what to pack

What to Pack


Here's what you need to take backpacking, where to get it from, how to pack it and how to keep size/weight down. Quite frankly, there's so much crap written on what to pack and a lot of scare mongering about taking this or that essential for fear that if left behind it could not be bought abroad. Many packing lists are aimed at mid-range travellers or are featured in travelogues as examples of 'I took this' whether or not it was useful/necessary. Stores that sell equipment, who of course want you to buy as much as possible (how often have you seen items like survival bivvi bag and stoves on their so-called travel packing lists) are also a big part of this problem. Anyone who has travelled before will feel nothing but disdain at short, ambiguous lists in travel mags, guidebooks and charlatan websites. For the record, you will have to think very hard of something not recommended on the list below that could not be bought abroad and normally much cheaper. Mosquito coils for instance appear on many lists: these are almost always available abroad and always at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, leaving aside that there are much better ways to tackle mosquitoes.
This page may look like a very long list (comprehensive is a better word), but is well and truly meant to inspire travelling light; read on for why. You might have read that the happiest traveller will be one who can fit their bag/pack under the seat of a bus or take it as hand luggage on a flight. You may not believe this is possible, especially when first throwing a few things in a bag. However, after learning the hard way with 70-90 litre packs, every subsequent trip you always try to take less and less and still lament having too much. Then at last you manage to get everything (with a few secrets that are shared here) into a 30-40 litre pack that fits neatly under a bus seat or overhead bin and are truly a free and happy traveller who would never ever even consider taking a 'standard' backpack again to a developing country. A small portable backpack really is the difference when it comes to independent travel. The freedom it offers and hassle it removes is worth what you sacrifice in not taking ten times over. Not to mention the fact that you will be the envy of everyone you meet! Don't believe it? Skeptical? Read on for some reasons why you should, if nothing else, pack light.

Skip intro and why to pack light - go straight to:
Clothing and footwear
other essentials
first aid and cosmetics
all things electronic
other bits and forgotten essentials
tips and recommended manufacturers.

The famous saying goes, everything is essential, only some things more than others. You will have no idea of what you actually need and how little you use when you are away when sitting at home. Everyone says pack light, but the vast majority of backpackers don't until they have learnt the hard way - ten reasons why you really should:
Your bag is your life. The smaller it is the less it sticks outs and the less vulnerable you feel. The closer you can stick to it and less cumbersome it is the happier you will be.
A large, bulky, full bag gives less room to fill with souvenirs, becomes a nightmare when using motorcycle-taxis/rickshaws and has to be checked in and waited for, when taking flights.
The thought of wearing the same thing day in, day out may seem terrible now, but it gets easy with the right clothes, and is always preferable to unpacking your entire bag. There is no need to take too many clothes as they can be easily washed and dried, normally overnight.
You will need to walk with your pack on freely (sometimes quickly avoiding touts), sometimes right across town or from hotel to hotel and it's often very hot. When you do take transport, you can swing a small bag over your front and jump in a taxi/rickshaw with ease, quickly and without having to separate yourself from it. In addition, leaving your pack in lockers can be a problem if it is huge.
Carrying a large, heavy, bulky bag onto a bus may sound alright, but when it is crowded you cannot and are therefore normally separated from it (it goes on the roof, underneath or is left at the back next to god knows what). It is normally okay there, but this can make you a little paranoid about theft as it does happen. In some regions you may also have to pay a surcharge or buy an extra ticket for your pack if very bulky. The same can be said for some metro/underground/tram systems.
When you do get on little buses that stop at the side of the road - the most common way of getting around in many countries - they are normally crowded and have no luggage holds so while you get on and off you whack everyone in the face with your pack as you go past and sometimes need to buy a seat for your bag.
If your pack is full it is difficult to get to things without pulling other stuff out, so you don't use what's at the bottom, it being easier to wear what you had on yesterday or what is at the top.
You will be uncomfortable moving from town to town (short hops) not being able to jump on and off small buses/taxis. Not to mention that a giant oversize bag does not exactly make you the most confident as you will always feel like you are sticking out.
You will not believe what an advantage it is to be able to travel from A to C with a quick stop off to see a sight at B carrying your bag, rather than having to do it in a separate day trip, wasting time and money.
Quite simply you'll spend a good deal of time on the road thinking, 'if I had a huge pack or one like that girl/guy we saw at xyz I could not do this' - of course you need some bulky items, but there is no need to have a 60 plus litre bag. Not unless you are camping and if so why?

But hey don't let this site preach to you. You can take what you like, but do have a look at a few of the comments received shown at the page bottom and in the guestbook.
The less developed a country you are in and the more you move around the more this (the above) counts. The more developed a country you are in and the less you move around (certainly if you have your own or prearranged transportation) the less this counts. It is also worth remembering that this list is not designed to cover every eventuality or circumstance. It is based on experience, the necessity to keep size/weight down, and what the average backpacker on the average trip would need (which in fairness is most backpackers who are not camping).
Remember, don't worry - you could go to most typical backpacker destinations, with only the clothes on your back and buy a backpack, all your medication, cosmetics, clothes and bits and bobs there for much less than at home (with the possible exception of the essential clothing section below).
Adage: Lay everything out that you really want to take, halve it and take twice as much money. Unfortunately the best time to pack for a trip is straight after one.
Advice for females travellers comes mainly from Georgina Lewry and reader comments (many thanks to Angela Van Dyck for her many comments and sterling proof reading efforts). The rest is based on the experiences of myself and a few others. This is not a definitive list (but as close as you might come to one); needs and people do vary, as does what is 'essential' in particular regions. In reality you need to learn most of the lessons below yourself. However, if this page persuades you to leave at least one thing at home that you would not need, then it has at least achieved something. If you want to know more about what to take with you to a specific region, you can do far worse than pick up one of the Rough Guide's: First Time Guides.


