7KG long term travel CARRY ON LUGGAGE packing list for ultralight backpackers

This is my ULTIMATE LONG TERM TRAVEL CARRY ON packing list for the ultralight backpacker. It's all about minimalist living, bringing only the essential items and being as lightweight as possible.
In this video, I'll show you how to pack for carry on, all the hiking and travel gear I use, all of the cameras and how I pack my bag with tips, hacks and ideas for a trip to the tropics and South East Asia.
With this packing list, you'll be able to jump on a plane with one bag for cabin luggage and be able to hop off and hike a mountain with the same pack! Trust me, I did this.
I don't use a traditional backpack, instead, I use my Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider which is made out of incredibly strong and waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric.
I'm a KZbinr, so need the extra camera gear like a drone, a microphone and an iPad, but for those who don't make videos, this pack would be even lighter.
BTW, I MADE THIS INCREDIBLE BIT OF GEAR
Check it out! thrunotes.co.uk
Kit list as of June 2020:
Backpacks
Atom+: bit.ly/31oHlFF
ULA Circuit: bit.ly/37XbigX
SHELTERS
Stratospire 2: bit.ly/317A9gS
Zpacks Solplex: bit.ly/2CtyJmr
SLEEP SYSTEMS
Katabatic Sawatch: bit.ly/3fWSxNM
Katabatic Palisade: bit.ly/3ewt5OL
Neoair Xlite: bit.ly/2YrKSB4
FOOTWEAR
Altra Lone Peak 4.0: bit.ly/2B5fHm8
Gaiters - Altra gaiters: bit.ly/37ViBFY
CLOTHING
Waterproof shells
Rohan Helix: bit.ly/37ZKbSo
OR Helium 2: bit.ly/3fVmzBq
Frogg Toggs: bit.ly/2Nqlrth
Insulated jackets
Patagonia Micropuff Hoodie: bit.ly/2YwQZ7f
Trespass Rustler: bit.ly/3i0HODx
Base layers
Ice Breaker base layer: bit.ly/3eGSdlG
Shirts
Rohan Expedition: bit.ly/388teWl
Shorts
Patagonia Striders: bit.ly/2Npw2EX
Hats
REI desert cap: bit.ly/3hWUKdJ
Berghaus beanie: bit.ly/31dGvvi
Sunglasses
Sungods: bit.ly/2zZ0wKG
Gloves
Salomon gloves: bit.ly/2ByVMMf
Ski gloves: bit.ly/383TCQX
Socks
Injinjis: bit.ly/3dwpmPG
Darn Toughs: bit.ly/3hX28G2
Sealskinz: bit.ly/3hXAnNG
NB Flat Knit: bit.ly/31e0Dx1
Mosquito net
Smidge: bit.ly/2B8d9DH
Buff
Camino Buff: bit.ly/31awGho
FILM AND SOUND
Phone
iPhone 11 Pro Max: bit.ly/2NosT83
Drones
DJI Mavic Air 2: bit.ly/31oIn4v
DJI Mavic Air 1: bit.ly/2VbNn8E
Cameras
Canon M50: bit.ly/3eyCPrQ
Sony RX100V: bit.ly/2NqQOUy
Mics
Röde Micro: bit.ly/2Npt1nX
Tripods
Gorilla Pod 1K: bit.ly/31c74Rf
Gorilla Pod 500: bit.ly/3ewApts
Manfrotto Action: bit.ly/2Ys689O
NAVIGATION
GPS units
Garmin InReach Mini: bit.ly/384Keg4
Garmin GPS Map 66i: bit.ly/3dxY4bI
Compass
Silva Field: bit.ly/31aS3iD
WATER TREATMENT
Filter
Sawyer Squeeze: bit.ly/2YwRJt3
Purifying drops
Aquamira drops: bit.ly/3euuQM9
Water storage
Cnoc Vecto 2L: bit.ly/31e1AFB
ELECTRONICS
Power banks
20,000mah: bit.ly/2NnBQyA
13,000mah: bit.ly/3hZhvOg
GPS tracking watch
Garmin Forerunner 35: bit.ly/3drJUc9
Wall chargers
UK : bit.ly/2BxbgQW
US : bit.ly/3dpUIrb
Data
Apple SD reader: bit.ly/2VfnnsW
EQUIPMENT
Lights
NU25: bit.ly/2Z5S70p
H2R Nova: bit.ly/2BB5fCV
Tiki: bit.ly/3hXBKfi
Ice axe
Grivel Helix: bit.ly/2Z6e0Nm
Trekking poles
Alpine Carbon Cork: bit.ly/3hXWiUL
Traction
Microspikes: bit.ly/3fQC5hV
Stove
MSR Pocket Rocket 2: bit.ly/2Vfl4WL
Spoons and knives
TITO titanium spoon: bit.ly/3ey0oAT
Victorinox mini classic: bit.ly/2Yr7dP8
Poop trowel
Deuce of Spades trowel: bit.ly/3i7H3c6
Sit pad
Kumfie pad: bit.ly/3euvJnX
Tent stakes
Tarptent stakes: bit.ly/3hZik9O
MSR Mini Ground Hogs: bit.ly/3ew7VAe
OEX Y-shaped stakes: bit.ly/31bAnnd
Tent poles
Zpacks carbon fibre tent poles: bit.ly/3du14pM
Ground sheet
Polycryo ground sheet: bit.ly/37XLmBW
STORAGE
Pack liners and pods
Atom Packs DCF pack liner: bit.ly/2YrMPxo
Heacy-duty rubble sacks: bit.ly/31dqPba
Dry bags and stuff sacks
Sea to Summit 4L Nano: bit.ly/3hVi8Z3
OEX 2L dry bag: bit.ly/3dx6qjX
Katabatic Gear silynylon stuff sack: bit.ly/3expU9n
Pouches and wallets
Zpacks DCF Wallet: bit.ly/2VgbQcL
Zpacks DCF utility pouch: bit.ly/2CuHAEq
Food storage
Loksak OPSak: bit.ly/2Nq2VkD
Ziploc freezer bags: bit.ly/2Z8GOVz
#carryonluggage #travelpackingtips #ultralightbackpacking
FOLLOW ME:
Website: www.thetrailhunter.com/
Insta: / the_trailhunter
Twitter: / the_trailhunter

