What To Pack For 6 Months Travelling: Essential Packing List
What to pack for 6 months of travelling is the essential packing list for a backpacking trip around the world in both hot and cooler climates.
A backpacking trip can be daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before! There are so many things which need to be considered and planned and then organised before you can go.
Luckily, I’ve been travelling for years and know exactly what you’re going to need, especially if you’re going to be doing lots of exploring, this packing list is for you!
Backpacking Essentials: What To Pack For 6 Months Travelling (or 12 months!)
In this post, I’ll share our 6-month travel packing list which will help you plan your round-the-world trip! I’m going to give advice on the male and female packing lists and tips on how to save space, I’ll also include what not to pack!
In truth, what you pack for 6 months of travelling is going to be the same for 12 months and anything in between. I like to travel light, so I’ve included essentials which will fit into a 65L rucksack. This is all you will need.
Disclaimer: Sometimes I might use affiliate links in my posts to recommend products and tours, and although I may get a little commission if you purchase something using one of my links, you will never pay more! Thanks for the support, Abi
Clothes & Footwear To Pack
Travelling for 6 months and having to pack and re-pack while living out of a bag can be challenging, however, if you’re well-organised it makes life easier.
In this guide, you will see I’ve included some backpacking tips and packing hacks. I’ve used them all on my own travels and I know they will make life easier!
General (for both) to pack for 6 months travelling
We do a lot of hiking on our travels and so keep this in mind if you are too. You will need a good pair of walking boots.
- Walking sandals x1
- Walking boots x1
- Walking socks x4
- Flip flops x1
- Long-sleeved top x2
- Jumper (windproof) x1
- Thermals (set) x1
- Coat (lightweight/rainproof) x1
- Underwear x6
- Thick socks x1
Men
- Shoes (for the evening) x1
- Shorts x3 (1x activewear)
- Trousers (lightweight) x2
- Vest top x3
- T-shirt x3 (1x activewear)
- Swimming shorts x2
Women
- Sandals (for the evening) x1
- Dresses x3
- Trousers (lightweight) x1
- Shorts x2 (1x activewear)
- T-shirt x2 (1x activewear)
- Tank top x2
- Sports bra x2 (+1 bra)
- Swimming costume x2
In cooler climates, I use my walking boots everywhere and I’ll tend to use walking sandals in hotter climates. Flip flops for beach days, showering etc and sandals for the evenings if we’re going for drinks or dinner.
I never really use other shoes, this also helps towards packing space, but if you feel you do need an extra pair of shoes then a pair of converse or a similar style would be ideal.
For the women
Once you get going on your trip you will realise a sports bra is easier, comfier and more practical in comparison to a bra. I tend to wear a sports bra in colder climates and bikini tops in warmer climates. The bra hardly ever gets worn, but I do take one sometimes just in case!
Why the thick socks?
For socks, I’ve included a thick pair, hard to dry and take up a lot of space so not ideal, but necessary if you’re visiting cooler regions. Wear them over a normal pair of socks so they stay fresher for longer and pack them in your hand luggage for flights, overnight buses and trains.
Buy synthetic material to pack for 6 months of travelling
Backpacking Tip: it’s a good idea to choose lightweight materials such as synthetic: nylon and polyester. Although sometimes not as comfortable as cotton you can find good quality options if you are prepared to spend a little more.
Synthetic materials absorb moisture keeping your skin dry. They are also wrinkle-resistant and will dry a lot faster than other materials. This is great as you don’t want to be carrying damp clothes!
Make sure you pack for your planned activities making sure your clothing is quick-drying, long-lasting and lightweight.
Keep in mind: the key to packing successfully…any successful backpacking trip is to pack light, you don’t need to fill your bag up. Know where you are going and what the weather is like! There’s no point in packing jumpers if you’re heading to the tropics.
Essential Accessories To Pack
Invest in a good backpack! It’s essential to pack a good rucksack for your 6-month travelling trip. It needs to be comfortable, breathable and long-lasting. Shop around, try them on, have a think and then buy it.
I’ve added a belt on here too, generally one will come with walking trousers but if not it’s useful to pack one, especially for males (who tend to drop weight when travelling!).
- Backpack 65L x1
- Daypack 20L x1
- Sleeping bag x1 (compact)
- Padlock x1
- Belt x1
- Cap/Hat x1
- Sarong x1
- Travel towel x1
- Neck Warmer x1
- Gloves x1
- Sunglasses x1
- Water bottle x1
- Headlamp x1
- Mini sewing kit x1
Is the sleeping bag essential?
Your sleeping bag is essential, or at least I used to think so. I’ve used it a lot on my travels (mostly on long, cold bus journeys – the driver likes to whack up the air-conditioning and it gets ridiculously cold inside).
However, on our recent 6-month travelling trip through Asia and South/Central America, I hardly used it and Jack didn’t use his once. So, is it essential? I still think it’s worth taking one but make sure it’s super compact, better to have and not use than not have and be cold!
Should you take a towel?
Pack Hack: use a sarong as a beach towel! Super lightweight, quick drying and packs-up small. It’s a great alternative to the bulky towel.
Most hotels will provide shower towels, although sometimes at an additional cost. I’ve included a travelling towel which is a small compact micro fibre towel which is useful if you don’t have a towel. This towel is super absorbent; a medium will do.
Toiletries To Pack For 6 Months Travelling
Women! The sun, the wind and the sea will dry your hair out. It doesn’t need to be expensive but make sure you’ve packed a leave-in hair cream. You’re going to need it!
