Backpacking Packing List For Beginners: Travel Essentials You Actually Need & Packing Tips

Planning your first backpacking trip and staring at your bag wondering just exactly how you’re supposed to fit your life in it? This backpacking packing list for beginners is here to simplify everything and break down the essentials you actually need – and those you don’t.

After recently completing my third round-the-world backpacking trip, I’ve learnt first hand exactly what to take backpacking and just as importantly, what to leave behind. This isn’t a generic packing list for backpackers; it’s a practical guide with tried-and-tested recommendations based on real experience living out of a backpack for months at time, from someone who has done this repeatedly. Despite having done this a lot, my most recent trip highlighted mistakes and ways to make my packing more streamlined, all of which I share below so you don’t make the same errors.

From choosing the right backpack to smart organisation solutions and the travel essentials I can’t travel without, this blog will help you pack better, stay organised and travel with the confidence of someone who’s done this before from day one of your trip so you can focus on having fun.

For a full timeline on getting ready to go backpacking and everything you need to think of, read my guide here.

Backpacking Essentials You Actually Need

Backpack and Day Bag

Main Backpack

I highly recommend you invest in a good quality backpack, since you’ll be living out of it for weeks, months – even over a year. The last thing you want is for a budget backpack to split whilst on the road, and there’s no guarantee that this will happen in a city with access to replacements. Invest.

I prefer a large 65-70l backpack that I can access from the middle as well as the top, and ideally have a bottom compartment that can be unzipped to create one large space. These backpacks are a very similar style to the one I had for 15 years(!) Extra points for the ones with pockets in the hip belt and incorporated waterproof cover!

If you’re confident you can get by and happily travel with a 40l backpack, this is one of the most popular bags of this size.

The front of this backpack fully opens, so packing it is more like packing a suitcase rather than stuffing things down into it. It’s very popular, though style is all personal preference.

If you like the idea of this style but need more capacity, you can buy the larger version here:

Day Bag Backpack

I bought a new day bag for my most recent trip as I wanted a cushioned compartment for my laptop and I absolutely love it. Also great for festivals and commuting; I highly recommend this backpack that I have.

Waterproof Backpack Cover

If your backpack of choice doesn’t have a built in waterproof cover you’ll want one of these for unpredictable downpours. These come in a variety of sizes and colours; I like a bright one so I can easily spot it – I cover it for long bus and train journeys, too.

Every Day Backpacking Essentials To Pack

Passport

Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are a total game changer. Not only do they maximise space in your backpack, but they help organise your clothes by outfits and divide up clean and dirty clothes as you go. They are my number one travel must have!

Water Bottle

Lots more hostels and guest houses provide free water in an effort to be sustainable these days; make sure you have a refillable water bottle to do your part, saving on single use plastic and money, too.

Pad Locks

Use for lockers in hostels and also to keep your day bag locked on long bus and train journeys. The flexible ones are best.

Travel Towel

If I was staying in a hostel for a good few days and they had towel hire for a reasonable price I would do that, because nothing compares to a proper towel, but lots of places won’t have that option and you will definitely need a travel towel for your trip.

Back Up Chargers

I have sworn by these power banks for years, in every day life and travel. Try to get into the habit of being on top of charging it regularly so you’re not caught out.

Cable Tidy

If you have as much tech stuff as I do it’s handy to have a cable tidy. I took this one away with me which was handy in being flexible and keeping all my chargers and cables in one place.

Adaptor For Multi Country Use With USB

This multi country use adaptor can be used all over the world and has 3 USB ports, including one for USB C.

Air Tag

I never travel without an air tag in my luggage these days. Great for peace of mind and extremely helpful if your baggage doesn’t make the flight but the airline are having trouble locating it.

Rechargeable Fan

This fan can be a life saver if you’re headed somewhere with extremely hot temperatures.

Carabiners

Useful to have a few of these carabiners on your backpack to help carry extra bits like shoes or your water bottle.

Black Out Eye Mask

An eye mask that fully blocks any light is ideal when you’re travelling.

