Isn’t packing the most annoying thing??Though I think it’s a bothersome task for women than for men. Every time when I need to pack for a trip I find it hard to decide what to keep and what to leave. Past one year of solo travelling has given me some smart hacks and experience that now I can pack effortlessly without much clutter.
Anybody can pack bags, it’s “Packing Smart” which makes all the difference. You should always look out for things that can serve multiple purposes. For example if I am going for a hike I keep “FORCLAZ 100 MEN’s HIKING CONVERTIBLE TROUSERS” from Quechua which has following advantages over others – quick-drying, converted into shorts, Light and compressible, requires no ironing etc. So this one is equivalent to 3 different pants. Look for garments that have following qualities – light and compressible, wrinkle-free, quick dry, breathable.
Henceforth sharing you a total rundown of things which are fundamental when going on a solo trip. You can alter it according to your requirements and place where you are going. Also just to make sure you don’t forget anything from this list take a printout of this list before you start packing and start ticking off the items which you choose to keep and cross off which you feel are not necessary. This will save you a hell lot of time.
Packing List for Hiking
This packing list will help you out in packing exactly what is needed on solo trekking trips.
BackPack
- For 1-5 nights, 30- 50 L
- For 5-10 nights 50- 70 L
- For 10+ nights 70+ L
- Day Pack (10L-30L) (optional)
- Pack Covers
Sleeping Gear
- Tent (2- Men Tent)
- Sleeping Bag (depending on the altitude you are going to)
- Sleeping Pad/Mat
- Sleeping Bag liner (required for high altitude)
- Compressible Pillow (Optional)
Navigation Tool
- Map + Trail Guide (keep them laminated)
- Compass
Cooking
- Backpacking Stove
- Fuel
- Matches/Lighter
- Cookware Set
- Utensils (Tiffin Box and a Spoon)
- Dish Washing kit.
Food + Drink
- Meals
- Snacks (Nuts, Dry fruits, Chocolate)
- Water bladder or bottle
- Water Treatment System
Safety Equipment
- Personal Locator Beacon (required when going on expeditions or unknown locations)
- Cell phone
- First Aid Kit and personal medication
- Pepper Spray
Warm Weather Clothing
- T-Shirt (min 2, max 3)
- Quick dry pants/ Shorts (2 are enough)
- Undergarments(min 3, max 5)
- Cotton socks (min 3, max 5)
Cold Weather Clothing
Base + Mid + outer = Sorted for winter
- Synthetic Base layer (mostly woolen for warmth & Moisture control)
- Fleece middle layer (Insulation)
- Soft Shell layer – outer layer (Weather Protection)
- Thermals (for the night)
- Waterproof pants
- Benie or Balaclava
- Gloves
Rain Gear
- Waterproof rain jacket & Pant or Poncho
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Slippers or Slip-on
- Socks (min 3 pairs, Max 5 pair)
- Gaiters (for high altitude snow region)
Personal Item + Accessories
- Headlamp/ Torch/Lantern
- Watch
- Trekking Poles
- Garbage Bags (highly recommended)
- Hat/ Cap
- Swiss knife/Multi-tool
- Spare parts for the stove
- Spare batteries/ Power Bank
- Binoculars
- Towel
- Toothbrush
- Toiletry kits
- Sunscreen
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Insect Repellent
- Passport or ID
- Notepad +Pen
- Ziplock Bag
- Earplugs
- Trip Itinerary copies to leave with friends and family
Packing List for Solo City Travel for 5 and more days
While all the listed items are vital, the only category where you can make maximum changes and finalize your backpack weight is “Apparel”. I have mentioned in my previous blog how to manage apparel packing, take a gander at different things and keep the ones which you will use on regular basis on your outing.
Clothing
- Tank Tops/ Tees/Shirts(2)
- Shorts(1)
- Leggins/ pants/jeans(2)
- Night boxers(2)
- Socks(3-4 Pair)
- Undergarments(3-4 Pair)
Tips: Above is the minimal list of items required in apparel packing. Apart from these, you can always buy budget friendly garments at your destination place which you can use then and there and can donate them after washing or dry cleaning to the destitute before leaving the destination city. And if you think the finding someone to donate, where to go would be a tedious task, just inquire about it at the reception when you check in to your hostel/hotel and at the end of your trip, you will have various alternatives in your grasp.
Shoes
- Flip flops(1)
- Casual shoes/Sandals/Boots(1)
Tip: Try to keep a footwear which will fit with most of your dressing.
Accessories
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Sanitizer
- First Aid Kit and personal medication
Electronics
- Phone, Phone Charger
- DSLR, DSLR backup Battery, Charger
- Memory Card (2-3 if you are a vlogger or like to make videos)
- GoPro, Extra batteries and memory card
- HeadPhones
- Laptop, Laptop Charger
- Power Bank
Travel Comfort
- Travel Pillow/Neck Pillow
- Travel Blanket/Shawl
- Eye Mask
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Brush/Comb
- Hair Products
- Makeup kit (Tinted Moisturiser, Waterproof Mascara, Lip Gloss)
- Soap/Body Wash (mostly not available in hostels)
- Face Wash/Lotion
- Contacts + Glasses (case, solution)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant/Perfumes
- Razor and Shaving Cream
Documents
- Passport
- Trip Itinerary
- Maps and Guidebooks
- Plane Tickets
- ID Proofs (Driving License, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card)
- Credit or Debit Card
- Emergency Phone Numbers
- Reservation/Confirmation
- Translator Book
- Extra Cash
Though the above list is not restricted to solo travellers only, I have tried my best to include everything which is necessary while going on a trip which will help you in packing light. Packing light will always be a challenge but when you have a list of things to keep in front of you it becomes a little easier. So don’t forget to refer this list for your future trips.
Happy Solo Travelling!!
The Bearded Traveller 