Pack list for the Tropics - Backpacking Essentials 2024 | South East Asia Packing list
Are you gearing up for an unforgettable backpacking journey through Southeast Asia? With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and thrilling adventures, Southeast Asia is a dream destination for backpackers. To ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure, I've put together the ultimate backpacking checklist covering everything from health and clothing essentials to tech gadgets and travel tips.
What you’ll learn in this blog post
Travel Pharmacy and Health Insurance
Travel Pharmacy
A travel pharmacy is your basic supply to treat minor but uncomfortable health issues. It’s a little comfort while backpacking through secluded parts of South East Asia.
My essentials include
Painkillers (both Paracetamol and Ibuprofen)
Plasters
Charcol tablets for an upset stomach which believe me, will happen. But it’s a price happily paid for authentic and local food.
Dr. Bach Bachblüten for travel anxiety
Health Insurance
In my early days of traveling, I used to embark on adventures without health insurance, as did many fellow young travelers. While the excitement of the unknown is part of the backpacking experience, traveling with insurance is not just wise; it's essential. Not at least for your peace of mind.
Two reputable options for travel insurance are Genki and SafetyWing. Both offer comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and more.
Remember that unexpected accidents or illnesses can happen anywhere, and having insurance ensures you're prepared for the unexpected.
It’s good to be insured when exploring underwater.
Best Clothing for Your Backpacking Trip
When it comes to clothing, less is often more. In the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, prioritize comfortable and breathable items.
Here are my best tips to help you pack efficiently:
Versatile Tops and Bottoms: Choose tops and bottoms that can mix and match effortlessly. A top that goes well with all your pants and vice versa will save space and make outfit planning a breeze.
Breathable clothing
One nice outfit. A nice dress or shirt for date night, dinner out or a full moon party.
Swimwear: I mean, do I even have to mention it???
Remember less is more and you can add to your wardrobe in Southeast Asia with items that then hold wonderful memories.
How to pack: To save space roll your clothing tightly and put them in your backpack. This way you have more space for other things.
Essentials to Enjoy the Tropical Weather
Let’s be honest, one reason you travel to Southeast Asia is for the sunny beach days, warm mornings, and good weather guarantee.
To fully enjoy the tropical weather, here is a checklist of what to bring with you to your backpacking trip:
Sunglasses
Quick-Dry Towel/Sarong: A sarong is a thin, multi-purpose towel. You can use it as a towel, cover-up, or even a makeshift picnic blanket. The best thing is you can buy it all over Asian markets and don’t need to carry it on your trip to your destination.
Day Backpack: Perfect for carrying your essentials while exploring.
Universal Travel Adaptor: Especially because Southeast Asian countries often have different outlets.
Hat
Shoes: Bring a pair of flip-flops, Birkenstocks or slippers, and one you can hike in. I usually travel with a pair of Birkenstocks and Nike Sneakers. You want to have comfortable footwear for different activities.
Sunscreen: I buy this one beforehand and fill it in 100ml containers. Why? I want sunscreen without parabens and perfume which are hard to find in Asia. I buy my favorite, Ladival, in a German pharmacy.
Mosquito Repellent: Easily can be bought in Southeast Asia in pharmacies and 7/11.
Bite Pen: In case you do get bitten (which you will), a bite pen can provide relief from itching. It’s a small battery-powered device that heats up to 52 degrees and stops itching bites.
Waterproof Bag: Just like a sarong you can buy this in your destination.
GoPro, Laptop, Kindle - What Tech Do You Need?
The tech you need depends on your preferences and whether you work remotely. However, essentials for nearly everyone include:
Your Phone, duh. Make sure you have enough memory space.
Chargers and Adapters: We talked about that earlier, remember?
GoPro: I have never been to Southeast Asia without a GoPro. Before my first trip in 2017, I bought one and I’ve just upgraded it in 2022. It’s not only small and fits everywhere but is also perfect for documenting your adventures, especially in the water.
Camera: Completely up to you if the one on your phone is sufficient for you or if you prefer a separate camera.
For digital nomads:
Laptop
Ipad
Lighting for video calls to different time zones. I recommend this one.
One thought about a Kindle or similar. I believe a Kindle is great even though I never owned one. The nice thing about traveling without one is exploring new and unknown books in hostels and homestays, which you would otherwise never read. And don’t you just love that feeling of turning a page? ;)
What Suitcase/Backpack is Best for You?
Choosing the right luggage is crucial for a backpacking trip.
Opt for a comfortable backpack with adjustable straps that distribute weight evenly. Some backpacks offer a breathable back which is helpful when carrying your possessions in the tropics.
A suitcase for backpacking is truly unhandy and in many destinations, you arrive straight at the beach.
My favorite brand for backpacks is Deuter. They are extremely reliable, functional and super comfortable to carry. Too expensive? Wish for one for your birthday/Christmas before your trip!
Since we backpack we always try to meet airline carry-on size restrictions to save on baggage fees and make travel more convenient. However, recently many airlines dropped their carry-on weight from 10 to 7kg. We still travel with our carry-on-sized backpacks and occasionally add a piece of checked luggage just to be safe.
Matias’ Travel Backpack since 2014. He bought it off a Finnish website that sells military gear and outdoor equipment which the military does not need anymore. He got this one for 40€ and it goes through as hand luggage.
Your backpack does not have a rain cover?
As much as we love the sun in Southeast Asia we often travel in the cheaper shoulder seasons (the season between the main season and off-season).
Rain can come surprisingly in the shoulder season and a big bin bag is a budget rain cover that does not take any space.
The bin bag should be one of the black ones which are made of strong plastic.
Final Tips for Getting Ready for Your Backpacking Trip
Before embarking on your adventure, consider these practical tips:
Visa Information: Research visa requirements for each country you plan to visit. Some countries offer visas on arrival, while others require advance applications.
Passport Photos: Carry passport-sized photos for visa applications or other official documents.
Cash in USD: Some border crossings may require payment in US dollars, so carry some in cash.
Proof of Exit: Check whether you need proof of onward travel (a return ticket) when entering a country.
Local SIM Card or eSim: If you want to stay connected, consider buying a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. eSims are online sim cards, meaning you don’t need to insert a physical Sim into your phone. I tried one from Airalo in Malaysia and did not have the best reception. That could however also have been the case with a physical sim. Therefore it just depends on what you prefer.
Image shoot on a GoPro in Koh Wai, Thailand
With this comprehensive backpacking checklist and essential tips, you're ready to embark on an incredible adventure in Southeast Asia.
Be open to new experiences, make new friends, and soak in the beauty of this vibrant region.
Safe travels!
