Making an Excellent Backpacking Packing List
Learn How to Get Started Packing a Backpack for a Trip or Vacation
Deciding what to pack in a backpack for a holiday, backpacking trip, or simply a multi-day hike or camping trip is one of the hardest challenges faced by backpackers old and new. Although each backpacking holiday may be as different as night and day, there are many things that most travelers will need to pack, regardless of their destination.
The Essentials of Making a Backpack Packing List
As the subtitle suggests, these items are the essentials that should not be left at home (ever), and will form the basis of the packing list. Specifically, the essentials include clothing, medicines and toiletries.
- Socks – Minimum two pairs. Add one pair for each month of backpacking, to a maximum of 4 or 5. These should be washed regularly – healthy feet are critical to travelling!
- Underwear – Up to personal discretion, but a minimum of a week's worth is generally advised.
- T-Shirts – Two, more can always be bought on the road, and t-shirts are cheap in many non-western countries.
- Jeans, Pants, Skirts, etc – One pair/item to wear, one in for the bag. If the itinerary includes predominantly hot climates only take shorts, but also check to see if it gets cold at night time.
- Personal Hygiene products – Again, at personal discretion, but they shouldn't be forgotten.
- Swim-wear – Will likely be needed at some point, even if it's just the shower. Bikinis can double up as underwear.
- Shoes – Take a pair light trail shoes, and some flip-flops or sandals. Most backpackers will be thankful for the trail shoes after spending four hours trying to find a cheap hostel.
- Toiletries and Medications – From toothbrushes and razors, to malaria tablets and anti-nauseants. However, nearly all general medications and toiletries will be available en-route, so only take what is needed.
Destination-Specific Packing
The items on the backpacking packing list, after the essentials, largely depend on the planned destination. Here are some general rules covering what should be taken on a backpacking vacation or adventure:
If the destination is a hot climate:
- Forget the pants, and take an extra pair of shorts.
- Pack light t-shirts and cotton shirts, lighter colours deal better in the heat, and conservative colours will help a struggling traveler get along with the locals (leave the Hawaiian shirts at home, unless the destination is Hawaii).
If the destination planned is a cold climate:
- Take more t-shirts and shirts, as these can always be layered in cold weather.
- Sweaters and Jumpers, particularly hoodies will be vital in keeping warm. One item is probably sufficient, as these are typically bulky items.
- A lightweight, rain, wind and weatherproof jacket.
However, if the neither of these apply because the backpacking destination is a variable climate, a balance must be found between the two. Specially designed synthetics and "smart wool" shirts, underwear and socks will provide the most comfort in either of these climates, and are available at most adventure and hiking stores, such as REI or MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op).
Tips for Packing – Good Practice for Comfort and Safety
The way in which a backpack is packed is also vitally important to the owner's overall comfort and long term health. This can be achieved by ensuring that all items are packed with the heaviest at the bottom, and the lightest at the top. Additionally, making certain that the bag is correctly balanced both left and right sides of the pack will prevent both back damage in the long term, and walking strangely in the short term (again, this will help most backpackers get along with the locals).
If the backpack doesn't already have plenty of compartments, compartmental storage can be added in the form of Eagle Creek (and other brands) storage units. This can be helped by choosing the right backpack and ensuring it has all desired features. Whilst they may seem expensive, the amount of convenience they provide will make most glad they spent the extra money.
A well known golden rule of backpacking is to always make sure there is at least 20% of available backpack empty – after all, there are plenty of things to buy on the way!
Packing a Backpack is Easy With a List
|
What do you think about this article?
Comments
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles