Packing List For A Backpacking Trip

Jovannie
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
packing list for backpacking

A lot of people dream of traveling the world, of navigating distant places and exploring the unknown. But it can be intimidating at times, especially if it’s your first chance to visit another country or another town completely different from your own. Also, a lot of people are already into backpacking for its practicality and affordability. You get to see new places and experience new adventures without breaking your savings. With this in mind, we have come up with a cheat list of things you must bring when backpacking. Check out our packing list for a backpacking journey and have a wonderful trip ahead.

1. Travel adaptor


One of the most important things to pack when going abroad is a travel adaptor. Whether you learn this the hard way, by breaking some of your gadgets, or the easy way, by reading it somewhere, a travel adaptor is a must-bring item, for every country has unique outlets. As of today, there are 15 kinds of outlets that are being used throughout the world. Make sure to bring a dependable travel adaptor when going abroad, so you wouldn’t have any problem charging your cell phone, camera, curling/straightening iron, and more.

2. Small padlock


Going to a different country that you don’t know, it is always safe to bring with you a small padlock. It is a small safety precaution if you intend to leave your things behind in your accommodation, or if you’ll go swimming and you don’t have anyone to leave your personal belongings with. It is better to be safe than sorry later. So make sure to pack one or two small padlocks, when you travel.

3. Plastic bags

carrier_bags
Source: Photo by Flickr user How can I recycle... used under CC BY 2.0

It is always a must that you bring a small plastic bag with you whenever you travel, for you wouldn’t know when you’ll need it. It can be a trash bag for your garbage, it can also be a container for your wet clothes when you swim, or when you feel dizzy because of bumpy and winding roads, and you feel like vomiting. You’ll encounter a lot of things you could use it for when you travel, so make sure you always have it.

4. Light backpack


Aside from your suitcase and your luggage, you shouldn’t forget to bring a light bag when you travel. Having a light bag will make it easy for you to go sightseeing because it is handy and not bulky. You could put the things you only need for the day and not get into the hassle of having to bring lots of items that you wouldn’t use anyway. It is also great to use during walking tours, bar hopping, and exploring the city you’re in.

5. Compass or map


Now, that we are in an advanced era that everything is already within a click of a finger, it is still very important that you bring with you a map of the city that you’re visiting and a compass. So even if you’re smartphone loses signal or its battery, you still wouldn’t get lost, for you will still have an old school valuable item with you that will help you get to your next destination. Make sure to understand and familiarize yourself with how it works before going on a trip. Also, a compass will come in handy, when you’re on a hiking trail or exploring the natural wonders of the city, like a forest, mountains, and other terrains.

6. Repair kit

Sewing kits on white background with threads, needles and scissors
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marco Verch Profe... used under CC BY 2.0

Have you ever experienced a broken zipper while you were traveling, losing a button on your blouse/polo, or anything going wrong that you usually could have easily fixed, if only you were home? Then why not make yourself a repair kit that you can bring whenever you travel. It can consist of a safety pin, super glue, plastic eating utensils, nylon cording, clips, bandana, and anything else that could fit in a small ziplock container. It will be like a small first aid kit when you travel. So the next time you break a slipper, you wouldn’t have to buy another. We usually bring limited things when traveling, so it is always safe to have the equipment to use for repair.

7. Smartphone


Another important thing to bring when you travel and something you shouldn’t forget is your smartphone. It can have many uses like taking pictures, a map, communication, and staying online whenever you are. A lot of people can no longer live without them even when they are home, so its all the more necessary when you’re far from home. It can serve as a way to be connected with your family and friends even when you’re far, and even they will be updated about what you’re doing when you share pictures and videos on your social media accounts. You can also use it to get to know the place better by searching where to go and where to eat. Another great use of the smartphone is you can use it as a translator.

8. Books / Kindle

Open books.except
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Latemplanza used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Not all the time you’ll be up and going somewhere when visiting another country. Somedays you’ll be mostly on a train or a bus going to your next destination or simply killing time in a coffee shop. So it is important to bring a book with you when you travel; be it a physical book or a Kindle. Traveling is also a way to catch up on your must-read books for the year. Make sure to bring an interesting book, when you travel to keep you company during the in-between and the laidback moments.

9. Two-in-one shower gel and shampoo


A lot of us have their preferred hair care and body products. So you should bring with you your brand of shampoo and body wash. Make sure that what you bring is a two-in-one shampoo and body wash product, so you wouldn’t have to bring two items and add to your baggage. You can also bring the sachet equivalent of that item, if it is available, because it is handy, and so it wouldn’t feel so much of a loss if you forgot it somewhere.

10. Microfibre travel towel


Another must-bring item for your next travel abroad or even just for an out-of-town trip is a microfiber travel towel. When traveling, people pack light and only bring the essentials for they don’t want the hassle of bringing lots of items that will be hard for you to carry. So, why not choose a microfiber towel? This towel can easily be folded into a smaller pack, it is lightweight and dries easily. Make sure the next time you travel you bring along a microfiber towel of good quality for a more hassle-free holiday ahead.

Awesome packing list

Gear for the Teton trip.
Source: Photo by user Jake Spurlock used under CC BY 2.0

Traveling energizes the soul and renews the spirit. If you worry about the cost, why not try backpacking and meet new friends along the way. It seems scary at first, but if you know what to expect and what to pack, then you’ll surely have the best time. Make sure to check out our packing list for backpacking for your guide.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History

Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Your expert guide to anything travel ☺

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Good things are meant to be shared!