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Light International Backpacking Packing List
Most newer international travelers pack too much of inappropriately. Some are able to send stuff home or are willing to part with their possessions, while others are forced to purchase needed items in country and add these to their overweight packs. While traveling, it is not uncommon to see backpackers with a huge backpack on their backs, a day pack worn on the front and even carrying a third bag in their hands.
The following is a reasonable list of what you can carry and still be quite comfortable, while allowing for souvenirs, gifts, etc. Many will carry a few extra articles of clothing to decrease the frequency of laundry, while more experienced trekkers can get by with considerably less. An Ultralight Packing List is also available for review.
| Item | Location | Notes | |
| Worn | |||
| Mountain Hardware Canyon Shirt | Dries quickly; zippered pocket for money; Napoleon pocket for map, tickets, etc. | ||
| REI Adventure Pants | Dries quickly; useful "concealed" pockets; doesn't look too touristy | ||
| Smartwool Trekking Socks | On feet | Dry poorly, but very comfortable and protective | |
| Danner Gortex boots | On feet | Overkill but extremely comfortable; most trekkers can get away with lightweight hiking boots or trailrunner shoes | |
| Quick release nylon strap belt | Through pant belt loops | Secret money compartment; light weight; can be used to secure cargo, as tourniquet, etc; metal used (except tiny zipper slider) so airport security friendly | |
| Pacsafe Stashsafe 100 Hip Pack | Over Left/Front hip | See below | |
| Luminox waterproof watch with tritium hand | Left Wrist | Can read hands at night; black The Band wrist strap | |
| Sunto Wrist Compass | On wristwatch | Attached to watch strap; luminous hands can be read to some degree in the dark | |
| Daily spending money - small bills | Zipped in pants pocket | A clam shell paper clip is sometimes used to organize bills | |
| Daily spending money - larger bills | Shirt pocket | A clam shell paper clip is sometimes used to organize bills | |
| Money Belt | Under pants | See Below | |
| Sunglasses | Napoleon shirt pocket | ||
| Hotel business card | Zippered pant pocket | ||
| Titanium handled lock blade | Front pant pocket | ||
| Protective charm | Generally around neck | Can be a Buddha, crucifix, St Joseph, amulet of protection, or whatever works for you; can't hurt unless is symbol of group or belief not liked in area of travel - such as Star of David in most of the Middle East | |
| Money Belt - under the pants/shirt type | Always worn | Elastic strap sewn to body of belt so that it can't accidentally come off; zipper pulls replaced with cord with ends melted to prevent passing through zipper pull; tan selected to that it doesn't stand out when thin light colored clothing is worn; contents kept in Ziploc bag | |
| Passport | If these don't have to be readily available | ||
| Copy of passport | Laminated | ||
| Plane Ticket | |||
| Emergency money | US hundred dollar bills and a US hundred dollars in local currency | ||
| Calling card | |||
| Emergency contact list | List of emails and phone numbers of everyone and every place that is important | ||
| Pacsafe Stashsafe 100 Hip Pack | Generally worn | "Slashproof" side with wire cable in waist strap; logo removed; rear compartment zipper always locked; front compartment generally locked | |
| Small threaded D-Ring | From Brunton MY-Ti tableware set; used to secure belt cable to d-ring on body and zipper pulls | ||
| Cannon A720IS camera | Front compartment | Image stabilization; uses 2 AA batteries; kept in Ziploc if in wet environments; kept in pocket in low theft areas where picture taking is common | |
| Spare set of rechargeable AA | Front compartment | Used for camera | |
| Spare memory chip | Front compartment | Used for camera | |
| Mini Calculator with cover | Front compartment | Used to calculate funds, exchange rate, negotiating prices, etc.; battery operated | |
| Map, Visitor tickets, etc | Front compartment | If these won't fill in shirt pocket of if the don't need to be immediately available; Ziploc needed in wet environments | |
| Small notebook and pen | Front compartment | Used for notes and drawing pictures to describe any number of things | |
| Matches | Front compartment | Ziploc'd if any suggestion of rain | |
