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backpacking Asia list male and female

Must Read: ASIA BACKPACKING ESSENTAILS!

Southeast Asia Backpacking list essentials and travel checklist items – male and female

You want to be prepared for backpacking, right? and you want to know what items to pack for Asia? You don’t want to be on the other side of the world and realise you have forgotten some crucial items in your backpack, do you? My definitive list of the ultimate backpacking essential item list for Asia. You will be fully prepared for life on the road after reading this post. If you’re wondering what to pack for Asia, I will share with you everything you need to know. Also, this is a list for both men and women clothes to pack for Asia.

What clothes should I take backpacking in Asia? This will be answered within this post and also answered is what should I pack for Asia? Your ultimate backpacking essential item list for Asia, recommended by my own personal use from life on the road. Your backpacking item list for Asia is broken down into these categories.

If you’re a hiker or camper, check out my ultralight backpacking gear list for more awesome ideas.

Here’s your quick minimalist list of Asia backpacking essentials (Click Link For AWESOME DEALS!);

The Backpacking essential item list for Southeast Asia for male and female

With so many new travel electronics, travel essential gadgets and more. How do you pick the right travel items for your travelling experience?

I am going to tell you everything you need to know for picking your very best travel essentials and more, for easy and efficient travel.

The future of backpacking will change for the better and travel will never be the same again.

 why?

Because of new travel essential gadgets, travel technology and ultralight backpacking gear being brought out all the time for us!

So, let’s have a look at what works perfectly for my travelling and what’s going to make your travelling life easier.

These travel items are going to make life on the road a lot easier, allow you to make a more memorable backpacking adventure and provide you with a kick a**e full starter travel kit for your adventures.

I still to this day use all of these items on the road and this is my favourite backpacking essential item list for Asia and more.

If you’re fancy an awesome backpacking adventure around Europe, check this ultimate Europe backpacking checklist for your travels.

1. Lightweight Travel Backpack

I refer to my backpack as my home on my back. Your travel backpack is going to store everything you own for no matter long you are travelling for. You will want an ultralight backpack, however, you don’t want a cheap backpack that is going to soak every speck of rain up, like a sponge. Therefore, I recommend this awesome backpacking essential that is affordable and is going to keep your stuff dry.

the Osprey farpoint backpack essential Southeast Asia packing list

The Osprey Farpoint backpack and Everyman Hideout backpack are some the best backpacks on the market! Another quality backpack is the Gobi Gear Hoboroll – perfect for any Asia travel itinerary!

You can also visit my Oakley Enduro 30l backpacking review, Oakley Kitchen sink backpack, and the travelon anti-theft backpack review – to see if you’d prefer these bags. Or, backpacks for minimalist travel.

Check out my Vango Banshee 2oo review post.

2. A travel power pack to keep you charged

A power pack? Damn right a power pack! I wouldn’t leave my hostel room now without one of these trusty little backpacking essential. You know exactly how quickly your phone battery drains when you’re taking 100’s pictures of Halong Bay or you’re uploading your story to Instagram.

What exactly is a power pack? Of all the things you’re looking at what to pack for backpacking in Asia, this needs to be on your list.

The battery power pack is going to keep your phone fully charged on your backpacking travel adventures time and time again. They’re also small so the travel power pack will fit easily into your backpack or day bag, this item should be high up on your travel essentials list for backpacking. This item will always have a place on my backpacking list!

the anker portable charger is one of the best for travelling

The Anker portable charger is one of the best you can use! You get many charges out of this bad boi!

You need a battery pack when doing a full day trip

3. Action travel camera such as GoPro

You want to show everyone back home your epic photos of the underwater world, right? You need an action travel camera to use for those snorkelling or diving trips. Also, the action camera is ultralight backpacking gear, which means it’s no hassle in carrying it about in your pocket. You need this camera for backpacking to make memorable water travel photos.

 

the Go Pro hero 7 camera for travelling

The GoPro hero 7 is one of the best travel cameras! Whether it’s shots from the sky, land or underwater – this is your camera!

