A Packing List for Long-Distance Walking
This is my packing list for a long-distance walking trip in Japan, such as the Tokaido or Nakasendo. These are the things I find necessary for a trip of several days, in relatively mild weather, walking almost every day, and staying in lodging that provides a bed and shower, such as hotels.
I’ve tried to reduce the weight and volume of what I carry as much as possible to make walking easier. I was inspired by ultralight backpacking, which refers to backpacking in the wilderness while carrying at most 10 pounds, excluding food, water, and fuel. But I don’t need to camp, so I can comfortably walk with less than half that.
Travel
Obviously, my passport, wallet, and phone are essential.
I use a smartwatch to help with navigation. I use noise-cancelling earbuds mostly on flights. I have a small USB charger and cables for charging.
I use a pen to write postcards.
My house key is attached to a loop inside my backpack. I keep a paper copy of my identification, a useful but inconsequential amount of backup cash, a backup credit card, and backup ATM card separately from my passport and wallet.
I also have a handkerchief that I use to dry my hands, and facial tissues.
Clothing
I wear a basic outfit: shorts or pants, a t-shirt, and a long-sleeve shirt with a collar and buttons. A long-sleeve shirt with buttons can be easily adjusted if you get too hot or cold.
I wear the same socks and underwear as I would for running.
Since I will definitely sweat, any fabric I wear should dry quickly.
I essentially have two sets of clothing. After walking, I change into clean socks, underwear, and t-shirt, and wash the others for the next day. In Japan, washing machines are almost always available at hotels and other lodging.
My shoes are road running shoes.
Weather
I wear a rain jacket when it rains or if it’s a little cold or windy. I also carry an umbrella that is designed to block sun as well as rain.
I wear a hat to shade my head from the sun. I also have sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with sun protection.
If it’s too hot to wear a long-sleeve shirt, I’ll put on arm covers.
Walking
I have a Japanese tenugui cloth that’s useful for various things, similar to a bandana: to wipe away sweat, to shade my neck from the sun, and so on. These are sold as local souvenirs so I’m always on the lookout for one related to my walking route.
I don’t usually plan to walk at night, but if I can’t avoid it I’ll use a small flashlight or headlamp and wear a reflective leg band.
I attach ankle gaiters to my shoes to keep stuff from the road or trail out.
A hiking bell to use on trails, and insect repellent.
A small bottle of liquid soap for washing my hands if there isn’t any soap in a remote public restroom.
Recently, bear spray seems to have become necessary when hiking in wilderness areas. But I don’t have experience with carrying this yet.
Food and Water
I carry a plastic water bottle which I refill when necessary. This is especially useful for air travel, because staying hydrated makes me feel much better on a long flight.
The amount of water I carry varies with how readily available it is. Sometimes I will see vending machines and convenience stores on every block, but occasionally I’ll need to walk a long way to get more.
And I always have some food for a snack.
Emergency Kit
The contents are similar to first-aid kits for short outings you can buy at an outdoors store.
For wound care, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol prep pads, and sterile dressings.
For bugs, a bug bite venom removal tool and a tick remover.
For preventing and treating blisters, paper-backed strips of athletic tape and a small container of skin protectant balm.
A safety pin for temporary repairs or securing a bandage, tweezers for removing splinters, a small pair of scissors with blunt ends for cutting bandages, packaging, etc., and a procedure mask in case I get a cold or there’s dust or something I want to avoid breathing.
In case of a mild sprain, an ankle support sleeve.
Some basic medicines: pain medication and upset stomach medication.
Bath
I carry a few basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, and nail clippers.
Organization
I carry everything in a backpack. I keep things I need readily, like water, rain gear, or my first aid kit, in the side or front pockets.
I keep small items and my emergency kit in water-resistant zippered pouches. I keep my clothing, charging stuff, and earbuds in a small dry bag.
I use plastic zip-top bags to isolate liquids or things that can be damaged by liquid, and to pack garbage.