Are you gearing up for an epic backpacking journey through Southeast Asia? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of packing your backpack for an unforgettable adventure in this vibrant region.
Before diving into the packing essentials, it’s important to note that this guide focuses solely on preparing for a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia. While I’ll delve into detailed tips for packing your backpack, please keep in mind that this guide is tailored specifically for this region and may have limited applicability to other destinations. Additionally, this is a female-oriented packing guide, featuring clothing and products tailored to female travelers’ needs.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize that the advice provided here is based on my personal experiences and preferences. Traveling is a highly individualized experience, and what works for me may not necessarily work for everyone. As such, I encourage readers to adapt these tips to suit their own preferences and circumstances.
1. Selecting the Perfect Backpack
Before you hit the road, choosing the right backpack is crucial. I personally recommend the Decathlon 50+6L backpack (female version) for its durability and value. Paired with a 30L day pack from Forclaz, you’ll have all the space and organization you need for your travels. The backpack also comes with a rain cover, which is quite handy for travel days to keep it clean. If you’re more minimalist, you can definitely opt for a 40 L backpack.
2. Most Important Backpacking Essentials:
Packing Cubes: Keep your clothes organized with packing cubes, a traveler’s best friend. Easily accessible and affordable, these cubes are indispensable, especially when navigating hostel living.
Laundry Bag: Don’t overlook the importance of a dedicated laundry bag. It not only keeps your dirty clothes separate, but also serves as a convenient way to transport laundry to local facilities.
Carabiners: These handy clips are a lifesaver for attaching wet items or extra gear to your backpack, keeping them easily accessible.
Apple AirTags: Ensure peace of mind by tracking your belongings with Apple AirTags. Easily locate your backpack or day pack in case of loss or mishap.
Uniqlo Shoulder Bag: A versatile accessory for everyday use, the Uniqlo shoulder bag comfortably fits essentials like water bottles and small items, perfect for exploring bustling streets or markets.
Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on your journey with a refillable water bottle, a sustainable choice for reducing plastic waste while exploring.
Fabric Beach Bag: Ideal for beach days, a foldable fabric bag is lightweight and convenient, offering an alternative to bulky beach totes.
Padlock: Safeguard your valuables in hostels with a reliable padlock, essential for securing lockers or luggage.
Sunglasses and Sun Hat: Protect yourself from the sun’s glare and heat with essential accessories like sunglasses and a sun hat.
3. Clothing:
Try to pack wisely and avoid overpacking, as you’ll find many items available for purchase along the way. Plus, you can often get these items at a much cheaper price than back home.
Underwear: Depending on how often you plan on doing laundry, it’s advisable to bring between six to twelve pairs of panties and about 4 pairs of socks. This recommendation accounts for activities like the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam (4 days), where having a fresh pair of socks every day is ideal.
Bras/Sports Bras and Bralets: When packing, consider bringing shirts or crop tops with built-in bras to minimize the number of bras needed. Additionally, versatile sports bras can double as crop tops, offering multifunctional options. Bringing 2 bralets, 2 sports bras, and 2 shirts with built-in bras is recommended. For those who prefer not to wear “traditional” bras, I suggest considering Uniqlo’s sports bras and t-shirts with built-in bras.
2 oversized t-shirts: Oversized t-shirts are versatile and can double as pajamas.
2 flannels: Flannels are a must-have for their versatility. Use them to stay warm, cover up from the sun, or adhere to temple dress codes. Bringing two allows for flexibility—one for the beach and one for outings during the day or night.
4 crop tops: The number of crop tops to pack depends on personal preference. Four is a good starting point, as sports bras or sport t-shirts can also serve as tops during the day. When spending time at the beach, it’s common to wear a bikini top with a flannel or oversized t-shirt.
4 shorts: Opt for comfortable shorts like those from Zara or Uniqlo instead of bulky jeans shorts to save space. Four pairs of shorts offer variety and comfort for different activities.
