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When I left on my funemployment trip through Asia, the only plans I had was to start in Manchuria and work my way south as the weather got colder and to meet my boyfriend in southern Thailand for Thanksgiving. So I packed mostly warm weather clothes and a few layers for autumn in China, all rolled into a new 46L pack I’d bought after years of using a 30L. (For reference, a regular carry-on in the U.S. is approximately 45L. Check out this chart on carry-on sizes on various airlines.) Here’s what I packed for 5 months in Asia in a 46L pack and a small backpack, with packing tips and tricks to follow.

Too busy to read the whole thing? Here are my top travel must-haves. 

My Packing List

It’s definitely possible to pack much lighter than this, but I wanted to do laundry as infrequently as possible, so I packed a little more. If you’re looking to be the next Instagram star, this packing list definitely does not give you room for a closet full of flowy dresses and floppy hats.

Wherever possible, I’ve linked to the exact item I brought with me.

***I did have to pick up a down jacket and a set of Uniqlo HeatTech clothes along the way in order to survive December in the Himalayas. I was fortunate to get an old down jacket from a cousin that I could donate when I left the Himalayas, but you can also purchase a “North Face” one in cities like Kathmandu for $20-30.

How to Pack Light

So what’s the secret to packing light for long-term travel?

1. Limit the size of your pack. For me, the 46L pack plus small backpack was already much more space that I had been accustomized to, yet given the space, I easily filled it. So don’t be Cheryl Strayed from Wild — buy a smaller pack and don’t overpack.
2. On that end, try to pack at least 1/3 of your bag with toiletries, books, and other things you’ll need along the way, even if you can buy it at your destination. This way you don’t pack too many clothes and your pack will get smaller as you use and throw out these items.
3. Pack clothes that are utility players. Can you layer it, use it for multiple things, match it with basically everything else in your bag? If not, it’s highly likely you should leave it at home.
4. Choose clothes and shoes that you can chuck along the way. It’s a great way to clear out your closet and really get some last-minute mileage on those old pieces that are on their last legs.
5. Whenever possible, deposit your smaller daypack, if you have one, at your hostel or hotel and stuff it with as much of what you don’t need as possible. It’s great for occasions like when you’re trekking in the Annapurna without a porter.