Backpacking Packing Guide: What to Bring & How to Pack It
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When packing a backpack for travel, prioritize items that are both lightweight and versatile for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Unless you have special needs, do not exceed 15kg. Doing so will avoid unnecessary pain, airline surcharges and the temptation to take a taxi instead of walking. The duration of your trip, whether it’s a week or a year, shouldn’t affect your packing strategy. Clothes can be washed during your travels.
This list aims to be comprehensive and versatile, catering to a variety of destinations and climates. However, it’s important to apply common sense and adapt your packing choices to your specific itinerary. If you plan to spend a month in Southeast Asia enjoying the sun and the sea, heavy hiking shoes and bulky clothing may not be necessary.
Here’s a general packing list, but for the exact items I carry, check the updated list on this page. When I travel, I nest my compressible backpack inside my larger one. It all weighs around 14 kg (31 lbs), but I’ve always managed to pass it off as carry-on. The compact size helps keep it inconspicuous, and no one’s ever asked me to weigh it. For reference, my camera gear (bag + tripod) is about 4.5 kg (10 lbs), and my laptop, mouse, and hard drives add another 1.8 kg (4 lbs). Essentially, if you ditch the tech that most travelers don’t need, my pack weight drops to a much lighter 7.7 kg (17 lbs).
Backpacks and bags
Before we start with the actual list, let’s talk about the most suitable “containers.”
Large backpack (40-60 liters): especially if you are traveling in hot climates, 40 liters is more than enough. The Osprey farpoint 40 is an excellent backpack designed especially for traveling, well made and with a convenient opening at the front, plus it can be used as a carry-on.
Small backpack(10-20 liters): To be used mainly for day trips. When I am moving between destinations this is the backpack I never let out of my sight, it holds documents and electronic devices. I am a happy owner of a north face borealis other good options are Osprey daylite and if you are looking for light weight and portability at the expense of pockets and comfort then Sea to summit is a great alternative. Over the years I moved to a “one bag solution” but still carry a compressible backpack. I use a Matador On-Grid 16 liters.
Dry bag: While a dry bag is not essential, it can be useful for certain activities like kayaking or canyoneering. However, it’s worth considering whether it’s worth packing in your backpack. For most people, I don’t believe it’s a worthwhile investment. However, if you anticipate a need for it and lack a small backpack, the dry bag can serve as a substitute.
Cotton bag: To be used as a bag for dirty things. If you put dirty clothes in a plastic bag they will smell even more. Also useful for shoes.
Travel case for toiletries: One is as good as the other but if you have to buy a new one then buy one that can hang.
Packing cubes: To keep the backpack as organized as possible and save space.
Travel case for electronics: For organizing chargers, cables, adapters, SD cards etc. etc.
If you want something designed to detail, of the highest quality, and with a lifetime warranty take a look at Peak Design’s products: Shoe Pouch, Tech Pouch, Wash Pouch (small size) and packing cubes.
List of clothes
Warm and temperate climates:
A pair of convertible pants: If you count on traveling exclusively in warm climates this should be your only pair of long pants. Maybe add a pair of jeans for going out at night in climates that are not exactly tropical.
Women’s special: A pair of leggings. They are versatile and adapt to different climates, also great as pajamas, and rolled up they take up little room.
Two pairs of shorts: One pair of sport pants and one pair for going out.
T-shirts: 4-5 t-shirts should be more than enough.
Base Layer: Use as a first layer, keeps extremely warm without adding too much weight.
Technical Hoodie/Sweatshirt: They keep extremely warm and are very light, I personally prefer it with a hood so that there is no need to wear a cap. To be used as a mid layer.
Rain Jacket: It’s worth investing a little money on a technical product that breathes otherwise you’ll get the sauna effect.
Hat: Personally I do not consider it indispensable, easily replaced by a hood in cold climates. It is probably more useful in extremely hot climates for protection from the sun.
Socks: To ensure comfort and odor control, merino wool socks are recommended. They can be worn multiple times without producing unpleasant odors. For various footwear and occasions, consider purchasing three pairs of short socks and one pair of long socks.
Underwear: 5 pairs of underwear should be more than enough.
Swimsuit: Just one, please.
N.B. With the clothes listed so far, you can travel light almost anywhere, as long as the temperatures are not excessively cold (thermal T-shirt, sweatshirt and rain jacket one on top of the other are more than enough to keep you warm in many situations); if you are preparing for a trip to really cold climates, consider the following clothing and of course use common sense by perhaps bringing an extra sweatshirt and leaving your shorts at home.
