- Backpacking tips: Packing!
- Backpacking tips: What to do before you set off!
- Backpacking tips: Our check list:
- Know your visas
- Sort your banks out/ budget
- Backpacking tips: get your documents in order
- Photos and docs
- Backpacking tips: Book first bits of accommodation and transport
- Plan a rough route /scope out main places you want to see
- Book your bus, train, ferry or flight for Asia and NZ here:
- Backpacking tips: Roughly plan a time scale if you need it
- Backpacking tips: Travel Insurance/ Gadget cover/ EU health card if applicable -
- Vaccines/ medication
- Check expiry date on passport/ ID
- Set up a blog to share your own Backpacking tips
- Stay connected with everyone back home
- Get a journal
- Research activities you want to do and who can do them with/ contact
- Backpacking tips: Make sure everything at home taken care of
- Ask people who have done it before that you know/ bloggers / ask questions and get valuable backpacking tips!
- Safety and security when backpacking
- Get some awesome apps for your phone to help you out -
- What are your top Backpacking tips?
- Book your accommodation here
- Book your bus, train, ferry or flight for Asia and NZ here:
With our first backpacking stint having begun just
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With our first backpacking stint having begun just over a week ago we thought we would share with you a check list we made when we were organising our trip. Backpacking for the first time can be an intimidating prospect and despite all our excitement we were also often overcome with what we needed to do before we could set off! Part of why we wanted to set this blog up was to make more people realise that if this is a dream of theirs then it can still become a reality…we have a mortgage and had full-time jobs for many years! So part of that is taking you through our process, here are our best Backpacking tips for an enjoyable and memorable trip!
Backpacking tips: Packing!
Packing can be a double-edged sword, you have a huge bag and yet you are travelling long-term! How much do you bring, how much is enough and what is too little! It really just is a learning curve and checking out other people’s packing lists really helped us. Often in the past we travelled carry on only for some trips which really helped us to realise what it is possible to travel with!
Our Favourite Backpacks
Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview
We’ve used the Osprey Fairpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
Packing tips:
* Really think about each and every item you put in, do you really need it, could you buy it out there, how often will you use it? An extra t-shirt can seem like nothing but it adds up! We originally took a small tent and sleeping bags!! We never used them! As time has gone on our packs have become much more simplified for sure!
* Use packing cubes! These are a godsend, especially in a backpack that can easily become disorganised and chaotic! Packing cubes help you keep different things like t-shirts, underwear, dirty clothes etc organised and separate and are a lot easier to pull in and out.
* Get a bag that opens out like a suitcase instead of a toploader. We recommend the Ospray farpoint alongside packing cubes as it’s a great size, comfortable, durable (3 years and going strong) and easy to organise! Top loaders become a nightmare quickly!
* Pack everything and then unpack a few times! Go through it again and see what you can get rid off!
* Take a walk with your bags on! A proper walk too, a good few KM and in hot weather if you can. Is your bag too heavy, is it comfortable, are the straps right? Know how it feels before you arrive tired and flustered!
* Bring along a front/ day pack. We keep our valuables in here and keep it with us when in transit. Practice having a front pack on with your backpack and be more selective about what you pack in here!
* Don’t be afraid to let things go along the way. We’ve sent stuff home on numerous occasions such as expensive clothing or souvenirs! We’ve given clothing or guidebooks to other people in hostel or donated clothing or equipment to either local people, charities or other travellers. Be responsible and don’t just dump stuff as that is wasteful, but don’t be afraid to let things go especially if they will help others!
* Unless you are going into some incredibly remote places straight away you can actually buy everything you might need along the way if you figure you need it… and if you’re in places like Asia it’s usually going to be a fraction of the price it would be back home too!
* An example might be. You’re travelling around SE Asia for a few months, no real hiking planned beyond some warm weather trails you can do in your trainers. But you decide to go up to Sa Pa in the winter lets say. Well, you can buy incredibly cheap jackets and boots in Hanoi, head up to Sa Pa and go hiking for a few days in chilly weather. Then you can either donate the clothes etc to some locals in need up in Sa Pa or some fellow travellers or if you’re feeling frugal then sell them to a backpacker! Either way you save money, bag weight and help others out!
