My Backpackers Packing List
(For an Overlanding Packing List, see below)
As a fairly seasoned traveller, my packing list for backpacking in India has been refined over the years to a careful choice of essentials and a few luxuries. A packing list is a very personal thing, but its contents will be of interest to others, and can be used as a starting point for crafting your own. Its amazing how poor some of the lists are in the travel guides. I hope mine will be more helpful.
Its important to note that there is no one ideal packing list. The contents will vary depending on where, when, and for how long you are going, and the type of travelling you are doing. This list is designed for a backpacker in Asia, travelling during the hotter months, and staying in budget accomodation. It would also be useful for someone in South America and parts of Africa, and could be adapted for Europe, Australasia, and North America.
This may seem like quite a long list, but it actually packs down quite small, and will leave quite a bit of room in an 80 litre backpack. Don't forget that it includes the things you are wearing, and the contents of your daypack.
When flying, kilos are king. You will probably want to bring back lots of souvenirs, but will be limited by your luggage allowance. If you are getting near the limit, better to discard or sell items you can easily replace at home: teeshirts, towel, toiletries, novels, old trainers, etc.
| Rucksack | An important choice; it needs to be strong and durable to stand the misuses of porters, baggage handlers, cloakroom assistants, and others. The best choice is a pack that can be locked - essential for some left-luggage offices. Mine has a zippable cover that hides the shoulder straps if required - a good idea when flying, or when checking into those smarter hotels that discourage backpackers. How big a pack ? 60 litres is ideal; 80 is more likely. |
| Bag Labels | You should have a number of these for each of your bags, hidden both inside and out. Don't rely on a single outside tag - these can get torn off. |
| Mosquito Net and Cord | Not everyone carries a mosquito net, but for budget hotels in Asia they are quite essential, and I wouldn't go anywhere without one. The best type are the wedge-shaped ones; high at the head-end, low at the feet, they only require a single-point fixing - sometimes its hard to find more in a hotel room. Don't forget to tuck in under the matress all around once you have got into bed. You will also need a length of cord or string to attach your net - about 3 or 4 metres sounds a lot but is often needed for high fixing-points. |
| Stuff Sacks | I like a number of these, big and small. They are useful for keeping small items together in your backpack, and help to find important items in a hurry. I keep one for dirty washing, one for medical and toiletries, and one for miscellaneous small things. Buy them at a camping store; the small ones are bank cash-bags, with an added draw-string. |
| Eye Shades | Very useful in a hotel room without curtains, or for napping on a bus or train. Available free on most long-haul airlines; the ones in first class are generally nicer, so keep an eye out for discarded ones as you leave the plane, or ask a stewardess. |
| Earplugs | Pretty much essential in Asia, where the noise can go on late at night and start again early next morning. Also handy for train or bus travel, and anywhere you want a bit of peace and quiet. I prefer the yellow foam ones, sold in Chemists or Builders Suppliers. They roll up in your fingers, then expand in the ear to fit your own shape. Take quite a few pairs - they are very light, can be washed, but get a bit ingrained after a while. Happiness is a new pair of earplugs! |
| Candles | Power cuts are frequent in many Asian countries, often when you are not expecting them! Some hotels will provide candles, but its better to have a small supply of your own, and some means of lighting them. How many to take with you ? - who can forget that '2 Ronnies' TV sketch, selling 'fork handles'. |
| Playing Cards | Another freebie from the long-haul airlines, a pack of playing cards is always a good addition to your pack, for solitaire in lonely hotel rooms, or more communal games. They make popular presents, too, as the local packs are often not plastic-coated, and soon deteriorate. |
| Towel | Not too big, not too small, not too thick or heavy. Something that will dry you all over, but won't fill your bag. I prefer one about 3x2 feet. You can get super lightweight technical towels, that pack away in no space at all, but I have never found them very pleasant to use. A standard towel is also nice to sit on during long train journeys and un-padded seats. |
