Getting ready for your backpacking trip isn’t something you know how to do straight away. There are a lot of essential items that you probably wouldn’t even think of. In this article, we will take you through the essential items you need for your backpacking trip.
Backpack
When you are backpacking, the most important thing you need is a travel backpack. Before you purchase your backpack, you need to remind yourself how long your trip will be. If the trip is between 1-3 months, you will require a 40-60 litre backpack. For a 3-6 month trip, you will need 60 litres and for a 6-12 month trip, you will need an 80-litre bag.
Travel Towel
A travel towel is a must-buy simply because they are far better designed than a standard towel. Firstly, they are far more absorbent than an ordinary towel and dry more quickly. These towels are more compact, creating more room in your travel backpack for the essentials. Not to mention they are ultra-lightweight as well. Furthermore, due to them being quick drying, they don’t produce a nasty damp odour in your bag, keeping your clothes fresh and clean.
Sleeping Bag
One thing you can almost guarantee when backpacking is staying in budget accommodation. The beds won’t be the cleanest or in their best condition which is why you need to remember to bring a sleeping bag with you. Furthermore, this sleeping bag will keep you protected from bed bugs.
When purchasing a sleeping bag, you want to make sure it is light. Choosing cotton, polycotton or silk sleeping bags are all lightweight and great for backpacking. Silk material sleeping bags are more expensive so opt for the other two if you want to save a bit of money for other backpacking items.
Mosquito Repellent
Depending on where your backpacking trip is, you might want to bring some insect/mosquito repellent with you. Additionally, in some countries, there will be a risk of diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, Zika Virus and yellow fever. To avoid any dangerous viruses transmitted through mosquito bites or other insects, ensure you wear a good quality insect repellent to keep you safe.
Mosquito Net
Up next is a mosquito net. Again, this depends on the countries you are visiting as well as the accommodation you are staying in. Some hostels will provide you with mosquito nets whilst you sleep at night however, we advise you to bring one with you. They are lightweight and don’t take up too much space in your bag so there is no need to worry about them weighing you down.
Money Belt
Although you don’t look fashionable with a money belt, they are very convenient when travelling. You don’t need to wear it all day throughout the day either. It is mainly for when you are travelling on a bus or train and you cannot see your luggage. Therefore, the money belt is tied to your waist, allowing you to keep an eye on your expenses.
The money belt doesn’t need to just store your expenses. You can put your passport in here, your phone, and maybe even a waterproof watch band such as a NATO watch strap. Basically, anything you think you will need on you at all times that you consider essential for your trip.
Adaptors For Plug Sockets
You will be amazed at the number of people who go backpacking and forget to bring a travel adapter. These are essential pieces of equipment when travelling to a different country, especially when you are backpacking.
Research the countries you will be travelling to and find out what pin plug you require. If you are travelling to numerous different countries, take an international plug adapter with you to ensure you are well-packed for any different p[plug sockets.
Packing Cubes
Next on the list is packing cubes and although these are not essential, they do make your backpacking trip a lot easier. Not only does this create more storage in your backpack but, it also makes you more organised and helps save time. Packing certain clothes in different ways so you know which is which.
Water Purification Tablets
The golden rule when you are going abroad is not to drink water. The reason is usually that it is unsafe and, very different to what you are used to in your home country. Yes, you can buy bottled water each day for your trip but this will be very expensive, especially if your backpacking trip is over three months.
Summary
As you can see, there are many items that you will need for your backpacking trip. More items are not on this list. The thing is, you want to make sure you are packing essential items and making the backpacking trip a safe holiday. The more items you pack, the heavier your bag will be so make sure you only put your essentials in there.
