Introduction
When I started working on my packing list, I had no idea where to even begin. After all, what does one even need for a four month trip to Thailand? After about a month of researching, thinking, and obsessively weighing my pack, the following list is what I decided to bring.
For context,I’m going to be flying into Bangkok, Thailand where I will be hostel living for about a week. During this time I plan to explore the city and visit some of Thailand’s must see attractions. After my week in Bangkok, I will be traveling to Plaboo Village, a rural village in the Isan region, where I will living for the next four months.
Now with that out of the way, enjoy reading about all the wonderful things I’m bringing with me.
The Packing List
The Nonnegotiables
The following items are things that I could not live without on my trip to Thailand. You could think of these as the bare minimum.
#1 Hiking Backpack (Osprey Aether 65 Pack)
Arguably the most important item in my possession, my backpack will allow me to
comfortably carry all my items on my back without having to deal with the hassle
of a suitcase. The Osprey Aether 65 is a premier hiking pack that will last a
lifetime. The large main compartment, extra pockets, and top opening provides me
with plenty of space to easily access my stuff.
#2 Daypack ( Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack)
This little daypack packs an 18L punch and comes in at just around 4oz. My main pack is too large for carry-on, so this pack will allow me to bring a few essentials with me onto the plane. Additionally, I can leave my large pack at the accommodation and use this when I’m walking around town. When not in use, it can easily be packed down into its own carrying case and stored within my main bag.
#3 Water Filter (Grayl GeoPress)
Although it’s steadily improving, the drinking water in Thailand is to be
avoided due to it’s low quality. I didn’t want to rely on buying bottled water
as I didn’t know what my access would look like in Plaboo (not to mention I
prefer to use refillable bottles anyway). Out of all the options on the market,
I ultimately decided on the Grayl Geopress as it serves as both a water filter
and purifier. The filtration method is intuitive, easy-to-use, and is only
comprised of a few parts. As long as I have my GeoPress on me, I can safely
hydrate regardless of the water source.
#4 Travel Towel (Youphoria Microfiber)
A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can
have. Whether I want to warm myself up, gaze upon the stars, or participate in
some impromptu yoga, I’ll never be caught at my wits' end. Oh, I guess it also
doubles as a way to get dry.
#5 First Aid Kit (HART Outdoor Weekend First-Aid Kit)
They say you pack your fears, so I guess I have a fear of clumsily injuring
myself away from a doctor. Additionally, I’m sure this first aid kit will
come in handy for when I inevitably become a four-course meal for a hungry
pack of mosquitoes.
#6 Headlamp (Black Diamond Spot 400)
Regardless of how many times I tell myself that I’m bright, it doesn’t
really help me when I need to rummage through my pack in the middle of
the night. I needed a headlamp that is fairly cheap, pretty durable,
and has multiple brightness options. I’m not particularly attached to
this specific one, but it more than meets my expectations.
#7 Packing Cubes (Osprey Packing Cube Set)
Since my backpack is essentially one giant compartment, these packing cubes will
allow me to better organize my stuff while also saving space. By grouping like
items in one cube, I can quickly grab exactly what I need without having to
rummage through my pack.
#8 Toiletry Bag (Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer)
This bag will allow me to keep all my toiletries in one place
while providing a lot of convenience. The hook will allow me to hang the bag in
the bathroom without having to remove and repackage anything.
#9 Journal
In a way, this is one of the most important items I’m bringing. Journalling will
allow me to reflect upon my days and preserve my experiences and memories for
years to come.
#10 Travel Guitar
Up until this point, I have had what is considered a pretty standard
packing list. I’m sure many people will wonder why I’m going to go
through the hassle of carrying a nonessential, large, bulky item
with me, but reasoning behind it is fairly simple. After weeks of
debating whether it was worth the weight, I ultimately decided that
I just couldn’t go four months without playing guitar. I’m willing
to make a small sacrifice in order to be able to play. As for the
exact guitar I’m bringing? It’s just a $20 beater I picked up from
a thrift store.
Bonus Item! Money Belt (DAITET)
Is it dorky? Quite so. Will it stop a pickpocket? Probably not. Is wearing
it a full proof birth control method? Absolutely!
Clothing
Before you take a look at my clothing items and instantly judge me as an unhygienic slob, keep in mind that the humidity means that I will never truly get clean until I get home.
- T-shirt (x4)
- Long Sleeve Button Up (x1)
- Shorts (x3)
- Hiking Pants (x1)
- Rain Jacket (x1)
- Fleece (x1)
- Underwear (x7)
- Socks (x3)
- Chacos
- Boots
- Bandana (x1)
- Buff (x1)
- Sunglasses (x1)
Technology
- Laptop (Thinkpad T480s)
- Kindle Paperwhite
- Universal Power Adapter
- Battery Pack
- Charging Cables
Gear
A few quality of life items and few items to get me out of a pinch.
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Sewing Kit
- Knife
- Padlock
- Duck Tape
- Bug Spay
- Sunscreen
Wrapping Up
I’m sure there are a few small things that I forgot to mention, but for the most part, this is the entirety of my possession for the next four months. So what do you think? Am I bringing too much or not enough? Is there anything that you would’ve packed? Please let me know below and thank you so much for reading!
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