Also, the action camera is perfect for taking to water parks and taking epic action photos on the slides! This is well up there for Asia travel essentials. Check out these GoPro accessories for some more ideas.

I use an awesome bridge camera for travelling. You can check out the Panasonic Lumix fz82 here!

4. iPhone waterproof case

Worried about your phone drowning?

You need the Catalyst waterproof case!

The Catalyst water case is the perfect alternative to a travel action camera that has no power. What is the iPhone waterproof case and how does it work? The Catalyst turns your phone into a GoPro and makes it totally safe to take pictures under the water with your phone (I was s****n it the first time I took it in the water).

The Catalyst is one of the most unique items on the backpacking gear list.

Catalyst waterproof Iphone case

 

 

You can check out the epic Catalyst case here!

If you don’t want the case, you can always check out a waterproof bag for your phone.

5. Laptop (This should be a travel essential for everyone)

This is going to be in my backpacking gear every single time I pack my backpack. I need it for travel blogging, booking flights and all the travel web development I do. It’s a new blown up craze now to make money online and travel blogging. You will struggle to do any of these without a laptop.

You don’t need it for any of them reasons?

  • What about movies while you’re travelling? Making a new playlist or any other million and one things you can do with a laptop for travelling!

What laptop do I need for travelling?

  • The laptop in my backpacking kit is either and Asus or a Macbook air. Which are both one of the best laptops for travelling. However, for your backpacking gear I recommend something a little smaller and it’s probably the coolest laptop for your backpacking essentials, you’ll be the cool backpacker on the block with the Microsoft surface Pro. This is also a great laptop for designers.

macbook air laptop for travel and work

 The Macbook Air for travel and work!

6. Camera is 100% needed for your backpacking gear list

Travel photography, memories, Instagram. Basically, you need a camera for backpacking and you shouldn’t even consider just using your phone for amazing travel photography. I know phones have amazing cameras nowadays, but a camera is always going to have that edge.

What camera is essential for my backpacking gear?

This all depends on your photography skills. Don’t go out and buy a $2000 Canyon, if you have never worked a camera before.

What I would recommend for newbies to the photography world is a point and shoot (it does what is says on the tin). You will still get amazing travel photos and it will teach the fundamentals of working a camera. you can always check out 10 travel photography tips for the basics.

So I am going to recommend two cameras on this backpacking essential item list for Asia, one for the pros and one for great but cheaper photography. Basically a camera should be included in your Asia travel essentials.

 

Easy to use and produces great photos for beginner travel photographers

the amazing panasonic lumix zs200 travel camera

 The panasonic lumix zs200 travel camera is one of the best cameras for travelling!

Best DLSR camera for travel?

the nikon d850 dslr is one of the best dslr travel cameras

This DSLR camera is one of the best DSLRs for travelling!

7. Bluetooth earphones

Bluetooth earphones are one of my best travel essentials. I use them for chilling out on long bus rides, boat journeys and flights. They’re also perfect for fitness training while travelling. For example, I’ve been in many picturesque jogs in the morning – and the earphones are perfect for having no annoying wire.

Aim to spend a little more for a decent set of Bluetooth earphones, for the quality of sound! You don’t want to be running to sunrise and have bad sound quality from your favourite track.

 

Click for value priceakg y50bt cheap bluetooth earphones

8. Wired earphones

Bluetooth are my best earphones, so why use wired earphones for travelling as well? There is the rare occasion that you will run out of power on the Bluetooth earphones and you have now power supply to charge them. I was on the 12-hour train from Chiang to Bangkok, which had no power charging available and I ran out of power on everything I had to charge the Bluetooth earphones. Luckily, I had a set of wired earphones.

Make sure to download Spotify for all your favourite music for backpacking.

The price varies on the quality of sound you want. I’m happy with a pair of cheap wired earphones, just to use as backup to the Bluetooth earphones.

klipsch r6i ii travel earphones

If you want quality earphones for travelling – then check out the Klipsch R6i II earphones!

9. Selfie stick

The world has gone crazy for these travel list essentials. Visit any tourist destination in the world and you will most likely see a selfie stick! I take my selfie stick everywhere I go and love taking a good ‘selfie’.

