My first time backpacking, what do I need now? A question I asked myself before embarking on my 3-month adventure through Southeast Asia. To help you prepare for your trip, in this blog I share my full packing list; including my own experiences with this list and what I would add/leave out.
At the end of this article you will find the link to the digital packing list, where you can easily check off what you already have!
The backpack(s)
Before packing begins, get yourself a good back & daypack, if you don't already have one. Mine:
Daypack: Osprey Skarab – 34 liter (8.5 / 10)
My daypack is an Osprey Skarab, a pretty roomy 34-liter daypack. Since I have a drone of my own, which takes up enough space, I opted for a slightly larger one.
The bag has 1 large compartment, and 7 separate compartments (of which 2 very small ones). The large compartment lacks a zipper, so that I can close it with a TSA Lock. Furthermore, there is no place on the front or side to store a water bottle.
Osprey Skarab 34 Backpack (Foto: ospreyeurope.com)
Backpack: Forclaz Travel 500 – 70 liter (10 / 10)
Does exactly what I expect from a backpack while traveling. Spacious, top quality and easy to carry. I found the separate pouch at the top ideal for a toiletry bag and other cosmetics, there are also some side pockets to store a few things. With the use of packing cubes, I was able to organize the space nicely. By the way, I always put a flightbag around it while traveling, to prevent any damage.
For me, 70 liters was perfect, as I still had a pair of shoes in the bag and also needed to be prepared for colder temperatures. In retrospect, I wouldn't have wanted a smaller backpack either, since I had to carry a fairly full one each time. Maybe just a little too much to carry (and buy) after all.
Forclaz Travel 500 70 L Hiking Backpack (Foto: Decathlon.nl)
The size of your backpack partly depends on the countries you will visit during your trip. For countries with diverse climates, you will need to be prepared for colder, as well as warmer days. I have also met travelers who only traveled with a 40 liter, carry-on size, backpack. If you don't have extra gear like a camera/drone/laptop then maybe you can, but you are fairly limited in what you can take with you.
Other necessities
Packing cubes
Easy to keep an overview in your backpack and above all to keep your clothes from wrinkling too much. 4-5 cubes are sufficient for such a backpack, where you can use the larger ones for the larger garments and the smaller ones for socks/underwear. I also sometimes read something about vacuum packing clothes, but this doesn't seem very practical to me.
Rain cover & flightbag
Both backpacks are equipped with a rain cover, so you don't need to buy this. From what I have seen online, many back- & daypacks nowadays are equipped with a rain cover. Check it before you buy one to be sure you don't have to buy it separately.
Some backpacks also come with a flightbag, otherwise you should buy one based on the size of your backpack. I am very satisfied with the Forclaz Flightbag from Decathlon, easy to use and space for a label with your contact information.
Flightbag TRAVEL for backpack of 40 up to 90 liter (Foto: Decathlon.nl)
TSA Locker
Finally, the TSA lock in order to lock your back- & daypack. Furthermore, you use these locks at the lockers in most hostels.
Part 1. Basic stuff
- Passport (incl. copy)
- Credit card (prepaid)
- Bank card
- Driving license (international)
- Medical passport
- Visa (incl. passport photos for possible visa on arrival)
- Earplugs for sleeping
- Neck pillow
- Travel wallet / money belt
- Sleep mask
- Random / E-Reader (internet banking)
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Cap / Hat
- Travel insurance papers
- Proof of health insurance
- Flashlight
- Headlamp
- Power bank
- Linen bag (for when you go shopping, for example, saves on plastic)
- Charging cables
- Earplugs/headphones
- Dust mask (exhaust fumes)
Part 2. Cosmetics & personal care
Do not bring too much, it is easily and cheaply available in Southeast Asia.