* You’ll get better at packing! Honestly, it seems like such a nightmare at first, but 3 years in and a few short trips home and we can pack for 18 months away in an hour or so! We basically know what we’ve used along the way and what we didn’t, what we can do without or buy along the way and what we really did need! We’ve mostly stripped back what we carry as you really don’t need as much stuff as you might imagine! The worst thing for me is cameras and laptop… my backpack is probably lighter than my front!
Our Favourite Travel Camera & Lens
Sony A7IV & Sony FE 24-105 f4
The Sony a7IV is the perfect travel camera. Offering incredible image quality, great portability and a varied lens selection.
Our favourite travel lens is the Sony FE 24-105 f4. it’s a great all-rounder, super sharp and a perfect focal range for travel.
Backpacking tips: What to do before you set off!
Sometimes you just want to pack up and leave…which is great because we think you should travel NOW rather than putting it off. But then again it helps if you have a few weeks to make sure you have everything organised and in order to make sure that your trip of a lifetime goes as smoothly as it can!
Backpacking tips: Our check list:
Know your visas
Check your route and which visas you need, also if you need to apply in advance or if you can get them on arrival via your method of transport! Sometimes it can differ if you fly in or go via road. You should be sure to have enough space in your passport and carry passport size photos with you too. When crossing borders you should also have some money on you just incase there are unexpected fees. Crossing into Vietnam for example we had to pay $1 for a “health scan”!! Carry small denominations of USD.
Sort your banks out/ budget
Pay off your debts, Get your savings in order and in a high interest account, Set up a few separate accounts to keep your money safe and give you a back up. Research Credit Cards or accounts that don’t charge for foreign usage and maybe even earn you rewards. It would also be handy to set out a budget from the beginning to stick to, you can alway reevaluate this as you go. We use the app based UK bank “Wise card“. They charge no fees for foreign transactions and their app is really easy to use to save, transfer money, temporarily block cards etc. We then have the bulk of our savings in another account and transfer some each month to keep they separate. (Not an ad, we really do use them and they are really great!)
Transfer Your Money Abroad Or Grab An International Card
Use Wise For Cheap and Secure Transfers
When you’re travelling you tend to need money in all different currencies, especially if you live abroad for a while.
Transferring between currencies and bank accounts in different countries can be expensive. So set up a Wise account for cheap and worry-free transfers.
You can also get a Wise card to use with your account where you can keep money in a whole heap of different currencies and use your card internationally without fees.
Backpacking tips: get your documents in order
Scan your documents and take copies as well as saving them online. Have your insurance documents saved somewhere and contact details for them and your banks handy. Give your parents or someone you trust at home all your information/ bank account details incase you need emergency money and insurance details incase they need to contact them on your behalf. Take note of the serial numbers of your gadgets too and keep the receipts. Bring your driver’s licence too incase you want to drive and also as another form of ID.
Back Up Your Photos Here
Get A SmugMug Membership
We take heaps and heaps of photos when we’re travelling but it can be anxiety inducing to think about loosing them.
Grab a SmugMug membership and back up all your important photos, including RAW storage in the cloud.
Photos and docs
Set up cloud storage for photos and documents so that if your laptop gets stolen or damaged you don’t loose your priceless photos and important information. You can also use hard drives or even better memory sticks (less likely to get damaged) to keep an extra back up or in between cloud uploads if you don’t have access to the internet. Keep your backups in different places too so if one bag gets stolen or damaged then you’ve got a back up somewhere else!
Backpacking tips: Book first bits of accommodation and transport
Of course you won’t be able to book everything before you go and neither should you. Part of the appeal with long-term travel is the idea that you can change plans at the drop if a hat and have the freedom to go where ever you want. But when you first arrive on this crazy adventure you will be way out of your comfort zone. Booking your first few places to stay and methods of transport will make getting used to this new lifestyle so much easier. Most people then book or organise their next accommodation a few days in advance as they travel.
