What to pack for Asia

With your trip to Asia booked it's time to start thinking about what you should bring with you. What you’ll need varies according to the nature of your adventure. Will you be trekking through the snowy gales of the Himalayas or through the humid thicket of Thailand’s jungles? Chilling on a picture perfect Sri Lankan beach or navigating the chaotic meandering streets of Hanoi’s old town? It can be difficult to find the right balance somewhere between being grossly unprepared and excessive overpacking. Whilst different trips merit different equipment, here is our general guide to the basics that will keep you sane during your time in Asia.

1 Main backpack 50 L (Large enough for your belongings plus a little extra space for souvenirs)

1 Day bag

Clothing

In a continent where it can switch from sweltering heat to torrential downpours in a matter of moments it's important to try and have all bases covered in terms of appropriate clothing, without overpacking.

Trousers/leggings

Athletic shorts/shorts

T-shirts/tops

Waterproof/windproof jacket

Jumper/sweater

Swimwear

Underwear

Socks

Sunhat/warm hat (depending on the season)

Trainers (or walking shoes if you plan on trekking)

Sandals/flip flops

Toiletries

Most toiletries and medicines will be readily available and affordable in Asian cities. If you are going to spend the majority of your trip outside the urban sprawl it is probably a good idea to stock up before diving into the wilderness.

Soap

Shampoo & conditioner (an alternative is a combo or shampoo bar. There’s no risk of any leakages and uses less plastic)

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Suncream

Medical kit (pain killers, diarrhoea remedy, rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, plasters, bandages, safety pins etc.)

Deodorant/antiperspirant

Insect repellent & bite cream (we recommend using Deet 35% minimum)

Personal medication or products

Hand sanitiser

Electronics

Downloading entertainment like music and programs is usually a wise move as you never know when wifi won’t be available. Take extra care with your most expensive gadgets.

Mobile phone (with phone case and charger)

Headphones

Plug converter (sockets differ between countries so a universal converter can come in handy)

Torch (a keyring torch is perfect)

Other

Passport

Money

Credit and debit cards

Money belt

Sunglasses

Padlock

Reusable water bottle

Optional

Deck of cards/card game

Laptop, charger & hard drive

Camera & memory cards

Books/kindle

Travel journal/diary

Pen/pencil

Snorkelling kit

Portable mosquito net

Trekking

Those looking to go trekking through some of Asia’s more rugged terrain will need to pack more tactically, as the conditions when facing a challenge like walking through the Annapurna foothills demand more specialised kit. Most hiking gear can be purchased or rented in the area itself, but for those of you who want to arrive fully prepared here is a list of the essentials. To discover more on the subject have a read of our blog.

Hiking shoes/boots (make sure these are comfortable and worn in to help avoid blisters)

Hiking trousers/leggings Thermals (depending on the season)

Quick drying t-shirts

Thick walking socks

Fleece

Gloves

Altitude sickness tablets

Snacks/energy bars

Quick drying towel (such as a microfibre towel)

Toilet paper/tissues

Walking poles

Sleeping bag & silk sleeping bag liner