BACKPACKING SOUTH EAST ASIA FOR 8 MONTHS


Before I start...


You probably clicked on this Blogpost because you're about to start packing for your own adventure.

And thinking about this truly makes me smile.. So no matter where you are and how much time there's left till you start your adventure just know that it's fully normal to feel a bit nervous. I guess it's just part of it. But the places you'll see and the memories you'll make will be something you'll never forget. It's the stories that we will tell our kids one day. The stories that noone will ever take away from you.

I know how stressfull packing can be..


so hopefully I can take away a bit of the stress by just sharing the things that I packed for my trip.

So turn some music on - and let's pack together <3

Pauli's Packing List

what I packed for backpacking South East Asia for 9 months

My Bags


70 liter Backpack by Osprey

I absolutely loved this one. It fits everything so easily and I could carry it for ages without feeling sore in my back.


Carry-on Rolltop Gotbag

I used this one as Carry On on flights and on all of my adventures. It's fabric is made of ocean impact plastic and water resistant. I looove this one.


Small Hipbag

I put all of my important documents in here + my deodorant + wallet + AirPods, etc.

All the things I need to have with me super quickly


Beach Bag

Just a simple fabric bag, that I used at the beach or to bring my laundry to the laundry place.


TravelCubes

I don't know if they count as bags haha. But whenever I pack my big backpack I use them. They help to organize everything much better and help you save some space.


Drybag

When you hop on a kayak you want your stuff to be fully dry. You can buy these ones in Asia too though.





Extras


Steamer

it's 100% no Essential, but I loved to use it every now and then. So I don't have to worry about how I stuff my clothes.

Cosmetic


Sunprotection

Definitely make sure to bring enough! This is one thing that's super expensive in Asia + most of the time its quality is not so good.


Surf - Zinc Sunprotection


After Sun - Lotion


Skincare Products

the essential things you need (don't bring too much).


Make-Up Products


Facial Cleansing Products


Razor

I lost mine and bought one in Asia - they have a lot here too.


Toothbrush + Paste


Hairbrush + Ties


Shampoo + Conditioner

I used non fluid ones. They pack smaller and last SO long.


Case for non fluid Shampoo

In here I stored mine


Deodorant and Refills

I swear on my deo, you know that :D But def bring a deo - your hostel mates will thank you.


Moskito Spray


Desinfektion Spray


Wound Cream


Contactlenses + Fluid



Clothing


5x Underwear


3x Socks


6x Bikinis/ Bathing Suits

I live in my bikinis :D

I wear them 24/7 and usually just combine them with a skirt/ shorts and a shirt on top. That's why I packed less TShirts and more Bikinis.


2x Surf Bikini/ Surf Suit


3x Tops


2x Sport Bra


2x Shirts (Blouse)


1x thin long sleeve Shirt


2x Jeansshorts


1x Saron


3x Skirts/ loose Shorts


1x Hoodie


1x Rain poncho or Rain Jacket


1x Bucket hat/ Cap


1x Leggings


1x Flowy long trousers





Shoes


1x Slippers


1x Trekking - Sandals


1x Sneakers



Technical Stuff


BiteAway

This one is a true lifesaver :D

When you got bitten by a mosquito you put this one on top, then it heatens up and the bite won't be itchy anymore + heals quicker.


EarPods


Powerbank


Travel Adapter


Multiplug


Cameras


Tripod

if needed


SD Cards// Harddrives// SSDs

if you're photographing a lot or working as a photographer


SD-Phone// SD-Laptop // SD-Ipad Adapter

if needed


Laptop/ iPad

only if you need to work online


IPad Pencil


Phone


Stick to open your Sim Slot

Depending on where you travel you'll buy a local SIM Card. Most of the times they'll change it for you but sometimes they don't. Then its super handy to have the stick with you :)


Charger

  • Phone
  • Cameras
  • Earpods
  • Laptop
  • Ipad


AirTags

Medicine


Glasses/ Contactlenses + fluid

If you need it - here's the reminder to pack it.


Eyedrops for dry eyes

It's not essential but it can be super helpful. I brought mine and used it several times.


Desinfektion Spray


Birthcontrol/ Condoms


Wound Cream


Medicine Stuff

I'd recommend to talk to a pharmacist and just prepare yourself with the stuff that feels important to you.


Some essentials:

  • Charcoal tablets

Hopefully you'll never need them - but I had Bali Belly three times. You can buy these tablets in Asia as well.

  • Ibuprofen

Any tablets against headache

  • Motion Sickness tablets

Just in case you plan on going with the ferry/ boat and are likely to get seasick or carsick

Important Documents


Passport

Rule Number 1: Never give away your passport. Sometimes you have to when you extend your visa. But always try to keep it with you.


Copy of your Passport

in Case you loose it, or if someone wants to keep it you can hand out the Copy.


Vaccination Documents


Visa - Stuff


international drivers license


Credit Card

make sure to bring at least 2 options of Credit Cards. Just so if one stops working you still have a backup.

Keep in mind that sometimes there is a monthly withdrawal-limit. Check this first - so you won't be stranded somewhere and unable to withdraw money.


international health insurance

Sooo important!

Make sure to book one before you leave. I linked the one I use.




useful other Stuff


Bottle

There are several options to refill. Save some plastic guys


AirTags

Helped me soo often to track my stuff


Multiplug

Oftentimes there's only 1 plug in the hostel


Bag - lock

You can lock the zippers of your bag


Lockers - lock

Most hostel have lockers, that you can use to store your stuff. Make sure to lock it.


Rainponcho


Microfiber Towel


Empty Plastic Bags


Letherman


Drybag


Scooter Phone Holder

You can buy this one in Asia too, but this was super handy while riding the scooter. Make sure to use a good one, cause sometimes they try to steal your phone while driving.


Neckpillow for flights/ busrides


Earplugs/ Sleeping mask


Tools to fix the board and Quickfix (Solarez)

only when you surf & have an own board

and that's it


I know it sounds a lot & you're probably even thinking of bringing more than this.


All I can say is:



  • Most of these things you can easily buy in Asia too.


  • You want to leave room for the things you buy while traveling


  • the more you travel the more you'll realize that you packed way too much



SO HERE WE GO - OFF TO A NEW ADVENTURE :)