Considering that I almost never travel with more than 9 kg (19 lbs) of stuff, my complete list of travel gear is probably much smaller than you were expecting 
However, for 12+ years this is all I’ve needed to keep me traveling comfortably and over the past few years, running my internet businesses as well.
If you have any questions about the gear listed below or any other gear that’s not on this list, feel free to send me an email and I’d be more than happy to reply!
Backpacks
Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack
REI Flash 18 Daypack – This daypack is tiny when rolled up but when I’m ready to use it, I can easily fit everything I need for a day trip. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, I can open and close it with just one hand and it only costs about $30. Overall, it’s just a brilliant daypack.
Tip: When traveling to certain countries, consider placing your backpack in a potato or rice sack before boarding any long-distance buses or trains. This disguise helps keep potential thieves away from your stuff!
Computer
Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T-6651 – This 11.6 inch laptop has blown my old Sony Vaio away in terms of performance, making it my new laptop of choice. For just over $600 US, I ended up with a powerful, amazingly lightweight and portable machine, which is a perfect combination for the world traveler.
WD My Passport External Hard Drive – After a long debate over which hard drive to purchase, I finally went with the My Passport, and I’ve been more than happy with my decision as it has performed exactly as I’ve needed it to. It’s also super-thin and weighs practically nothing.
Tip: When traveling, consider putting pieces of duct tape or even stickers all over the outside of your laptop. This helps make your computer appear less valuable than it really is, which again, keeps potential wrong-doers away from your valuable gear.
Camera
Panasonic Lumix ZS20 Digital Camera
Other Gadgets
Samsung Nexus S Unlocked Phone – I spent a long time researching phones and I could not be happier with my final decision. This Android phone has simply been incredible and performed perfectly everywhere in the world I’ve taken it.
NeatReceipts Mobile Scanner and Digital Filing System – If you run a mobile business, this thing is more than ideal. I pop every receipt into the tiny scanner & it files it away according to tax category. And just like that all of my expenses are tracked.
Random Items
Crocs Modi Flip Flop – My search for the perfect travel sandal ended once I found these Crocs. Lightweight, comfortable and surprisingly tough, I’m hooked on these things and am now a loyal customer.
Chandrika Ayurvedic Soap – Ever since I stumbled upon this popular ayurvedic Indian soap on my first trip to India, I make sure to have a bar of it in my backpack at all times. I don’t know how to describe the feeling, but your showers will never be the same once you try this soap. Plus, it’s not tested on animals and consists only of pure vegetable oils.
Squeaky Green Solid Shampoo by LUSH – I don’t want to hear it. Just try it. The thing lasts for 80 uses and can also be used as soap and shaving cream in a bind. And it’s tiny, making it the perfect travel companion.
Moleskine Red Pocket Notebook – I was hesitant at first but it didn’t take long for me to become addicted to carrying around my sleek-looking red Moleskine notebook everywhere I go. It’s great for jotting down all of the random thoughts that enter my head as I wander around the world.
Lenmar AC5 World Travel Adapter Plug Set
Sea to Summit Tek Towel – I bought this travel towel last year and it was my first one, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, this towel takes up almost no space at all, dries super-quickly and has proven useful more often than I would have imagined. For $20 (for the medium size) it’s worth sticking one of these in your backpack.
Back in 1999, I left home for a 3 month trip to Asia that has still yet to end.
“Any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.” – Douglas Adams
Hey Matt – Few say it better than Mr Adams when it comes to travel!
Hi Earl,
I’ve recently graduated from high school and subsequently dropped out of college. I work day to day saving what I can to one day travel the world much like you. But enough of my story, I’m curious about how you communicate with others. Do you have a cell phone that you carry with at all times or do you use internet resources like Skype and instant messaging formats?
Hey Lider – I do have a cell phone with me but I almost never use it to communicate with family and friends back home. Usually I just jump on skype and make my calls from there. It is by far the easiest method of staying in touch with everyone and these days, you can find an internet connection almost everywhere in the world!
Thanks for the advice! I’m going to Australia soon with little saved, but know that I’ll be okay!
I noticed in this list you have the Sea to Summit DryLite Towel but in your “How Does A Permanent Nomad Pack?” you have listed ’1 “Tek Towel” travel towel (20 x 40 in.)”.’
