The Packing List - For Him

We decided to travel light - just one bag each. After a lot of blog reading by Fate, we settled on using the Kelty bag (thanks to Rahul and Patrick for buying it from the registry!).

The Backpack

Kelty Redwing 50-Liter Backpack - M/L

Amazon Link

Reasons for choosing:

• Not a top-loader, the zip opens like a suitcase
• Good walking around between airports and train/bus stations
• Got awesome reviews on Amazon, gotta have faith somewhere

Do You Need a Cover?

After reading some forms, turn out checking in bags with airlines can ruin your nice backpack. So we decided to invest in $30 bag covers from REI that fold up nice and small when not in use. Google search "foldable duffel bag".

 

Day Pack

We also wanted a smaller a pack to stuff in things like sunscrean, camera, snacks, etc. while walking around in the daytime. Decided on a day-pack that folds up into a small ball when not being used: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack (20-Liter). Amazon Link Thanks Sangeet!

Shoes

Decided on two pairs: one regular running shoes for working out, restaurants, etc. and one hiking sandal for any long hikes, long days walking the city, or water activities. Again, after more blogs research by Fate, we went with the Teva Abbet hiking sandal. Amazon Link (Thanks Zach!)

Clothes

Here's a quick list:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of travel pants and zip off into shorts (I know its nerdy, but space constraints! Also gracias Sumaiya and Imran, you will get the first pics of Mohit wearing these ridiculous pants/shorts)
• 2 pair of fake underarmor baselayers
• 1 windbraker
• 1 thick fleece
• 4 quick-dry shirts (half sleeves)
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 4 undershirts (2 with hidden pockets for money, passports, etc.)
• 1 "nice" shirt
• 4 pairs of socks
• Beanie and gloves (after checking the recent NZ temps...)

Electronics

• Bluetooth speakers for chilling at the beach
• Kindle so we get some alone time and don't kill each other (thanks to the Denver crew!)
• Laptop since Wharton needs me to complete some pre-req classes and so we can write this blog!
• Fake GoPro that Mohit's had for the past few years which will be ghetto attached to a GoPro mount - mainly just for snorkeling... it's really a Sony ZX3 Sport HD camcorder
• Universal adapter for all charging needs
• Headphones

Other Miscellaneous Items

• Mug shaving soap - New Zealand's going to be rough
• Bug spray - Southeast Asia in the rainy season...
• Small umbrella
• Stick sunscreen
• Flashlights
• Medicine Kit - Travelers diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bandaids, antiseptic cream (Thanks Thi!)
• Regular toiletries
• Water bottle
• Travel towel - Always bring a towel and toothbrush when travelling across the galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide)
• Theraband for quick workouts
• Wireties for closing your bags when they are checked so you know if anyone's been snooping in your bag
• Contact lenses
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Wine openers cause it's a honeymoon and I need my "Two Buck Chuck" :)

Yep, all of this did fit into our backpacks and one laptop bag that will be useful for carry-on item while flying!

Everything listed above except jacket and second pair of shoes since I'll carry them onto the flight

Everything packed nicely into 2 bags

We'll post a "lessons learned" at the end to see how the list above worked/failed for us.