Here is a suggested packing list for the average backpacker. Obviously the requirements differ from person to person and also depending on where you are going. To be honest if you don't know what to take, perhaps you should stay at home.
| Films | |
| Belt | |
| Wide brimmed compactable hat | |
| String | |
| Travel Wash | |
| Small Nailbrush (good for cleaning cuts etc. + nails) | |
| Hanging toilet bag | |
| Normal toilet bag | |
| Medical kit (including Imodium, paracetamol, syringes, etc.) | |
| Sun creams 25, 16, 8 | |
| Anti-malarial prophylaxis | |
| Regional travel guide | |
| Reading material / nothing scandalous | |
| Water bottle (e.g. Sigg) | |
| Water purification treatment | |
| Small sewing kit | |
| ISIC card or something that says you are a student | |
| Mosquito repellant - DEET | |
| Small torch (maglite is good, head strap is useful) | |
| Batteries (for all different equipment) | |
| Passport photos | |
| Universal sink plug | |
| Swiss army knife | |
| Travel alarm clock | |
| Books | |
| Wallet | |
| Clip money belt | |
| Ziploc Freezer bags | |
| Sarong | |
| Sleeping bag liner | |
| Sleeping bag (small) (3 season +15 - -10 ) | |
| Decent walking boots (hard sole e.g. Vibram) | |
| Decent sandals e.g. Merrell not Nike etc. | |
| Biros | |
| Deck of cards | |
| Small notepad | |
| Diary | |
| Decent walking Socks | |
| Underwear | |
| Shorts | |
| Trousers (Convertible ones are good, where the legs unzip to make shorts) | |
| T-Shirts (cotton) | |
| Swimming costume | |
| Casual shirt or other loose top | |
| Lightweight Fleece jacket | |
| Lightweight Waterproof jacket | |
| Thermal underwear (if going to particularly cold or high places) | |
| Fleece Gloves | |
| Warm hat | |
| Daypack - aprox 35 litre (so can use for short treks) | |
| Backpack - 65 litre+ (suitcase style-not top loading) | |
| Decent toilet paper (it'll be the last for a while) | |
| Waterproof watch with glass face (DEET melts plastic) | |
| General toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush) | |
| Small hairbrush | |
| Doorstop (prevents unwanted visitors, if no lock on door) |