Seasoned travellers are forever advising their less experienced counterparts to pack just the 'essentials' and that overpacking will only lead to feelings of regret - not to mention achy muscles. However, whittling your life possessions down to the bare necessities is easier said than done, especially when you are likely to encounter every possible climate and a comprehensive health kit is non-negotiable.
The list of things to take will look enormous at first and impossible to squish into a backpack - but trust me, if you've been relatively practical, especially when it comes to clothes, it WILL all fit (and this is coming from a girl who took an 18kg suitcase to Amsterdam for 4 days!).
I finally finished picking up the last few bits and bobs for my travelling today, so I had my first real attempt at packing my bag, which I've been dreading for weeks! However, I am pleased to say that everything fits AND it all weighed in at a mere 13kg - 7kg under my limit. That's everything bar a couple of jumpers, a pair of PJs and a few other (lightweight) items. Totally chuffed!
Here is my packing list (bearing in mind I'll experience the rainy season, freezing cold and balmy spring climes). Feel free to add anything I've missed out...
Here is my packing list (bearing in mind I'll experience the rainy season, freezing cold and balmy spring climes). Feel free to add anything I've missed out...
Checked luggage
Sleeping bag (if you're camping; if you're in hostels may be a waste of space as they're generally not allowed for hygiene reasons)
Silk liner for hostel beds
Pillowcase
Backpack cover
Padlock (numbers and letters rather than keys in case you lose them)
Duct tape (to repair backpack if necessary)
Backpack cover
Padlock (numbers and letters rather than keys in case you lose them)
Duct tape (to repair backpack if necessary)
Shoes and clothes
Walking boots
Spare laces for boots
Pumps/sneakers
Flip flops/Havaianas
Sandals
Several pairs of shorts
Jeans
Hiking trousers (with zip off bottoms)
Tights
Dresses/playsuits (versatile - good for day and night)
A week's worth of tops; T-shirts for shoulder protection
2 bikinis
Beach cover up
2 bras
Socks (walking socks for hiking boots)
A week's worth of underwear
PJs
PJs
2 jumpers
Fleece
Light cardigan
Raincoat
Gloves
Thin hat
NB. If going on safari opt for olive and khaki coloured clothing. Black, red and bright colours attract mosquitos and tsetse flies.
NB. If going on safari opt for olive and khaki coloured clothing. Black, red and bright colours attract mosquitos and tsetse flies.
Electronics kit
World adapter
Universal charger (includes car charger)
Camera charger
Phone charger
iPod charger
Headphones
Head torch and batteries
Health kit (don't skimp on this!)
Allergy tablets (Loratadine is non-drowsy)
Ibuprofen
Buscopan
Insect repellent (tropical strength 50% Deet)
Sunscreen (at least SPF 30 especially for high altitude and temps)
Sunstick for lips
Aloe Gel/aftersun
Aloe Gel/aftersun
Eye drops
Aspirin (useful for high altitude)
Acetazolamide (can be useful for altitude, get via prescription from doctor or steal spares from a friend if they're still in date)
Anti-bacterial hand gel or foam
Sterile cleansing wipes
Diarrhoea relief tablets
Rehydration sachets
Motion sickness tablets e.g. Stugeron
Malarone (for malaria, can get behind the counter at a pharmacy. Worth bearing in mind that other malaria tablets can make you more sensitive to the sun/mess with the pill)
Tweezers
Scissors
Nail clippers
Washproof and blister plasters
Bite cream
Safety pins
Everyday items
Contact lenses
Prescriptions (e.g. the pill)
Condoms
Tampons etc
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Make up (including waterproof mascara)
Make up wipes
Hairbrush, hairspray
Dry shampoo
Deodorant (compressed cans e.g. Sure) and body spray
Moisturiser
Shower puff
Mini shampoo/conditioner/shower gel
Razors
All purpose soap (this is amazing and can be used for hair, body, clothes and dishes! Most 'outdoorsy' places will do this, I got mine from Millets and Cotswold Outdoor)
Jewellery
Hairbands and clips
Other
Zip lock bags for toothbrush/electrics
Plastic bags for dirty laundry/boots
Handbag
Hand luggage (small backpack)
Phone (something with an alarm clock)
iPod
Book (take one you're happy to swap on your travels)
Notepad and pens
Glasses
Sunglasses
Camera (with spare battery and SD card)
Mints
Loo roll/tissues
Small mirror
Purse (with at least 2 debit cards, 1 as back-up)
Currency
Phrasebook
Currency
Phrasebook
Bottle of water
Padlock
Padlock
Travel documents (passport, proof of insurance, vaccination booklets, print outs of tours/hotel vouchers etc, photocopies of passport/cards etc, spare passport photos, list of emergency numbers/passwords)
Phew!
Word of advice: before you go anywhere else, head to Sports Direct to stock up - they have pretty much everything you'll need and good brands such as Karrimor are SO cheap. I got my walking boots for £30! Friends and family whose travelling days are over (at least for the time being) are also great money savers - I managed to nab a backpack, sleeping bag and silk liner which probably saved me around £150.
I've really lucked out with my backpack - as well as getting it for free from a family friend, it also opens out sort of like a suitcase (far less frustrating than digging blind or taking everything out to find a hair clip) and it has wheels! Thick shoulder straps and a decent waist/hip strap is important as well to take the weight off your back.
Feel free to comment below if I've missed something off the list :)
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| Helpful zip at bottom for sleeping bag/silk liner and easy access |
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| Separate compartment for electronics, toiletries and health kit |
