Backpacking 101: Checklist of things to plan for

Most travelers dream of hitting the road with the most essentials packed into the lightest load. When planning to travel with only the necessities on your back, deciding what you need to bring on your trip can be an overwhelming process.

You shouldn’t carry too much unnecessary weight on your back or worse, heavy items that take up so much space that you miss out on packing essentials such as sunblock, insect repellant, or your handy pocket knife.

So before you hit the road, run through your backpacking checklist and start filling it up with some of this essential gear.

If you are a first-time backpacker, one of the most important things to start early on is a visa, and if you’re traveling to a neighboring country or going on an expedition with a group of people, it is important that all your travel documents are correctly collated.

Check iVisa.com to apply for your eVisa and Health Declaration.

Here is a list of items that you can pack that will make your trip a light one:

A durable backpack

Your backpack has to fit your body (height and torso length) properly and brave the elements like rain, dust, and a heavy fall if need be. Also, make sure to get a bag that has many zip-up pockets and compartments for optimal packing.

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bags come in a variety of sizes, either spacious or streamlined, and a wide range of materials. For a backpacker traveler, sleep is very important, so you won’t sleep well if you’re cold, so consider these key factors when picking one:

  • Rate of temperature: you should pick a sleeping bag rated a bit lower than the typical low temperatures you anticipate.
  • Insulation type: The big choice is between down or synthetic. Synthetic offers solid performance at an affordable price, but down is more sought after because it’s lighter and more compressible.
  • Weight: The quality of your insulation and the cut of your bag are big factors. When you are comparing weights also compare bags with a similar temperature rating.

First-Aid Kit and Toiletry Bag

Your personal hygiene and safety should come first, so your toiletries and first-aid kit are very important. Make sure to pack a bar of soap, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, and toothpaste, toilet paper, wipes, moisturizer, as well as any prescription medications you may need. Take along an SPF-rated sunscreen and lip balm.

Clothing and footwear

When packing clothing, pack according to the predicted weather. Keep in mind that gentle hikes on smooth trails usually require hiking shoes or trail runners while steep hikes on rocky, rugged trails will likely require a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Gifts for Digital Nomads 

After the year we’ve had, it’s clear that the world is changing. As companies are starting to realize that remote work is a real possibility, more and more people are looking to become digital nomads. If you or someone you know is thinking about embracing life on the road, take a look through the best gifts for digital nomads and help make the dream of working from anywhere come true.

Universal all in one power adapter


A universal power adapter is a must-have travel gadget for anyone who travels regularly. Unless you have a way to charge them, it makes no difference how many phones, tablets, or laptops you own.

The power outlets in different countries vary in shape and size, so making sure you can use your favorite travel gadgets has to be one of your top priorities. A multi-country adapter is a game-changer and removes the worry of having your electronics, run out of battery, no matter where you are in the world.

Universal Sim Card for portable Wi-Fi

The struggle of having to use the poor Wi-Fi at a budget hostel is well known to anyone who has traveled abroad. Make sure to always stay connected wherever you are by bringing along a universal Sim Card that will serve as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

It’s high on the list of gifts for digital nomads or anyone who spends time away from the beaten track.

Google Fi is one of the best internet options for digital nomads, plans start at just $16 a month. This powerful device connects to networks in more than 200 countries with up to 22GB of data a month.

Rather than buying a new SIM card in every country, you can use this universal SIM card. You can then use your phone as a hotspot for other devices like your computer or WiFi-connected camera.

Moment Photo Lenses

Transform your smartphone photos into DSLR quality with one of the many snap-on lenses from Moment. With Smartphone cameras getting more and more advanced, it’s no longer necessary to lug around bulky photography equipment as a digital nomad.

You can capture amazing shots with their wide-angle lenses, macro lenses, and more. And since they’re so small, it’s easy to carry them around even when you’re a constant traveler, making it an essential gift for digital nomads.

Noise Cancelling Ear Buds

You’ll be happy to have a set of noise-cancellling earbuds if you get stuck behind a crying baby, or need to take a loud and rattly mode of transport. And the compact size makes it a practical gift for digital nomads on the go.

