The Ultimate Backpacker’s Packing List
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On my trip to China with the Dragon Trip, I brought with me a huge bright yellow suitcase. And everything I owned. It was one of the biggest mistakes I could’ve made, and one that I hugely regret as 10 days into my trip my suitcase broke and I had to not only fork out for a new one, but also had to bin 1/3 of my clothes.
This is why, as soon as I got back (and in preparation for my 8 months of travels) I bought a backpack (this one, to be exact!).
Electricals
- Camera + spare SD cards
- GoPro and accessories
- Phone
- Chargers for all of the above
- Laptop (only bring if you plan to do some serious editing or blogging)
- Travel Adapter
Clothes
Try not to overpack, I know you want to have millions of outfits prepared or you may be travelling in two different climates, but try to pack items that you can mismatch. Also, you’ll most likely end up buying some bits and bobs at markets so if you forget something you can probably buy it out there! There’s laundry services everywhere, and the longest we went without was 2 weeks and we started to just stink and use bikinis as underwear. Embrace it.
- 3 x tops and 1 long sleeve
- 1 hoodie
- A weeks worth of underwear (try to pack bralettes or padless bras, these take up less room)
- Flipflops (for ease) and sandals
- 3 x pairs of shorts/skirts and 1 pair of trousers or long skirt
- A couple of bikinis
- Light raincoat
- A light scarf or sarong
- Pair of trainers
When I went to China, I brought 6 pairs of shoes. It’s just not necessary. I’d suggest bringing a pair of flip-flops for communal showers, make sure they can easily slide in your bag and don’t take up much room. Sandals – I wore my Birkenstocks almost everyday. A pair of trainers like vans/converse or more sporty if you plan on doing some hikes. Unless you’ll be hiking a lot, I wouldn’t recommend bringing hiking shoes as they’re just massive.
A hoodie is perfect for when hostels have the air-con turned up too much, or to use as a pillow on a bus. I’d recommend keeping a sarong/light scarf on you at all times as if you pop by a more religious place that requires you to cover up, you’re always prepared.
Miscellaneous
- Small first aid kit (read my post on first aid kits here)
- LifeStraw Bottle
- Carabiners
- TSA Approved Padlocks
- Personal prescriptions and medication
- Pack of tissues (loo roll)
- Glasses + case (and sunglasses)
- Mosquito repellent + Tiger Balm
- Sunscreen + aftersun
- Travel pillow
- Waterproof bag for electricals
- Microfibre towel
- Compression bags
- Ear plugs & eye mask
Toiletries
So, I usually packed my toiletries in my backpack so that I wouldn’t have to worry about the liquid rules when going on flights but some people may choose to put some in their hand luggage. I always carried a small hand gel, toothbrush and mini toothpaste in my carry on to freshen up on longer flights.
- Hanging toiletry bag
- Shampoo and conditioner (I’d recommend bringing lush bars)
- Tampons or other sanitary products (if you’re heading to Asia, I’d recommend bringing a few packs as I struggle to find tampons)
- Razor
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Bio-degradable wipes
- Soap bars
- Condoms !!!! You may not always be able to easily buy.
End notes
Think i’ve missed something? Comment below
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8 Comments
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Lasma
I always overpack, so this is a great list, I wish I could print it out! But I will save it for later and make sure I check it before I pack… maybe one day I can manage to travel with a backpack only haha!
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Megan
I would have lOved to take a gap year. This is such a great list of what to bring. Those stuDent ids can really help save on discounted tickets!
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Lana
I’m so grateful to have done it when I did – right before I started University was perfect timing! Absolutely, my student ID has saved me so much!!
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Krista
I try to travel with a backpack where possible, so this is a great guide for me! sometimes you need a lot less things than you think while travelling.
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Amy
I’m way beyond the gap year, but your packing list still sorks for any lOng travel! (Ill substitute swimsuit fir bikinis, however ha!)