Backpacking Checklist
Step 1: The Best Backpack
Which type of backpack do I need?
Your choice of backpack can really make or break your travelling adventures. Not only will this bag be carrying and protecting your belongings, meaning it will need to be strong enough, but you will be wearing this bag on your back for long periods of time throughout your trip, so it's important to make sure that it's comfortable. We differentiate backpacks into three sizes, which are each described below. If you want more information before making your choice, view our advice page about finding the best backpack for your upcoming trip.
Backpack 20-30 L
1 - 2 days
Are you only going away for a few days? The a backpack with a capacity between 20 and 30 litres is perfect for you. A smaller backpack is ideal for more active trips, including cycling, hiking, but still preferred to a regular rucksack, as backpacks tend to offer a bit more space. In addition, backpacks tend to offer more comfort than a normal bag, as well as more sturdiness.
Backpack 30-50 L
1 - 7 days
A backpack with a capacity between 30 and 50 litres is suitable for a longer trip or travelling holiday. A backpack with this sort of capacity offers a lot of space, can easily be adjusted for maximum comfort, but are can still be relatively compact if needed. This capacity range also ensures that you are not putting too much strain on your back.
Backpack > 50 L
7+ days
Are you going on an extended expedition or travelling holiday? Then you will need a backpack with a minimum capacity of 50 litres. Bags of this size ensure that you can take enough clothes and equipment for your whole trip. Also, as you will likely be walking and moving between places more often, a backpack is much more convenient than a traditional duffel bag or suitcase.
Step 2: Packing Compactly
Smart storage saves space
Everyone can learn to pack their things in a smart way. There are several handy tips and tricks that will help you to pack your things in such a way that you make optimal use of the space available, some of which you can read about below. These tips will also help you to make sure your clothing and equipment is safely packed and doesn't get damaged. Read on below to find out more.
Pack-It Systems
Access your things in a flash
Using Eagle Creek's Pack-It storage systems, you can be sure to pack your things in a neat and compact way. When you use these sorts of organisers, you can know exactly where your things are within your bag, so you can access them as quickly as possible. This is super convenient when staying in a hotel or hostel, as it means that you don't have to get everything out of your bag to get to something, which in turn will save you a lot of time and chaotic re-packing.
Multi-functional Toiletry Bag
Easy access is key
A sturdy toiletries bag is a real must-have if you're off backpacking. Having a toiletry bag with a mirror is also a real bonus if you'll be staying in remote areas or in nature, where you might not have access to one. It's also very convenient if you choose a toiletry bag with a hanging system, so you can hang it up wherever you are so you stay handsfree. Another must is that it has several compartments, which is great for organising your toiletries in a logical way.
Travel Bottles
Handy, compact, and strong!
Day to day toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and moisturiser, can take up a lot of space in your bag. In order to save as much space as possible, a lot of seasoned backpackers choose to use travel bottles instead. These bottles, mostly made using silicone, are as strong as they are flexible and can easily be filled with useful toiletries. These sorts of bottles are also ideal for taking in your hand luggage when flying. Ideal!
Step 3: Filling Your Backpack
Electronics
Nowadays we don't tend to go anywhere without our phones and other gadgets, which means that you need to make sure that you have the right equipment with you to keep your devices charged for when you need time. Here at Outdoorsupply, we have included a number of chargers and power units that you can use to charge your different electronics, such as a phone or camera., even when there is no power source available. So even in the middle of nowhere, you won't be without power!
Another great accessory that we have on offer is a speaker. If you're off travelling but want to listen to your own music for a while, then a portable Bluetooth speaker could be just want you need. Follow the link below to have a look at our handy electronics collection for your trip.
GoPro
When you go on holiday, you of course want to capture as many memories as possible and to take photos of the incredible places you've visited, so it's a great idea to take a camera with you. The type of camera you take with you depends on what sort of trip you are embarking on, but if you're looking to shoot footage on a lightweight, compact camera that is pretty resilient, then a GoPro is just what you need. GoPro cameras can even film underwater, which is ideal in more tropical destinations.
Here at Outdoorsupply, you will find a range of GoPro cameras as well as a collection of compatible accessories, including tripods, extensions, protection, chargers, and much more.
Travel Towels
Will you be staying in a hostel for a large part of your journey? Then you can't bank on the fact that there will be towels available. However, normal towels can take up a huge amount of space in your bag. The answer is a travel towel! Travel towels are far more compact than traditional towels, they are quick-drying, and they are very lightweight. Travel towels are also very versatile and can be used for other things, such as a beach towel, picnic blanket, or a blanket while travelling.
We offer a versatile collection of travel towels here at Outdoorsupply, including different sizes and colours. Have a look at our collection here.
Rucksack / Daypack
If, while on your trip, you want to take day trips to certain places, you don't want to have to take your whole backpack with you everyday. Taking an extra rucksack, sometimes called a daypack, ensures that you can take the essentials with out without having to lug all your belongings around. Very convenient if you plan to do a lot of sight-seeing and day trips.
