Posts
Days before my Southeast Asia trip, Sole Sis Lois asked me what bag I was planning to bring. I had my mind set on my trusty North Face roll on duffel bag that allows me to bring up to 12 kilos. I admit it, I've always been a flashpacker. I've carried it everywhere with me from The Maldives, Thailand, Hawaii and all over Indonesia. But this time, I decided to challenge myself and travel with a backpack instead after hearing Lois' advice.
Backpack is Best
Traveling with a backpack is just so much more convenient if you pack right. I am barely 5 feet tall and weigh only 80 pounds, so I've limited myself to a mere 7 kilos worth of stuff. It's a scary thought, but no doubt it will be more convenient to drive around on motorbikes, no need to hire taxis all the time. I can save thousands of pesos because I no longer need to buy extra luggage allowance on flights. This will also teach me to leave non-essentials behind and prevent me from shopping for random things along the way too. Sorry guys, no more pasalubong!
 |
| So many too choose from! |
 |
| Specially designed for women so the straps feel comfortable on my petite frame. |
-Bring clothes that mix and match
-Have a color scheme so it's easier to pair tops & bottoms
-Button down shirts can be also be worn as a cardigan or as a bikini coverup too
-Bring multiple use items (i.e. Sarong, virgin coconut oil, shampoo/body wash)
-Pack a light eco-bag for day trips & a refillable water bottle to lessen plastic consumption
-Store clothes and toiletries in ziploc bags
-Refill 100ml toiletry bottles so you don't have to check-in your backpack
-Just bring one book that you can swap during your travels
Read more packing light tips.
Clothing:
11 tops
1 polo shirt
4 pairs of shorts
1 pair of leggings
1 pair of genie pants
2 dresses
1 hoodie
11 pairs of underwear
2 pairs bikinis
1 sarong (doubles as a cover up/towel/mini-blanket/yoga mat)
1 microfiber towel
Essentials:
Passport
Tickets
Wallet (with multiple compartments for different currencies)
Coin Purse
Sunnies
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Flip flops
Ballet flats
Universal adaptor
iPhone
Pen
Toiletries:
Travel Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo/body wash/laundry soap
Lavender soap (slice into 6 smaller bars)
Face & Body Lotion
Deodorant,
Virgin Coconut Oil (can be used as a mouthwash, body oil & hair gloss)
Throat Spray
Face Mist/Sanitizer
Lip gloss
Skin Balm
Baby wipes & pocket tissue
Dental Floss
Cotton buds
Nail cutter
Tweezers
Feminine cup - must try for the ladies!
 |
| The only luxury I allow myself during my travels is to have all natural, eco-friendly skin care products |
Reading:
iPad (for blogging, booking flights/trains, travel guides & ebooks)
Osho book
Total Weight: 7.5 kilos
Where am I off to, you may ask?
This time around, there are no pre-booked flights. I want to see the rest of Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and parts of Thailand that I missed during my past journeys. I’ve read about these magical places a million times before. I’ve dreamt about these places during endless conversations with gypsies and nomads. But I have no plans whatsoever or any set itineraries. I don’t know where I will be spending my birthday, Halloween, Christmas or New Year’s eve.
All I’m carrying is a 28 Liter backpack, and leaving my dependable roll-on luggage. I only have room for the bare essentials. Maybe just a week’s worth of clothes and an Osho book. No fancy camera, no laptop and no elaborate outfits, not even my sacred yoga mat.
I have no room for fear and negativity. I’m barely five feet tall, and carrying a mere seven kilos on my spine. I’m leaving 99% of all my stuff behind, and every single one of my family and friends. I’m letting go of all the attachments I have ever known. I have no one to please, nothing to prove and nothing to lose. It's just myself and the long road ahead.
Read my heartfelt post on Love the Search.
Have you ever traveled with 7 kilos or less? Share your experience in the comments below.
Ready to jump into adventure,
Sole Sister Adi
Adi escaped from the corporate world so her life now happily revolves around yoga and travel. She lives a simple, eco-friendly lifestyle and inspires those around her to do the same. She shares her AntiGravity and yoga practice everywhere she goes and dreams of building rustic Secret Spot hostels in beautiful tropical destinations. She will spend the rest of the year living amongst the locals in Siargao before she sets off for another Southeast Asian adventure with Sole Sister Stephanie. Follow Adi's adventures on Love the Search and on Facebook and Instagram.
Get a FREE copy of the Sole Sister Guide to Planning an Epic Trip by subscribing to our newsletter. You can also hang out with us online on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Categories:
backpacking,
gear,
Southeast Asia,
travel,
travel gear,
women travelers
Hello there!
I've been rummaging through your blog to find tips on backpacking. My friends and I are backpacking to Thailand and Cambodia this May and I'm not sure if my current backpack can carry all that I need for 7 days.
I have a 27L Northface Surge II and I was wondering if you could give more tips/advice on how to pack. :)
Thank you and cheers to more travel years!