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What to Pack

When you're about to embark upon any long trip, especially one like your gap year, it's easy to get carried away thinking about the open road of possibilities that awaits you and want to pack for every eventuality your overexcited brain can come up with.

But trust our more rational heads when we say it's doubtful you'll need shoes to match every outfit, or an array of hair products that will no doubt melt at the first sign of any temperature over 25°, or Shakespeare's entire back catalogue. And girls, the pain of a stiletto digging in your spine when you're running for a bus with a backpack is never going to be worth looking glam for one night- leave the heels at home.

Anyone who could fit all these things into their backpack- and carry it- deserves a medal and also, trying to persuade airline check-in that your bulging backpack is really only 20kg, their scales must be wrong, is never going to happen.

You will no doubt pack and unpack your bag countless times before you strap it up for good, but this is actually a good way of figuring out those 'needs' from 'wants'. Try it on; if you end up like an overturned turtle, it's maybe time to take a few things out.

TIP: Luggage Restrictions.

Remember to weigh your bag to check you're within any weight limits you might have while travelling. If you plan to take any internal flights while you're travelling, it's worth investigating what their luggage allowances are- usually long distance flights have larger weight allowances but small-scale internal airlines will probably have a 20kg or even 15kg limit.

Check on the airport website if there are any restrictions on liquids like toiletries before you pack your hand luggage and make sure your pen-knife and medical kit is in your check-in luggage.

Packing needn't be stressful and if it's done right can actually make things a lot easier once you are on the road. Luckily, we've come up with a handy check-list with all the essentials you might need while backpacking.

BAGS

Backpack

It's doubtful that you'll need more than 65 litres. The bigger your bag is the more tempting it'll be to fill it and remember- you will have to be carrying this around the world for a few months. If you can't carry it, don't take it. Also, a good tip is to line the inside with a large plastic bag- in the event of a leakage, suspicious puddle or sandstorm, your belongings should be protected.

Day Sack

It doesn't need to be more than 25 litres, just a standard rucksack is good enough to put your things for your flight or long journeys and important documents that you don't want thrown in the back of the bus or strapped on top! A handy hint is to keep a spare set of clothes and underwear in your day sack when you're travelling...just in case your main bag doesn't keep up with you.

Sleeping Bag

A 1-2 season bag is usually good enough since they are lightweight and so pack up small enough to fit comfortably in your backpack. However, if you are planning on doing any high altitude trekking, those mountains get pretty cold at night so you may need a higher season. Alternatively, you could just take a sleeping bag liner, which will give you an extra layer and also be handy for sleeping on night buses or in warmer climates! However, if you are only planning on going to Asia, you probably won't need one and could always buy one there, but South America's climate is more variable depending on where you go so sleeping bags are definitely recommended if you intend to take advantage of some of its amazing treks.

MEDICAL

First Aid Kit

You can buy these already packed up and ready to go with various bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze and scissors. You can add to it yourself with the necessary paracetamol, ibuprofen, immodium, water purification tablets, bite cream, antihistamines, sanitary products and prescription drugs. It's always good to have a well stocked first aid kit in case you find yourself out of reach of medical assistance. For some countries you may need to bring your own syringes.

TOILETRIES

Toiletries/Suncream

Take the basics with you but if you are running low on space in the backpack already, you can buy them when you're away; just bear in mind they might not be up to British standards- this is particularly important with items like condoms. Suncream might not be as reliable or accessible in some places so bring a few factors with you just in case.

Dry wash/ All purpose biodegradable soap

You can buy these from most camping shops and are incredibly handy after using questionable toilets with no sink. All purpose is a hidden gem that can wash clothes, fruit and you and is biodegradable so can be safely used in rivers and lakes without polluting the environment.

Mosquito net

These are only necessary if the areas you are going to have malaria. If this is the case you'll also need anti-malarials so check with your doctor about which you can take and when you need to start/stop taking them!

CLOTHING

Clothes

A few t-shirts, vest tops, long sleeved shirt (good for keeping cool, going to religious sites), long trousers/skirts, shorts, fleece or hoodie, a few pairs of underwear and socks are all the staples. If you take an entire wardrobe you'll miss out on the fun of buying clothes (cheaply) at local markets. Consider taking a set of smarter clothes, like a shirt or dress, in case you are invited to dinner with a local family or attend a religious ceremony.

Hiking Boots

Hard wearing- and already broken in- boots are a given if you are doing any hiking while you're away but also, it's worth bearing in mind that if you are travelling all day, carrying your life on your back, feet get tired and slipping around in flipflops might not be the best idea if you are running for the weekly ferry off the island.

Flipflops/Sandals

Give your feet a break from boots or trainers and also for beach time.

Travel Towel

A fantastic invention, lightweight, quick drying towel that folds up small.

Sarong

Don't bother packing a big beach towel; they are bulky, heavy and by the end of your trip- very smelly. A small, lightweight sarong is a fantastic alternative- dries quickly, weighs hardly anything, can double up as a blanket, cover- up, hijab.. It's all a matter of creativity. If you want a beach towel, buy one there.

Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

The trusty mac-in-a-sac is ideal, packs up small in your bag, hardly weighs anything and is invaluable for when you find yourself waiting for a bus in a monsoon or trying to put your tent up in a storm on the side of a mountain.

MISCELLANEOUS

Torch/Head Torch

Handy for dormitory living, night buses, when the town's power cuts out or for that midnight jaunt to the outdoor toilet.

Batteries

If your electronic equipment requires batteries, make sure you take rechargables or recycle them. Batteries contain metals like zinc and lead that can severely damage the environment if they are just thrown away. However, some countries don't have the facilities to recycle batteries so you should always make sure you bring them home with you. Obviously, after a long trip, you're likely to have amassed a considerable amount of batteries so it is worth looking into other power saving options.

Solar/Wind-up Charger

There are more responsible and sustainable alternatives to the traditional battery charger. You can buy solar chargers and wind-up chargers to boost your batteries, mobile phones or mp3 player; they might take a little longer to power- and you'll have to charge during the daylight hours- but you won't short circuit the village's power supply.

Other Useful Items

Important Documents