Backpacking Packing List
Gear and Electronics

"Everything you need to know about what gear
and electronics to bring and how to choose a backpack"

First, we start with the gear:

It all depends on what you actually will do during your trip.

I hate to say this, but, what you`ve planned in your head before departure, doesn`t necessarily mean that you will execute it.

Let's say you've brought your sleeping bag with you, cause you have big plans of trekking/staying a long time in the jungle of India.

...But when you get there, you change your mind...

Why you change your mind can be caused by many things. Anything from lack of motivation to bad weather... And you didn't know of these things before you actually got there. Either because you didn't do your homework/made some research before departure, or you just lost the urge to trek that long during your trip.

So, when choosing the right gear for your backpacking trip,
you should think it through. It will save you weight and frustration.

Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
Essential Gear to Bring

First of all, get:

• A backpack

• Mini rucksack (for day trips or short treks that last for a couple of days)

• Laundry bag

  Laundry bags are essential for dirty clothes. You can use a plastic bag as well, but you can't wash a plastic bag. A laundry bag isolates the smell, and is washable!

  For more backpacking essentials, check out my article

  Optional:

  • One Travel Guide (Lonely Planet and Rough Guide are the popular ones)

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  Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
  How do you choose a backpack?

  Your backpack is with you the whole time when traveling for months, or even years. Dare to invest time and money to find the right backpack for you.

  Before purchasing a backpack, make sure you sample packs in various sizes and comfort level.

  Ask the sales assistant if you can put something in the pack to weigh it down, so you'll get a more realistic idea of how it feels. You can find backpacks for ladies, with a shorter back.

  Brands to look for: The North Face, Lowe Alpine, Osprey, Berghaus, Eagle Creek

  More about Osprey, Lowe Alpine and Eagle Creek backpacking backpacks

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  Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
  Things to consider before you buy a backpack:

  Have solid and well-padded straps and zips
  An adjustable back system
  A chest strap and a hip strap
  Have zipper opening(s) on the front or on the side

  Instead of digging your arm into the load from the top, unzip the front... and voila, you'll get to the content without sweating a pearl!

  Ergonomic support to your back
  Be light in weight
  Waterproof fabric
  The right size

  Packs come in different volume capacity: between 30-100 liters. It highly depends on how long you'll be traveling and where you are going (like bush/in cities, or both).

  However, the less volume, the better.

  I recommend 40-55 liters. I bought a 55 liter for a 4-month trip, and that was one of my biggest mistakes. I could have settled for 40-45 liters.

  (Removable) Rain Cover

  The rain cover is usually hidden in the top compartment, and you can fold it over your pack. It protects the pack from rain, dust, dirt and thieves. If there's no extra water-proof bag in your chosen backpack, ask the sales assistant if you can purchase one.

  The shoulder straps should curve around your shoulders
  The shoulder straps should avoid pressure over the breast, like S-shaped straps.
  The hip belt should sit on your hip bone
  Be able to be secured using a combination padlock
  Guarantee (some packs have either standard or life-time warranty)

  Quick tip!

  Make sure you don't buy a travel guide for example Cambodia if you're not going to arrive there until the 2nd or 5th month of your trip.

  Books are heavy. I suggest you buy a travel guide locally and sell it when you don't need it anymore. Second hand book shops are available in all major tourist cities and towns.

  You should read my tips on lightweight backpacking, click here.

  Get useful info on Osprey, Eagle Creek and Lowe Alpine packs!

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  Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
  What gear you DON'T need to bring:

  • A mosquito net

    Bringing a mosquito net to Southeast Asia is in my opinion not necessary. Most guesthouses provide rooms with air-conditioners which mosquitos will avoid because of the temperature. In rooms with no air-conditioner, there is usually a net available in the room.

    I brought mine for my first long trip, but I didn't use it all. I was just frustrated about the space it took in my backpack, and it was too expensive to throw away. So I sold it in Bangkok (Backpacking Thailand).

    I talked to other frustrated backpackers who also brought theirs, but they had no use for it either.

    If you're unsure and will feel safe if you bring it, then do it. It's up to you.

    On the other hand, if you're backpacking in India on a budget and can't afford nicer rooms, I would recommend to bring a mosquito net.

    Many cheap guesthouses don't have a mosquito net. Some places don't state on their websites that mosquito nets are available, but will provide you with one if asked.

    My point: Bring a mosquito net for India, but not necessary for Southeast Asia.

    Recommendation from one of my readers: "Something I have just discovered and like very much is a travel tent from Long Road. It is easy to set up and should be excellent protection. I always had my own net with me but, being unpractical, I often could not put it up because it was impossible for me to put a hook in the right place. This is self supporting and nasty crawling animals cannot get at me. It's light, too. A great idea."
    Amei Binns

  • A sleeping Bag

    Sleeping bags take too much space and weight! There is bedding and sheets provided wherever you go.

    If necessary, you can buy cheap sleeping bags in the backstreets of Khao San Road and Soi Rambutri in Bangkok. When you're done using it, try to sell it back.

    I would rather instead my money in cotton travel liners. They're ideal because they protect you against bed bugs and can compensate for filthy sheets.

  • A sleeping pad

    You don't need a sleeping bag, so you won't need a sleeping pad either!

  • Hammock

    Most bungalows have a hammock ready for you so why bring it?

    If you must have one, buy locally. It's cheaper and you can sell it to others when you're done.

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  Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
  Electronics

• Camera
  
• Charger for camera
  
• Camera bag
  
• Cleaning rug for your camera
  
• Mobile phone

  If you are bringing your mobile, be careful with the usage!

  Instead, buy a SIM-card locally and recharge it when you need it. Phones are good for sms communication with anxious parents and fellow travelers.

  It's also handy as an alarm clock.

  Don't use it for international calls -- instead use a pay phone which is cheaper.

• Charger for your mobile phone

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  Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics:
  Optional electronics:

  • Extra memory card(s) for camera
    
  • An extra battery for camera
    
  • Tripod
    
  • MP3 player + portable head phones/in-ear earphones
    
  • Charger for MP3 player
    
  • Universal adapter

    It depends on which country you come from, and where you are heading. Click here to find the appropriate plug.

  • Your laptop

    Laptops are heavy and take loads of space. There are internet cafès and guesthouses providing internet in most cities, even smaller places like Pai, Thailand, Palolem, India and Vang Vieng, Laos.

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  You're done with Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics, where do you want to go next?

  Back to Backpacking Packing List Main page?

  Backpacking Packing List Footwear

  Backpacking Packing List How to Pack

  Backpacking Packing List Toiletries and Medical Supplies

  Backpacking Packing List Clothes Accessories Other Essentials

  Backpacking Packing List Money and Travel Documents

  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

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  Return from Backpacking Packing List Gear and Electronics to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.