Are you ready to set off on your ultimate backpacking adventure? Nothing beats being out in nature, exploring new places, and meeting interesting people. But before you head out into the wild, you must have all the necessary supplies and equipment.
This ultimate backpacking checklist is here to help you make sure you have everything you need to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for your journey. From clothing and camping gear to discover the best travel deals, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to make your backpacking journey successful. So take out your packing list, and let’s get started!
Top Packing Tips And Hacks
Whether hiking, camping, traveling to Asia or Europe on a budget, or as a baller, you must pack light. Packing the essentials only is the best way to pack light before traveling. The reasons packing light is essential include:
- It saves you the stress of carrying a heavy backpack.
- It helps you save space that you can use to carry souvenirs.
- It reduces the pressure on your back and arms as you don’t have to carry heavy luggage.
- It makes remembering the essentials easier.
- Overpacking can incur additional costs.
- You won’t have to worry about losing your luggage.
Even though there are many items listed in this post, you can’t carry them all during your trip. We’ve broken down the list into various sections to help you pick what you’ll require depends on the trip you’ll be taking.
Another great packing tip is packing items depending on where you’re visiting and the sort of trip you’re planning to have. Pay attention to the weather; if you’re backpacking in Europe during the summer, you won’t need warm clothes.
Likewise, if you intend to explore cities or go to the beach, you don’t require hiking shoes. Your laptop shouldn’t be on your checklist if you don’t work remotely.
Taking note of your travel itinerary will make it easier to identify which equipment in this post is suitable for you to carry along during your trip.
The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist: Top 10 Essential Items
Here are the ten essential items every backpacker should have when traveling:
1. Backpack
A good backpack is among the essential things every backpacker needs. One of the best backpacking brands is Osprey packs which are ergonomic, well-designed, comfortable, and have a lifetime guarantee.
Travel backpacks are available in various sizes and shapes; however, you should opt for one that’s between 40L to 60L. Besides the Osprey backpacks, there are other great options. Selecting a suitable travel bag is essential since you’ll live off your pack.
Use quality packing cubes to keep things neat and organized.
2. Towel
Traveling with your towel is essential as most hostels don’t offer them; if they do, they’re usually not clean. That said, don’t carry a regular towel during your trip, as it may take up a lot of space in your backpack and take a long time to dry.
Carry microfiber towels that dry quickly and can be folded into small portions to save space. While they’re not as comfy as cotton towels, you need to get by as a traveler. The best microfiber travel towels are the Matador brand, as they dry quickly, are ideal for all backpacking trips, and are light.
3. Daypack
When backpacking, you’ll also require a smaller pack for day trips. The best packs are the Osprey Daylite, which is good quality and comfortable.
They’re versatile and can be used for overnight camping, day hikes, shopping, and beach days. If you don’t like this brand, there are other options you can choose from.
4. Combination Padlock
Traveling with a paddock allows you to lock up your bag when necessary, thus keeping it safe from intruders. Padlocks also come in handy when you stay in hostels because even though they offer lockers, they usually don’t provide lockers for them.
5. Travel Security Belt
To keep your money safe as you travel, you should carry a travel security belt as they have hidden inner pockets. A travel security belt is especially important if you’re traveling to a country where pickpocketing is rampant.
6. Travel Adapter
Currently, 15 varying power adapters are used globally. The best way to ensure you can charge your devices regardless of the country you’re in is by having a universal adapter.
It’s worth spending a little extra to buy an adapter that can simultaneously charge two USB gadgets and a laptop.
7. A travel-friendly laptop
If you work remotely, carrying a laptop as you travel is essential. Otherwise, backpacking offers an excellent chance to unplug for a while.
As a backpacker, you need a high-quality device to serve you during your trip. One such device is the MacBook Pro which has an excellent UI and is durable.
8. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are tiny compression cubes that let you organize things in your backpack.
This allows you to pack more gear in an organized way. One of the best packing cube brands in the market is WANDRD which offers great value for money and is of excellent quality.
