What to Pack & Other Tips For Backpacking
Wondering what to bring with you on your next big excursion? Whether it is simply a month long journey or a full year abroad, this list has you covered!
Table of Contents
Backpacking
This type of trip is usually invoked when a person, typically young, decides to do an extended coming of age trip or alternatively to drop out from society for a period of time. Typically these trips involve copious amounts of alcohol and/or partying. The home of the backpacker is the hostel and bunks are usually shared to reduce costs, although private rooms can often be purchased at an additional cost. Europe and Asia are traditional destinations for the backpackers, but the proliferation of youth hostels has made backpacking more common in other parts of the world. For first time backpackers, readying for their big adventure will involve an unnecessary amount of worrying. One of the biggest concerns for these individuals is about what items are required to bring on their trip. This post will try to clarify what you should take with you.
The Backpack
The first thing a backpacker should do is pick a backpack. Because this bag will typically be carried around for long periods of time it should fit snugly and have straps to tie it down to your back. Backpack sizes are measured in liters, with typical weights of 20, 40, 60 and 80. The size of bad you chose will be governed by what you are willing to carry. I personally recommend a 60 liter bag for an extended trip. As a rule of thumb I believe that you should pack light. Remember, pack what is absolutely necessary before adding in other items. You can always purchase additional items as you travel if necessary. If you plan on purchasing souvenirs, leave room in you bag to accommodate these or consider shipping them home from a post office.
The Contents of the Backpack
A basic list of backpack contents would start as below. Feel Free to add additional items. Some of the items will be elaborated on later in the posts.
- Passport
- Clothing
- Health and Medical Items
- Personal Hygiene Items
- Electrical Adapter
- Currency
- Pad Lock
- Electronics (phone, charger, laptop, if needed)
- Shoes
- International DL (if needed)
- Visas (if needed)
- Raincoat/Winter-coat
- Bathing suit (if needed)
- Ball Cap (if needed)
- Quick Dry Towel
- Sunscreen (if needed)
- Flip Flops / shower shoes
- Small Collapsible Bag
- Money-belt (if needed)
- Extras (See below)
Passport:
Possibly the most important item you will have on your trip. Months before you cross a border check the date on your passport, if you are cutting it close, even by a few months it is time to get a new passport. Countries like the United States have strict rules and may deny you entry even if your passport is not yet expired. Make sure it is renewed well in advance as processing passport applications can take time.
Clothing
As a rule of thumb try to bring the least amount of clothing items as possible. Many hostels will have access to a laundry machine and if not most cities have a laundromat you can stop off at if needed. Basic items you should bring include a sturdy pair of jeans and at least one sweatshirt (depending on the destination). Remember even in destinations typically seen as warm (Ex: Egypt), evenings in the winter can still be relatively cold. If you are going to a destination during its warm season, take a raincoat instead. Other clothing items can be figured out based on the weather. Remember not to over-pack or you will just be filling your bag with dirty laundry.
Health and Medical Items
Make sure to pack (depending if you are male of female) a combination of the following items: condoms, birth control, medication and feminine hygiene products (eg: tampons). Availability of these may be limited depending on what country you are visiting.
Medication can be purchased abroad but gets complicated even if just for a flu or a cold. Medication brands vary greatly from nation to nation and language barriers make finding a suitable replacement difficult.
Personal Hygiene Items
Bring a travel sized deodorant, mouthwash and toothbrush for the plane ride. If you are on a long flight you will need it. As for toothpaste, buy it at the airport or bring a small, travel quantity.
I would recommend picking up shaving cream and razors when you get to your destination to avoid having to bring them on the plane.
Electrical Adapter
To ensure that your electronics can charge make sure that you have an adapter to suit the plug type and voltage of the country you are visiting. To keep things simple and versatility you can pick up a multi country unit that can be used on future trips.
Pad Lock
While most hostels have lockers, there are still many that require you bringing a lock to secure your belongings.
Currency
As a precaution bring some currency to start your trip with, just in case you have issues withdrawing money. If no currency is available for the country of your visit at the money exchange counter in you home country, then bring US cash and convert it to local currency when you can. Also, store away some spare cash somewhere in your luggage in case of an emergency.
Shoes
For shoes, I recommend you get a low-cut semi hiker shoe. As a backpacker, I recommend versatility over style (better not to have to pack multiple pairs). These shoes will give you enough traction to go on tough hikes, yet still be able to go out to a bar or club.
International Drivers License
Although I think this item is a bit of a scam, it can be worth the cost of purchase since certain countries like Poland and Italy require it. The document is just a translation of your license into different languages. Beyond that it is a stupid piece of paper, most countries will accept a driver’s licence from your home country.
Do not by an international permit online! You local automobilist association can usually provide them to you at a low cost. In Canada, I just went to my nearest CAA and had them fill in my document.
Visas
Check ahead of time with your government website to see what countries you need to apply for Visas when visiting. Depending on the location this can be a long process. Also check how long your visa-free status lasts, if planning a longer trip it is worth knowing the rules particularly when it comes to the European Union. For a “Visa on Arrival” just get it at the airport, it is easier.
Raincoat/Winter Coat
Bring a light raincoat, since it does not weigh much it is well worth having. Don’t bother with an umbrella. If traveling in winter substitute for a heavy winter jacket.
Sunscreen
Pack this ahead of time if you can. I have found sunscreen to be expensive in Europe, especially when going to a more summer oriented destination.
Quick Dry Towel
This item is a must. Although many establishments provided towels, some still do not provide them, or charge an extra fee per towel. Quick dry towels as the name states, these towels dry fast. As such they are ideal for the beach. After use, just hang up outside or in your room if need be. Beware, in my experience, your quick dry towel is your item that is most likely to be stolen by other travelers.
Flip flops
Don’t think twice about what liquids are spilled on hostel shower floors. Bring shower shoes and you will be spared the worry.
Small Collapsible Backpack
This may seem counterintuitive to the idea of packing light but it is well worth carrying a second bag. If going on a day trip, you will want to keep your big bag at the hostel and use the smaller one to bring snacks, a bathing suit (if needed), a towel (if needed) or other personal items. It also doubles a great extra space to stash souvenirs. I use a small bag that collapses into a small pouch. This way you can store it in your larger bag when you are not using it.
Money Belt
It goes without saying but don’t leave your wallet or passport in your back pocket. I generally do not recommend a money belt if you use safety precautions but there are destinations that I would possibly carry one. Keep yourself informed.
Extras
Some people will want to bring flashlights and other replaceable items. I would say that this is unnecessary. The one item I absolutely recommend is a deck of cards. I have owned the same deck since 2012 and it has made it through many trips over the years. Great for hostel drinking games or for killing time in an airport or on a train.