» Essential clothing:
It is best to buy most of the following in a developed country i.e. your home country or on your trip only in the likes of Australia/NZ, Japan/S.Korea, South Africa, Singapore/KL, Manila/Bangkok or the USA - to name a few (these normally work out cheaper than in the EU). At least a few (depending on how much money you have and what trip you make, certainly if long term) sturdy items from specialist outdoor or travel clothing companies will ensure durability and functionality.
No more than two T-shirts or similar. You could keep one to mess up and/or sleep in if needed (buy locally, you might acquire one as a souvenir) and the other could be a nicer moisture wicking polyester/dry-flo type or similar, made from a special fabric designed to suck sweat away from your body. You can always buy and discard more on the road.
Many prefer to take a polo shirt or short-sleeve shirt instead of T-shirt since it is smarter, can have its collar turned up and can be worn with a T-shirt underneath if the temperature drops. One polo/short-sleeve shirt, one T-shirt is a good mix. Women will be able to pack a few little vest-tops without taking up much room. As above moisture wicking fabric can increase comfort since it is important to remember that depending on where you are going, you are probably going to sweat a lot.
A shirt and/or a polo shirt. At least one item with long sleeves (if these can be rolled up and fastened, even better). Shirts really are the way to go. They are the one item of clothing that will make you look less of a tourist and are practical in many ways. Their pockets are pretty secure and easy to access when sitting down (i.e. paying bus fares). They can look and feel both casual and smart, are cooling (after your head, the second best way to lose heat is through the neck area) and sleeves/collars are great sun/wind blockers.
The importance of having at least one item of clothing with long sleeves, even if a thin cotton top, cannot be overstated since sun and mosquito protection can be paramount. If you want to blend in as much as possible when away, long sleeve shirts as opposed to T-Shirts are the clothing item of choice for much of the developing world. However, bear in mind you will never blend in completely and those who try look pretty comical. It's amazing just how funny a sari worn with a pair of Teva sandals looks!
At least one thin, lightweight (micro) fleece - no matter where you are going it can still get pretty cold on airplanes, air-conditioned buses/trains and early mornings/late evenings (among others, SE Asian transport is notorious for fierce air-con). If you are going somewhere cooler, take a thicker fleece/fleece jacket instead. If you are heading somewhere cooler still, .i.e. high altitude or during mid-winter, take both. It's useful for any fleece to have some front zip so it can be zipped up to cover your neck (warmer) or zipped down (cooler). Take care to buy as much insulation for space as possible - you can always layer for extra warmth.
In really cold climates, you can use thermal underwear (merino wool T and polo shirts are excellent options) and if really necessary a down jacket and hat will give you the most warmth for space you can find and are the best investment you can make for silly cold climates. If you wish you could also compliment a hat with a neck gaiter (essentially just a fleece sleeve).
As a very rough rule, if you are travelling mid-(northern hemisphere)winter north of an imaginary horizontal line that can be drawn on a map through Hanoi, Nouakchott (North Africa) and Gujarat (India), then days - depending how far north of this line you are - will be mild (Delhi, Luxor) to cold (Beijing, Istanbul), but mornings/evening will certainly be cold enough to warrant a second fleece, warm under-clothes or down jacket. The same is true for mid-(southern hemisphere)winter south of an imaginary line dawn on a map through northern Australia, Southern Brazil and Botswana.
If you are lucky enough to be going on a long trip through many regions over many months, then don't panic by packing great bulky warm clothing for a cold stop on your trip months down the line - simply buy on route.
Keeping warm/cool: It's not easy putting together a guide like this with so many varying climates across so many destinations and you will see much of the focus here is on keeping cool, as most budget travellers head to the tropics or to Oz/Europe/America during the summer period, when staying warm is less of a concern and keeping cool is more important. However, if you are going somewhere that you have a feeling might be cold and have reason for not wanting to buy something while there, then having sufficient clothing is really worthwhile, as you generally spend most of your time outside walking around, which is hard to enjoy wearing a thin fleece in a biting wind. Wind chill does has an underestimated effect and if you feel you will be wearing it most of the time, a (light rain) jacket will stop the wind cutting through you and any rain out. Recommended, for example, in a European or North Asian winter.
Two pairs of trousers (pants). Quick drying, light travel types (whether basic cotton or made from a special fabric produced by an outdoor clothing company such as The North Face). Some are fitted with internal secure pockets, others you can fit something similar yourself with a little innovation. The material should be such you can wash and dry overnight. For the second pair a slightly heavier material might be better especially if you expect cool weather. Convertibles are a popular choice, but not for everyone, since not all wish to wear shorts and these trousers often don't look too great converted or otherwise.
Make your own choice, but get at least one nice hard-wearing pair. Basic cotton trousers can be brought with ease and cheaply in Asia or elsewhere on the road. Women could take one pair of trousers and see skirt recommendations below. For the vast majority of destinations, do yourself a favour and leave the jeans at home if heading somewhere hot and wishing to travel light (if you change your mind, hit a cooler climate or want to feel like you are blending in in western style-cultures, you can always buy a pair locally for next to nothing). Jeans are the first item most want to pack, since we all have a pair and are use to wearing them, but in over 25 degrees C they are not the best, plus being heavy to lug around and difficult to wash/dry.
Wrap-around or other long skirts are great for females who may get a lot of unwanted attention (normally in Asia) for showing too much skin and should be sensitive to the culture particularly in religious areas. Such a skirt also comes in handy for making bathroom stops au-natural with a little privacy, say when your bus pulls over by a field for a toilet stop. Girls, depending on their destination should also consider packing a thin lace or cotton cardigan to cover shoulders/midriff when wearing a vest-type top and wishing to enter a religious building or, and especially in Southern Asia or the Islamic world, it makes sense not to show any mid-rift and in some cases pick up locally a tunic-like light cotton top that hangs long down over your rear, that you'll see locals and other travellers with.
Swim-wear: If you think you might be needing some, grab a pair of swimmers (girls see text on the right) that are fairly lightweight, don't take up loads space and are quick drying.
Wearing shorts will pretty much always make you stick out as a tourist, sometimes command you less respect and will not allow you to enter most churches, mosques and temples.
You will almost never see locals wearing them, however if you want to take a pair of shorts (and can't use your swim wear as a substitute when on a beach) feel free.
Female swim-wear & modesty issues:
Tourist patronized beach resorts across the world (e.g. Southern and South East Asia or South/Central America) are fairly liberal (or at least the tourist population acts so) and what is acceptable in Europe normally goes (with the general exception of topless bathing). A sensible costume (two pieces is fine) is best, but the rule is really whatever you would feel comfortable in at home in front of your parents. In more sensitive areas and off tourist beaches, wearing a T-shirt and even sarong over your costume may be necessary as local women will probably bathe fully clothed.
Underwear: it's recommended (guys) to take only a few pairs, let's say about three to five (you can wash them!). Moisture-wicking fast-drying underwear (e.g. Lowe Alpine Dry-Flo or ExOfficio brand) is expensive, but comfortable in a hot climate, very easy to wash, extremely fast drying and some are even odour resistant! Women will no doubt take more pairs of knickers (they are smaller) plus a bra or two (see comment) of which one might be a (sometimes very useful) sports bra. It's really not worth taking anything that's white. Underwear is quite a personal thing and difficult to talk about as everyone will have their own (hygiene) standards. Do remember, you can always buy more on route if needed.
No more than three/four pairs of socks (even if you are only taking sandals take at least one pair of socks, if trekking take a few more). CoolMax works well and will dry easily, but gets very funky, very quickly. Socks with a silver fibre (anti-microbial) weaved into the foot area are available from a few producers and can cut down on the funk, but are quite expensive. There are many technical socks on the market, you will be spoilt for choice. A pair of waterproof socks maybe handy if trekking in wet areas and without Gore-Tex (or similar) lined shoes. Socks and underwear are easy to buy on route: sometimes they're cheaper than laundry.
» Where does all this stuff come from? Over the last few years there has been somewhat of a fabric revolution fuelled by increased gap-year travel, meaning options and innovations are better now than ever. That said, modern day travel clothing is often still quite expensive, but well worth the investment for a few must have hard-wearing items. It is also now possible to find items that don't make you look like a 19th century African explorer. However, not all your clothing need be US$150 North Face or Patagonia (having said that anything that makes you feel cool or is light/compact is well worth the investment).
Hunt around and especially in the summer you will find some practical items in high street stores (particularly for women) such as H&M and Gap. They may not be as hard-wearing and you may need to fit secure pockets, but are a good price. The same goes for picking up clothing whilst on the road, especially thin cotton garments in India/Nepal/Thailand/Philippines(shopping paradise)/Guatemala etc.
Otherwise, the internet provides access to some great bargains on travel focused clothing. In the UK there are many web-based discounters. USoutdoor or MooseJaw come recommended in US/Canada. Sierra Trading Post is one US outlet with reasonable overseas shipping rates.
Packing advice:
Consider some packing aids aka. pack-it cubes or alternatives to keep clothing together and compressed. Netted bags are useful for items like underwear, so are freezer bags, zip-lock bags or a pillow case to keep dirty items separate. Another good idea is to simply keep things together with thick elastic bands.
As a general rule, it's always wise to avoid thick 'cotton' items of clothing or undies. They don't dry well, can mould easily in the seams if they are dampish when packed and weigh more that synthetic blends.
Sure you have heard it before, but it's better (not to mention easier) to roll than fold. One email comment suggested putting all the tightly rolled items in plastic bag, squeezing out the air, and wrapping with a couple of elastic bands, but this doesn't sound very practical.

