What's so 'ultimate' about this...
Ok, so why should you listen to me you’re thinking? You probably shouldn’t. Just because something works for me, doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. But hey, it’s worked for me for the last 6 or so years of traveling (both full-time for two years to see the world and almost full-time traveling for work since 2018), so I thought I’d share and ‘ultimate’ makes it sound a lot better.
My system hasn’t changed a lot to be perfectly honest. I read a load of stuff online, bought a bag from Kathmandu, packed some clothes and tinkered with it until I had the aforementioned ‘ultimate bag’ (for me, at least).
That’s the main thing to take from this; stop bloody worrying. It’ll be fine. I’ve never done checked-in baggage unless I travel for work, so I worried about the weight. I’ve never had a problem with the weight, the size, or anything else. Almost. Just learn to be nice, smile, be friendly and people will generally be nice to you and let it slip ‘this time’. And if there really was a problem with the weight, then I’d just wear two jumpers and carry my laptop. It’ll be fine.
The List
This is what you came here for. THE list. We all love a good list. So, to save you scrolling to the bottom, let’s put it front and center:
A little note. I’ve marked anything which cost more than 25 GBP. You’ll notice, it’s not a lot. In fact, it’s one item. A wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive.
- 12 Pants + 12 socks (mix of long / short) – Loving Happy Socks
- Shorts – OldNavy
- Comfy non-iron work trousers – Uniqlo
- Comfy beige trousers – TopShop
- Skinny jeans – Thrift store
- 2 Belts – 1 smart (Russell & Bromley – old job) & 1 casual (street buy)
- Swimming shorts + flip-flops + travel towel
- 6 plain black / white tops – mainly Jack & Jones
- 2 Slim-fitted white polos for work – Charles Tyrwhitt
- 1 Black branded work Polo
- 2 Linen white shirts for work – Charles Tyrwhitt
- 1 Funky shirt – Ted Baker (bought on final discount)
- Casual jumper – Scotch & Soda (bought on final discount)
- 2 Funky casual tops – paid by airline after they lost my bag on a work trip
- 1 Hoody – Pepe Jeans (bought at airport)
- Lightweight jacket – Boohoo
- Laundry bag – Made by my mother
- Work shoes – Russell & Bromley (ex-job)
- Laptop
- Phone + USB-C Charger
- Suit jacket – Harry Brown – 150 GBP
- Notepad – for amazing creative random pieces
- Books / Kindle – keeping the mind active
- Painkiller
- Mosquito roll-on (that is to dull the pain from a bite, not roll mosquitos. That’d be mental)
- Gum
- Ear-plugs
- Couple of plasters
I can’t quite believe it all fits. But there’s normally space left, too. Here’s some temporary items I have to fit in my bag at the moment, too:
- Gold Buddha – Gift from India
- Traditional clothing – Gift from Pakistan
- Work bag – USB camera, light etc for webinars + Zoom
The Photos