Do you currently use the Tek Towel or the DryLite and which do you prefer?
Hey Michael – Sorry about that and thank you for pointing it out! I do use the Tek Towel (not sure why I listed the other one) and have now updated the Travel Gear page and link.
As a newby to your site, I was looking at all the links and the one to your Red Pocket Notebook doesn’t work. Just fyi. Really enjoying reading all the helpful information so far! Hubby and I (& the 6 bambinos) just made a library trip and are planning our “Family Sabbatical” soon and very soon! Btw, my husband has a Kelti backpack and he’s had it since ’87! It still looks great! Will be talkn to ya’ as we plan to leave Texas…
@peanutplus7: Thanks for the heads up about the link…I’ve just fixed it! And that’s good to know that your husband’s backpack has survived for so long, hopefully mine will do that same. I imagine it will as it has taken a beating already and still looks quite good. And definitely send me any other questions you may have as you begin to plan your trip!
I have a question about the kennsington travel adaptor
Is it US electrical converted to UK, european, and other.
I am looking for a adator that will convert by Australian Power plugs on lap top etc to US, European, UK and other Systems
Hey Geoff – It actually is a complete universal adapter so you can fit in any plug and covert it into any other. So it would work with your Australian plugs as well!
Hi Earl, what jacket(s) do you wear when going to cooler climates?
Hey Michael – I normally carry around just a normal Northface fleece to keep me warm, however, I rarely travel to cold climates
Earl,
Curious to know whether you pack a sleeping bag and/or tent with you at all? Looks like from some of the videos that you have posted on your site that you don’t worry too much on minimizing costs by camping. Do you travel with a sleeping bag/sac? Have there been times where you have had to camp/pitch a tent somewhere? I’m curious because I would love to travel Europe and/or Asia someday and I’m interested in how people do it i.e. do some people camp? stay in hostles? Is it best to at least be on the safe side and bring a sleeping bag just in case?
Thanks man!
Hey Doug – I actually don’t carry a sleeping bag or a tent, or a sleep sac for that matter. I can only remember a couple of times when I wandered into very remote areas where I wasn’t sure if there would be any places to stay and I had rented a tent/sleeping bag for those particular outings. But apart from that, I’ve never needed anything as there are more than enough hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses and now, couchsurfing.com opportunities in every corner of the world!
Earl -
Stumbled upon your site while googling PDC. Love what I’ve read so far – and I think my daughter wants to follow in your footsteps.
I’ll be going to Italy later this year and have a question about your / the Kensington adaptor – is it both an adaptor and converter or just an adaptor? Many countries – as I’m sure you know – are not 110 / 220 like the US.
Thanks in advance.
- Bill
Hey Bill – Thanks for the comment! The Kensington Adaptor is not a converter, just an adaptor. But these days, a converter is really no longer necessary as almost every charger (for laptops, mobile phones, cameras, etc.) is capable of handling the entire range of voltage. For example, if you look at the ‘brick’ on a laptop power cord, you’ll see that it says 110-240 volts. This is the standard these days, thus eliminating the need to lug around a converter.
This is totally something I want to do when I finish college. But I’m curious about how girls go about it? I’m assuming you’ve run into a few nomad girls by now and I’m wondering do they bring around hair and makeup supplies or do they just go without and rough it?
And what about safety? Is it more dangerous for a woman to be traveling the world than it is a man?
Hey Kathryn – I’ve run into more than a few female nomads! There are plenty out there and I’m quite sure that they don’t worry too much about makeup while on the road
As for safety, the world is a much safer place than most people imagine, even for solo females. In general, you just need to use the same common sense you use at home while traveling. That’s normally enough to stay away from trouble. Of course, there are some places that are more challenging for women but overall, there’s nothing stopping you from wandering all over this planet as well!
I just found your blog, and think I’m in love with you. Just sayin’
Happy travels!
Hi Earl,
Beside all this stuff, do you carry important documents? I assume you have your passport but is there anything else as important that you should carry? Another thing, in another post of yours I saw you carry few clothes on the road, do you often find places to wash them or do you just buy new stuff after a while? One last thing, how about a pocket knife, have you had any experience needing one or not at all?