Packing Tips – Clothes

The biggest question posed by backpackers before ‘the big off’ is usually “what do I really need to take?” There are a lot of factors to consider, as no two trips are the same, however I believe there is a generic, baseline list that can be used by the majority. For ease of reading I have broken the full list down into 3 bite-size sections as follows:-

(i) Clothes
(ii) Money and Documents
iii) Miscellaneous Items

Within each section you will find a rough run down of necessary items with associated tips, tips gathered not through research but from years on the road.

(i) Clothes:-

Attempting to provide a singular, definitive list of required clothing would be nigh on impossible. With as many different climates as there are choices of activities to undertake while in them, a rough list and some extra tips may prove to be of greater benefit. So here it is:-

Underwear. A couple of pair of socks and around 4 pairs of undies will do for most trips, unless you prefer to go commando. If, however, you do enjoy a little more air around your loins, then be sure to first verify trouser integrity, as no-one really needs to see you pop out and say hello.
Lightweight, quick drying undies are best as you will have to wash them regularly. I crash my kegs during my shower, killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. To reduce laundry duties, however, you could adopt the famous ‘Four Day Cycle’ i.e. Normal, back to front, inside out, then inside out and back to front. Someone has claimed to have invented a ‘5 day cycle’, but personally I think they’re bluffing.
Light blue Y-fronts with dark blue piping/dark brown Y-fronts with light brown piping still remain the choice of champions, whereas white undercrackers are a definite no-no – they will end up looking like a biohazard and certainly won’t help you make new friends if left on the floor in a busy dorm.

Footwear. Ultimately, the choice here will hinge on where you intend to go and the activities you will be undertaking. As a rough guide, a pair of sturdy sandals (such as Tevas), a pair of low cut trail shoes (such as Salomons), and a pair of 50 cent, 4 Wheel-drive, all terrain flip flops (thongs) should cover most of your needs. This is general advice but is by no means a definitive solution.
Waking boots, for example, are also a valid option. They aren’t just for hardcore trekkers, in fact I wear them – and I’m the laziest person I know. Regardless of where I travel, I just take breathable Gore-Tex boots (Karrimore KSBs) and a pair of cheapo flip flops, and am never left wanting. I have no worries about weight or backpack space as the boots are generally on my feet. I don’t find them too hot, even in the tropics, and I rest easy in the knowledge that they afford a little more protection against snakes and other critters that can properly ruin your day. Thongs for the beach are a must though, as stomping about in heavy boots and obscenely tight, green Speedo swimming trunks would just make me look like some kind of deranged, Sci-fi Space Chicken.

T-Shirts. As tempting as it may be, do not take too many T-shirts. Pound for pound, there are many better articles of clothing to take. Nothing will give you the chills and be as unpleasant to wear as a wet, sweat soaked T-shirt. Nothing will smell quite as funky, either – apart from your recycled pants on day four. T-shirts are great for the beach or to knock around in, but consider taking no more than two.
Don’t worry about taking high quality t-shirts – they will get pulled, stretched, and battered. They can be purchased on the road at a fraction of the price they are at home, so pick them up once you are underway.

Long-sleeved Shirt. Light and airy for humid climates, and can be worn as casual or as smart. It’s always worth having at least one set of clothes that can pass off as being smart – for example, during visits to sacred sites such as temples or ruins, or when invited into a family’s household. Language barriers will not be an issue in this instance, as you can effortlessly convey a clear message of respect and recognition without a word being spoken.
Long sleeves will also afford greater protection against the sun and mozzies, but they can still be rolled up if need be.

Short-sleeved Shirt. At least 1. Lightweight, airy, and comfortable, they are well worth the minimal backpack space they consume. Another plus is the usual top pocket, which is ideal for accessing bus tickets/small change etc if you are stuck in your seat on a cramped bus. Plus, for us stinky smokers, it means you will never have to puff away on a bent or broken cigarette again!
For those that can appreciate what it is like to have a sunburnt neck, the value of a collar that you can turn up can never be underestimated. And, particularly in urban areas, wearing a shirt will also draw less attention.

