Deciding on what to put in your backpack, before a trip, can be a torturous affair. You put one thing in, take another out, and swap them around again, packing and unpacking more times than you care to remember. The temptation for backpackers is to stuff their rucksack with as much as they possibly can so that they have every eventuality covered.
However, you must resist! What you take with you depends largely on where and when you are going, the length of your adventure and what you intend to do while you are there. But there are certain items, aside from the obvious ones like your tickets, passport, currency, which should always be on your list of things to take, whatever your destination.
The best advice is to always ‘travel light’. I recommend that you never leave home with more than 50% of your backpack full yet there is a list of things you should always pack.
This list has 20 items I think you just won’t be able to do without and shouldn’t, under any circumstances, forget to take them with you in your backpack!
Phone
Something not to forget, and unlikely you will. Most places have Wifi nowadays, and it’s super useful for photos, keeping in touch and doing fun stuff online.
Travelling without music would be unthinkable for many travellers. Download music to your phone so you can make long journeys or the hours waiting for transport to arrive, just disappear.
Also you never know quite where you are going to end up, and it is unlikely that there will be street lights everywhere you go. More often than not your phone light will come in handy when you need to find your way to relieve yourself in the middle of the night.
First aid kit
Carry first aid supplies to cover minor injuries. In particular, carry plenty of sticking plasters, paracetamol, sterilised bandages, saline solution and a support bandage in a case of a minor sprain.
Sunglasses
Be sure to take a quality pair of lenses with you to protect your eyes. You cannot always guarantee that the ones you pick up at a random market will have the adequate UV protection. More of ten than not, they’ll be useless.
Insect repellent
Don’t get bitten to death whilst you’re away. Many insects are carriers of disease, so it’s important to have repellent to keep them away. Make sure you’re prepared if you’re going into a malaria-infected area. Check with your doctor regarding anti-malarial drugs. Mosquito nets are also a must in these areas.
Sunscreen
It cannot be over-stressed just how necessary it is to protect yourself from the sun. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 would be best, so you are protected whether the sun is shining or not. Remember, you can still burn on a cloudy day, as Freaky Nomad has discovered, and you need to reapply it throughout the day.
Kindle/ebook reader
Modern Technology has come some way so we believe everyone should have an e-reader in their rucksacks. Why? Well, travellers can keep numerous travel guides on their ebook confined to a typical ebook’s weight of only 100-200 grams. You may also have time to kill whilst you’re travelling so it never harms to have a good novel or two on your ebook. And remember, if you’re travelling somewhere remote, be sure to download some maps onto your ebook. You never know, it may just save your skin!
Ipad
Perfect for keeping yourself entertained when having down time, watch films, tv, browse the web or if you are a travel blogger you can edit your site and keep notes.
Noise reduction headphones
Perfect for flying, bus journey or just zoning out.
Light sheet/sleeping bag
Depending on where you’re going, you’re likely to need something to cover yourself with whilst sleeping. This could be a light sheet if you are somewhere warm, or a sleeping bag if a bit more warmth is required. This is essential as you cannot always guarantee a bed in a hostel so the beach may be your bed for the night.
Toilet roll
Although you can probably buy this over at your destination you never quite know when you are going to need it. Everyone picks up those nasty tummy bugs from time to time and you probably will too so don’t leave yourself in an embarrassing situation. It’s an essential at all times in your backpack!
A few bin liners
These can keep dirty or wet clothes separate from clean and dry ones and be used to waterproof your backpack. You can also use them to sit or lie on if you are on damp or wet ground. Essential!
Ear plugs
Getting some sleep can be a nightmare if you are staying in dorms with others, on a bus journey or even sleeping out in the open. Ear plugs can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and no sleep. Again, a total no-brainer.
A padlock
You can use this to keep your backpack locked, secure your pack on overhead rails when on public transport, or to secure a locker when staying in a hostel.
A Wonder Towel
Take a small lightweight towel such as the ingenious Wonder Towel, whose unique material does the job of a full size bath towel, yet dries very quickly and is effective even when damp. A miracle!
Spare footwear
Always have some spare footwear, perhaps some lightweight sandals or flip flops. Chances are, you may get your footwear wet at some point or other and will need to give it time to dry out. They’re often just a better option when you’re chillaxing by the beach.
Condoms
Br responsible and protect yourself. You meet a lot of people along your travels and everybody ‘gets’ lucky at least once in their lives. Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the increase so it’s up to you to protect yourself. Don’t leave these at home.
Toothbrush/toothpaste
While you might be out there wanting to be at one with nature, that’s no excuse to skip your personal hygiene regimes such a brushing your teeth. A compact fold-up brush will stay clean while travelling.
Eco soap/shampoo bar
Much lighter and easier to carry than normal soap or shampoo bottles, and there are lots of eco options available now which aren’t harmful on the environment.
Some smart clothing
You may want to consider taking at least one outfit, preferably of non-crease material to enable you to get into some of the places while on your travels which have at least minimal standards of dress. Would you go to Singapore and not visit Raffles?
Waterproof jacket
Take a very lightweight and compact waterproof to keep you prepared for whatever comes your way. These don’t need to be expensive but you’ll never regret having it.
Hopefully my travel packing essentials has given you some ideas of what to take backpacking. Only you can decide what to take, and remember what to pack really depends on your destination.
