🧳 3 Months in Asia: What I’d Pack If I Did It All Over Again—Starting With Nothing

India, Nepal, Thailand | March 15 – June 1

🧭 Intro

When I packed for 75 days across Southeast Asia—spanning an Indian and Thai summer, plus some trekking in Nepal—I wanted to travel light but smart. My goal was to start with quality essentials and build as needed with local purchases.

My travel style is minimalist and flexible: book 2 nights ahead, stay longer if it feels right, and plan transport just 1–2 days in advance. That meant living out of a single carry-on backpack, with no room for “just in case” extras.

If you’re heading out on a long trip and wondering what actually earns its place in your pack, here’s what worked for me—and what I’d bring if I had to start from scratch.

☀️ What to Expect Weather-Wise

Rajasthan (March–April) was hot and dry (think: 90°F+ / 35°C+),

Nepal (April–May) was cool in the mornings and at night with chill wind during the day—especially at higher altitudes—and

Thailand (May), a humid, rainy steam bath. Versatility is key: breathable fabrics, and sandals I could live in.

⭐ What I’d Bring If I Did It All Over Again

🎒 The Star Performers

Patagonia Black Hole MLC Pack ($240)

My ride-or-die for 75 days. Part backpack, part duffel, part indestructible travel mule. It handled bus yanks, train floors, and cobblestone benches with ease. Plenty of pockets kept me organized and sane. I trusted it more than most hotel Wi-Fi by week two.

Patagonia Ultralight Mini Hip Pack ($25)

My daily sidekick. Held my passport, cash, and phone without fail. It’s small, secure, and dries fast (unlike the cotton ones hanging in every market stall). MVP status for sure.

Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals ($115)

These sandals lived on my feet—dusty cities, temples, wet marble, even light treks. Grippy, adjustable, and dry in no time. I only packed two pairs of socks thanks to these. Worth every penny.

🧳 My Ideal Packing List

If I had to start from $0, this is what I’d rebuild.

🎒 Backpack & Storage

45L Carry-on Backpack – Patagonia Black Hole MLC ($240)
Travel Cubes x2 ($15)
Shoe Bag ($20)
Packable Cloth Tote ($5)
Mini Hip Pack – Patagonia ($25)

👕 Clothing

2 Shirts – Funky short- and long-sleeve button-downs (thrift store, $5–10 each)
- Preferably polyester
- (Funky shirts also serve as a great conversation starter.)
1 Cheap Windbreaker (thrifted, ~$15)
1 Thin Fleece (thrifted, ~$15)
1 Pair Hiking Pants – Wrangler, Target ($15)
2 Pairs Underwear – Polyester (Under Armour, ~$15)
2 Pairs Merino Wool Socks – Darn Tough ($12 x2)
1 Pair Running Shorts / Swimsuit – Roark (~$40)
1 Lightweight Shawl / Towel – Doubled as a towel and sun wrap (~$15)
1 Baseball Cap ($15)

👟 Footwear

Bedrock Sandals – REI ($115) ⭐
Cheap Running Shoes (~$60) – Ideally bought locally before leaving for fit and savings

📱 Electronics

Phone (Price not included. You have one.) + charger ($20)
USB-C Cable ($15)
Universal Adapter (Type C/D, $30)
Cheap Bluetooth Headphones ($30)
Small Power Bank ($30)
Airtags x3 (wallet, hip pack, backpack) ($75)

🧴 Personal Care

Dr. Bronner’s Soap ($5)
Large Stick of Deodorant ($5) – Hard to find in Asia.
Sunscreen ($10)
Baby Wipes ($5)
Hand Sanitizer ($3)
Meds (~$50): Imodium, Pepto, Tums, 1 course antibiotics
Mini First Aid Kit ($20): gauze, tape, gloves, etc.

Grand Total: ~$1000

🛑 What I Wouldn’t Pack Again

Too many shirts – You’ll buy better ones on the road anyway, and they will likely be more appropriate for the climate.
Sentimental items – Don’t bring anything you’d cry over losing. I left a beloved water bladder behind during a chaotic 2 a.m. bus swap. Never again.

💡 Pack for the rhythm of your trip, not your fears or fantasies. You’ll always wish you packed less.

🧘 Closing Thoughts

Packing for 75 days across India, Nepal, and Thailand taught me that travel rewards lightness—physically and mentally. Bring gear that supports how you actually move through your day. The rest? You can buy it, trade for it, or realize you never needed it to begin with.