A Digital Luggage Scale

I can’t even count the number of times I’ve wanted to weigh my luggage on the road. Knowing exactly how heavy my bags were before reaching the airport could have saved stressful packing, repacking, as well as some unavoidable baggage fees.

Since you can’t always be sure to find a scale when you’re on the road, bring along a compact digital luggage scale so that you will never be surprised.

Smartphone Gimbal

If you’re looking to document your travels as a digital nomad, you can take your videos to the next level with a sophisticated travel gimbal. Gimbals are used to stabilize and remove shake from moving or shifting footage.

Whether you’re cruising along in a Tuk Tuk in Thailand or zipping through Hai Van pass in Vietnam, the gimbal can help avoid a shaky and choppy video. Many gimbals come with zoom capabilities, slow motion, and time lapse functions.

Digital nomads who use a smartphone as their primary video content source should definitely consider gimbals since they are small, portable, and are a must-have gadget for traveling.

Phone and wallet waterproof case

A waterproof case for your valuables is a simple, but valuable gift for digital nomads, particularly for those heading to a beach location. Keep your phone with you even when taking a dip, and have it on hand to capture amazing shots from the water.

An inexpensive waterproof case you can wear around your neck will eliminate all your worries. It’s a lifesaver, and it holds your phone, wallet, keys, etc.

Travel drone

Use a drone to capture amazing photos of your travels as a digital nomad

Use a drone to capture amazing photos of your travels

Travel drones have gotten a lot more affordable in the past few years, and their cool factor is hard to match. With everyone taking the same photos on social media these days, it’s amazing to be able to capture shots and footage that not many others can.

With drone photography, your video will have an amazing cinematic effect that will impress your viewers. Due to technological advances, drones have become cheaper and foldable, making them easier to travel with. A drone is a great tool for anyone who plans to travel, whether for work or for leisure.

Lightweight Laptop

A Macbook Air is the laptop of choice for digital nomads

A Macbook Air is the laptop of choice for digital nomads

When every ounce counts, you want a durable, lightweight laptop to accompany you on your travels. The most popular laptop on a digital nomad packing list is the MacBook Air. It’s got great processing power, that will allow you to edit photos and videos while being compact enough to slip inside your backpack or suitcase.

Power Bank

Unlike the travelers of yesteryear, today’s digital nomad requires electronic devices to navigate. Therefore, it becomes even more crucial to make sure you always have a backup power source.

In cases of power outages, hours on the road, give them the gift of a power bank so that your compass, map, lifeline (i.e., your smartphone!) are always charged and ready.

Conclusion

Picking the right gift for a digital nomad can be a challenge with so many options available. Start with some practical gadgets like a waterproof phone case and universal power adapter, and then move on to more fun stuff like drones and gimbals.

All About Lightweight Backpacking Fishing Rods

If you are interested in fishing and backpacking, why not combine your two passions? Since backpacking requires you to keep your pack weight low, there is some basic lightweight equipment you’ll need if you want to go fishing this season. Check out the details about backpacking fishing rods and then make a perfect lightweight backpacking fishing kit for yourself.

What Is Lightweight Backpacking Fishing Gear?

If you’re going backpacking near a lake or river, you may want the option to go fishing along the way. Whether you want to go fishing out of sheer enjoyment, or you want the opportunity to catch your dinner as you go, you will want to bring along some lightweight backpacking fishing gear.

In your backpacking fishing kit, there is a lot of different gear that you can find, making fishing while backpacking on the trail easier than before.

Especially when backpacking, you’ll want gear that is lightweight or ultralight, as it is easy to carry and versatile too. If you’re just getting started in your research about gear, check out the details about lightweight backpacking fishing rods.

Types of Lightweight Backpacking Fishing Rods

Nowadays, there is a large variety of lightweight backpacking fishing rods available. There are various different styles of fishing rods that you can choose for your backpacking trip. You just need to know about the types of gear so that you can buy according to your need. So, let’s see what the types are.