[@antongrad]

That Hyperlite backpack is the ‘Dior’ of the backpacks lol 😂…. Very very cool well made expensive ,it’s worth it tho.

[@andrewinyyz]

This is great info. Love to see an updated version. I recently ditched my SLR gear for an iPhone 13 pro and it’s so great for my minimalist travel lifestyle

[@LowkeyLukeDnB]

This is a great video. Lots of helpful tips. I love the end message of not needing all of your complications with you. Thank you.

[@connorwood1026]

Really liking the frequency of these videos, thanks! Nice to see variety too

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks Connor. Glad you’re enjoying them. More to come next week. Any questions, let me know. 👍

[@SoundsAlotLikeSilenc]

Even though I can never travel without a 20kg princess suitcase, I found this video very calming to watch! :)

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Ahh glad you enjoyed it and found it calming, definitely something I never imagined my videos would be. 👍⛰

[@jlowandbehold]

Top video and such a good setup.

[@barry4848]

Outstanding video!. I have travelled to 115 countries since 1985. I started in 1985 with a giant pack, probably 20kg. I quickly downsized. I currently travel with a Tom Bihn 25L bag, max weight of everything is 7kg (I do not carry a tent, sleeping bag, winter jacket, drone...I find it hard to believe that all of the equipment in the video weighs 7kg). The detailed video has great advice, particularily the small amount of clothing and dry bags. I personaly prefer a bag that locks, no bum bag. I carry a 18l Osprey bag that I use as a day bag at my destination. The osprey bag weighs nothing and is extremely compact. I typically travel 8 months a year. Travel light (7kg, 25L) and compact is the only weigh to go. I am constantly amazed how much crap people travel with in the tropics, crazy! You should be able to get on a bus, stick your only bag at your feet...top security. The video is bang on, great advice!!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks Barry. Fantastic stuff.

[@MarinaSoliman]

This is awesome! Just uploaded my own minimalist packing video :) thanks sm for the tips

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Haha amazing, nice dance moves, Marina! Awesome video. 👍

[@arlencarlson]

Yes, have heard about the Treking pole thing. That is whole reason I never bring mine when I do all carry-on.

[@annabelazanutto9222]

A bunch of different things. Nice tips!

[@speckofdust272]

Great advice thankyou 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gavrielhamlin6917]

I got the HMG 3400 (55 liters) southwest. The difference is that the southwest has non see through pockets so it’s more of a anti theft measure. Cool video 😎

[@kiranchristopher11]

Really nice information 🙂

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Outstanding video. I am thinking about purchasing a backpack I can use for traveling and day hikes. Take Care and God Bless

[@tiegefx]

nice loadout bro!