| Wallet | Rear compartment | Limited Extra funds (US and local); credit and debit cards (when in areas where these are needed); driver's license; laminated color copy of passport; "business" cards | |
| Room key/card | Rear compartment | ||
| Extra hotel business card | Rear compartment | ||
| Papers, luggage tickets, railpass, etc | Rear compartment | Items that don't need to be immediately available; kept in Ziploc bag | |
| Passport | Rear compartment; rear zipped pocket | In countries where this needs to be readily available; kept in Ziploc bag | |
| USB thumb drive | Rear compartment; rear zipped pocket | Contains images of passports and visas; used to collect and move pictures | |
| Daypack - JanSport 30L ripstop Equinox | Generally worn | Pack reinforced; stainless steel cable sewn into pack to make slashproof; zipper sliders replaced with lockable sliders and cord zipper pulls to reduce noise; pack died black with boot die; spray painted and marked up to discourage thieves; logo covered with looped Velcro; these mods are nice, but not necessary; many travelers will opt for a smaller daypack | |
| Small umbrella | Side pocket | ||
| Bottle of water | Side pocket | Purchased locally | |
| Ultrathon DEET bug cream | Rear compartment | Carried in areas where bugs are a problem | |
| Wet Wipes | Rear compartment | Used to clean toilet seats, hands and as toilet paper; Johnson's Baby in mini 10 pack preferred; if wet wipes are not carried, toilet paper will need to be carried in Ziploc bag | |
| Pepto-Bismol Bottle | Rear compartment | Small bottle used, but filled with pills from second bottle and cotton ball to reduce rattling; used as prophylaxis for diarrhea | |
| Brunton MY-Ti Spork | Mid compartment | kept in Ziploc bag | |
| Collapsible chopsticks set | Mid compartment | kept in clamshell box | |
| Local Guidebook | Mid compartment | Notes and info kept in book for protection and as bookmarks | |
| Dictionary | Mid compartment | Great for finding words in other languages | |
| Mini tripod | Mid compartment | Used for flashless night shots | |
| Mini Headlamp | Mid compartment | Bright; dim; strobe; red light; red strobe; kept in case | |
| Zipties | Mid compartment | Kept in small Ziploc bag; used to secure main pacs prior to transport | |
| First Aid kit | Mid compartment | See Below | |
| Meds | Mid compartment | Blister pack of Katadyn chlorine dioxide (water purification); blister pack of loperamide (Imodium), sample pack of Tylenol (paracetamol or acetaminophen) | |
| Lightweight Pen | Mid compartment | Can come in handy if main pen is lost or runs out | |
| Mini can opener | Mid compartment | US military type is very minimal | |
| Arc'teryx Easyrider Softshell | Main compartment | Packed when climate/conditions mandate; light, packable and resistant to rain and wind | |
| Food/snacks/local purchases | Main compartment | ||
| Mini Combo locks | Main compartment | used to lock zippers | |
| Pacsafe mini cable lock | Side of pack | Cabled down to pack; used to lock bag to table, chairs, etc when sitting around at train stations, restaurants, park benches, etc. | |
| Mini light | Right shoulder strap | used to signal in crowds or see in dark | |
| Compass/Thermometer/Magnifying glass combo | Left shoulder strap | used for compass; thermometer used to confirm that is really is that hot or that cold | |
| First Aid Kit | Daypack | Small zippered nylon case; everything kept in Ziploc bags; kept minimal | |
| Assortment of dressings | Ziploc 1 | Band-Aids, Steri strips, 4x4 gauze pads, 2x2 gauze pads | |
| Single use Betadine packet | Ziploc 1 | ||
| Betadine on cotton tipped applicator | Ziploc 1 | ||
| Alcohol swabs | Ziploc 1 | ||
| Antibiotic ointment pack | Ziploc 1 | ||
| Small roll of medical tape | Ziploc 1 | Many uses - secure dressings, splinting, taping sprained ankles, make rope | |
| Safety pins | Ziploc 2 | Used to hold dressings and slings together; close large wounds; clear tongue from obstructing airway | |
| Premium grade moleskin | Ziploc 2 | Put on ideally prior to blister formation; several precut | |
| Sterile needle | Ziploc 2 | Carried in 3rd world countries for injections and used to remove slivers, pop blisters, etc. | |
| Sterile suture pack | Ziploc 2 | Silk with needle attached - can be used to sew skin or gear | |
| Vinyl Exam gloves | Ziploc 3 | 4 in own Ziploc bag - why get someone else's blood or body fluids on your hands? | |
