At a Glance - what to pack for a long term backpacking trip
- Trip type: Long-term backpackingÂ
- Duration: 2 months+
- Key discussion points: Backpack size, clothing, tech, key documents, what to buy on the road
- Climates covered: Tropical, temperate, chilly
- Packing philosophy: Less is more: you can buy almost anything on the road
- Rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in two weeks, ditch it
Key Essentials to buy
This post contains affiliate links – full disclosure at the end
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After more than 25 years of travel, including 4 round-the-world trips, this is my long term backpacking packing list: what I carry, what not to take and what I buy on the road.
Nearly all of those trips have been travelled on a budget and with my trusty backpack.
So, I want to share with you my ultimate packing list for a long-term backpacking trip.
The aim is to help those setting out on their first trip to not make some of the mistakes I made early in my travel career.
Packing for a long-term backpacking trip is completely different to packing for a two-week holiday. You are not packing for a fixed destination or a fixed climate. You are packing for a long time on the road, across multiple countries, likely through different temperatures, and possibly different terrains.Â
This is not a list of luxuries. This is what I have used, day in day out, and what I genuinely cannot do without when I go away.
In This Article:
- Backpack or Suitcase? – it’s a tough choice
- Clothing: Packing for Every Climate Without Overpacking
- Tech and Digital Nomad Gear
- Health and Medical Kit
- Documents and Admin
- EntertainmentÂ
- Gear I Cannot Do Without
- What to Buy on the RoadÂ
- Ready to Start packing? Recommended Gear
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
1. What to Pack for a Backpacking Trip: Backpack or Suitcase?
Your luggage is probably the most important decision you will make for any long term backpacking packing list. Get it wrong and you could regret it pretty quickly.
Having solely relied on backpacks for twenty-five years of various round-the-world trips, a backpack is my luggage of choice.
Backpack: Karrimor 65L
On my first solo backpacking trip in 2000, I bought a 65-litre Karrimor backpack for £110. Arguably the best £110 I’ve ever spent, as that backpack is still going after four round-world-trips and dozens of other mini-backpacking adventures. With just one zip half stuck on the inside of the day pack, and a small hole from a rat who got into my loft and had a nibble at it, it’s incredible it’s still going strong.Â
Is 65L enough? The packing list in this guide should leave you with some space to pick up a few additional items and souvenirs but if you’re the kind of person who likes to buy heaps of memories then you have two choices – 1) upgrade to a larger pack (but you’ll need to be careful on total weight if you’re flying with a 20kg flight allowance – I find the 65L at max capacity is bordering 20kg), 2) send stuff home to save on adding weight.
Suitcase
I have briefly travelled with a suitcase – purely as I once needed more room but I still prefer a backpack, especially when travelling solo. As a family, I may use a suitcase sometimes if it’s that kind of trip. But I find a backpack more practical when travelling solo as sometimes I walk a long distance, sometimes over rough terrain. I’ve been on journeys where I’ve had the backpack on my lap. A backpack fits into tight spaces on taxis, trains and buses better. In general, it’s just more flexible.
Travelling with kids? See our family packing list here
2. Clothing: Packing for Every Climate Without Overpacking
Subject to which countries you’re going to and what time of year, clothing can be the hardest decision making.Â
My Approach to Different Climates
I generally travel with the sun by planning a route to stay warm and dry. But this may not be the case for everyone and even my plans change sometimes meaning I can hit a colder or wetter part of the world than planned.
But sometimes you only have a loose plan and don’t know where you’ll end up.Â
My advice is to pack light, and deal with buying stuff as you need it.
For example, on a recent trip, I was in South East Asia for 5 months (hot, humid) before heading to Japan (chilly in March) and then the UK (still cold in April):Â
South East Asia = hot weather clothes only
Japan / UK = I bought some warmer clothes just before leaving South East Asia
The rule I follow: Never carry clothes for a climate you are more than three weeks away from. You can buy what you need when you get there or just before.
Here’s my clothing list (for a man – adjust accordingly for women):
- 3-4 lightweight t-shirtsÂ
- 2 x vests / singlets
- 1 short sleeve shirtÂ
- 1 lightweight long pants
- 2 pair shortsÂ
- 1 pair of home-only lazy / sleep shorts
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
- 1 lightweight fleece / hoodie
- 8 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 Sun hat /cap
- 1 set swimwear
- 1 pair of trainers / hiking shoes (optional)
- 1 pair of sandals (for when flip flops don’t cut it)
- 1 pair flip flops
Washing
I tend to do some washing once a week – hence the “8 pairs of undies” – wash every 7 days and a pair to wear for the day of washing.
