Updated November 2019
A few people have asked me if I can write a packing post, and while I don’t think I’m a packing expert by any means (ha!) I have noticed that my backpack tends to be several kilograms lighter than my travel companions’ so maybe I’m doing something right.
Plus some of you want to know how I packed for 5 months that would take me from winter in Mongolia and Russia to summer in the Balkans, and while I’m not going to share my exact packing list because I think what to bring on a long backpacking trip largely depends on your own personal style, I will tell you a few of my absolute essentials that have made packing for multiple climates much easier:
A Solid Backpack
You’ve got to start with a good foundation, which is your luggage! Quality luggage is so key. I’m a backpack girl myself, and I swear by my Deuter Backpack. You can read my full review of the backpack here.
My Clothing
Okay, duh. Except maybe not, because it seems like a lot of people go out and buy special “travel” clothing for backpacking.
Unless you’re heading… wait, no, I can’t think of anywhere you’d actually need those expensive zip-off, sweat proof pants. I mean, if you want to draw attention to the fact that you’re a tourist then go ahead, but otherwise just wear your normal clothes. If it turns out they’re not weather appropriate you can always by some cheap local clothes.
For my trip from Beijing (through winter in Mongolia and Siberia) to the Balkans I think I packed about 4 t-shirts, 2 long-sleeve shirts, 3 skirts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 dress, 2 woolen sweaters and 2 cashmere sweaters (cashmere is super warm and light) and a bunch of underwear, socks and woolen tights.
Once we reached the end of winter, Dan and I sent a box of winter outerwear and wool sweaters to Norway (shipping was 35 euros from Latvia), I bought a pair of shorts and flip-flops, and I stopped wearing tights with my skirts and dress. As simple as that!
Wool
This is going to make me sound like a Norwegian grandma, but forget all that synthetic thermal nonsense, there is nothing warmer to wear than wool. Seriously, a wool sweater is probably going to be warmer than most winter coats for sale these days. Just make sure it’s made of at least 50% wool – mine were both 80% and kept my toasty warm even in the Siberian winter. Also, woolen tights!
An added bonus with wool is that you really don’t need to wash it that often – usually simply airing out a sweater will freshen it up, which means that you can wear the same one or two woolen sweaters basically everyday. At least that’s what I did in Russia!
Versatile boots
This is an easier look to pull off as a girl (sorry, boys!) but I wore the same pair of boots through Siberian winter into spring in the Balkans. In the winter I paired them with thick woolen socks, while in the spring I wore them with shorts and dresses. Once it got too warm I bought a pair of lightweight flip-flops, but I continued to wear the boots on travel days so that I didn’t have to carry them in my backpack.
the unfinished Serbian Orthodox Church in Pristina, Kosovo
Ice Grips
And if you are going to spend time somewhere icy but don’t want to lug clunky winter boots around, do yourself a favor and buy some attachable ice grips. Ice grips transformed my everyday boots into serious winter boots while in icy cities. They weigh nearly nothing and only cost around $15 and will save your bum a lot of bruises.
A Good Camera + Remote
Okay, what camera you bring is obviously a personal decision, but I’ve learned from experience that forgetting to document once in a lifetime trips can bring some serious regrets later on. Like that time I trekked for two weeks through the Himalayas and took exactly two photos, one of which wasn’t even of the mountains. Something about living in the moment? Ugh.
You can see my full camera gear here (my all-time favorite, carry with me everywhere travel lens is Canon’s 24 – 105mm f/4 L lens). I also hugely recommend bringing a remote for your camera, so that you can get shots of yourself and whoever you may be traveling with! My remote is like my favorite travel accessory ever, and my secret weapon for taking photos while traveling solo.
Read also: How to Take Amazing Photos While Traveling Solo
Travel Pillow
My mother gave me a travel pillow for Christmas which quickly became my favorite thing in my backpack. The pillow has a warm fuzzy blanket inside which was perfect for cold bus rides or hostel dorms with thin blankets, and the pillow helped me sleep anywhere and everywhere. When I wanted to use both the blanket and pillow I would just put a sweater inside the pillowcase instead.
Eye Mask
And speaking of sleep, something else I keep with me always (seriously, it’s in my purse most of the time) is an eye mask! This is a life savor on public transport and paired with my travel pillow has given me some really comfy sleeps on long bus and train rides.
I used to just use an eye mask I had gotten for free on a flight, but recently I upgraded to a nicer one and oh my goodness, the best $10 I’ve ever spent! I use this eye mask and am seriously in love with it.
Splitter
Dan gave me a headphone splitter for Christmas, which meant that we could listen to music and watch movies together on long bus or train rides. It’s a small thing but was so helpful – I would definitely recommend getting one if you’ll be traveling with other people. You can even get a five-way splitter if you’re traveling in a larger group.
Camping Cutlery
If you’re on a budget then you’ll probably be having a lot of supermarket meals (unless you’re in street food heaven Southeast Asia) and having some lightweight cutlery will make your life so much easier! It’s something I never thought about packing until I found myself stuck in the Uzbek desert ripping up tomatoes and bread with my teeth, but now I at least carry a butter knife with me everywhere.
Packing Cubes
I only recently started using packing cubes – I had resisted since they’re not exactly a necessity – but oh my goodness, they are so worth it. They keep your clothes organized and mean that you don’t have to create a huge mess each time you want to find something in your backpack, which definitely makes living out of a backpack easier.
Something Pretty!
In the stress of fitting all essentials into a backpack it can be easy to forget about accessories, but I still like to bring a few pretty luxuries. Because if I’m going to be away for several months, chances are I’m going to want to get a little dressed up sometimes!
I’m not sure what the male equivalent would be (sorry, guys!) but my go-to accessory has always been necklaces to put in my hair (like you see in my profile picture) because they fit well with the hippie backpacker vibe without being too over the top.
I also try to bring one skirt or dress that works both as a casual outfit but can also pass for more dressy occasions.
I find it somehow so comforting to bring a few stylish luxury items with me, even on the most intense backpacking trip. Because you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself on these trips, and if you like dressing up a bit then there’s really no reason to need to give that up!
Plus, you might be invited to a special event like a wedding or something (seriously, I’ve found myself at so many weddings on my travels!) and you don’t want to have to show up in your gross backpacking clothes – that was me in Tajikistan, and I felt really bad.
Travel Insurance
If you’re heading out for a long trip I know it can be so, so tempting to skip on the insurance. But something I’ve learned first hand is that travel insurance is so important! It doesn’t have to cost that much, and the peace of mind alone makes it worth it, and of course you’ll be thanking yourself forever if something does go wrong – like that time I ended up in a hospital in Beijing.
Personally I love World Nomads, because it covers flights and baggage as well as medical emergencies and even trip cancellation, you can order it while already abroad (many insurance companies require you to buy insurance while still in your home country), it’s super affordable, and the claims process is beyond easy.
I mailed them my receipts from my $1,000+ hospital bill four months after the incident when I had returned home, and a few weeks later I had a check from them in the mail. So simple.
Do you have any special packing tips?
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Rachel says
Hoorah for cashmere, so cosy, so light, packing so tiny!
I did Siberia to SE Asia in a carry-on sized pack, making fine use of merino wool thermals which I wore under ‘normal’ clothes in Russia, Mongolia and China.
I’ve done the sweater-wrapped-in-a-T pillow a few times but I like the sound of your fuzzy blanket one!
Silvia says
Right? Cashmere is a traveler’s best friend – so light and soooo warm!
Tabitha says
I completely agree about the tourist clothing haha! Gives you away too easily. I have been using packing cubes since January and couldn’t imagine another trip without them. The Lilla Rose products are super cool! They’re basically the perfect item for every travelling girl. Great| idea!
Silvia says
It’s crazy that I still haven’t gotten around to getting packing cubes, because I’ve heard sooo many raves about them.
Karina says
Large ziplock bags work just as well as packing cubes and cost a fraction of the price. They also have the added bonus of keeping your things dry in very humid climates.
Silvia says
Oooh that’s such a good tip!
Diane says
My favorite is mesh lingerie wash bags with a zipper. They breathe, so which helps to keep things fresh. I find they pack well into the irregular spaces in my backpack and it’s very easy to keep things organized. They are very inexpensive. Look for them at the dollar store or Amazon:
https://goo.gl/0LTwMa
Krista says
I’ve always loved the head piece in your profile photo – I didn’t realize it was just a necklace! Though the Lilla Rose version does sound even better, I don’t think I could make a necklace stay up like that LOL. Great discovery!
Silvia says
The Lilla Rose version is definitely more comfortable!
Julie says
I’ve always wanted to try hair jewelry, but they tend to get lost in my sea of thick, curly hair. :/
Silvia says
Ahh what I would do for thick curly hair! I was sent an XL flexi clip as well and it just slid right off my fine, straight hair. Sounds like it would be better on your hair!
Van (@snowintromso) says
I do actually have outdoor clothing which was incredibly helpful when I was a volunteer at a farm in the Arctic in winter 😀 plus it’s also nice to have when hiking or going on trips here in winter but I agree, wool is definitely the best thing ever 😉
Silvia says
Oh I was definitely depending on outdoor clothing in Siberia as well! But I coooould have managed with just the wool, if in an emergency – seriously that stuff is magic!
Kelly Del Valle says
Very useful post – I am terrible at packing and I am going on my first long term trip next year. My packing draft was pretty much everything I own, which was ridic. Toning it down. 🙂
Silvia says
When I’m packing I always first only pack the absolute essentials, and put anything that’s not quite a necessity but I want to bring in the “probably” pile – which just about never gets packed because my bag will be too full, haha. So I feel your pain!
Marta Chan says
So glad I found your blog, fellow girl traveler 😀 Love your humor and your awesome pictures, which youtube photography videos have you been watching lately? heee joking!
I have to tell you this packing list is super different from the regular ones I’ve seen, THAT pillow needs to be mine.
And just on time to participate in such amazing giveaway <3 Following you by heart not because of the giveaway promise 😀
Silvia says
Um, that pillow seriously does need to be yours – it’s magical!
Emily says
I love the headbands, and also love the idea of wearing them under your hair for a more subtle look. I think you did a pretty great job writing a packing guide 😉
Silvia says
The headbands really are so pretty!
Justine says
I am like the world’s worst packer and shopper. I always wonder how backpackers manage to look so cute on the road and you’re definitely one of those people who always looks great! You make it sounds so easy too! I suppose I just need to start packing (and shopping) smarter. Also, I’m in love with that flexi hair clip. So cute and so great for someone, like me, who has super long hair!!
Silvia says
I had so much fun playing with the clips with my long hair, they really are so useful! And I live in about three outfits while traveling, so maybe they look nice but they’re rarely clean, haha.
Leah says
Haha I love your paragraph on clothes–so true that you don’t need anything special for travel (and that you’ll totes look like a tourist if you buy them). You can always spot an American abroad by the wicking fabrics they’re decked out in, and of course the comfortable walking sandals. What happened to maintaining a sense of style while traveling?!! It IS possible. 🙂
Silvia says
Seriously, I don’t know why travelers need to dress totally differently when we’re, what, doing a bit more walking than normal? haha
Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says
I am deeply impressed that you travelled with so little luggage from the winter in Mongolia and Russia to the summer in Eastern Europe, Silvia. Although I started travelling as a baby (for the first fifteen years with my parents) and started packing my bags myself before even being a teenager, I always tend to overpack and so does my Mom although she is also a traveller and this for several decades already. Last year I discovered packing cubes for myself and gave them to my Mom for Christmas. Both of us don’t want to travel without anymore. They make packing a lot easier and quicker and your bag a lot more organized.
Btw, I would love to win the $50 Lilla Rosa accessories giveaway. Their products look great and it seems that they are comfy even when travelling.
Silvia says
It sounds like I really do need to buy some packing cubes!
Anca | Globaloud says
I think I should purchase some quality travel pillow, cause I always end up buying some cheap pillow that doesn’t last long. Splitter is also one of the great travel inventions I should definitely pack next time.
Talking about clothing, I always use tights just like you. I think that’s the best way to save up space and to look casual or dressed up, depends on the occasion.
Silvia says
So true – I actually way prefer hiking in tights and a dress than jeans, and they take up so much less space!
Becca says
Awesome Tips!
I definitely have to keep them in mind =)
Silvia says
🙂
colleen long says
I love their site! They have such a girly fun flair to all of their pieces.
Silvia says
Right? So pretty!
Eric Anderson says
Great list! One other thing that’s changed my travel life are ex-officio underwear. I literally bring no more than 4 ever. They wash and dry super quick in a sink and always feel brand new.
Silvia says
I had never heard of them before, but that sounds genius!
CavaforLunch says
I absolutely LOVE my pashmina scarf – I don’t go anywhere without when I’m traveling. But I still can’t believe you traveled with such a small amount of luggage by the way, I could never pull that off!
Silvia says
Yes, I good scarf is so key! Before I got my pillow/blanket I would always use my enormous scarf as a blanket and it worked so well.
Charlie Beatty says
Scarves are key!!! Also, I love the jewelry!
Patricia says
Your packing list was definitely useful! I haven’t heard about packing cubes before and now I think that I should try it. Also a splitter is one of those things that I always miss when I arrive somewhere, but I never remember to buy it in advance.
Ann-Marie says
I’m always slightly sad when winter is over as it means I can no longer wear my wooly jumpers!
And that hair jewellery is so pretty, I love their Christmas range!
Bessamy says
I visited the Lilla Rose site and can honestly say I could look at them for hours trying to decide all the clips I want. 😊 They are so pretty and they have such a range of colors and styles that they can fit any personality. My problem is I want too many if them!
Paula says
Hey, bit late to the party but I agree with the eye mask, I would wrap my earplugs in mine so I could sleep wherever I was. Instead of packing cubes I made 4 drawstring bags all different colours so I could grab whatever I needed really easily.
Mica says
Really nice blog and very helpful. But, what about backpacking with a dog? I’m thinking about travelling a few months through Europe as a backpacker with my dog… Is it hard to find hostels that allows pets? Are there many pet-friendly places?
Thank you
Silvia says
Hmm I imagine it could be difficult, but possibly doable if you do research before? Good luck!