Planning for a big backpacking trip can be stressful, and you wouldn’t be the first if you got to the airport and suddenly realized you forgot something important at home (although hopefully it’s not your eight-year-old son).
Every backpacking trip is different; some involve hiking, some involve hostels, and some involve CouchSurfing. Some backpackers prioritize photography while some are fine to use the camera on their smart phone.
So no matter what your travel style, here is a backpacking checklist to make your next trip worry-free:
The Basics
- Backpack
- Packing Cubes
- Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Cable Ties
- Combination Padlock
- UV Steripen or Water Purifying Tabs
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Carabiners
- Multi-tool
- Travel Insurance
- Currency
- Emergency Contact List
- Digital Copies of your Passport / Visa / ID , etc.
Clothing
- Shitload of Underwear
- Socks
- Shoes (Runners, Sandals, Dressy)
- Flip Flops – For hostel showers
- Shirts (Climate appropriate)
- Bottoms (Climate appropriate)
- Sunglasses
- Bathing Suit
- Quick-dry Towel
- Water Bottle
- Lip Balm
Hiking Gear
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- Portable Stove
- Collapsible Chair
- Tent
- Roll Mat
- Biodegradable Trash Bags
- Dry Food
- Compass
- Insulated Clothing
- Matches / Lighter
- Toilet Paper
- Insect Repellent
Tech Gear
- Laptop
- Laptop Case
- Unlocked Cell Phone & SIM Cards
- Flashlight / Head Torch
- External Hard Drive
- World Travel Power Adapter
Camera Gear
- Camera
- Memory Cards
- Tripod
- Camera Batteries
- Battery Charger
- Lenses
- Cleaner
Toiletries
- Dry Shampoo
- Dry Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Face Moisturizer
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Brush
- Razor
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Body Wash / Soap
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Contacts / Glasses & Solution
- Baby Wipes
- Lotion
- Condoms
First Aid Kit
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Antihistamine
- Safety pins
- Sun screen
- Bandanna
- Antiseptic towelettes
- Electrolyte packets
- Tweezers
- Band aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Personal Medicines