| Roll of sterile gauze | Ziploc 4 | Air squeezed out of package and stored in own Ziploc bag; used to pack, cover and wrap larger wounds as well as make slings, tie up splints and make tourniquets | |
| Pack - 22" Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Pack |
Kept locked in room or locker most of the time | Excellent oversized wheels and rear suspension that rides like a fitted external frame pack; easy to drag and comfortable to carry on back; all zippers except suspension stowage zipper have zipper sliders replaced with lockable sliders and cord zipper pulls to reduce noise; pack died black with boot die; spray painted and marked up to discourage thieves and make easier to locate at airport; logos are covered up; there are much lighter packs available | |
| Mountain Hardware Canyon Shirt | Main compartment | Dries quickly; zippered pocket for money; Napoleon pocket for map, tickets, etc.; one worn is washed each night | |
| REI Adventure Pants | Main compartment | Dries quickly; useful "concealed" pockets; doesn't look too touristy; one worn is washed each night | |
| Leisure Clothes | Main compartment | Scrubs or shorts with pockets and t-shirt; worn when clothes are in the wash | |
| Smartwool Trekking Socks x 3 | Main compartment | Dry poorly, but very comfortable and protective | |
| Polartec pullover | Main compartment | Packed if the possibility of being somewhat cold on trip | |
| Duracell 15 minute charger | Main compartment | Used to charge AA camera batteries, and AAA batteries used in Razor and clock (if ever needed); power adapter states 100-120V but is made to be used with 100-240V; cables Velcro'd to prevent tangling in bag | |
| Light socket plug adapter | Main compartment | Used with wall sockets are worn out or otherwise unavailable | |
| Appropriate plug adapter | Main compartment | Used for charger and Immersion heater | |
| Immersion Heater | Main compartment | Luxury item; used for tea; rated for 110V but kicks ass with 220V; can be used to purify water or heat water for bathing or laundry | |
| Bag of Tea | Main compartment | Kept in small Ziploc bag stored in mug | |
| Titanium Mugs | Main compartment | Stackable pair if traveling in twos | |
| Multitool with pliers | Main compartment | Rarely used, but lifesaver when needed | |
| Hygiene Kit | Main compartment | See Below | |
| Mini Swege | Main compartment | Door wedge with alarm; bottom reVelcro'd with hook orientated correctly; extra loop Velcro cut to size in zipped bag; sheet place between contacts when not in use to prevent accidental activation of alarm; can be used to secure windows; generally not needed by most travelers but helps you sleep at night | |
| Plastic Trash Compactor Bag | Main compartment | One used to keep clothing dry and a spare; can be used as spare bag, laundry bag, makeshift washing machine to for glissading | |
| Extra Ziploc bags | Main compartment | Used to separate and waterproof any number of things; take a couple of small ones and a couple of larger ones | |
| Overflow | Main compartment | Souvenirs; gifts and significant other's necessary items | |
| Spare Wet Wipes | Main compartment | Used to clean toilet seats, hands and as toilet paper; Johnson's Baby in mini 10 pack preferred; stored in Ziploc bag | |
| Braided latex laundry cord | Main compartment; under flap mesh | large suction cups added with split ring; mini snaplink on one end to facilitate rapping end around towel rack | |
| Camp Towel | Main compartment; under flap mesh | Fast drying; used to dry body and wring out washed clothing | |
| Papers | Main compartment; inner side mesh | The collection of paper grows and grows during your trip - it includes hotel/hostel confirmations, copy of prescriptions (including glasses and contacts), receipts, tickets, itineraries, notes, photos, postcards, maps, etc.; take a couple of sheets of blank printer paper to write/draw on and a lightweight plastic pen; all kept in large Ziploc bag | |
| Tealight | Top compartment | Used when power goes out to save on mini batteries used in headlamp and shoulder straps; lighter than any lantern (electric or burning); can make makeshift chimney lantern from plastic bottle if needed | |
| Extra straps | Top compartment | Used to tie down daypack if needed | |
| Medium duty cable lock | Outer rear flap compartment | Used to lock bag to furniture in room or to lock group bags together at train stations | |
| Pelican Pelilock | Outer rear flap compartment | High security lock; great for securing rooms, lockers to fancy lock jobs with cable lock | |