Book Your Accommodation
The Best Place to Book Your Next Stay
Every traveller loves themselves some awesome accommodation.
Whether that’s a kickass hostel with epic facilities, a luxurious hotel for chilling out or even a guest house or homestay for a unique experience.
Here at The Roaming Renegades we book any and all of our stays via Booking.com. We love their range of accommodation types, safety features and loyalty program.
Click the button below to find an unbeatable place to stay!
We always recommend staying in hostels! Don’t be put off or intimidated, just be sure to read the reviews and get a good one. This is THE BEST way to meet new people, get tips and advice about where you are travelling and is also the best for your budget. We LOVE staying in hostels for these very reasons! You can book private rooms in hostels too and if you’ve just flowed half way across the world you might want to have a private for the first night or two just to be sure of a good nights sleep!
We also love homestays, guest houses and airbnb. Check these out too because they often offer you a great way to stay with local people and can also work out cheaper too depending on where you are. Home stays are perfect if you want to get to know the local culture.
Plan a rough route /scope out main places you want to see
Again, you don’t need to stick to your route religiously and the fun of backpacking is how easily we can change our route. But especially on your first time it is ideal to have a rough idea of your route. That way you can do some research before you go and as you are travelling as well as seeing which cities are the easiest to transit between or organise meeting up with family and frIends along the way!
We tend to basically list all the places we want to go, have a look at a map and see what route makes the most sense. Along the way we change all the time on advice from others and other challenges that come our way. But it does help to have an idea of what direction you want to go in and what you really want to see so you don’t miss out on it!
Book your bus, train, ferry or flight for Asia and NZ here:
Backpacking tips: Roughly plan a time scale if you need it
If you have an idea of your route then you will also be able to estimate how long the route will take you. I know as a first time backpacker making a rough plan helps when you have certain events you want to visit or deadlines (such as working tourist visa in AUS before Shorty’s 31st birthday). Not everyone is lucky enough to travel on an open-ended schedule. Basically the less time you have the more you have to plan and be aware of your timescale to avoid missing out on places!
Backpacking tips: Travel Insurance/ Gadget cover/ EU health card if applicable –
Travel insurance is so important and so is getting the right cover. Never skip this cost because in the unlikely event of you needing it, not having it could cause real health and finance problems. Make sure you look out for backpackers insurance and disclose any health issues you have had. Also be aware that some of the adventure activities you want to take part in whilst away might not be covered. We choose to get general backpackers cover and then take out specialist cover for the days we will be taking part in high risk activities with Insure and Go. We also took out extra gadget cover which was available for items up to £1000 with Alpha. Also remember that if you are an EU citizen and travelling within Europe you should apply for your free of charge European Health Insurance Card or your insurance might in invalid. This card entitles you to medical assistance at the same cost as locals.
Check travel insurance prices with Safety Wing
Vaccines/ medication
Research which vaccines you need for the region you will be travelling in, sometimes these vaccines are needed for your visas and insurance too. Don’t skimp on these either, it could save your life! But also bear in mind sometimes your doctor will recommend some vaccines that are just precautionary where as others are necessary. Do some research to see which is which. Also make sure that if you need medication that you have it covers, this also includes contraception which you can get implanted to last you up to 3 years.
Check expiry date on passport/ ID
Make sure your documents are up to date and also have a good few years to spare. Many countries require you to have at least 6 months validity left. Best to air on the side of caution and apply for a new passport if you are worried about the date or condition. Also check that you have enough spare pages in your passport for a long trip too!
Set up a blog to share your own Backpacking tips
Blogging can be an awesome way of letting your frIends and family follow your travels and see what you have done and where you are. They are easy to set up and you never know, you might just start to earn some money of it one of these days too!
Stay connected with everyone back home
Escaping your life back home even if its just for a few months to chill on a beach or to indulge in completely new culture over a few years is what backpacking is all about. However cutting all communication at home isn’t a great idea especially if you’re travelling solo. From emergency situations to just reassuring your mum you’re actually still alive or just uploading a totally idealised photo of your trip to make everyone at home jealous, you want to stay connected. As bloggers this is even more important to us and travelling over a number of years its also important for us to be able to speak to our family and friends back home.
