Packing List
Oh what to take? Whatwhatwhat? Well, not your trekking poles, that's for sure. Even if you're going trekking, trekking poles are not a good thing. On the beach, especially so.
A good backpacking packing list might comprise some or all of the following:
Clothes
- 3 to 5 t-shirts
- 5 to 7 pairs of pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of trousers
- 1 or 2 beanie hats (excellent insulators - get on board!)
- 1 pair swim shorts or bikini
- 1 cap or hat (to prevent sunstroke)
- 1 lightish jumper or hoody
- 1 thermal vest (you won't believe the difference one of these things makes)
- 1 pair sandals or flip-flops
- 1 pair shoes
- 5 pairs of thin socks (those trainer socks with no ankles are good)
- 2 pairs thick socks (more if you're in the mountains)
Medical
- Inhalers, epipens, and other essentials
- A few plasters, but don't go overboard
- 1 pack Imodium
- Water purification tablets if you want them, but I don't bother
- Anti-histamines if you're at all allergic to anything
- A pack or two of your favourite analgesic
- Tampons/sanitary towels
Washing kit
- Sarong (better than a towel by far - you can probably get one as soon as you land if you're going to Asia; if not, get looking)
- Soap
- Soapbox
- 2 toothbrushes
- 1 tube toothpaste
- 1 or 2 deodorants
- shaver
- blades (2 or 3 packs)
- shave oil/gel
Junk
- 3 padlocks and a chain (two of the padlocks can be number locks)
- Keyring torch, attached to your trousers by a length of strong string (kite string works well) and a karabiner
- Gaffer tape (believe me, you'll use it. Only take a small roll, though)
- Needles and thread
- Washing sponger
- Elastic washing line
- Swiss army knife (small as you can get it)
- Ear Plugs (a case should hold 2 to 3 pairs, all of which you'll need because you'll lose them)
- Eye mask (or steal one off the plane)
- Alarm clock (not necessarily necessary if you've got a mobile phone)
- Mobile phone and charger (optional, but useful. Get a local SIM)
- 1 pillow case (thick)
- 2 thick plastic bags (non-crinkly)
- A book or two
- 1 tube of sun block (factor 15 minimum)
- Facemask and snorkel if you're going to a beach with coral reefs
- Contact lenses+solution+case+eye drops or glasses
- Thin plastic raincoat, such as you'd buy in a pound shop (basically a bin liner with a hole in it)
- Sleeping Bag, if you think you'll use it. If not, a bedsheet
Important documents
- Money belt (tickets, passport)
- Emergency cash ($20 or the equivalent)
- Passport photos
- Insurance details
- Wallet or purse (because going through your moneybelt when you're trying to buy water just advertises what you've got - learn to decant)
- Vaccination certificates, if you need them for the countries you're visiting
- Travellers’ cheques + Travellers' Cheque details, or debit/credit card
- International drivers’ license (optional)
Well that's what I take, anyway. Also a bit of what you like does you good, so if you've got a hobby take it away with you (fire chains, juggling balls, etc). Playing cards can be easily and cheaply bought just about anywhere, and are a great way of admitting to the world that you're a boring person wherever you are (but we all do it, sooner or later). Lay off the backgammon, though.