Base layer. A lightweight, moisture wicking base layer that feels comfortable against your skin is a must. This can be worn under any other garment to afford a degree of warmth, and can be slept in. Helly Hansen, North Face, and Stormlite all do a good range. Several of the better makes also contain anti-microbial qualities, which is fantastic news for soap dodgers like me. There are many other lower cost ranges of clothing to consider (from military surplus stores etc) that may do the job almost as well at a fraction of the price. One word of caution though: Steer clear of actual military surplus clothing – especially if you plan to go to certain Central/South American countries. Dressing like a Soldier of Fortune in these parts ain’t a wise move. So, no matter how cheap the gear is, don’t buy it unless the store also does a good line in ‘Chalecos Antibalas’, or bullet-proof vests to you and me.

Lightweight fleece. Useful on fiercely air-conditioned buses and flights etc. and ideal for those chilly mornings at higher altitudes – even in the tropics. A thin, lightweight fleece is the perfect accompaniment to other under layers when it gets a bit nippy.

Trousers. Two pairs of lightweight, quick drying pants will suffice. In warmer climes baggy lightweight trousers will feel just as cool as a pair of shorts, if not cooler.
Cargo pants are ideal as they contain a few extra pockets for documents, tickets, and those fresh-wipes that smell and feel like little fluffy kittens – all items requiring easy access when on public transport. Having pockets with zip, button, or Velcro fastenings are also a good idea, as they not only reduce the risk of valuables falling out on buses, but also act as a visual deterrent toward would be pickpockets.
As with all other clothing, avoid lighter coloured trousers unless you want to constantly wash out grubby marks or look like a Pikey.

Shorts. A few options here – convertible trousers that zip off at the knees, purpose made shorts, and beach shorts to name but three of them. Although a great idea in principle, the cold, harsh reality is that unzipped convertible trousers make you look like a bit of a plonker (lets be honest here), and you have to ask yourself when, exactly, would you need to wear either these or the tailor made variety.
Shorts, in virtually any location other than the beach, will both define you as a visitor and generally ensure that you stand out further. The “Hey, I’m on holiday” look is not always a good choice; not when trousers can be as equally cool and afford greater protection against both the sun and insects. That said, a pair of board shorts or similar are worth taking if you are partial to waterborne activities or a bit of beach time.

Lazy Pants. Although by no means a necessity, a pair of comfortable, elasticated, slip on pyjama style pants can be a worthy addition to the packing list. Cheap and easy to pick up on the road, comfort pants are perfect for the days when you don’t, or can’t, venture to far from your accommodation – if you catch my drift.
Some styles may look positively ridiculous and will leave you asking yourself “What will they go well with?” Well, I find that they go best with a veranda, hammock, cold beer, breathtaking view, and a good book. You can, of course, wear them out and still blend in on the veritable freak show that is Khao San Road, Bangkok – but I shouldn’t be so quick to judge, as some of the Khao San long-termers are still people, too.

Sarong (or similar). This is the ultimate in multipurpose clothing and it would, in fairness, be easier to list what you can’t use it for. It’s a towel, a sheet, a sunshade, a knapsack, a hat, and, when knotted together with others, a perfect means of escape from dorm a window for those not wising to pay for the night. Only joking, no-one carries more than one sarong…
Other similar items can be picked up along the way, like a Cambodian Krama or, my favourite, the Indonesian tubular sarong.

General Considerations.

Use it, ditch it. If you will be traveling through several different climates, it isn’t usually worth taking everything you need from the word go unless you are starting your trip in the colder regions. As a general rule, you will be able to buy extra layers in the places where they are needed. Compared to the specialised clothing available at home they may not be as effective for the size/weight involved, but they may well be cheaper and therefore easier to part with once that leg of your journey is over!

Duality of use. In effect, if all your items serve two purposes, you will end up carrying half the gear.

Wash day? Already? If the thought of having to hand wash clothes (or fork out for laundry services) every other day fills you with a feeling of impending doom then do consider taking a few extra items. Carrying a little extra weight may appeal if it substantially cuts laundry bills or allows you a little more pyjama time on the veranda.

Hygiene. If you are of the opinion that using a sarong as an item of clothing, a towel, and a bed sheet is slightly gross, then consider picking up a small travel towel as well. Surprisingly, a highly absorbent travel towel the size a hanky can still get the job done admirably.

Comfort. Ultimately (and regardless of any suggested packing lists apart from this one, naturally), you must take items which you feel comfortable wearing. If you like Jeans, for instance, then take them. They are the most impractical, weighty, space consuming, slow drying trousers known to mankind, but I love wearing them so I always take a pair – and they also go extremely well with my leather trench coat, top hat, and fur-lined yeti boots.