What to Pack for a Research Trip

Packing for a research trip isn't the same as packing for vacation.

You're not optimizing for activities or outfits. You're preparing for the work of paying attention—which means your bag needs to support observation, protect your materials, and stay out of your way.

Here's what actually matters.

The Non-Negotiables

A bag you can carry all day

You'll walk more than you expect. A crossbody bag or small backpack that holds your essentials without weighing you down is more important than luggage optimization.

Test it before you go: load it with what you'll carry daily (notebook, water, phone, camera, wallet, layers) and walk for an hour. If your shoulder hurts, find a different bag.

Shoes you've already broken in

Research travel means walking. Cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, stairs, standing in archives, wandering neighborhoods without a destination. Your feet will determine how much you can do in a day.

Bring shoes you've worn many times before. This is not the trip to break in new boots.

Layers, not outfits

Weather changes. Museums are cold. Trains are hot. You'll move between indoor and outdoor constantly.

Pack pieces that work together in multiple combinations rather than complete outfits. A light jacket you can tie around your waist. A scarf that works for warmth and for covering shoulders in churches. Shirts that don't show wrinkles or sweat.

Rain protection

A compact umbrella or a waterproof outer layer. Ideally both. Getting soaked derails a research day faster than almost anything else.

For the Work Itself

One notebook, not three

The instinct is to bring multiple notebooks for different purposes. Resist it. You'll lose track of which is which, and your observations will scatter.

One notebook. Date each entry. Let it be messy. The organization happens later.

Pens that work

Bring more than you think you need. Pens disappear, run dry, get confiscated at security checkpoints. A pencil too—some archives require them.

Test your pens on the actual notebook paper before you travel. Some paper bleeds; some pens skip.

Your phone, configured for research

Your phone is a camera, voice recorder, map, translator, and reference library. Before you leave:

• Clear storage space for photos and recordings
• Download offline maps for your destination (I recommend Citymapper for major cities, maps.me for offline use anywhere)
• Download a translation app with offline capability (Google Translate works well)
• Save key addresses and opening hours where you can access them without data
• Charge cables and a portable battery

A small camera (maybe)

Phone cameras are good enough for most documentation. But if your research requires detailed architectural photography, low-light capability, or images you might publish, a dedicated camera earns its weight.

If you bring one, bring only one lens. The mental overhead of choosing lenses in the field interrupts observation.

Photocopies of key documents

Any archival access confirmations, reservation numbers, or research permissions—print them. Don't rely on being able to pull them up on your phone.

What Most People Overpack

Books

You'll be too tired to read at night, and your bag will be too heavy during the day. One book maximum. Download others to your phone or e-reader if you must.

Clothes for "just in case"

You probably don't need the dressy outfit for the nice dinner that might happen. You can buy socks if yours get wet. Pack for the trip you're actually taking.

Multiple bags

One carry-on, one day bag. That's it. The more bags you manage, the less attention you have for your surroundings.

Toiletries you can buy there

Shampoo, toothpaste, basic medications—available everywhere. Don't let replaceable items take space from what matters.

Archive-Specific Packing

If your research includes archive visits, check their policies before you arrive. Common requirements:

• Pencils only (no pens)
• No bags in reading rooms (lockers provided)
• Laptop permitted, but sometimes no power outlets
• Photography policies vary—some allow phone photos, some require permission, some prohibit all photography
• Some archives require white gloves they provide; others have specific handling protocols

Bring:

• Pencils (mechanical pencils are often acceptable)
• A laptop with full battery
• Your notebook
• Identification
• Reading glasses if you need them
• A sweater (reading rooms are often cold)

Leave in your locker:

• Everything else

A Sample Packing List

Worn on travel day:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Pants/jeans
• Shirt
• Outer layer (jacket or cardigan)
• Crossbody bag with essentials

In carry-on:

• 3-4 additional tops
• 1 additional pants/skirt
• 1 nicer option (if needed)
• Sleepwear
• Underwear for trip length + 1
• Socks for trip length + 1
• Second pair of shoes (if weather requires)
• Toiletry kit (minimal)
• Medications
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella

In day bag:

• Notebook
• Pens (3+) and pencils
• Phone + charger + portable battery
• Headphones
• Small camera (if bringing)
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (empty for security, fill after)
• Snacks
• Photocopies of key documents
• Cash in local currency
• One credit/debit card

On phone:

• Offline maps downloaded
• Translation app with offline mode
• Key addresses saved
• Boarding passes / hotel confirmations
• Emergency contacts

The Principle

Everything you pack either supports your research or distracts from it. There's no neutral gear.

Before adding anything to your bag, ask: will I use this while paying attention to where I am? If the answer is no, leave it.

The goal isn't to be uncomfortable. It's to be unencumbered.

Before You Go

Not sure how to approach your research trip? Work through these 10 questions before planning to clarify what you need.

Need help designing your trip? Schedule a consultation to discuss your project.