Why do I need one?

This epic ultralight backpacking essentials will give you ever-lasting photos of yourself and others you in those amazing places you visit. Selfie sticks are cheap man, just get one.

the selfie bluetooth travel accessory

No one should travel without a Bluetooth selfie stick in their backpack! These things create memories.

Check out my Bali travel photography post!

11. Travel jacket

This ultra lightweight backpacking essential will be priceless when backpacking in Southeast Asia!

If I got a dollar for every time the heavens opened up on me in Asia, I’d be able to retire tomorrow. However, for every time it rained, the pack-a-mac backpacking essential has saved my a**e and kept my dry.

They’re priceless items for travelling and will keep you dry in the crazy weather in Asia.

this is the best travel jacket for Asia and Europe

Do you need a lightweight travel jacket? This is a great men’s and women’s travel coat.

12. Travel Sunglasses

Men, we have to look cool on the beach for them travel photos.

Ladies, you want to look good all day long, right? Get the shades below and look your best for every Instagram photo.

Avoid squinting eyes and headaches. There’s nothing worse than blaring sun-rays in your eyes. Keep your eyes protected on those beach days with a trusty pair of travel sunglasses accessories.

oakley sunglasses for travelling

How are you supposed to pose for them Instagram photos without a pair of Oakley sunglasses!

Travel gear essential ideas

If you’re still wondering what to pack for Asia, you definitely need these backpacking and camping gear essentials.

More of my favourite essential travel items

Backpacking essential item list for Asia Travel clothes women

These are the best travel clothes for women as selected by Mollie (My partner) on her travels. Women’s clothes is not really my thing 😀 So Mollie helps me pick these as she finds them comfortable while on the road and they’re perfect for activities. Also, it’s mega important to stay healthy while travelling, having lightweight travel gear is perfect for those days when you go for a run.

travel pants womens, backpacking essentials

 If you’re travelling through Asia, these are the best travel pants for women – without a doubt. Become part of the culture! 

wrinkle free travel top womerns

 No Iron? No problem. You need this wrinkle-free women’s travel top, for life on the road.

these waterproof walking shoes are one of the best Asia backpacking essentials

 Do you need waterproof shoes for hiking? Check out these Karrimor ladies walking shoes – they’re mega!

Backpacking essential item list for Asia Travel clothes for men

These are the best travel clothes for men that I use every day for travelling. I’m quite awkward when it comes to clothes in hot weather and I will only wear ‘comfy’ clothes for backpacking.

I like to wear loose vests for travelling, cool shorts and trainers that are okay looking, but let me walk for miles.

You should check out these stylish walking shoes for travel for some more ideas of what footwear to wear!

this pantagonia top is one of the best mens travel shirts

Looking for the best men’s travel shirt? Everyone likes the feel of a Pantagonia!

green mens cargo shorts are an Asia backpacking essential

Every man needs a pair of cargo shorts in your backpacking essentials!

hiking shoes for men travel list

 These vans shoes are my favourite for travelling. They’re lightweight and comfortable. Perfect! 

What clothes should I pack for Asia?

You will most definitely be visiting temples while backpacking in Southeast Asia. Therefore, both men and women have to cover up. Men most of the time get away with shorts and T-shirt, but girls always have to cover up!

Even on those hot scorching you still have to cover up. It’s the rules to not offend the Monks and the locals.

I’ve had to cover up plenty of times, so here’s some clothing that will get you into the temples without any locals ‘shouting’ at you.

See Thailand temple etiquette for more info on covering up in temples in Asia.

You can also check this post on unique gifts for your loved ones.

I made the mistake of bringing too many clothes for travelling, then giving some away to my hostel. Don’t make my mistake! I recommend the following list of clothes for backpacking;

  • 3 x T-shirts 
  • 4 x Vests 
  • 1 x pair of joggers (good for relaxing in and for the temples)
  • 4 x pair of ankle socks 
  • 3 x pair of sports socks (perfect when there is mosquitoes hanging about)
  • 4 x underwear (you will mostly wear swim shorts anyway)
  • 5 x Swim shorts
  • 1 x cargo shorts 

Essential travel documents

This is the list of travel documents and things I take in my day bag on most days. Being organised with your travels documents is crucial for travelling. For example, airport runs are going to be a lot faster if you’ve got your passport, visas and other docs in order. 