2 biker shorts/sport shorts: Bring one pair of sports shorts for bedtime and two pairs of biker shorts for daytime activities. I highly recommend getting Uniqlo’s biker shorts.
1 long skirt, 1 long trousers, and 1 leggings: Bring light long trousers or a skirt to comply with temple visit dress codes. Long trousers or leggings are also useful for travel days, especially on planes or overnight buses where temperatures can be cooler.
1 foldable raincoat: Southeast Asia’s unpredictable weather makes a small foldable raincoat essential for staying dry during unexpected rain showers.
1 jumper: Don’t forget to pack a jumper to stay warm on cooler days, especially during bus or plane journeys.
1 rash guard: Protect yourself from the sun with a rash guard, especially if you’re sensitive to sunlight. While this item can be purchased locally, bringing one in advance is recommended for convenience.
3 bikinis: Bring at least three bikinis to ensure you always have a dry option, as it can be challenging to dry them in hostels. Additionally, bikinis can double as tops on hot days.
Cute summer dress: Don’t overlook the importance of a cute summer dress for those moments when you want to feel stylish and feminine. Consider getting dresses tailor-made in Vietnam for a unique and memorable addition to your wardrobe.
4. Toiletries
Pack essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, skincare products, deodorant, and razors.
Remember to pack an ample supply of feminine hygiene products. The quantity you bring will vary depending on your personal needs and the duration of your travels. Personally, I prefer tampons and brought my preferred brand from home, as they are not as readily available in Southeast Asia compared to sanitary pads.
Skip the body lotion, as the humid climate in Southeast Asia typically eliminates the need for it.
Ensure you have enough sunscreen for your trip, as it is often more cost-effective to bring it from home rather than purchasing it abroad, especially if you prefer specific brands.
Consider bringing microfiber towels, although one may suffice, depending on whether you also intend to use your sarong as a beach towel. Many hostels offer towel rentals at a low cost, so you may not need to pack more than one (I brought two).
While I brought mosquito repellent from home, you can easily purchase it locally at convenience stores like 7-Eleven. I found this particularly useful, especially during my time in northern Thailand, where mosquitoes were prevalent.
If you prefer not to have your nails done while traveling, be sure to pack your own nail products.
What proved immensely beneficial for me was having a toiletry bag that I could conveniently hang in the shower. Additionally, I recommend bringing a small waterproof bag to store all your shower essentials and fresh clothes. This setup was incredibly handy for me, especially since I often changed immediately after showering, which sometimes took place outside of my dorm room.
5. What Not to Pack: Items You Can Buy While Backpacking Through Southeast Asia
Sarong: A sarong is an absolute must-have while traveling through Southeast Asia, especially for temple visits where covering your knees and shoulders is required. This versatile piece also doubles as a beach towel, making it a valuable addition to your travel essentials. No need to purchase one before your trip; sarongs are readily available at local markets throughout the region.
Long Pants/Skirts: During my travels, I stumbled upon a lovely long white skirt in Vietnam that proved to be both fashionable and practical, perfect for temple visits. If you’re in need of long trousers, you may find them while exploring Southeast Asia’s bustling markets.
Dry Bag: While I purchased a dry bag before my trip, they are abundantly available at most markets throughout Southeast Asia, and at a fraction of the cost. These waterproof bags are indispensable, especially for island-hopping adventures and visits to attractions like the sticky waterfall in Chiang Mai.
Reef Shoes and Snorkel Gear: For avid island hoppers, snorkeling enthusiasts, or those planning extensive beach excursions, reef shoes and snorkel gear are essential. While you can rent these items, purchasing them from a local market can be more cost-effective. Fortunately, they’re affordable and widely available throughout the region.
Windbreaker/Warmer Jacket: If you anticipate needing a warmer jacket for activities like the Ha Giang Loop, consider purchasing one in Hanoi or Sapa before your trip. You can find a variety of budget-friendly options, including inexpensive faux North Face jackets that are popular among travelers. Opting to buy locally can save you from lugging a bulky jacket from home and may even be more cheaper.
