Packing your backpack for Travel

Before embarking upon your great travel adventure, one of the most important issues is planning exactly what you need to pack. After packing, your backpack should contain everything that you are likely to need which cannot be acquired locally at the destination. This is balanced by a need to travel light because all of the items you pack must be carried with you everywhere you visit. A heavy and cumbersome backpack will tire you out as you carry it around. In addition, when you’re happy you've finally arrived at that distant bus or train station, the unfortunately bulky backpack will be resting in your leg space.

Packing clothing

It is necessary to pack the bare minimum of clothing. Remember, clothes can be washed in a sink or bucket and can be left out to dry overnight. There are likely to be instances where you will need to wear a set of clothes for an extended period of time above and beyond what you will be used to at home. Modern travel clothes made from quick drying wicking fabrics are considered by many to be a very worthwhile investment.

Consider using the following lists as basic packing guidelines. Modify the lists to suit your own itinerary and pack to meet the demands of the desination climate and your intended activities.

You should be aiming to pack:

  • 2-3 T-shirts or polo shirts
  • 1-2 Long sleeved shirts
  • 2 Pairs of travel trousers
  • Swim wear
  • A lightweight fleece
  • 4-5 sets of socks underwear
  • Some light-weight sandals / flip-flops
  • Some comfortable trainers

At a push you might also consider packing:

  • A pair of jeans
  • A pair of walking boots

Packing equipment

In addition to clothes you should also consider packing the following travel equipment. Try to weigh up the potential benefit against the effort of carrying around each individual piece of gear. If you question whether you need something then put it to one side and leave it behind.

  • A money belt
  • A sleeping bag or sleep sheet
  • Earplugs and sleep mask
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket
  • A suitable hat
  • Swiss army knife
  • 2 travel towels
  • Travel washing line or string
  • A plastic bowl, knife, fork and a mug
  • A good first aid kit containing:
  1. Sterile needles
  2. Antihistimines
  3. Paracetamol
  4. Plasters
  5. Antiseptic cream
  6. Bandages and gauze
  7. Diarrhoea medication
  1. Toiletries:
  2. Sunscreen
  3. Toilet rolls
  4. Wet wipes
  5. Soap
  6. Flannel
  7. Deodorant
  8. Toothbrush
  9. Toothpaste
  10. Shampoo
  11. A razor
  12. Mosquito repellent 40% DEET

Consider packing a few naughty items

  • Laptop
  • Camera
  • Mobile phone
  • Torch
  • Batteries
  • MP3 player
  • Chargers
  • Cards
  • Books
  • Alarm clock
  • Mobile phone
  • Day bag
  • Notepad and pen
  • Bin bags

Don't forget to pack these

  • Passport
  • Tickets
  • Confirmation emails
  • Passport photos
  • Photocopies of important documents
  • Travel insurance
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Currency
  • Credit / Debit cards.