The Complete Female Backpacking Packing List

Honestly, it can be extremely overwhelming to try and fit your life into a 70L backpack that is supposed to contain everything you need for the next 1-12 months. Don't worry - I got your back...(pack)

I have been travelling the world via plane, train, car, van, bus, you name it! And with each journey, packing gets a little bit easier, to the point that now I have mastered the perfect packing list whether it be a short roady or a long-term world adventure. What to bring? What to leave behind? Keep reading and you will find out...

Your Checking Bag...

Always... ALWAYS travel with a backpack. I'm serious. Ditch that rolling, dragging, hard to carry suitcase and invest in a 50-80L backpack. Your world will change and your back will thank you.

OKAY! First things first... PACK LIGHT!

No matter where you may going and no matter how long, you only need a limited amount of things. I'm sorry - you do NOT need a new outfit everyday.

Travelling as light as possible will allow you to move freely and happily, while leaving room for you to bring home some memorable and special finds along the way. I have made this mistake before. I packed my backpack so full that I had to make the decision of possibly ditching my favourite sweater that I brought from home for a new Gold Coast, Australia one. Sad to say I had to walk out the store empty handed. (Don't be like me).

Keep in mind the style and climate of your trip. This will be written in a warm climate perspective (I prefer to travel to warmer climates - Hello Tropics!). If you are travelling to a cold climate region (ew), equally reverse the summer clothes for winter clothes.

3 tanks tops (warmer climate) = 3 long sleeves (colder climate)

1 long sleeve (warmer climate) = 1 tank top (colder climate)

KAPISH?

#1 A Backpack! (I use the Deuter 55L+10)

This is by far THE most important thing on this packing list. There is only one thing that

categorizes you as a backpacker and this is it!

I recommend a backpack that is 70L. But I work with my 55L because of all the memories we have shared together - I can't trade her in now! Not until she breaks... Which sadly is slowly is happening, 8 years of travel and her zipper is starting to go.

One thing I believe is an absolute MUST for picking a proper backpack - Make sure that it has front load. This means that there is a zipper that opens on the front of your backpack. If you have a top load backpack your clothes will be one huge mess and it will be exceptionally hard to find that favourite dress of yours that happens to be smooshed at the bottom.

#2 Day Backpack (I use Osprey Tempest 20L)

Some backpacks like my Deuter one come with a day bag. However, I find they are often

not built well and small. I suggest to buy one with a hip-hugger clip because this will be your bag that you take EVERYWHERE with you, you want it to be comfortable. You can load it up with all your snacks and goodies while exploring wherever you may be.

I also suggest finding one with LOTS of pockets. You can never have enough hidden pockets in a bag to keep all your travel-mess a bit more organized.

BONUS POINTS - if it has a H20 pack (ex. Osprey hydraulics water pack) slip - cherish it forever.

#3 Packing Cubes (Amazon has awesome ones, I use Gonex cubes)

This will make your life so much easier. You have a packing cube for each category of your clothes (ex. tops, bottoms, underwear + socks, bathing suits). When you need to get to a specific item you pull out the cube and select that neatly folded item, with ease and without messing up the rest of your wardrobe.

#4 A Good Fanny Bag (I use Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag)

This is the one thing that will ensure that your money, passport, credit cards, ID, ALL that important viable information is on you, in one place, literally attached to your body.

Forget your wallet. Forget your purse.

This is all you need.

#5 Microfibre Towel (I have 2)

Do not take up 1/4 of your bag with a beach towel from home. Just don't do it.

Microfibre towels are quick drying and take up barely any space.

#6 A lock (small enough to fit through your backpacks zipper loops)

Most hostels provide lockers but sometimes lack the lock part. Bring your own for no troubles. Also find comfort knowing you have locked you backpack zippers together when you have to part.

#7 Toiletry Bag (Make it small and only bring the essentials)

Trust me. I get it. I love a good facial exfoliant, face mask, that amazing zit cream. When I am home I dabble in all things self love and self care. But when you are travelling it just is not the time. You need to try to get by on the least amount as possible.

