The ultimate packing list for backpacking in summer or winter
Throughout the years travelling, a mix of experience and research, have resulted in this complete packing list.
It is ideal for those planning on going backpacking around the world, and I hope that it will be useful for your backpacking trips.
WINTER
Backpacking and camping during winter time can bring with it many great rewards. You get to connect with mother nature, enjoy some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of daily routine in the city.
Now that you have decided that enjoying the magical winter scenery is one of your goals there are a lot of different things to take into consideration.
Here are some useful tips
Remember to Pack light, make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and contain the fire with stones and please collect all trash after you.
You should research the area, check the weather forecast, speak to locals or travel bloggers who can give you advice on that specific destination and needs, avoid avalanche areas.
Finally, leave a copy of your schedule or trip plan with friends and family so that they can know of your whereabouts and help you in case of an emergency.
PS: During winter time, it is important to take care of the sun as the sun rays reflect on the snow and you risk also on being dehydrated. Apply sunblock every 2 hours.
Pack enough water and get your personal purification water system (this is one of our favourite options) as not all clear-crystal water in rivers and lakes is clean for human consumption.
WINTER PACKING LIST
- Papers and documents
- Passport
- Drivers license
- Airline App with boarding pass (QR code)
- Gather all your travel bookings on a travel App. I personally recommend Trip It
- Print confirmations when requested, if not save a tree and show the email confirmation or the information in the company´s App.
- Cash and one credit card for emergencies
- Maps
- Clothes
- Underwear
- One pull-over (link to options)
- 1-2 pairs of jeans
- 2 t-shirts
- Rain jacket or rain coat (Link to options)
- One pair of travelling sweatpants(Link to options)
- One down jacket (Link to options)
- One long thermal top (Link to options)
and long johns(Link to options
- Woolen or thermal winter socks(Link to options)
- Hats, gloves, scarves
- Small folding umbrella
- Shoes
- Warm goretex or ecco waterproof hiking shoes (Link to options)
- Flip flops
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm goretex or ecco waterproof hiking shoes (Link to options)
- Hygiene and beauty
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Brush comb
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers/Nail file
- Cream and sunblock
- Razors
- Tissues
- Laundry backpack
- Electronics
- Cellphone
- Camera
- Alarm clock
- Voltage adapters
- Chargers
- Selfie-stick
- Medical kit
- Pain killers
- Vitamin C
- B-Complex
- Lemon Flu
- Antiseptic
- Diarrhea medicine
- Band-aids
- Prescription medicines (if needed)
- Eye drops
- Accessories and extras
- Travel neck pillow (Link to options)
- Sleep mask and Blindfold (Link to product)
- Flashlights and headlamp
- Space Blanket
- One pair of anti-shock hiking poles (Link to options)
- One set of cookware(if needed) (Link to options)
- Ziploc bags(if needed)
- Additional small backpack
- Signal Mirror or whistle – to use in case of emergency (Link to options)
- Travel neck pillow (Link to options)
If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.
SUMMER
Each season calls for different experiences and packing gear. Despite being a seasoned backpacker or a newbie, backpacking and camping during the summer and spring season has its own considerations.
Many deserts make it to the top list of destinations for hiking around the world, but you need to consider the risks involved. Sun intensity and also dangerous heat are to be avoided by hiking at dawn, dusk or night.
Here are some useful tips:
Pack light, make sure that the campfire is completely extinguished and contain the fire with stones and please collect all trash after you.
You should research the area, check the weather forecast, speak to locals or travel bloggers who can give you advice on that specific destination and needs.
Leave a copy of your schedule or trip plan with friends and family, so they can know of your whereabouts and help you in case of an emergency.
PS: During the summer season, it is important to take care of the sun and dehydration. Apply sunblock every two hours, and/or avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.
Pack enough water and get your personal purification water system (Check out one of our favourites) as not all clear-crystal water in rivers and lakes is clean for human consumption.
SUMMER PACKING LIST
- Papers and documents
- Passport
- Drivers license
- Airline App with boarding pass (QR code)
- Gather all your travel bookings on a travel App. I personally recommend Trip It
- Print confirmations when requested, if not save a tree and show the email confirmation or the information in the company´s App.
- Cash and one credit card for emergencies
- Maps
- Clothes
- Light windproof jacket
- Shirts and t-shirts
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Swimsuits
- Rain poncho or rain jacket
- Hats or caps
- One pair of travelling sweatpants (Link to options)
- Shoes
- Sandals
- Summer shoes
- Flip flops
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Hygiene and beauty
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Brush comb
- Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers/Nail file
- Cream and sunblock
- Razors
- Tissues
- LifeStraw (Link to options)
- Water flat bottle (Link to options)
- Laundry backpack
- Electronics
- Cellphone
- Camera
- Alarm clock
- Voltage adapters
- Chargers
- Selfie-stick
- Medical kit
- Pain killers
- Vitamin C
- B-Complex
- Antiseptic
- Lemon Flu
- Diarrhea medicine
- Band-aids
- Prescription medicines (if needed)
- Eye drops
- Bug repellent
- Accessories and extras
- Travel neck pillow (Link to options)
- Sleep mask and Blindfold (Link to product)
- Flashlights and headlamp
- Space Blanket
- One pair of anti-shock hiking poles (Link to options)
- One set of cookware(if needed)(Link to options)
- Ziploc bags(if needed)
- Additional small backpack
- Signal Mirror or whistle – to use in case of emergency (Link to options)
- Travel neck pillow (Link to options)
Be prepared for any sudden changes or new adventures that may come along the way! Have a wonderful summer and winter backpacking experience in the wilderness.
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8 Responses
I need to print these packing lists and take them with me when I am packing for holidays! So useful thank you!
This is an epic list. I can imagine this is going to be ever so helpful to anyone who visits for advice on what to pack for holiday.
Love the list, I do follow the majority of it, which makes me feel good. lol I always travel light so the list is very helpful!
This is great list for travelling. Going the South America is on my bucket list.
This is a great list, we are headed to Europe this summer with 3 kids so packing light is something i have to do.
This is a great list. I love the items you picked. I’m going to have to try some of these for sure.
I haven’t really tried backpacking before (I was never a light packer to begin with), but our list of essentials pretty much contains the same items. 🙂
Awesome list, you did get everything, although, not to much extra belongings. I would add pen and paper. lol I was always the mom that took too much with us to camp. My son prides himself in taking 1 backpack. I would have forgot the water purifying system and in winter the sunblock.