Ear Plugs

I’m a Loop convert, and these ear plugs specifically for sleep are God tier. 

Neck Pillow

It’s difficult to sleep on long flights and overnight buses without a decent neck pillow. This highly acclaimed neck pillow is designed to help you sleep well anywhere by keeping your neck in place and your head upright.

If you prefer a more traditional version, try this lightweight memory foam pillow which compresses down to under 12cm tall when not using.

Tech Essentials

Laptop/Tablet

Definitely a personal preference. I don’t recommend taking a laptop unless you’re going to get proper use out of it or be working; a tablet will serve you well to watch film and tv during your time away. Or you may not feel you need either!

Laptop Case

If you are taking a laptop, this laptop case is worth investing in: it’s incredibly protective and designed to withstand high impact and shocks, as well as being splash proof.

Tablet Case

The same goes for a protecting you tablet with a decent case.

Kindle

It took me a long time to admit that a Kindle is just superior than books when you’re on the road. The amount of weight and space you save is unparalleled, and that’s before you get to the ease of downloading books and at least 12 weeks of battery life.

There’s the standard one, which is the lightest with a 6 inch screen and comes in a beautiful mint colour, though it is missing some advanced features.

I have the Paper-white and I appreciate both the waterproof aspect and being able to change the warmth/brightness of the screen.

Even better? There are loads of books available with Amazon Prime, and even more if you sign up to Kindle Unlimited.

Try Kindle Unlimited for free for 30 days!

Action Underwater Camera

This is my underwater camera of choice for snorkelling and diving. The adventure combo comes with 3 spare batteries in a handy charging kit, as well as an extending handle for the camera. The stabilisation on this camera is incredibly impressive, as is the quality of the footage.

Memory Card For Action Camera

Invest in a good SD card with decent memory; lots of video on an action camera eats up space and you’ll be saving yourself agg by getting one with lots of memory.

Case For Action Camera

This is the official case for the above action camera. It’s got plenty of space but it takes up a bit too much room for me with the rest of my camera equipment, though for many it will be fine. I’ve been using a smaller one and packing the extending handle separately.

Floating Handle For Action Camera

A floating handle is important to stop you losing your expensive equipment to the ocean – trust me, I know first hand.

Camera

It’s absolute truth that phone cameras are fantastic now and you can get great shots on them, but a lot of people take the chance to get a bit more into photography whilst travelling and prefer to use a camera.

I’m personally very into photography (I even sell my prints!), so it’s something I have invested in a lot. I have the following camera body and lenses:

If you’re looking for something a bit more entry level and lightweight before you invest in something that will deliver higher quality images and have more lens options, check this point and shoot camera out.

SD Cards

I have multiple SD cards, which I think is a must when travelling long term.

Camera Bag

This camera bag just about fits my camera and two lenses in, plus batteries and some other accessories. It’s full but it works, and it also fits into the day bag backpack I have!

Tripod

If you’re a solo traveller in particular a compact and lightweight tripod to use will be really helpful to capture photos and videos.

Remote Control For Phone

A bluetooth remote control to take photos on the go is very handy and also tiny so a breeze to pack; particularly useful if you’re a solo traveller!

Phone Lanyard

If you live in London you probably already have a phone lanyard to deter moped thieves. I still recommend keeping your phone out of sight when out and about, but these are good to have.

Charging Cables

I recommend taking some spare charging cables of whatever you need; thankfully lots of tech now use USB C which means you can double up.

External Hard Drive

If you’ll be taking a lot of photos on a camera, it’s a good idea to back them up as you go. This hard drive is particularly durable and also water resistant – a shout as your backpack will be chucked around a lot.

Toiletries

Hanging Wash Bag

Big enough to carry all the many toiletries you’ll need on the road, with a convenient hook to hang up in crowded hostel bathrooms. I upgraded to this beautiful wash bag a while ago for my holidays and I’m still using it for backpacking, but this version is a bit more budget friendly with all the same features.

Silicone Travel Bottles For Toiletries

I bought these silicone travel bottles for my shampoo and conditioner and I really rate them: secure, and space saving too.

