OBOW reader Paul submits this packing list:
I wouldn’t ever wear synthetics on the plane — only cotton, wool, & leather.
Packed Clothing:
Coolmax polo shirt (2)
Long-sleeved shirt (1)
T-shirt (2)
Lightweight sweater (wear if it’s cold)
Coolmax undershirt (1)
Coolmax undershorts (2)
Long nylon pants that zip off into shorts
TravelSmith polyester dress pants
Willis & Geiger khaki vest
Flip-flops
Tilley walking socks (2)
Swim trunks (double as hotel shorts)
New Balance hiking boots (wear if traveling via other than air)
Patagonia rain shell
Worn clothing:
Cotton polo shirt
Cotton jeans or chinos
Cotton undershorts (wash ‘em when you get there, will be dry in a couple of days)
Dansko clogs (if traveling via air - easy to take off & put on)
Tilley Adventurecloth blazer (no, it’s not a natural fiber, but easy to shed in case of fire)
Tilley hat (y’all seem to hate these, but I love my T4 and hemp T5)
Miscellaneous:
Disposable Trac II razor
Antiperspirant
Prescription meds
Alka-Seltzer
Spare glasses / sunglasses / glasses leash
iPod
Cell phone
Palm TX (use as travel alarm where there’s no cell service)
Pocket digital camera
Wall warts for 4 above (certain things are essentials)
Book
Moleskine pocket notebook / pencil
Small backpack or largish lumbar pack (packed for use as daypack at destination)
All packed into a 2005-vintage Patagonia MLC
The only things I ever need to add to this list are a necktie, a fleece, and a laptop computer (and then only in specific situations).