Minimalistic Packing for Asia: here's the mistakes I made

Today, join me as we unpack my backpack after traveling Southeast Asia for the last 4 months. Learn from my mistakes, some of which cost me money and added unnecessary weight to my load.

Traveling with only one backpack can be quite a challenge, especially for a first-timer like me. However, I believe it went pretty well overall.

There are certain items I regret bringing and others I wish I had acquired before departure to save myself headaches and avoid having to purchase them while away.

So let's unpack my backpack together after this 4-month backpacking journey and glean some insights for your own travels.

[rebeccaw]

Natural fibres naturally shrink in the first wash. Fine for sewists like me who prewash fabrics before we sew our garments; whereas ready to wear garments you buy, factories don’t have this luxury. Size up when buying cottons, linens, viscoses. But also, linen that has shrunk, wear anyway because linen tends to loosen (or relax) throughout the day.

[janh.]

Great review before I pack for our SE Asia trip! Thanks for the tip on less white clothes and less socks! Also, since you carry a dry bag anyway, you can use it as a wash bag!! Super easy and your clothes won't get stained, shrunk, or damaged, especially if you have Merino wool items.

[margaretgiudice]

Very handy advice about white clothing, Madeleine. I am heading to SE Asia later this year and had intended bringing quite a bit of white clothing. Definitely thinking about replacements now. Thank you!!

[polinaraw]

I enjoy the rain too and sometimes it's so much nicer to just let yourself soak in it rather than trying to avoid it at all costs :) Nice video!!

[jader]

I like using a lightweight dry sack that can fill with water/detergent to do my laundry, put the sac on ground rock w foot for minutes than hang dry with some paracord that pack. I find it easier & better than using a sink plus can use the sac for keeping clothes dry when packing like would with a cube if want to dual purpose yet it’s like 90grams.
Looking to get a merino polo shirt as I like to look good as a guy yet omg last holiday ironed shirts every time was time consuming! Hoping the linen blend one like to pack for Thailand will dewrinkle or look cool cuz over ironing on vacation lol.
I’m going to practice as have months before though aim is to have 20l pack so can use as personal item as probably take a plane there from North to south.
Your trip adventures sounds fab!
Your accent is great!
Canadian guy saying hello 👋🏽
Like watching others as great way to learn so thanks for sharing ✌🏽

[mksteele]

I would love for you to weigh the things you wish you hadn’t brought! Would be cool to see how much lighter your bag could have been

[HeatherLewis]

I just buy cheap clothing at my destination (usually go to uniqlo and buy the same stuff each time) for a 3 day rotation (wash as needed) and then either ship them back home or donate them before I move on to my next destination. I consider it a travel tax for the convenience of traveling lightly. Enables me to travel ultra lightly with just a small Rimowa business trolley (not even a full size carry on suitcase, more like half the size). I use the business trolley because it fits under all airline seats so it never gets rejected if the overhead cabin space is full or it is a tiny plane, which happens a lot in the US and sometimes on budget airlines in Europe. Then I have a porter international tote bag that slides over the handles so if I need extra space, I can put stuff in there, while still only gliding around the single business trolley. Then I also carry one foldable large, lightweight, duffel bag that I got at Tokyu Hands in Japan - just in case I don't have time to send stuff back home or have to catch a flight or train quickly. At least this allows me to have a very large check in bag in case of an emergency. That way I am totally covered. Basically all I pack is 1 change of clothes, toiletries, macbook air, DJI pocket 3 and cables and chargers - super, ultra light and nimble. Perfect setup for me.

[kyliefischer]

This video is SO helpful for trip planning, thank you! Question - did you use a fanny pack, purse, or other small bag for everyday items? Also, any advice on where to store valuables (leave passports/things at the hostel or always carry with you) would be great.

[JasonJurotich]

got lost with "air asia caught me", with the weight, how would they know, unless you went to the check-in counter? Did you not have a digital pass? If you could explain that more, I think it would help others avoid it...

[abbyromm]

where is your toiletry bag from? so nice & compact

[lupa]

Hi ! Really liked this video, thanks :) can you tell me the brand of your jacket ?

[elenidededaki]

We have the same backpack and I’m looking to buy a rain cover. Is yours from Osprey? They are very expensive and I’m searching for other, cheaper alternatives

[mariafernanda-tlzl]

Amazing video! Could you pls make a video of all the hostels you stayed? ❤

[christinae]

Jätteintressant!
Ett förslag är att skippa bakgrundsmusiken, den gör det svårare att höra (åtminstone för "tanter"😆)

[thatgirl]

Nice video, it would help to show photos of yourself with your different items.

[lbunnygordon]

Thanks re underwear as when you change places often or it s not boiling hot undies didnt dry overnight at all, that goes for other items too, unless they re outside. Even the thinnest material. And a lot of things dont go into a machine or dryer.

[moitoi]

which camera did you use to film please ?

[ceetee]

As much as I like white, white clothing is a big no no for me. Especially if you are backpacking.

[margaritaisabelcabrera]

I agree with You, I never bring white clothes on a trip, You wear once and You are done, never

[shumathievandayar]

Laundry in Asia is normally done by hand. Everyone's clothes are lumped together. Don't think of yr laundromats back home.