9. Camera
All travelers need a good quality camera to document their travels. Action cameras have become increasingly popular with travelers as they’re affordable and perform well.
The best action camera in the market currently is GoPro which has excellent stabilization technology and superior image quality.
Even though some people are content with using their smartphone cameras, investing in a camera allows you to take incredible videos and capture special traveling moments.
10. Toiletry Bag
Skin care, hair care, and hygiene need to be maintained even as one is traveling. Therefore, you’ll have to carry some toiletries during your trip. Having a toiletry bag will allow you to have all your toiletries in one place.
The Nomatic brand is one of the best toiletry bag brands in the market, as it’s made with waterproof wipe cleanable fabric that guarantees its durability. The back offers excellent organizational capabilities and is fitted with a hanging hook that lets you hang it over the bed or shower head.
11. Luggage Tracker
Airlines lose many suitcases and bags, some of which have yet to be found. If your bag goes missing, you’ll need help finding it. By equipping your bag with a GPS tracker, you’ll be able to find it if it gets lost.
A good, reliable GPS luggage tracker has emerged as an essential piece of travel packing.
12. eSim
Most countries have excellent internet coverage, and most cities have food delivery and taxi apps. Unfortunately, your normal SIM card won’t work when you leave your country. This means you’ll be unable to access the convenience the digital world offers.
Rather than spending time in phone shops to purchase a SIM card, you can install an eSim on your mobile phone before leaving home.
You can get an esim at the OneSim site; select a package for your destination, download it, and you’ll be good to go. eSims are easy to set up and eco-friendly; unfortunately, not all mobiles are eSim-ready.
Backpacking Checklist
1. Clothes Checklist
While dressing at home is second nature to you, dressing for travel is more complex. Selecting the right clothes for a backpacking trip is essential. Here are some tips to help you as you compile your clothes checklist:
- Pack light clothing: Regardless of the weather, carry clothes that aren’t heavy and fold up small. Even if you’re traveling during the winter, it’s better to carry clothes you can layer than one heavy jacket. Remember always to carry some rain clothes and carry sweat-resistant clothing.
- Dress dark: It’s easier to hide stains with dark clothes. Dark clothes can also be worn longer, essential during backpacking, as your clothes will be on rotation quicker than your regular wardrobe.
- Carry a few clothes: In most parts of the world, clothes are cheap; therefore, don’t overpack, bring fewer clothes than you require, and purchase more during your travels.
Here’s a list of clothes you should carry as you travel:
- Hiking trousers: Carry at least one hiking trouser that are excellent quality, light, tough, and mosquito resistant.
- Underwear: Finding fitting underwear in your intended destination can be difficult; ensure you pack at least five before traveling.
- T-shirts / Tank tops: Carry at least four of these; if you don’t have them, don’t worry too much, as you can buy them wherever you’re visiting.
- Long-sleeved shirt: This is necessary for those traveling to tropical areas to ensure the shirt repels mosquitoes.
- Lightweight fleece: This is important when traveling on trains or buses that have AC turned to freeze.
- Base Layer: Carry at least one base layer as they are necessary for keeping warm
- Sunhat: You’ll require at least one sunhat to cover your head when traveling to hot regions.
- Evening wear: While this isn’t a necessity, it’s best to have evening wear for a night out in town.
- Indestructible sunglasses: A decent pair protect your eyes from the sun.
- Buff: This is ideal for covering your nose and mouth to keep off dust or shielding you from the sun. You can also use it to protect your eyes in dorm rooms or during long-haul transportation.
- Hiking trainers: Opt for light-quality hiking boots for your trekking trips.
- Hiking Gear: This is the essential gear for heading to the mountains. Having hiking shoes, high-quality rain gear, and water-resistant gloves is necessary.
- Flip Flops: You don’t have to be techy; you can purchase a comfortable pair of flip-flops for your excursions.
- Technical sandals: If you’ll be hiking, sailing, or visiting the beach, it’s worth investing in a good pair of technical sandals.
2. Technology Packing List
- Camera: If you love taking pictures, investing in an excellent traveling camera for taking good photos is essential.
