Backpack struggles #2

When you found the perfect backpack, it is time for step 2, filling your backpack. On the internet you can find many lists, blogs and vlogs about what you should bring with you, but there are a lot of contradictions in them. In this post I'm gonna talk about my top 3 essentials for me and the rest of the items which were on my packing list. I hope this post gives you a helping hand.

Before you start packing you should have in mind where on earth you're going to. The items I brought with me are suited for a trip through Southeast Asia for at least a year. I think it doesn't really make a difference if you go for 1 month or 1 year, as long as the climate is similar.

Essentials
3 items I really can't 'live' without during these trip are:

• Packing cubes: if you want some sort of organization during your travel, these are a must have. Not only is it easy to find your stuff, it's also getting compressed so you'll have more space
• Powerbank: In some hostels there is a lack of outlets, which means you can't charge any of your eletronic devices. Besides that, if you're planning to make some hikes, you will probably need something to charge your phone somewhere halfway. I tried a solar powerbank first, but mine didn't really did his job
• Flipflops: I think I am walking on my flipflops 95% of the time. Only when it's too cold or I'm going for a difficult hike I change to my normal shoes

Below a (long) list of the items which were on my packing list or which I suggest you to take with you. Of course it is depending on your own values what you prefer to take, but for me this list is complete.

Clothes
You can't bring your whole wardrobe. You have the option to take some detergent with you (or buy it during your trip) or bring your clothes to a laundry service (approximately $1/kg). My advice is to take lightweight clothes, which dry quickly.

• Windbreaker/raincoat (1)
• Jumper (1)
• Longsleeve shirt (1)
• Vest (1)
• T-shirts/tanktops (5)
  (Dresses)
• Pants/legging (2)
• Shorts (2)
  (Skirts)
• Comfy outfit (1)
• Swimwear (1/2)
• Underwear
• Socks (amount depends on how often you'll wear your shoes)
• Pyjama
• Belt
• Flipflops
• Sneakers and/or lightweight walking shoes

Electronics
I am not a digital nomad, but there are still some electronics I don't want to miss.

• Phone (+ adapter)
• Tablet (+ adapter)
  • Kindle (some people like to read, others don't. I use my tablet to read and for me this works perfect)
• Camera/GoPro (+ adapter and memory cards)
• Powerbank
• Earphones (you will consider these as your best friends every now and then)
• Speakers (most of the time there will be at least one person with speakers, I didn't bring mine)
• Universal adapter (so far I barely needed one because most outlets are universal nowadays. If not, you can buy cheap adapters on 'every' corner of the street)

Toiletry bag
I chose to take a few silicone bottles with me which I can refill during my trip.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (mouthwash)
• Hairbrush/comb (hair ties, bobby pins)
• Shampoo, conditioner, showergel/soap
• Deodorant
• Body lotion, face lotion
• Lipbalm with SPF
• Make-up, remover, mini mirror
• Perfume
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shaving kit
• Facial tissues
• Glasses, contacts, etc
• Jewellery

Important documents
Apart from taking these documents, make sure you have an accesible copy digital and/or on paper.

• Passport
• Driving license
  • International driving license
• Creditcard and bankcard
• Student card
• Cash (make sure you always have some $ with you. Visa on arrival is mostly the cheapest to pay in $ and you can always exchange $ to the local currency)
• Medical passport
• Health insurance card and documents
• Emergency contacts and adresses (consider to put some 'ICE-contacts' in your phone in case something happens)
• Passport photo's (you will need these when you apply for visa's)

Remaining items
Items which don't fit in one of the above categories, but you should definetly consider to bring them with you.

• Sarong/scarf/bandana (I always have a sarong with me and I've used it on so many different occasions: temple visits, towel, scarf, on the beach, etc.)
• Sunglasses
• Cap/hat
• Earplugs
• Travel pillow/eye mask
• Sleeping bag liner
• Travel towel (small, quick dry, lightweight)
• Hamam towel (consider a hamam towel instead of a normal/beach towel, it is lightweight and quick dry)
• First Aid kit (you can find small travel first aid kits)
  • Bandages
  • Scissor
  • Thermometer
  • Painkillers
  • Diarrhea/laxative medicines
  • Motion sickness pills
  • O.R.S.
  • Tick pen
• Nail clippers
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent (you can also find good repellent in the stores in Asia)
• Sunscreen and aftersun
• Mosquito net
• Travel journal
• Travel guide, language guide (paper or digital version)
• Stock of cards
• Pen
• Waterbottle
• Moneybelt/neck wallet
• Headlamp or mini flashlight
• Pocket swiss army knife
• Carabiners (can be easy to attach some stuff to your backpack or hold together)
• TSA locks and cable lock
• Duct tape
• Packing cubes (I took mine from EagleCreek and I'm really satisfied with them. I know IKEA has some good ones too)
• Ziplock bags
• Flightbag

The final 2 items you need are, of course:

• Backpack (see my previous post: Backpack struggles #1)
• Daypack (size depends on the thing you're planning to do with it. I use one from 20L which I sometimes take with me instead of my backpack when I know I will come back at the same place in about a week or so. You can also find small pocketsize bags, but they don't give any support so if you're planning to do multiple day hikes, I would suggest to take a 'normal daypack'.)

Thank you for reading. Feel free to ask if you want more specific info or comment if you have other experiences.

Bernice