| Washing Powder | A small plastic 'Tupperware' box makes a handy and secure container for this vital commodity. You will be doing your own laundry in various buckets and hand basins, so you'll have to have your own supply. The local powder, in plastic bags, can often burst, and will make a horrible mess in your pack. |
| Washing Line | You'll often be drying clothes overnight, when you already have your mosquito-net up, so you'll need a second 4 metre length of cord for this purpose. I've sometimes needed it for the mosquito net too, where the only fixing points were at diagonal ends of the bed: a cord fastened to a cord. Get a longer one than you think you'll need; its surprising how bits get cut off along the way, to act as replacement camera straps, drawstrings, pack repairs, etc. |
| Rubber Circles | Fact of life: cheap hotel washbasins never have plugs. It is possible to go into a camping shop and buy a so-called 'Universal Basin Plug'; they do fit most basins by simply being big enough to cover most plug holes, but their disadvantage is that its easy to dislodge them when doing your laundry - the day it happens will be when you are using your last pinch of detergent. I prefer to find an old car inner-tube, and cut out 3 rubber circles of varying sizes. They go inside the plug hole, and are held against the grill by water pressure. |
| Vaccination Certificate | In a private area of your backpack, well away from normal traffic, you can keep those important documents needed in an emergency. When you get injections, make sure they are entered on a recognised 'International Vaccination Certificate', available from some travel-health clinics or national medical bureaus for a small charge. Proof of injections is essential at some borders; if you don't have them, they will give you the injections again, at a high cost, and often with second-use needles. Some people take a needle-kit from home, but in Asia its generally easy to buy them over the counter. |
| Travellers Cheque Registration | You get this when you buy your TC's. Make sure you keep it separate from the TC's themselves, as you'll need it to get a reimbursement if they are stolen. If you have a web-based email account, another idea is to send yourself an email with the TC details on, that you can access from any Internet Cafe. Keep a note of contact telephone numbers and addresses for the countries you are going to as well. |
| Passport Copy | Useful if your passport is stolen; essential in South America to show to Police and other officials, who would prefer to confiscate your real passport and sell it back to you. A scan of your passport can also be emailed to yourself, for extra security. |
| Passport Photos | Its always handy to have a few extra passport photos, in case you decide to pop into a neighbouring country and need an extra visa. Some forms for area-entry permissions require photos too, and they are easier to get before you leave home, at one of those high-street booths so loved by Amelie. |
| Scissors | So many uses - a pair of scissors is essential in any traveller's pack. Make sure they are sharp - you'll be surprised what you'll need to trim with them. |
| Sewing Kit | I'm not going to list every item in my sewing kit - it would take too long, so my advice is to have a variety of needles and cottons as needed to mend the other items in your pack. Pins too, and a few buttons. As I get older, I find one of those needle-threaders useful as well. |
| Spare Torch Bulb | OK, so most Maglites have a spare flashlight bulb hidden in the base, but I prefer to take an extra one too - they are very hard to obtain away from the cities. |
| Gas Lighter | See the entry on Candles, above. Useful even if you don't smoke. I found one that has a locking button that you need to press before the gas comes out - its handy to know it won't be leaking in your pack when something presses the normal button. |
| Paper-Clips | Paperclips make the ideal traveller's bookmark for your guidebook or novel. Bring two or three. |
| Sellotape | A small roll of scotch tape is useful to repair rips in your guidebook, or repair torn banknotes that even the beggars don't want. I take a few feet of 'ductape' too - its super adhesive has come in useful for pack repairs and other heavy-duty sticking. |
| Screw Eyes | These are those small 1" circles of steel with a wood-screw base. I don't use them very often, but sometimes there's just nowhere else to attach yout mosquito net. If you must use them, look for existing holes rather than start a new one. |
