What to Pack When Backpacking and Traveling the World?
āWhether youāre planning your first backpacking adventure through Thailand or a long-term journey through Southeast Asia, packing the right gear can make all the difference. After surviving 8 months in Southeast Asia with just a 55L backpack each, we’ve learned how to pack light and smart; without sacrificing any of the essentials. From navigating busy streets in Bangkok to hiking through the jungles of Borneo, our packing list covers multiple climates and destinations.
āWhen it comes to travelling around the world or just backpacking through Thailand, the trick is to prioritise essentials and avoid overpacking. Weāve discovered that the most common mistake new travellers make is bringing too many things. But with careful planning and the right packing list for backpacking, you can travel comfortably without hauling around unnecessary items.
āSo, what exactly should you bring on your backpacking journey? We share technology essentials like our GoPro and Drone to practical items like insurance, a travel card, and VPN protection! Whether you’re wondering what to pack when backpacking or looking for a comprehensive checklist of things to bring when travelling, weāve got you covered. Below weāve compiled a list of our top travel must-haves.
On this packing guide page, we share our carefully curated list of the best items for your backpacking adventure for your trips to Borneo, Thailand and beyond. Plus, donāt forget about the random but important itemsāthings like earplugs and a deck of cards for making new friends!
Osprey Fairview Bag
Women’s Backpack
The female version for our Osprey backpacks. They open as a chest plus have detachable daypacks.
Osprey Farpoint Bag
Men’s Backpack
The male version for our Osprey backpacks. They open as a chest plus have detachable daypacks.
Osprey Bag Cover
Waterproof Cover
Waterproof bag cover to keep your belongings dry from downpours on travel days.
Waterproof Document Holder
Waterproof Case
Keep your passport, visas & cards safe with a waterproof holder. Tip: Keep an air tag in the holder.
Packing Cubes
Organisation
Packing cubes help you stay organised on the road, plus they really helped me from over packing.
Rab Waterproof Jacket
Clothing
Rain is common in tropical climates so a good waterproof while travelling is a must.
First Aid Kit
Small and Portable
Having a mini first aid kit is super handy. It keeps all of your meds in one place.
Eye Mask
Good Sleep
To get good sleep on travel days – an eye mask is essential.
Ear Plugs
Good Sleep
Blocking out honking cars, crying babies and other travellers is important to get a good sleep!
Apple AirTags
Electronic Tracker
These are a lifesaver! Pop one in checked luggage, if it goes missing you’ll be able to track the location of your bag.
Go Pro Hero
An Underwater & Action Camera
We love our Go Pro and use it while snorkelling or surfing.
Go Pro Spare Battery
Camera Equipment
Having two batteries means were always ready to capture our travels.
Dji Mini 3 Drone
Camera Equipment
A compact drone that is also lightweight which is great for regulations. We love capturing our travels in 4K.
Travel Adaptor
USB and Multi Adaptor
Charge all your tech with this universal travel adaptor that has 2 USB ports and 2 USB C ports.
Petzl’s Head Torch
Camping Tool
Perfect for camping or power cuts while travelling. We used ours often while in South East Asia for sunrise hikes.
Battery Pack
Portable Charger
An essential for travel days when keeping your phone charged is super important.
Ear Phones
Personal Tech
We pack both wireless and wired earphones for our travels. We don’t opt for Air pods as there’s a high chance of losing them!
iPad
Our Tablet
We take an iPad to write blog posts on and to use while travel planning. This was also handy when our phones broke.
Lenovo IdeaPad
Our Laptop
A slim and lightweight laptop perfect for travelling planning, blogging and watching YouTube.
Seagate External Hard Drive
Storing Videos and Photos
Storing all our photos and videos takes up a lot of space so for ease we use an external hard drive.
Snorkel Mask
Underwater Adventure
If you enjoy snorkelling then packing your own gear is a game changer!
Lifestraw
Filtered Water Bottle
Great for hiking and peace of mind when drinking water in other countries.
Sporks
Portable Cutlery
Handy if you make your own breakfast or plan on hiking and camping while travelling.
Dry Bag
Waterproof Bag
Essential for keeping tech dry on travel days and useful for boat trips or kayaking.
Microfibre Towel
Beach Essential
A small, lightweight towel is useful for the beach, water sports and hiking. We use this one that comes in a case.
Leatherman Tool
Camping Multi-Tool
If we’re heading camping or hiking we always take our Leatherman Tool. They have everything you need and are super durable.
Water Shoes
Reef Protection
Great to wear while canyoneering or to stay safe from sea urchins and reef.
Roxy Rash Vest
Surf Accessories
While surfing, snorkelling and swimming we wear rash vests to protect from the sun.
Quicksilver Rash Vest
Surf Accessories
While surfing, snorkelling and swimming we wear rash vests to protect from the sun.
Surf Hat
Surf Accessories
We found a hat useful while surfing in hot climates.
Sun Cream
SPF Protection
It’s important to stay sun safe – cream can also be expensive when abroad or have bleach in itā¦ so pack loads.
Face Sun Cream
SPF Protection
Protect your face with this super UV sun cream.
SPF Lip Balm
SPF Protection
Keep your lips moisturised with a SPF lip balm.
Off! Bug Spray
Mosquito Spray
We found this OFF! spray to be the best repellent. The locals even used it in the Borneo Jungle.
Zinc For Surfing
SPF Protection
If you plan to surf we recommend bringing zinc. It doesn’t wash off and will save you in the midday sun.
Shampoo Bar Container
Sustainable Travel
A great way to stay sustainable while travelling is to use a shampoo bar. Tip: Get a metal travel case
After Sun
Cooling Lotion
Great to have just in case!
Travel Locks
TSA Approved
Combination locks to keep you bags safe on flights and in dorm rooms.
Lulu Lemon Everywhere Bag
Belt Bag
To keep money, your phone and keys safe while travelling.
Pack of Cards
Games
A great way of making friends and being sociable is by playing cards with new friends.
Monopoly Deal
Games
Our favourite game on the go. Great for 2 or more players.
Travel Sickness Bands
Medication
If you get sea sick or travel sick these are great.
Collapsible Travel Bowl
Random
If you’re travelling on a budget a bowl is a great way to save money on breakfasts as you can make instant oats
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Insurance For Nomads
Reliable travel insurance is an absolute must! Whether its lost baggage or hospital visits, SafetyWing have you covered.
American Express Gold Card
Collect Travel Miles
We earn travel miles with every penny we spend for free flights! It’s a no brainer & their Gold Card offers the best bonus
Nord VPN
Device Protection
Make sure your devices are protected from scammers with a VPN.
Airalo eSim
Mobile Data
Instead of buying a new physical sim card in every country, Airalo have you sorted with their eSim packages.
