Oh pack it!

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.