» Footwear:
One or a combination of the following:
Teva or Merrell type sandals (they don't have to be branded and there is loads of choice): These and their type, often referred to as sports sandals and known as a sometimes unpopular icon of the modern backpacker, have solid molded soles and are made from strong modern fabric. They are comfortable to walk in, quick drying, sturdy and often lightweight - the perfect 'shoe' for warm weather. It is possible to complete long trips with only sandals and still do a fair bit of walking. If it's hot at your destination, you're not squeamish about having exposed feet at all times (say after rain in a dirty city) and you don't plan a full-scale trek, go with just sandals - either the sturdier 'sport' versions referred to here or if you feel comfortable walking in them, the light flip-flops, (thong) type mentioned below (right).
Low cut light trail running shoes such as Salomon or North Face's range (or many other outdoor brands) are prefect for trekking and cooler weather or when you'll just not into sandals. Whatever pair you select make sure they are broken in. Basic sandals are always available abroad, good shoes are not (in less developed countries anyway - you will now find them increasingly in big Asian capitals). If you expect rain or wet weather then Gore-Tex lined versions are a worthy investment.
Big hiking boots take up a lot of room and are heavy/bulky to carry. They are hell in hot weather and you will go through socks very quickly, constantly having to wash them and continually having smelly feet. These could be the worst thing you take. Many travellers strap them to the outside of their bags or wear them when on the move. Think about where you are going, the temperature, altitude and any must-do treks, i.e. Nepal, Guatemala, Peru and New Zealand. It's only when trekking in cool mountainous regions with difficult terrain that you might feel you need the extra ankle support a boot offers, but from a travel point of view, low-cut (compact), cool and light is the way to go.
Quite frankly in many, many popular destinations it is just too hot to wear serious hiking boots and they are quite unnecessary.
Light flip-flops, (thong) type sandals can always be brought locally, are normally very lightweight and pack neatly. These, at least for most, are no good for walking long distances in so a comfortable pair or an alternative are recommended. If taking closed footwear these are perfect for a hot weather/beach footwear option that will not take up loads of room and are light.
Never keen to recommend brands, but Teva do an amazing range of cheap, super light/comfortable flip-flops (thong) type sandals for both men and women. See comment.
Heavily vented shoes, such as footwear designed for, among others things, water use or lightweight trail running. Salomon, Teva and North Face all have a good range out on offer. There are now a few footwear options specially designed for travel being light, very breathable with an anti-bacterial lining and semi-packable. Most travel footwear is vented but basic venting does not help that much to keep your feet cool. In moderately hot or cold climates such as East Africa and Latin America where you may want to do some trail walking this type of footwear, with its large mesh panels, is the ideal compromise (half shoe, half sandal), worn with or without socks. Be warned however if you are going to hit a wet season or expect a large amount of rain, your feet will get wet - waterproof socks are another sweaty option here.

Packing advice:
Make sure you have an internal bag to keep your shoes in if they are dirty and to keep them compact. The best way to compress shoes is to put them together, one on top of the other, facing but fitting front to back. Then take a piece of strong string and wrap it around them. Stand on the shoes, compressing them and shorten the string so the two ends just meet. Make a loop on one end of the string and fix a strong clip on the other, so that they can be easily fastened, keeping your footwear as compact as possible. As mentioned, you may want to make provisions to hang your footwear on the outside of your pack, as footwear will take up more room than anything else.
Much modern footwear does have anti-bacterial liners, but if yours are a little old or absent, new full strength, anti-bacterial linings/pads are a god-send, since in hot weather things do get a little funky.
» The choices: Footwear is probably the most difficult area to talk about when it comes to packing and of significant influence to your trip and the size of your bag. To summarise here are your main options:
Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:
I am just going to a hot climate in one region (i.e. South East Asia), will not be doing any big walks and understand I must keep my feet covered with insect repellent at certain times. I'm also not too squeamish and understand that on the odd occasion my feet will be open to some less than clean streets - take only sandals.
Really keeps your pack small/light and you get to wear a nice pair that support your feet and are practically uncovered walking shoes with thick soles. Your feet stay cool and you'll be wearing the same as most locals. See comment.
You can always wear socks with them if your feet get too cold such as on an say air-conditioned night bus, but at almost all times it'll be too hot to wear normal shoes. If for any reason you need something formal/alternative, you'll make a cheap local purchase.
It is going to be quite cold where I am going (I am not moving around, i.e. single climate, European/N.American winter) and even with the temperature I want to trek/climb. It may also be wet - take shoes appropriate to the climate. i.e. good shoes for real cold (China or Japan in the winter) or heavily vented shoes for warmer slightly varied dry climates (East Africa).
Trail running-type trainers are perfect, sturdy, light and very comfortable for walking. They are produced by most major outdoor companies and come in varying weight, waterproofing and venting. Coupling with nice thick sock such as a merino wool pair, will add loads of warmth and padding.
You could purchase a new pair in any major Asian capital and/or pick up flip-flop type sandals on the way if you need them.
I am doing a trip across different climates, regions and altitudes. I like to walk and plan to trek at some stage - take both shoes and sandals.
First timers and those unsure should perhaps take both, especially if they have limited info about regions and will visit more than one. Sandals should really be the light and compact flip-flop variety that can be stored easily in or on the outside of a pack, without adding too much weight.
If necessary wearing the shoes (trail-running variety as per option 2) when carry your bag to keep its size down. You do not need any more footwear than this. Remember both can be bought (of limited varying quality abroad), basic sandals being easier. Remember you could start with one or the other, get somewhere like Australia and buy more or send one pair home.

And lastly.... a rock of sense - if you feel you need heavy footwear for certain areas and are making a loop, perhaps through the capital, most guesthouses won't mind you leaving your footwear or anything else to pick up later. A good example would be for trekking in Nepal/N.Thailand/N.India. On your way south, leave your footwear in Kathmandu/Bangkok/Delhi before heading to lowland warmer areas. Chances are you will be passing through the capital again on the way to another destination or flight. The same can be done for bulky clothing needed for colder regions.


