Michael Turner
Clothing for roughly 7–10 days: 3 quick-dry shirts, 1 merino base layer, 2 quick-dry underwear pairs, 2 travel trousers (one convertible), 4–6 underwear items, 3 pairs socks including one wool pair, 1 lightweight fleece, 1 compressible down jacket (200–450 fill), 1 waterproof shell rated ≥10,000 mm. Choose neutral colours to reduce washing frequency and weight of spares.
Electronics and power: phone, compact charger, 20,000 mAh power bank with PD 18–30W, USB-C cable, universal plug adapter covering Type C and E/F, noise-cancelling earbuds, lightweight multi-port charger if sharing outlets. Keep chargers in a dedicated dry pouch and carry a small surge protector when staying in older accommodations.
Documents and money: passport with at least six months’ validity, printed reservation confirmations, travel insurance policy showing ≥€30,000 emergency medical coverage, two bank cards (one chip-and-PIN, one backup), initial cash ≈€150–200 in small denominations. Store encrypted digital copies in cloud storage and keep a physical photocopy separate from the originals.
Footwear and luggage limits: one pair of broken-in walking shoes (aim ≤900 g per shoe) and a pair of lightweight sandals. Aim luggage dimensions ≤55×40×20 cm to meet most low-cost airline cabin rules and to fit hostel lockers; keep total carry weight under 12 kg to simplify transfers between trains and buses.
Toiletries and laundry: solid shampoo bar, travel toothbrush, 30–50 ml refillable liquids pouch meeting airport security limits, quick-dry towel, travel laundry soap, sink stopper and travel clothesline. Plan washing every 7–10 days; hand-wash garments overnight and use radiator or outdoor drying when permitted.
Safety and practical kit: compact first-aid kit with blister plasters and basic meds, small combination lock, RFID-blocking card sleeve, money belt or neck wallet, reusable 1L water bottle with optional filter, headlamp ≥150 lumens, offline maps pre-downloaded per region. Photograph luggage and belongings and add a visible name tag with contact details.
Stow strategy and weight distribution: roll garments to maximize space, place heavier items close to the spine and centered in the bag, use 3 compression cubes labeled by use, keep sleep and hygiene items in an easily accessible pocket. Target base weight (excluding consumables) under 6–7 kg to stay mobile between trains, buses and ferries.
Checklist: 40–50L rucksack, 10–15L daybag, target carry weight 10–12 kg
Carry a 40–50L rucksack plus a 10–15L detachable daybag; aim to keep total carried weight under 10–12 kg including water and electronics.
Clothing counts and fabrics
3 merino short-sleeve shirts, 1 merino long-sleeve, 1 lightweight fleece (~200 g), 1 compressible down jacket (300–400 g), 1 breathable waterproof shell (~10,000 mm rating), 2 quick-dry travel trousers (one convertible), 5 quick-dry underwear, 4 merino socks, one smart-casual outfit (dark chinos + button shirt), sleepwear, and lightweight sandals. Wash every 5–7 days using concentrated travel detergent; air-dry garments overnight on a compact clothesline.
Shoes, foot care and hygiene
One pair of supportive walking shoes (600–900 g) plus a pair of lightweight trainers, blister prevention: 10 hydrocolloid dressings, moleskin strips, adhesive toe-tape. Microfiber towel (40×90 cm), travel toothbrush (folding), 30–50 ml refillable toiletries in leakproof containers, and a small quick-dry laundry kit (sink stopper + 100 ml detergent).
Electronics: 45W USB-C PD charger, two charging cables (USB-C and Lightning), 20,000 mAh power bank (≤100 Wh), compact USB multi-outlet surge protector with dual USB-A/USB-C, noise‑isolating in-ear headphones, and a tiny USB flash drive or SD card with encrypted backups of critical documents.
Connectivity & money: Buy an eSIM or a local prepaid SIM with 10–30 GB data monthly; purchase at major stations or airport kiosks. Carry two payment methods (chip-enabled credit card and a backup debit card), split cash between hidden pockets and luggage compartments, and keep a small emergency stash in a sealed envelope.
