The Wandering Koi

🌍 6-Month Packing List (Women)

Cold mornings in the 30s°F → hot days in the 80s°F

👚 Clothing (Core Wardrobe)

Tops

3–4 moisture-wicking t-shirts 2–3 long-sleeve base layers (merino or synthetic)

1 lightweight button-up or sun-shirt (UPF if possible)

1–2 casual tops/tanks

1 warm fleece or merino mid-layer

1 insulated puffer jacket (lightweight + packable)

1 rain jacket (waterproof, not just water-resistant)

Optional: 1 hoodie or sweatshirt for comfort days

Bottoms

2 pairs hiking pants (lightweight, quick-dry)

1 pair leggings (can layer under pants for 30°F mornings)

1 pair jeans or casual pants

1–2 pairs shorts

Optional: 1 casual skirt/dress if you like variety

Swim + Activewear

2 swimsuits

1 swim cover-up or lightweight dress

1 pair athletic shorts or running shorts

1 sports bra (if needed for hiking)

🧥 Cold-Weather Layering for 30°F

Warm base layers (top + bottom)

Fleece or merino mid-layer

Packable puffer jacket

Rain shell (winds + traps heat)

Lightweight beanie

Gloves (thin liner gloves)

(You can easily handle freezing temps with these layers without bulky coats.)

👟 Footwear

Try to limit to 3 pairs:

Hiking shoes/boots (waterproof optional)

Comfortable walking sneakers

Sandals or flip-flops (for hostels, beaches, showers)

Optional: 1 pair lightweight water shoes if you’ll be swimming in rocky places.

🧦 Socks & Underwear

6–8 pairs underwear

2–3 sports bras + 1 regular

3–4 pairs hiking socks (merino recommended)

2–3 pairs regular socks

1 pair warm wool socks

🎒 Gear & Accessories

1 daypack (20–30L, comfortable for hiking)

1 main backpack or suitcase

Packing cubes

Refillable water bottle (1L)

Sun hat or cap

Sunglasses

Small crossbody bag or money belt

💧 Toiletries

Keep it minimal—most things can be bought along the way.

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Shampoo/conditioner (or solid bars to save space)

Soap/body wash

Razor

Hairbrush

Deodorant

Sunscreen

Minimal makeup

Period products / menstrual cup if preferred

Small first aid kit (ibuprofen, bandaids, blister care, meds)

📱 Electronics

Phone + charger

Universal power adapter

Portable battery pack

Headphones

Optional: e-reader or tablet

compact camera

lightweight laptop (only if necessary)

🧺 Laundry

1 travel laundry line

1 small bottle/packets of laundry soap

1 quick-dry travel towel

📄 Documents

Passport Copies of passport (digital + printed)

Travel insurance info

Credit/debit cards

Emergency contacts

✨ How to Pack Smart for 6 Months

Pack one week of clothing, not six months’ worth.

Choose mix-and-match neutrals (black/grey/navy/earth tones).

Choose fast-drying fabrics so laundry is easy.

Avoid anything “just in case”—you can buy almost anything locally.

Many things I plan to bring have been specifically selected to do “double duty”. My bikini works as a bra and panty set. A wrap skirt is a day to day bottom, a swim suit cover up and a scarf. My shorts are also swimming trunks. Several of my tank tops have built in bras so they can be outer layers or base layers depending on the temperatures.