The Ultimate Backpacker Packing List

Based on my three years of travel and the opinions of my travel friends, I’ve made this list of backpacking essentials. There are tiers of necessity based on your type of trip. I’ve provided links to products I’ve used or that friends have recommended.

Essential Items

• Backpack-I’d recommend a 55-75 liter bag with hip straps. This bag will become your home so make sure it’s comfortable and has convenient pockets and zippers. Some people prefer a bag with a zipper running from top to bottom, which makes it more convenient if you need to retrieve an item from the middle. However, I find the extra zipper just another thing I have to worry about breaking.
• Day Bag-For day trips! 
• Charger Block-Keep your phone charged on the inevitably long bus rides.
• Money Belt-This thin belt lies flat underneath your pants. Keep your passport, large bills and credit cards here.
• Fanny Pack-This larger item goes outside of your pants. I put the money I need for the day and my cell phone here. This is the decoy wallet that ensures that the valuables are safe.
• Cell Phone-I never have a phone plan (you can get SIM Cards and data once abroad) but you can download maps, translators and currency converters all offline. Not to mention the music and picture taking capabilities.
• Passport and Driver’s License (if you want to rent a car)-Besides bringing these, also scan them and have the file saved online. That way if anything happens, you have your information available.
• Credit/Debit Cards-Write down the numbers you will need to call if your card is stolen. These numbers are typically on the back of the card, which is not helpful if the card is gone. 
• Passport Photos-Sometimes border crossings require small passport photos. Instead of scrambling to find somebody to take your photo at the border, carry some with you.
• Proof of Vaccinations-Keep your vaccination certificates in a ziplock bag. My paper book proving that I have a Yellow Fever Vaccination is falling apart because fanny packs get sweaty on travel days.
• Headphones-Choose your style: sound canceling, Bluetooth or cheaper ones. You will want them for the bus rides! Consider a headphone splitter if you have a travel companion!
• Cables and Cable Organizer-A compact bag that organizes all of your cables. (Cables for phone, headlamp, charging block, speaker, iPad, etc)
• Travel Adapter-These compact adapters have prongs for most outlets and multiple USB ports.
• Quick Dry Pack Towel-This towel dries quickly and folds up into a small bag, taking up very little space.
• Pocket Knife with can opener and wine opener-This item requires you to check your bag. Having a pocket knife allows you to cut open fruit after you go to the market!
• Sunblock-Technically you could get this item once you get to your destination (if you don’t want to check a bag and have liquid restrictions). But sunblock abroad is sometimes more expensive than in The States. Also, in Africa it was very hard to find sunblock without skin whitener in it.
• Tupperware and Utensils-I always save leftovers in my to-go container. I’ll make extensive pasta or veggie dishes for bus rides and thanks to the Tupperware and spork I can enjoy them on the go!
• Journal and Writing Utensils-The journal is needed to write down the names of travel friends, recount crazy experiences or simply color a picture.
• Lock-Many hostels will have lockers, but you have to bring your own lock.
• Sunglasses– You can get these abroad and inevitably will get more once yours break.
• Chapstick-High altitude and beach days require it.
• Rain Poncho-I have a big one that can go over my bag as well.
• Rain Cover for Bag-Most backpacks come with this, but if yours does not, make sure to get one. Nothing is worse than everything you own getting moldy.
• Laundry Bag-It’s nice to separate the clean clothes from the dirty ones.
• Adventure Sandals– Sandals that strap around your ankles. Good for walking in rivers, hiking and dancing.
• A Way to Read Books-Physical copies and utilizing book exchanges or a way to read them electronically. 
• Toiletries-(deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, hair brush, razor, tooth paste, tooth brush, floss, tweezer and nail clippers) Most of these you can get abroad to reduce bag weight when you leave your home country. But if you have products you are very particular to, bring those from home.
• Hand Sanitizer-That way you can get a snack out of a bus window, cut it with your pocket knife and eat it right there!
• Shoes-Do what makes sense for your lifestyle. I do Adventure Sandals, running shoes and hiking boots. Running shoes are essential for shuffling since hiking boots are too heavy to dance in. Possibly you wouldn’t need two pairs of shoes. Maybe you need flip flops?
• Clothes-I pack more than I should because I’m constantly changing climate and activities. At least 3 shirts, one pair of shorts, and some flowy pants. If you’re a girl, a sports bra and a regular bra and at least 2 swimsuits. If you’ll be at high altitude you might need trekking pants, under armor, a sweater or rain jacket and a hat and gloves. I travel with 7 pairs of socks and 10 underwear so I can limit my laundry needs. Do what makes sense. If you need the warm stuff, you probably won’t need the swim suits and shorts.