Alternatively, you could do the whole turn them inside out and back to front trick, and get an extra 7 days out of them…
Footwear
This is down to personal preference and I’m still sometimes indecisive on this one.
As I’m an active person – I find the hiking-style trainers useful for hikes, plus they are useful in chillier climes.Â
I prefer a good pair of good quality adventure-sandals too – as in hot climates, trainers can be too hot but flip flops won’t cut it on a long hike.
Flip-flops are just for lazing around.
But it’s possible to just manage on a good quality pair of sandals if you’re always in warmer climates as they can cover everything. This decision will certainly save some decent space.Â
3. Tech & Digital Nomad Gear
Devices
I am now a semi-digital nomad and so I need to work online whilst on the road so having the right devices is crucial for me.
- I travel with one laptop for personal use & work.
- I have my headphones with good battery life.
- I have 2 x Power banks: one small one for mainly charging a phone on the go and a larger powerful one that charges the laptop, which is crucial if needing to be connected on the go with no plug available
- 1 x Universal travel adapter: I seem to have a lot of devices. What I like about these chargers is that they have direct USB charging as well as plug charging.
- E-Readers – Incredible at saving space compared to traditional books, although I miss the feel of a ‘real book’. I have a Kobo Libra. You may prefer just to use a reading app on your phone or your laptop to save space – I personally prefer the larger screen.Â
- If you do take books, one of those mini torches is useful that clicks to the book – especially if staying in a shared room.Â
Connectivity
- Whilst most places have free WIFI, sometimes it’s a bit patchy and I have relied on cellular hot-spotting. To get connected abroad, I have used an e-SIM in each country. I have used Airalo e-SIM, which has worked seamlessly in each country. They cover dozens of destinations.
Ready to Start Packing?
My recommended gear:
- Universal Travel Adapters: Buy from Amazon here
- Kobo Libra: Buy from Amazon here
- Wax Earplugs: Buy from Amazon here
- Pass the Pigs game: Buy from Amazon here
- Fold-up rucksack: Buy from Amazon here
- Multi-function knife: Buy at Amazon here
- Travel washing line: Buy at Amazon here
- Exercise resistance band: Buy at Amazon here
- Get your ESIM here
- Get your Travel Insurance here
- Proton Drive for file/document cloud storage here
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep Roaming Wild running. Thank you!
4. Health and Medical Kit & Wellbeing
A decent medical kit is non-negotiable. You will not always be near a pharmacy and even when you are, finding what you need in a language you don’t speak is a challenge.
What I Carry
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Antihistamines: for allergic reactions, insect bites and hay fever
- Re-hydration sachets: essential for hot climates and stomach bugs
- Antiseptic cream and plastersÂ
- Diarrhea medication
- Insect repellent
- High factor sunscreen: a natural non-chemical brand
- Small first aid kit with bandages, sterile wipes, tweezers, medical scissors, safety pins, a mini first aid guide
- To keep myself fit I travel with an exercise resistance band & I take a yoga mat
5. Documents and Admin - The Stuff You Cannot Afford to Lose
This is the boring section but get it wrong and everything stops. Here is my system:
Physical Documents
- Passports – check expiry dates well in advance, many countries require 6 months validity beyond your stay
- Printed copies of travel insurance policy
- Any required visas: check requirements for every country in your itinerary
- International driving permit if you plan to hire cars: I found this essential in Southeast Asia. Some only last a year, some last 3 years. If you get the one-year one, it’s best to get it just before leaving your home country if you plan to be away for a year or more, so that you get the most from it.
Digital Backup
- Scan everything and store in a Cloud Drive (I use Proton Drive – here)
- Email copies to yourself and a trusted person at home
- Screenshot your travel insurance emergency number and save offline
Travel Insurance: Do not travel without it. Despite maybe having just one claim in about 20 years, a few years ago, I had a major incident and had to claim tens of thousands. You just never know.
