Logistics · Packing
What’s in my bag, every single trip
The brands and gear I actually rebuy, trip after trip — sorted by what changes between a long haul and a long weekend.
People ask me some version of “what do you actually pack” more than almost anything else. The honest answer is: not that much changes. A handful of brands have earned a permanent spot in my bag because they hold up, and everything else scales up or down depending on whether I’m gone for a weekend or three months.
Before you pack
Short trip vs. long trip
Short trips
Rolling suitcase — my American Express roller does the job without babying it through cobblestones. Pair it with a smaller daypack, minimal toiletries, and one outer layer.
Long trips / backpacking
Gregory backpack, 60L for the trip, 20L for day hikes and errands. Everything else — toiletries, tech, layers — stays identical, just packed tighter and for longer.
The kit
What actually goes in the bag
Gregory backpacks
Photo: Gregory 60L backpack, packed and standing next to a trailhead sign. The 20L and 60L are my long-term go-tos. They distribute weight properly across your back instead of dumping it on your shoulders, they’re genuinely easy to wash after a muddy trail, and the storage flexibility means I never feel like I’m fighting the bag to fit one more thing in.
American Express rolling luggage
Photo: rolling suitcase in an airport or hotel lobby. I know Rimowa is the “aspirational” choice, but for the rougher, more rugged way I actually travel, my American Express roller has never let me down and I don’t baby it the way I would a luxury case.
Calpak day bag
Photo: Calpak bag, packed with everyday essentials. My everyday carry when the big backpack stays at the hotel — this is the one that goes to markets, cafes, and day trips.
Herschel laptop sleeve
Photo: laptop tucked into a Herschel sleeve. Simple, padded, and it slides straight into either the backpack or the roller without adding bulk.
Lululemon tights & shorts
Photo: hiking trail, activewear in motion. These are doing double duty for hiking and just general “moving through the day” comfort — they’ve become non-negotiable for any trip with real activity in it.
Patagonia fleece & rain shell
Photo: fleece or rain jacket against a mountain or overcast backdrop. My outer layer of choice for fleece sweaters and rain gear. I actually had one jacket stolen once — and I still buy Patagonia, because the coverage and durability are worth it.
Havaianas
Photo: Havaianas by a pool or beach. My slippers of choice for anything beach or downtime related. I’ve cycled through plenty of other brands and never found a reason to switch.
The minimal kit
Photo: small travel-sized toiletry bottles laid out. I keep this shorter than people expect: a 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner, Shiseido face wash (non-negotiable), a small bottle of coconut oil for scrapes and hair hydration, toothbrush and floss, SPF 50 sunscreen, an SPF 30+ lip balm, and Laneige for everyday hydration.
AirPods, Kindle & journal
Photo: Kindle and journal on a hotel bed or plane tray table. AirPods are a necessity, the Kindle keeps me from carrying paperbacks, and the journal is where the actual field notes come from.
The stuff that saves a trip
Photo: packing cubes, roll-up towel, and charger converter flat-laid. Packing cubes are a genuine lifesaver — I recommend them to everyone. Beyond that: a roll-up small towel, nail cutter, eye mask, portable charger, a charger converter, and sunglasses I never forget.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do you pack differently for a weekend trip vs. a months-long backpacking trip?
Barely. The brands stay the same — it’s really just a question of the 20L Gregory and the roller for short trips, versus the full 60L for anything long-term. Toiletries, tech, and layers scale down or up but don’t change.
What’s the one thing you’d never travel without?
Packing cubes, without question. They’re the difference between a bag you can actually find things in and one you’re digging through every morning.
Do you check a bag or carry on?
For short trips, everything fits in the roller as a carry-on. For long-term backpacking, the 60L Gregory usually gets checked, with the 20L as my personal item.
Packing for a trip of your own? Let’s plan it together.
From what to pack to how to structure the whole route — book a session and we’ll sort it out.