Backpacking Tenkara Rods

Brook trout caught on a Tenkara fishing rod

Brook trout caught on a Tenkara fishing rod

The Tenkara fishing rod is the most popular option for a backpacking fishing rod because of its simplicity and minimal weight. This relatively new style of fishing has its roots in ancient Japanese fishing techniques, and it is a quick set up with minimal practice or specialized skills required.

The rod is completely collapsible and the line has a fixed length. There is not an expensive and tricky reel to deal with. The best Tenkara rod that we have come across is the DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod.

The best Tenkara backpacking rods are useful because they are so lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry the rod. That said, there are several pros and cons to the Tenkara rods.

Pros

  • Lightweight product
  • Simple design
  • Protective rod

Cons

  • Similar Technique as the fly rods
  • Location and target of fish species are limited

Pocket Fishing Rods

Pocket sized fishing rods

A pocket fishing rod is similar to a traditional fishing rod and reel

A pocket fishing rod is similar in style to a traditional fishing rod and reel. The main difference is that it is a collapsible pocket fishing rod is compact and lightweight, so that you can carry it easily in your backpack.

You also have the option of attaching higher end reels to the collapsible rod, if you are used to more traditional and sophisticated fishing techniques.

As the size is small, it’s easy and comfortable to use while backpacking. However, there are a lot of variants available. You can find it in different sizes, qualities and even in price so, do some research to choose the best fishing rod for backpacking. This option comes with a convenient carrying case to protect it even when it’s buried in your backpack.

Pros

  • As it is small in size, you can pack it easily
  • The casting technique with a traditional rod and reel is easier to master than fly fishing techniques

Cons

  • Pocket rods are heavier than Tenkara fly fishing rods

Travel Fly Fishing Rods

A collapsible fly fishing rod is perhaps the most popular option for a backpacking fishing rod. Like the Tenkara rods, fly fishing rods are a lightweight option to carry in your pack.

The rods are like simple long fishing rods that can be used easily for fishing. This option comes with a travel pack, as well as bait, line, and small tools you might need when fly fishing.

You need a little bit of practice to make fly fishing work for you. Your goal should be to make the bait look like a fly or insect as it lands on the surface of the water. Once you master the technique, you can catch fish quite easily.

Pros

  • The tackle and fly fishing gear is lightweight
  • The rod is small in size
  • Most backpacking areas are great as a target for fly fishing
  • You can use the fly rods in both lakes and streams

Cons

  • It takes a lot of effort to master the technique
  • Fly fishing needs to have an open space to cast

Where do you catch fish while backpacking?

The beauty of backpacking is that you are often able to find remote spots to catch fish. Small lakes or ponds are the most popular place that people go fishing. Besides that, rivers or creeks are also good places for fishing. Be sure to research whether a fishing license is required for your location.

What are the things you need to make a lightweight backpacking fishing kit?

Assembling your fishing kit is the hardest part of all. You need to get all the backpacking fishing gear together and place it in the right place within your pack.

Also, you must know what things you will need in your lightweight backpacking fishing kit. If you are a beginner, the advice we would like to give you is to think about what elements you will need while fishing.

Let’s talk about the basic things.

Choosing Fishing Line: First thing you need to do is to match your fly line to the rod that you are going to cast. Fly fishing line is very different from the fishing line used on a reel.

Choose your Rod and Reel: You must take a good quality rod and reel so that you can make a good setup. And to select the proper ones, you should check what type of fish you want to catch and what the location would be. Weight is also a matter here.

Choosing Lures: You must choose a few lures so that you can make them simple and easy to understand. Again, lures for fly fishing are different than lures used on a fishing reel. There is also some other equipment that you can add as bait:

Fly Fishing Lures for Trout

  • Adams flies
    • Fishing Technique: Fly fishing
    • Ecosystem: Lakes, streams, rivers
    • Species: Best for Rainbow Trout
    • Rated 5/5 on Amazon
  • Nymphs
    • Fishing Technique: Fly fishing
    • Ecosystem: Lakes, streams, rivers
    • Species: Brown or Rainbow Trout
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
  • Caddis flies
    • Fishing Technique: Fly fishing
    • Ecosystem: Lakes, streams, rivers
    • Species: Brown or Rainbow Trout
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon

Rod and Reel Lures for other species like Bass, Pike, and more

  • Wooly buggers
    • Fishing Technique: Rod and reel
    • Ecosystem: Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams
    • Species: Bass love them
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
  • Senko worms
    • Fishing Technique: Rod and reel
    • Ecosystem: Ponds, lakes, used in shallow areas with targets like docks, brush, etc.
    • Species: Bass, Pike, Walleye
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon

What Is The Best Ultralight Backpacking Fishing Gear?

