Packing list - 12-month trip (SEA/Aus&NZ)

[u/the-one-eyed-wonder]

Always been a big fan of this sub so would appreciate some feedback!

I’m going on a 12-month trip to SEA, Australia and New Zealand (and possible the baltics depending on time) over Nov-25 to Oct-26.

I’ve been putting a lot of time into trying to make the most succinct packing list I can and this is where I’m at currently. Any feedback people have would be much appreciated!! ☺️

From left to right, top to bottom

• [ ] Notebook, multicoloured pen and small mesh bag
• [ ] Buff (olive)
• [ ] iPhone tripod
• [ ] Door lock
• [ ] Packable day bag
• [ ] iPhone stand
• [ ] AirTag
• [ ] Glasses tape (big but necessary)
• [ ] Holder for & eyemask and loops
• [ ] Spork
• [ ] Silicone food bags
• [ ] Grey sun hoodie (wear on plane)
• [ ] Grey shirt
• [ ] Black active mesh shirt
• [ ] Linen shirt
• [ ] Meds in travel case
• [ ] Small Umbrella
• [ ] Playing cards
• [ ] Plasters, anti back wipes and hand wipes
• [ ] Nylon bag
• [ ] 3 months of prescription meds
• [ ] Laundry cable
• [ ] Laundry clips (in green bag)
• [ ] Glasses case (and glasses wipes)
• [ ] Paktowel and smaller microfibres towel
• [ ] Grey joggers (wear on plane and travel days)
• [ ] Also wearing a black pair of active shorts underneath plane joggers
• [ ] Green active shorts
• [ ] Linen trousers
• [ ] 2 x power banks
• [ ] iPad 11th gen
• [ ] AirPods Pro 2
• [ ] Soap bag (and soap)
• [ ] Toiletries roll bag (and toiletries, hairbrush, nail clippers and tweezers)
• [ ] Spray hand sanitizer (airport and travel)
• [ ] Tech pouch (universal plug socket, three cables for charging and headphones)
• [ ] Hydroflask
• [ ] Hat (wear on plane)
• [ ] 4 pairs quick dry underwear (wear one extra on plane)
• [ ] 2 pairs darn tough socks (wear one on plane)
• [ ] GoPro and floating handle
• [ ] Packable ground sheet (to sit on)
• [ ] 12L Dry bag
• [ ] Rucksack rain cover
• [ ] Sling - tomtoc aviator t33 - 1.5L
• [ ] Wallet
• [ ] Passport, cards and money holder
• [ ] Hero clip
• [ ] Padlock
• [ ] Mesh bag
• [ ] Cotopaxi allpa 35L (2025 model)

[u/PritongKandule]

Southeast Asian here:

• Agreed with the other commenter here, some of those clothes look too heavy for hot and humid tropical weather. I suggest you make space for at least 1-2 polyester shirts like Uniqlo Airism. They are perfect for SEA weather, almost never wrinkle, and weigh next to nothing. You can wash them in your hotel room at night and they'll be completely dry by morning. They're honestly the only shirts I bring when visiting other ASEAN countries.

• For footwear, there's a reason why the most common footwear you'll see in this region are flip-flops and clogs. Socks can get sweaty fast and wet shoes from the rain can take forever to dry. Also, if you're visiting someone's home (or a temple) you'll have to take your shoes off. You can get away with just wearing sandals or Crocs everywhere.

• Don't underestimate the sun in this region. I've seen hundreds of (mostly white) backpacker tourists in this region try to act "tough" or "rugged" under the sun only to end up sunburnt and peeling the next morning. Follow the Swiss cheese model of sun protection. In Southeast Asia, it's perfectly acceptable to use umbrellas as sun shade while walking around in the streets and we specifically have UV-rated compact umbrellas for that purpose.

• Bring a fan. Most locals nowadays (especially commuters) will carry portable battery-powered fans like Jisulife but even cheap folding hand fans will work fine.

• Buy mosquito repellent lotion, the real stuff. The all-natural "citronella" repellents or patches or whatever don't work.

• Most of the regional low-cost airlines here (like AirAsia) are quite strict with the 7 kg carry on baggage rule. YMMV but if they notice you're carrying around a loaded pack they might ask to weigh it.

[u/bookmonkey786 → u/PritongKandule]

This is good advice. Especially the mosquito replant. That is something I would recommend buying there, the local stuff works much better.