Backpacking - The Ultimate Female Packing List for South East Asia

I did lots of research before we went travelling and one of the main searches was what to pack. In hindsight, if I had of actually listened to what these experienced people wrote about I would have had an easier, lighter time.

Step 1 - make sure you have a reasonable sized backpack. I went on my first backpacking trip with a 65L backpack as well as a smaller haversack. Note - this is way too much! I did not think about all of the times I would have to lug these bags around for km's at a time. The weight of both combined with scorching hot days was a real test of stamina and sanity at times.

My backpack recommendation : DEUTER ACT LITE 35 + 10 SL

Deuter are a German brand and have perfected the art of the backpack. Their bags are amazing quality and look pretty too. This particular backpack has been designed with minimal weight and a sleek fit to suit the woman's body. It has plenty of pockets, a rain cover and lots of padding in the straps. RRP $179

Step 2 - make a list of what you would like to bring and then mark each item with an 'N' for necessary and an 'L' for luxury. This way you can cross off all of the L's on your list that as they are really things you can live without i.e those lovely, wear with anything high heels - NO

Step 3 - once you have all your things out on your bed, pack your backpack, empty it out again, be realistic on what you will need out of all of this then pack again. Believe me I know from experience about not being able to choose between the black shorts or the slightly blacker shorts! It happens to the best of us. Keep doing this until you can do it no more and you will have a much more pleasant trip and actually wear what you bring.

Step 4 - put on your backpack along with your smaller bag and walk about the house for a few minutes. If it feels manageable then what a win, if like me you have just pretended it was light as a feather then take it off and carry out Step 3 again.

Tip:

* Leave your good clothes at home. Go to Penneys/Primark/Kmart or whatever your countries bargain store is and buy items that you will be happy to throw away

* Rolling is the key technique for packing clothes into a backpack as it is not a structured, flat shape like a suitcase

* Pack the heavier items down the bottom of your backpack to relieve the stress on your upper back and shoulders

* Buy some packing cells - these are a great way of keeping your clothes sectioned so you don't have to empty out your backpack every time you are looking for that item that you need that always ends up at the bottom

* Always put your toiletries on top - you will need these at every stop so make sure they are within reach at all times

REMEMBER - anything you are so sad you left behind and desperately need (more like want), you can buy when you get there for next to nothing so this packing business is not the end of the world.

Below is my realistic list on what I actually wore, needed and could carry with no issues.

Clothing:

• Undies (x7) - a lot of different blogs will say 5 pairs however when I was in Asia, we did our laundry once a week which was sufficient therefore have enough pairs to get you by till that wonderful day of clean clothes. You will never appreciate clean clothes like you will when backpacking

• Socks (x4) - I used the same socks twice as luckily I do not have foot odour, however if this is something that you do have then apply above undies theory

• Bras (x3) - pack staple bras, one black, one nude/white and a strapless

• Shorts (x2)

• Skirts (x2) - one maxi, one short

• T-shirts (x3) - get light weight cotton options so they are more breathable. Another option is bamboo t-shirts as they are great for humid weather, a bit more expensive but a great investment

• Tank tops (x2)

• Dresses (x2) - one day, one night

• Jeans (x1) - jeans can be really heavy so one pair is enough. They are great for planes, trains and automobiles to keep you warm and also if you go to a more cooler climate area. Pick your favourite colour that goes best with all of your tops

• Lightweight trousers (x1) - these are ideal for the cooler climate areas and also great if you are visiting temples and places of worship

• Bikini/Swimsuit (x1) - one is ideal however if you know you are going to spend lots of time on a beach/by the pool then consider bringing two

Footwear:

• 1 pair Sneakers/trainers

• 1 pair of flip flops/thongs

• 1 pair of dressy sandals

• 1 pair of walking sandals - Merrell is an exceptional brand, a bit pricey but comfort when travelling is priceless

Toiletries and medical supplies:

• Shampoo, Conditioner and body wash

• Deodorant

• Makeup - it will most likely be hot and sticky weather therefore consider what your face will look like after a days sweaty hike. I have to admit I did pack all of my makeup (to a reasonable degree, no highlighters, concealers etc. just the basics). I enjoyed putting it on during the days where I wasn't doing a big activity and then to have at night when you go out for dinner or to a bar is quite nice

• Toothpaste and toothbrush

• Razor and Shaving Foam

• Hairbrush and hair ties

• Suncream - factor 50 is the minimum I would carry as the sun is Asia is super strong. Stock up before you go, it is getting much better for sun protection in Asia however in lots of the smaller towns/villages you will be paying way over normal price. Also try to avoid oils as the sticky feeling it leaves is not nice. My favourite is Nivea cream as it is light and not sticky

• Aloe Vera Gel - for those days you forget to apply suncream regularly. It is also just a great lotion to use to keep your skin as hydrated as possible

• Mosquito repellent and Tiger Balm - one to prevent the biting, the latter to help with the itching if the former fails

• Basic first aid kit - band aids, antiseptic cream, antihistamine cream, painkillers

Accessories:

• Small purse/crossbody bag - it is nice to have the freedom of a backpack at times however you still need to carry stuff on you so bring a small purse or bag that can house the essentials for a walk about/night out

• Sunglasses

• Lightweight Scarf

• Sarong - this is a must bring, it doubles as a blanket for the beach and a way to cover up when visiting sacred places

• Necklace/earrings - don't bring good ones just some choices that will help dress up any outfit if needs be

Electronic items:

• Kindle - this is one thing I am so happy I spent money on before I set off. Just to be able to have so many books in the one place without all of the weight is a gift. You can read my Top 10 Holiday Book recommendations here.

• Ipad/Tablet/Small Laptop - any of these are a great idea. There will be nights when you just want to chill in your room rather than face another social occasion and to have Netflix or some viewing platform available to you will be a super asset to have

• Camera/GoPro and memory cards

• All necessary cords, chargers etc.

• Travel hair dryer - lots of people will tell you not to bring a hair dryer and I know I am preaching about packing light however if you have fuzz buzz hair like me, your hair dryer will become just as good a friend as your camera. Nowadays they have become so compact and lightweight, you won't even notice them there. Babyliss PRO TT is the perfect choice and a great price at $32.99

#packinglist #backpacking #deuter