Suncream

If you don’t already, please ensure you’re using SPF50. The UV Index in many places popular on the backpacking route (looking at you, Asia) is a lot higher than you’ll be used to. The sun hits different, you will burn if you’re not careful.

Depending on how long your travels are, you may want to take more suncream than you would other toiletries. A lot of suncream in places like Asia is whitening, and in many countries it’s very expensive to buy as it’s usually imported.

SPF Lip Balm

Don’t make the mistake of using Vaseline – your lips will just cook in the sun. SPF lip balm all the way, and reapply regularly.

Travel Pots For Decanting

Pack your usual cleansers, moisturisers and serums into lighter and smaller packaging to save on space and weight. I used these silicon pots for moisturiser and cleanser, and in these smaller pots I decanted pills like antihistamines, melatonin and painkillers into.

Cleanser, Moisturiser & Serums

Take your usual cleanser, moisturiser and serums but decanted into lighter packaging where possible.

Miceller Water & Eye Make Up Remover

Take smaller versions of your usual micellar water and eye make up remover – these can easily be replenished whilst away in most places.

Shampoo & Conditioner

Now I’m older I understand the importance of using good quality shampoo and conditioner. I decant the good stuff into the silicone bottles listed above.

Body Wash

A small one is fine, you can easily replenish locally when it runs out.

Deodorant

Cotton Wool Pads

It can be oddly tricky to find cotton wool pads in some places, but they’re an essential for me. I take both regular and reusable pads (I find the latter awful for removing make up, hence both).

Suri Toothbrush

I got this Suri toothbrush for Christmas and it’s mad how long the battery lasts (over 40 days!) – an essential for travel. It comes with a case that cleans bacteria from the toothbrush too.

Toothpaste

Make Up

I personally take a minimal amount of make up: concealer, mascara, eyebrow pencil, blush and an eyeliner and eyeshadow I wear about once a month when I want to feel fancy.

It comes down to personal preference but most people are not wearing much make up whilst backpacking long term, if any.

Make Up Bag

This make up bag is the perfect size for the amount of make up I take backpacking.

Setting Spray

If I am putting make up on, I swear by this setting spray, and this travel size is perfect. 

Hand Bands and Hair Grips

Hair Brush

Hand Sanitizer

A must for every day!

Rehydration Sachets

At some point you will get diarrhoea. Rehydration sachets are a must – and also help for hangovers.

Anti Blister Balm

Try to prevent blisters before they occur on a hike with this anti-blister balm.

Plasters

Make sure you have some regular plasters but definitely plenty of blister plasters if you’re hiking.

Tampons

You’d be surprised how difficult it is to get tampons in some places; it’s something we really take for granted. At least they’re light!

Moon Cup

Loads of backpackers I met used moon cups to deal with their periods whilst travelling instead of faffing with trying to find tampons. This one is for the over 30s and these are for under 30s (no idea why they are divided like this!)

Medicine

Of course you can stock up on most things whilst travelling, but I like to have the basics: paracetamol, ibruprofen, Rennies for heart burn, antihistamines (these are the best) and diarrhoea relief. Eye drops are another good one to have on you, and don’t forget contraceptives. Ensure to also include any regular medicine you take.

Probiotics

As an IBS girlie I was particularly worried about getting Delhi Belly in India. I took these probiotics and they helped me hugely in general, but I also avoided food poisoning. Was it luck or was it these probiotics? Who’s to say for sure, but it’s not worth the risk to not invest in these.

Medical Alert Wristband

If you have a medical condition, it’s worth getting a medical wristband with your details and emergency contact on. Not everyone knows how to access a Medical ID on your phone, and signal and battery life may not be on your side.

Clothes

The trick to a good backpacking wardrobe is to build a capsule collection of basics you can mix and match to make multiple outfit options out of a small number of clothes. If you’re only travelling to hot climates, you’ll breeze by. Need to pack for winter and summer? Brace yourself, it’s a bit trickier…

Hot Climate vs Cool Climate Clothing

You’re at an advantage if you’re only travelling around hotter climes, and you may even get away with using a smaller backpack.

