Packing for a year in Asia… Where would you even start?
I’m a total list-making freak. First I create the main categories, then subcategories, then I list everything I want to bring. Then I split those into “already have” and “still need to buy”, preferably with a link to the exact store or webshop where I’ll get it. Yes, I’m that person.
And even though we’ve only been in Thailand for about a month, there are already things I think: “Did I really need to bring this?”
And other things that make me go: “Thank goodness we packed this!”
Curious? Keep on reading.
How much can (and do) you really want to carry?
Up until now, we always traveled as true backpackers: basic gear, everything on our backs, three to five weeks max.
But this time is different: no short vacation, but a full year of living and working across Asia. That calls for a completely different approach.
The first (and maybe most important) question: how much can you carry and how much are you even allowed to bring?
You don’t want any drama at the check-in counter, so check your airline’s allowance ahead of time.
In our case, we each got:
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Two checked bags up to 23 kg each
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One carry-on up to 7 kg
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One personal item (backpack or laptop bag)
Sounds like a lot? It is. And still, we barely fit everything in!
Your luggage determines your freedom
Next step: what goes in which bag?
One thing was non negotiable: we both wanted a backpack. Perfect for a quick trip somewhere without carrying everything and your hands are free. The downside: fragile items are less protected and backpacks take a beating during travel.
So our third piece of luggage is a hardcase suitcase. Bright banana yellow, 110 liters, super durable, rolls smoothly and ridiculously spacious. Perfect.
For carry on we both chose Ocean dry bags. They are the size of a large backpack, waterproof and ideal for trips on or near water. Even if your backpack lands on a wet boat floor everything inside stays dry. Trust us.
Bag selected. Checklists ready. Time to pack.
Must-have items for packing strategists
But first things first. These are a few extra items that make life so much easier:
- Vacuum bags with mini pump: saves so much space. Roll clothes, stack neatly, zip, pump and done. Clothes stay tidy and the pump is tiny.
- Luggage scale: your best friend before any flight. No guessing, no “I told you so” moments at the check in desk.
- Hanging waterproof toiletry bag: acts like a packing cube in your suitcase and a mini sink cabinet in the bathroom. Hang it, stay organized, get more in than you think.
- Foldable reusable shopping bags: light, compact, perfect for groceries, extra luggage or the beach. No need for plastic bags.
- Packing cubes: everything has its place. Tech, cables, games each in its own cube or pouch. Makes finding stuff easy.
Stuff we totally could've left at home
Despite all my lists, all the weighing and reweighing, there are things we honestly could’ve skipped.
But on the flip side, there are things we’re incredibly grateful we did bring along.
Here’s a quick overview of the biggest “could’ve easily stayed at home” items and the absolute “so glad it made it into the bag” must-haves.
Could have stayed home:
- At least a quarter of all our clothes
We’ve been here for a month now, and it’s already painfully clear: we could have gotten by with way less. Of course, you want some variety, but honestly: 10 outfits max is enough.
And no, we’re not going to tell you how many T-shirts David brought. (But trust me, it’s too many.)
So glad we brought it with us:
- Power cube with USB & USB-C ports
Between two laptops, two phones, a camera, smartwatches, power banks, and a GoPro, we’re basically a mobile charging station. This little cube is worth its weight in gold. It lets us charge everything from one outlet. And trust us: as digital nomads, that’s a luxury you want. - Solar power bank
For power outages (they happen!), full diving days, or time out in nature. Our solar power bank saves us multiple times a week.
Pro tip: most airlines cap power banks at 27,000 mAh, and they must go in your carry-on. Don’t pack them in your checked luggage (like I did), unless you want to be that person unpacking their suitcase at check-in. - Ziplock bags
IKEA sells this neat little box with two sizes, and you just pull one out at a time. I use them for literally everything:
– Packing games (so you don’t carry around bulky boxes)
– Snacks on travel days
– Keeping documents dry
– Separating makeup or meds
– Storing wet clothes temporarily - Our Kangen water filter
As digital nomads, having access to truly clean, mineral-rich water is a must for us. With our Kangen filter, we can make that happen anywhere. No need to buy tons of plastic bottles or rely on whatever local tap water tastes like.
Sustainable and healthy, this is one of those investments that keeps proving its worth.
(Interested? David would love to tell you more about it!)
What we deliberately left behind
- Towels: take up too much space and every accommodation provides them anyway. Buy locally if needed.
- Huge supply of medication or first aid kit: pharmacies in Thailand sell almost everything. Antibiotics, creams, painkillers, etc. are all available with helpful English speaking Pharmacists. No need to carry a ton from home.
- Shoes: a couple of sneakers for hiking or running but regular shoes not needed. Island life is flip flops or barefoot.
Relatable or Surprising?
What do you always pack, or never again? Or do you have a packing hack, a must have or a travel mistake everyone should know about? Share it with us. We and fellow travelers are always curious.