[@assacoon]

Great gear and advise. I'd say that Patagonia Torrentshell is very waterproof thou. I have it and I've used it in some crazy rain on Dartmoor and it's never got me wet once. I do find it too warm for mild days in light showers so I tend to use my windshield then. Great vid chap, thanks for sharing

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks Nick. Glad you enjoyed the video. I’ve got a full review of the Torrent-shell coming up. It is waterproof, but the rain can cut through in heavy downpours. In the review I talk about what it means for a product to be called “waterproof” to manage people’s expectations. Haha, you’ll see what I mean. Thanks again!

[@assacoon]

@@thetrailhunter4469 Look forward to that one 👍👍

[@lucaronja815]

thank you so much for this video! I´m going to travel to south east Asia, new Zealand and Bali for around 8 months with my osprey fairview 40 but i´m always struggling with the weight cause only the backpack is 1.5kg

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks, Luca! Glad you enjoyed the video and that you found it useful. Have an incredible time on your trip! Any questions, let me know. 👍

[@nobodyhikes]

Here in the States, trekking poles have to be checked in unless they're needed for mobility. Good to know they're not as strict in the places you were travelling. I really like the idea of going from plane to trail. I'm curious to see how you do all your work on the iPad. Really compact and efficient, thank you!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Yeah in Nepal it was quite tight on the poles, but in Indonesia not as much. But to be on the safe side I’d just buy them when you get there, cheaper as well. Haha on the iPad I edit with patience. Getting sound from the recorder could be a pain in the butt. But really a laptop isn’t the only way to go anymore.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

P.S. I Use LumaFusion to edit. It’s amazing once you learn it. 👍

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Will be taking a 30l but also wearing baselayer thermal..and jacket etc on plane to cut weight a bit. Also as gave away laptop (big mistake as wiped off all photos on cloud and webstick didnt work!) will just have camera kinfle and phone cutting out heavy charger plug etc..

[@trytheoutdoors]

Outstanding! The gear all adds up in price but it's an investment. Could you not take hardened plastic or wooden pegs?

[@philipjanek3864]

Blue jeans are the heaviest items. Sometimes before weigh in ill wear 2 pairs then take one off before i get to security to stay inder 7 kg 🎉🎉🎉👌

[@PaulOvaDoze]

That's some slick packing. Had been hoping we'd see a gear list video and delivered as always. How did you find the Altra lone peaks when you were in the Lake District? I'm doing the West Highland Way in May and was considering these as an alternative to my Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX boots.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks Paul. It’s taken me a while to dial in my gear like that so glad you found it useful. Astra’s are by far the best trail runners I’ve worn. I always recommend them over boots, but gotta have the right tools for the job. Trail runners always for 3 season long distance hikes. Boots for some insane snowy craziness.

[@kiranchristopher11]

Nice 👍

[@ErikScarcia]

Dude, Great Vid & Channel! Could you elaborate on your camera/mic/gorrillapod setup and how you use them together and what you then do with the vid/audio? Big thanks! Cheers!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Hi Erik, thanks! Glad you’re enjoying the content. I have a Canon M50 for shorter hikes. Use a Rode Video Micro on top. Also use a DJI Mavic Air. Love it to bits. For longer hikes I ditch those and go with a Sony RX100 Mk 5. Edit on an iPad Pro while travelling using LumaFusion App. Works well, but prefer using my MacBook Pro with Adobe Premier and After Effects which is what I also use for work. 👍 Hope that helps!

[@andythetraveler6260]

I have the hyperlite mountain gear summit but I’m not sure about using that one or my urban ex 18.

[@es3907]

You were doing so well !! PEGS !! 😂

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Yeah, pain in the butt for sure! But only in Indonesia did I have this problem. 👍

[@hr.4190]

I never considered that tent stakes might not be allowed in an airplane. Worth considering in the future! thanks!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

No worries, thanks for watching! I guess it can all depend on the type of tent stakes, how pointy they are where you’re flying to and also who’s checking bags at the airport. I didn’t have much luck, If you manage to let me know. 👍

[@annwest8893]

I have a Patagonia synthetic puffy that collapses the same as your down AND if it gets wet it still keeps you warm unlike down.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Yeah I’ve been using the Patagonia Micropuff for ages. Such a good jacket. 🤙

[@TruesdaleTV]

I take it u can't bring ur trekking pole on the plane either? So wat do u use to pitch ur tent? Also I seen blunt plastic tent stakes in go outdoors would they be OK to carryon in your hand luggage?

[@SucreWDS]

Hello! I want to know what kind of brand of your backpack? is the backpack less zhan 56CM,45CM,25CM?

