Packing for a backpacking trip is completely different to any other.. While a few pairs of shorts, a couple of tops, and a swimsuit will do for a short holiday, that same way of thinking doesn’t quite make the cut when it comes to backpacking. You now have to think about more than just a few pairs of shorts- it’s clothes to fit all climates, medicines, and technology. And honestly, it can get a little overwhelming.
Now that you’re here, you might want to take a look at the video below where I unpack after five months of backpacking Spain, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. I go through everything I wish I’d taken, and everything I really didn’t need. If you’re not even sure where to visit on your trip, check out my guide to planning your backpacking adventure.
Otherwise, skip down a little more and you’ll find what I believe to be a pretty extensive list of backpacking essentials.
THE ULTIMATE BACKPACKING LIST
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PrintCLOTHING
- Block colour T-shirts X3 (easy to mix and match in the morning)
- Long-sleeved top (handy for sunburn)
- Pair of jeans
- Strappy tops X4
- Shorts X2
- Evening, lightweight outfit
- Pair of long, lightweight trousers (you’ll need to cover up for temples in Asia)
- Pyjamas X2
- Short jumpsuits X3 (easy to throw on in the morning)
- Pair of leggings (flying)
- Activewear set
- Other T-shirts X2
- Mix and match swimwear sets X4
- Underwear X 10
- Compression socks (flying)
- Socks X 8 (you’ll wear them more than you think)
- Bras X 3
- Hoodie
- Raincoat
- Woolly hat (yes, you might need one when backpacking!)
FOOTWEAR
- Comfy trainers
- Flip-flops
- Comfy fashion shoes (ie Vans Pro)
TOILETRIES
- Shampoo and conditioner bars in holders (less mess, less weight)
- Face wash, small
- Shower gel (or soap)
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Razor + spare blades
- Suncream (it’s can be more expensive and contain whitener in Asian countries)
- Moisturiser (body and face)
- Makeup (don’t go overboard!)
MEDICINE
- Allergen tablets
- Cold and flu tablets
- Painkillers
- Indigestion aids
- Diarrhoea rehydration powders
- Bug spray (just one bottle to get you started)
- Plasters + bandages
- Bite cream
- Antimalarial tablets (if needed)
TECHNOLOGY
- Laptop
- Gorilla Pod
- Camera (backpacking essential!)
- Chargers for everything + spare phone charger
- Charging pack
- Headphones
- Universal plug adaptor
- Memory card
- Portable hard drive (here’s an Amazon affiliate link to my favourite)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Screen + glasses wipes in small sachets
- Reusable tote bag X 2 (shopping and the beach!)
- Hair bobbles/ grips
- Nail polish X 1
- Glasses (sun + otherwise)
- Hair appliances (ie straighteners – don’t take a dryer)
- Nail scissors
- Tweezers
- Padlock (for hostel lockers)
- Bumbag
- Microfibre towel
You’ll need a bag to put it all in, too. Here’s my review of the Osprey Fairview Trek 70L – one of my very best bags for backpacking.