There are various ways we make sure to stay connected.
Nomad E-Sim
Grab an E-Sim For Your Trip
We all know using your phone when you travel is a must. But sorting out new and sometimes expensive sim cards in each country is a drag.
Instead, why not grab a Nomad E-Sim, this way you can prepay and install it on your phone before you even arrive!
Firstly we travel with our laptop and make sure to stay mostly in places with a good wifi connection.
Secondly we made sure to buy phones that weren’t connected to a network and in each country we buy a sim card with data as soon as we arrive.
Thirdly is a VPN, in places like China you will need one on your laptop and phone before you travel to still have access to services like facebook, google and skype. But even if you’re not planning on visiting China they are still useful for encrypting your connection to keep you safer online as well as having the ability to mask your country of connection meaning you make it look like you are in the UK which can be useful for accessing practical things like bank accounts as well as watching your favourite TV shows from back home or even having access to another version of Netflix!!
We also use facebook, facebook messenger with its free calling facilities, watsapp, skype and instagram as well as email to keep in touch with various people back home and indeed friends we’ve met whilst travelling.
Get a journal
On such an amazing and life changing trip you need to make sure that your inner most thoughts, feelings and experiences are recorded for the future in your personal journal!
Research activities you want to do and who can do them with/ contact
We love adventure activities but many of these amazing things need to be researched and booked in advance, even if you do it as you travel. It is a good idea to research the best places to do them in, where to base yourself and who you should be contacting in order to make sure you get these bucket list adventures ticked off!
A great tip from a friend travelling solo a few years ago too was to start your trip off with a short organised tour if you are apprehensive. That way you can ease into doing things for yourself and meet people who you might be able to hang around with for a while afterwards!
We don’t do too many tours but we have done a few here and there when we felt it was the best way to visit somewhere and we have met some great people along the way on those too!
Find a tour for your destination here:
Klook.comBackpacking tips: Make sure everything at home taken care of
If you are like us and have a house to rent out or other responsibilities then that doesn’t mean you can’t travel, but it does mean you have a bit more organising to do!! Put everything in place beforehand and I can guarantee you will be far less stressed and more able to concentrate on your amazing adventures when you are out there! It also helps to leave others in charge too, for example, we have allowed my parents full control over the house too for when we are uncontactable.
Ask people who have done it before that you know/ bloggers / ask questions and get valuable backpacking tips!
You’re not the first and you won’t be the last to go backpacking! So use them as a resource, message them, phone or email them! Most people who have been travelling love to talk about it and will love to give you advice and help you out! Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Blogs are also a great way to get some priceless tips and most bloggers will be more than willing to answer your questions too!
Safety and security when backpacking
One of the worries you might have is keeping your belongings safe whilst travelling and staying in dorms. We haven’t had a problem despite travelling with cameras and laptops but we are vigilant. We have our own padlocks and also have security chains if we feel we need them. We are quite cautious about keeping our front pack with us when on overnight buses etc and keep the opening locked and attached to something. We recommend something from “pacsafe” if you are worried or want some extra reassurance.
Read about keeping your valuables safe whilst travelling here: How to keep your belongings safe whilst travelling/ backpacking. Tips for the road!
Get some awesome apps for your phone to help you out –
One of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is our mobile phones. The most useful app we have is Maps.me and offline map app that allows you to see trails, roads, points of interest, accommodation etc all without internet.
These days they are so useful for booking flights, checking out hostels, seeing what there is to do in a city or getting in contact with your family for free.
What are your top Backpacking tips?
Book your accommodation here
Book your bus, train, ferry or flight for Asia and NZ here:
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Our Favourite Gear
Osprey Backpack
These Osprey bags open like a suitcase & we’ve used them for 5+ years. They even have a detachable day pack and are super comfortable and tough.
Camera Bag
The Wandrd Prvke 31 with side access is an awesome camera bag for any trip. It’s even got an expandable separate top section and hidden passport pocket.