[@ChaseMountains]

Hyperlite gear is the beez kneez. Super strong, durable and lightweight, amazing stuff!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Ahh yeah best bag I’ve ever bought. Wish the hip belt was removable though. Would make an awesome day bag:

[@ChaseMountains]

@@thetrailhunter4469 ahah yup theres always something small hey! perfection is tough!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Haha there’s no such thing as perfect as the saying goes. So we should let HMG off. 👍. Thanks for watching!

[@FABM27]

What is length * breadth * width/depth of bags that can always go on board as carry on??

[@MarathonMan1981]

Great vid. Where were those mountains and beach shown at the end?

[@thetrailhunter4469]

That was the Lake District National Park here in the UK and Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida Island in Indonesia. 👍

[@farahalmasy]

“What if I need the kitchen sink??” - The Trailhunter. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 thanks for sharing!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Nobody will stop you carrying a kitchen sink around the world. 😂😂👋 thanks! Hope you enjoyed it.

[@farahalmasy]

The Trail Hunter thanks for the reply! This was very informative!

[@rjt1201]

heads up - coedine is banned in some countries - found that out the hard way - if you are bringing a lot, declare it, i only had a little bti like you do it was fine, but similar to tramdol, you can do to prision in some countries. love your vids

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Oh blimey thanks very much for the heads up!

[@gonewild1220]

Not usually into vids like this mate but was definitely interested to no what kit your rocking about with and nice one like your style!!! Ha ha you in that sleeping bag... cheers mate peace ✌️

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Haha cheers fella. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@GeorgeSoan]

Love this video bro. Thanks! you've got a new sub :)

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@GeorgeSoan]

The Trail Hunter no worries mate! I’m really trying to get as lightweight as possible when still filming my travels. Never heard of this bag before so I’m going to check it out. Currently using the wandrd prvke but would prefer a hiking backpack to be more comfy! Cheers

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Ahh fair play. Yeah, the camera gear is such a big bit of weight for me. Without the drone and the Canon M50 I’d be carrying about 7lbs. But that’s what I love making my videos with. The pack I have is awesome, HMG make some really durable stuff. Atom Packs make some amazing stuff here in the UK. Waymark also are a good UL pack manufacturer. Any Q’s give me a shout. Happy hikin’!

[@0Linerider0forever0]

The backpack is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for, waterproof, packable, versatile...except I was expecting maybe 100 pounds and I click on the link and its 300 dollars! Not sure I can justify that, do you have any other recommendations for cheaper alternatives, smallish bags like this one that are waterproof and have some good features also. Having only watched a few of your videos I trust your opinion. Thanks in advance.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Thanks Jeremy. Yeah it’s pricy, but I used it all the time, for my money’s worth and there aren’t many packs out there made of DCF which are seam sealed for much less. Atom Packs here in the UK make their packs out of X-Pac which is another waterproof laminate fabric, but you’ll need a pack liner. I currently use the Atom+ which I had custom made. They start at £150. Hope that helps.

[@kevinparker9407]

I found this pack from Berghaus last year. Not dyneema but is lightweight and has served me well around Europe. Check it out. www.berghaus.com/fast-hike-45-rucksack%C2%A0%C2%A0/422205.html

[@jdshl8423]

I brought a cheap backpack (only weighed 900g though) travelling for 2 months and hated it. Not comfortable with 10kg total weight, and straps and fabric were ripping all over the place within 2 weeks of repeated packing/ unpacking. Could have done it with far less stuff. So, I think I'm going to buy one of these HMG 40L bags. I'm just trying to be a nomad, not a digital one, so armed with only a mobile phone, I think I can carry 3 sets of clothing plus some winter wear. I don't really care if I look like an idiot carrying this bag into hostels. Not really into hiking much except for sightseeing, so I might not have camping gear at all as well, which means I have enough space and weight to carry some luxury items like a 1L thermos water bottle, 1L re-usable lunch box, a stuffable sling bag (daypack), and my trusty inflatable camping pillow (even when I'm not camping). I'm a mid-sized asian, and yeah, 7kg pack weight sounds really good to me, especially if it can be carry-on for all flights.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Hi Jamin. Fantastic to hear and good luck on your trip. This pack was brilliant for travelling with and it helps to have a smaller pack because it limits you to the essential items. These packs are built to last a lot of miles and are perfect for life on the road because they’re so simple. All the best with your trip and thanks for watching. 👍

[@jdshl8423]

@@thetrailhunter4469 , I have a question and I'd like your opinion on it. I've also been looking at the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. What do you think?

[@vicentmartin564]

You can use chopsticks as tent stakes if the ground is not too hard. If it is, you might want to punch a hole in the ground with a screwdriver and then put the chopstick. Yup, sometimes you cannot carry a screwdriver in a plane, but they are easier to find than tent stakes, and you only need one.