| Trainers | Not much to add that everyone else doesn't know, except that I have just found a pair with Vibram soles, that should make walking in the hills that little bit easier. Copies of the expensive ones are available everywhere these days, but please bear in mind that in some poorer countries, various brands are still status symbols, and you can get mugged for the ones you are wearing. |
| Sandals | You either like them or loathe them. Birkenstock, I mean. As far as I am concerned, I wouldn't have any other sandals. Your feet are important when travelling - look after them very well. If treking, take a blister-kit too. |
| Short Trousers | Not really appropriate wear in many Asian countries, they are useful on the beach, though, and double up as swim-wear. |
| Long Trousers | I'm a big 'Rohan' fan, and wouldn't dream of going anywhere without a couple of pairs of the famous 'Rohan Bags'. They are carefully thought-out and designed over many years - the ideal traveller's trouser. When you turn the legs up for your own leg-length, keep the offcut, which might be needed for patching later on. |
| Belt | Rohan makes a nice quick-release belt to go with their Bags - only 5 pounds. |
| Fleece Jumper | Fleece is much better than wool for your jumper or jersey - its lighter, easy to wash, and dries a lot quicker too. I like a couple of zip-pockets and a collar, too. |
| Short Sleeved Shirts | I prefer these to tee-shirts for normal, everyday wear. They are more comfortable, cooler, and look that little bit smarter too - useful when you are dealing with officialdom of all types. I find 2 is enough - replacements are easily available and cheap all over Asia. |
| Long Sleeved Shirt | Essential to have at least one of these - you'll need it when you go out in the evenings with all those mosquitos about. |
| Tee Shirt | I take just one teeshirt with me - its great for the beach, or as an under-shirt in the mountains. |
| Boxer Shorts | The key here is to get some that are loose and light and cool when travelling in hot and humid conditions. Nothing tight-fitting. Rohan make some that are ideal for this purpose, or you can find others at many major shopping outlets. I take 3 pairs. |
| Socks | You need some socks that will not turn your feet into balls of sweat when wearing your trainers. Many people like Merino wool socks, but your local hiking shop may have other suggestions. Take 2 pairs. |
| Sandal Socks | What I mean by these are socks that are very thin and light. Why do you need them ? Well, if you are not used to wearing sandals at home, or have just bought a new pair of sandals, you'll find that they abrade your skin in ways you aren't used to, and blisters quickly form. It happens every trip with me, so a pair of light socks makes a useful padding layer whilst you are getting used to the sandals again. They are also handy to wear in the evenings, when there are mosquitos about. |
| Cap | A baseball cap, if you like them. The sun can get very hot, especially at mid-day. |
| Scarf | Not a thick woolen scarf, but one of those light cotton 'rami scarfs' found all over India. It has 101 uses: a head covering, a bandage, a towel, a bag for fruit, something to sit on, a sling, a tourniquet, etc., etc., and of course: as a scarf. |
| Umbrella | Useful in the monsoon season, as a walking stick, and for brandishing at rabid dogs and children. Cheap to buy in India, and easily mended at 1000 roadside stalls, though not as durable as some western ones. |
| Sponge Bag | A waterproof bag will keep all your daily toiletries together. Handy if a bottle lid comes off, too. |
| Soap and Soapdish | Not much to say here, except how important it is to find a soapdish that is not brittle or breakable when your bag is dropped or sat on; also to look for one that will not leak the water around the soap into the rest of your bag. |
| Toothbrush and Toothpaste | Try to estimate your toothpaste requirements if, like me, you have sensitive teeth. Your favourite brand may not be available abroad. I use 1 tube every 3 months. |
| Shampoo | How to stop your shampoo leaking into the rest of your pack when the top comes off, or the bottle splitting when your bag is thrown on top of a bus? Sigg, the Swiss company that makes the only water bottles worth bothering with, also make a mini water-bottle, like their big ones, but about 5" high. I find that these make ideal shampoo bottles. |
| Nail Clippers | A bit of a luxury item really; after all, you could use your scissors to trim your nails, but it you can stand the extra weight, they do the job so much better. |
