Packing List - Months out of a Backpack

Packing for a trip is an unquestionably irritating task, loading your suitcase to the brim with a perfected wardrobe - alongside whatever other nonsense you plausibly don’t need, but undeniably must take with you. It’s enough pressure to crack a person, and before you become an absolute loose cannon on your loved ones, I have a few tips that could potentially ease your packing process.

I have backpacking down to an art after spending months living out of one, complete with some blunders that have shaped my strategy. Let's talk shop.

Before you begin aimlessly tossing items into your bag, let’s get a few things straight: trip duration, weather, activities, and of course, destinations. With the right approach, you can fit a shocking amount of commodity into a 55-liter backpack all while looking effortlessly cool, not that I would know much about that.

Trip duration

I rocked a 2-3 month stint each trip, hopping between various climates. Now you might be wondering ‘How was she such a fashion icon?’(yes, I know you’re asking). It's simple - pack versatile items that you can mix and match like a pro, and throw in a few statement pieces to own your unique style.

Weather

Will it be scorching and sweaty, or chilly and snow-covered at the destination? Luckily for me, I found myself in sunny spots which made packing much simpler. I did make a few slip ups you’ll want to avoid- keep reading for the scoop.

Activities

What are you planning on doing? Hiking? Brunch? Clubbing? Swimming? Maybe be prepared to do all three. I personally enjoyed cliff-diving, hiking, and questionable human-slingshots.

Latin America

I journeyed through Latin America from February-April where I traveled through Panama and Colombia, then again from May-July, where I hit Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.

I will give a breakdown of the climate I experienced by country, as this could be useful:

Panama - February

Panama City - Warm, humid, sunny
25° C - 32° C ( 76° F - 87° F)
Bocas Del Toro - Warm, humid, occasional cloud cover
23° C - 27° C ( 74° F - 80° F)

Colombia - March & April

Medellin - Fresh, Perfect, sunny, amazing, occasional drizzle(Clearly unbiased review)
18° C - 28 ° C (64° F - 83° F)
Note - In Colombia, temperatures vary little throughout the year due to its location on the equator. Cities like Bogota remain cooler while Cartagena warmer, and Medellin, the most perfect weather known to man, gifted by God himself - again, unbiased review of course.

Belize - May

San Pedro - Warm, humid, breezy
24° C -30° C ( 76° F - 86 ° F )

Mexico - May

Bacalar- Hot, humid
24° C -33° C ( 76° F -91° F )
Isla Mujeres (Island off the Coast of Cancun) - Breezy, Hot
24° C -32° C ( 76° F -90° F )

Guatemala - June

Antigua -Warm, Sunny
24° C -30° C ( 76° F -86 ° F )
Lake Atitlan - Fresh, breezy, cool nights
17° C - 27° C ( 63 ° F - 81 ° F )

Costa Rica - June (Rainy season)

Puerto Viejo - Rain, very humid, cool during downpour
23° C - 28° C ( 73° F - 83° F )

It is important to know oneself, existentially-yes, but also physically. I, for instance, am a sweater. I am Latina, therefore frequently the spiciest woman in the room, and that rings true through my hyperactive sudoriferous glands.

Knowing this about myself, I aim to pack a bit lighter and ditch the extras, like sweatshirts. If you’re someone who gets a bit chilly, consider yourself while packing.

Now, onto what you actually care about, which is the packing list.

My packing list Latin America: 55 Liter Backpack edition

2 sundresses
4 pairs of leggings (FAR too many. It is so hot.)
5 cropped tanks
2 shirts
Flip flops/Sandals
Running shoes
3 pairs of linen shorts
Copious and unforgivable amounts of underwear & Socks
Closed toed daily-wear shoe
Linen pants
2 nylon/spandex biker shorts
Jean Shorts
Jeans
Toiletries
Blow Dryer
Curling iron
Laptop (and chargers)
Bikinis (3)
Pajamas

Europe

I left for Italy in August and stayed through September. I now reside in Cyprus, beginning from mid-September through November, subject to change.

This will quickly become dated, however, I will share the climates I have, and am currently experiencing through this time frame:

Italy (Regions) - August & September

Lombardy - Humid, Warm, but comfortable
24° C - 30 ° C ( 75 ° F -86° F )
Liguria- Comfortable, breezy, Humid
17° C - 27° C ( 62° F - 80° F )
Campania - Cool, Comfortable
17° C - 25° C ( 62° F - 78° F )
Basilicata - Cool, Breezy, some cloudcover
13° C - 22° C ( 55° F - 72° F )

Cyprus - Mid-September - October

Paphos - Warm, breezy
19° C - 29° C ( 66° F - 85 ° F )
Nicosia - Comfortable, beginning to cool down
15° C - 27° C ( 59° F - 81 ° F )

My packing list Europe: Mid sized Suitcase from Goodwill & a backpack edition

6 Sundresses varying in length ( a bit much, I’m aware)
Little black dress
Jeans
4 small tops
2 silk skirts
Jean shorts
Heels
Cowboy boots
Hiking boots
White Vans
Jean Jacket
Platform slides
Pajama shorts
Big t shirt (That I wore to bed essentially every single night)
Biker shorts
Toiletries
Blow Dryer
Curling iron
Laptop
Camera
International adapter
Giant bag of Yerba mate, a thermos, gourd & bombilla because I am *extra*
Linen shorts
2 pairs leggings
Bikinis (4)
Cover ups (2)
Lock

Considerations

Will there be retail therapy taking place at your destination? Here's a tip: leave a little breathing space in your suitcase, or better yet, tote along a canvas bag that can effortlessly slip into your travel gear. This way, if your shopping spree goes wild and your luggage can't handle the extras, you've got a backup bag for the journey home, or your next destination.

My mistakes

Bring a lock. When I first arrived in Panama, I forgot a lock and since I was staying in hostels at the beginning of my trek, this was an important item to have. It’s also handy in case you want to lock your bag for some reason, just bring one! I use Airbnb and hotels for the most part now, so security isn’t as big an issue, but I always have a lock just in case.

Athliesure isn't popular. You simply don't need four pairs of leggings in Central America, it’s so hot and unless you’re working out, you will stick out like a sore thumb. If you don’t mind this, carry on, just know that people leave the house more properly dressed in just about every country I have visited- with an exception of Belize, it’s bikinis and happy hour all day over there, bless that place.

Bring versatile items. When first packing for Panama, I had no idea what the culture was like or how I should dress, which meant I wore really basic items. You don’t have to do this, you can still have style, just be aware of what can mix and match!

Sum it up

I hope this was helpful to you in some way! Safe travels and I wish you the most fun, adventurous, relaxing, thrilling, eye-opening, romantic, or whatever other kind of stay you may be seeking on your journey!

As always, thank you so much for reading and if you have any feedback or other topics you’d like covered, feel free to send me an email or message on IG and I will take your considerations! Wishing you well! @reinabondi , reinabondi@gmail.com