[@TheRst2001]

Omg ! :)

[@markus7586]

i did 4 months with 9 kilos but i noticed that i probably had about 2 kilos extra stuff i never used.. :)

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Markus - would you care to say a little about what those items were that you didn't use, please?

[@markus7586]

@@CosmicSeeker69 For example, I brought an IPad with a keyboard, just ended up beeing in my bag and I eventually sent it home too.. and lots of small trinkets that I thought "it's good to have" but nothing I needed actually, and ofc I allways but refreegerator magnets of every place I went (it ended up beeing like 20 of them, big ones), go pro camera and a lot of mounting gear.. used it once.. I just enjoyed the moment instead of makeing movies about it.. and like 3 small books to write my adventures in (which I never found time for, ergo wasted room, also 2 books) think that was about all that I didn't need.

[@jameshenderson9265]

ayyyyy

[@nasdanrose4802]

Do you leave your passport at hostels or carry all the time with you?

[@thetrailhunter4469]

The only time I don’t carry my passport is if I’m swimming/diving then its locked away somewhere. 😎

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Have you ever found a mosquito spray that works I cant even deet didnt!

[@floesh-408]

Do you bring a microfiber towel? Earplugs?

[@thetrailhunter4469]

I use a sarong instead of a towel and my headphones work fine instead of ear plugs.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Multi-use!

[@ObeluStrawberry]

why would u need an additional compass when your iPhone has it?

[@thetrailhunter4469]

A magnetic compass doesn’t rely on battery or a screen to work.

[@oliverrussell2331]

tasty

[@jolenethellama]

You can't bring stove gas regardless where you check your bag in. Like bruh, that shit's explosive and on the prohibit-list.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Sounds like you’re having a big dillama here.

[@conbizsol5554]

To be honest, this actually is not even near the absolute minimum. Check out Artis Guru that guy has 3 items in his bag(!)...

[@rykellim]

7KG flights are causing all of us to become minimalist nomads! lol

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Haha they certainly are. 👍 thanks for watching

[@thomasdc2439]

get creative and use some chopsticks as stakes ;)

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Haha trust me, making my own in Indonesia was as creative as I could get.

[@yoddythegreat]

@@thetrailhunter4469 i live in Bali. Theres actually many outfitters that sell tent stakes. Eiger, thats the biggest outfitter here. Its in Kuta. In case next time you come again

[@thetrailhunter4469]

I went there and they only sold them with a tent, not separately 🤔 thanks though, I’ll head there again next time.

[@yoddythegreat]

@@thetrailhunter4469 no, man. They lied. Lol 😂 Cool, if you need favor, let me know. Maybe next time we can go to mount Semeru.

[@Peter-200]

Could he got through this any slower

[@richardhall7415]

There is no way that is 7kg man. Love the video though.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Ahh man. I weighed it all and everything. Guess you’ll just have to take my word for it. Would be silly to lie 🙊

[@richardhall7415]

@@thetrailhunter4469 is that without the bag because that would make more sense. I mean I have less and it’s 8kg with the bag. I get your point about feet smelling, it’s the the hardest thing when travelling. What trail shoes do you have? Are they water trail shoes. Tbh, it’s refreshing to watch someone who I’m actually learning off, most youtubers are clueless. haha

[@deniseperkins]

I disagree with the bumbag... keeping your most valuable things in this is too risky and likely to have a thief just undo it from your waist and run away with the whole thing. Goodbye passport and phone!

[@thetrailhunter4469]

Where do you keep your valuables while travelling Denise?

[@deniseperkins]

The Trail Hunter I wear clothes that have pockets with invisible zippers. For example, Columbia shorts / pants with zipper pockets big enough to have phone in one pocket, passport in another. Also I have travel shirts with invisible pockets and a loop scarf with a hidden pocket. I also have a fabulous lightweight MontBell vest that has awesome pockets.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

@@deniseperkins Awesome! Thanks for the tips. Happy travels.

[@soundd1020]

Amateurs. No Pack. Only a loincloth. #Ultrsl33t

[@jeffdur1330]

Real minimalists don't need any of this junk.

[@thetrailhunter4469]

I'm one of your magical make-believe minimalist unicorns.

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Will be taking a 30l but also wearing baselayer thermal..and jacket etc on plane to cut weight a bit. Also as gave away laptop (big mistake as wiped off all photos on cloud and webstick didnt work!) will just have camera kinfle and phone cutting out heavy charger plug etc..