Buy travel insurance here
6. Entertainment on the Road
Long travel days, waiting rooms, overnight buses and rainy afternoons in guesthouses will test your patience. A few small items can help relieve the boredom and also break the ice with a newfound travel companion:
- A pack of cards: they don’t take up much room and are always a good way to meet people or you can play solo
- Pass the Pigs: A simple game that once the storage box is removed, takes up zero space and is a great way to kill 30-60mins – ideally with someone or can play alone
- Downloaded movies and shows onto phone or laptop: this may seem obvious but sometimes you just can’t get connected. Essential for long journeys
7. Gear I Cannot Do Without
- Reusable water bottles: I always use a steel water bottle – ideally with a carabiner to attach to things to save space inside bags
- Fold up portable rucksack: this has been one of the best things I pack. When going out for the day, I generally fit everything I need into the one day pack: water bottle, cap, sunscreen, 1st aid kit – but I always leave this foldaway rucksack inside the day pack, in case I buy something else or go food shopping. This has been the case many times and it’s so easy to whip it out and fill it up rather than using plastic bags from the store
- Sarongs – I’ve always travelled with a sarong because they are so versatile, extremely lightweight, non-bulky and fast-drying. I use them to sit on, on the beach, as a beach towel, or a park blanket. I never leave home without one
- A multi-function knife: this has been used a lot. From the bottle opener to the saw, from the screwdriver to the pliers – all the tools have got some use.
- Travel washing line: this may seem like a minor item but it has had so much use. Many of the places I stayed had little or no options to dry washing and so this bungy style line was a lifesaver given the amount of washing needed when packing light.
- Earplugs: Essential if you’re staying in dorm rooms and avoiding the dreaded snorer. I use the wax type that mold into your ear and completely block out the sound, rather than those foam ones that just fall out.Â
8. What to Buy on the Road Instead of Packing from Home
One of the biggest lessons from long-term travel is that you do not need to pack everything from home for all climates. Â
- Warm layers for cold climates – if you’re starting in warm climes but moving to cooler, then buy warmer clothes before you leave the colder climate
- Cheap beach gear: I left home with just sandals, but bought a cheap pair of flip-flops on the road once I realised I wanted to be a bit more ‘beachy’.Â
- Toiletries in bulk: I leave home with enough to get me through several weeks but I do not over pack, and then I just top up on the road. Many guesthouses include them anyway.
9. Ready to Start Packing?
My recommended gear:
- Universal Travel Adapters: Buy from Amazon here
- Kobo Libra: Buy from Amazon here
- Wax Earplugs: Buy from Amazon here
- Pass the Pigs game: Buy from Amazon here
- Fold-up rucksack: Buy from Amazon here
- Multi-function knife: Buy at Amazon here
- Travel washing line: Buy at Amazon here
- Exercise resistance band: Buy at Amazon here
- Get your ESIM here
- Get your Travel Insurance here
- Proton Drive for file/document cloud storage here
This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – which helps keep Roaming Wild running. Thank you!
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you manage laundry on a long trip?
A: Most guesthouses and hotels either have laundry facilities or a laundry service nearby, often at very low cost. Generally, I do a weekly wash. Laundry powder is available everywhere.
Q: What size backpack for long-term travel?
A: My backpack is 65L and I find it just about right for any length of trip. I start with it at approx 17kg, allowing me to add some items whilst on the road. Any larger and you will likely fill it without needing to, and then you’d be pushing over a 20kg baggage allowance.
Q: How many pairs of underwear for long-term travel?
A: The million dollar question! Unless you’re into turning them inside out and reversing them, then I aim to wash every 7 days. So, I take 8 pairs – which includes the pair I wear on the day of washing.
Q: What should I not pack on a long term backpacking trip?
A: Don’t pack something “just in case”. You’ll be able to buy almost anything on the road. Don’t take full bottles of toiletries, like shower gel, take enough for a couple of weeks and top up on the road. Do not pack for every climate – your plans may change – you can buy on the road.
11. Final Thoughts
The perfect packing list does not exist, because everyone is different, every trip is different and each journey throws up surprises. What I can tell you is that after multiple trips on the road, with over 90 countries under my belt, I have refined this list down to what genuinely matters to me.
Pack less than you think you need. Trust that you can buy what you are missing. And focus on the experience rather than the stuff.
If you found this useful or if you think I have missed something essential, let me know in the comments. I am always learning too.
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