» Other essentials:
Trek-type towel: the ones that claim to absorb 900% of their weight and are fast-drying. Viscose is one of the materials available (feel like soft, fluffy leather), but there are now many other types such as Micro Fibre (which is anti-bacterial and has a toweling feel) and your best bet is to get a recommendation from the store or website you shop at. Note that the sizes these come in are pretty small and you may need to take two if you have long hair and want one to wrap in it when wet or couple with a sarong to cover your body. You might however prefer a much bulkier small 'normal' thin cotton towel over the above mentioned travel variety as these can take a bit of getting use to. Whatever you take make sure you have some tassels on two corners of your towel in order to hang it up to dry.
It's funny, in some countries, normally the less developed ones (generally, when you go a few dollars above rock bottom accommodation rates), you don't use your towel once and in others, you end up using it every day. If you do get fed up of your shitty little travel towel you can always spend a bit more on a slightly nicer hotel and get a 'real' soft white fluffy towel at least for one night.
Hostels will sometimes hire towels and some of the more progressive ones even offer them.
Umbrella: a light compact (micro) one. A rain mac is on the whole not recommended over an umbrella in most situations (you will sweat in one, it will be bulky and a pain to repack when wet) unless doing a lot of trekking (or other activity that will means you are outside for long periods) or going somewhere you know it to be mild and likely very wet (European/NZ/North Asia winter). A rain mac can be handy in a cold climate as a windproof item, but in tropical climates not so great. It's worth understanding that if you arrive somewhere like New Zealand and find continuing rain, you can buy something locally. However, if you do find it really wet, nothing will keep you 100% dry (your legs/feet will get wet) in heavy rain, such as tropical rain, and in most cases you just can't do anything, except wait for the rain to let up. Two people could share one umbrella and cheap plastic ponchos are often available to help to some extent. Do a little research and try not to end up somewhere in the wet season if you can help it, although it can have some advantages in a few cases.
Emailed comment: 'So far I have experienced only about 14 totally (i.e. rained from dawn to dusk) wet days in over a thousand days or so on the road and when it does normally rain it is only for a few hours and during that time the rain is so heavy that unless you have full water-proofs (top, bottom and shoes) you get wet to some degree anyway. When and after it rains, water-proof (Gore-Tex) footwear really makes a difference since it's hard to avoid every puddle!'
Platypus style water bottles (go flat when not used): These are great when trekking and dare it be said, as a pee bottle. However, if you are not likely to do those, pick up water bottles on the way - you get one free every time you buy water, with a tight seal and a fresh smell, something a bought bottle will not maintain for that long.
In Nepal, Guatemala, South America and many others places, you can buy straps that fit over a 1.5ltr water bottle for easy carrying. These are handy. Also make sure any caps are very tightly screwed on a water bottle whether in your bag (not a good idea) or when on the move as vibrations from buses tend to unscrew the tightest tops.
The only time a woman will absolutely need a simple head covering is in Iran, Saudi Arabia (where in both you also need a mid-length jacket to hide form) and visiting some mosques. These are easily bought locally and can be handy/worth having in Pakistan, Eastern Turkey and less developed Gulf states.
Baseball hat: is useful when on open (windy) transport and to keep serious sun off your face. A bandana is good, if you want to pack one, because you can use it for other things, such as protecting your face/mouth/nose from dust and wind. If you feel you are particularly sensitive to the sun then a wide-brimmed hat is probably a must, although you won't see too many travellers wearing them.
Sarong (great covering, clothing, skirt, towel - you name it): you can pick this up on route anywhere there is a tourist beach and they come highly recommended for a multitude of ever surprising uses.
Knife, fork and/or spoon: Only really useful in more developed countries where high food and eating out costs force you into self-catering. Purpose designed compact sets can be bought or the regular versions 'acquired' on the road. Actually the plastic set from your airline meal is good enough. Saves you from having to check your bag on a flight as with a pen-knife or metal versions and to access such delights as yogurts even in developing countries when you get fed up with breakfasts on offer. A lightweight (camping style) plastic bowl can also be quite useful in some cases, as it can be used, amongst other things to eat cereal in. Where food costs are quite high and supermarkets plentiful, being able to eat cereal or knock up a sandwich is a quick and cheap meal. However, somewhere like South Asia where food is cheap and supermarkets scarce, a bowl would be pretty useless and is far from a necessity anywhere. In developed countries where you can stay in hostels they normally have a full kitchen for guest use.
The jury is out on taking a Swiss army or other (Leatherman) knife. There are many uses if on a long trip such as peeling fruit and having a can-opener, corkscrew and bottle opener when self-catering - the tweezers are useful too. However if you are travelling light, taking a few flights and want to take advantage of the added bonus (for so many reasons) of taking your gear as hand luggage on a flight obviously forget about a knife - you can live without it or buy one locally. If you have to 'check' your bag anyway, it's worth carrying one, and certainly on longer trips. Get one with a longer than normal blade that, if possible, locks. A Leatherman micra is handy since it is compact and comes with a good pair of scissors (but not a can opener, which can be worth having).
Not necessarily essential, but something found to be very useful for its size, is a lightweight sleeping sack/sleeping bag liner - the best type is a silk one (these are good value in NZ, but otherwise quite expensive - see resources page for link for purchase from NZ, delivered worldwide) - they are warmer in the cold and cooler in the heat than cotton. They also pack up a lot smaller than cotton. They're pretty tiny really - smaller than an apple, and give you peace of mind, no matter where you end up bedding down.
A sleeping sack will give you your own space every night, will allow you to stay in low cost/dirty accommodation, can be used in rented sleeping bags, or under dusty/itchy blankets and provides great flexibility. A sleeping sheet/sack also means that you save money by not having to rent sheets in some hostels and can be used when a cheap hotel simply doesn't supply a top sheet or seems less than clean.
You do not need a sleeping bag....
You do not need a sleeping bag (if the size of your bag is any consideration to you); there are always blankets or bags for hire if needed. Plus do you really think you will be checking into hostels/hotels and them not provide any bedding? Over 100 countries down, thousands of days on the road and no one connected with this site has ever absolutely needed one - unless of course camping. Sure there are times (outdoor holidays) when you need one or when one would be nice (but so would a pillow), but look into it very, very carefully. Most travellers end up with a small lightweight bag that gives no real warmth in the extreme situations when you need to rent one or pile on the blankets. In hostels (European summer - perfect example) bed bugs thrive and are easily picked up on sleeping bags - which many hostels ban for this very reason.
It does get cold sometimes at night in surprising situations (i.e. deserts) - these are simply the times that you ask for extra blankets or spend that little extra on a nicer (warmer) room or wear something warm to bed. No hotel or hostel is going to let you freeze to death. Okay a train or bus might be cold at night, but a better jumper or jacket is so much more versatile than a sleeping bag that has such a limited application. In addition, a sleeping sack will give you the cleanliness benefits of a sleeping bag that is often their false selling point.

The great sleeping bag debate, (and you thought Malaria prophylaxis was a hot topic). Many e-mails have been received from obviously experienced travellers putting the point forward that a sleeping bag is a must take. Our opinion regarding the need to take a sleeping bag is stated above, however in order to present a balanced argument and hopefully to put this matter to bed once and for all (excuse the pun), lets look at the following comments:
'From my experiences I have found that sleeping bags are an absolute necessity for most countries especially if you are spending any time in them and they are necessary in some seasons/areas of theoretically hot countries e.g. cheap hotels in Peru and Bolivia do not provide sufficient blankets to keep you warm. Highland areas in Laos, Vietnam etc. can be very cold at night.'
From visits to both Peru and Bolivia and also to the highland areas of Laos and Vietnam, in mid-winter - you can say for sure yes it can be pretty cold at night. However, blankets can be had; one night in Bolivia (thought would be a cold one (at 3000 metres)) asked for extra blankets and was offered tens of them. Piled most of them on over my clean sleeping sack and thermals and woke up at four in the morning, sweating! Sure it's not an ideal situation, but these kind of high altitude extreme temperatures are rare occurrences and not generally experienced for long durations - travellers move on. In all the areas listed above there are many guest houses and it is easy enough when checking out a room to ask if you could have some extra blankets. You will also find that the Footprint South America and other guides list places to stay with heating - very nice and if for a few nights and if you have to pay $5 or so more for a room to save from having to carry around a sleeping bag, so be it.
'I recommend sleeping bags as being multi-purpose (just as a sarong is). A sleeping bag can serve as a mattress in very basic hotels and as a mattress in lower class sleepers in Indian trains etc. Sleeping bags also serve as cushions when taking long, hard trips in buses or trains in various parts of the world.'
Again true, but they serve as cushions no more so than a sleeping sac can or a fleece (you will need one anyway) stuffed into a bag. It is not that much more to take a higher class train in India or find a hotel with an okay mattress. Work it out against the cost of your sleeping bag and having to carry it around. Maybe if you need padding it would be a good idea to take a therma-rest (camping mat). Stop and think. People live in these places too, do they freeze at night? If the worst came to the worst, could you not get a better room or even buy a blanket (they cost next to nothing). Also don't forget if you are going to cold places (do your home work before you go) you will need to take warm clothes - thermal underwear, beanie hats and fleeces are all far more multi-purpose than a sleeping bag when it comes to allocating space in your bag (they can keep you warm in both the day and night).
This is obviously a very controversial issue and we'll hold our hands up and say, yes okay there are a few times when a sleeping bag would be nice or you'll needed to pay to rent one, but with warm clothes, quite simply a good sleeping bag takes up too much space and is incompatible with travelling light especially when 90% of backpacking travel takes place in tropical temperatures or at least moderate climates. Ironically the several times when a sleeping bag would be fantastic are nights in hot climates while on overnight buses/trains that have crazy air conditioning cranked right up all night long.
Just to balance the argument, here is another email: 'I'd suggest sleeping bags are unnecessary for those travelling along well established routes with good hotel and transport infrastructure' (most places). 'For something beyond that especially if you are going to spend some considerable time beyond the possibility of finding a more comfortable hotel, renting or upgrading in cold/high regions, a sleeping bag is much closer to a necessity.' - like this one, but must warn - don't panic!
It is unlikely you will really get off the beaten track like this on your regular backpacking 'walk-about' for extended lengths of time. One of the few ways you can is when making your own way. That is to go (often on foot or by private car/bike) where very few go, thus there is little support and you would likely be carrying a tent, camping gear and sleeping bag anyway.


