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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
There are several options to refill. Save some plastic guys
Helped me soo often to track my stuff
Multiplug
Oftentimes there's only 1 plug in the hostel
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
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 :)