Thinking about going overseas and backpacking for a few months, but you are not sure where to start with your packing? Check out this ultimate backpacking checklist to assist you in the preparation.
Using it will take away all the stress and provide you with some ideas for nifty gadgets that will make backpacking a breeze.

Backpacking Checklist

Universal Adapter

These days it’s almost impossible to travel the world without one of these beauties in your arsenal.

After all, you most likely will have a camera, phone and laptop on your journeys.

If you want to make sure that you can use them anywhere you go, you are best off getting a universal adapter which will connect to every country power supply.

Here are a few things you should consider when getting a Universal Adapter:

• It works in over 150 countries
• It has a fuse to protect your gear from possible power spikes which could ruin the battery of your device or even worse, fry them completely
• It has a USB outlet to simultaneously charge your phone while charging another device.
• USB C Outlet, These days more and more devices use this outlet, which is great for fast charging
• Small and not too heavy ( you don’t want it weighing you down

For a more power hungry person, think about getting a universal power board to supply power to multiple devices. Or even simpler a Universal Adapter with a normal power board.

Backpack

Being a minimalist traveller I manage to pack my whole life in a 24L backpack.

I like it this way and by having such a restriction I prevent myself from buying unnecessary things and find it very difficult to pack more than 12kg.

Which in turn makes it possible for me to have a standard backpack.

In saying that not everyone is as extreme as I am.

So that is why you need to take into consideration getting a backpack that is comfortable for you.

You need to think about the size you need, what you will need it for and the harness systems.

When I worked as an outdoor instructor one thing we really needed to take into consideration is how comfortable the backpack was for someone as if worn incorrectly it could do permanent damage to a person back and shoulders.

A Mobile or Tablet

Having one of these is an absolute lifesaver. You can literally have all your documents and information in 1 convenient place.

In saying that make sure to have a security code to get into them as again all your information is in one convenient place.

In most cases, a tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard could replace the need for a laptop and save you so much space and weight.

Additionally, Most things are on apps, and websites are mobile ready.

So the need for laptops is really diminishing while travelling unless you are interested in Video editing and storage of your pictures.

Quick Ultimate Backpacking Checklist Tip: In some countries, people will want to steal your devices.

For extra security use a cheap phone or tablet that you wouldn’t spend weeks crying over as one to use in public and keep your expensive gear safely tucked away in your bag.

Another great thing is that WIFI is so readily available in most countries, you don’t even need to buy sim cards to keep in contact with the rest of the world.

A power bank

Nothing more annoying than spending the whole day adventuring and as you are checking your phone for directions back to the hostel you quickly realise you have 1% battery.

This would mean you need to talk to people for directions…

That could be scary (just kidding) but at the same time, it’s always a good idea to have a spare battery for Just in case.

Take photos of your important Documents

I never had to use them but knowing that if something happened to my passports and documents I could have a simple back up makes me worry less.

Of course, they do not replace the passport but if you have the documents on hold. E.g. In your email, you can show them to the police, consulates etc and get better assistance.

Documents I would consider making a back up off.

• Passport
• Driver’s licence
• Accommodation papers
• Flight tickets
• Emergency phone numbers

Best of all, these days you can set up a free google drive account, create a folder in it and store everything in the cloud nice and securely.

The Cloud

While travelling, people tend to get a common disorder called the happy trigger finger which makes you take insanely huge amounts of photos and videos.

Now, 64gb Might seem like a lot of space, but seriously after a few months you probably will fill that up and be stuck deleting amazing memories of your devices.

I would usually recommend carrying a portable hard drive but these days you can literally have 100gb of cloud storage for as little as $2 a month.

Not only is that cheap but it also means that whenever you have wifi you can put your photos and video’s in a safe place which you can access from any device, anywhere in the world.

Saves on space and weight in your bag and gives you peace of mind that the most important memories are chilling in a nice safe place.

The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist

Use the Ultimate backpacking checklist which has taken me days to compile.

I scoured the net to find out what the most common items are for backpackers and put it into a simple checkbox document which you can send to yourself.

It’s also free to use and you do not have to subscribe to use it.

If you want to use this backpacking list then click on the image below and it will take you directly to the page

And best of all if you have any suggestions I am more than happy to listen.

Just write in the comments below what you would like included and I will consider it

Learn the Generic names

A very useful tip which will make a world of difference when travelling to another country is to learn the generic/chemical names and dosages of medication that you are taking in your country.

The reason behind is that not every country uses the same brands and if you are in a country that uses a different language it could make it difficult to get the meds you require.

Thank you @angie_fishie for the tip

Pack light, you can do laundry anywhere the world!

We are all guilty of doing this, we pack more than we need.

But usually, end up carrying the additional things for no reason.

Something to keep in mind is that no matter where you go, you will be able to find some water where you can clean your clothes.

If you invest in quick-drying clothes such as pants, shorts, underwear etc. then you could technically wash your clothes last thing at night and have them ready again for you in the morning.

Thanks for the tip Seven Cinematics

Obviously, that is super minimalistic packing but it gives you an idea of how little you could pack with you.

After travelling a few times, you will quickly learn how much you should pack.

If you are interested in minimalistic packing, then pack all the things you think you need, then keep having that amount until you get to a point where you think 100% you can’t do without the remaining things.

More tips will be added over time, so if you have any backpacking checklist tips make sure to put them into the comments below and if it’s useful we will add yours to the blog with a link back to your website/social pages etc.

This is my ultimate backpacking checklist with a few tips on quality gear you should definitely consider while going overseas.

If you have any other backpacking checklist additions I should consider or if you like this post make sure to Comment and Share below.