My list is mostly what you would guess to bring but also some things you may not have though of but proved their worth.
Most backpackers on their 'gap year'/sabbatical will be slinging backbreaking rucksacks (I was no exception) and it gets tiring very quickly and people end up chucking things out to lessen the weight, only to fill the gaps with souvenirs (which I did).
On reflection and now with a bit more experience I would take no bigger than a 30L backpack (because that is what I own and wild horses wouldn't make me go larger - unless the horse is carrying it). You may think this is impossible but if you manage it then you will be THE ENVY of any other backpacking geek and your spine will be very thankful too.
The following is with an Asian backpacking adventure in mind (because that was my longest experience at 2.5 months straight. I will add at the end for NZ/OZ in spring time (because again that is where I went after Asia for a further month).
I recommend certain products because I bought and use(d) them, I'm sure there are plenty other brands that will do the same job. I am not paid to endorse these products (but I wish I was).
Asian
- Backpack 30-35L (and rain cover) (I recommend Deuter)
- Micro-thin (body size) towel (lightweight and dries quick)
- Buff (or other tube-shaped scarf), this is essential wear! (smoke excluder, sweat wiper etc)
- 4 t-shirts (or equivalent, material is everything, get good sweat-wicking and fast drying synthetics or silk)
- 1 thin jumper (I travelled between August-October China-> Singapore and it didnt get cold during that time, if you are going at different times then check the weather and decide whether a thicker jumper is required, but the rule remains, you only need one)
- 1 pair of trousers (evening wear/modesty in sacred sites/etc, get a light material)
- 1 pair of shorts (for all the walking)
- 1 pair sandals (after a long day walking, sandals are THE way to relax, and also useful in showers, my Birkenstocks lasted me for years)
- 1 pair walking shoes (for all your walking - I emphasise lightweight good quality and preferably waterproof, I personally recommend The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Gortex shoe...t they are so good I have the low and medium cut)
- Raincoat/poncho (the lighter the better, doesn't need to be anything special unless you are going to be far away from shelter... in which case this list isn't for you)
- underwear amount depends on how often you plan to do kit washing, we aimed for once a week so had a new pair for each day between but if you want to save space go for 4 and wash often (splash out on quality quick-wicking/quick-drying ones for wash and go, if you are travelling for a long time then they shouldn't fall apart)
- socks (same rules as underwear) (same advice, get some breathable good quality ones)
- 2 bras (for the girls, generally - take 1 for day activities and one for relaxing)
- 1 set swim attire (as you prefer)
- 1 hat
- Suncream (always harder to find outside the UK... I recommend factor 50)
- Lipbalm (you lips will more than likely start chaffing)
- Travel guide with city maps (for us this was an essential item and well used, but internet maybe more easy to come by/mobile maps etc but paper is always reliable for quick thinking)
- Money belt (better safe than sorry... very very sorry)
- plastic bags to compartmentalise everything and to leave clothes in the hostel/hotel room whilst you take your rucksack on a day trip.... hence 30L is a practical size for travelling/day/carry-on luggage so your backpack will never be lost in a different airport to where you are, which has happened to me more than once. - Note: keep valuables on self if there is no safe storage device at the hostel/hotel
- a caribena or 2 (they come in a lot of use for practical things)
- torch (if you don't have one on your phone, which I assume you were going to take anyway)
- portable music player (if not also on your phone, for those long plane/car/bus/train journeys)
- toiletries (as you require, remember make it as few as possible to be as light as possible, shampoo can double as clothes washing soap if you are washing by hand - its cheaper)
Non-essentials (the more you take the heavier it gets, but your priorities are your own, but you may need a bigger bag then after all)
- small diary (always fun to read years later) and pen and paper is always useful to have
- self-holding washing line
- camera
- ipad/tablet
- playing cards (good socialising tool)
- 'business' cards (contact details to give to people you like to keep in touch with)
Additional for NZ/OZ (springtime (Nov-Dec)
- thick jumper (wool) or synthetic insulating jacket (compacts better/lighter, I recommend Craghoppers Compressilite)
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