Down Jacket: The jacket will not affect the weight of the backpack since you will probably have it on all the time.
Hat: For those who favor minimalist aesthetics, the hood of the jacket serves a dual purpose
Gloves: Buy them not too bulky and possibly water-resistant.
Long pants or jeans.
Footwear list
Flip-flops: Regardless of the type of trip, I always pack flip-flops for hygiene in the shower. In tropical climates, I practically wear them all day. Hawaiianas seem to be indestructible.
Hiking shoes: If you plan on taking multiple hikes, these shoes are highly recommended. However, for occasional hiking, a pair of sneakers with a decent sole should suffice, and offer more versatility.
Sneakers: I always carry them with me, versatile enough for any scenarios.Technical sandals: While I have not personally used them, I recognize sandals as an excellent substitute for shoes, particularly in tropical environments.
List of accessories
Padlock: Buy it with a combination, preferably TSA approved.
Sunglasses: Useful in all situations, from the sea to the mountains I recommend them polarized and not too expensive since they can easily break when traveling.
Water filter: In developing countries where you would be forced to buy bottled water it can save you a lot of money. I now use a LifeStraw Peak Series.
Sewing Kit: Certainly not indispensable, but for long trips I always carry it with me given the negligible weight.
Swiss Army Knife: I always carry it with me. Remember you cannot keep it in your carry-on luggage (That’s why i actually don’t carry it anymore).
Mask and snorkel: For certain destinations I strongly recommend them; renting them can be expensive.
Water bottle: If you don’t opt for one with a built-in filter, then get one with a wide cap so that the inside can be cleaned easily. I now use a LifeStraw Peak Series.
Earplugs: Dormitories can sometimes be very loud. Also useful for camping especially in high winds. I use Mack’s for comfort.
Spork: I bring it all the time.
Notebook: a small notebook and pen where you can jot down travel notes and/or thoughts.
Camping Equipment List
Obviously this is all equipment that, because of the weight and volume, should be carried only if you think you really need it.
Tent: Although I like camping I would only recommend it for certain trips. Basically only worth it if used regularly. Essential if traveling by hitchhiking.
Hammock: More compact tent alternative.
Mattress: Obviously not essential but highly recommended especially at low temperatures to insulate from the ground.
Sleeping bag: Buy it according to the climate you are going to.
Stove
List of electronic devices
Universal adapter: Essential, I recommend it with usb outlets so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Flashlight: I recommend a headlamp with a rechargeable battery and possibly water-resistant.
Smartphone
Tablet: The device is okay for things like watching videos or browsing the web, but it’s not really a game-changer. It’s basically just a bigger version of your phone.
Laptop: Bring it only if you need it for work, otherwise it is an unnecessary burden.
USB flash drive: Given the negligible weight, it is always advisable to have one.
PowerBank: Useful for never running out of battery, on 10000mah should be more than enough.
Action camera: Certainly not among the essentials but great for activities such as kayaking, snorkeling etc etc.
Ebook reader:If you are obsessed with reading, you can’t possibly go on a trip without bringing a book.
Toiletries items list
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sunscreen
Cotton swabs
Soap bar: Compact and lightweight.
Deodorant
Razor
Lip balm
Nail clippers
Women’s special:
- Tweezers
- Menstrual cup that can be a viable alternative to tampons
- Face cream
List of medicines
Personal medication: for asthma, diabetes, etc. etc.
Patches
Disinfectant
Anti diarrheic
Lactic ferments
Paracetamol
Anti-inflammatories
Mosquito repellent
Cream for infections – e.g., Gentamicin
List of documents
Personally, I like to have all documents grouped in a waterproof envelope that once I arrive at the hostel goes directly into the locker, if there is one.
Airline/train/bus tickets
Passport
Driving License
Emergency cash
2 debit/credit cards : Check out the guide.
Student card: Make sure it has a photo otherwise it may not be accepted.
Your travel insurance details
Other useful tips
- Roll up your clothes instead of folding them and you will save a lot of space.
- Packing your backpack always the same way will help you be faster, and if something is missing you will notice it immediately.
- Bring a change in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.
- Keep a photocopy of all your documents saved online on some cloud service such as google drive or icloud.
- If you are traveling as a couple or with a group of friends, avoid carrying things twice-for example, medications.
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
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