✈️ What to Pack for Your First Backpacking Trip (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Back)

Feature image from Nor'easter Apparel Tote bag 

Okay, so you’ve booked the flight, stocked up on inspo online, and now you’re getting ready to pack for your big adventure. 

Here's your no-BS, first-time backpacker packing list. It's practical, minimal, and still has room for your personality (and your skincare routine, don’t stress).

 

First and Foremost; The Backpack

Think of your backpack like a travel partner. You want one that fits just right. You'll likely be carting your backpack around most places with you so functionality and enjoyment of the pack overall are important. Note: Compressible Packing Cubes will be your new best friend

💡 Size Matters:
If you can, stick to a carry-on or a personal item–sized pack. You’ll save $$ on baggage fees and skip the airport carousel chaos. You need less than you think - make sure you can actually carry your bag without hating your life.

💪 Performance Features:
Look for padded straps, hip support, water resistance, and easy-access compartments. A backpack that opens like a suitcase? Game. Changer.

🧘 Minimalist Mindset:
Don’t pack for “what if.” Pack for what is. A lighter bag = less stress, more joy. Promise. 

 

In the image above you can see a date with my Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack in the Bangkok airport. It is from the Del Día collection which means it is a fully repurposed, one of a kind bag that is made from leftover fabric. I am also a slut for its internal organization. 

Consideration for flying with this bag: This bag is not 'personal item' sized when filled more than 60% full. The bright colours also don't make it incognito if trying to get away with it as a personal item *something I personally wish I initially considered in a multipurpose bag. 

🔐 Stay Safe, Stay Sexy

• Travel Lock: You’ll be especially grateful for this in shared dorms. Bonus points if it can lock your backpack closed if you’re traveling through countries where pickpocketing is an issue
• Photocopies of Docs: Passport, credit cards, ID. Keep one set in your bag and snap photos on your phone as well.
• Travel Insurance Info: Boring? Sure. But if you twist an ankle in Thailand, you’ll be glad you packed it.

⚡ Power Up

• Travel Adapter: Get a universal one and thank yourself in five countries.
• Power Bank: Your phone is your map, camera, translator, and emergency hotline. Charge it.

💊 Tiny Kit, Big Impact

• Meds & Basics: Think Advil, allergy meds, Imodium
• Prescriptions: Bring them in original bottles if possible.
• Tampons, Pads, or Cups: Some brands can be hard to find abroad - pack what works for you.

Note: Some places you'll want to get vaccines or prescription meds before you go. Google your destination country to see if this applies to you. I was very thankful to learn about Dukoral after an unfortunate experience in Mexico City. Learn about Dukoral protection in this video. On that note - some countries like Thailand recommend vaccines for travel. There are some that you should get before going but some that you ca get in your first few dats after arrival for very reasonable pricing. 

👚 Clothes 

You really don’t need as much as you think. Less is more and packing clothes you enjoy wearing that are flexible with many outfits will serve you well. Don’t overthink it - you can usually purchase things if there is something you feel like you forgot. The weather of your destination will also determine the best clothes to bring - this is a general guide. 

• 5-7 pairs of Socks and Underwear 
• Two tank tops 
• One long sleeve 
• A warmer top or jacket 
• A pair of shorts
• A pair of pants 
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A breathable or waterproof shell
• A swimsuit 

💧 Everyday Must-Haves

• Reusable Water Bottle: Hydration is hot. Collapsible water bottles are good space savers and a life straw can go a long way.
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses: Protect your glow.
• Travel Rain Jacket or Umbrella: Because weather likes to surprise you.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Cobblestone streets and 20K step days are no joke
• Headphones: You’ll want a sweet escape and alone time sometimes and headphones can be a real game changer 
• Tampons, Pads, or Cups: Some brands can be hard to find abroad — pack what works for you.

🧼 Stay Fresh(ish)

You're not staying at the Ritz — but that doesn’t mean you need to feel gross.

• Turkish Towel: Fast-drying, chic, and doubles as a beach wrap or picnic blanket. A true overachiever.
• Flip Flops/Shower Shoes: Hostels, beaches, weird bathrooms… just trust me.
• Laundry Strips & Clothesline: You’ll be surprised how satisfying sink laundry can feel.
• Sleep Sheet (Optional): For when the hostel sheets look like they’ve seen some things.

😴 Sweet Dreams, Backpacker Style

• Earplugs & Eyemask: For sleeping through snoring roommates and early hostel check-ins.

💫 For the Vibes

Backpacking isn’t just about survival, it’s about connection, fun, and living a little.

• Deck of Cards or Fun Game: Instant icebreaker in hostels, at the beach or on long train rides
• A Tiny Journal and Pen: Trust me — you’ll want to remember the weird, sweet, and “omg did that really happen?” moments.
• Speaker for the beach or mountain hikes can be legendary 

🧳 Organize Your Chaos

Organization = Liberation

• Packing Cubes: Turn your bag into a peaceful grid instead of a black hole.
• Ziplocks/Dry Bags: For separating the clean, the dirty, and the mystery wet item.

✈️ Final Tips Before You Jet

• Lay everything out. Then cut 30%. Then cut that by another 10%
• Bring pieces that mix and match: black tank + linen pants + sneakers = day or night fit.
• Don’t pack your fears. If you need something, you can probably buy it abroad (except that one brand of tampons — pack those if you're picky).
• Bring clothes you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in

Now go! Your trip is going to be messy, magical, and unforgettable. And with this list? You’re already winning.

- Roaming Nomad Diaries 

Anything that's always on your packing list? Let me know in the comments below