| TSA approved combo locks | All compartments except suspension storage flap | Combo'd alike; all zippers locked during transport and when separated from bag; suspension flap secured with zipties when checking bags | |
| Luggage tag | Securely tied to upper handle | Name and contact information laminated and concealed with outer flap of tag so that information not visible without opening tag | |
| Mini light | Right shoulder strap | Used to signal in crowds or see in the dark | |
| Compass/Thermometer/Magnifying glass combo | Left shoulder strap | used for compass; thermometer used to confirm that is really is that hot or that cold | |
| Hygiene Kit | Kept in main pack most of the time or with carry on during air and train travel | Nylon case with loop at top and side to allow for hanging; suction cup attached to side loop with spit ring | |
| Toothbrush | Main compartment | Soft Bristles are easy on the gums | |
| Smiles toothbrush holder | Main compartment | protects bristles and has suction cup back to attach to mirror so that brush can dry | |
| Soap dish | Main compartment | Dried after each shower to reduce soap loss | |
| Dove Sensitive Skin soap bar | Main compartment | not perfumed, not harsh on skin; doubles as shampoo and laundry detergent if bathfoam, soap and/or shampoo is not provided by hotel | |
| Small tube of toothpaste | Main compartment | 3oz or less to make it through airport; more purchased later | |
| Mouthwash | Main compartment | in 3oz Nalgene bottle with solid top (not flip top); kept in Ziploc bag | |
| Crew hair grooming cream | Main compartment | in small 1oz Nalgene container | |
| Comb | Main compartment | Good $2 comb that doesn't cut the scalp | |
| Alarm clock | Main compartment | With backlight and cover to prevent alarm from accidentally being set during transport; some trekkers use a wrist watch with an alarm instead | |
| Female hygiene products | Main compartment | Needed if female and menstruating; tampons can be used on long bus rides when you have severe diarrhea - TMI from a female traveler; kept in own Ziploc bag | |
| Mini electric razor | Main compartment | If male desiring clean shave; uses 2 AAA batteries and is much heavier than a disposable razor; slow to shave but easy on skin | |
| Mini nail clippers | Main compartment | Made in Japan - really nice; built in file in handle - TSA friendly | |
| Extra bottle of Bisthmus Subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) | Main compartment | Small bottle filled from second bottle with cotton ball to reduce rattling | |
| Prescription meds | Main Compartment | Carried if needed - this would also include extra glasses, contacts, birth control pills, etc. for those that need these; all stored in Ziploc bag | |
| Mini GUM dental floss container | Side compartment | Used for flossing, sewing and as string (such a for holding up bug nets) | |
| Heavy Duty Stainless steel sewing needles | Side compartment | kept in small needle tube | |
| Mini sewing kit | Side compartment | Often provided by hotels and can be picked up along the way; small safety pins and extra buttons should be included | |
| Selection of meds | Side compartment | sample or blister packs of Katadyn chlorine dioxide (water purification), loperamide (Imodium), Tylenol (paracetamol or acetaminophen), ibuprofen (Advil), ciprofloxacin (for bacterial diarrhea) - if in areas of risk: metronidazole (Flagyl of amebic dysentery), Mebendazole (Vermox for worms), a bottle of doxycycline for malaria, and/or other meds; all kept in small Ziploc bag | |
| Medication card | Side compartment | laminated; reminds you dosages and when and how to use meds | |
| Small bottle of Betadine | Main Compartment | Kept in small Ziploc bag; used to disinfect wounds and water in a pinch; works better when diluted so a little goes a long ways | |
| Snaplink | Outside loop | Used to hang bag from towel rack, belt, pack, clothes lines and other objects | |
| Items of luxury or for special use carried by many travelers - these can easily double the weight of your pack | |||
| Clothing | |||
| Underwear | Main pack | Worn by most; go with quick drying ones in colors other than white; many go without in tropical regions where in may increase the risk of fungal infections; up to 5 is recommended | |
| Waterproof socks | Main pack or worn | Used when stream crossing with non Gortex footwear; generally not needed | |
