I’m currently 2 months into my one year trip in South America. And though I’m normally a great packer, I still made some mistakes in packing for this trip that I want to share with you. So, here’s what I packed and what I shouldn’t have for my trip, traveling with one carry-on backpack and a personal item only.
Clothing:
When I packed for this trip, I took ‘one too many’ of each item. I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough variety, but truth be told, I haven’t really worn ⅓ of the clothes I brought and they;ll be sent home from Lima in a few days. I could’ve saved myself some cash and my back some gruelling walks.
* 4 dresses + 1 bought in Rio: I took 2 dresses too much. Even as a girl who loves dresses and dressing up, 3 is plenty for a backpacking trip. My favourites have been a midi black dress (fits every occasion!) and a mini linen dress (great for hot weather)
* 3 workout shorts (doubling as anti-chafing shorts): 1 too many, 2 would have been fine.
* 1 linen pants: this was great
* 1 jeans: I’ve worn this jeans a bunch, but it has wide legs and it would’ve been better to have one with tapered legs so I could’ve worn it on hikes as well. Nobody in hostels cares that much about whether or not your clothes are “stylish”.
* 1 pair of joggers: this has been my holy grail item that has allowed me to travel comfortably, doubling up as my travel outfit, cold weather pajamas and sporty activities pants.
* 2 skirts: I could’ve left these home all together. Between dresses and the skirts, a dress is much easier to put on as an outfit and because of that, I never reached for my skirts.
* 2 shirts + bought one in Rio: The one I bought is too similar to the one I already brought. But 3 shirts is a nice luxury for a trip to a relatively cold continent.
* 4 tops: I could have done with 2 or 3. Neutrals are the way to go!
* 2 warm layers: I only wear one of the two, the second one is wasted on me this trip and is going back to Belgium!
* 2 dress shirts: 1 would have been enough. Just choose a colour that goes with the rest of your outfits and replace it along the way.
* 1 rain jacket: absolutely necessary
* 1 packable puffer jacket: absolutely necessary
* 16 pairs of underwear and socks: I could’ve done with 10 each
* 3 pairs of hiking socks: I could’ve done with 2 and am sending one pair home.
Along the way I also bought: a pair of gloves, a pair of cozy soft warm socks, a scarf and a traditional Peruvian sweater. I will buy a beanie when hitting Bolivia, but wished I brought the one I have at home and really love.
What I would’ve brought if I’d be able to go back into the past and repack:
* 3 dresses: 1 long black, 1 short linen, 1 short synthetic
* 2 shorts: 1 cotton anti-chafing, 1 workout
* 1 linen pants
* 1 tapered jeans
* 1 pair of joggers
* 2 shirts: 1 black, 1 print
* 3 tops: 1 black, 1 white cropped, 1 white long
* 1 dress shirt
* 1 rain jacket
* 1 packable puffer jacket
* 10 pairs of underwear + one, 8 pairs of white socks, 2 pairs of hiking socks
* A beanie
* One sweater I don’t mind throwing away or gifting to someone when I inevitably buy something with an alpaca on it.
Toiletries:
This is of course very personal, so definitely bring what you normally like to use. My culprit was again, taking an extra “what if” for almost every item. Here’s what I’d bring instead:
* Toothpaste
* Deodorant
* Shampoo bar (1)
* Soap bar (1)
* Refillable tube with your favourite liquid shampoo or soap
* Body lotion 90ml
* After sun 90ml
* Dry shampoo
* Your favourite perfume
* Toothbrush
* Hairbrush
* Floss
* Some wet wipes
* Small packs or tissues
* Day cream
* SPF 50 200 ml
* Razor
* Make-up (optional)
I’ve found it very hard to find an affordable and decent dry shampoo here. Such a shame, because it sure comes in handy during multi-day hikes and long travel days, to feel more refreshed.I brought far too many razors. You can easily buy them in the supermarkets here for a low price, bringing only two would have been completely fine.I chose to bring make-up because I like to put it on when I’m in the cities or for going out. I’ve used it quite a bit and don’t mind taking it with me. Everything fits into a small pouch that I also store my travel jewellery in. This is what I brought:
* Lip balm
* Concealer
* Cc cream
* Eye shadow
* Highlight
* Contour
* Lipliner
* Lipstick
Medication:
In general I think I packed well, though I wish I brought some more paracetamol. So far I’ve been particularly glad that I brought altitude sickness medication.
Misc:
I took a second phone and a powerbank with me, but I think this was unnecessary weight. I also have my own walking sticks which are great for hikes, but annoying to carry around. In general, my hiking gear takes up a lot of space in my bag. My hiking gear:
* Head lamp
* 2 foldable walking sticks
* Hydration blatter
* Hiking shoes
* Hiking backpack (doubles as personal item)
* Elektrolytes I also brought a lot of laundry sheets, but haven’t had to use them once yet. I’m thinking of leaving some behind.
I’m happy that I brought a small sewing kit, this has already saved me from having to buy new clothes a few times! I also brought several locks (4 in total) and two karabine hooks, these have been used very intensely up until now. I also love that I brought 2 packages of my favourite candy from the Netherlands, they’ve been a welcome taste of home. A third category of items that have served me well are the various bags and packing system I brought. I brought a very flat shoe bag, where I store my flipflops. I also have 2 packing cubes for my clothes, 2 foldable shopping bags (one in my daypack, the other is my food bag), 1 tote (could’ve done without) and a laundry bag. I also have a special washing pouch for delicates and along my travels, was gifted a sturdy plastic beach bag that I use to keep my stuff dry from sneaker waves at the beach and as a place to store my wet towel and bathing suits when traveling, so other things don’t get wet.