Please bear in mind that whilst leggings are great for travel days on planes, if you’re travelling in conservative places, loose trousers will be needed instead of tight leggings. What you pack will be affected by the countries you’re travelling to, but the following list gives you an idea of what you should be packing.

Loose Trousers

I packed 4 pairs but 3 would be fine – I ended up throwing 2 pairs out when they ripped/stained too much.

I spent two months in conservative countries where I would need to dress modestly, but loose trousers are good for overnight journeys too. Make sure they are light and baggy to help keep you cool, and consider fabrics like cheesecloth, that are supposed to look a bit crinkled.

Shorts

2 or 3 pairs should be fine depending on the customs of the hot countries you’re travelling around.

Shirts

Shirts are great to throw over beachwear but also a very handy wardrobe option for more modest countries. Works as an extra layer to keep warm in cooler places, too.

T-Shirts

I pack a few t-shirts, including oversized ones which are great to sleep in. The will end up worn out and chucked by the end of your trip, if not before, but this is something you can easily replenish when you’re passing through a big city if needed.

Dresses

2 or 3 dresses are good to pack (or buy whilst away). Make sure they cover the knee and shoulders if you’re travelling to more conservative countries.

Leggings

Leggings are great for travel days and cooler climates, as well as places you’ll be hiking. I took more leggings to South America than I did to Asia due to the weather and the fact I can comfortably wear less modest clothes there – tight leggings are not considered modest in India and the Maldives even if they aren’t showing skin!

Fleece/Jumper/Hoodie

You’ll need a jumper or fleece in warm climates as well as cold, but only one for overnight trains, buses and planes where the air con is being blasted. For colder countries, I’m taking one fleece and an additional jumper.

Base Layers

If you’re doing a lot of hiking in cooler climates, you’ll want a base layer or two. It’s worth investing in merino wool for this – it’ll keep you the right temperature and avoid you sweating too much. BUY HERE

Swimwear

Sarong

You can buy a sarong in most beachy places, so you may want to buy one on your travels, but having a sarong incredibly handy for the beach to serve both as a cover up and as a beach towel.

Pyjamas

Work Out Clothes

Best to pack athleisure wear you can also wear out and about.

Period Pants

If you’re having periods, I cannot recommend getting period pants enough. Aside from the general ease, they are great to wear on long journeys if you’re on or expecting to be soon. I have a couple of pairs from this range and they are a game changer.

Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Well worth the investment for multi day hikes in particular, merino wool socks help to prevent blisters, are more comfortable and also avoid smelling.

Outerwear

Waterproof Jacket

A must no matter where you’re travelling; avoid being caught in the rain and sodden to the core with a waterproof jacket.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking, invest in a decent waterproof jacket that will withstand a rainstorm. I got mine in the sale and I absolutely love it – I’ve linked the newer version as mine is older and now out of stock. Keeps you very dry, the jacket dries super quickly and it comes in a range of lush colours.

This is the men’s equivalent, and this jacket was my first choice before I settled on the one linked above.

Down Jacket

Necessary for the trips that will see you encounter winter, hiking and the mountains. The beauty of a great down jacket is they pack down super small, so they are a great space saver yet keep you mad warm when wearing them.

I nearly opted for a Uniqlo number but after trying on at the same time as some jackets by proper outdoors brands, there’s no comparison: go for the professional stuff. This is the down jacket I have; I went for a bright colour in case a helicopter needed to find me somewhere in Patagonia…

Shoes

Waterproof Sandals

Buying these sandals for my most recent backpacking trip was one of my best decisions. Durable, insanely comfortable, waterproof and available in lots of different colours and patterns. A must have.

Walking Boots

You don’t need these unless you’re doing some serious hiking. In a lot of places you can actually hire walking boots, but I couldn’t trust boots that weren’t molded to my feet; I get blisters very easy so lugging my walking boots to South America it is! I got these ones in the sale and they pulled a great shift.

Trainers

I travel with my running trainers rather than fashion trainers. Take whatever you work out in or whatever can get you through a short-ish hike if you’re travelling to places without a need for proper walking boots.