| Waterproof pants | Main pack | Almost never needed; these can be quite expensive and too hot to wear | |
| More shirts | Main pack | Man travelers will pack as many as 5 shirts of a mix of long and short sleeves | |
| Cargo pants | Worn or main pack | Pockets great for gear and guide books; stand out more than regular pants - ironically more so with camouflaged ones | |
| Convertible pants | Worn or main pack | Allow you to easily switch from pants to shorts; look touristy and often not durable or comfortable for wear | |
| Extra shoes/slippers/etc | Main pack | Can be nice but takes up room and dirties up your pack | |
| Hat | Daypack or worn | Protection from sun, bugs and cold | |
| Swimming suit | Main pack | This is particularly useful for women | |
| Short sleeve shirts | Worn or main pack | Many, if not most, travelers use these but are not as versatile as long sleeve shirts which are more accepted in many countries and give better protection against cold, sun and bugs | |
| Shorts | Main pack | Good for leisure clothing and swimming; shorts are considered inappropriate in many countries or settings | |
| Sweater | Main pack | Bulky but nice in cold urban environments; darker colors hide stains better and help decrease the frequency of washings needed | |
| Exercise clothing | Main pack | Good if you are working out or for lounging around | |
| Nightshirt | Main pack | Particularly for women | |
| Dressy clothes | Main pack | May be needed for more formal events (operas, business meetings, etc) | |
| Neck tie | Main pack | Can make any collared shirt appear more formal | |
| Scarf | Day or main pack | Nice in winter; can be worn on head if needed | |
| Gore-Tex/waterproof jacket | Day pack | Unless in very rain area, generally not needed; always take for Britain, Ireland and Northwest USA | |
| Synthetic socks | Main pack and worn | Dry much faster than wool but just aren't the same | |
| Compression bag | Main pack | Not an article of clothing, but makes packing your excessive clothing easier; adds some level of protection from water | |
| Hygiene and Health | |||
| Sunscreen | Day pack | Need dependant on individual and destinations | |
| Mirror | Day pack or hygiene kit | Nice if not staying at hotel or for signaling in the desert | |
| Shampoo and conditioner | Hygiene kit | Needed by most - if not provided by hotel; carry only what you need and refill along the way | |
| Small bottle of biodegradable concentrated laundry soap | Main pack | Packed in 3oz Nalgene bottle with solid top (not flip top); kept in Ziploc bag - only packed if you don't expect to use hotel soaps or buy enroute; some use this to also replace shampoo and soap | |
| Spot remover | Hygiene kit | Bring a couple of wipes or small container or Goop hand cleaner | |
| Universal drain plug | Main pack | Used to plug drains for laundry and bathes; can also use a rubber jar opener | |
| Hand sanitizer gel | Day pack or hygiene kit | Used after visiting the rest room and prior to meals | |
| Antibacterial wipes | Day or main pack | Used after visiting the rest room and prior to meals | |
| Baby powder | Hygiene kit | Dry shampoo for hair | |
| Foot powder | Hygiene kit | Should have antifungal additives | |
| Hair clips | Main pack | Used as necessary | |
| Extra cheap sunglasses | Main pack | Can be purchased very cheaply and nice to have; generally a comfort item, sunglasses can be a critical item for high altitude environments - an improvised set can be made from cardboard or duct tape | |
| Disposable razor | Hygiene kit | Lighter, more dependable and provides a better shave than an electric razor; you will need to shave with soap and water or pack shaving cream; silicone based creams such as King of Shaves come in tiny bottles that last some time | |
| Quality electric razor | Hygiene kit | Many of these will hold enough charge for shorter trips; cord may be necessary | |
| Electric toothbrush | Hygiene kit | Many of these will hold enough charge for shorter trips; charger may be necessary | |
| Portable iron | Main pack | This is just crazy - but some trekkers do pack them | |
| Hair drier | Main pack | Used to dry long hair or wet clothing; usually available at hotel | |
| Lexan water bottle | Day or main pack | Used to store, treat and flavor water; generally a disposable water bottle is all you need | |
| Electric water purifier | Day or main pack | MIOX or UV light water treatment devices allow for "unlimited" water treatment; good in very remote areas where bottled water isn't available; not worth it's weight where bottled water is available | |
