Pack half of what
you think you need.
Every experienced solo traveler arrives at the same conclusion: you brought too much. The clothes you wear are far fewer than you planned. The guidebooks go unread. The "just in case" items stay sealed.
The 35L carry-on is the sweet spot for most solo trips up to 3 months. It fits in overhead bins, moves with you through tight streets, and keeps you light — physically and mentally.
Pack for your trip type
Click items to check them off as you pack.
Clothing
- 3× lightweight T-shirts
- 1× long-sleeve shirt (sun/temples)
- 2× shorts or lightweight trousers
- 1× sarong (beach/temples/towel)
- 5× underwear (merino or synthetic)
- 3× pairs of socks
- 1× lightweight rain jacket
- 1× swimwear
- Sandals + comfortable walking shoes
Toiletries & Health
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Insect repellent (DEET)
- Solid shampoo bar
- Toothbrush + toothpaste (solid)
- Deodorant (solid stick)
- Basic first aid kit
- Anti-malarial medication (if needed)
- Electrolyte sachets
Tech & Documents
- Passport + visa copies
- Travel insurance documents
- Smartphone + charger
- Universal power adapter
- Portable power bank (20,000mAh)
- Headphones
- Padlock (for lockers)
- Money belt or hidden wallet
Clothing
- Merino wool base layers (2×)
- Mid-layer fleece or wool sweater
- Waterproof hardshell jacket
- Insulated down vest or jacket
- 2× warm trousers
- Thermal leggings
- 5× wool socks
- Waterproof boots
- Gloves, hat, scarf
Gear
- Compact sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Insulated water bottle
- Hand warmers
- Gaiters (for snow/mud)
- Trekking poles (if hiking)
- Dry bags for electronics
Documents & Tech
- Passport + copies
- Travel insurance (incl. alpine cover)
- Offline maps downloaded
- Emergency contact card in wallet
- Power bank (cold drains batteries faster)
- Satellite communicator (remote areas)
Clothing
- 3× versatile tops (mix smart/casual)
- 2× bottoms (one smart, one casual)
- 1× outfit for evenings out
- Lightweight layer/jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- One pair smarter shoes
- 5× underwear
Day Bag Essentials
- Crossbody or anti-theft day bag
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Foldable tote bag (markets, shopping)
- Small notebook + pen
- Sunglasses
Documents & Finance
- Passport
- Travel insurance policy
- 2× bank cards (different banks)
- Small cash in local currency
- Accommodation confirmation printouts
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking hiking shirt (2×)
- Hiking trousers + shorts
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm mid-layer
- Wool hiking socks (4×)
- Waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
- Camp shoes/sandals
- Sun hat + buff/neck gaiter
Gear
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp + batteries
- Water filter or purification tablets
- 2L+ water capacity
- Emergency bivy sack
- Navigation (offline maps + compass)
- Satellite messenger (remote trails)
- Emergency whistle
Nutrition & First Aid
- High-energy snacks (trail mix, bars)
- Electrolyte powder
- Blister kit (moleskin, needle)
- Ibuprofen + antihistamine
- Antiseptic wipes + bandages
- Knee support (if needed)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
🌿 Sola's minimalist packing tip
Lay everything you plan to pack on your bed. Now remove a third of it. Pack only what remains. When you arrive, you'll find you use about 70% of what you brought — and wish you'd left the rest behind. Doing laundry on the road is easy, carrying a heavy bag is not.
Choosing the right bag
for solo travel
The eternal debate: backpack or rolling suitcase? For most solo travel, a 35–45L hiking-style backpack wins. Here's why:
- →Works on cobblestones, beaches, and mountain trails where wheels fail
- →Fits in aircraft overhead bins on most airlines as hand luggage
- →Keeps both hands free — essential for safety and navigation
- →Forces minimalist packing — you can only carry what you can carry