» First aid and cosmetics:
Medical kit
Medical kit: make your own up and keep it small - just what you need to get through any bad times/emergencies until you next get to a pharmacy. Pharmacies abroad are normally excellent, easily located and 9 out of 10 times someone there will speak English, Spanish (in Latin America) or French (in West Africa). So while away or before you head off, pick up only a couple of doses/treatments of the following suggestions:
Lip salve with sun protection, cold/flu pills (with decongestant), something for a sore throat, plasters (band aids), condoms or contraceptive pill (see below), antiseptic/antibiotic cream, laxative, diarrhoea blocker, Pepto-Bismol or similar (Bismuth: upset stomach and diarrhoea reliever, pill form easier to carry), Hydrocortisone cream (2%) or something else to treat insect bites, a needle (maybe part of a mini-sewing kit) for blisters, perhaps a forehead digital thermometer and of course some pain killers.
If you feel you'll need them, then to the above list you can add: anti-fungal cream, travel/motion sickness pills, (on longer trips) mouth ulcer (aka canker sores) treatment (especially if taking Chloroquine malaria medication), anti-histamine pills and syringes and needles (but don't go mad and only if really heading off the beaten track - generally these are not something you really need to carry around with you).
Don't forget that all things medical are available much cheaper and plentifully on the way. There is very little point in weighing yourself down with a huge first aid kit. For example Salbutamol/Ventalin inhalers are available in major Asian cities at a quarter of the European price. The same goes with anti-malarial's in Bangkok, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and similar places. If you need to carry unusual prescription medicine, check it is legal in the country you are visiting. Take a prescription and a doctors note in case you are stopped by Customs. - For ideas and details of Malaria medication see the before you go section, but as a general note, this can be bought cheaply in Asia/Africa too.
Wash kit
Wash kit: you'll need some shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant/antiperspirant and a toothbrush + razor - all of which and other such items (hair gel, conditioner, soap, etc.) are always available along the road in neat small travel friendly quantities.
If you can help it, you need have no item in your wash kit or anywhere else in your bag, greater than 50-100ml, i.e. little travel size bottles you'll find if you hunt around and certainly when travelling, that'll hold enough for a few weeks use, when at which point you can purchase more.
This makes even more sense if you plan to take your bag as carry-on on flights. As is common knowledge regulations are in force limiting you to 100ml of liquid/cream/paste per item. This bullshit which started in Europe quickly spread around the world, although outside N.America and Europe airport security isn't quite as clear and you'll see all variations of notices ranging from a total ban to limited amounts. Either way you are politely asked to declare these items as the reality is X-ray machines won't pick up the little travel sized containers it is worth taking.
Shaving cream - the tiny bottles of Silicon based cream (non-soap) which go incredibly far are highly recommended. The brand 'King of Shaves' is the most common (there are other) and is far better than having to carry a bulky can and/or shaving brushes. E-mailed comment: 'I've been using it [King of Shaves] and travelling with that product for years. A tiny bottle will last a long time and a little goes very far'. Equally in many parts of Asia its easy and very cheap to get a shave from numerous barbers on or off the street.
Don't forget nail clippers if you are away for a good while and maybe a pair of tweezers. A cover for the end of your tooth brush, to stop it messing things up when re-packed may be handy, or take a travel tooth brush that fits inside its own handle - you normally get given these on long-haul flights. Dental floss (not tape) is also often recommended since it can double as a strong thread for other jobs.
Some emails have recommended 'Wet-Wipes' the disposable hand cleaning wet tissues that most commonly find their way onto babies' bottoms. Good for freshening up after dirty travel or if you can't shower or getting some of the grim of third-world travel off you. Hand sanitizer (no water required) also comes recommended particularly if you are eating on the go or hygienically minded and is one thing you might struggle to find abroad. Equally you will want to take a small supply of some tissue/toilet paper - a handy pack is fine to start with since it's easily replenished.
Sun block/cream: you will of course need some, but not in numerous different factors and huge quantities unless you are heading away specifically to lie in the sun. Pick up a small tube of strong factor (waterproof is useful, but wax bases do prevent you sweating naturally) - if you really don't want to burn on the beach or in the water keep your shirt/hat on. In tourist beach resorts and major cities you can obtain more, along with lower factor products if you are set on tanning. However in the developing world away from popular beaches and big cities you can struggle to find extra and sun block is commonly sold coupled with some other ingredients as 'whitening cream', but it works okay (at blocking UV, not whitening that is). See sun in the travel health section of this site. You will also want to grab a small tube of some moisturising /Aloe Vera cream to use as After Sun and for general needs. Don't forget (girls) a few items of make-up if you like.
A travel washing line (twisted elastic - no need for pegs) can be useful if away for an extended period and washing clothes regularly. Some couple this with a universal sink plug, but it's not too hard to find a bucket if you need to wash clothes. Washing powder can be bought in small quantities locally, very cheaply; so can laundry soap. Having a washing line and sink plug can make any washing you do much easier. See washing clothes in 'on the road' section.
It is generally never a problem to buy either tampons or sanitary towels in major towns. Stock up before you head out into remote areas where supply will be more limited. Tampons are of course less bulky to carry, so it's good to keep a few for emergencies. Buying ultra thin sanitary towels can sometimes be difficult as can finding tampons off-the-beaten track where big bulky towels are occasionally the only option. Remember that there are more women on this planet than men.
On a longer trip, some consider taking the contraceptive pill or better still having the equivalent injection (ask your GP) to be recommended even if they are not sexually active since it offers you the choice, in the case of the pill to 'carry on' for consecutive months and to not have your period and in the case of the injection to totally be without the hassle of period abroad. If you're sexually active, take your pill instructions with you, since it may not be effective if you have a stomach bug, are on anti-biotics or Doxycycline anti-malarials. Also make sure you keep a separate supply in your bag or partner's bag, in case your main supply goes missing.
E-mailed suggestions, female hygiene:
Several female readers (all seemingly experienced travellers) have recommended the use of a Keeper or Mooncup, which is a silicone menstrual cup that lasts for several years. It needs to be emptied less frequently than you would change a tampon/sanitary towel and is of course far more eco friendly, cheaper and healthier than pads or tampons. The obvious advantage always flagged up is that the user never has to worry about buying pads or tampons along the road, and does not have to pack those bulky items. Emails received all thoroughly recommend this product for female travellers and normally state that it is the most useful thing packed. See all comments.
Something often over-looked when packing is thrush treatment. Thrush (aka yeast infection).. see full comment.
Dozens of other suggests have been e-mailed in over the years, some obviously take travel and general well being/heath more seriously than others, if that is you then it's likely you'll know most of the remedies already. These suggestions include numerous herbal, homeopathic and other such remedies. It still remains the overriding belief of this guide that no one should unnecessarily worry about travel health and travellers should pack as light as possible. Cotton wool and cue-tips come up often as well as suggestions for holistic, all-natural supplements. Most often suggested and useful are vitamin supplements and immune boosters containing vit C, zinc, etc. which are certainly worthwhile if you feel you are easily prone to illness, since it's easy to get run down and ill if travelling hard and fast in crowded transport and extreme climates.
You'll be doing yourself a big favour by keeping everything liquid in either a water-proof wash kit or zip-lock/money bags tightly fastened with an elastic band. An item leaking into your bag is a pain that's worth avoiding. If you are a couple it makes sense to share a wash and medical kit rather than double up on everything. And finally, empty film canisters make useful containers and you'll meet travellers who keep a first aid kit in one or two.


