Hand Luggage Only: The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List

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We’ve been on 3 long (6 months) backpacking adventures, and each time we’ve only needed one 45L backpack each. Combined with frequent travelling, we are self declared packing experts! In this guide we want to share with you the ultimate backpacking packing list ready for your next adventure. This is slightly tailored towards warmer climates, such as South East Asia, but is easily adaptable to your needs.

Benefits to Hand Luggage & Our Backpack Recommendation

We always stick to hand luggage. It’s cheaper, easier to carry, and quicker when travelling through airports. We’ve never had an issue with the restricted size, and we recommend it for your backpacking adventure to save you money and make your trip a whole lot easier!

Skip the suitcase, and get yourself a decent backpack. Especially when you are likely to be getting flights, trains, buses, boats, tuk-tuks, and walking lots. You won’t regret it! 

We both have the HOMIEE 45L Backpack, it’s lasted us 5+ years and is still going strong. How much you want to spend is of course up to you, but for the price, the quality and comfort have been great. It measures 57×35×22cm, meaning you will be able to carry it on most airlines. Some budget airlines you might need to pay a little extra, for example Ryanair’s Priority, but throughout Asia I don’t think we needed to. It’s also lightweight, water-resistant, and has a great design with multiple pockets – including a padded laptop sleeve. 

Tips

Just before we give you our full backpacking packing list, we wanted to share a few tips and pointers to help understand why this really is everything you will need to take!

Washing

Unless you are planning on bringing a new outfit for everyday of your trip, surprise, you will have to do some laundry! This is actually a blessing in disguise, as you don’t need to take more than one week’s worth of clothes. In South East Asia, and many parts of the world we have travelled, finding somewhere to do your laundry is very easy and often very affordable. You can also hand wash items yourself when needed. – Shampoo is a great emergency detergent! 

Clothing

If you are backpacking South East Asia, the dress code and vibe will definitely allow you to dress casually. Sure, bring some nice clothes, but we both mainly just lived in simple shorts and t-shirts. Also, make sure you have plenty of clothes that you can easily make several outfits from, for example a shirt is a great option to make an outfit smarter in the evening, or a light dress could be good for the beach or for a night out. 

Packing Cubes

This one might be quite obvious, but packing cubes are simply amazing. Make sure you are using them to help you make the most of your space and stay organised!

Towels

99% of places are going to have towels for you, so you don’t need to include a large bath towel on your backpacking packing list. However, it’s worth taking a small travel towel for the beach or just in case. We really recommend checking out Dock & Bay, we have used their travel towels again for 5+ years.

Large Electronics

Hairdryers, straighteners, etc. do you really need them? Most places are likely to have a hairdryer for you anyway. We were surprised how many people seemed to bring this stuff with them when we were travelling, and it always turned out after a few days of backpacking they never used them.

Toiletries

With toiletries, really consider what you need to take and look for travel sized ones. Will your hostel/hotel have shower gel or shampoo? What can you buy when you are already there? Our recommendation is to take essentials, but not overdo it with toiletries and cosmetics.

Share Stuff

We are lucky to be travelling as a couple, so we can share a few things. If you are going with someone, definitely look at what you can cut down on by doing this. For us lots of toiletries, a water bottle, a day bag, and a laptop we manage to share. 

Buy Stuff

Lastly, remember you can always buy something if you need it. We are not saying you should rely on this, but definitely don’t stress. If you don’t have something, you will be able to pick it up! 

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Full Backpacking Packing List

Clothes

  • 1 Trainers 
  • 1 Sliders/FlipFlops/Sandals/Crocs 
  • 1 Hat/Cap
  • 1 Light Layer such as a light jumper or hoodie 
  • 1 Waterproof Jacket / Poncho
  • 4 – 6 T-shirts 
  • 2 Shorts
  • 2 Dresses / Skirts
  • 1-2 Swimwear
  • 1-2 Trousers
  • 5-7 Pairs of Underwear and Socks

Toiletries

  • Deodorant
  • Travel Shower Gel and Shampoo
  • Toothpaste / Floss / Toothbrush
  • Razor / Trimmer etc. and Nail Clippers
  • Sun Cream
  • Minimal makeup

Electronics

  • Earphones
  • Plug Adapter
  • Charges
  • Power Bank
  • Tablet/Laptop

Essentials

  • Passport
  • Passport Photos in case of a visa 
  • Some cash (USD)
  • Travel Credit/Debit Card 
  • Smart Phone 
  • Travel Towel 
  • Water Bottle
  • Sleep Mask / Ear Plugs
  • Small Day Bag
  • Packing Cubes / Washing Bag 
  • Mini First Aid Kit
  • Padlock 
  • Sunglasses
  • Dry Bag

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