Clothing

Underwear

Socks

Three pairs seem sufficient, wool only for cold weather even if they are better for perspiration. For treks or extreme cold, you can also bring specialized models. Store them inside your shoes with other small items to save space in your bag.

Underwear and Swimwear

Three pairs plus a swimsuit, which often proves useful—not just at the seaside (for female travelers, opt for a one-piece in many countries).

Long Underwear

Made of fleece or insulating fiber, but only for extreme cold. Budget around 30 € minimum.

Shorts and Pants

Shorts

Useful in hot weather or at the beach, but not always well-received in some countries.

"Very Light" Pants

Styles like sarouel, African, joggers, or climbing pants (or even a sarong). A good alternative to shorts at the beach, in extreme heat, during stops, etc. Lightweight, inexpensive (you can also buy them locally), quick-drying, and travel-friendly.

Convertible Pants (Zip-Off Legs)

Detach the legs with a zip system. Very practical and still relatively unknown. Excellent in use and for saving space with this "two-in-one." Around 30 € for budget options.

Jeans or Heavy Canvas Pants

Durable and versatile but hot in some regions and slow to dry.

Lightweight Canvas Pants

The opposite of the above but very complementary for many trips.

Belt

Can also be used occasionally as a strap. There are also money belts available.

T-Shirts, Shirts, Sweaters

Sleeveless T-Shirt

One or two, easily replaceable on the road.

Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Made of insulating fiber. Like long underwear, only for extreme cold.

Shirts (Short and/or Long Sleeves)

One of each is often ideal and complementary.

Fleece Sweaters and Pullovers

Varying warmth depending on the model, around 50 € minimum for quality. Useful in cold regions but also against chilly nights or aggressive air conditioning in many places. Perfect for "a light layer."

Classic Sweaters and Pullovers

Fleece is generally more practical in every way.

Jackets, Windbreakers, Weather Protection

Multi-Pocket Vest

Like the pants of the same style, it has its fans (including for the look). Especially useful for photographers and hikers. At least 75 €.

Jacket or Windbreaker

Varying warmth and bulk, but generally recommended. Consider the necessity before packing the bulkiest options.

Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket

An alternative to the above and potentially more useful for outdoor activities. Choose one with a hood. Around 40 € for budget options.

K-Way

Space-saving, but in terms of price and performance, a waterproof windbreaker is better. There are also K-Way pants, but they’re rarely useful while traveling.

Poncho or Rain Cape

With space for your bag + cover. Great for hiking or cycling, where special models exist (including for backpack transport). For other uses, alternatives exist, including for protecting your backpack. However, high-quality options cost between 50 € and 100 €.

Still, emergency ponchos are very cheap (< 10 €), lightweight (< 100 g for some), and can double as a ground sheet. The same goes for capes (15 € minimum; 250–300 g).

Scarves, Hats, Gloves

Scarf or Shemagh (or Bandanas as an Alternative)

For protection against cold, heat, or dust, as a head covering... or even as a strap. Less than 15 € for a 3-meter shemagh.

Cap, Bucket Hat, or Sun Hat

Always useful against the sun and occasionally the rain. A cap with a neck flap is ideal (under 15 € for budget options).

Beanie

Mariner, South American, or other styles—primarily for cold weather or chilly nights in some regions. Under 15 € or available locally in some countries.

Gloves

Only for cold regions and seasons.

Extras

Hand Warmers

Not clothing, but small rechargeable or disposable "pouches" that quickly emit natural heat for several hours on the body part where they’re placed (can also work as a hot water bottle). Special versions exist for hands, feet, or the body. Excellent and very useful in cold snaps, especially while hiking or anytime.

Features: a few dozen grams, around 2 €–3 per disposable unit, and 7 €–10 for rechargeable ones with sticks (variable prices) or hot water.

Cold-Protection Creams

Same purpose in cream form (around 10 €).