Backpacking is the quintessential outdoor adventure, requiring nothing more than carrying your life’s necessities on your back. If you have decided to go backpacking abroad, you should plan everything in advance as this will help you determine the things you need to bring on your trip.
When thinking about the backpacking essentials to bring, think of how remote your preferred destination is, and don’t forget to consider the weather conditions. Generally, the longer your backpacking trip and the more inclement the weather, the more food, gear, and clothing you’ll need.
Below are some of the things you should bring if you plan to go backpacking abroad:
Backpack
As the term implies, backpacking will not require you to find quality luggage to bring along, but you have to choose the best backpack that’s right for your trip. Your backpack must not be too big or too small. If your backpack is too big, you might over pack and suffer from unnecessary backaches hauling it around. If it is too small, you will face some trouble squeezing in all your essentials.
So when choosing a backpack to bring, size matters a lot. If possible, shop around and compare the options available in the market. The best backpack comes with great features that will help you experience ease and convenience no matter where your destination abroad might be.
Having a separate daypack can also benefit you in terms of daily exploring. With this, you can just leave your big backpack behind and just carry whatever you need for the day. When looking for a daypack, choose one that is water resistant, ultralight, and foldable.
Clothing And Footwear
Before you pack any footwear or clothing, it is important to check the normal weather conditions in your chosen destination. Make sure to bring proper clothing and footwear suited for the weather.
For you to be prepared for any unplanned night out or changing weather, pack some extra clothes apart from those needed for the trip. It is also crucial to consider how much protection your clothing offers against the UV rays of the sun.
When it comes to footwear, you should know what to wear based on the terrain. For gentle hikes with smooth trails, trail runners or hiking shoes are good enough. If you are planning to go on rugged or rocky trails, you must bring boots that will give you support. For everyday use, don’t forget to bring sandals or slippers.
Toiletries
When backpacking abroad, you must not forget to bring toiletries, which may include travel-sized body wash, conditioner, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizer, creams, and sunblock. You must also have body soap and a proper travel towel. Do not bring normal towels for your backpacking journey. Regular towels are quite heavy, take up lots of space, and are inefficient. Experienced backpackers often use micro-fiber dry towels that are super light and dry quickly.
Camera And Smartphone
If you want to remember every moment on your backpacking journey in vivid detail, you should bring a camera and smartphone. Cameras are ideal to capture everything nicely and your smartphone can help you use GPS, especially if you’re not a fan of using the traditional compass and map. Depending on your preferences, you may bring both or either of the two.
Water Bottle
Having a quality water bottle will help you stay hydrated while you are on the go. It can also help you save money by avoiding buying some bottles of water. At present, there are various types of water bottles you can bring for your backpacking journey. Just choose the item that will give you the best value for your investment, and won’t cause you any inconvenience as you travel to different destinations.
Ear Plugs
Sleeping in dorms with several strangers may seem like an exciting experience, but as you spend more nights in such surroundings, you might want to use your ear plugs to enjoy tranquility. Crowded dorms can give you an opportunity to meet new people, but it also means dealing with snores, rustling bags, and other noises. If you consider silence a precious commodity, ear plugs are a must have.
Other Travel Essentials
Apart from the items mentioned above, you should also take note of your travel documents. These include your passport, visa, other supporting documents, and valid IDs that are required to explore a certain country.
You must also bring a first-aid kit. Although it is not mandatory, it could come in handy, particularly if you are heading to tropical countries where some infections from wounds may set in quickly.
Bringing a tent may also be a good idea if you want to enjoy camping near the beach or in the wilderness.
Conclusion
Backpacking abroad is different from your local trips. You have to ensure that you have everything you need to avoid any possible problems like travel inconveniences. So make sure to bring your daily essentials, travel documents, and other accessories that will help you make the most out of your backpacking experience.
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events.