Sony a7 IV
The Sony a7 IV is our go to travel camera. It’s a lightweight and portable full frame camera that offers amazing quality and a great range of available lenses.
Sony 24-105mm f4
The Sony 24-105mm f4 is the perfect all round travel lens with a mega useful range. It’s also super sharp and light for its type.
Memory Foam Travel Pillow
This memory foam travel pillow is ideal not only whilst on planes or buses but as an extra pillow in hostels & guest houses.
Dry sacks
Dry sacks are great to use as waterproof organisational bags for inside your backpack. We always put our SSD in one!
Dry Bag
A heavier duty Dry Bag is great for boat trips and larger items and can be worn as a stand alone.
Macbook Air
A lightweight but powerful Macbook Air is our go to laptop for all our blogging and photo editing on the road.
iPhone
We also always have our trusty iphones which are great for organising our trip, photography, maps, entertainment and more!
Sony RX100 VII
Our Sony RX100 VII is our go to selfie camera with it’s 1 inch sensor, articulating screen & compact size.
Go Pro 11
A GoPro is a must whilst backpacking. This tough & waterproof action cam can go anywhere with you!
USB Universal Adapter
Grab an all-in-one travel adapter with USB slots so whatever country you’re in you know you can charge your gear.
Portable Battery Pack
Keep your phone, camera and other gear charged on the road with a portable battery pack. Great for night buses.
Trail Shoes
Trail shoes are a great all round travel shoe for comfort whilst on a city break or hiking.
Waterproof Jacket
No matter where you’re travelling to a waterproof jacket is a must! Invest in a good one!
Manfrotto Befree Tripod
The super lightweight and easy to use Manfrotto Befree is our go-to travel tripod for photography
We trust the 2TB Sandisk Extreme SSD to back up all our important documents and photos on the road.
Hard Case for SSD
We keep it safe on the road with our trusty YINKE Hard Case for SanDisk Extreme SSD.
Organise Your Trip Here
Share This Post!
Hey! I’m Nic, one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I have a passion for travel, photography, heavy metal music (particularly Rammstein), Arsenal FC, gaming, mountaineering and pugs (Dooku RIP & Billy)
I have a BA in Fine Art and an MA in Design & Art Direction before I started galavanting around the globe! So far, I’ve been to 68 countries in 5 continents.
I’ve spent 2 years travelling around Southeast Asia including travelling the length of Vietnam twice on a motorbike, visiting off the beaten track locations such as Myanmar and Brunei and seeking out adventure opportunities along the way like canyoning, climbing and mountain hiking.
I’ve also spent 6 months exploring Eastern Europe, again visiting more unusual places such as Moldova, Kosovo, Ukraine and the breakaway state of Transnistria. I’ve visited all but 3 countries in Europe whilst both backpacking and using the UK as a base to explore Western Europe.
I have also lived in Australia and New Zealand for a total of over 3 years whilst doing Working Holiday Visas. I called Melbourne and Christchurch home during this period and explored both countries extensively whilst using these as bases.
Get In touch: nic@theroamingrenegades.com
I wish I was more organised when it comes to packing than you guys. I tend to leave mine until about a hour or two before I head to the airport and always forget something. So I think allowing time more than the actual packing would be a handy one for me.
Ha ha, we weren’t alway like that but we’ve had a lot of practice now with our backpacks where we know the place for everyone and how to pack it all! It’s actually pretty easy now to pack it all up again!
Great tips with lots of detail. I too love packing cubes and use them no mater what kind of trip I am going on.
Thanks! Yeah, the packing cubes are so helpful even for just storing stuff at home!
This is an AWESOME intro and guide for first-time and even experienced backpackers. Much to learn from here. Our go-to travel packs are either ones from Pacsafe (if we think we might need a bit more slash and protect security along the way) or Osprey. Both amazing. Packing cubes absolutely! We love our new ones from Nite Ize … waterproof and durable – check them out. VPN fully agree, anytime, anywhere we are traveling and especially in China (though as you have no doubt discovered, China is getting very wise to many VPN services and blocking them too so beware before you go).
