When packing for a backpacking adventure, it’s tempting to bring as much as you can carry. Understandably, you want be prepared for anything. You end up packing extra shoes, massive amounts of toiletries and a big towel. But the truth is, you don’t need half the stuff that you think you do. You can pack light and still be prepared for anything the world throws at you. In the following guide, you will find a list of commonly packed things you really don’t need, and an essential packing list sufficient for any region in the world.
Things You Don’t Need
Backpacking requires a lifestyle change. You must be willing to forgo the comfort of home for the freedom of the open road. And to do this you need to pack only what you really need. The following items are ones that not only take up space and add weight but aren’t really essential for your trip.
1 A Big Jacket
Jackets are huge and heavy, and largely unnecessary for any trip. Instead, it is best to bring a lightweight windbreaker, which you can then put over multiple layers of clothes.
2 A Big Towel
A Towel is another luxury that is totally unnecessary and will take up a lot of space. If you really detest sun or drip drying, a car shammy is an incredibly light and effective alternative. A t-shirt works well too.
3 Hiking Boots
Unless the sole purpose of you trip is to trek Nepal, leave the hiking boots at home. Sneakers are much lighter and all purpose. One pair will do.
4 A Belt
Though you might not think it, a proper belt can weigh quite a bit. If you really need something to hold your pants up, a simple string or rope is just as efficient.
5 Electric Tooth Brush/Razor
I wish I didn’t have to mention this, but I have actually met people traveling with their heavy electric toothbrushes. An old fashioned tooth brush works just as well and is at least 10 times lighter.
The Packing List: Everything You Need
The items listed below are always on my packing list. I have found this combination to be the most efficient. They are light and small enough to keep you alive and well in any region without comprimising too much comfort.
1 Socks
Four pairs is just enough that you don’t have to constantly wash them. Plus when you do need to wash them, they’re pretty easy to do in a sink or shower and they dry quickly.
2 Underwear
Four underwear is just what you need. Like socks, they are easy to clean, and so you don’t need anymore than 4.
3 Light Jeans / Cargo Pants
Light weight and dark colored jeans or cargo pants are all you need. You can go ages without washing them and no one will notice. (Hopefully :))
4 Shorts
You only really need one. If your shorts can double as swim shorts, that’s even better.
5 Bathing suit
You never know when you’re going to end up at a beach. One pair is usually a good idea.
6 Long Johns
Lightweight and breathable long johns are a must no matter what climate you are in. Even in hot and humid countries, if you are going to sleep outdoors or on a beach, it will be a bit chilly.
7 T-Shirt
Two T-Shirts are ideal. Since t-shirts can accumulate dirt and sweat stains quickly, it’s good to have an extra.
8 Long Sleeve Shirt
One Long sleeve shirt is a perfect layer to add when it gets cold.
9 Sweater
A thin light cotton sweater makes a warm and comfortable outer layer.
10 Wind Breaker
When it’s really cold and rainy, putting a windbreaker over your longjohns, long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, and sweater will provide the outer layer of protection and warmth that you will need.
11 Toiletries
In terms of toiletrees, you are going to want to pack a basic tooth brush, a small tube of tooth paste, mini dental floss, and a small bottle of shampoo. Keeping your teeth clean is never a bad idea. And with a bottle of shampoo, you can wash everything. Just be sure it’s a screw on top that won’t leak. Nowadays, many hostels offer free soap or shampoo and if you run out, you can always find more supplies almost anywhere in the world.
12 Tent
A tent is good to have but can often weigh a lot. An effective alternative is a Tarp and small rope which easily be fashioned into a make shift shelter.
13 Sleeping Bag
Like the tent, the sleeping bag depends on you. Light sleeping bags such as mine can weigh as little as 2 pounds, but it will still take up weight. On the other hand, the sleeping bag will keep you warm when sleeping outdoors or in dodgy hotels/hostels with bed bug filled blankets.
14 Survival Gear
A small headlight and pocketknife always comes in handy. Just be sure not to take your bag as a carry on. Other gear I would recommend is a waterproof lighter, water purification tablets, and a space blanket. For more on essential travel gear, check out Runaway Survival Gear.
15 Technology
If you’re not a blogger like me, I wouldn’t take any technology. Being without music or a connection to the world is what makes traveling so freeing. Plus any tech you bring is going to add some weight.
On the other hand if you are a travel blogger, I would definitely recommend the Macbook Air for blogging. In terms of photography, a compact camera such as the Canon S100 or Sony Cyber Shot 20v, are great options. An external hard drive is also useful if you are planning on taking lots of video. There’s nothing worse than deleting good video to make room for new ones. For more info on my blogging tech list, see Runaway Travel Gear.
16 Documentation
The passport is an obvious must. It’s not a bad idea to carry copies. Additionally, 10 to 20 passport photos cut to size will be necessary when applying for visas to many countries around the world.
Travel insurance and a copy of your policy is also a good idea. If you’re trying to decide whether to buy insurance, be sure to see this article, Runaway With Travel Insurance?
