Michael Turner
Immediate recommendation: Select a 20–30L daypack; keep total carried mass between 6 and 8 kg. Carry one insulating layer (merino or thin down, 250–350 g), one lightweight rain shell (approx. 200 g), and one pair of multi‑use sneakers (~350–450 g) to cover most climates while minimizing volume.
Documents & electronics: Passport plus paper copy stored separately; two payment cards (one hidden); emergency cash USD 100; reservation confirmations printed or saved offline. Phone, USB‑C charger (60W PD), power bank 10,000–20,000 mAh, compact universal adapter with 2 USB ports, lightweight earbuds, single cable organizer pouch.
Clothing: 3 T‑shirts, 2 bottoms (one convertible short/long recommended), 5–7 pairs underwear, 3 pairs socks including one warm pair, one compact rain shell, one insulating midlayer, sleepwear. Use quick‑dry fabrics, roll garments and use one or two packing cubes to compress and separate worn items.
Toiletries & health: Solid shampoo bar, toothpaste (≤100 ml tube), sunscreen SPF 30+ (30–50 ml), toothbrush, razor cartridge with small blade case, compact deodorant. Small first‑aid kit: 10 adhesive bandages, 4 blister plasters, 4 antiseptic wipes, 10 paracetamol tablets, prescription meds in original packaging with dosage note, insect repellent 50 ml, hand sanitizer 100 ml.
Miscellaneous gear: Collapsible bottle 0.75 L, compact quick‑dry towel 40×90 cm, lightweight TSA‑approved lock, RFID‑blocking travel wallet, small headlamp, multi‑tool (check airline rules), two resealable bags for wet/dirty items, spare shoelace, tiny sewing kit, photocopies of key documents kept separately and a small notebook with emergency contacts.
Smart kit: daypack and carry-on
Start with a compact dry bag (1–3 L) containing passport copy, emergency cash (USD 100 or local equivalent), and one printed itinerary; keep this in the top quick-access pocket.
Clothing strategy: three quick-dry tops, two bottoms (one convertible), five pairs underwear, three merino or synthetic socks, one lightweight fleece, one waterproof shell (packable to 250–350 g). Roll garments into two medium compression cubes (23×18×10 cm) and one small cube for underwear to save space and speed retrieval.
Weight target: aim under 7 kg total carry weight for single-week business or urban trips; use a luggage scale at home and remove items that exceed a 10% margin over target.
Tech & documents
Carry a 20,000 mAh USB-C PD power bank (45 W) in a padded tech pouch with: 1 m braided USB-C cable, USB-A to USB-C adapter, compact universal adapter (EU/UK/AU/US, fused), one 1 TB external SSD in a shock sleeve, and a printed copy of important documents stored separately. Store passwords in an offline encrypted file and a secure password manager app with biometric lock.
Health, hygiene & safety
Compact medical kit: 10 paracetamol, 10 ibuprofen, 7 antihistamine tablets, 4 oral rehydration sachets, 6 blister plasters, small triple-antibiotic ointment tube, and 2 sterile dressings. Keep prescriptions in original bottles plus a 72-hour extra supply in checked luggage when possible. Hygiene pouch: 30 ml toothpaste, foldable toothbrush, 60 ml shampoo in leakproof bottle, 40×90 cm microfiber towel, 20 g soap bar. Store liquids in a resealable clear pouch at top for quick screening.
Security measures: TSA-approved cable lock, RFID-blocking passport sleeve, two paper photocopies of documents kept in separate bags, and encrypted offline backups of key documents on a micro USB in a discrete pocket. If carrying a multitool, confirm blade length limits with the airline and move it to checked baggage when necessary.
Small extras that reduce hassle: Sawyer Mini filter or disposable water purification tablets, collapsible 500 ml bottle, 3 energy bars (60–80 g each), a sewing kit card, one pair lightweight flip-flops, 1 small zip-lock with detergent sheets for sink washes, and a 10×15 cm repair tape patch.
Zone packing guideline: heavy items close to the torso and spine, frequently used items in outer pockets, liquids in an easily removable pouch, and shoes or dirty clothes in a sealed bottom compartment or separate bag to avoid cross-contamination.
Clothing for 3–7 Days: Layering, Fabric Choices and Outfit Rotation
Pack three base-layer tops (two merino or merino blends, one synthetic quick-dry), two bottoms (one convertible pant, one lightweight pant or skirt), one fleece or light synthetic mid-layer, one compressible insulated jacket (down 600–800 fp or synthetic 100–200 g fill), and a waterproof-breathable shell.
