Backpacking Packing List:
Clothing, accessories
and other essentials

"Get complete lists of clothes and other backpacking essentials"

Let`s start with some basic rules for your backpacking packing list:

In this article you'll find:



On most international flights, the luggage allowance is limited to
20 kg (44 lbs) per person. But that doesn`t mean that you have to pack that much. Make sure you have room to fill in new clothes, gifts etc.

If you do overload during your trip, you can always send your stuff home with postal services.

Don`t bring items like guide books and hiking shoes if you are not going to trek or read that travel guide for a long time.

Note: It`s better to pack too little, than too much!!!

There is always an opportunity to buy most of the listed items on this page locally.

Clothing

Choosing the right clothes...

You should bring clothing in cotton for 3 good reasons:

  • Cotton breathes
  • It draws heat away from from your skin to keep you cool
  • Cotton absorbs body moisture




Closet clothes Backpacking
You can also bring a few clothes in viscose and linen.

I love wearing linen shorts and viscose dresses, because the materials breathe like cotton and are comfortable wearing. However, these curl up after washing. It`s your choice.

You should bring clothing in light colours. Dark colours (dark blue, black, dark green, dark brown etc.) absorb heat and make most people attractive to mosquitoes. On a side note, white clothing gets easily dirty.

Bring clothing that are quick and easy to wash and dry.

Choose loose-fitting clothing to help keep you cool and comfortable, avoid armpit marks and to conceal your money belt. It`s also a sign of respect for local clothing customs.

Return to top

What should I pack?

Here`s an example of a packing list for a 4-months journey:

  • 2-4 t-shirts or tops
  • 1-2 long-sleaved shirts
  • 2 shorts with zipper or button pockets (long and loose)
  • 1 skirt (it must reach to at least your midcalf, for visiting temples)
  • 1 sarong (use it as a skirt, beach mat, sheet, tube dress, scarf, curtain)
  • 1 dress
  • Warm hoody/fleece sweater/thin jacket (for cold nights)
  • 1 thin pyjama pants
  • 2 swimming shorts/bikini sets
  • 6-8 undies/boxershorts
  • 2 pair of socks (for cold nights in north Thailand, as well as trekking)

    Use long-sleaved shirts when visiting temples. It's usually required that visitors (male and female) dress modestly, covering up elbows and knees. (Dress codes vary from country to country). A long-sleaved shirt is also handy for avoiding mosquito bites in the evenings.

    For female travelers, use a bikini top instead of a bra. Bikini tops are a must-have because they don`t take any space in your backpack, light to carry and comfortable wearing. Find bikini tops that support well.

FREE STUFF ABOUT PACKING: (PDF-files)

Tutorial: Packing checklist for female travelers

Tutorial: Packing checklist for male travelers

Tutorial: Packing checklist specifically for India (coming soon!)

Clothing to consider:

  • Thin rain jacket or poncho (practical during the wet season).
  • Thin cargo pants

    Bring cargo pants if you know you`ll be trekking for a long time in the jungle. It will protect you more from insect bites, leeches, ticks, snake bites etc.

    DON'T bring:

  • Jeans

    The temperature in Asia is mostly hot and clammy, and your body will most likely be too bloated to fit in them. Also jeans are heavy and take ages to dry. Instead buy "Aladdins" or fishing pants locally. They're comfy, loose and come in different colours.

Can you get your laundry done

A cheap option is to buy washing powder so you can wash undies and clothing at the guesthouse!

If you don`t want to wash them yourself, check if the guest house you`re staying at provides laundry service (most of them do). Otherwise, family shops will do your laundry in a couple of hours or maximum a day. Most places charge you for per kilo. Look for signs on the streets! Depending on where you are (cheaper in North-Thailand than South), the prices vary from 10-30 B per kilo. These prices may change.

Return to top

Accessories

  • Daybag for daily and evening use (I prefer sling bags)
  • A pair of sun glasses
  • Bandana/caps
  • Safety pins
  • Sewing kit
  • Scarf (Use it to protect you from the sun, dust and to cover your head in temples)
  • Kleenex tissues or other brands

    Optional:

  • Eye-mask
  • Ordinary glasses
  • Cleaning rug for your glasses
  • Glasses case
  • Monthly contact lenses
  • Contact lense solution (you can buy them locally as well)
  • Contact lense case

Return to top

Additional items to consider:

  • Basic make-up

    I brought my whole kit with foundation and concealer and more, but I didn`t need it because of the heat and humidity. I didn't see female backpackers use make-up either. Settle for a mascara and lipgloss to allow you the luxury.

  • Binoculars

    You can bring small binoculars if you know you`ll be trekking a lot, and watching animals and birds.

  • Blow-up travel pillow (not a common backpacker-item, but good for long journeys)

    I brought mine once, but only used it once.

  • Photos of your family, friends, boy/girlfriend

    Don't bring items with great sentimental value. If you bring photos, make copies before leaving home.

  • Notebook + pen (for travel diary)

  • One book (for long train and bus rides, between flights)

    You should not bring more than one book. Buy, sell, rent or trade books in Asia, for example Bangkok on Khao San Road or Soi Rambutri.

  • Deck of cards/travel games (for between flights and waiting for local transport)

    DON'T bring:

    • Travel iron (heavy and takes space)
    • Travel hairdryer (your hair will dry up within 30 minutes because of the climate)
    • Expensive jewelry
    • Electrical hair trimmer set (Instead, go to local barber shops)
    • Manicure and pedicure set (Go to local salons)

      Wearing expensive jewelry will just attract thieves!

      However, if you can't travel without, bring neutral jewelry.

      For instance: I recommend bringing a pair of coloured earrings or in wood.

      Thieves won't see the difference between fake silver or not. Keep in mind that you're going to places where poverty and theft are huge issues. If you lose them, you'll regret you brought it.

    Backpacking Essentials

    What backpacking essentials should you bring for your trip to Asia?

    What are the must-haves when backpacking in Asia?

    Get a complete list of backpacking essentials right here

    Return to top

    You're done with Backpacking Packing List Clothes Accessories Other Essentials, where do you want to go next?

    Return to Backpacking Packing List Main page

    How to pack light? (Lightweight backpacking)

    About Osprey, Lowe Alpine, Eagle Creek and other backpacking backpacks

    About choosing the right travel cameras and various camera brands

    How to choose the right travel guide books

    Return from Backpacking Packing List Clothes Accessories Other Essentials to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.

    backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials backpacking packing list clothes accessories other essentials



    • Travel Coupons
    and Discounts

    Planning for your backpacking trip can be expensive.

    Get travel deals, discounts and coupons on flights, insurance, travel gear and much more!

    Get Discount Travel Coupons

    My favorites from
    Amazon

    For women:

    For men:

    Essentials:

    Connect with
    Backpacking Tips Asia

    Follow me on Twitter!
    Follow GoBackpacker on Twitter

    [?] Subscribe To
    This Site

    XML RSS
    Add to Google
    Add to My Yahoo!
    Add to My MSN
    Add to Newsgator
    Subscribe with Bloglines