What to pack...
After living out of a backpack for five months, I thought I would share all of the things I brought (that have served me well) and all of the things I shouldn't have brought (because I am a notorious over packer).
Feel free to use this as a guide while you're getting ready for your trip!
The Bag:
Osprey Fairview 40L with 15L day pack
- Day pack hooks onto the large backpack which is super helpful for travelling
- You're going to want a day pack anyways so it's nice to buy altogether
- Opens like a suitcase so you don't have to stuff everything in
- Has been able to go on most flights, the main problem with flying is the weight, each airline says you have 7-10kg worth of stuff to bring so it's tricky either way
The Phone Plan:
If you're looking to keep things simple I recommend using Airalo to get cell coverage across all major countries in SE Asia!
Clothing:
Things I was happy I brought:
- 1 long sleeve
- 2 t-shirts
- 3 tank tops
- 3 athletic outfits (shorts & sport bras)
- 1 dress
- 1 skirt
- 1 pair of beach pants *flowy pants
- 1 crewneck sweater
- 2 bathing suits
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 1 button down shirt
- 1 bra
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
- 3 cute tops - I see so many people say you don't need them and you don't have space but these take up the least amount of room and it's nice to have some clothes you want to wear on the odd night/day
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of running shoes
- 1 pair of converse (daily walking shoes)
What I didn't need:
- Jean shorts - they take up a lot of space and are hard to dry
- Leggings - too hot to wear
- Sweat shorts - also too hot to wear
- Cargo pants - also too hot to wear
What I wish I had:
- Non-spandex hiking shorts
- Everyday linen/light weight shorts
- More underwear, tank tops and bathing suits
- Would also switch out flip flops with sandals that strap on for going on hikes/in the water
Accessories:
What I brought that was necessary:
- charging adapter
- portable charger
- earphones
- sunglasses
- hat
- beach bag/small foldable tote bag
- quick dry towel (at least the length of your body)
- quick dry face towels
- stain remover
- laundry strips
- Express Travel Journal
- waterproof cards
- digital camera
- kindle
- exercise bands
- packable tripod and light (if you're planning on vlogging)
- tooth brush cover
- shampoo bar and container
- mosquito wipes, spray is cheap here but if you don't have spray on you this is good for back up
What I wish I brought:
- packable day pack
- little waterproof speaker
- eye mask
- ear plugs
- one set of cutlery or fruit knife (but you need to say goodbye when you fly)
- foldable hair brush
What I didn't need:
- water bottle - this is unless you're getting a water bottle with a straw that filters out bacteria. You end up buying cold water everywhere you go so the refillable one just sits in your bag
- you don't need to pack sunscreen in advance, I read everywhere you should buy before but for Canadians sunscreen is not more expensive here so I would wait
- make up - this is a personal preference, I only brought a couple things but NEVER wear it
- sleeping bag liner - I didn't bring one but my friend did and she hasn't used it once (again, personal preference)
Hopefully this helps you pack on your next backpacking trip! As always, you can follow me on TikTok to stay up to date with all things travel!