Layering system and fabric specs
Base layer: merino 150–200 gsm for odor control and warmth; polyester/elastane blends for higher-output days. Aim for thin and medium weights to mix. Mid-layer: 120–200 g fleece or thin synthetic insulated jacket; fleece 100–200 gsm for warmth-to-weight ratio. Insulation: down at 600–800 fill-power for compact warmth when dry; synthetic (Polartec Alpha, Primaloft) 100–200 g for wet conditions. Shell: 2.5–3-layer waterproof with pit zips or a water-resistant nylon shell with taped seams if heavy rain is expected.
Avoid cotton for daytime clothes; reserve a lightweight cotton T-shirt or sleep shirt for lodging. Choose fabrics with >50% nylon/polyester for abrasion resistance, and 3–5% elastane where stretch is needed.
Outfit rotation plans (3 / 5 / 7 days) and laundering
3-day minimalist: 2 tops (1 worn, 1 spare), 2 bottoms, 3 underwear, 3 pairs socks, 1 mid-layer, 1 shell, 1 insulated layer if nights are cold, 1 pair sturdy shoes + 1 light shoe/sandal. No laundry.
5-day balanced: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 5 underwear (or 3 plus a sink-wash on day 3), 4 socks, 1 mid-layer, 1 shell, 1 insulated jacket optional, 2 footwear options. Plan one 10–15 minute sink wash: mild detergent, agitate, rinse, wring, roll in towel to extract water, hang inside-out; synthetic undies dry in 1–3 hours, merino 3–6 hours, insulated pieces longer and should be fully dried before compression.
7-day light-laundry: 4 tops (mix merino + synthetics), 2 bottoms (one convertible), 4 underwear + wash on day 3 or 4, 5 socks rotated, 1 mid-layer, 1 insulated jacket, 1 shell, 2 footwear. If no laundry option, increase underwear and socks to 7 each and accept higher carry weight.
Socks: merino hiking socks 3–5 pairs depending on laundry plan. Bras: 1-2 sports or travel bras; rotation reduces number required. Accessories: lightweight buff/scarf, thin glove liners if temps may drop, and a compact packable hat.
Compression and packing tips: roll merino and synthetics; compress insulated jacket into its own sack to minimize space; store wet items in a waterproof pouch separated from dry garments.
Carry-on Only Checklist: Items to Pack to Avoid Checked Luggage
Use one cabin bag (max 22 × 14 × 9 in / 56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus one personal item; keep liquids ≤100 ml (3.4 oz) per container inside a single clear quart-size resealable bag.
Electronics & documents
- Passport + one printed copy; upload scanned copies to email and cloud storage.
- Phone, compact charger, USB-C cable, labelled power bank under 100 Wh (airline-compliant), universal adapter with surge protection.
- Laptop or tablet in a slim protective sleeve; carry padded sleeve to slide into personal item during screening.
- Printed itineraries and reservation confirmations, trip insurance policy number, emergency contact list, pen.
- Small SD card case and a 30 cm multi-cable (USB-A, USB-C, Lightning).
Toiletries & medications
- All liquids ≤100 ml (3.4 oz) each; place in one clear quart-size resealable bag (one bag per passenger at security).
- Solid shampoo bar, toothpaste tablets, deodorant stick, compact shaving kit.
- Prescription meds in original containers, 7-day supply, copy of prescription and doctor’s note if applicable.
- Mini first-aid: blister plasters (8), single-dose analgesic packets (6), antihistamine tablets (6), adhesive bandage strip.
- Compression packing cubes: 1 medium (45 × 30 cm) + 2 small; roll garments tightly to reduce creasing.
- Empty collapsible water bottle 500–750 ml; refill after security checkpoints.
- Microfiber quick-dry towel 40 × 60 cm.
- 2 spare underwear, 1 extra pair of socks; use socks as small-item padding inside shoes.
- Laundry soap strips or single-dose detergent sheets (3–5), small sink-scrub brush optional.
- Reusable cutlery set (folding spork) and resealable snack bag with 2 protein bars or ~60 g nuts.
- Noise-reduction earplugs and lightweight eye mask.
- Compact cable organiser, small multi-outlet USB hub, and one spare charging brick.
- Foldable 15 L daypack that compresses into its own pocket.
- Compact umbrella or ultralight rain shell packed in the personal item.
- Hobby or niche gear: verify airline acceptance; example reference: best air pump for 75 gallon aquarium.
