Updated 2026
Answer Capsule
RTW gear separates essential (backpack, shoes, charger) from optional (tech gadgets, luxury items). You need less than you think. Most RTWers discover they could have packed even lighter.
The Backpack
Your main luggage should be:
- 50-60L capacity (carry-on size)
- Comfortable straps and back support
- Weatherproof or raincover included
- Multiple compartments for organization
Brands: Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, Tortuga, Peak Design
Cost: $150-300. Worth the investment for comfort.
Clothing
Pack less than you think:
- 7 shirts/tops (rotate, wash frequently)
- 3 pairs pants/shorts
- 1 jacket or sweater
- Underwear for 5-7 days (wash more often)
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit
- 3 pairs socks (or go sockless)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops/sandals
- Light layer for air-conditioned places
Choose quick-dry synthetic fabrics. Cotton is heavy and slow to dry.
Total clothing weight: 3-4kg. You'll add local items if needed.
Footwear
Shoes are crucial. Bring:
- One comfortable walking shoe (you'll wear daily)
- Sandals/flip flops (easy to take off)
Don't bring multiple shoes. Your feet will hurt from bad shoes more than anything else on RTW.
Invest in good walking shoes ($80-150). You'll wear them 8+ hours daily.
Tech Gear
Essential:
- Phone (smartphone): necessary for maps, translation, communication
- Phone charger (buy locally in each country)
- Portable battery bank (10,000mAh): $20-40, prevents dead battery emergencies
- Universal power adapter: $10-20
Optional:
- Laptop/tablet: useful for work/blogging, but adds weight
- Camera: if photography matters; phone camera is adequate for most
- Headphones: nice for flights and downtime
- E-reader: great if you read a lot
Don't bring: smartwatch, gaming systems, drone (overkill for most travelers).
Toiletries
Bring minimal - buy locally:
- Deodorant (hard to find in some countries)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen (pricey in some countries)
- Feminine hygiene products if applicable (bring backup supply)
- Medications
- Glasses/contacts if needed
- Razor
Everything else (shampoo, soap, etc.) exists everywhere.
Total toiletries: 1-1.5kg
Optional but Nice
- Quick-dry towel: lightweight, versatile
- Packing cubes: organize clothes, lightweight
- Compression bags: save space
- Earplugs: sleep on buses, shared dorms
- Sleep mask: useful for overnight transit
- Reusable water bottle: save money on bottled water
- Lightweight scarf: sun, cold, cultural cover-up
What to Avoid
- Guidebooks (use online resources)
- Excessive cables (keep minimal)
- Formal clothing (no need unless meeting people)
- Multiple shoes (space waste)
- Electronics you might not use
- Jewelry (loss/theft risk)
- Cooking equipment (too heavy)
Weight Reality
Aim for 10kg (22 lbs) total. Most RTWers start heavier (15kg), then shed items as they realize they don't need them.
Your backpack will feel heavy first 3 days. By week 2, your body adjusts and it feels light.
Where to Buy Gear
- Travel specialty stores (REI, Cotswold Outdoor)
- Online (Amazon, eBay)
- Locally in countries (sometimes cheaper, always have options)
Don't buy everything at once. You'll decide what you need as you travel.
Gear Mistakes
Don't obsess over optimal gear. Most RTWers bring too much, then leave items behind as they travel.
Don't buy expensive brand names expecting quality - often overpriced.
Don't buy gear you've never used. Test everything before leaving.
The Bottom Line
You need less gear than you think. One backpack, good shoes, phone, charger, and toiletries cover everything. Everything else is bonus. Most RTWers pack too much their first trip, then pack lighter for trip two.