| Malaria Tablets | There are various different types - check before you go at your local health bureau to find out which ones suit the area you are going to. Some are available over the counter in Asia if you run out, but NOT ALL, so take a full supply with you. Do you 'really' need to take malaria pills ? Yes you do - malaria can be a killer disease, and may kill you. |
| Mosquito Repellent | Forget the essential oils and homeopathy just this once: to keep mosquitos at bay, you need real chemicals. If you have a friend in Australia, get them to send you a bottle of 'Rid', which feels like hand-cream yet really works. Other people will have to use 'Jungle Formula' and anything else with 'Deet' in it - the problem is that it comes on an alcohol base, and when you have it on you'll stick to anything plastic that you touch. |
| Immodium | Natural ways are best, of course, and this stuff doesn't cure your diarrhoea, it just stops it happening for a while. However, if you are aflicted at the same time as a need to make a long bus or train journey, its very comforting to have a few of the tablets with you! |
| Nurofen | Or any other high-strength headache remedy. I don't use pills very often, but sometimes its nice to have a treatment for that killer-headache caused by sitting in a bus playing loud film music for 6 hours. Handy if you sprain something, too. |
| Aloe Vera Gel | Now here is a real wonder cure-all, that I never travel without. Available from health stores in the West, a tube of 99% pure Aloe Vera Gel is the best after-sun treatment of all time, and will alleviate unexpected sunburn overnight. Its also good for any minor skin cuts, burns, and abrasions. |
| Sun Cream | Its amazing how strong the tropical sun can be on the beach or in the mountains. Even if you tan easily, you'll still need some for those early days of your trip. |
| Antiseptic Cream | Always nice to have a small tube of this, for emergencies. I like 'Savlon' - you may prefer something else. |
| Plasters | Take plenty of plasters or bandaids; the ones you get throughout Asia never seem to stick to sweaty skin properly, and fabric-backed ones can't always be found either. When breaking in new sandals, I always seem to go through quite a few, then when wearing sandals its easy to stub a toe or catch a foot on something sharp. Cuts should be protected from dirt and dust, but remove plasters overnight, to let the air start its healing process. |
| Puritabs | You may prefer to buy bottled water most of the time, but its a good idea to have a few Puritabs for emergencies. These chlorine-based tablets will each treat 1 litre of water - better to be safe than sorry, even if it does taste like you are drinking from a warm swimming pool. In the mountains you'll need iodine-based tablets that can kill Giardia, but don't take them for too long, or they will upset your thyroid gland. |
| Gel Handwash | A useful new product, this, that can clean and sterilise your hands where soap and water isn't available. I keep a small bottle in my daypack, for unexpected snack-eating. |
| Toilet Paper | You can buy this throughout Asia, often in Stationery Shops, but it may not be as soft as the brand you use at home. My recommendation is to bring plenty: the space it occupies in your backpack will gradually get replaced by souvenirs. |
| Daysack | Some back-packing rucksacks include a daypack that zips on to the main pack - excellent for hands-free travelling. The rest of us wear them on our chests with the main pack behind, and look rather silly doing it. |
| Waterbottle | As mentioned for the 'Shampoo' entry, the only waterbottles worth bothering with are those made by the Swiss company 'Sigg'. These excellent spun-aluminium bottles are light but durable, and can be used as hot-waterbottles at night when treking! Various sizes, colours, and tops available. Also insulated pouches. |
| Padlocks and Chain | You will need 2 padlocks - one for your bag, and one for your hotel door. I prefer a western-purchased combination lock, without a key to lose or mislay. DON'T buy the Indian 'number locks, which are easy to open. If you need glasses to read the numbers on a combination lock then I would suggest a standard lock with key is for you! It is all too easy to mislay your glasses, or not wish to carry them with you, and then not be able to get into your room! You will also need 1 metre of chain, to secure your bag under the seat when travelling on Indian Railways. If you forget to bring a chain with you, they can be found for sale outside most stations. |
