Most packing lists are written before people travel.
This one is different.
When we left Malaysia to travel around the world, we spent weeks researching what to bring. We watched countless YouTube videos, read blog posts, and made a packing spreadsheet that seemed perfect.
Six months later, after buses, trains, flights, hostels, hotels, laundry days, mountain hikes, and city walks, our opinion has completely changed.
Some items became essential.
Some were never used.
And some things we thought were important turned out to be a waste of space.
This is what we actually carry after six months on the road.
Our Travel Setup
Everything we own for this trip fits into:
- 2 backpacks
- 2 suitcases
- 1 camera bag
When we packed for the first time, it looked like a lot.
Looking back now, we probably overpacked.
But after travelling through different climates and countries, we’ve slowly found a setup that works for us.
What We Packed at First
Camera Gear
As travel content creators, camera gear takes up a large part of our luggage.
Our current setup includes:
- Fujifilm X-T5
- Tamron 18-300mm lens
- DJI Flip drone
- Insta360 X4
- Insta360 GO 3S
- Camera flash
- Extra batteries
- SD cards
- Tripods and selfie sticks
This setup allows us to capture almost everything without carrying multiple lenses.
If we could only keep one camera, it would probably be the Fujifilm X-T5 paired with the Tamron 18-300mm lens.
The lens rarely leaves the camera.
Electronics
We also carry:
- MacBook Pro
- iPad
- Power banks
- Universal travel adapters
- Charging cables
- AirTags
- Portable SSDs
After six months, the power banks and travel adapters have become some of our most-used items.
Different countries use different plugs, and finding charging points isn’t always easy.
Clothing
We packed enough clothes for roughly one week.
That means:
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Long pants
- Underwear
- Socks
- Light jackets
- Swimwear
Instead of packing for months, we simply do laundry regularly.
What We Stopped Using
Not everything survived the six-month test.
Too Many Clothes
This is probably our biggest mistake.
We packed “just in case” clothes.
The reality?
We kept wearing the same favourite outfits over and over again.
Some clothes stayed folded for months.
If we were packing again today, we’d bring fewer pieces and wash more often.
Extra Accessories
A few camera accessories looked useful before the trip.
After six months, they barely left the bag.
Whenever we needed to move quickly between trains, buses, and hotels, simplicity always won.
Bulky Items
Anything that took up a lot of space but wasn’t used weekly became a burden.
Every extra kilogram feels heavier after carrying it through multiple countries.
What We Use Every Day
These are the real winners.
Power Bank
If there is one item we would never leave home without, it’s a power bank.
We use it for:
- Phones
- Cameras
- Drones
- Earbuds
Long train rides and full-day sightseeing make it essential.
Packing Cubes
Before this trip, packing cubes felt optional.
Now we can’t imagine travelling without them.
They help us:
- Stay organised
- Find things quickly
- Repack faster
- Separate clean and dirty clothes
When you’re moving every few days, organisation matters.
Universal Travel Adapter
A simple item that saves a lot of trouble.
One adapter works across multiple countries and keeps our charging setup simple.
Fujifilm X-T5
Our most-used piece of camera gear.
Most of the photos on our Instagram were taken with this camera.
It’s reliable, lightweight enough for travel, and produces beautiful images.
What We Would Buy Again
After six months on the road, these are purchases we would happily make again.
1. A Comfortable Backpack
A good backpack matters more than people think.
You’ll carry it through airports, train stations, city streets, and sometimes up hills.
Comfort becomes more important than looks.
2. High-Capacity Power Bank
We use ours almost daily.
If you’re travelling long-term, don’t buy the cheapest one.
Buy one you can rely on.
3. Packing Cubes
Probably the best value-for-money travel item we own.
Small investment.
Huge difference.
4. Universal Travel Adapter
One adapter is easier than carrying multiple country-specific plugs.
5. Camera Gear That Fits Your Style
Don’t buy gear because YouTubers use it.
Buy gear that matches how you travel.
For us, the combination of a Fujifilm X-T5, a versatile zoom lens, and a small drone has been enough for almost every situation.
Final Thoughts
When we started this journey, we thought successful long-term travel meant bringing everything we might need.
Six months later, we’ve learned the opposite.
The less we carry, the easier travel becomes.
If you’re preparing for a long trip, don’t focus on packing more.
Focus on packing better.
Because after six months on the road, the best travel gear isn’t the most expensive item.
It’s the item you actually use every day.