Some of you will be backpacking for at least 4 months, during which you will be the move frequently. Below is a list of suggested items and a few tips for your travels. After making plenty of mistakes, I’ve learned a few things about packing. Some extra attention goes a long way.
1. Not Losing Things – #1 Priority
It’s quite difficult to achieve the goal of leaving with everything that you came with, but it’s a worthy goal to have. Don’t waste your hard earned money and time. Protect your belongings from loss and theft.
2. Use a 75-85 Liter Backpack
This provides enough room for everything you need. My personal philosophy is to have more than enough space rather than not enough space. If this size is too large for you, consider getting something in the range of 65-70 liters.
3. Two Padlocks
1 lock 30mm, 1 lock 40mm – These are the 2 most versatile lock sizes and will fit 99% of most lockers in hostels. Have both.
4. Waterproof Laundry Bag
You don’t want anything damp in your bag or any unwanted smells to contaminate clean items. Consider buying more than one. Separating and categorizing things properly helps a lot.
5. Journal
Write in it after every memorable experience or as often as you want. It’s very refreshing to read and reminds you of all the things that a photo can’t describe. I promise you will not regret doing this.
6. Small Umbrella
Make sure it’s high quality and not some cheap piece of crap on amazon or Temu. Spend some extra money and get something good. There have been so many times that I needed an umbrella and didn’t have one.
7. Bring Less Clothing
Ask yourself how much you ACTUALLY need according to the places you plan to visit and the activities you may be doing. From my experience, bringing 1/2 to 2/3 of what you actually want to bring is a good estimate. Do laundry more often, on a scheduled basis to accomodate for less clothing.
8. Beach Blanket
Easy to pack, takes up little space. This is a no brainer.
9. Small Art Transport Tube
If you like to buy paintings, drawings, etc, this will be very convenient. Keep in mind the size and don’t buy anything too large. Art is one of the best souvenirs you can buy.
10. Thermos or Travel Water Bottle
Super convenient and efficient. Useful to share as well when needed.
11. Bring 1 Book (only)
It should be a book that you know you can read completely or frequently. Books are heavy and bulky, so I would day bring 2 at the most. If you have a kindle or prefer audiobooks, great. I always find myself reading less than I expect when I travel.
12. No Bulky Headphones
These are a complete waste of space.
13. Earplugs and Eye Mask
Some bedrooms will be noisy or bright from ambient light.
14. Guard Electronics and Jewelry
Go above and beyond in maintenance and storage. Handle them carefully and make sure they stay clean and dry.
15. Mini First-Aid Kit
You never know what could happen. It’s better to be prepared.
16. Second Cell Phone
Just in case you lose/break one on the road, have an extra phone. You can use an e-sim or get a local sim and you’re ready to go. You won’t have to go through the trouble of buying a phone in a foreign country.
17. Two Phone Chargers + Two Outlet Adapters
Having extras pays off. If you lend them to anyone, do NOT forget to get them back.
18. Four Pairs of Footwear
You choose the combination based on your trip. Less clothes and more shoes is my philosophy.
19. Portable Phone Charger
These go a long way when you need them. It’s a nice insurance policy.
20. Scissors, Superglue, Marker, Swiss Army Knife
Some random things that could be useful along the way. They take up barely any space.
