we are currently in and to see all our worldwide travel adventures, head over to our Instagram page.  

Backpack: Outlife Electron 60L

I have had this $40 backpack for a while already and have put it to the test regarding both volume and weight.  It has held up well, so will be interesting to compare to Ashley’s $180 Osprey pack.  I like that this has no support frame, as it lets me determine the shape and can ball it up for easy storage when empty.  Adjusting all of the straps allows me to easily and comfortably carry a very big load without the frame.  I do need to use packing cubes because it is basically one big, top-opening compartment.  The bottom has a separate zippered area for dirty clothes, and I store more fragile items like headphones in the separate zippered pocket built into the top.  One negative is that it is too big as a day pack, so I also brought this Naturehike collapsible 18L pack, as it is super easy to either use or stow.

Clothing

One month into traveling I’m very pleased with the clothes I packed for a trip around the world.  I will be updating my clothing choices throughout the trip.  Specifically, I will compare the durability of generic to name brands, analyze what I didn’t need or didn’t pack, and learn so that I (and you!) can do it better next time.

Here is my exact clothing list:

• 5 short-sleeved tees: 4 are athletic blend quick-dry shirts, including this one.  One cotton shirt made the cut, primarily as my preference to sleep in, but it does dry much slower.
• 1 long-sleeved tee:  Definitely pack this sun protection shirt.  It is quick-dry, light, and breathable for sun protection in the heat but can also be layered for cooler weather.  Covering skin with clothing vs. sunscreen is cheaper, easier, and more effective!
• 1 rain jacket: We absolutely love Columbia rain jackets.  As you can see from a lot of our stuff, we are not picky regarding brands, but all 4 of us travel with Columbia rain jackets.  It’s the perfect blend of wind and water protection without being hot and sticky.
• 1 hooded sweatshirt:  I keep it with me on long flights that can get cold and am good till at least 40 degrees F if I layer a short and long-sleeved shirt, then this hoody, topped with my rain jacket.
• 1 collared shirt and 1 quarter-zip: These are for church, virtual work, or as needed.
• 3 quick-dry shorts: These are amazing, and include 2 very inexpensive Amazon choice pairs and also a Columbia PFG pair.  I did cut the netting out of the Columbia shorts.  All 3 pairs have zippered pockets (minimum 1, prefer 3), and are great for exercise, hiking, and swimming.  I didn’t bring an actual swimsuit and have no regrets.
• 1 Huk fishing shorts: These win as my favorite travel shorts of all time.  They combine a low profile side-leg zippered pocket, wallet pocket that zips, deep but accessible front pockets, and are made with comfortable, flexible, and breathable fabric.  I wish I had brought a second pair in black.
• 2 Columbia hiking pants: Yes, I realize this is not an amazing fashion statement.  No, I don’t care.  These pants are simply awesome for travel.  They roll up to an incredibly small amount of space in a packing cube, and I find them comfortable in temperatures ranging from 40 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  The zip-off pant leg gives me 2 more shorts options that aren’t as terrible as most other convertible pants.  Zippered pockets, quick-dry, and breathable fabric: yes, please.
• Hat and sunglasses
• Belt: I wear this for the built-in compartment.
• 5 boxer briefs: These are great for travel.  They dry quickly after washing, are comfortable for any activity, and include a small pocket for holding a card or 2.  Please don’t pull out cash from this pocket and try to pay for anything with sweaty money :).
• Socks: I am picky regarding my socks.  After trying several options during Ironman training, I exclusively wear these Saucony no-show socks.  These are comfortable and hold up well, especially when putting in a lot of miles by foot.  We choose to walk wherever possible, so keeping your feet in good shape is a necessity.  Pack socks that you know will work for your feet.  Mine aren’t even expensive in the sock world so start here.  I also have 2 pairs of crew-length socks for hiking in pants.

Shoes

Pro tip: break in but don’t wear out your choice of both primary shoe and sandals before leaving!

• Salomon Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes: Yes, these shoes are really designed for running trails, not walking around on concrete.  However, I searched for a single pair of shoes that would check every box on my list.  I was only interested if a shoe could be comfortable for it all: walk, run, hike, climb, play baseball, dry quickly, and slip off and on easily.  The traction is there when I need it, and I have found these to be plenty comfortable walking around Paris on concrete all day.  
• Sandals:  I made a big mistake on this one.  My home pair was worn out, so I grabbed a new pair right before we left.  I didn’t even wear them once, because I didn’t want to pack dirty sandals in my backpack.  Rookie mistake.  Bad blisters after the first prolonged use, and they are still not comfortable a month into the trip.  Yes, I know that wearing socks with sandals is a fashion faux pas.  No, I don’t care, at least my feet don’t hurt.

Money: I travel with 2 options for carrying cash and cards.

• RFID Blocking Hidden Clip Travel Wallet: can be clipped inside a waistband if needed, and zips up so is great for coins.
• Money clip: I really like this money clip, at around $10 the quality is great.  It tightly holds the very few cards I carry and has the outside clip for bills.  I always carry it in a zipped-up pocket.

Miscellaneous

• I trim my beard and cut Brandon’s hair using this combination kit.  It remains to be determined if Ashley will cut my hair 🙂
• 1 travel towel: amazing how well it works, how quickly it dries, and how small it packs.
• 2 blood-flow-restriction cuffs: look for a future post about using BFR for strength training without any equipment.
• Travel document bag: I keep it all organized in here.  Passports, medical cards, International Driving Permit, vaccination cards, etc.
• Masks: We brought a large pack of surgical masks (my preference) and a few N95 and cloth masks as well.
• Games: magnetic chess set, dice with Yahtzee score sheets, and 2 decks of cards.  These are amazing for passing time while waiting in an airport/train station/bus terminal.
• Yuneec Breeze 4K Drone: 1 month in and we still haven’t used it yet on this trip, but some of our favorite shots have come from the automated video-flight features on this drone.  I bought extended life batteries and store them properly when flying in this lithium battery pouch.
• Headphones:  Initially this felt like a splurge to bring 2 sets of headphones.  I really like my cheap noise-canceling headphones when traveling but use the smaller Bluetooth headphones when jogging.  In reality, we have already used both sets many times by using dual audio output on my phone.  This allows Brandon and I to listen to an audio tour from a single device!
• Medical kit: see the original post for more information.
• Voltage converter: This is my top electronic recommendation for international travel.
• Go-Pro Hero 8 Black: The internal stabilizing and underwater clarity make this our go-to action camera.
• Motion sickness bag: I am a big fan of Preggie Pop Drops and DiVertigo oil for more natural treatment of travel and motion sickness.  We also packed Phenergran, Zofran, and Immodium.

So there it is, how to pack for a trip around the world.. at least for backpack one of four!  Stay connected with our blog here, and we will post updates over time about how our packing is working in real life!  

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Comment below with questions, things you would add, or what you would subtract from my list.  I will update this page as things get tossed, lost, broken, torn, and added to my pack.