Backpackers packing list

It took me a long time to work out exactly what to take with me and what to leave behind. I’m by no means a minimalist, I have a huge wardrobe that’s still full to the brim, I’ve got shoes coming out my ears and enough toiletries to bathe a pamper a small village. For me the idea of living out of a backpack for a year was both daunting and exciting, because it’s so far from what I’m used to, it’s something new and a little challenge for me almost.

I searched endlessly to find the perfect packing list for me, so by the end I decided to combine a few I’d found online, as well as bits I added myself. Because of how much I would have appreciated finding this list when I was packing, I thought I’d share it here for anyone who is about to or thinking about doing a trip similar to mine.

I’ll generally be in hot climates for the whole year, with the exception of a couple months in Australia’s winter (very different from the UK’s winter), so I’ve packed accordingly.

I’ve also split the blog post into a few different sections to make it an easier and more organised read!

Clothing

• 2 jumpers (for those early mornings, boat rides and buses)
• 2 pairs of long trousers (for the colder times plus all the temples where you’re required to dress modestly!) – I did also fly in a pair of joggers, which I don’t really wear now, but they’re Juicy Couture and therefore will not be getting thrown away!
• 7-9 tops, ranging from big baggy t shirts (4), cropped t shirts(2), vests(1) and one or two nice tops like bandeaus.
• 5 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of cycle shorts (so comfy and versatile) one sport pair, one comfy pair and one denim pair
• 2 skirts, one long for the temples and one short
• 1 dress
• 1 playsuit
• 1 pair of pyjamas
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks
• 4 bras
• 1 coat (probably unneeded but it folds down so small and I can squeeze all the air out of it it becomes as flat as a pancake).

I know that this sounds like an awful lot of clothes. But, I like my clothes and feeling nice it what I wear is important to me. I chose all the items I love and will wear all the time; things that will go with everything and anything and stuff that I won’t get bored of.

Shoes

• Flip flops
• Sport trainers
• Casual trainers
• (I also packed a pair of converse but I want to ditch them, I wish I’d packed a pair or walking sandals Instead)

Toiletries

• Soap (lasts longer and takes up less room than shower gel)
• Moon cup (better than tampons/pads for so many reasons, blog post coming soon)
• Razors (4)
• Shampoo
• Hair brush (wet tangle teezer)
• Toothbrush (in a toothbrush holder)
• Toothpaste (4) – I use a special sensitivity one that comes in small tubes
• A pack of hair bobbles
• Facewash (removes my make up as well as washing my face and means I don’t need make up remover)
• Toner
• Lip balm (2)
• Moisturiser (big tub of astral)
• Basics of make up
• Suncream (2 X factor 30)
• Deodorant (roll on x2)
• Mosquito repellent

Extras

• Microfibre towel
• Portable charger
• Cables
• Go pro and the go pro extras
• Adapter
• Buff
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Day bag
• Note pad and pen
• Kindle (better than carrying around books)
• Charger
• Playing cards
• Cap
• Ear plugs eye mask and neck pillow
• Travel mat
• Waterproof bag cover
• Bag for dirty washing (I bought an aqua resist bag so that I can put wet things in there too)

I’m pretty sure that’s everything I packed…although there probably is something I’ve forgotten, if that’s the case I’ll come back and add to it.

Best of luck with your packing and happy travelling!

Until next time,

Megan

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