The best backpacking fishing gear

If you are just getting started, you can try getting a fishing kit which, will come with the rod, reel, line, and any lures you might need. Here are two good options:

If you are looking to assemble your own backpacking fishing kit, you can explore a wealth of options, which we’ve outlined below.

The Best Collapsible Backpacking Fishing Rods

  1. Goture Travel Fishing Rods 4Pcs – Casting/Spinning Rod with a case
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $50
  2. CAPACI Portable Travel Casting Spinning Bass Fishing Rods
    • 4.8 oz.
    • Rated 4/5 on Amazon
    • $30
  3. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
    • 6.38 oz.
    • Rated 3.5/5 on Amazon
    • $37

The Best Lightweight Backpacking Fishing Rods

Some companies are focused on making the lightest-weight fishing rods. Here are some options:

  1. OKUMA Celilo Ultralight Graphite Lightweight Trout Rods
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $27
  2. Berkley Lightning Trout Rod – Ultralight
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $38
  3. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod
    • 4.8 oz.
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $50-100
  4. Shakespeare Micro Ultralight Spinning Rod
    • 3.88 oz.
    • Rated 4/5 on Amazon
    • $17-35

The best fishing reels for backpacking

There are some good fishing gear companies such as:

  1. Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
  2. Zebco Platinum Spincast 33 Reel
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $41
  3. 13 Fishing Concept Z Slide Baitcast Reels
  4. Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel
    • Rated 4.5/5 on Amazon
    • $230

The Complete Packing List for Female Travelers

Whether you’re packing for a week, a month or a year, deciding what to take can be challenging. If you’re like most people, you always overpack, thinking you want to make sure you have absolutely everything you could need.

Even so, you land at your destination, only to discover you’ve forgotten something important.

Believe it or not, there is little difference in how much and what you pack for a short trip versus a long one. The trick is to create a list of the essentials and stick to it when you pack, eliminating what you don’t need for your current destination but taking care not to add much, if anything, not on your list. This complete packing list for female travelers saves you a lot of hassle trying to figure out what to take along on your next trip.

Choosing the Right Luggage

The Complete Packing List for Female Travelers

Assemble the right packing list so you can really enjoy your trip

Your first consideration is what to pack all of your gear in. There are two primary options: a suitcase or a backpack. For short trips to a single destination, a suitcase works great.

Make sure you get one that has wheels and an adjustable handle. A four-wheeled suitcase is easier to manage and better for your body. It’s designed so that you can move it along next to you rather than dragging it behind you.

For longer journeys, especially if you expect to move from place to place or take public transport through towns, a backpack is the better way to go. It is much easier to get around when you can carry your stuff on your back.

If you get one that fits right and pack well, the weight is distributed across your shoulders, back and hips evenly, which is better for your body. Look for a backpack designed for women and ask a salesperson to fit it for you. If you’re looking for a carry-on sized backpacking the Osprey Fairview 40L is a favorite. If you’re taking a longer trip, go with the Osprey Ariel 65 Liter backpack.

Make sure you have a daypack as well. This is handy for carrying what you need with you on the plane, but it is also invaluable when you’re out exploring. It’s better than carrying a purse, and you can safely store everything from a jacket to a water bottle.

Clothing Packing List for Female Travelers

Deciding on what clothing to take can be tricky, depending on where you’re going. It’s easy to start stuffing everything you own in your bag to make sure you’re prepared for every occasion. Far better, however, to take a versatile wardrobe, with plenty of mix-and-match options.