- Body soap and dish
- Hair products
- Toothbrush & paste
- Dental floss
- Hairbrush/comb
- Mineral salt deodorant
- Facial wash/creams
- Body cream
- Face pads (reusable)
- Wet wipes
- Laundry soap
- Nail clippers & file
- Lip protective balm
- Razor (plus additional heads)
- Tweezers
- Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Mosquito spray
- Laundry bag
- Make-up (if required)
- Ear plugs (if required)
- Eye mask (if required)
Razor heads can be tricky and expensive to replace. It’s not ideal but buying disposables can make life a little easier. To help off-setting your carbon emissions why not think about planting some trees?
What to do with your laundry
Backpacking Tip: you are going to need a bar of soap for laundry. I tend to wash my smaller items such as underwear, socks and swimming costumes in the shower with me so they are on a good rotation. Also, Don’t Take White Items – they will go yellow.
I’ll either wait until I’ve reached somewhere with washing machines to do the bigger items but I have also washed these by hand if needed.
You can just hang the items out to dry over your balcony or in your bedroom – there is always somewhere or you can purchase a retractable laundry line.
Hair products
Pack Hack: transfer your shampoo and conditioner into medium-sized travel bottles. It is better to carry these around rather than the larger bottles, sometimes the hostels have their own shampoo and conditioner so you can top up your bottles.
Use soap instead of liquid body wash. This will save space, the soap will last longer and it is better for the environment!
Some people have recommended shampoo and conditioner bars, I have not used them personally so I can’t give my recommendation however I can see how this would be a good idea!
Small First Aid Kit To Pack
It doesn’t need to be big and might not be used but if you can include these items in a small kit it’s a good thing to have just in case.
- Plasters
- Anti-septic spray
- Blister pack
- Bandage
- Safety pins
- Pain killers
- Imodium
- Allergy relief
- Rehydration sachets
- Eye drops
- Kalms or Night’ol
- Motion sickness tablets
The blister packs are really important, especially if you are doing a lot of hiking. The Imodium always gets used as do the painkillers. The rehydration sachets are also good to have and get used up, good for a hangover or if you are feeling a little tired they seem to give a good boost.
Make sure you keep the items topped up!
How to overcome anxiety
Backpacking Tip: backpacking can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to get settled at times. You can also take some Kalms, they are herbal-based and do a really good job of helping with anxiety without the need for stronger medication.
If you start struggling to sleep or just need something to help relax, lavender oil in a little spray can also help. Spray some on your pillow or on your wrists and take some deep breaths.
Electronics To Pack: Optional
These items are totally dependent on your type of travel. You may not want to take any electronics or maybe just a few. The list I have given here is what I like to take.
Most of you will be using your phone camera instead of taking a separate one however I like to take a separate camera such as a go-pro.
- Laptop
- Phone/ Music
- Camera
- Headphones
- Universal adapter
- Chargers
Why take a separate music device
I do like to have a separate music device rather than use my phone. An iPod is a good choice. This doesn’t need to be expensive either, you can find cheap models for under £80. It’s also much safer listening to this rather than getting your phone out all the time.
Backpacking Tip: if you’re taking a laptop then I recommend purchasing an external hard drive. If you can get into the habit of backing up your laptop and sending the drive home every few months you will be doing well.
You will need to replace the drive every few months too but it’s worth it just in case you lose your laptop or it is broken or stolen.
Miscellaneous Items To Pack
Miscellaneous items to pack for 6 months of travelling! Most of these are going to love in your daypack and are really for entertainment purposes on those long bus journeys or flights; the rest are those important documents!
- Passport (very important)
- Travel documentation
- Passport photocopy and passport photos
- Bank cards including backup credit card
- Driving license
- Driving license photocopy
- Diary and pen
- Playing cards
- Book
- Sudoku
- Packing cubes (optional)
- Grayl water purification bottle (optional)
- Metal straws and sporks
There are quite a few important items listed above. Try not to lose your travel documentation! Back-up copies are great and sometimes needed for visas and emergency travel documents if you lose your passports.
Make sure to check travel requirements before you travel, i.e. visa requirements, jabs etc. If you’re coming from the UK all this information can be found on the gov.uk website.
Separate your cards and money
Keep one that you don’t use in your rucksack at all times. The chances of you losing your day pack are more likely than the rucksack going missing.
It’s also good to keep your money separate, if you’ve taken out a few weeks or even a month’s supply of money make sure you are not carrying it all around with you.
Only take what you need for a few days and keep the rest locked away with your belongings.
How to make packing easier?
Packing cubes! I’ve only just started using them and they are great. You can easily organise your belongings and find what you’re looking for quicker and easier; it’s also much faster to pack and re-pack.
They are just great, I highly recommend them.
How to save on water and plastic consumption?
Jack and I are always trying to travel greener and be more conscious of the environment, therefore we take our water bottles everywhere and use the Geopress Grayl Purificator to filter our water.
It’s a little big and bulky but we don’t mind as it saves us from buying hundred of one-use plastic bottles!
>> Read more: 29 Incredible Eco-Friendly Travel Products
Conclusion: What To Pack For 6 Months Travelling
I hope my list of what to pack for 6 months of travelling has all the information you need to pack successfully for your upcoming trip!
It’s the essentials and there are no fancy items but it’s all you’re going to need to make your backpacking trip enjoyable and comfortable. Always leave a little room for new clothes and accessories too!
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