7a. Face cream 100ml

7b. Face wash 100ml

7c. Tooth brush + tooth paste

7d. Compact 100ml shampoo + conditioner (you can refill as you travel)

7e. Compact 100ml body wash

7f. Minimum makeup (I bring mascara, eyebrow gel, and highlighter.. THAT'S IT)

7g. Deodorant

7h. Razor

7i. Diva cup (good for the environment AND saves space)

7j. Any medication (ex. Birth control, contacts, condoms, vitamins, throat lozenges.)

7k. Sunscreen

#8 Clothes

8a. Underwear x14 (They take up no space, and doing laundry every 2 weeks is doable)

8b. Bra x1, Sports bra x1

8c. Socks x5 (you can rewear these a few times before they get gross)

8d. Tees/Tanks x5

8e. Longsleeve x1

8f. Sweater x1

8g. Rain coat x1 (THIN, LIGHTWEIGHT)

8h. Dress x1

8i. Shorts x3 (avoid denim, doesnt dry well, heavy, and takes up space)

8j. Skirts x2 (comfortable, breathable)

8k. Pants x2 (1 Cargo/hiking pant and 1 lululemon legging)

8l. PJs x1

8m. Hiker shoes (I like Keen)

8n. Sandals (I like Birkenstocks)

8o. Sunhat/ballcap

8p. Sunnies (dont bring your nice Raybans or Maui Jims - You will lose them.. like I did)

#9 Electronic essentials

9a. Camera: I used to travel with my big DSLR camera but I have decided it just isn't quite worth lugging it around. I have opted for the Sony A6000 and with 2 lenses I am able to capture and shoot what I need.

9b. GoPro: HIGHLY recommend if you are going somewhere with water activities. You will not want to miss out on the memories of you surfing, or snorkelling, or in that fun waterpark.

9c. Drone: Not a must. But if you want to take your content to the next level, I suggest buying the DJI Mini SE, it is the size of a 500ml water bottle, lightweight and shoots beautiful in 2.8K.

9d. Laptop: If you work while you travel, or need somewhere to store and edit your content, you need a laptop.

9e. Portable charger: Important if you think you will be staying in rugged areas that may lack constant connection to energy.

9f. Phone: Now if you have a good enough smartphone you may be able to totally avoid bringing a camera. It really just depends how much you care about photography or videography for your trip!

#10 Carabiners

Just bring a couple and hook them on the outside of your backpacks. They will come in handy. Whether it be hanging your wet bathing suit on the outside of your bag. Carrying your water bottle. Or hooking your dirty hikers.

#11 Journal

You may not be a writer. But trust me, even if you jot down point form what you did each day... You will thank yourself in the future, and so will your family and friends if you let them read it!

#12 Important Documents

12a. ID - passport, driver license

12b. Debit + Credit cards

12c. CASH - in local currency (about 300 to start off with)

12d. Travel tickets (screen shot or printed, most agents prefer printed)

12e. Photocopy of IDs and cards (hidden in a pocket of your backpack)

12f. Travel Visa information (printed or screenshot)

12g. Travel insurance information (printed or screenshot)

12h. Departure flight (most desitinations require you to have a departure flight to allow you inside, now this can be one that you book with 100% return policy that you cancel once you arrive or one that you actually plan to depart on)

12i. Covid vaccine records

12j. Covid negative test results

#13 Face Mask (I really like the Lululemon brand)

Sad. But Covid is still among us. I recommend a really comfortable one. You will be wearing it for your entire flight and during all other travel.

Last tip: Don't start packing too early. You will end up adding to your bag and you do not want that. Start packing 2 days before your departure. Spend the second day looking over once more to make sure you have everything on your list and NOTHING more.

This list has been morphed throughout the years. Throughout my journeys. But ultimately these are the only things you need for a warmer climate destination exploration.