- USB drive/card reader: This is essential, especially if you have a camera.
- Laptop: If you’re a photographer or blogger, you’ll need a quality travel laptop.
- Portable battery: This is useful for keeping your camera and phone charged while traveling.
- Travel Adapter: A universal travel adapter that can charge at least two USB devices and a laptop is essential.
3. Adventure Checklist
You’ll need to carry additional equipment if you’re an avid adventurer or hiker. Packing light is best if you’re hiking or camping in the mountains. The following checklist will help you be prepared for your hiking/camping excursion:
- Head-torch: Head torches are useful for night bathroom trips, hiking, and caving.
- Pocket Blanket: A compact, waterproof, lightweight pocket blanket is a must when outdoors, as it can serve as a picnic blanket or an emergency poncho.
- Camping Hammock: While this isn’t a must-carry item, it’s more portable and lighter than a tent.
- Mosquito Net: If you’re touring tropical regions, this is a must-have to keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Cable ties are especially essential if you’re on a motorbiking trip.
- Sleeping bag liner: These can come in handy when it’s hot and you don’t want to sleep under a blanket or when the sheets aren’t clean.
- Carabiners help hang mosquito nets and fasten things on your backpack.
- Sewing kit: This will save you cash as you’ll fix your things when they tear.
- Notebook and pens: You should note something down.
4. Hiking Equipment Packing List
Even though you may not require most of the equipment below, if you intend to have an epic excursion, it’s worth investing in some of the following:
- Multi-tool: This is the ideal companion for your hiking excursions; opt for a durable multitool that’ll serve you for years.
- Sleeping bag and pad: These are must-have equipment when hiking/camping as they shield you from the cold.
- Portable Stove: If you’re camping/hiking, a portable stove must be on your checklist.
- Water bottle: Carrying a water bottle will save you cash and reduces your plastic footprint.
- Tent: A tent is a must-have if you’ll be out camping.
- Water purification tablets: These are cheaper for those who can’t afford a water purifier.
- Water purifier: This will protect you from contracting diseases from drinking contaminated water.
5. Toiletries Checklist
Here are some must-have toiletries when you’re traveling:
- Microfiber travel towel
- Shower gel
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Tissues
- Cotton buds
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Shaving cream
- Condoms
- Razor
- Earplugs
- Tampons
6. Medical checklist
A first aid kit is important as you can get into minor accidents or sudden headaches. You should buy a pre-assembled kit and add the following:
- Personal medicines
- Disinfectant spray
- Asprin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol
- Disinfectant wipes
- Antihistamines
- Mosquito repellent
- Gauze and bandages
- Plasters (ranging sizes)
- Throat lozenges
- Steri-strips
- Malaria pills
- Ciprofloxacin
7. Documents checklist
Crossing another country’s border will be easier if you’re organized. Here are the documents you need to have while traveling:
- Bus, flight, and train
- Passport photos
- Your first hostel’s address
- Security Belt
- A laminated passport copy
- Debit Cards
- Home contact information
- Credit Card
- Valid Passport
- Euros or dollars
- One dollar bills
- Insurance information
- Student ID
- Health information
Final Thoughts
As you’re packing for your trip, remember to pack light and pack items based on what you plan to do during your trip and the weather. With the above checklists, you’ll be able to determine what you’ll require for your trip, and you’ll be able to enjoy your trip knowing you have everything you need to have an epic adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I pack during a three-month backpacking trip?
Ensure you have a good quality backpack, a headtorch, ten pairs of underwear, good shoes, and a rain jacket.
2. What are the must-have items for backpackers?
A backpack, a compass, good-quality hiking boots, and a water bottle are the items every backpacker should have.
3. What backpack size do I require for three months?
Your travel activities and style determine the backpack size you should carry. Nevertheless, you should have a bag between 50 and 60 Liters.
4. How much weight should I carry in my travel backpack?
As a rule of thumb, don’t pack items too heavy to carry to avoid putting pressure on your back. You shouldn’t carry a backpack that’s over 20% of your body weight.