Flip Flops

Rubber flip flops, key for the beach but moreover for wearing in shared hostel showers.

Accessories

Hat

Something warm for cooler climes, sun hat or cap for keeping you out of the sun in the tropics.

Sunglasses

Scarf

Good for keeping warm on overnight transport and essential for travelling in colder, windier climates like Patagonia.

Uniqlo Bag

The cult bag from Uniqlo (or similar) is a must have for travelling; keep your valuables safe and close to you.

Beach Bag

I usually pick up some sort of large beach bag during my travels to use in the every day; sometimes your day pack doesn’t cut it – and

Miscellaneous Items to Pack

Things you may not naturally think of but I have found to be useful.

Spork

Hands down one of the best purchases for my Latin America trip was this spork. So handy for eating packed lunches on hikes and long journeys, as well as leftovers from restaurants. This spork is light and durable, too – very hard to accidentally snap in your bag.

Silicone Food Storage

These flexible silicone food storage bags were a dream for backpacking. Space saving, flexible, suitable to heat up leftover pasta and sauces in a hostel microwave or take my packed lunch in on a long hike, these were an excellent addition to my luggage.

Card Games

Not only is Monopoly Deal the best game in the world, it’s the easiest way to make new friends in a hostel because everyone wants to play! Uno is another easy to carry and widely enjoyed game that will pass the time on long journeys, during long wait times and help make new pals in hostels. And of course, regular playing cards are a must.

Travel Case For Card Games

Keep your games in a safe place and dry with these cases.

Dry Bag

If you’re going to be doing a lot of water based activities and trips – snorkelling, diving – or just spending a lot of time by the beach and water, these dry bags are fantastic for keeping all your bits, especially your electricals, safe and dry. Not essential if you don’t have room, but handy for very beach heavy itineraries.

Waterproof Phone Case

Protect your phone whilst at sea and on boat trips with a waterproof phone case.

Mistakes To Avoid

Overpacking

Overpacking is one of the biggest mistakes first time backpackers make. Don’t do it, you will regret it! Within 10 days you will either be throwing stuff away or looking up costs to ship things home.

Remember, everything you have with you you’ll be carrying, and every kilo makes a difference when you’re

Remember that you will want to buy things abroad; souvenir t-shirts, pretty beach dresses and sarongs and if you’re headed to Thailand – some iconic elephant print travelling pants.

Don’t Keep All Your Cash and Cards In One Place

Backpacking 101: split up where you keep your cash and cards in the same place. This way if you get robbed you reduce your chances of losing all access to your money.

How To Pack Your Backpack Efficiently

You will soon become a pro at how best to pack your backpack to ensure it maximises space and is comfortable to carry, but these tips will help you now:

Use Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes are a total game changer and are one of my number must haves for all travel, not just backpacking. Not only do they maximise space in your backpack, but they help organise your clothes by outfits and divide up clean and dirty clothes as you go.

Have A Small Toiletries Bag In Your Day Bag

One of the most helpful things I did on my recent trip was have a spare toothbrush, small toothpaste and toiletries like my moisturiser and micellar water decanted into small pots and bottles to make up a mini toiletries set for my day bag.

You will have a lot of early starts to catch flights and some overnight buses too, no doubt; this small toiletries bag will allow you to freshen up when your big backpack is fully packed and ready to go, saving you time and stress.

Always Put Your Passport In The Same Place

Have a particular pouch or internal pocket of your day bag that you always keep your passport in. This habit will help to avoid any major panics when you keep leaving it in different places and can’t find it.

Final Thoughts

Packing for your first backpacking trip can be overwhelming at first, but I promise you’ll be a pro before long. You’ll learn what works for you as you go, but do bear in mind not to overpack – remember you can buy almost anything you forget when you’re there. As long as you know where your passport is, you’ll be okay!

I’ve written lots of other blogs on how to prepare for a backpacking trip, how to save to go travelling and how to work out your budget. You can find the full hub of blogs on taking a career break to travel here.

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