If you pack extra of anything, make it your underwear. Take enough for a week and a day. If your trip is more than a week, then having eight pairs will save you from handwashing or laundering your underwear as often. They’re small enough that you can splurge on taking more. The remaining clothing you pack will depend on the climate you’re visiting.

Warm Weather Clothing

The Complete Packing List for Female Travelers

Packing light is easy when you’re packing for warm weather

If you’re heading somewhere warm, you can pack really light. Avoid all cotton clothing, as it soaks up sweat and takes forever to dry. If you stick with mostly solids, you’ll find it easier to mix and match. Here’s an idea of what you should take for hot environments:

  • Five quick-dry tank tops or T-shirts
  • Three pairs of quick-dry shorts
  • Two dresses or skirts
  • One or two leggings or lightweight, long pants
  • One or two things you can sleep in
  • A swimsuit, if you plan to be near water
  • Two sports bras and two bras
  • A pair of hiking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Two to four pairs of socks
  • A hat with a brim to shield your face from the sun
  • A sarong or light jacket for unexpectedly cool evenings

With this list, you’ll have plenty of options for outfits for just about any activity.

Temperate Weather Clothing

When you’re headed to a place that has more variable weather, you need to adapt your clothing to suit the environment. Layering is great in these areas and saves you extra packing. You can simply add and shed layers as you need them.

Keep the number of tank tops or T-shirts the same and add three long-sleeve shirts you can wear over them. Reduce your shorts to two and add in three pairs of pants. Leggings go great under dresses, so feel free to include one or two of both.

You may also want to include a pair of boots or closed-toed shoes. Make sure you take a water-resistant jacket.

Cold Weather Clothing

If you’re heading for colder climates, you’ll want to ditch the T-shirts and shorts, replacing them with long-sleeved shirts. Take along a couple of thermal shirts or sweaters, a sweater dress, three pairs of lined leggings and a pair of pants or two.

Make sure you have a week’s worth of warm socks and comfortable boots for walking and hiking. You’ll also need a warm coat — down works great because it compresses — a warm hat, scarf and gloves. Don’t forget to include prescription safety glasses if you’ll be engaging in outdoor activities where you need eye protection.

What Toiletries To Pack

Packing toiletries can take a lot of space up in your pack and add a surprising amount of weight. Unless you want to purchase everything at your destination (not advisable), you have to figure out what to take. Opt for trial sizes on shorter trips. A basic toiletry travel list includes:

  • A toiletry bag that you can hang
  • A razor with extra blades
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Facial cleanser and moisturizer
  • Body wash or bar soap
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Tweezers and nail clippers
  • Tampons
  • Travel first aid kit

If you wear makeup, take the bare minimum you can live with. If you run out of anything, it generally isn’t difficult to find what you need wherever you travel.

What Extras To Bring

The Complete Packing List for Female Travelers

Don’t forget a few crucial extras to add to your packing list

The biggest considerations for extras are personal safety items and downtime activities. Consider taking a personal safety alarm, a lock you can use on lockers and a wire-mesh bag protector.

You may want to bring along a paperback book, your journal, a tablet, and headphones for downtime. Don’t forget your phone charger! If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need to make sure you have an adaptor for your electronics.

Backpacking Packing List: 8 Essential Items for Backpacking the World

Are you planning your first backpacking travel adventure? This can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you’re not sure what you pack. Whether you’re backpacking Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or travelling throughout South America, there are a few backpacking essentials you’ll want to take with you from home.

To help you get started, take a look at our ultimate backpacking packing list, which will ensure you have everything you need for your trip. 

1. Backpack

Choosing a backpack should be the first thing you consider, as the right bag can make or break your trip. If you choose one that’s too small, you won’t be able to fit all your belongings in it, while a backpack that’s too big can slow you down and make your journey unpleasant.

When deciding on a backpacking backpack, consider the type of trip you’re taking as well as the type of gear you need to bring. A 30-40 litre bag is carry-on size and will fit a few days of clothes. For a longer world backpacking trip, you should be looking at bags that are 50-65 litres.

There are plenty of backpack brands to choose from, so it’s important to take your time and shop around for your particular body size. You should try on plenty of bags in-store and ask for size guidance to make sure you purchase the right one. 