Documents & security: Passport in a dedicated sleeve plus an offline digital scan and one separate photocopy set. Use a lightweight TSA-approved luggage lock and a neck-worn RFID-blocking pouch during peak-commute periods. Place a discreet contact label inside luggage rather than an obvious external tag.
Assemble a small pharmacy: paracetamol or ibuprofen, loperamide, oral rehydration sachets, oral antihistamine tablets, antiseptic wipes, adhesive plasters, blister dressings (10), and personal prescriptions in original packaging with a printed prescription. Carry prescription antibiotics only when prescribed by a clinician.
Laundry & maintenance: 100 ml concentrated detergent, sink stopper, 1.5 m travel clothesline, tiny sewing kit, spare shoelace, and a compact digital luggage scale to check weight before major intercity departures.
Seasonal add-ons: Summer – SPF 50 sunscreen (≤100 ml), wide-brim hat, insect repellent (~30% DEET), cooling bandana. Winter – merino base layers, insulated gloves, warm hat, gaiters, warmer mid-layer (400–600 g). Adjust footwear tread expected on mountain or rural paths.
Hostel/night items: earplugs (NRR ~30–33 dB), sleep mask, compact locker padlock, shower flip-flops, and a thin travel sheet liner to avoid uncertain linens.
Clothing – outfit count, layering combos: summer vs winter, laundry schedule
Carry 3 short-sleeve tops (merino or synthetic), 2 long-sleeve tops, 1 lightweight sweater, 1 insulated layer, 1 waterproof shell, 2 bottoms (1 lightweight trousers, 1 convertible shorts), 3 underwear, 4 pairs socks (2 thin, 2 midweight), 1 set sleepwear, 1 pair hiking/walking shoes, 1 pair sandals.
Summer layering combos
- Temperatures 18–28°C: base = short-sleeve merino; optional = lightweight long-sleeve (sun protection); outer = waterproof shell only if rain expected.
- Hot days 28–35°C: base = short-sleeve + sandals; evening = lightweight trousers + long-sleeve if breezy.
- Cool mornings 12–18°C: base + thin sweater; add waterproof shell if wind or light rain.
- Packing notes: prefer quick-dry fabrics, UV-treated long-sleeve, and one pair of convertible trousers to reduce item count.
Winter layering combos
- Temperatures 0–8°C: base = thermal/merino long-sleeve + mid = sweater + insulated jacket + waterproof shell as outer. Add hat and gloves.
- Temperatures -10–0°C: base = thermal top and bottom + midweight fleece + insulated jacket (down or synthetic) + waterproof shell when precipitation present.
- Active days (walking/hiking) below 5°C: shed mid layer during sustained effort to avoid sweating; keep thin merino base to regulate moisture.
- Shoe strategy: one insulated/waterproof pair plus one breathable pair to rotate and dry between wears.
Laundry schedule
- Minimal rotation: with the listed counts, do a full wash every 7 days. Quick rinses for underwear and socks every 2–3 days.
- Light rhythm (recommended): night 1 – hand-wash socks + underwear; night 3 – hand-wash 1 shirt and sleepwear; day 6 – machine or laundromat wash (all garments).
- Fast-dry tactics: use merino/synthetic pieces, spin-dry in hostel machine or wring firmly, hang under sunlight or near a heater; drying time 1–6 hours depending on fabric and conditions.
- Supplies to carry: travel detergent strips or small liquid, sink plug (or use a silicone travel bowl), lightweight clothesline + 6 small clips.
- When staying multiple nights in one place: batch laundries mid-stay to avoid carrying wet items; use laundromats every 5–8 days if access exists.
Shoes and foot care: daily hiking/city shoes, sandals, socks per week, break‑in and blister prevention
Use two primary pairs: one lightweight trail shoe (approx. 250–450 g per shoe) with grippy outsole and water‑resistant upper for long walks and variable surfaces, plus one low‑profile city sneaker or derby (approx. 200–350 g) that looks presentable in cafés and museums.
