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Backpacking Packing List 
Clothes 
Accessories 
Other Essentials

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Let's start with some basic rules for your backpacking packing list:

• On most international flights, the luggage allowance is limited to 20 kg (44 lbs) per person. But that doesn't mean that you have to pack that much. Make sure you have room to fill in new clothes, gifts etc.

• If you do overload during your trip, you can always send your stuff home with postal services.

• Don't bring items like guide books and hiking shoes if you are not going to trek or read that travel guide for a long time.

What clothes to pack
for Asia?

General tips:

You should bring clothing in cotton for 3 good reasons:

• Cotton breathes 
  
• It draws heat away from from your skin to keep you cool 
  
• Cotton absorbs body moisture

You can also bring a few clothes in viscose and linen.

I love wearing linen shorts and viscose dresses, because the materials breathe like cotton and are comfortable wearing. However, these curl up after washing. It's your choice.

• You should bring clothing in light colors. Dark colors (dark blue, black, dark green, dark brown etc.) absorb heat and make most people attractive to mosquitoes. On a side note, white clothing gets easily dirty.

• Bring clothing that are quick and easy to wash and dry.

• Choose loose-fitting clothing to help keep you cool and comfortable, avoid armpit marks and to conceal your money belt. It's also a sign of respect for local clothing customs.

• Choose clothes that you're comfortable throwing away. When you're done with your backpacking trip, throw away the old clothes and buy new ones ;-) Make room for the new!

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What should you pack for Asia?
Example of a packing list

Here's an example of a packing list for a 4-months journey:

• 2-4 t-shirts or tops 
  
• 1-2 long-sleeved shirts 
• 2 shorts with zipper or button pockets (long and loose) 
  
• 1 skirt (it must reach to at least your mid-calf, for visiting temples) 
• 1 sarong (use it as a skirt, beach mat, sheet, tube dress, scarf, curtain) 
  
• 1 dress 
  
• Warm hoody/fleece sweater/thin jacket (for cold nights) 
  
• 1 thin pajama pants 
• 2 swimming shorts/bikini sets 
  
• 6-8 undies/boxer shorts 
  
• 2 pair of socks (for cold nights in north Thailand, as well as trekking)

Use long-sleeved shirts when visiting temples. It's usually required that visitors (male and female) dress modestly, covering up elbows and knees. (Dress codes vary from country to country). A long-sleeved shirt is also handy for avoiding mosquito bites in the evenings.

For female travelers, use a bikini top instead of a bra. Bikini tops are a must-have because they don't take any space in your backpack, light to carry and comfortable wearing. Find bikini tops that support well.

Additional clothes to consider:

• Thin rain jacket or poncho (practical during the wet season). 
  
• Thin cargo pants 

Bring cargo pants if you know you'll be trekking for a long time in the jungle. It will protect you more from insect bites, leeches, ticks, snake bites etc.

Don't bring:

• Jeans

The temperature in Asia is mostly hot and clammy, and your body will most likely be too bloated to fit in them. Also jeans are heavy and take ages to dry. Instead buy "Aladdins" or fishing pants locally at the market. They're comfy, loose and come in different colors.

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Accessories to bring

Must-have accessories:

• Day bag for daily and evening use (sling bags or a small backpack) 
  
• A pair of sun glasses 
  
• Bandana/caps 
  
• Safety pins 
  
• Sewing kit 
  
• Scarf (Use it to protect your head from the sun, from dust and to cover your head in temples) 
  
• Kleenex tissues or other brands 

Optional accessories:

• Eye-mask 
  
• Ordinary glasses + case
  
• Cleaning rug for your glasses 
• Monthly contact lenses + case
  
• Contact lens solution (you can buy them locally as well) 

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Additional items to consider: 

• Binoculars

You can bring small binoculars if you know you'll be trekking a lot, and watching animals and birds.

• Blow-up travel pillow (not a common backpacker-item, but good for long journeys)

I brought mine, but only used it once.

• Photos of your family, friends, boy/girlfriend

Don't bring items with great sentimental value. If you bring photos, make copies before leaving home.

• Notebook + pen (for travel diary)
• One book (for long train and bus rides, between flights)

You should not bring more than one book. Buy, sell, rent or trade books in Asia, for example Bangkok on Khao San Road or Soi Rambutri.

• Deck of cards/travel games (for between flights and waiting for local transport)

Don't bring:

• Travel iron (heavy and takes space) 
  
• Travel hairdryer (your hair will dry up within 30 minutes because of the hot climate) 
  
• Expensive jewelry 
  
• Electrical hair trimmer set (instead, go to local barber shops) 
  
• Manicure and pedicure set (go to local salons)

Wearing expensive jewelry will just attract thieves!

However, if you can't travel without, bring neutral jewelry.

For instance: I recommend bringing a pair of colored earrings or in wood.

Thieves won't see the difference between fake silver or not. Keep in mind that you're going to places where poverty and theft are huge issues. If you lose them, you'll regret you brought it.

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Backpacking Essentials
for the trip

What backpacking essentials should you bring for your trip to Asia?

What are the must-haves when backpacking in Asia? There's so much, so it deserves a separate article!

Get a complete list of backpacking essentials right here

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Further reading: India: Pack rain coat and boots for the rainy season? Shopping backpacking gear in the Philippines Packing list: gear and electronics

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