| Multi vitamins | Day or main pack | Not a bad idea if you aren't eating many fruits and vegetables | |
| Inflatable hangers | Main pack | Used to hang up clothes for drying or storage in room | |
| Toilet seat covers | Day pack | Can be purchased in small packs or taken from public rest rooms for future use. | |
| Cosmetics | Hygiene kit | Cosmetics, skin care products, etc and required by a few travelers; think about taking a vacations from cosmetics | |
| Prophylactic condoms | Main pack | If you need these, you may wish to pack good quality ones which can be difficult to find in some parts of the world | |
| Comprehensive medical pack | Main pack | Useful in remote areas or when working with NGOs; one per group | |
| Survival kit | Day or main pack | Some better than others; generally just unnecessary dead weight to carry | |
| Comfort | |||
| Sleeping bag, blanket, etc | Main pack | Almost never needed, heavy and waist of space | |
| Silk sleep sac | Main pack | Some protection against dirty sheets and bedding in cheep hotels, hostels, huts and trains | |
| Sheets | Main pack | Some hostels require that you rent or bring your own sheets | |
| Pillow case | Main pack | If you are uncomfortable using the provided pillow, you can cover it with this or stuff this with you extra clothes | |
| Inflatable neck rest | Main pack | Nice for long train, plane and bus rides | |
| Mattress (inflatable or foam) | Day or main pack | A luxury generally not needed; a sit pad is nice if doing a lot of wilderness trekking/sitting | |
| Bug net | Main pack | Generally not needed - but is a life saver when it is | |
| Ear plugs | Day or main pack | Minimal weight and bulk - helps sleep on noisy train/bus rides | |
| Sleep mask | Main pack | Some travelers just need these | |
| High powered light bulb | Main pack | These can be purchased in country and used in your rooms; these can be difficult to pack | |
| Bag from boxed wine | Day or main pack | Use as lumbar support or pillow on long bus and train rides; doubles as water container | |
| Poncho | Day or main pack | Some don't travel without these; they can be used and ground cloths, sit pads, shelters, worn in the rain or used to cover packs | |
| Reusable space blanket | Day or main pack | Can be a life saver in wet and cold environments; use as make shift shelter, poncho, sit pad, or picnic blanket | |
| Eating and Drinking | |||
| Stove (gas, liquid, electric, etc) | Day or main pack | If needed, you may be better off with a local one that uses local fuel - dump/donate prior to returning home; there is always a potential of problems with getting stoves through airports | |
| Cookware | Day or main pack | Good to have if you plan to cooking the majority of your own meals; normal weight cookware can generally be purchased pretty cheaply in country and dumped/donated prior returning home | |
| Plastic plates or coffee can lids | Main pack | Some don't like eating out of pots and actually pack these; another purchase and donate/dump item; collapsible bowls and plates are available for trekkers | |
| Thermos | Main pack | Store hot beverages in cold climates or hot water for noodles | |
| Hot sauce | Day or main pack | May make food more palatable | |
| Picnic set | Day or main pack | Cutlery, seasoning, corkscrew, and maybe even a small blanket | |
| Titanium or stainless flask | Day pack | Nicer than the glass bottles liquor generally comes in | |
| Entertainment | |||
| Pocket journal | Day or main pack | Many trekkers like to record their thoughts and experiences | |
| Paperback, religious text, etc | Day or main pack | ||
| Hacky sac, cards, games, etc | Day or main pack | If small and used, can be worth packing | |
| Musical instrument | Day, main or own pack | Can be fun, but larger ones (guitars) generally create a great deal of hassle | |
| Gadgets | |||
| MP3 or CD player | Daypack | Music and sometime pictures; thieves love these | |
| High performance camera and lenses | Day or own pack | Needed for great photo shots; heavy and bulky; loved by thieves; may be a required item if photography is the reason for your trek | |
| Portable DVD player | Day or main pack | Watch movies instead of visiting with others or sightseeing; another thefted item | |
| Laptop/notebook | Main pack | Edit webpages, blogs, emails, journals and images; watch movies; another object loved by thieves | |
