Backpacking/Travel Kit List
Backpacking/Gap Year Travel Kit List
Backpacking holidays and worldwide travel during a gap year have become increasingly popular amongst young adults in recent years. It is a great way to see a bit of the world while you are still young and with no dependants or commitments.
It is also becoming increasingly popular with older people who want a break from their career and from the rat race of modern life.
Not only is it a much cheaper way of travelling, but you will also get to see a lot more of the countries you visit, and the customs and way of life of the local people, than you would on a normal holiday.
Planning & Preparation
It is certainly a very exciting way to travel, but can be very daunting. Planning your trip carefully is essential, and a kit list will help you ensure that you take everything you need.
Here at Chas E. Smith, we have compiled a list of what we think you may need to take, and we hope you will find this useful.
This kit list is for guidance only - please check with your travel operator for a definitive list.
Global Travel Kit List
Travel Documents
- Passport and any necessary Visas & Vaccination Certificates
- Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Driver's License
- Cash/Bank Card/Travellers Cheques
- Phone Numbers & Email Addresses
- Embassy & Emergency Numbers
It may be an idea to take spare passport photos and photocopies of the above documents.
Clothing
- Shirts & T-shirts
- Trousers & Shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
- Waterproofs
- Jumper/Sweatshirt
- Boots/Shoes/Sandals
- Headwear
- Swimwear
Adjust the list above to suit your personal preferences, and your destination(s).
Bedding
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Sleep Mat
- Inflatable Pillow
- Tent/Overnight Shelter
Health & Toiletries
- First Aid Kit
- Any personal medication
- Insect Repellents
- Sun Cream
- Water Purification Device
- Mosquito Net
- Wash Bag
- Toothbrush & paste, soap, shampoo, razor & cream, sanitary protection, brush/comb, Toilet tissue etc.
- Hand Sanitizer
- Travel Towels
- Unbreakable Mirror
Security
- Money Belt
- Padlocks & Rucksack Locks
- Wallet (on chain)
- Personal Attack Alarm
Luggage
- Rucksack
- Daypack
- Rucksack Transit Cover
- Stuff Sacks, Pouches & Liners
- Waterproof Rucksack Cover
Other Useful Items
- Duct Tape (for running repairs)
- Penknife or Multi-tool
- Sewing Kit
- Water Bottle
- Matches
- Binoculars
- Whistle
- Compass
- Maps & Guidebooks
- Plug Adaptor
- Spare Batteries
- Mobile Phone
- Wind up charger
- Sunglasses
- Radio/MP3 or CD player
- Camera & Film
- Cards/Games
- Carabina(s)
Dependent on type of Trip
- Emergency Blanket
- Survival Kit
- Bivi Bag