Health

I have a small bag full of all of my medical supplies. I often go to remote communities to volunteer so I try to have medicine for every possible situation. It might be an overkill, I am often the one sharing medical supplies with other travelers.

• First Aid Kit-It should have bandaids, antibacterial ointment, alcohol wipes, and medical tape.
• Antihistamine-I get weird rashes when I’m out in nature. It can also help if you get stung by something.
• Anti-inflammatory-If your knee is swollen after 9 hours of trekking, you’ll appreciate this.
• Cold medicine-The high quality cold products aren’t available abroad. I bring DayQuil and throat lozenges. 
• Acetaminophen-Headache and fever reducer
• Any personal medicine you may need-I have stuff for acid reflux and UTI infections. Maybe you need to take malaria pills where you are going?
• Contact Supplies-Solution, spare contacts, tiny mirror, eye drops, hand sanitizer.
• Glasses-I travel with a spare pair. Don’t forget your glasses cleaner!
• Motion Sickness pills-Choose drowsy for long bus rides or non-drowsy for scuba diving.
• Diarrhea Relief-Travelers Diarrhea often befalls a new traveler as their bowels adjust. There are medicines that stop your bowels if you need to get on a bus or powders to hydrate you. 
• Probiotics or Vitamins are optional-  travel with EmergenC to stop sickness at the first sign.
• Feminine Cup-If you are a lady, PLEASE switch over to a feminine cup. Not only will you save room in your bag not having to carry around pads or tampons, but you will save the environment. Your used cotton and plastic products are probably getting burnt outside. Feminine cups are reusable and simple to use. (Keep in mind that you will have to get used to bringing a water bottle and hand sanitizer into toilet stalls if there is not a sink in there.)
• Tiger Balm-Mosquito bite relief.
• Condoms-Birth control doesn’t protect against STIs.

Things you MIGHT need

• Headlamp-Essential if you go off-the-beaten-path.
• Lantern-Solar charged, fold up lanterns are good for taking out your contacts in a dorm room, or reading in a tent.
• Hammock and Straps-Very convenient for creating your own chill spot.
• Hammock Tent-Great for camping because they have a bug net and rain flap.
• Tent-Makes hitchhiking more practical because if you don’t reach your destination, you can set up your tent!
• Speaker-Dance parties on the beach!
• Sewing Kit-Travelers are thrifty, repair your things before you replace them.
• Sleeping Bag with Compression Sack-Depends on your trip, tropical trips do not need this and mountain adventures do.
• Sarong-Better than a towel for beach days because the sand doesn’t stick to it.
• Playing Cards & Frisbee
• Sun Hat
• Carabiners-You’d be surprised how often they come in handy.
• Workout Resistance Bands-If staying fit without regular gym access is important to you.
• Foam Roller & Massage Ball-For those Physical Therapy lovers!
• Bug Spray-Possible to get this while abroad though sometimes it is herbal and does not have DEET. 
• Toilet Paper-This is not always provided.
• Anti-Fungal Powder-Rainy season and constantly moist air can ruin a lot of things.
• Ear Plugs-Whether it’s a noisy dorm room or a show with a loud sound system, these will come in handy!
• Eye Mask-Makes sleeping on buses or in dorm rooms easier.
• Packing Cubes-I know many travelers that swear by them. This allows you to organize your clothes without having to completely unpack at every stop.

