Essentials for Your

Travel Backpack

Whether you’re headed to the sunny beaches of the Canary Islands or venturing into the rugged landscapes of the Andes, packing the right items for your journey is crucial. After months of traveling and feeling every gram on our backs, we’ve figured out what you truly need for a long and varied trip. Here’s what we packed for our seventeen-month adventure:

1. Portable Accommodation

A tent is like carrying a hotel in your carry-on bag. It saves money and lets you enjoy sleeping under the stars. Look for lightweight options; ours weighed less than 1.5 kilograms. However, we learned the hard way that for extended trips, a durable and waterproof tent is a must-have. Opt for dark-colored or camouflage tents to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Even though our bright orange tent got soaked and had its fair share of repairs, it became our beloved shelter in countless situations.

Don’t forget sleeping bags to go with your tent. We skipped sleeping mats to save space and hassle. While it’s tempting to attach a mat to the outside of your backpack, it can be inconvenient when navigating planes or local buses.

2. Rainy Day Essentials

Always be ready for rain showers with durable raincoats. Umbrellas may seem convenient, but they’re not practical. We used our raincoats not just for ourselves but also to cover our tent during downpours. Waterproof pants and backpack covers are also essential, but make sure they’re durable – it’s not the time to skimp on quality. Protecting yourself from rain is crucial, especially if you’re camping or hitchhiking. Rain can halt everything, regardless of whether it’s hot or cold.

3. Prioritize Health

Carry essential medications for disinfecting wounds and relieving sudden pain. When traveling to exotic locations, activated charcoal like Sorbex can be handy. Keep in mind that medications vary from country to country, so local remedies might be more suitable. Insect-repellent sprays, adhesive bandages, and hand sanitizers are also must-haves. And if you catch a cold, a little stronger drink might help you get back on your feet faster. Always prioritize your health on the road.

3. Protect Your Back and Feet

Proper clothing and footwear are essential for a journey like this. Even high-quality hiking shoes can wear out with extensive walking, so it’s crucial not to skimp on well-fitting and durable footwear. It’s wise to have two pairs of good shoes on hand – unexpected mishaps can happen on rugged trails, and having a backup pair is a lifesaver. If your primary pair gets wet or falls apart, finding a replacement while traveling can be challenging.

While it’s not necessary to pack multiple layers of clothing, as clothes are easy to wash, having a swimsuit could prove useful.

5. Carry a Piece of Home

Bring along some souvenirs to share a piece of your homeland with those you meet along the way. Small tokens, like paper flags or ribbons with your country’s flag printed on them, can bring joy to people you encounter during your travels.

6. Keep Cash Secure

Always carry some cash as a backup. ATMs may be unavailable, and debit cards can get lost. Keep your cash hidden in a secret pocket, like one sewn into your underwear, to deter thieves. Consider carrying a dummy wallet with valueless shopping cards and a small amount of cash to hand over if faced with robbery, but keep your main wallet concealed.

7. Embrace Technology

A mobile phone was our go-to gadget, serving multiple purposes during our journey. We used it for capturing memories through photos and videos, maintaining a daily blog for 527 consecutive days, and sharing our stories online. While high-quality photos would be ideal, lugging around professional photography gear would be impractical and draw unwanted attention. Therefore, one phone sufficed for us.

Don’t forget charging devices and adapters, as electrical sockets vary worldwide. A power bank proved invaluable for keeping our phone powered throughout the day. However, be cautious when purchasing electronics; we learned the hard way after having to discard our first two power banks bought on the street.

A USB flash drive came in handy for storing important information, such as materials about our homeland, which we could share even when internet access was limited. And a selfie stick allowed us to capture moments together without relying on strangers.

8. Don’t Underestimate Paper

While technology is convenient, having physical copies of essential documents provides added security. Make sure to carry important documents like a passport, driver’s license, and debit cards. Small-sized passport photos can save you from overpriced visa photo fees in certain countries.

Consider a vaccination passport if your journey requires vaccinations. Before our trip, we opted for vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis and hepatitis A/B. Some countries may require specific vaccinations, so research beforehand.

Lastly, don’t forget the basics like toilet paper!

9. Satisfy Hunger Pangs

Whether it’s us feeling hungry or encountering hungry animals along the way, it’s wise to have snacks and water in the backpack. You never know where your journey might take you or who you might encounter, so it’s essential to stay prepared.

10. Handy Tools

When setting up camp, a flashlight is indispensable. Basic tools like a needle and thread can be easily packed and prove invaluable if needed. Our most cherished possession was a portable burner and gas cylinder, along with small containers for food and foldable cutlery, allowing us to cook affordable meals almost anywhere, even if it mainly consisted of instant noodles. Knives serve multiple purposes, including self-defense. We also carried pepper spray until we discovered it wasn’t allowed in checked luggage during a flight.

Additionally, a survival kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo helped us maintain some semblance of decency on the road.

11. What Else?

Lastly, we carry the kind words and uplifting thoughts of our loved ones in our hearts, reminding us of the support and love that surrounds us even when we’re far from home.