- Deodorant (roller)
- Razor & shaving cream or razor
- Toothpaste & toothbrush & toothpicks
- Nail clippers
- Day cream
- Sunscreen
- Small bottle of after sun
- Hair gel & brush
- Cotton buds
- First Aid Basic Kit (these usually include tweezers)
- Blister plasters
- Deet & afterbite against insects
It can get pretty hot in Thailand. Given the strength of the sun, sunscreen is absolutely recommended if you're going to visit the paradisiacal Railay Beach, for example!
Part 3. Medication
In my experience, don't take too much with you. There are countless pharmacies here, just in case. I hardly had to use any of the things I brought. I had at least:
- Pain killers
- ORS (against dehydration)
- Diarrhea inhibitors
- Travel tablets against motion sickness
- Nasal spray
Although Asian food is delicious, your stomach may always need some getting used to at first. Different ingredients, different method of preparation and a new climate. If, unexpectedly, a plate of Nasi in Bali or Gudeg in Java does not go down well, having diarrhea inhibitors and ORS with you is no luxury.
Part 4. Clothes
The biggest part of the packing list will vary for everyone. With this list, I managed to go a laundry service around once every 1.5 to 2 weeks, occasionally hand-washing underwear.
- T-shirts (4-5)
- Sport/comfort chino pants (3)
- Underwear (8)
- Socks (8)
- Long pair of socks for trail shoes (1)
- Swim trunks (1)
- Short jeans (1)
- Chino (thin long pants) (1)
- Thick sweater (1)
- Thin summer jacket or cardigan (1)
- Microfiber towel S / M / L
- Thin, foldable raincoat (1)
- Rain pants (1)
- Rain poncho (1)
- Thermal pants (1)
- Thermal shirt (1)
- Comfortable pair of sneakers or tevas (1)
- Slippers (1)
- Trail shoes (1)
Before you reach the bottom of this magical waterfall, rain gear and hiking boots definitely come in handy. After all, you have to hike down through a mini waterfall (along a rope).
My experiences: Clothing
Take only 4-5 T-shirts with you, because guaranteed you will be buying clothes for a few euros. In Thailand the elephant blouses are popular, in Vietnam many have clothes custom made, in Cambodia and Indonesia you can buy T-shirts for a bargain price.
Bringing too many T-shirts in advance quickly makes for a full(er) backpack. I only brought 1 pair of sports pants myself, but bought myself 2 more in Vietnam. Nice and light, airy and comfortable to wear. In short jeans you sweat much faster in these temperatures.
It also lists clothing for colder temperatures, which I wore especially in North Vietnam (Sapa & Hà Giang) and during an early morning in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) and Java, Indonesia. Indeed, if you are going to climb a mountain or volcano, for example, it is useful to be able to dress yourself in layers. Hence also the trail/hiking boots.
Heerlijk luchtige blouse, gekocht in Cambodja!
Without a doubt my highlight of Vietnam: the 4-day Hà Giang Loop. The landscapes were beautiful and the feeling you get when riding your scooter through the mountains is indescribable. In the winter months it does get pretty cold and thermal clothing and a sweater is definitely recommended.
Part 5. Optional
Didn't need the world plug myself in Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia/Indonesia. Our European plug socket works everywhere. I brought a book, but didn't find it very practical. I took the laptop with me without any problems, ideal for my travel blog and to figure things out.
- Dry bag (you can also buy it there)
- World plug
- Book
- E-reader
- Photo camera (& or drone)
- Laptop
- Sarong for visiting temples
- Deck of cards
- Notebook
Asian culture is rich in countless magnificent temples. From the great Wat Phó in Bangkok to the world's largest religious monument Angkor Wat in Cambodia and from the Mother Temple Pura Besakih in Bali to the world's largest Buddha temple in Java.
Good to know before your visit to these masterpieces is that there are dress codes. The shoulders and knees should be covered, so ladies may wish to bring a sarong from home. You can also buy or rent them on site, while at some temples a sarong is included in the entrance fee.
Digital packing list
For your convenience, I've put my packing list into a Spreadsheet so you can easily cross off what you already own. This is a secure document, so download it to Excel or make a copy for your own use!
Good luck with your preparations!
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