Socks: carry 4–7 pairs per 7‑day cycle. Recommended mix: 3–4 midweight merino/synthetic active socks, 1–2 thin liner socks to prevent friction, and 1 thicker wool or insulated pair if cold nights are expected. If you plan on laundering midweek, 4–5 pairs suffice; without laundry, take 7.
Sandals and shower footwear: bring one sport sandal with adjustable straps and quick‑dry webbing (≈200–300 g) that doubles as hostel/shower shoes and short‑walk footwear; add a light flip‑flop (~80–150 g) only if you need minimal weight. Choose closed‑toe sandals if river crossings or rocky beaches are likely.
Break‑in protocol: wear new shoes around the house for 2–3 hours, then on progressive outings with a loaded rucksack – aim for 50–100 km of gradual use before committing to full‑day hikes. Use thicker socks during early stages and a heel‑lock lacing technique to eliminate heel slip. If persistent hotspots appear after ~100 km, switch models rather than forcing more wear.
Blister prevention and treatment: trim nails flat, file sharp calluses, and apply a friction balm (e.g., glide products) to known hot spots before long days. Use a double‑sock system (liner + outer) for high‑friction routes. Carry a small foot kit: blister plasters (Compeed or equivalent), moleskin, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and a needle in sterile packaging. At the first hotspot, stop, dry the area, apply a plaster or moleskin patch. For a formed blister: sterilize a needle, drain from the edge, leave the skin flap intact, then cover with a hydrocolloid dressing.
Daily care: air and dry feet every evening, change into dry socks after heavy sweating, treat persistent moisture with antifungal powder sparingly, and re‑trim toenails every 7–10 days to prevent black nails. Alternate shoes daily to allow 24–48 hours drying; stuff with paper or a microfiber towel to speed drying.
Storage and wet‑weather tips: keep a separate shoe bag inside your main bag or carry a dedicated compartment in a reliable travel rucksack such as the best samsonite backpack. For sudden downpours carry a compact umbrella – see best umbrella for in between chaise lounges.
Documents, money and theft prevention: passport copies, card strategy, cash needs, locks and anti‑theft gear
Scan passport biodata page and main visa pages, save as an encrypted PDF (AES‑256) inside a password manager (1Password or Bitwarden) and upload a second encrypted copy to two different cloud accounts; keep one printed copy folded and stored separately from the original document.
Store an additional offline backup on an encrypted USB or microSD (VeraCrypt or hardware‑encrypted device). Email yourself a photo of the passport and at least one photo of each bank card (front/back masked except last 4 digits). Leave a paper copy with a trusted contact at home and memorise the passport number and the embassy phone for the country you’ll be in.
Carry at least two payment cards from different issuers/networks (one Visa, one Mastercard recommended), split between two locations (primary wallet + hidden wallet/money belt). Include one credit card for merchant disputes and one debit card for ATM withdrawals. Store a single emergency backup card in a separate luggage compartment.
Notify card issuers via their app or website of travel dates and activate transaction alerts. Set low daily withdrawal limits if available, enable SMS or push alerts for all transactions, and register strong 2FA on banking accounts. Disable automatic cloud backups for sensitive photos unless they are encrypted.
Start with an initial float of 100–300 in widely accepted currency (euros or pounds) for the first 48 hours; carry most cash in small bills (5, 10, 20). In cheaper towns 50–150 usually suffices per two days. Withdraw from bank ATMs inside bank branches to reduce skimming risk and fees; avoid currency exchange kiosks in airports due to poor rates.
Use anti‑skimming precautions at ATMs: cover the PIN with your hand, prefer machines attached to banks, inspect slot for overlays. Split cash into three places: daily wallet, hidden belt/pouch, and hostel/hotel safe. Never carry all cash in one location – keep a reserve equal to 100–200 in a separate spot.
Lock choices: small 3‑digit combination cable lock for hostel lockers, hardened steel padlock for shared lockers, and zipper‑locks that loop through sliders. Consider a travel security strap or cable to anchor your bag to fixed objects. For higher protection buy a slash‑resistant bag or internal steel‑mesh insert (Pacsafe style).
Everyday anti‑theft items: RFID‑blocking sleeve for passport and contactless cards, slim money belt or neck pouch worn under clothing, small portable door alarm or wedge alarm for low‑security rooms, and a travel‑size padlock for hostel lockers. Use front‑carry crossbody bags with locking zips in crowded areas.
Phone security: enable Find My/Find My Device, set a strong lock screen PIN or biometric, enable remote wipe, and install a reputable VPN for public Wi‑Fi. Remove stored card details from shopping apps or require password for payments. If a device is lost, use backup codes and change banking passwords immediately.
Behavioural measures: keep bags zipped and within sight on trains and buses, avoid showing large sums in public, use indoor ATMs, never leave valuables unattended in common areas, and store the passport in the accommodation safe when not required for ID or border controls.
Electronics & navigation: plug adapters, power‑bank sizing, charging routine, offline maps and SIM/eSIM options
Carry a single USB‑C Power Delivery (PD) adapter with interchangeable heads (Schuko Type C/F and UK Type G) that delivers at least 65W single‑port and 100W total across two USB‑C ports plus two USB‑A ports; include surge protection and an integrated fuse. Use short, rated USB‑C 100W cables for laptops and 60W cables for phones.
Adapters & chargers
Continental sockets = 230V/50Hz; UK/Ireland use Type G. Buy a charger that supports universal voltage (100–240V), PD 3.0, and PPS if using newer phones. Recommended specs: one 100W USB‑C PD port (for laptop), one 45W USB‑C port (for tablet/fast phone charge), two 5–12W USB‑A ports for accessories. Small 3‑outlet surge‑protected strips are useful in dorms; avoid daisy‑chaining and never charge under bedding.
Power banks & charging routine
Use Wh to compare batteries: Wh = (mAh × 3.7V)/1000. Airline rules (carry‑on): up to 100Wh (~27,000mAh) allowed without approval; 100–160Wh (~27k–43k mAh) may require airline permission; >160Wh usually prohibited. Practical choices: a 10,000mAh PD bank (≈37Wh) for a day of heavy phone use; a 20,000–30,000mAh PD bank (≈74–111Wh) for 2–4 days off‑grid. For laptops choose banks that offer 45–100W output. Keep all batteries in carry‑on, label capacity, and swap the larger unit into carry‑on if flying domestically.
Charging routine: nightly top‑off of phone and power bank using multiport PD charger; set phones to low‑power mode and kill background sync overnight; unplug at ~90% to reduce long‑term wear if you plan multi‑month use. Carry one small 5,000mAh backup for earbuds/GPS beacon. Mark cables with color tape and store chargers together to avoid lost leads.
Offline navigation & battery conservation: download region tiles before departure using Google Maps offline, Maps.me or OsmAnd; export GPX routes for hikes and import into OsmAnd, Locus or Komoot for turn‑by‑turn without data. Save critical addresses (hostel, embassies, major stations) as both map pins and screenshots/PDFs. To extend GPS runtime: lower screen brightness, use airplane mode with GPS on when following a route, and use the power bank for intermittent boosts rather than constant charging.
SIM vs eSIM: if travel is mostly within EU/EEA, buy an EU data SIM (typical prices €10–€30 for 10–30GB). eSIM providers (Airalo, Ubigi, Nomad, Holafly) offer instant activation and short‑term plans; ensure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM + physical SIM simultaneously if you need home number for 2FA. Typical data needs: 1–3GB/week for light map/email use, 5–10GB/week for some streaming, 15–30GB+ monthly for heavy navigation and media. Keep a screenshot of APN settings and carrier PINs; register physical SIMs where required and keep receipts.
For larger vehicle or mobile power ideas consult best pressure washer trailer setup (useful reference for wiring and power distribution concepts).