Carry critical items on board and wear bulkiest shoes and outer layer to free cabin volume; keep prescriptions and valuables in the personal item for immediate access.
Toiletries and Liquids: TSA Limits, Leak-Proof Packing and Mini Containers
Carry liquids in 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers inside a single clear, quart-sized resealable bag; present that bag separately at security screening.
Items that count as liquids: gels, creams, pastes, lotions, sprays and aerosols. Prescription medications, breast milk and baby formula may exceed 3.4 oz; declare those items at the checkpoint and keep them in an accessible pocket.
Leak-proof routine: transfer products into silicone bottles with screw caps and O-rings, place a small square of plastic wrap directly over the bottle mouth then tighten the cap, and add a strip of waterproof tape across the cap seam. Double-bagging (small zip-top around each bottle, then the quart bag) reduces risk of residue on clothing.
Mini container choices and volumes: 1 oz (30 ml) pump, 2 oz (60 ml) spray, 3.4 oz (100 ml) squeeze. Prefer PET or aluminum containers for odor resistance; silicone squeezables work best with thicker formulas. Use a syringe or small funnel to fill bottles to about 95% capacity to limit expansion and sloshing; label with product name plus ml quantity using a permanent marker or printed sticker.
Solid alternatives eliminate the liquid limit: shampoo and conditioner bars, solid deodorant, toothpaste tablets, balm-format sunscreen and solid perfume. Typical bar weights: 20–60 g; a 40 g shampoo bar often replaces three 100 ml bottles and lasts roughly 2–3 weeks depending on hair length and wash frequency. Store bars in a ventilated tin to avoid soggy residue.
Aerosols follow the same 100 ml rule in carry-on; larger cans may be allowed in checked luggage but airline-specific limits and hazardous-material rules apply. Choose pump sprays or roll-ons instead of pressurized cans when possible to reduce baggage complications.
Packing layout: place the sealed quart bag in an outer compartment for easy removal at screening, locate medications and contact-lens solution in an accessible pocket, and stow the rest in the suitcase center surrounded by soft items to absorb any leaks. Include a compact umbrella that collapses to ~12–14 inches in a side pocket such as this example: best automatic golf umbrella.
Electronics and Power: Chargers, International Adapters and Power Bank Capacity
Carry a 65W GaN USB-C PD charger, a 20,000 mAh (~74 Wh) power bank, and a compact universal adapter with USB-C PD passthrough and fuse protection.
Power bank capacity and airline limits
- Calculate Wh: Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × nominal voltage (usually 3.7 V). Examples: 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh; 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh; 26,800 mAh ≈ 99.16 Wh.
- Carry-on rules: ≤100 Wh – allowed in cabin without airline approval; 100–160 Wh – airline approval required; >160 Wh – prohibited in passenger aircraft.
- Real-world yield: expect 60–75% usable energy due to conversion losses. A 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) bank typically gives ~4–5 full phone charges (12–15 Wh phone) or ~0.6–0.8 charge on a 50–70 Wh laptop.
- Labeling: keep Wh or mAh clearly visible. If only mAh shown, provide quick conversion note when asked by airline staff.
Chargers, cables and adapters
- Charger specs: one 65W GaN multiport (1×100W or 1×65W USB-C PD + 1×USB-A) covers most setups. If using a high-power laptop ( >65W), choose a 100W PD brick.
- Cables: bring at least one 100W USB-C to USB-C (20V/5A) for laptops and one short 30 cm cable for power banks. Carry one long 1–2 m cable for bedsides or lounges.
- Phone cables: USB-C to Lightning (MFi) for Apple, USB-C to USB-C for Android phones with PD. Keep one spare micro/mini/Type-C if using older cameras or accessories.
- Adapter choice: universal plug with built-in USB-C PD passthrough, replaceable fuse, and grounding contact. Ensure it supports plug types A/B/C/E/F/G/I depending on regions planned.
- Voltage: verify device chargers list 100–240 V input; if not, add a compact voltage converter (rarely needed for modern USB chargers).
Safety and handling:
- Store power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin only; insulate terminals or use original plastic caps. Do not stow in checked luggage.
- Avoid cheap unbranded chargers; choose units with overcurrent/overheat protection and UL/CE certification.
- Do not charge unattended on flammable surfaces. If an outlet sparks or adapter heats unusually, unplug immediately.
Small extras: a cable organizer, one compact surge protector with USB ports, spare camera battery(s) with terminal covers, and a lightweight rain shield such as this best small clamp on umbrella.
