Best Things to Bring on a Long Term Backpacking Trip

After traveling for three months, here are some things I am SO happy I brought, some I wish I had brought, and things I have gotten rid of.

Things I am glad I brought:

Colombia long sleeve shirt – I have three babies. This shirt, my phone, and my hat. This shirt is amazing. It doesn’t show sweat stains, has a secret pocket that can hold my phone AND passport, protects me well from the sun, and is a beautiful color. I want another so bad.
Wool socks – Buy wool socks, just do it. They keep your feet toasty warm, dry, and cool! They may not be the most ~fashionable~ socks I have ever worn but…and I will admit I have done it….you can wear these for like two weeks and they still do not smell.
‘Travel’ bra – I was a little apprehensive about this purchase, how necessary could this be. Turns out, amazing. The amount I sweat is unreal and all girls know that your bra area is extremely annoying. This bra is sweat-wiping so you don’t feel damp all day and keeps you cool. Highly recommend.
Google phone – If you don’t travel with an unlocked phone you can stick a SIM card into, what are you doing?! Data is cheap in Asia and is so convienent, be it for google translate or reserving hotel reservations as you take the bus into the city. I recommend the Google Pixel phone for two main reasons. First, it takes amazing photos (everyone tells me this, don’t come for me about Apple being better). Second, unlimited google photo storage with photos taken on the pixel. This is indispensable for travelers, I don’t have to worry about storage! Plus, I got a used phone on Amazon for $200. Beat that, Apple!
Charging strip – I usually don’t have the need to charge more than one thing at a time but when I do, this is amazing! Even more, I use this as an extension cord for randomly placed outlets in hostels. So many times, the only outlet is a few meters away, rendering my alarm completely useless. This charging strip helps me a lot!

Things I wish I had packed:

Different shirts – I didn’t pack enough….I still feel like I don’t have enough but am a little cheap to buy more, especially since I find myself wearing the same thing every day anyway. Also, the ones I packed are nice and loose but extremely suscetible to visible sweat stains. Wish I had a sweat resistent short-sleeve.

This is basically it – my bag is too small to have packed anything else anyway…

Things I already threw away:

Journal – Day one this was in the trash and I downloaded a journal app on my phone. I loved writing in it but not enough to carry on my back.
Random clothes – I have thrown out a few shirts that started looking a little too ragged for wear, even for my backpacking life.
Slip-on shoes – I bought these flats for a more ‘formal’ wear option and I actually did wear them a lot in South Korea. But, who am I kidding, anywhere else I solely wear sneakers or thongs. Trash.

Now, this list is of course dependent on preference. I have an extremely casual style and am told on a daily basis how small my bag is (doesn’t feel small when I am lost in the rain in Taiwan). I just want function, for the love of God, give me function!

T