» All things electronic:
A camera: to what extent are you into photography? And how much time and effort do you want to spend on it? Compacts aren't perfect for amazing photos, but perfect to carry around and for a record of people and places. SLRs are the business, but too big/bulky for ultra-lightweight travel. If going the SLR route a long (300mm) lens, makes all the difference, equally so with the new generation of compacts that have great zoom features. For more information on choosing a camera take a look at this link and others including good practical travel photography advice in the links section.
It goes without saying that Digital cameras with their rapidly increasing memory size, are the most common photo equipment seen around. Technology is moving fast and places are opening up in touristed less-developed countries like Guatemala, Nepal, India, Thailand (not to mention all the other techy Asia countries) where you can download your pictures off a camera and onto a CD with ease. Take your USB connection lead for such opportunities.
Spare batteries for cameras and other equipment inc. memory cards are normally available, but carry a spare battery and film/memory card with you anyway for when you are away from big cities. Having a camera that takes standard AA batteries can be pretty useful a times. If you're taking a SLR make sure you have a UV filter, air (puff) cleaning brush and cleaning rag. A can of air is also useful, as equipment can get pretty dusty. For old schoolers, film availability varies far too much around the globe to comment on here, but is normally pretty good. 35mm film is much easier to find than APS and costs vary enormously.
Worth Noting..
It is worth noting that the rising popularity of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras or MP3 players which almost all travellers seem to take away with them has resulted in an equally match rise in the number of these items disappearing. Whereas the vast, vast majority of the world has in general low levels of violent crime and a low threat of terrorism or other dangerous activities, petty theft, however, is becoming increasingly common, and travellers should take precautions, especially with mobile phones, digital cameras, and other small electronics which are easily “misplaced.” Some do feel uncomfortable with expensive MP3, mobiles or other electronics seeing as most insurance won't cover their loss.
Whatever you decide to take away with you - camera, iPod, mobile phone - in most cases it will be expensive and you would mind losing it, which is a risk when travelling, so make sure you have good insurance that covers the total cost of your camera, if it's an expensive one.
See the 'Insurance' section on the 'Before you Go' page for more info. They are mentioned there, but as a quick plug here as well, World Nomads has been repeatedly recommended for many reasons, one being you can list separately expensive equipment to cover their full value (quite rare).
LED Torch/flashlight: there is really no reason to take a large flashlight away with you, a small LED (key-ring sized) light (such as a Princeton Tec Pulsar, Impulse or similar) is fine - ask yourself: how much do you plan to walk around in the dark? Use candles during power cuts in hotels (normally provided). A LED (compact) head-lamp (again Princeton Tec have an excellent range) can come in useful, notable if camping or on night-buses. New LED technology means tiny torches are very effective. Plus they can be carried with ease and always kept easily accessible (there is no point having a great flashlight in you bag if you can't see to enter the padlock combination). There are loads of good torches available - get a compact one and keep it within easy reach.
A small calculator (dual power, not just solar): compact enough for carrying around to make currency conversions with and generally keeping track of your budget. Also an alarm clock (or the alarm on your mobile phone is just as good), maybe with a world-time feature. You will also probably need an international plug adaptor (see plug types), maybe with a USB plug charging facility if you are taking electronics that charge via USB (example).
An MP3 Player, these have to be a gift from god to the traveller. Ipods and their equivalents are great for holding enough tunes, photos, videos and the like for any trip.
Smaller players are also great and cheaper, many have radio receivers built into the headsets and will run from regular batteries meaning there is no need to carry a charger. Most other internal battery players will charge from a USB lead and a quick look around the net will soon reveal special accessories for every aspect of travel for every type of player, including charging, where international plug adaptors with a USB slot for charging are useful.
A player is also useful if you don't want to talk to someone on a long bus/train/plane trip. Compact noise canceling headsets are now also available, but costly and not effective for blocking out sleep disturbing noise.
Portable computer
If there is one item that more and more travellers are packing it's a laptop. Think about it, you can store/edit all your photos, write a blog, find wi-fi spots and access the net, listen to music or watch movies. Sounds great and yes having a laptop can be great, but it's not for everyone and certainly only recommended in a few cases and for a few destinations. The first issue is weight, unless you have a travel designed ultra-light laptop it's going to be debatable if the extra kgs it adds is worth lugging around. Secondly, you've got the theft factor, say you do have a nice light laptop then you unfortunately do have to accept the real risk of theft or damage and finally please remember you are on holiday - it's not a sin to leave the computer at home!
To be realistic those who benefit the most are travelers to developed countries who have a very real reason to use a computer regularly. It is true that in developed or tech friendly countries you can find enough public wi-fi hotspots and more clued on hostels do offer wi-fi. Nonetheless any hostel/guesthouse offering a free wi-fi connection is also going to have a hard-wired internet connection you can use. Or in all cases and certainly in less developed countries where wi-fi spots are few and far between there are plenty of other ways to access the net or use a PC to upload a blog, photos or chat on-line.
There are just too many pros and cons, but for first time travellers who plan to move around without a serious reason to need a computer - leave it at home. Alternately if you know the destination you are going has wi-fi spots and you are tending to stay in one or a few spots and would really benefit from having your PC with you then okay.
Last words, tread with care, a laptop is seriously removed from being an essential item. Equally there are many alternatives which, if you must, could be considered (see below).
Mobile Communications

Probably the biggest measure of a rapidly developing world aside from the proliferation of internet cafes is the use of cellular / mobile phones even in some of the world's poorer countries (countries like the Philippines have some of the world's highest mobile phone usage and Africa is the fastest growing market). Major North American/Australian and European networks which allow roaming, will pick up a signal in the vast majority of the populated world.
Taking a cell phone has many advantages and is recommended, but several disadvantages worth noting. Firstly if roaming on your home network, call costs (made or received) will be significant (but SMS costs are manageable). Make sure the phone you take is of the correct type for your destination/use (i.e. 'unlocked' if you want to use local SIMs and the correct band (here's good link for those in US and elsewhere).
A phone doubles as an alarm clock, calendar/calculator and although costs to make/receive calls are normally very pricey (with buying a new local SIM card for every country you visit being far from practical) plus the fact you'll come across numerous roaming and signal black spots, having a means to pick up and send SMS messages is very handy, simply because it's cheap and instant. Equally staying in touch with those you meet and contacting guides and drivers, many of whom are increasingly willing to give out their numbers in case you wish to use their services, all of which makes taking a cell phone highly recommended.
It's very important to note here that generally speaking if you use a mobile phone abroad (SMS aside) as you would at home you are going to have a huge shock when you get the bill. Buying local SIM and international SIMs plus other methods to keep cost down are covered in the 'stay in touch' section of the 'On the Road' page.
Other gadgets: MP3 players and cell phones are already mentioned, both items now considered 'essential' by many that would have previously been an expensive luxury. The very fact that more and more travellers are taking to the road with a laptop is testament to how technology has progressed and prices come down. About all that can be said about taking a laptop is already mentioned above, but it is worth mentioning here that if you rightly don't take a laptop, but feel the need to take something similar then there are a myriad of new devices that can substitute many of a laptop's functions and be far more portable. One is a mobile phone that can deal with e-mails and pick up wi-fi, for making cheap calls and sending/receiving e-mail for free (since sending/receiving data while roaming is going to be expensive). Another is a portable video player or the even newer, portable ebooks, for those who want to take loads of books away in ebook/pdf format. There a dozens of other gadgets and new ones become available all the time. However, again they are not always useful and very seldom necessary.


