The Ultimate Budget Travel Packing List
After three years of full-time travel across 45 countries, this is the packing list that has truly stood the test of time (with a few modifications depending on the season/weather pattern in the region). Every item here has earned its place in our backpacks — chosen for portability, durability, and affordability.
We travel light (~7 kg carry-on backpacks each) and travel with a budget of $30/day, so the things we pack have to punch above their weight – be durable, comfortable and affordable. Whether you’re off for a one-week backpacking trip or planning long-term nomadic travel like us, this list will keep you comfortable, organized, and prepared — without overpacking.
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🎒 Backpacks and Packing Tools
Main Backpack – 40L Carry-On Size
The sweet spot for budget travellers: big enough for long trips, but compact enough to avoid check-in fees on stingy airlines. We’ve used 40L packs for years — they fit in overhead bins, save money on flights, and force you to stay minimalist. Typically, this has also fit just about enough stuff, that the weight would also be very easy to manage while flying and while walking around.
Our current backpacks are Forclaz 40L backpacks that open up like suitcases. We have used typical rucksacks in the past and do not enjoy stuffing everything down the top hole – makes staying organised a huuuge task!
Always get a backpack with zippers. Being able to lock it makes a big difference in common places, on transport, etc. unlike rucksacks with a drawstring that anyone can open easily.
Daypack – 15–20L Foldable Backpack
Perfect for daily exploring, hikes, and bus rides. Folds down tiny when not in use. If you carry a laptop or some camera gear with you (like us), a day pack is especially useful. If you only need to carry some small valuables, a sling bag / pouch might be a more convenient option.
Our daypack does not fold down, but can easily stay flat inside the bigger backpack if we want to store it there. Shish prefers a small crossbody/sling bag.
Packing Cubes
These keep our backpacks organized and make it easy to find things without exploding clothes everywhere in hostel dorms. Shish’s new backpack actually has multiple packing cubes built-in to the design. My older backpack does not have this, so I carry two packing cubes of different sizes – mainly for clothes.
👕 Clothing (Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe) 👗
Nav’s clothing list
We pack for 7 days — no matter how long the trip is. Laundry is cheaper than luggage!
- 4–5 quick-dry T-shirts
- 2 pairs of lightweight pants/shorts
- 1 fleece/jacket for cold weather
- 7 pairs of underwear & socks
- 1 microfibre travel towel
Our tip: Choose neutral colors so everything matches.
Shish’s clothing list
We pack for 7 days — no matter how long the trip is. Laundry is cheaper than luggage!
- 4–5 quick-dry T-shirts
- 2 pairs of lightweight pants/shorts
- 1 fleece/jacket for cold weather
- 7 pairs of underwear & socks
- 1 microfibre travel towel
Our tip: Choose neutral colors so everything matches.
👟 Footwear
Lightweight Sneakers / Hiking Shoes
Good for walking, exploring cities, and mild hikes. One pair is usually enough. What matters most is the grip on the bottom and the comfort of the inner sole.
We survived a whole year in Africa with basic high-top hiking shoes – just get decent quality ones and take good care of them. None can escape wear and tear.
Sandals / Flip-Flops
Essential for beaches, showers, and casual days. Especially useful in hostels, to run to the grocery store or if you have a long travel day on a bus or train.
🧴 Toiletries & Health
Hanging Toiletry and Cosmetics Bag
Space-saving and hostel-friendly. Hanging ones are super practical in tight spaces. Alternatively, pack toiletries in two clear bags: one for daily essentials (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.) and another for makeup or cosmetics you don’t use every day. Clear bags make airport security easier.
Refillable Bottles
Keeps liquids travel-sized and flight-friendly. When travelling with carry-on only, this helps keep liquids under 100 ml and you can always refill at your next hotel / host’s place.
🔌 Electronics
Universal Travel Adapter
The #1 essential for global travel. Plug points have different shapes and orientations in different countries and regions.
Power Bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
Flight-safe and powerful enough to charge your phone / camera multiple times.
Earbuds / Wired Headphones
Budget-friendly but essential for long journeys.
⚠️ Other important items
- Passport holder and copies of IDs
- Money belt for buses/trains/busy areas
- Collapsible water bottle – saves money & plastic
- Travel laundry line / detergent sheets – do laundry anywhere
- Small padlock – essential for hostel lockers or to lock your backpack zippers together
- Notebook + pen – surprisingly useful. Shish always uses them!
Medicines: Always carry medicines in their original packaging for all common health issues: headaches, cold and throat issues, allergies, minor infections and for small cuts and wounds. For prescription drugs, always carry the doctor’s prescription in paper/digital form as it can cause major problems at International borders / Customs and Immigration.
🚫 What NOT to Pack
One of the biggest mistakes budget travellers make is overpacking. After three years on the road, we’ve learned that you rarely need as much as you think.
Extra clothes take up precious space, add unnecessary weight, and end up unworn — it’s far easier to pack for just a week and do laundry regularly. The same goes for bulky winter jackets; unless you’re travelling exclusively in cold climates, you’re better off layering lightweight pieces that work across seasons. Books are another common culprit — they’re heavy, take up room, and quickly become a burden in transit. Instead, consider carrying a Kindle or swapping books with fellow travellers in hostels and cafés.
By avoiding these common packing traps, you’ll save money on baggage fees, travel lighter, and enjoy far more flexibility on buses, trains, and budget flights. You will also make space in your baggage to bring back gifts and souvenirs!
❓ FAQ
Is 40L enough for long-term travel?
Yes! We’ve travelled for years with just 40L carry-on bags. The secret is packing light and washing often.
What’s the best way to save space?
Packing cubes + rolling clothes = game changer. We have always done this, always.
Do I need a backpack or suitcase?
Backpacks are easier for budget travellers who take buses, ferries, and walk a lot. Suitcases can work if you’re sticking to urban trips. But consider what would be better for your back.
That’s our budget travel packing list — tested on three years of full-time travel. Every item has been carried across borders, climates, and hostels, and we’ve linked to affordable versions online in case you’re building your own kit.
See our full packing list here
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