Backpacking Asia Must-Haves (Monsoon SZN) REVISED

While there are a few good sources online on what to bring to survive in Southeast and Northeast Asia, here is my rendition. A combination of past travelers experience, the internet and a good feeling have lead me to creating this list of must-haves for surviving a month-long backpacking trip through Asia. During this excursion we will be exploring Thailand, Cambodia, China as well as Japan. Without further ado:

The first "must-have" would be to receive all of the necessary vaccinations! Check the CDC website on where you will be traveling as well as a travel clinic to insure you don't catch anything abroad.

Secondly, check which countries require visas. We found that out of the four countries we wanted to visit, both China and Cambodia require them. While Cambodia is rather lax and allows travelers to purchase a visa at the airport for $30 and a passport photo, China is a bit more complicated. Check out my post that gives you more helpful hints on how to acquire a Chinese visa!

Now to get into what to pack. Number one: make sure to bring a solid, framed backpack. I personally will be hiking around with a North-Face Terra 65 (65 liter) backpack thanks to my brother Dylan. Any brand will work as long as it holds all of your items and is durable enough to last the length of your trip. *REVISED- If you can fit everything into a 45 liter backpack, you will be able to use it as a carry-on. Much safer when travelling light!

As stated previously, monsoon season will be in full swing during our month-long quest. That being said, our standard go-to outfits are out of the question. With the humidity and random rains bound to occur during this trip, I have derived a few necessary items for living comfortably.

Clothing Must-Haves

• Pair of travel sandals (yes, dad sandals aka mandals, I chose Teva's)

• Pair of running shoes (for hikes/comfort)

• Travel underwear (Ex-Officio briefs, 3)

• Moisture wicking T-shirts (Ex-Officio, 3)

• Breathable Long sleeve (Ex-Officio,1)

• Breathable shorts (Joseph Abboud Athleisure shorts are my favorite, 2)

• Breathable, non-cotton pants (Joseph Abboud athleisure, 1 pair)

• Light, moisture-wicking, breathable socks (smartwool ultra light, 4 pair)

• Smartwool long socks (1 pair)

• Light-weight raincoat

• Plastic raincoat/poncho (it is monsoon szn)

Miscellaneous must-haves:

• Small backpack for daily adventures that may not require your big bag

• Cheap polarized sunglasses

• Cheap laptop (anything but a Chromebook, Google products are a no-go in China)

• Wall adaptor (to charge your devices, only had to use once. Most hostels are accomodating)

• External battery pack (charge whilst exploring)

• Credit card (you do not want international charges for every purchase)

• Flash light (couldn't hurt)

• Deodorant (internet says it is hard to come by, must be true)

• Couple cheap pair of headphones (may lose a pair)

• Wet wipes & tissues (a good deal of restrooms do not supply TP)

• Anti-diarrhetic (if you aren't used to the food, may be helpful)

• Hand-sanitizer (nice assurance after a squatty potty in the ancient temple ruins of Cambodia)

• Toiletries- toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc. (travel size)

• Nail clippers

• Ibuprofen

• Mosquito repellent (Get the good stuff, 98% DEET and a DEET free for day to day)

• Sunscreen (genuinely had locals ask what it was when applying it, shows you how rare it is to come by)

• Hat (plenty hot here and the sun's rays are not forgiving

Now you are on your way to discovering new cultures! Remember, do not overpack! Most things you forget will be available abroad for much less than you would pay back home. Feel free to subscribe to Nick and I's travel adventures and get more interesting updates as we go along!