That being said, one of the most popular backpacks for world travelers is an Osprey 65L backpack. They are durable, easy to load, and most importantly, comfortable. Women’s and Men’s backpacks are shaped somewhat differently, so purchase accordingly:

2. Day bag

A small collapsible daypack is an essential item on your backpacking packing list

Bring a small collapsible pack for your day trip excursions

For certain trips, you may want to leave your bulky backpack at your accommodation and instead opt for a lightweight day bag. It would be best if you buy a foldable day bag to fit inside your larger backpack.

Again this shouldn’t be too small or too big, as you need to make sure it’ll fit essentials such as money, your passport or even your visa. Try to choose a day bag with various compartments, as this allows you to separate your lunch from your toiletries. 

3. Waist bag or money belt

When backpacking around the world, you need to be extra careful when carrying around money, as pickpockets tend to target tourists. So, the best way to keep your currency safe is by storing it in a waist bag to keep it close to your person.

You can wear it proudly in front of you, wear it concealed under your clothes, or wear it as a cross-body bag.

There are a wide range of waist bags to choose from in a wide range of colours, so you can select a design to suit your preferences. The majority of money belts and waist bags can also be adjusted, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping down while you’re walking. 

4. Padlocks

To keep your belongings safe, you should definitely invest in padlocks. This small item on your backpacking packing list can be a lifesaver during your travels! You can quickly and easily secure your bag or hostel locker with a padlock for just a small cost.

Your luggage lock will also work on your backpacks, which will ensure all the contents are safe, especially your passport, as losing this would be a nightmare.

5. Universal travel adapter


One thing you will need to have on your backpacking packing list is a universal travel adapter, which will work for your phone charger or any other electronic devices you bring along. 

A universal travel adapter will solve all your plug issues, especially considering there are fifteen different power plug shapes around the world! So, instead of lugging different types of plugs around, you will only need a multi-purpose adapter. Just make sure you don’t leave it in your hostel!

6. Laptop

If you’re travelling alone, you’ll want to keep in contact with your friends and family to keep them in the loop about where you are off to next. Or maybe you want to document your journey on a personal travel blog.

The best way to do this is by taking a travel-size laptop. A Macbook air is the most popular laptop for digital nomads because it’s durable, lightweight, and compact.

If you are a freelancer or can work on the road, you can also use your laptop to work as you travel. You could even start up a public blog to document your travels and share your experiences with a wider audience.

7. Camera

Don't forget to bring a camera to document your adventures

A camera will help document your once-in-a-lifetime backpacking adventures

Your phone camera is sufficient for everyday life, but backpacking around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You’ll want to document all the amazing things you encounter along the way because your travel photos will be invaluable once you return from your epic journey.

This is exactly why you need a good-quality camera, which not only takes great pictures but also fits perfectly and safely in your backpack.

Most cameras these days come equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, which means you can easily send them to your laptop or phone if you want to post them online along the way.

There are plenty of action cameras to choose from, so you do research and ask around to see if anyone can recommend a good camera that will capture all your memories and enhance your blog. 

A GoPro is the ultimate item for your backpacking packing list

A GoPro is the ultimate backpacker gadget for adventure-seekers

If you have the technical know-how, you may want to bring a high-tech DSLR camera that allows you to capture stunning photos. For some of us, a more compact point-and-shoot camera will do the trick and has the benefit of being small enough to fit in your day pack.

However, if you want the ultimate backpacker gadget, you should bring along a GoPro which can accompany you everywhere from underwater adventures, to skydiving during your world travels.

8. Travel towel

Another essential item for your backpacking packing list is a quick-drying travel towel, as you will be moving from different hostels as you backpack from city to city, where you will need a hygienic towel. A travel towel is compact and can fit easily inside your backpack. 

You may also need a quick-drying towel when you’re enjoying some water excursions during your world backpacking trip, such as exploring waterfalls or hidden natural pools. 

Now that you have an idea of what to pack for your next adventure, you can stop stressing and start researching and planning some activities for your first backpacking travel adventure. Have fun out there!