» Other items:
Something to keep it all in

Backpack: with about 20-10% spare space in (room to manoeuvre and to collect more stuff) - go for between 25 and 55 litres (30 or 40 litres is perfect, that's 1,800-2,500 cubic inches). Sizes vary by manufacturer; one 30lt might look as big as another 40lt. A pack from a range such as Lowe Alpine or Lifeventure are perfect - there is a mind-boggling choice available from loads of manufactures. There are many variations on these packs. Recommended is a pack that is lightish weight, with hip straps, a zip front opening (easily secured - much more so than clips (although clips can be locked)) and that zips down far so items at the bottom can be accessed easily. Extra pluses are straps to compress the bag down if not full, any degree of waterproofness and netting/straps on the front/sides to cram things into plus gain access to in a hurry. If you have a small bag and you can't fit everything in it all the time, for example if you buy food, don't worry, just carry the rest in a sturdy shopping bag or strap it to the outside. See example image and e-mailed comments. Remember there is no 'perfect' pack, it is what works for you and is available for you to buy in the part of the world you are in.
If you are going to less developed countries and plan to travel, i.e. move about during your trip on public transport, if your bag is heavier than 10kg (even with a bottle of water stuck on the side) and much too big to go carry-on on a plane, then consider re-examining what you are taking.
Daypack: a daypack commonly refers to a small backpack for day to day use - this is on the whole completely unnecessary and you are much better off with a packable (i.e. not rigid) shoulder or messenger bag, or even a cheap canvas shopping-type bag that the handle will fit over your shoulder. Their advantages, despite saving space, weight and not giving yourself an extra bag to worry about/carry, is they can be compressed down to be stored in your main bag and when using be moved easily over your front (when sitting down or for security). In addition your back won't get too sweaty when carrying it in hot climates, as there is nothing worse than a pack on your back all day when it's hot and sticky. You'll attract less attention and feel less like a tourist; 9/10 times, you're only be carrying a camera, guidebook, water and maybe an object of clothing/towel or sunblock - why would you need an upscale hiking type small backpack? You'll find great choice of perfect bags at next to nothing prices in most tourist destinations (India, Peru, Thailand, etc.)
If you don't have a day pack and only a shoulder or other bag (recommend above) and need something stronger for walking on a day-trip, you can always empty your small main backpack and use that.
You do not need a pack-safe. These are heavy, impractical to pack back into their pouches and unnecessary - despite being a great idea. The only reason to take one would be if you had a lot of camping and other equipment strapped to the outside of your bag.

Glasses and other eye wear
If you are a glasses wearer you will need to take your prescription details or a spare prescription (carried separately). If you take sunglasses, which is a good idea, make sure you have a case to keep them in.
If you use contact lenses, then you have many options open. If you take hard or soft lenses, you will need to carry a reasonable supply of solution as this is only available in big cities in less developed countries (expensive and often hard to find in Latin America). You can now get lenses that you can leave in for a month (day and night) without having to change, if you don't want to. This is a great option and we've received good reports with no trouble experienced even in harsh environments. The other option, if you can afford it, is daily disposable contacts. You don't have to worry when about going swimming, them generally falling out, carrying heavy solution or the large amounts of dust normally around. You will only be able to buy top-up daily disposable lenses in the biggest most developed Asian and Latin American cities and any stops you make in developed countries. Again take your prescription and keep a copy of it in your webmail account by putting it in an e-mail to yourself, in case of theft
Those little bastards (mosquitoes)
Mosquito repellent: most travellers don't like DEET much (among other things, it can burn your skin and ruin clothes) - some natural repellents (e.g. Citronella) seem to be just as good. So is generally covering up in the evening. There are many brands of good repellents on the market and repellent is normally available in major towns abroad. Repellent in pump-spray or aerosol form is handy since it is so much more easily applied to feet, ankles and other areas (most mosquitoes - at least the nasty ones - are ground feeders). For the record mosquitoes will sometimes bite through clothes and go for hand and face areas - so occasionally it is pretty hard to stop them when they are really hungry (say at certain times of the year in jungle areas) and you certainly don't want to put DEET on your hands, face and clothes.
Highly recommended is to buy a plug-in mosquito repellent, often branded 'mosquito vaporiser' or 'liquidator' from any Asian (Goodnight is the most famous brand), Central American or European drug store. You plug this small item into the mains and it releases a vapour by heating liquid from a small bottle that you screw in or from pads you insert (bought separately, last for ages). Choking mosquito coils should not be used in unventilated areas and are a fire hazard.
It's also said that taking 500mg of Vitamin B1 daily two weeks before travelling and continually whilst travelling, prevents bites. There is no scientific evidence that this works, but you will read it widely as a solution to the question of why some people get bitten more than others. It seems that very high vitamin B levels that your body tries to sweat out will deter mosquitoes (see word of caution). In reality mosquitoes are more attracted to people with fair skin. Fair skin is thinner that darker skin, and they can smell the blood more easily. Don't think that getting a tan will help you - that just changes the colour of your skin, not the thickness. Westerners are doomed as easier targets!
A bite is uncomfortable, but if treated with Hydrocortisone cream immediately (or another of the many excellent new remedies widely available in developed countries including little devices that gives a micro electric shock and are frequently recommended) and not scratched will soon disappear. If you are covered with bites and are finding it hard to sleep, try anti-histamines. Malarial bites will likely occur in the early hours of the morning, so make sure your room is sealed and if necessary your vaporiser plugged in. Most common are bites in the evenings and mornings on the ankles, so in endemic areas a quick spray there makes sense.

Do I take a mosquito net?
A mosquito net is never something personally needed outside sub-Saharan Africa and you'll hear many a traveller in other areas lamenting why they brought one. For a start they take up a fair amount of room and in most cases, are pretty difficult to fasten above you (take duct tape).
Add to that fact they only protect you as much as a mosquito vaporiser (recommended) or at worst a mosquito coil under your bed. When you actually need one, like in beach huts or the jungle, they will 9/10 times be provided (even if they need some patching up with duct tape and a coil lit for added protection).
However, if you are travelling in sub-Saharan Africa (not South Africa), where the vast percentage of Malaria occurs, you should take a small net. You will still not use it all that often, but will be glad you had it. It's better to be safe than sorry in this region. Buying compact nets on the ground in developing countries can be tricky, so get one before you leave.

Books: Taking guidebooks for countries you won't arrive in for several months isn't good science. These can be found on the way, especially in India/Nepal, South East Asia and any developed country. See the country breakdowns for where books are available - you may need to take a few with you. A phrase book and/or tiny dictionary, for South America/West Africa especially, may also be handy. For most others destinations many don't bother unless they really want to make the effort - your guidebook will have a basic language section. Reading books can be swapped along the way, but don't expect too much from your trades. If you want to start off with some good reads, several are recommended and can be viewed on this site - click here and select the region you are interested in.
Locks & security: Little combination (not key) padlocks to keep you bag secure. You can take a larger spare (combination) padlock in case your hotel door has only a hasp or you want to add extra security - padlocks are normally supplied, but it can be nice to have your own. Equally essential is a cable or wire lock, produced by many manufacturers including Eagle Creek. This is essentially a padlock with an added cable that can be and looped through your bag to secure it to a bed or railing, say when sleeping on transport (as an alternatives a simple wire with loops in each end, for use with a regular padlock is often sold). Don't just take this, use it. Or you could use cable ties for temporary situations - see comment.
Notebook and a pen (you will fill in many a entry and departure card) and/or pencil. Some find taking a small supply of post-it notes useful for keeping the relevant pages of guidebooks quickly accessible. And seeing as we are going for a complete list, it'll help to have a tag with some contact details somewhere on your bag.
Money belt or travel organiser: keeps your essentials organised and together. Don't leave this site before reading the advice on avoiding theft advice in the on the road section.


