2. Backpacking: Clothing
Our Recommended packing list for backpacking trips.
Selecting the Right Clothing
Packing lightweight and versatile clothing is key for backpacking. Think layers and function over fashion. Pack with your destinations and the local climate in mind (Why would you pack a fleece if you're going to the tropics? Or a vest for hiking through Scotland or Ireland?)
Always consider the weight you will be carrying, but remember packing more means washing less!
We have split this list into distinct sections (and colour blocked them for ease of navigation):
- Essential
- Optional
We have covered the details of how to pack them in part 6, but be sure to check part 3. Toiletries & Personal Care & part 4. Backpacking Essentials before then, as this contains details of other things you will need!
Essential Items
The section below details the items of clothing we consider to be essential for travelling. Outside of of this you can find Optional items in the section below.
Trousers / Skirts
We generally recommend packing 1 or 2 pairs of trousers or for women, 1 pair of trousers and a longer skirt, depending on where you are going and when, but 1 pair of trousers minimum. For longer Trips where you leave in spring or summer, but extends into the autumn or winter months, you may not need them immediately, but they will come in handy.
For backpacking, we recommend packing at least 1 pair of Regatta Geo II softshell trousers. These comfortable, light weight trousers are water proof, wind proof and hard waring with multiple zipped pockets and are a great all-rounder, as even the warmest climates can get cold at night.
A good option for a second pair is a loose fitting pair of chinos from a weight and comfort perspective.
To increase the space in your bag, and reduce the weight of it, we also recommend you wear one of these items while travelling. You can always change into shorts when you arrive if you want to.
Also for visiting some locations in more conservative countries, you will need long trousers to enter some sights such as mosques and temples.
Shorts
Regardless of when you go backpacking, you will inevitably end up wear in shorts at some point, so shorts are a backpacking must. For backpacking trips, we recommend packing 4 - 5 pairs, as you will usually end up wearing each pair for a couple of days at a time depending on what you are doing - But remembers - the lighter they are, the better from a weight perspective!
As well as a decent pair or Cotton/polyblend shorts we recommend EKLENTSON Quick Dry Cargo Shorts Lightweight Walking Hiking Shorts. Cargo shorts are really useful for carrying bits and pieces while out exploring, as well as being practical when bad weather strikes. They are also lightweight to keep you cool on the go.
T-shirts & Vest Tops
T-shirts. The travel staple. We're not going to tell you what style, or colour to pack, as we all have our favoured style, fit and brands. But packing more, means washing less!
For trips longer than 2 weeks, we recommend packing 7-10 t-shirts/vest tops. This will give you time to wash t-shirts as you go, and make sure you have a couple of clean ones to allow for couple of days drying time. In the tropics, they will get dirty/sweaty quickly. We also recommend avoiding white where possible, as this makes washing them easier.
As with Trousers, you should plan out what you plan to see in a day and dress accordingly, as some sights (Think the Vatican or Mosques) require everyone to have their shoulders covered - So don't wear a vest top that day!
Shirts
At least 1 Shirt is a must have packing item for us. They are great for when you are out exploring, particularly for protecting you from the sun and insects.
We recommend packing 1 to 3 shirts, with at least 1 long-sleeved option. (Remember even HOT locations can be significantly cooler in the evenings!). Again, having a couple will give you time to wash shirts as you go, and make sure you have a couple of clean ones to allow for a few days drying time.
Remember to pack the right type of shirts for the climate you are going to and the activities you plan to do! Depending on your destinations, the colours of shirts you pack can be equally important!
- Lighter/Linen shirts for summer and countries with hot/humid climates
- Heavier shirts for winter and colder destinations
- Short sleeve shirts to help you keep cool
- Long sleeve shirts for sun/bug protection/keeping warm
Sweatshirt / Hoodie
This recommendation applies regardless of the time of year you are travelling. Always have one! Not only great for keeping you warm, but useful for sleeping on overnight trains and buses.
Its one of those better to have and not need than need and not have items.
Even warm locations can get chilly in the evening (You'd be surprised how chilly even South America can get at night!), and weather can and does change unexpectedly, and a good alternative to a jacket in the evening.
From a hideously practical stand point, they also come in really handy if you end up being unwell (This has happened to us, and you'd be surprised how often we know it has happened to others).
Socks and Underwear
We're not going to tech you to suck eggs on this one, but some general tips.
Underwear
If you planning on doing lots of urban exploring, pack at least 7-10 pairs of underwear. This gives you a good supply, and allows for a couple of days drying time while you wash as you go.
Obviously for beach/resort trips with some exploring days in the middle, you will likely require fewer pairs if you will be spending most of your days in swimwear, so use your judgement.
Also - If you are planning to go exploring, it pays to make sure you pack comfortable pairs!
Socks
Again, for urban exploring, pack at least 7-10 pairs of socks - Again, to factor in washing/drying.
For exploring, or trips involving a lot of walking, we recommend non-cotton based socks. This stops your socks from moving about too much as you explore, which can potentially cause blisters.
For outdoor activities / hiking, we recommend proper walking socks (again - Non-Cotton socks).
