Packing for a Round the World Trip



Having a well equipped backpack has been vital for us as we travel around the globe. Throughout our travels, we have worked out what is important and what can be left behind (see other article). Packing your backpack for the first time can seem like an overwhelming task. Start with our list to get going.

Note: Most of the items listed here can be purchased online – it works out much cheaper.

You will need to pack for your main backpack (the big one, approx 65-85 litres) and also a day pack, as carry on luggage for a flight.

Clothing
When taking clothes, try to pack light and aim for two weeks worth. Remember, you can always buy more t-shirts cheaper from markets and shops. That said, your backpack should contain the following items as standard:

  • Trousers, shorts, t-shirts
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Fleece
  • Trainers, flipflops
  • Swimwear
  • Tough footwear


Keeping clean and healthy
Once the clothes are in, you can move onto the next important area – staying healthy and clean while you travel.

  • Toiletry bag
  • Small first aid kit

Check the contents of the first aid kit and remember you can often pack a lot more in than you first expect – they are normally waterproof and a great storage option. On with the list:

  • Antiseptic spray
  • Paracetamol
  • Stuff for the shits
  • Once a day multivit
  • Wet wipes
  • Sun cream
  • Ear plugs (silicon)
  • Condoms/birth control
  • Towel
  • Insect repellent
  • Air tight food bags
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Small amount of washing powder


Staying connected
Sharing your travel experience with friends and family is an important part to the travel ethos. You will want to record the memories to make them last:

  • Digital Camera
  • Spare SD card and battery for the camera
  • USB stick (4 gig)ยด
  • External backup hard drive
  • Mobile phone
  • Portable laptop (if you can afford it)
  • Universal charger
  • Electrical adaptor plugs
  • Music Player
  • Alarm clock (if not taking a mobile)

The Essentials
Travelling with all your worldly possessions poses certain risks, which you should be aware of before you leave. These risks can be reduced with the following equipment:

  • Money belt
  • TSA lock
  • Photocopies of your passport
  • Copies of your e-banking details
  • Photocopies of your travel itinerary
  • Emergency contact details
  • Country embassy details
  • Visa card, cash card, small amount of USD

For more security travel tips, be sure to read our post ’5 tips for better security’


no one deals like we do!

Everything Else
These items are a mixed bunch and don’t really belong to a set category. That said, they are just as important:


Well, that’s the list we have come up with to travel the world. We have been around the world with this packing list, so we believe it is a good guide. And of course, remember to pack your passport! :)

Your Day Pack
Your day pack is normally a smaller bag or rucksack you can take on buses, tours and day trips. For most of us, it is also hand luggage for flight check ins.

The day pack should not be too heavy but we generally carry the important stuff in there – travel documents for example (we don’t want that lost in our main backpack) Here is what a typical day pack contains:
<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/reviewhostel/3721918710/” mce_href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/reviewhostel/3721918710/” title=”Example Daypack by reviewhostel, on Flickr” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/3721918710_36b83b4a89.jpg” mce_src=”http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/3721918710_36b83b4a89.jpg” width=”360″ height=”270.4″ alt=”Example Daypack”/></a>
Mouse over image for more detail

Of course the day pack contents will vary on your destination, but theses contents are quite versatile and apply to many destinations.

We hope you have found this list helpful on preparing your backpack for a world trip. If you have just returned or still currently on the road, what would you add to our list?

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