What you must pack in your backpack
Are you planning to go on a world trip or just start a small backpacking adventure? Then I have just the right packing list for you so you don't forget anything important!
Leaving everything behind, packing your bag, and setting off into the distant, unknown world... Many dream of backpacking, the freedom of traveling with a backpack. There are moments when nothing sounds better than embarking on a new adventure filled with incredible experiences, escaping the daily grind, right? While some lack the courage for this step, there are countless world travelers who take this path. Once you've made your decision, the big planning begins. However, only a few days beforehand are you really ready to deal with the packing issue. What do I need for my world trip, and what do I not need? How do I pack my bag? And which backpack is best suited for my trip? To answer all these questions, I've done a bit of research.
I am packing my suitcase for the world trip and taking...
The world trip is on, and what is the biggest hurdle aside from route planning and booking flights? Correct, packing! The thought that everything you pack must also be carried does not make it any easier... The world traveler Conny wrote on her blog Planet Backpack: 'If you ever ask yourself: Do I have everything? Then immediately think: If not, I can buy it on-site. Often even cheaper.' According to the backpacker, it makes sense to leave behind all things that you do not use at least twice a week. 'Forget all the 'just in case' items, because if the need arises, you are very likely to find the necessary item where you are located.'
Of course, when packing, you try out a lot: the items are packed, rummaged out, things are exchanged and packed into the backpack again... What a nerve-wracking process! Fortunately, travel blogs have compiled some valuable tips and lists for packing. Basically, they are all quite similar, so I just want to highlight the most useful items from all the lists.
The optimal packing list for the upcoming world trip
Voilà, here are the most important items at a glance:
Clothing
- Underwear for about a week
- Socks
- Swimsuit
- Flip Flops
- Sturdy sneakers, possibly hiking shoes
- Women: Flats
- Sun hat or cap
- Long pants
- Shorts
- T-shirts / Tops
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirt / Pullover
- Cardigan
- Softshell jacket / Rain jacket
- Scarf
- Sweatpants / Joggers
- Belt
- Hat
Hygiene & Cosmetics
- Toothbrush & toothpaste (travel size)
- Body wash, shampoo (travel size, or preferably combined in one)
- Cream
- Wash gel
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Razor
- For women: Makeup
- For women: Tampons / Pads
- Sunscreen
- Brush
- Hair ties
- Tweezers / Scissors
- Nail file
- Cotton swabs
- Possibly: spare glasses or contact lenses
Travel Pharmacy
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Disinfectant spray
- Bepanthen ointment
- Tablets for motion sickness
- Anti-mosquito spray
- Fenistil gel
- Band-Aids
- Thermometer
- Vitamin tablets
- Activated charcoal tablets
- Possibly other specific medications
- Contraceptives
- Learn more about travel pharmacy
Documents
- Passport
- National ID
- National and International Driver's License
- Vaccination certificate
- Flight documents
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Extra passport photos for visas on the go
- Proof of international health insurance
- Travel insurance documents
- Some cash
- Emergency contact numbers
Technical
- Camera + charger
- SD card for the camera
- Phone + charger
- Laptop + laptop bag + charger
- Power adapters - adapters (depending on the travel destination, or one for all countries)
- USB flash drive
- MP3 player
- Flashlight
- Possibly e-reader
- Headlamp + spare batteries
Miscellaneous
- Swiss Army knife with corkscrew and bottle opener
- Small + large travel towel, preferably thin, lightweight, and quick-drying
- Tissues
- Dry bag (waterproof bag)
- Sunglasses
- Earplugs
- Notepad + pens
- Umbrella
- Combination lock
- Lighter or matches
- Small travel games
- Possibly a small hot water bottle, helpful for cramps, cold,...
- Travel sewing kit
- Clothesline
- Inflatable neck pillow
- Travel vacuum bags for space-saving packing
So, that would be a suggestion for an optimal packing list for a world trip. Regarding the number of tops, you must, of course, be careful not to pack too much, but rather plan for a laundry day instead. After all, you know: Everything you pack, you will have to carry around with you the whole time!
How to find the right backpack?
Now that we've clarified what must go on your world trip, there's still the question of which backpack is optimal. You can remember the following tip from backpacker Patrick on his blog 101places: 'The more space you have, the more unnecessary stuff you will carry. A small backpack forces you to do without!' Where there is truth, there is truth!
However, there is such a huge selection of backpacks that the decision is not so easy. After all, you will carry the backpack for the next weeks, months, if not years, so you should try several models until you find the optimal backpack.
But what should you pay attention to? It is often said that besides quality, volume and carrying comfort are important. The backpack must be comfortable, have well-padded straps, and the hip belt should preferably be wide and comfortable since it is responsible for weight distribution. Furthermore, you should think in advance regarding the volume of what you need the backpack for. Are you carrying it only for short distances, or are you hiking longer trails? After you are aware of this, the volume will also depend on your body size, the travel destination, and the amount of luggage you want to take with you.
Basically, backpacks can be purchased both online and in a specialized store. I have highlighted a few models that have proven themselves while traveling:
- The North Face Terra
- Mammut Trion
- Vaude Brenta
- North Face Base Camp Duffle Bag
- Deuter ACT Lite
The suggestion for a packing list for a world trip is set, several backpacks are also available, so what are you waiting for? I hope that I have helped the travelers among you a bit with the question of luggage. And now, to all the brave and adventurous souls among you, get out into the distant wide world and dive into new, exciting experiences! In conclusion, I have one more tip for you: Check out my search for affordable hotels, so you can travel like I do on a budget around the world! My travel magazine also has the appropriate tips.