In our collection, you will find some of the most popular and reliable bag brands available, such as The North Face, Fjällräven, Deuter, Osprey, Herschel, Dakine, Eagle Creek, and so many more.
Step 4: Protecting Your Belongings
Locks Are Key
Will you be staying in a hostel or shared room for any given part of your trip? Then it's a good idea to protect your belongings by locking your bag with a small padlock. You can attach these through the zips and openings on your bag so that no one can get in and potentially take your valuables. As well as padlocks, wire and cable locks are als very effective. That way, you can actually attach your bag to yourself; ideal for when you're on public transport and want to take a nap.
Protection From Pickpockets
In larger cities in virtually every country, you will come across pickpockets. Incredibly frustrating, but as long as you take proper precautions, you shouldn't have to worry about this sort of problem. By using neck bags, bum bags and hip bags, money belts, you can safely and inconspicuously store your valuable items on your person, making them very difficult to steal. Make sure that your things are safe and sound with our collection of bags and accessories.
Step 5: Take The Right Shoes
Which shoes are best for travelling?
If you're going on an extended trip, you will be walking a fair few miles a day. That's why it's vitally important to make sure that you have shoes with you that are comfortable and supportive. So which shoes should you pick? We recommend that you take at least one good pair of trainers or walking boots, a comfortable pair of sandals, and a good pair of flip flops. Teva is a brand, for example, that offers excellent shoes for backpacking trips.
Trainers
Closed shoes are a definite must-have when backpacking. You will often hear that you have to have a pair of walking boots, but this isn't always necessary. If you're not planning on trekking or climbing, then a sturdy pair of trainers will do just fine. You can also opt for something in between a trainer and a walking boot. The Teva Arrowood trainer is a great example of this. It's for good reason that Teva is popular with seasoned backpackers all over the world.
Sandals
In areas such as South-East Asia, South America, or Africa, you will come across humid climates. This means that trainers will not always be the most comfortable option of footwear. In this sort of climate, we recommend a strong and supportive pair of sandals, such as those from Teva. Teva sandals are known for their high level of comfort and are available in all sorts of designs and styles. In addition, they're waterproof, lightweight, and will take up hardly any room in your backpack.
Flip Flops
Flip Flops are a small but very necessary pair of shoes for travelling. They're great because you can easily and quickly get them on and off, and they will keep your feet nice and cool. If you're planning a more relaxed day in your trip, maybe to a nearby beach or pool, then a good pair of flip flops is a must-have for your equipment. Teva offers a great range of flip flops that are also very supportive, due to the special materials used for the footbeds.
A Handy Checklist
Important
✓ Passport
✓ Visa
✓ Copy of passport
✓ Bank card
✓ Credit card
✓ Money in local currencies
✓ Extra passport photos
✓ Medical passport
✓ International driving licence
✓ Health / travel insurance info
✓ Emergency contacts
Toiletries
✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✓ Deodorant
✓ Shampoo en shower gel
✓ Razor and shaving cream / gel
✓ Hand sanitiser
✓ Contact lenses and fluid
✓ Sanitary pads, tampons, panty-liners
✓ Make-up and remover
✓ Baby wipes
✓ Hairbrush and gel
Medicines
✓ First Aid kit
✓ Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen
✓ Plasters
✓ Deet
✓ Malaria pills
✓ Diarrhoea pills, e.g. Imodium or Loperamide
✓ Asarone
✓ Oral Re-hydration Salts (ORS)
✓ Tweezers
✓ Nail clippers
✓ Sun cream
✓ Betadine
Electronics
✓ Smart phone
✓ Charger
✓ Power bank
✓ Camera, GoPro
✓ Extra memory cards
✓ Bluetooth speaker
✓ e-Reader
✓ Tablet
✓ Plug adapters
Clothing
✓ Underwear for a week
✓ Bras
✓ Windproof jacket
✓ Thick hoodie or jumper
✓ Long-sleeved jumper
✓ Shorts, skirts
✓ 2 (thin) pairs of trousers
✓ 4-5 t-shirts or tops
✓ Socks
✓ Swimwear
✓ Poncho
✓ Cap
✓ Sandals
✓ Flip flops
✓ Trainers
Sleeping
✓ Pyjamas
✓ Mosquito net
✓ Ear plugs
✓ Eye mask
✓ Sleeping tablets
✓ Travel pillow
Miscellanious
✓ Sun cream
✓ Travel towel
✓ Lonely Planet travel guide
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Pocket knife
✓ Playing cards
✓ Pen
✓ Notebook
✓ Torch
✓ Cap
✓ Locks
✓ Washing line
✓ Books
✓ Flip flops
✓ Detergent
✓ Swimwear
Baggage
✓ Backpack
✓ Rucksack / Daypack
✓ Flight bag
✓ Rain cover
✓ Neck bag
✓ Hip bag / bum bag
