The packing-list for backpacking

Packing for a weekend away, no problem. Packing for a week or maybe two is also not a problem. But how do I pack for a trip that is almost two months long, with only a backpack in mind?!

First step was reading a lot of blogs, articles etc. from other people that have gone to my destination. Articles about which clothes to bring, what the weather is, the prices of food, history, activities to do and places to go. These articles taught me a lot about customs of the locals and how I should behave while travelling through their country.

Malaysia and Thailand are hot and humid all year around, even in what they call the rain season. So you need to dress comfortably. Malaysian clothing remains fairly conservative in smaller cities and more modern in the bigger cities. Thailand had no actual rules, but they will appreciate it when you cover up. Malaysia and Thailand have a mix of ethnic and religious groups where the majority of groups are Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian or Sikh. All of whom have their own acceptable dress standards for men and women.

Malaysian and Thailand women can wear a scarf or veil over their hair to cover up. But somr locals wear loose clothing that covers them entirely. You will also see women in shorter skirts, fitted tops and heels. But be careful, because for both men and women, exposing lots of bare flesh is generally a no-no. Important is to pack clothes that are lightweight, comfortable in the heat and can cover you from head to toe if you are visiting for example religious places. Choose clothes that are closer to your knees and cover your shoulders by wearing a t-shirt or a scarf when you are in public places. The hot and humid weather and the local traditions make packing a little thougher. In the end I recommend to pack the following items (for a woman):

Shoes

1. Espadrilles: Espadrilles are easy slip on shoes when you are going to visit religious places. They are not only easy but also comfortable to wear.
2. All Stars: I did not want to take hiking shoes because they take a lot of space in your backpack. I took my All Stars because I can walk on them for hours and they are fine for a hiking trip, but just take your favorite sport shoes here.
3. Birkenstocks: One pair of good flip flops/sandals is necessary when you are walking a lot. So If you have another brand of sandals that are good for your feet take these.
4. Flip flops: These ones are the cheap flip flops for on the beach and under the shower.

Clothes

1. Jumpsuit: They are light weighted outfits wearable during the day or with a night out.
2. Shorts: 2 shorts in different colours
3. Tops: 3 in different colours
4. T-shirts: 3 in different colours, they are necessary if you want to enter a temple.
5. Skirt: A long skirt down to the knee/ ankle to cover up and a shorter one for going out or during the day.
6. Dress: A longer and a shorter one.
7. Joggings: This is the best to wear during your flight or when you are in the mountains and the temperature drops.
8. Cardigan: Also for the plane ride and for when the temperature drops
9. Socks
10. Lingerie: Take bh’s that will fit under all your clothes. For example a strapless bh that has detachable shoulder bands. Stick with the basic colours such as a nude, white or black because it is easy to wear under all your clothes.
11. Sport leggings and top: During a hike you will sweat a lot and this is not comfortable in your normal clothes. This is why I packed sports clothes. They carry off the moisture which makes a hike a lot more enjoyable.
12. Bikini: You cannot travel to Malaysia and Thailand and not plan a few days on the beach so a bikini or two is a must!
13. Scarf: To cover up your shoulders in religious places but also to protect yourself from getting sunburned.
14. Hat or cap: A way to look fashionable but also protect yourself.

Electronics

Shoes and clothes are important but do not forget to take your electronic devices and cables with you. This is a list of electronics:

• Phone + charger
• Earbuds
• Camera + extra battery + charger
• GoPro + battery + accessoires (we took a headband, 3-way mount, Bobber and waterproof case with us)
• Hard Disk (we chose to take a harddisk with us because we travelled without laptop)

Health

Electronic devices are important but so is your health. Do not forget to check your first aid kit. You should take with you some aspirins, bandages, pills for diarrhea, pills for nausea, pills against malaria and if you have hay fever like us do not forget to take hay fever pills with you or other pills you normally take. Also check what kind of vaccinations you still need to get because this can differ per person. Our health clinic recommends hepatitis A, B and DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio).

Make-up

If you are a big fashionista and can wear make-up in all kinds of weather please take your make-up bag with you! But if you are okay with not wearing makeup, stick to the bare minimum. I would not recommend make-up because it is just too hot. It is so hot that the foundation does not stick and can be wiped from your face after a few minutes outside and it just does not feel good. Stick to some mascara during the day and add eyeliner and some (bright) lipsticks or gloss if you go out.