The following is an inventory of what I brought on a six-month trip.

Everyone has different needs, so the intention is so you can compare what you pack with this. I feel that this was a reasonable pack for half a year’s travel.

• Shoulder Bag, 10"x8.5"x2.5"
  • Passport in passport case: I only keep one flap of the passport in the case case so I can pull it out when presenting my credentials to officials. In the passport case I keep my TSA traveler identification card, a spare credit/debit card, my vaccine card, boarding passes, and some spare cash.
  • Wallet: US driver’s license, misc cards and extra cash. Nowadays I use a hairband to hold cards together and carry lose cash.
  • Ereader: This is how I spend my time waiting in lines or sitting in a plane.
  • Small snacks and gum
  • Small bag of pills like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and diphenhydramine
  • Tiny notebook and pens
  • Eyedrops
  • Tissues
• Backpack: A 5.11 “tactical backpack” I picked up in around 2017 from a Cabella’s. I had it with me as I traveled around China and Mexico and anywhere. It’s what I’ve taken to work and use for overnight stays, and only one part has broken on it (plastic holding a strap to the bag) which was fixed with a carabineer. Idk the model number but it’s probably 20"x12.5"x10". It’s worth paying more money for a better backpack – it will last longer.
  • Laptop in MOFT carry sleeve. The sleeve folds into a stand.
  • Moonlander Mk1 Split Ergonomic Keyboard. This is the bulkiest things I bring, but I write software for a living and typing on a laptop keyboard all day hurts my hands. On a laptop, I can feel pinky straining each time I hold the shift key or my thumb contort each time I press Ctl+Shift+Tab to move between tabs. The ergonomic keyboard is in a carrying case and allows for customized keyboard shortcuts to ease my hand strain. On trips less than a month I would not bother with this.
  • Small leather bag with cords and chargers
  • 33800mAh Power bank. It has wireless charging too. This could keep phones charged up for a couple days, but I’ve found it most useful as a way to charge phones in emergencies while continuing to use it.
  • A combination lock for hostels or gyms
  • A change of underwear/socks
  • Lightweight “pajamas” t-shirt and shorts
  • Two 5L “splash” sample-sized colognes, ideally one for day and more casual wear and one for night or more “formal” wear. Even with semi-daily use I will not go through one of these in 3 months. It’s a great morale booster especially when you need to eschew a shower but still go out with people.
    • Mini frag review of what I’m carrying: Versace Man Eau Fraiche EDT is a fresh citrus that lasts a while on the skin and changes scent appealingly with sweat. I like it for the warm, outdoor, and beachy. Versace Eros Flame is super powerful, lasts on the clothes and skin forever, and best applied in small quantities outdoors. Good for spraying on early in the night before going out for a while. Smells clubby.
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
  • Toenail clippers: Get the big one, so you only need to carry one for your fingers and toes.
  • Philips Norelco OneBlade, and disposable-head gillete razors
  • Slides for indoor use: Slipped into the back pocket of my backpack.
• Check-in Bag: It’s small enough to be a carry-on if needed.
  • Walking/hiking shoes, and “dressy” but walkable shoes, both in plastic bags
  • 10 pairs of underwear, 10 pairs of socks. This felt like too little at times since we needed to frequently do laundry but didn’t always have convenient access – I’d recommend 12-14 unless you are guaranteed to have laundry around.
  • Two folded-flat reusable bags
  • 3 pairs of pants
  • 5 t-shirts