| PDA | Day or main pack | Much more compact than laptop, allows to to edit journals and emails, listen to music, show pictures, read digital books and maybe do work | |
| Electronic Translator | Day pack | Generally painful to use and a distracter to communication; useful for some | |
| Portable hard drive (Photobank) | Day or main pack | Some can copy images straight off camera memory cards and allow you to view them on a small screen or a TV; another item prone to heat, water and theft | |
| Radio - AM/FM/SW | Day or main pack | Can be quite compact; can be useful in times of emergency | |
| 2 way radios | Day pack | Used to communicate between vehicles or when party separates; may be illegal in the country you are visiting; another battery whore | |
| LED lantern/torch | Main pack | Provides many hours of light; generally not needed and tealight is lighter and more romantic | |
| Solar charger | Main pack | Used to charge batteries where electricity is not available | |
| Binoculars or monocular | Day pack | Rarely used and often are significant in weight | |
| Cell Phone | Carried or main pack | Used to friend at airport or for use in visiting country | |
| Fan | Day or main pack | Battery powered or plug in; cools you on hot days; a fan at night decreased the number of bug bites | |
| Pedometer | Worn | Logs number to steps or jolts throughout the day | |
| Inverter | Main pack | This allows to run 110V gadgets on 220V or vise versa; these generally tend to be heavier than they look and should it is generally lighter to use a dual voltage device or power adapter if possible; if used, care should be taken if selecting the proper inverter | |
| Tools | |||
| Duct tape | Main pack | Pack just a mini roll; use for repairs, as mole skin, holding up bug nets, and so much else | |
| Cord | Main pack | Small amount is good for many uses | |
| Permanent or laundry marker | Day or main pack | Used to label things; little weight with potential uses | |
| Universal faucet knob and radiator key | Main pack | Used to adjust the heat in your room | |
| Binder clamps | Main pack | Minimal weight and space; useful for holding papers together, keeping drapes closed and as a heavy duty money clip | |
| Camp tools (machete, axe, etc) | Day or main pack | Unless you are exploring a rain forest solo - generally not needed and very heavy/bulky | |
| Safety and Security | |||
| Pacsafe | Over pack | Used to cover bag with a stainless wire mesh net; heavy and not usually needed unless carrying a lot of camping gear outside of your pack or if you are excessively paranoid | |
| Personal/door alarm | Worn or on door | Used to attract attention when activated or when door is opened; expect false alarms | |
| Door wedge | Main pack | Solid wood, metal, plastic, rubber, etc edge; used like one listed above to stop door from opening, but without the alarm | |
| Cable lock with alarm | Main pack | Interesting idea; plan on frequent false alarms | |
| Whistle | Worn or daypack | Can be attached to or built into pack (such as sternal buckle on main pack above) or worn; use to signal for help or as alarm | |
| True Weapons | Worn or main pack | Generally never needed and come with the potential for great problems | |
| Other | |||
| Mailing labels | Main pack with papers | If you like to mail postcards and letters, you may wish to pack preaddressed labels | |
| Postcards and pictures | Day pack | You may wish to share pictures of home with folks you meet along your journey | |
| Office supplies | Main pack | Envelopes, paper clips, and Post-It notes can be handy | |
| Mailing tubs | Main pack or carried | Great for protecting posters, prints, etc.; can be trimmed to fit pack if carrying smaller papers | |
| Fine mist spray bottle | Day or main pack | Used to spray on wrinkled clothing on face on hot days. | |
| Window cleaner | Day or main pack | Used to clean bus and train windows so that you can take better pictures through them | |
| Camping gear | Main pack | Few international travelers will actually camp so many of items in this category will be dead weight | |
| Gifts | Main pack | If you are visiting friends or staying a place for free, you may wish to bring a little something from home | |
| Packing cubes and sacks | Main pack | These can make organizing packs easier; some can help compress clothing to free up some space in you pack | |
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