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Backpack or a suitcase?
+ everything you need to pack

13th December 2024

Okay so whenever I see a packing list for backpacking Asia or Australia, they’re EXTREMELY minimal, and fair fucks this is definitely what works for some kind of people but I fear it wouldn't actually ever work for me, or a lot of other people I know. I’m not surviving with 3 tops and 2 pairs of shorts personally, but you do you. 

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With that being said, there are definitely things that I packed that I didn’t end up needing or instead things that I wish I had bought with me. Granted, I undoubtedly did overpack, so here’s my list for the girls (and the guys) that like to have a few options, a few luxuries but will still get use out of everything they bring. 

 

Also for the love of god please buy packing cubes they will save. your. life.

backpack or suitcase?

 

The age old debate. Are you torn between which to take? Let me help guide you to make a decision.  

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I used a backpack for the majority of my trip and then a suitcase in my recent month away in Indonesia. Both most definitely have their pros and cons. The backpack I had was an 85l which is HUGE and started off at about 17kg.

 

When I tell you I was always the last one in the back of the group trudging along because I couldn’t walk with the weight of it, it really was a daily occurrence.

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Alas, my trip to SE Asia came with the return of the backpack, yet this time I was flying back to Australia afterwards, so had a hefty 23kg on my back and about 10kg in a duffle bag on the side. It was TORTURE, and no before you ask, I evidently did not think this through, it was truly the most stupid packing decision I had ever made,

 

So it’s safe to say I’ve solidly done my time with a backpack before I was converted to a suitcase, I had to throw her in the bin recently because she was falling apart at the seams - rip.​​

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Backpack pros

  • Walking / hiking up to accommodation is easier

  • Travelling anywhere in general is easier

  • It's more compact

  • It's an integral part of the backpacking experience​​

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​​​Suitcase pros

  • Can access your belongings quicker / easier 

  • Don’t really need to unpack it if you have packing cubes can just lay it open on the floor

  • Can take more things with you

​Backpack cons

  • Can be heavy if you’re not a strong person

  • Less space

  • Have to unpack and repack every time you go somewhere

  • Have to take lots of things out if you want something from the bottom​​​​​​

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Suitcase cons

  • The case itself weighs about 4kg so adds onto your overall weight

  • A nightmare to wheel in some places especially in SE Asia with bad roads / hills

  • Harder to put away in a hostel dorm

Ultimately, I would say if you don’t have many clothes / possessions / are a light packer (probably mostly directed to the males here), then definitely take a backpack. However, if you’re travelling for longer, are moving somewhere, have more stuff or are just a chronic over-packer then 100% do a suitcase. It’s a lot easier in Australia than SE Asia to do so however, just to bear that in mind.

 

Or if you really want the best of both worlds, get a backpack with wheels that zips open like a case but is a soft top - these can be clunky and have less space.

 

Make your decision wisely, and most importantly, don't suffer like I did!

toiletries 

[I'd recommend bringing mini's of most, if not all, of these if you can]

  • shampoo

  • conditioner

  • heat protectant - girls the UV doesn't only ruin your skin but your hair too!!

  • hairspray

  • dry shampoo

  • hairbrush, comb, hair ties​​

  • body wash

  • razors

  • deodorant

  • toothbrush / toothpaste

  • floss

  • retainer if you have one 

  • mouthwash

  • face flannel

  • small perfume

  • nail clippers / file 

  • a nail varnish

  • moisturiser

  • cleanser 

  • body lotion

  • lip balm

  • makeup remover

  • face /body suncream

  • aftersun

  • makeup - if you wear it (bring enough for a full face)

  • compact mirror

  • tampons / pads

  • travel wash 

clothes 

  • casual day tops / vests

  • going out tops

  • 2/3 t-shirts for sleeping / chilling

  • summery dresses

  • skirts

  • 1/2 pairs denim shorts

  • 2 non-denim shorts (cannot stress this enough!!)

  • 2-3 linen / lightweight trousers

  • a pair of jeans (i know but trust me)

  • a cap / hat

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  • 2/3 sets of pjs

  • 2 sports bras 

  • 2 pairs of activewear shorts

  • activewear leggings

  • sweatshirt / joggers (it does get cold)

  • swimmers

  • 1/2 beach cover ups

  • pants, socks, bras etc

  • packaway rain jacket

  • 1 trusty jacket that you can wear with anything

shoes

  • flipflops 

  • birkenstocks / sandals 

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  • shoes for hiking / working out

  • nice trainers 

miscallaneous

  • eye mask

  • ear plugs

  • inflatable neck pillow

  • going out bag

  • tote day bag

  • bum bag

  • books / kindle 

  • a couple pairs of sunnies

  • jewellery

  • notebook / pen

  • water bottle

  • lock

  • 2x microfibre towel (1 beach / 1 shower)​

  • collapsable tupperware / cutlery set

first aid kit

  • plasters

  • painkillers, antihistemes etc.

  • insect repellent / bite cream

tech

  • extension cube

  • travel adapter

  • small speaker

  • straighteners / curlers (optional)

  • speaker

  • toothbrush charger

  • digital / disposable camera

  • ipad / laptop if you're staying longer 

hand luggage

  • passport

  • wallet / cards

  • portable charger

  • headphones

  • hand sanitiser 

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 2024. tits up

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