Trekking Supplies

• Hiking boots-Make sure they fit well and you have broken them in before a long trek.
• Socks-Long ones to protect your ankles.
• Blister Plaster
• Your first aid kit
• Trekking Pants-Lightweight and they dry quickly. There is a zipper at the knee so they can double as shorts.
• Trekking poles-You can probably buy them in the country of the trek.
• Electrolyte solution-Add it to your water to stay hydrated.
• Water Purification Tablets-Better safe than sorry
• Water Bottle with Filter-Carrying water is heavy, better to have a filter water bottle so you can fill up with river water along the way. I’d recommend Water-To-Go.
• Headlamp
• Toilet Paper
• Wet Wipes-This is your shower.
• Rope/String-Many uses, making a clothes line is one example.
• Food/Drinks-Instant coffee, oats, energy bars, bread, canned food (if you don’t want to cook)
• Portable Stove, Pans and Gas-The gas you can get in the country of your trek. Don’t forget the food for cooking like rice or pasta.
• Lighter or Matches
• Bug Spray-Lower altitude jungle environments need this, at high altitudes it is unnecessary.
• Yoga Mat or Blow up Pad-This depends on your desired comfort level and where you plan to sleep.
• Tent-Even if you plan to sleep in rescue shelters, if you get lost or don’t make it as far as you had planned, it feels really good knowing that you travel with a shelter on your back. Make sure it is lightweight, every pound makes a difference!
• Sleeping Bag-I have a zero degree sleeping bag because I get cold easily. Make sure you get a compression sack because a sleeping bag will otherwise take up half of your bag. Invest in a high quality sleeping bag that keeps you warmer but weighs very little.
• Clothes-2 shirts & 2 sports bras, one you wear and the other one hangs outside of your bag so the sun can dry the sweat from the previous day. 1 pair of trekking pants, many long socks (depends on length of trek), a few pairs of underwear (you can hand wash them), a sweater and sweatpants for after the trek when you set up camp, depending on how cold it is you might need a warm jacket, under armor, gloves and a hat. 

Volunteering

If you volunteer while traveling you will need different things than people strictly backpacking. It depends on where you go and what you do but here are some examples of things to bring.

• Work Shoes-On farms I’ve worn my hiking boots but during the rainy season you don’t want to risk getting your shoes wet and having them mold. In that case you need rubber which means rain boots!
• Gloves-Often times your host will provide these, check first.
• Ugly clothes-Thin long pants and sleeves. They are long to protect against bugs and thorns and thin to protect against heat.
• Bug Spray-Hosts never provide this.
• Coffee-Hosts usually provide this, but I hate to get off grid and find out that they actually don’t.
• Headlamp
• Beads and String-When teaching children I like to have this so I can make the children bracelets.
• Bubbles-Children will laugh for hours if you show them the magic of bubbles.

The High Tech Traveler

• SteriPen-Cleans water using UV light.
• Water-To-Go Bottle-Filter bottle to save money and the environment.
• Solar Lantern
• Go-Pro or Camera-Close up shots of animals, action or underwater adventures.
• iPad/laptop-Depends on how much work you need to do online.
• Drone-By no means common for travelers to have but it can take your travel videos to the next level.

Apps

• Google Maps-You can download offline maps
• Maps.Me-Also has offline maps
• Google Translate-Offline language translation
• Spanish Dic-More accurate than Google for Spanish-English translations
• Currency XE-Up to date currency exchange.
• Hostelworld– Great for booking hostels worldwide
• Bookings.com-Also a great app for booking travel lodging
• Skyscanner-Allows you to compare cheap flights 
• WhatsApp-The most popular way for travelers to communicate
• Western Union-Necessary if you lose your debit cards or if they don’t work abroad.
• Couch Surfing-An option for cultural exchange and a way to save money
• Spotify-An option for music if you are willing to pay a monthly fee
• Netflix-Many travelers find storing offline movies an essential part of their travel prep (for a monthly fee)
• Polarsteps-This allows you to see where you have traveled through pictures on a map. You can also write notes about the pictures.
• Ioverlander-An easy way to find campgrounds
• Rome2rio or Redbus-These apps are for checking bus schedules
• TravelSpend-Helps travelers budget and split expenses
• Scribd-Gives access to a plethora of books for a monthly fee

Hope you found this packing list useful!

Here is a Blank Packing List to fill out before your next trip!

Good luck planning for your next adventure. Maybe I’ll see you out on the road.