  • Passport 
  • Money (never carry too much)
  • Debit/Visa card
  • Travel money card (I use Caxton)
  • Screen shots of your flights/accommodation in Asia (to show when you’re at the airport or applying for visas)
  • Photocopies of your passport
  • Passport size photos of you

Essential travel list of medicals needed for backpacking 

Here is some things that

  • toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • MOSQUITO SPRAY MAXIMUM DEET
  • Shampoo (most hostels do provide this)
  • Paracetamol
  • Hydrate powder (There’s a chance you will get dehydrated) for more reading on staying hydrated see…
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Razors (bring a big pack before you start you backpacking journey)
  • Travel sized aftershave/perfume Deodorant
  • Baby wipes

3 best travel apps to include in the backpacking checklist

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A new digital age has transformed the way we backpack and mobile apps have made life on the road a million times easier than it was ten years ago. So, here is my 3 favourite travel apps that I use religiously while backpacking around Asia.

#1 Booking.com

Before paying for accommodation, I want to know the price, ratings, reviews and be able to see pictures. Booking.com provides all of this and you will always find a bargain with this travel app.

Make sure you sign up to the genius account. It gives you a discount on accommodation in Asia and freebies such as a free drink on entry. 



Booking.com

#2 Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is sweet for finding cheap flights to Asia. This is also the perfect app for finding cheap flights when you’re hopping between countries in Asia.

#3 Maps.me 

Do you use Google maps?

Me too, but Maps.me gives you offline service when you’re in aeroplane mode and 90% of the time you will most likely have your mobile in aeroplane mode. 

Maps.me used your location service and provided you with directions to anywhere you choose. Perfect for day trips in Asia. Also, it’s completely free.

#4 Airbnb

A lot of travellers use Airbnb for cheap rooms in Asia. If you want to check out the rooms, make sure you use my Airbnb discount code for $40 off your next stay.

travel electrical items to take to Asia

Here’s a list of my favourite electrical items and travel gadgets for backpacking;

Drone 

Want to take your travel photography to the next level? 

A drone will give you amazing travel photography and crazy fun. Drones are becoming more popular and I’ve seen plenty hovering over islands in Asia. I, unfortunately, don’t have one of these mega adult toys, but I will be getting one in the near future for my own travel photography. No Southeast Asia packing list is complete without a drone.

 

travel photography drone

Camera memory cards 

I always keep a spare memory card just in case anything happens to the other and you’ve nothing to store all your pictures etc.
travel accessories
Bluetooth speaker

How else are you going to have your own mini beach parties?

I love my Bluetooth speaker gadget for backpacking. No matter where you are, you can rock your own favourite playlist.
travel accessories

As well as electrical, you need books! Here’s an awesome best travel books complete guide. Get reading 🙂

Summary

Here is a useful video on travel essential ideas and how to pack ultralight travel gear

Hope you have enjoyed this complete Southeast Aisa packing list.

Stay safe and have the time of your life!

All the links are Amazon affiliate links and I get just a small amount of the commission for the sale. It helps me create more useful travel content on this blog and I really do appreciate the help.

 

16 thoughts on “Must Read: ASIA BACKPACKING ESSENTAILS!”

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  3. Having spent months backpacking around Asia myself I can say that your list is spot on! Especially the mac in rainy season!! Very useful for those who are planning their own trip 🙂

  4. The backpack is what I would say the most fundamental, and it’s better to spend a bit more money for a good one then find yourself going around regretting the day you bought the cheaper one!

  5. I’ve never considered sunglasses as part of my list but I have to take them with me next time because I always forget about them. Camera and chaeger are our must-haves for sure. 💗

    1. Sunglasses are definitely needed, especially when the sun is blaring 🙂 I can’t leave without the charger, it’s crazy how quick your battery drains after a few photos etc lol x

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