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, pack the type of sock best suited: Eg: Trainer Socks for summer, regular ankle/walking socks for winter/colder months.
Obviously for beach/resort holidays with some exploring days in the middle, you will require fewer pairs, so use your judgement.
Swimwear
We recommend packing 1-2 pairs of swimwear for a trip longer than 2 weeks and covering multiple destinations. This way, you at least have the option of going for a swim.
A swim/steam/sauna where you can, is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.
If you are exploring multiple costal locations, you may want to pack more depending on how much time you think you will be spending in/near the water.
Shoes & Footwear
Depending on where you are going, you will want to consider your footwear.
Generally for urban exploring, we recommend a decent pair of comfortable trainers, especially for visiting older cities where there are cobbled streets a-plenty.
For backpacking and multi-destination trips, we recommend packing a second pair of shoes / sandals or flip-flops (maybe even all 3) for evening and more casual activities - Depending on how much walking and exploring you plan to do, your feet will need to breathe! For flip-flops, we recommend pairs with a fabric toe hold, as rubber toe holds can cause rubbing in warmer climates.
For smaller items of footwear (sandals/flip-flops), consider getting a carabiner clip to attach these to your rucksack rather than packing them inside tpoy rucksack to save space as you go..
Of course this is up to you. But what we will say is this: Always wear the heaviest item of footwear while travelling, Particularly for the initial flight to your destination and on the way home to reduce weight in your case, and pack the lighter option if you are taking more than one!
Microfiber Towel
These are are an absolute must for several reasons, not least of all because many hostels don't provide you with a towel! They are also very handy for going to the beach or pool, as they also double as a beach towel.
They are practical, and light weight and most importantly, fast drying! So you should definitely consider packing one!
Rain Jacket
When backpacking, you WILL encounter rain, regardless of the time of year.
This is even more likely if you are going to locations prone to tropical storms or have a monsoon season.
For this reason we recommend packing a small and collapsable rain jacket.
We recommend the Trespass Rain Jacket as one of the best and most cost effective. Unisex, and comes with a packing pouch for when it is not in use.
Sun Glasses
Regardless of where you are going, we recommend packing sun glasses.
For the summer months, this is a no-brainer, but what people often forget is that the winter sun is just as powerful, and there is nothing worse than getting caught without, and the corresponding headaches.
Obviously the type of sunglasses you buy is entirely up to you, but we always recommend buying a pair that provide UV protection. Polarised lenses are also a good choice. And somethimes the cheapest options are just as good (all 4 of us have certainly done an emergency £4.99 H&M pair at some point!).
Depending on your location, basic, non-flashy sunnies are preferable, as they don't attract unnecessary attention.
A Hat / Baseball Cap
We recommend backing a hat / Baseball cap for your trip.
This is for a number of reasons:
- Great for keeping the sun out of your eyes / negating the need for sunglasses all the time
- Provides protection from the sun & insects
- Some of us are "Follically challenged" (see Bald / Balding), and this is a great way to prevent a sunburnt head!
We recommend the unisex GADIEMKENSD Unstructured Quick Dry Sports Cap, available in multiple colours, as one of the best and most cost effective travel caps we have found.
A Belt
Packing a belt is one of the first lessons we all learned while backpacking. Spending all day walking while exploring or hiking, out in the sun, you are probably going to lose weight. We know we certainly did. So a belt, and adaptable one at that is a good option.
We recommend a Cut To Fit Canvas Web Belt, so that you dont have to worry about resizing while you travel (Nobody wants to try and drill and extra belt hole with a knife of screwdriver while travelling - Trust us - We have been there!). With these belts Measure and trim it at the start of you trip - After that, just tighten it if required!
Optional Items
The section below details the items of clothing we consider to be optional and you should use your discretion to pack depending on how much weight you want to carry and wether or not you are going to need them
Jeans
You may want to pack and take a pair of jeans with you. This is entirely up to you, but this should be an 'If you have space item', and why we recommended other trousers. Aside from the weight of them (Even heavier when wet), think about how likely you are to actually wear them?
Also - If taking a pair of jeans, we recommend wearing them on your outbound journey (likely a flight) to your starting point location, and then change when you arrive to reduce the weight of your rucksack.
Long Sleeved Shirts
Depending on where you are going, and the time of year you will be travelling, you may want to pack 1 or 2 additional long-sleeved shirts.
Both for warmth and protecton from the sun and insects. If you are packing more than 1 long-sleeved shirt, we recommend packing the right shirts for the location and climate you are going to:
Eg: Light/Linen shirts for warm & humid locations (Think Vietnam) ,heavier shirts for cooler/colder climates (Think Scotland or Iceland).
Hiking Boots
Highly practical and comfortable when properly broken in, these take up a lot of weight and space, so only you should only pack them if you know you will be doing multiple treks on challenging terrain. You could use as your everyday shoes though.
And again, due to the size and weight, we recommend wearing them while travelling to you starting point, rather than packing them.
Sarong
If travelling to the tropics or coastal locations, you may want to consider packing a Sarong. Great for both men and women, can also double as a beach blanket/towel and protecting you from excessive sun. We recommend the unisex multi-purpose Extra large Indian cotton hand block printed Sarong.
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