So what do you take on a 4 month around the world trip? Not much, actually. Because everything you have with you is on your back, and you have to carry it with you everywhere you go. There is actually an amazing amount of stuff in this backpack and day bag combination. The little polka dotted bag is medicine, toiletries, and electronics. In the gray and black stuff compression sack are all of my clothes. There is also a lightweight towel, rain poncho, sleep sack, and other little bits and bobs tucked in there. I’m also fully loaded with art supplies and have a pair of shower shoes/ flats.
Bonus- my day bag is collapsible and everything can fit into my backpack.
The total weight is somewhere around 27lbs, which is 7lbs more than my ideal, but still totally manageable, especially since I won’t usually have to have my entire bag with me.
Luckily for me, my parents will be able to bring some stuff for me to switch out in Istanbul, that has really simplified matters since Turkey is a really good halfway point between warm and cool weather.