Trip Documents and Valuables: How to Organize Passports, Cards and Copies
Wear your passport and primary payment card in an RFID‑blocking neck wallet beneath clothing; keep a secondary card and one paper passport copy locked in main luggage, plus encrypted scans on cloud storage and on an encrypted USB stored separately.
On‑person storage and split strategy
Carry only what you need for the day: passport in a slim, soft sleeve inside an RFID neck pouch or inside a zippered inner pocket. Keep one credit/debit card on person and a backup card in a different location (locked compartment, hotel safe or separate luggage). Spread cash across three spots: a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses, a concealed emergency stash (~USD 100–200) in a different compartment, and a bigger reserve in locked luggage. Never store PINs with cards; memorize or store PINs in a password manager protected with MFA.
Physical copies, digital backups and access plan
Make two color photocopies of passport ID/visa pages: one carried separately from the original, one left with a trusted contact or in a safe at accommodation. Scan pages at 300 DPI, save as PDF, then encrypt with AES‑256 (7‑Zip or VeraCrypt) and upload to at least two cloud providers protected by strong passwords and 2FA. Keep one encrypted USB flash drive with the same archive in a different location than the originals. Create a plain‑text emergency card listing embassy phone, card hotlines, and two emergency contacts; store this card separately from passports and cards. Use clear file names (e.g., passport_USA_page1.pdf.enc) and remove unencrypted copies from devices after upload.
Health and First Aid Kit: Minimal Meds, Blister Care and Allergy Prep
Carry a compact medical kit stocked to cover common acute needs for up to 7 days: analgesics, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, oral rehydration, antiseptics, blister supplies and prescription allergy devices (if applicable).
Minimal meds and allergy items
Quantities and dosing (sample pack for one person, adjust for group or longer stays): ibuprofen 200–400 mg – 10 tablets (use 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours; max OTC 1,200 mg/day unless advised otherwise); paracetamol (acetaminophen) 500 mg – 10 tablets (max 3,000 mg/day); cetirizine 10 mg – 10 tablets (one daily for allergic reactions); loperamide – 4 tablets (2 mg each) for acute diarrhoea; oral rehydration salts – 4 sachets; topical antibiotic ointment – 15 g tube; hydrocortisone 1% cream – 10 g tube; saline eye/nostril ampoules – 4 single-use vials.
Carry prescription inhalers, insulin, or epinephrine auto‑injectors exactly as prescribed; keep a printed allergy action card stating drug names, dosing (e.g., EpiPen 0.3 mg or 0.15 mg) and emergency contact numbers. Store injectors at manufacturer temperature range (typically 15–25°C); avoid freezing and prolonged heat above 30°C.
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen 200–400 mg | 10 tabs | Analgesic/anti-inflammatory; note max daily dose |
| Paracetamol 500 mg | 10 tabs | Analgesic/antipyretic; avoid with excessive alcohol |
| Cetirizine 10 mg | 10 tabs | Non-drowsy antihistamine; one daily |
| Loperamide 2 mg | 4 tabs | Use only for short-term symptom control |
| Oral rehydration salts | 4 sachets | Mix with specified water volume; vital with diarrhoea |
| Hydrocolloid blister plasters | 6–8 pieces | Best for intact or drained blisters; cushions and heals |
| Moleskin sheet | 1 sheet | Cut to pad hotspots |
| Sterile gauze pads & tape | 4 pads + 1 roll | Wound dressing and securement |
| Small scissors & tweezers | 1 each | Cut tape, remove splinters |
| Topical antibiotic ointment | 1 small tube | Use on broken skin before dressing |
| Epinephrine auto‑injector | As prescribed | Carry original device, expiry check, action card |
Blister care: supplies and stepwise treatment
Supplies: hydrocolloid plasters, moleskin, sterile needle, antiseptic wipes, small scissors, adhesive bandages.
Treatment protocol: 1) Clean area with antiseptic wipe and dry. 2) If blister intact and painful, apply hydrocolloid plaster sized to overlap 1–2 cm – leave in place until fluid is reabsorbed (may be several days). 3) If blister tense and severely painful, sterilise a needle (flame or alcohol), puncture at the low edge, gently express fluid while keeping the overlying skin intact, apply topical antibiotic, then cover with hydrocolloid plaster. 4) For open wounds remove debris, apply antibiotic ointment and sterile gauze; change dressing daily and monitor for spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain or pus – seek medical evaluation if those signs appear.
Preventive tip: reapply hydrocolloid to early hotspots to avoid full blisters; keep replacement plasters available until skin fully healed.
