My love for packing challenges started when I was working in Germany and taking weekend trips with my friend Malia. We would pack everything we needed for a weekend in a medium size purse. I think purse packing is a great option for winter travel since you can rewear your outer layers, you can cram additional items into your jacket pockets, and you won’t be sweating through everything you pack. Unfortunately, I didn’t always give myself enough time to pack up my purse before dashing to the airport and flew home once with pockets full of underwear. I’m hoping to avoid that mishap while packing for two weeks in Thailand.
Packing for two weeks in Thailand, the challenge
Fit everything into 1 carry-on sized backpack
Details
I will have a separate bag as my personal item for the long flights but I would like to be able to fit all of the contents of this bag into my larger backpack for easier traveling throughout Thailand. I ended up touristing so hard with a front backpack for part of my and Amy’s backpacking adventure, and I’m not trying to repeat that. I’m struggling to figure out how to balance my desire to not look like a hot melted mess while trying to pack light and be practical and accept that I probably will look like a hot melted mess.
1. Osprey Farpoint 40 2. Teva Original Universal 3. Kavu Sydney Satchel 4. Homdox Packable Daypack 25L 5. Master Cable Lock 6. Birkenstock Mayari 7. Old Navy Swing Dress 8. Old Navy Keyhole Tank 9. Old Navy Sports Bra 10. Fanny Pack(Similar) 11. Old Navy Active Tank 12. Old Navy Sports Bra 13. Target Mesh Shorts
The Bag
Osprey Farpoint 40L backpack
I tested this out for a weekend trip to Cincinnati and I wasn’t thrilled. I packed weekend clothes and my work supplies(laptop, iPad, chargers, etc.) and the bag was a little strained. I don’t like how the laptop sleeve is on the outside pocket instead of up against the back panel, but I think this will be fine for Thailand since I won’t be bringing a laptop. I’m open to other suggestions for a 40–50L-ish pack.
What I’m Packing
Clothes
- 4 Dresses
- 6 Activewear Tank Tops
- 2 Pairs of Jean Shorts
- 1 Pair Sweat Shorts
- 1 Pair Black flowy Shorts
- 1 Cardigan
- 1 Pair Black Yoga Pants (worn on plane)
- 1 Denim Button Down (worn on plane)
- 15 pairs underwear
- I’m currently in the market for all new underpants, hit me up with your recommendations
- 3 Bras
- 4 Sports Bras
- 2 Bikini Tops
- 2 Bikini Bottoms
- 1 One Piece bathing suit
Bags
- Carry-On personal item
- I don’t know what to use for this. The packable daypack makes sense, but I really don’t want to front+back pack it
- Homdox Packable Daypack: 25L Black
- For carrying water bottles and supplies around cities and to the elephants/beach.
- Future Michelle might buy a ton of souvenirs, so I can use this as my carry-on and check the Osprey bag on the way home
- Fanny pack
- I firmly believe this will be a good purchase. My only concern is that it won’t fit a water bottle.
- Small leather party purse
- For beach clubs when water is not the liquid I’ll be drinking
Shoes
- Birkenstock Mayari
- I’m planning on wearing these to walk around cities
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Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandal
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I initially thought these were awful but the more I spent looking at them online, I convinced myself they could actually be kind of cool looking. And if they really do look awful, I’m hoping they will, at least, be very practical for elephant mud baths and general beach trekking. More practical travel shoe info here.
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I ordered the Crocs Sexi Flip, but they felt too big and also too small so those are getting sent back. I did read good reviews about these and liked their low profile look, though, so maybe they will work for your feet.- Old Navy Flip Flops
- I’m currently planning on bringing these as a backup hostel shower shoe
Toiletries + Makeup (updated list here)
- Face Sunscreen
- Body Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Bug Bite Sticks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Face Mist (primarily for the plane)
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Body Soap Bar
- Face Soap Bar
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Mascara
- Eyebrow Gel
Sun + bugs are my largest toiletry concern. Mascara + eyebrow gel is going very minimalist for my daily makeup routine, but I’m assuming all other makeup would melt off anyways.
Technology
- iPad
- iPhone
- Headphones
- Charger
Supplies
- MasterLock Cable Luggage Lock
- I forgot the combination for my other lock and this one has better reviews and should work to lock my backpack zippers and later lock the hostel lockers.
- Water Bottle
Thoughts
- Am I missing anything?
- Am I making this too hard? I get a couple of free checked bags on each flight, so I could easily just check a bag. But where’s the fun in that?
- Does this seem like something you would try?
Currently Trying:
To not buy more stuff for this trip.
Read about my European purse packing adventures here:
Munich Purse Packing | Prague Purse Packing | Vienna Purse Packing
