Avoid Overpacking While Backpacking

travelwithmil
Apr 17
3 min read

It’s very easy to overpack when you’re heading out on a backpacking trip—but this can quickly become a burden if you’re carrying your luggage for long stretches. Trust me, your back will thank you later! As will your patience, frequently packing your bags every couple days.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing for your trip:

Length of your trip – How many weeks or months will you be away?
Type of luggage – Are you taking a backpack, rucksack, or suitcase? This can impact both what and how much you pack.
Luggage size – Be realistic about how much space you actually have and what your comfortable carrying or wheeling around.
Essentials only – Prioritize must-haves over "just in case" items.
Weight – Try to keep your bag under 15 kg. Anything more starts to feel heavy fast!

TIP: Don’t overpack! Always leave space at the top of your bag for clothing or other purchases you make along the way.

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For all travel essentials recommended below, I have curated an Amazon list to help you find everything you need in one place.

Bonus: If you shop through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping support this blog and keep the tips coming for free. Your support means a lot!

For an 18-day trip, I packed one week’s worth of clothes and underwear and for a 12-Month backpacking trip, I took 2 week's. This worked perfectly both times as I booked hostels with laundry facilities or found local laundromats in the cities I visited. This saved space, weight, and hassle.

Ultimate Packing List: Don't Leave Home Without These!

Travel Essentials:

Travel Documents and Security

Accommodation Confirmations
Printed Train, Bus or Flight Tickets
Passport and Driving License (or other ID - store in a passport or card wallet for extra security)
Photocopies of Important Documents (just in case)
Combination Bag Locks or Padlock - Ideal to have both large and small padlocks to suit all types of lockers.

Clothing: Keep It Simple!

Toiletries and Essentials

Shop Your Travel Essentials on Amazon!

For all travel essentials recommended above, I have curated an Amazon list to help you find everything you need in one place.

Bonus: If you shop through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping support this blog and keep the tips coming for free. Your support means a lot!

Other Items

Technology and Entertainment

Earphones
Playing Cards
Selfie Stick - White + Black
Portable Charger + Charging Leads
Universal Adapter (this one supports 150+ countries)
Go Pro
Drone

Travel Comfort and Essentials

Travel Pillow
Bed Sheet
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues
Umbrella
Water bottle
Disinfecting Wipes

Beauty and Self-Care

Mirror
Makeup + Wipes
Nail File
Lip Balm with SPF

Packing and Organisation

Packing Cubes
Amazon's 2-in-1 clear bottles and bags (such a game changer for holding and decanting liquids into)

Pro Tip:

The best place to find all your travel essentials is Amazon - whether you’re looking for packing cubes, a universal adapter, or even an audiobook to keep you entertained while traveling. It’s also perfect for streaming Amazon Music or enjoying Audible Digital Autobooks on the go!