Regarding vaccinations, if you are from the US or Europe, most countries will not require any documentation. However, there are a few countries in Africa and elsewhere that require proof of vaccinations before being granted a visa. You should check the countries visa requirements to make sure. Most countries do have vaccination recommendations. Although I have never had a problem, it’s not a bad idea to play it safe.
International Driving License is only necessary if you are traveling by motorcycle or car, or living and driving in a country for an extended period. But if all you want to do is rent cars or scooters, you can almost always use your home country license. If you do need an international driving license and are American, you can easily apply by mail for 15$ as long as you have a valid US license.
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) mainly provides discounts on accommodation, transport and attractions in Europe and the USA. So if you’re a student and backpacking Europe or the US, it’s a good idea to get one. However, often, a university issued ID will work just as well.
Conclusion
Packing for your journey is a transformational and liberating process. Like so many wandering nomads of the past, you can only bring what you can carry on your back. Packing light is key. This means you need to decide on only the necessities. You really don’t need all the junk you think you do. And if you leave and find out there is something you really need, you can always buy it on the road.
Good luck and light travels,
Leif
What kind of backpack do you use?
Hey, I’m actually using a Pacsafe Venturesafe 44 L right now. It’s got a built in safe, which I actually love.
Personally, I think bringing a sketch pad, journal, or a few good books is good. Sure, they take up space and add weight, but there are most certainly times when traveling that a source of entertainment is a really good thing.
Sure, that’s always a good thing to have. Always good for playing games on with random local people. :)
what about a lighter?
i have a pack of smokes so i wont forget the lighter lol
it can cook and make warmth
Yea, a lighter is always a good idea. I think I included it in my runaway survival packing list.
Hi Leif, just wondering if this packing list covers everything you bring with you including the clothes you are wearing when heading off, or just what you carry in your pack?
Hey, it includes everything really, aside from the tech I use to write this site. I’m going to write a post on it soon.
What about electronics…just a razor/toohbrush? My guess is that you use also a small notebook or tablet (with GPS) for communication’s sake?
Hey Chris, I’m about to publish an article on gear for travel bloggers, all the tech I use on the road.
Dude…what about girls? We have…problems…sometimes, so it would be helpful to put something about that.
Hey Lynn, I’m sorry didn’t include anything for girls. I’m really not sure what to pack for girls, but I have a good friend and she always goes light and efficiently, and I will ask her if she can write on it for me.
i know this is a SUPER late reply, but i’m going to put it here anyway so that people can read it for the future when they stumble across it and maybe you to read it as well
anyway, menstrual cups all the way, they may be intimidating at first (especially if you’re a virgin like me XP) but they are worth it, trust me. they save space, time and money.
perks to push you towards buying one (i recommend the lunette btw, but it all depends on your body): you can leave it in for up to 12 hours, no need to worry about extra space for pads and/or tampons, once you’ve gotten the hang of it (which is different for everybody. i got used to it by the second time of using it) you don’t have to worry about leakage whatsoever, you don’t even feel it in there (sometimes you’ll forget if you even put it back in or took it out XD), it’s super easy to change out because all you have to do is dump, rinse or wipe out then put back in which takes like 5 seconds. less cramps (this one surprised me, but it actually does help) and no scare for TSS
i should mention some disadvantages though: you have to check where your cervix is on and off of your cycle to make sure the size/brand isn’t going to be to small or big (but at least you’ll get to know your body a little better), its a little messy at first but you’ll be able to change it quickly with no mess shortly after using it a couple times. depending on how you are down there you might have to use a little water or water based lube (you can also use aloe vera but make sure the bottle doesn’t say “for external use only”), and i think thats about it for that, besides the fact it’s a little intimidating at first.
sorry for the long comment, but if you have stayed with me this long, thank you! c(x
my recommendations though before you buy a menstrual cup is to do your homework thoroughly so you don’t end up with any surprises, get a medical based silicon one, they last longer (mine is, they are easier to take care of and pretty much EVERYBODY is fine with silicon touching their skin), make sure you are willing to get to know your body a little better, be ready for a little mess, i suggest liners the first few times in using the cup just in case, make sure its not to big or small, get the right size (A or 1: virgins, tight, light flow. B or 2 size: have given birth, heavy flow), be prepared to get a little freaked out, it needs to have a suction in order to stay in place and you have to break that in order to take it out so don’t tense up and relax so everything goes smoothly X3
thats pretty much it, just make sure to do your homework! again thanks for reading the whole thing i hope it helped at least a little bit, i know i ramble to much XP
Wow, ok, very detailed but I guess someone will find it useful, thanks for this.
Leif, this might be the single best minimalist packing lists I have ever come across on the internet, it is almost identical to mine except I bring a sleeping pad instead of a tent. +1 from here!
Hey Inus, thanks a lot. I love the freedom of being light. A sleeping pad is not a bad idea. I took one on my last trip but for this one I don’t think I will.
One thing I usually take in addition to this is a deck of cards. They don’t take up much room, they don’t weigh much, you can play single player games while waiting for a plane, train or bus and it’s a good way to get people chatting in hostels.
Hey, yea, a deck of cards is a great addition. I have played loads of card games with random backpackers. Thanks for reminding me! :)