Pack like a pro: Gap year backpacking edition
Updated: Apr 28
✿ Three years ago I decided to take a gap year and backpack around South East Asia for 5 months, and it was exactly how all of the cliches said it would be. It was life changing! HOWEVER, when you're living out of a backpack for weeks or months at a time, you need to have the right gear and be clever with your packing.
✿ I have collated all of my gap year essentials to help you crack the packing code.
✿ This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you) I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I’ve used and loved, or similar highly rated alternatives.
✿ If you would like my FREE downloadable packing list, download it here! (I think it's fab)
The Backpack
First up, we have the all important backpack itself. The backpack you choose NEEDS to be of good quality and not a top-stuffing rucksack (we will get onto this later). Generally speaking, to get a quality backpack that will survive your travels, you need to not buy the cheapest backpack available. You tend to pay for what you get, so choose a reputable brand, ideally with a warranty if you're purchasing a brand new rucksack (but this is a bonus - don't hesitate to scout out second hand backpacks, just vet them carefully).
✿ The brand
Personally, I would chose an Osprey backpack. They came highly recommended from my pre-gap year research, and I can say that they live up to the hype. I bought a the Osprey fairview trek 50 and loved it. It's comfortable, durable and a great size for me as a fairly short person. I believe that it is now discontinued/ being phased out, so I think the most similar one is currently the fairview trek 55. Any of the farview and fairview range from Osprey would be solid choices. I love that they zip open almost like a suitcase, rather than stuffing everything in from the top. It makes the days when you have all of 5 minutes to pack up your life into your backpack on a hostel dorm floor SO much easier.
✿ Size
They say that size doesn't matter. But when it comes to backpacks, it does! I think that a standard backpack size for most travellers (for the main backpack) is around 40-55l. I had my 50l backpack + a 20l rucksack (the kind you wore to school), so had a total bag capacity of 70l. You could just buy a 70l backpack, but I think it is really helpful having two bags. Some of the farview and fairview range from Osprey have the main bag with a smaller bag that clips on the front, so check those out if you fancy that. My smaller rucksack was great as a carry on for flights, day trips, and locking away my valuables in hostel lockers that would not fit my 50l backpack. I could also easily carry both at one time (one on the front and one on my back) which distributed the weight nicely rather than having it all on my back.
Overall, I think 70l total bag capacity is a good guideline. Any more than this and you're going to regret that decision when its 40 degrees outside and you have a fat hill to climb before you reach your hostel. You could definitely have less bag space than this. I am (ironically) a criminal overpacker and like to buy souveniers and presents etc., so 70l total was great for me. However if you're a light packer that isn't fussed about shopping you could get away with less.
Gadgets/tech
✿ Combination padlock (Amazon link)
I used one very similar to this, they're great for locking your bag to prevent theft, and are also good for hostels which have lockers. Go for one with a flexible shackle and a combination code so you don't have to keep track of a key.
✿ Underwater camera (Amazon link)
If you're a fan of snorkeling this is great for capturing good quality underwater shots/videos instead of a phone in a waterproof pouch.
Powerbanks are a must for me. I actually took two similar to this with me (a large one and a smaller more portable one for my Uniqlo bum bag). Comes in so handy in airports, buses, for long day trips and so much more. Invest in a really good quality one such as an Anker power bank.
✿ Universal adapter cube (Amazon link)
Saves you the hassle of bringing multiple adapters for plugs in different countries. Get one that does it all! It also comes in handy to have multiple USB-C ports in the cube to charge multiple devices (i.e. your phone + power bank)
Essential clothing/shoes
✿ Lightweight rain jacket
This doesn't have to be expensive, its likely to get dirty and a bit beaten up, so go for a fairly inexpensive one that is lightweight and compact to be chucked in your day bag. The key thing here is that its light so you can stay dry without melting in hot and humid conditions. Can also act as a windbreaker for colder/windy days.
✿ Shoes you can get wet
This may sound obvious, but you don't want to use an old pair of trainers that you don't mind getting wet because these will stay wet for ages, smell funky and be awful to carry around. Get a pair of shoes like Crocs that are actually waterproof and dry almost as soon as you're out of the water. Perfect for water activities, beach days and protecting your feet from shared bathroom floors in hostels.
✿ Good swimwear
If you're anything like me you will be in the sea or a lake at every given opportunity. Invest in some swimwear that you love wearing, is comfortable and is durable to survive daily use! My personal favourite swimwear brands are Kulani Kinis, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch.
✿ Non-denim shorts/skirts
Denim is your worst nightmare for backpacking. It's bulky, hard to dry out and not the most comfortable. Linens are the way to go.
Other essentials
✿ Multiple bank cards
Having multiple bank cards provides a really nice safety net in case you lose one (or even two!). I would say take a minimum of 3 with you, and don't keep them all in the same place or it defeats the purpose of taking multiple. Different banks like Monzo, Revolut, Starling etc. also have different overseas charges so having multiple can mean paying reduced cash withdrawal fees. Not everywhere takes apple pay, and a lot of the time cash is king, so bank cards are vital for cash withdrawals.
✿ Zip lock bags/plastic carrier bags
These take up virtually no space, so chuck a couple in...you never know when you might need one!
Non-essential, but I highly recommend
✿ Journal/sketchbook (+ pens, glue stick, paints etc.)
As someone who loves being creative, creating a travel journal was brilliant. I kept tickets, boarding passes, stamps, postcards, money and used it all to collage and journal. Not an essential but was a lovely de-stress activity for those chaotic travelling days.
✿ Waterproof phone case/pouch (Amazon link)
I was a little wary of using these fully underwater, but I had a similar one and it was great for boat days and waterfall hikes where my phone got a little wet (but not fully submerged) but I still wanted to take photos.
✿ Cards/travel game
Essential for airport boredom and a great hostel icebreaker.
This has become known as a bit of a backpacker classic, and they really are worth the hype. They fit so much in, are great if you don't want to carry a full-on backpack around all day and were one of my most used items that I purchased for my gap year. And they come in loads of cute colours (maybe don't go for a light coloured one - it will get SO dirty).
✿ Spare old phone
This is especially useful if you're solo travelling. Hopefully you won't need to use it, but if you break, lose, or have your phone stolen this will be your saviour.
✿ Airpods/headphones
I took Airpods which were brilliant as they are so compact, wireless and used the same charger as my phone (one less charging cable to worry about). Consider noise cancelling headphones (although a little bulkier) if you struggle to sleep without peace and quiet.
✿ Plastic document folder
This was great for important documents, and storing artwork that I bought as travel souveniers.
✿ Passport cover
This one isn't too necessary, but is just that extra layer of protection for arguably your most important item you will take with you. And they look really cool.
✿ Dry bag (Amazon link)
Dry bags are just brilliant for water activities like cave tours, boat days etc. They are normally very reliable (in terms of waterproof-ness), but read the reviews and buy a good quality one without spending loads of money, as these won't be used daily. I would recommend this highly rated Amazon one.
Happy packing + travels <3
Comments