| Spoon | OK, so you are very good at eating with your fingers already... But how about yoghurt, or deserts, or hot curry sauce? Better to keep a small spoon in your daypack - those street food-vendors may not be able to provide you with one. |
| Torch | A good torch is essential when wandering through Asia. Frequent power cuts, caves to explore, unlit streets, and a personal sense of security demand you keep it in your daypack at all times. Which torch ? 'Maglite' of course. End of story. |
| Penknife | I like to have a small penknife with me, for sharpening pencils, cutting food, peeling oranges, etc. etc. My favourites are the famous red 'Swiss Army' brand, which don't need sharpening so often. Make sure they are in your checked-luggage when you fly, though, or airport-security will confiscate them. |
| Calculator | A small calculator is handy when exchanging money, pricing souvenirs, or other daily arithmetical jobs. Found anywhere, usually quite cheap. |
| Sunglasses | A must-have in the bright tropical sun. A spare pair is a good idea, too. DO NOT buy cheap sunglasses or RayBan copies, no matter how good the price - cheap sunglasses without proper UV filters will actually damage your eyes, by expanding the iris to let more UV radiation in. You would be better off not wearing any at all! |
| Reading Glasses | If you need them, you need them. Glasses are often available cheaply throughout Asia, so take your prescription with you, or send it in an email to yourself before you set off. |
| Pens and Pencils | Take a few. Cheap to buy when you get there, too. |
| Highlighter | You know, one of those pens that draws a thick transparent line in fluorescent yellow. Excellent for marking your route on a map, or annotating your guidebook. |
| Eraser | For adjusting pencil-entries in your notebook. |
| Daily Toilet Paper | You should always carry 20-30 sheets of toilet paper in a plastic bag, in a convenient back pocket. Who knows when you may get caught short during the day: paper is not generally available in toilets throughout India. |
| Lip Balm | Excellent when treking in the mountains, or crossing desert areas that would otherwise dry your lips to the consistency of sandpaper. |
| Wallet | Keep in a zipped pocket, and be discrete when extracting money in crowded places. |
| Money Belt | An essential travel item, that should be kept with you 24 hours a day, even in the shower. Use it to store passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques, air tickets, and a small amount of emergency cash. I prefer one that sits on my waist, in the small of the back. I have always thought that neck-pouches are too vunerable. Access your money belt discretely. In South America, other means may be necessary to protect your valuables. |
| Watch | A digital watch, with an alarm that actually wakes you up is preferred. Don't bring anything too valuable, or you may be mugged for it. Watches are available these days with compasses, altimeters etc. too - useful when treking. I'm waiting for a mini GPS receiver. |
| Camera and Case | I'm sure you have one already. If not, there are plenty of websites that discuss the pros and cons of different types. Make sure the batteries last a suitable time, and are available worldwide. Anyway, bring spares, a lens brush, and plenty of film. |
| Guidebook | One of the big 3 are best: Footprint, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide. I prefer Footprint, but that's because I'm not a gap-year backpacker any more. |
| Maps | Its always a good idea to have the right maps with you. When in India or other parts of South Asia, I find the Lonely Planet South Asia Atlas is the best, though the word is that they have abandoned it these days. In London, go to Stamfords, in Long Acre - they keep a full range of maps, including treking maps. |
| Reading Books | English novels are generally available throughout Asia, and are exchanged with other travellers as the trip progresses, but you will want to bring a few favourites from home, just to start you off. |
| Sleeping Bag | Some people like to take a lightweight sleeping bag, or sleeping bag liner with them. There are no hard rules about when this is or isn't a good idea, but remember that 2-season down-filled bags are very small these days; you can buy one the size of a bag of sugar. |
| Radio | Definitely a luxury item, this, but its nice to be able to listen to the familiar news from home when you are some months into your trip. Sony sell some very compact short-wave receivers these days, available down the Tottenham Court Road when in London. |