Eversince I came up with this fabulous idea of backpacking in Thailand, I have been researching like crazy, looking for the best deals, the must-see places and most important of all, how to fit everything in my backpack.
It’s easy to pack for three days and still be able to close your backpack. For trip longer than that though, I need a bigger bag, since I’ll be bringing more clothes. This time though, a bigger bag is not an option.
So what do I bring and what do I leave behind? My research has brought me to two websites that I found very useful:
- The Universal Packing List - What I like about this site is that you can customize the list to fit your trip: your destination, accomodation, modes of transportation, activities, etc. You can also have it display just a basic list or a comprehensive list complete with description and anecdotes.
- OneBag - Aside from a downloadable PDF of a standard packing list, you also get tips on how to fit them all in, and how to survive with only a minimum amount of clothes.
If you want a more “real people” experience with packing lists, scour through blogs of other travellers. I know there are some who have a copy of their list online, and comments on how those items fared in the trip. Here’s two that I know of:
- From Bangkok to Bali - Pearse and Amie’s packing list for their SouthEast Asian Trip.
- The Pure Life - Jarrett Bellini’s Thailand packing list
As for my own packing list, I will be posting it up as soon as I decide which 3 shirt to bring.
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Rule of the thumb Nina, the longer the trip, the less you bring. Everything else can be bought there.
*nods* and if that fails, cheat and leave some of your stuff with your brother. which i’ll be doing. har har.
Being in the army has helped me somewhat in the packing department. So here are a few things I’ve learnt:
- Like what “Wei” said, buy things that can be bought over at the destination country. Just have enough to last you the first few days.
- Be prepared to re-wear some items of clothings countless times. We do this all the time in the army, and believe me, it really isn’t that bad once you get the hang of it. Once the smell comes, just wash it!
- The use of “zip-loc” bags. These bags is THE secret of packing in the army. I’m not sure about the Philippines, but in Singapore we can get tons of ziploc bags at Beach Road (the army market) for about 50 cents each (i.e. relatively cheap). From what I know though, some specialty army shops also sell the more expensive type of ziploc (probably better for backpacking; in the army we just use and throw) used by the US Navy, which are stretchable and last what my friend claims is “forever”. You can probably get these at most shops selling army gear, with the bigger ones for clothes costing close to US$7 or S$10. They waterproof your clothes AND keep them vacuum packed so they’re smaller. The smaller ones can be used to keep money or your handphone. Great stuff really.
Lastly, get a quality backpack. My coz got a cheap one in Malaysia one time, which he brought to China. Within a day the seams broke. It’s worth the investment to go for quality, especially since they can be used over and over again.
Happy Hobo-ing Nina!
aahhhh! it’s already tuesday! I’m leaving tomorrow!
thanks for the packing tips, guys! I’ve already come to terms with my limited clothes allowance, and I’ve manage to fit everything in my backpack.
for me!
yes Donn, ziploc is love! I bought 2 boxes, of different size. might go to beach road in singapore to check out what’s available.
And I agree — investing on bags are important! i just hope it doesn’t get stolen or ripped >_<
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