top of page

Before You Go...

Packed Luggage

Packing

Everyone packs differently for different trips. Here are some universal packing ideas that you can use on any trip.

It's also a good idea to make a list!

What to Pack

What to Pack

  • Backpack (or suitcase)

  • 40L minimum, max 70L for trekking or mountaineering

    • Generally most 50-60L

    • Much like how a snake grows to the size of its cage, the amount of stuff that you bring grows to the size of your backpack or suitcase

  • Day Pack

  • 10-20L

  • Snacks for travel days

  • Electronics and valuables close to you at all times when moving locations

  • Clothing

  • Good idea to bring some compact warm clothing, just in case

    • Toque/beanie, light gloves, wool socks, merino wool pants, fleece

  • Compression sack (8L, optional)​​​ see here

    • Great for compressing your warm clothing and other clothes for travel​

  • Packing cubes (optional) see here

  • Laundry bag (a plastic grocery bag works fine)

  • Toiletries

  • Travel towel (smaller the better)

  • Toilet Paper in Ziploc bag (never know!)

  • Electronics

  • ​Universal Travel adapter see here 

  • Camera

    • Action cam like GoPro or similar (optional)

    • Handheld like Canon or Sony

  • Battery Pack

    • Never want your phone to die between locations or in an unknown area!

  • Spare old phone

    • Nothing worse than losing your phone and not having a backup!

    • Store as much as you can in cloud services such as Google Drive or Google Photos, so losing your phone doesn't mean losing your information, or your precious memories! 

  • Speaker/earbuds

  • Waterproof phone case (optional) see here

    • Great way to get pictures on the water without a GoPro or having to worry about getting your phone wet

  • Headlamp (optional)

    • Small, useful for caving, hiking, and other activities in the dark or at night

  • Chromecast (optional)

    • Not uncommon for hostels or accommodation to have a flat screen TV and internet for you to connect to

  • Laptop (optional)

    • I never bring on backpacking trips where I'm meeting new people and moving daily (ie. SE Asia), but brought for my trip to Australia where I was working and staying in one place for months at a time

    • If you go with a laptop, a USB stick can also be useful

  • Money Belt (optional)

  • Keep passport, cards, cash together

    • Good to have American $

  • Ziploc bag also works

  • Misc

  • Medications

    • Nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach

    • Malaria, altitude sickness pills

    • Record of vaccinations (optional)

  • Thread & needle

    • Basic clothing & backpack repair

  • Playing cards

  • Bag locks (optional)

    • TSA locks if checking-in bags

      • Not very secure locks, but provides a small layer of protection and will not be cut by airport security officials

  • Locker lock

  • Travel Guide book (Lonely Planet)

    • I use Lonely Planet for every trip. If going to multiple countries, consider buying them as you go, or use a free e-reader app such as Libby​

  • Water bottle

  • Condoms (stay safe)

Make a List

Don't Forget!

Make a checklist of everything that you bring, and store it on a cloud service such as Evernote. This way, you can have a rough idea of what to bring for each trip, and can add or remove items as you go. 

Having a list is also a good way to ensure you never forget any items when moving locations!

List
bottom of page