Backpacking Packing List for World Travelers and Digital Nomads

A well thought-out packing list is the key to relaxed travel. Especially when backpacking, you want to focus on your adventure and not constantly find that important equipment is missing. At the same time, your backpack should not be too heavy – after all, you have to carry it for weeks or months.

In this article you will find detailed Backpacking Packing Lists for different destinations and travel types. From basic equipment to the special needs of backpackers to the necessary technology for digital nomads, we have put it all together.

Backpacking Packing List: Download PDF now

Here is the Backpacking Packing List

Money and Finance

• 2-3 different bank cards (at least one credit card)
• Cash distributed in small bills (about 200)€ as a reserve
• Chest bag or belt bag for important documents
• Copies of all important cards and documents
• Online banking access data and TANs
• Small nest egg hidden in backpack
• Calculator app for fast currency conversion

Hygiene

• Travel size set with:
  • Shampoo (100ml)
  • Shower gel (100ml)
  • Deo
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Hand disinfection
• Sunscreen with high LSF
• Moisturising cream
• Small microfibre towel
• Nail shears and files
• Razor and spare blades
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hand wash detergents
• Ear plugs
• Female hygiene articles
• Drybag for all liquids

Clothing

• 7x underwear
• 7x socks
• 3x T-shirts
• 2x long sleeved shirts
• 2x shorts
• 1x long trousers
• 1x rain jacket
• 1x light sweater
• 1x sleeping shirt
• 1x bathing clothes
• 1x light dress/shirt for fancier occasions
• Sun hat/cap
• Sunglasses
• 3-4 packing cubes of different sizes

Medications / travel pharmacy

• Personal medications
• Pain pills
• Diarrhea medicines
• Electrolyte powder
• Wound disinfection
• Plasters of different sizes
• Dressing material
• Insect protection
• Antihistamines
• Fever thermometers
• Travel Health Insurance Card
• Small scissors
• Tweezers

Papers and documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Vaccination passport
• Driving licence
• Copies of all documents (digital & physical)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets/booking confirmations
• 2-4 passport photos
• International student ID (if available)
• Emergency contact list

Backpacks and bags

• Main backpack (40-60L)
  • Rainbow
  • Compression belts
  • Upper leg strap
• Daypack (15-20L) for day trips
• Packing cube set:
  • 2x large for clothes
  • 1x medium for electronics
  • 1x small for documents
• Folding shopping bag
• Drybag for valuables

Technical equipment

• Laptop + Charger
• Smartphone + charging cable
• Universal adapter
• Powerbank (minimum 20,000 mAh)
• Headphones
• E-book Reader
• External hard disk
• USB stick
• Multiple plugs
• Camera (optional)
• SIM Cards Tool
• Cloud backup of all important data

Do you want to combine backpacking with work and travel? Then I have here 2 interesting articles for you: Work and Travel | Make the world your home and Work and Travel: Experience Europe with your backpack!

Backpacking Packing List for Women

Female hygiene:

• Menstrual cup (saving space in a backpack)
• Emergency set tampons/binders
• Wet wipes
• Dry shampoo

Cosmetics & Care:

• BB-Cream with LSF
• Makeup Basics for Special Attachments
• Hair rubs/clips
• Dry shampoo
• Wet shaver + replacement blades

Clothing:

• 2x sports bras
• 3x normal brass
• Pareo (as a beach or temple cover)
• Long, light dress
• Scarf (for conservative areas)

Security:

• Door stops for unsafe accommodation
• Mini flashlight for the nightstand
• Dummy marriage for conservative countries

Extras:

• Birth control pill/contraception for the entire travel period
• Small handbag for evening activities
• Basic jewelry (nothing valuable)

Did you know that you can also do Work ans Travel in Germany? Here I wrote about it: Work and Travel: Germany offers more than you think!

Backpacking Packing List for South America

In addition to the basics:

• Warm layer for the Andes
• Rainproof equipment
• Walking shoes
• Altitude sickness medicines
• Spanish language guide

Packing list for backpacking in Asia

Clothing

• Airy, shoulder-covering uppers
• Knee-length shorts
• Light rain jacket
• Rain poncho
• Fast drying towels

Health:

• High sun protection (LSF 50+)
• Mosquito spray
• Electrolyte powder
• Diarrhea medicines

Practical:

• Headscarf against sun
• Waterproof mobile phone cover
• Travel Sleeping Bag (for simple accommodation)
• Small fan (USB)
• Mosquito net
• Drybag

Packing list for world travel

• Basic equipment:
  • High quality backpack (45-65L)
  • Compression packing cubes of different sizes
  • Ultralight Daypack
  • Waterproof packing bags
• Clothing for all climates:
  • Merino layers for combining
  • Rainproof outdoor jacket
  • Light down jacket (compressible)
  • Fast-drying sportswear
  • UV protective clothing
• Documents & Important:
  • International driving licence
  • Vaccination passport with all travel vaccinations
  • Credit Cards from Various Providers
  • Digital copies of all documents
  • Travel insurance documents
• Technology on the road:
  • Robust smartphone
  • Universal adapter with multiple sockets
  • Large Power Bank
  • Backup hard drive
  • E-reader for travel reading
• Health worldwide:
  • International travel pharmacy
  • Prescription medicines
  • Sun protection for different climates
  • First aid kit
  • Water treatment tablets
• Practical extras:
  • Multipurpose tool
  • Repair kit (sewing tools, adhesives)
  • Inflatable neck pad
  • Laundry line
  • Lock for hostel lockers

Are you starting your world trip as a solo woman? Then please check out the following article and let something motivate you: Traveling alone as a woman: your solo travel adventure.

Packing list for digital nomads

• Laptop stand for ergonomic work
• Bluetooth mouse
• External keyboard
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• VPN access
• Backup solutions
• Document scanner app
• Portable SSD
• Online project management tools

Frequently Asked Questions about the Backpacking Packing List