» Forgotten essentials:
On a long trip.... perhaps: photos of your family, house and loved ones. These will come in handy to show locals; they are also great to stave off homesickness that can hit us all at times. If it's your thing: something like a small pot of Marmite or Vegemite might be worth taking as a small comfort of home. This and the photo suggestion are not suited nor needed by everyone, but it is worth thinking laterally about the term 'essential'.
Just an idea: Some cards with your name, address and e-mail, to give new friends; locals love to collect western names and addresses. Large clips for keeping together great big wads of low value notes. Some people also take a change purse.
Compass?: proper one or cheap key ring version - with this and a map, you cannot get lost. Keep it in an easy to reach place like hanging off your pack. Great if you think taxi drivers are driving you the long way around, to know which way to walk out of a station or in disorientating markets and narrow streets. Not really essential, but handy.
Student ID: get your Student ID (if you have one) turned into an international (ISIC) card. Fake cards can be bought easily in Bangkok, Cairo and Turkey (make sure your name is typed and not hand written). In most places a card won't be much help, in others it is well worth having. Egypt, Syria (some entry fees 20 times more expensive without card), Russia and European trains for example. Discounts can always surprise you or make you mad that you left your card at home, like 50% off the Inca trail when the card is worthless in the rest of Peru.
An ATM and/or credit card, along with a spare. You will also need to take other funds - see here for more details.
An International driving permit is required along with your regular driving license in several countries and is recommended in many more. It can often be used instead of your original license (not technically legal) if you don't want to carry it abroad with you. Either way it doubles up as a handy second ID to be left for deposits. If you do want to drive or think you might have a chance to, you should pack at least an international driving license, but better, your domestic license.
Certificate of all vaccinations: it is rare outside Africa, but you sometimes will need to show this even if just to avoid border fees. If you have a certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever, you should definitely take it with you as you may be refused entry to certain areas (i.e. Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania).
Make sure you have enough time on (at least six months over when you wish to return) and pages in your passport. If you have one, take your old (expired) passport, it is a great decoy and can be left as a deposit with no worry. The same goes for an old credit card. A passport cover ensures your real passport won't look knackered within a fortnight.
Several passport photographs for visas/visa extensions and picking up a fake student card or press pass! Always useful - you can pick up more on the way, but have a few to hand.
Ear plugs: noise at night in some countries is one of the biggest pains of travel. Ear plugs don't really work against the serious noise that you can come across but pack them all the same - they are almost as vital as your passport.
Several plastic zip lock bags, money bags and elastic bands and maybe some duct tape (especially if you are carrying a mosquito net). Little fabric nets are fantastic to keep small items together. These can be made, brought or found inside packets of washing powder tablets. Empty film canisters can also be quite handy.
Photocopies of everything important (passports, traveller cheque numbers etc.), leave a copy at home, on the internet (internet mail account) and if possible with your travelling partner.
» A few last tips:
Try to avoid packing anything white (it won't stay that way long). Grays, khakis, beiges, light blues/greens and creams are better choices. Apparently very dark colours attract mosquitoes - although you can be the judge.
Another idea: a plastic container (Tupperware) for the bottom of your pack to stop things from getting crushed and to keep little things together. See comment.
The jury's out on... but often recommended are water purifiers and travel pillows. If you intend to travel overnight an inflatable travel pillow (you know the type) is suggested (some might say essential for night buses). Okay you'll look a bit silly (but then again it will be dark), but will sleep about a thousand times better. It's uncommon to see backpackers use them, but it's up to you.
Several emails have recommended water purifiers (pump water filter), normally from those on longer trips, volunteering and staying in the same place. Bottled water is always available, but can get expensive. Having said that water purifiers aren't free and they are also a little bulky, plus where do you intend to fill them from?... see comment.
These may not be used, but if trekking, iodine tablets (with taste remover) to purify water are sometimes handy. Chlorine tablets can also be used, but are less effective. Many reason that a few of these are so small that even if you don't plan to need them they are worth taking 'just in case' or for an emergency.
Pack of cards or some other type of entertainment - don't get carried away with too much, travel scrabble, travel chess, etc. (one suggestion is 6 dice - many an entertaining evening teaching others the dice game '10,000'). A Frisbee is popular, but note the below.
For those who worry about language or expressing the odd important fact, like they don't eat meat, then visual translators, which are cards with images you point to can be useful, especially in Russia and the CIS.
If you don't use something at home, what makes you think you will when you are away? For example a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare or your handheld game console.
If new get all this stuff a month or so before you leave and really give it a good testing. Try and innovate - maybe create secret pockets and/or hiding places, tassels to hang things from or modify.
Don't take anything too valuable and certainly nothing sentimental. Make sure you save your receipts of everything you bought you might need to make an insurance claim for (this includes ATM and money changing receipts).
Don't forget that loads of stuff is available on the way, at a much cheaper price. You will be able to buy most items left at home on any popular route or one taking in semi-developed countries. For example, many backpackers are amazed that there is a 'Boots' the Chemist and several '7-Eleven's' on the Khao San Road in Bangkok, the heart of the backpacker district.
Don't think for a minute that you won't be able to buy almost anything you need on route, especially in touristy areas.
Get good traveller clothing, but remember you might feel uncomfortable sticking out as a tourist and when meeting peers. Don't take anything you do not feel really comfortable in. Bright colours and particularly shorts will always make you stick out as a tourist, but then so will virtually anything you wear!
Three final items it all always makes sense to have somewhere in your bag or on your person: a little snack like a cereal bar or some biscuits, some water and some tissues/toilet roll. If you are travelling from town to town, leaving early or arriving late in hot weather or away from civilisation you'll find the back-up food/water almost as vital as the bog roll can be!


E-mailed Comments:
[Lloyd] I just want to say thank you for the great site! I recently went on my first backpacking trip to Thailand and Laos and I used your site extensively for my preparations. Your recommendations and advice is simple and practical.
The single most valuable piece of advice was to take a small pack (followed closely by no sleeping bag). I cruised around happily with my little 30litre pack laughing at all the others cursing and struggling with their massive backpacks (usually combined with a slightly less massive 'day pack' on their chest).
I just can't comprehend how 95% of backpackers haven't figured out the immeasurable joys of a small pack, it makes no sense. I've browsed a lot of independent travel websites and yours is by far the best. I now have a severe case of the travel bug and I will definitely be using your site for all future trips.
[Mark] The small bag is a winner. What amazes me is that in six months we've met nobody with anything approaching the size of our packs. '"Travel light" is such cliched travel wisdom but I guess most people haven't read it's possible to fit everything into a 40 litre pack. I've managed fine with 34 litres; my girlfriend who feels the cold has a 45 litre to fit her sleeping bag.
E-mailed Comments:
[Andrew White] I just wanted to commend you on your excellent what to pack section. I spent 12 months on the road a couple of years ago and although I did a good bit of research I still made loads of mistakes (all of which you highlight):
75l backpack - like carrying a wardrobe on your shoulder, now I travel with a 45l, brilliant.
I brought a mosquito net... Duh. I used it once just to try it out. Sold in Bangkok for 1 dollar
I brought a guide book for New Zealand, even though I didn't arrive there for 4 months. Also sold in Bangkok for 2 dollars.
I brought Hiking boots. I wore them once or twice in Asia & Australia but otherwise they took up space in the bottom of my pack. I used them in NZ & South America. Should have bought them in NZ.
One thing I did do right and you also recommend is bringing shirts. They really do help you blend in. Nothing like a loud t-shirt with "Harvard" on it to make you stick out.

Read more thoughts of other travellers on the comments page, including the one from Chris. Remember quick check: Can I live without it? Will I cry if it gets stolen tomorrow? & can I buy it local?


» And lastly.. a few recommended manufactures:
Lowe-Alpine - some great packs and okay clothing - dry-flo underwear good. As is some of the underwear and travel products from Ex Officio.
Fairydown - clothing and packs at good prices in Australia and New Zealand are recommended. As is Ice-breaker merino wool clothing for colder destinations; once only available in New Zealand, but now world-wide.
Teva - Not the only sandals available, but definitely the benchmark for all others.
The North Face - good heavy weight fleeces, down jackets and trail shoes.
Rohan - Real specialists in functional travel clothing. Everything packable, lightweight and easy care. Great innovator, but not youth fashion.
Patagonia - innovative and environmentally responsible to boot. Regulator layering system is particularly recommended as is their underwear. Expensive in Europe.
Eagle Creek - pack-it system / cubes, security equipment and great general accessories.
Mountain Hardware - tough, practical if not a little expensive.
Mountain Equipment Co-op - a favourite with Canadians. A good value option for pretty much anything for outdoor activities.
IceBreaker - Pricey, but amazing warmth for weight ratio. Great items of clothing made from merino wool that can be warn as thermal underwear next to the skin as a base layer when really cold and when milder as a smart outer layer. Not recommended for warm climates.



Final Point (well done for getting this far)
If the main focus of your trip will be trekking (i.e. away from towns), you are advised to give more thought to packs, appropriate food and clothing options, (especially the importance of waterproof and warm clothing) than is given on this page. Most trekking guidebooks and good outdoor stores can help you here in tandem with the above.