Thanks for reading. We are thinking of getting more pacsafe stuff especially when we go to South America as it adds that extra peace of mind. Packing cubes really were a revelation and make things so much easier. Yeah you have to check with different VPNs, netflix too is blocking some to stop people getting around region locked shows.
Going around the world in a backpack certainly teaches you how to pack light. When my family and I headed out with backpacks years ago, we quickly learned what was important and what was shipped home pronto. We learned to buy as you go and replace as you need. Even today, I pack light to save space and make travelling easier. Great tip on using packing cubes.
Yeah it really does!! You need to be sure what you really need and what you don’t, what can be bought there etc. Once you pack like that though its pretty liberating!
Traveling with a backpack is not always easy. We also bought two large backpacks and we are well equipped with two daypacks that we can attach to the big backpacks. The packing on the first trip was really difficult. But even there I had things that I could do without during my second trip.
Your tips are really great and help “newcomers” very well.
I’m not a backpacker, but I must say that you addressed everything I could think! I was excited to hear that you can get a backpack that opens like a suitcase vs well, like a backpack from the top. That is hugely helpful. I have looked at Ospreys before so good to know I’m on the right track with brands. I totally agree with you on packing cubes! I use them even in suitcases (carryon or regular size). Huge fan! I also agree that you can seriously get away with packing SO MUCH LESS than you think you can. I did the same thing you did…do I really need this? Nope. I packed in a carryon for nearly a month in Morocco and France last summer. VPN is also a fantastic idea and something I believe in. Question on the front daypack. I like this idea both for valuables and to use as your day pack as you said. But, are you hiking long distances with both on you? How does that work? I feel like I might die especially if it’s hot?
The backpacks that open like a suitcase are a real game changer, I couldn’t even imagine travelling with a top loader and without packing cubes, it would be a nightmare! We’ve had an Osprey bag for 3 years and they are still going strong. Really, you don’t even need much stuff as you can wash things as you go which means you can travel pretty light if you are willing to do that even on a “normal” holiday. Nah, we wouldn’t hike with both bags, we only have everything on when moving from place to place. We have ended up walking a far distance sometimes when there hasn’t been any buses or we’ve got lost and sometimes it’s been in pretty hot places and it was hard work. But in total we probably only have 20kg max each between both bags, sometimes less and to be honest with my camera and laptop my front pack always weighs more. You get used to it though after a little while and it’s not a big deal, gets you pretty strong and fit!
Great suggestions! I cannot imagine cramming everything I travel with in backpacks, but it certainly works for many people. I’m sure you are right about getting better with packing the more you do it; however with my travel, I keep getting worse. LOL I take so much crap I don’t need and there is no organization. I think I’m going to take your suggestion and invest in some packing cubes.
Ha ha, I honestly would never use suitcases again as they are so awkward to move around especially really heavy ones. It’s so much more flexible to be able to put everything on your back! You do get used to it and its really liberating when you do cut down and travel light. once you try packing cubes you’ll never go back!!
Wow, what an informative post about how to backpacking with all tips and essentials to be carried. Storing photos on cloud and taking its backup is always my first priority. Organizing all things in advance about bookings is another important feature.
Thanks, yeah when you’re on the move it’s hard to make sure you’re files and photos are save in the normal way!
What a truly fun post to read! I probably came the closest to backpacking that I’ve been this year when I traveled roughly between January and May. I feel like it wasn’t truly backpacking though because I brought along a suitcase! The packing cubes sound like a good idea and so do the multiple memory sticks to keep backups. Hope you are enjoying your journey and thanks for sharing your tips!
I don’t know if having a backpack is the only qualifying factor in “backpacking!”, I think it’s more of a mindset thing and how you travel rather than just having a backpack… though we do find it helps as it’s more portable!!
Wow, this is the ultimate backpacking guide! I’m going to share it with my younger cousins who want to go backpacking throughout Europe soon. I always forget to remind my bank that I’m traveling up until the last minute, ha.
Thanks for such a wonderful blog, the article is very informative!