Packing Tips for a 2-Month Backpacking Trip to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand

December 16, 2024

Planning a 2-month backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand is an exciting adventure—but figuring out what to pack can feel like a challenge. You’ll be hopping between tropical climates, bustling cities, and outdoor adventures in different seasons, so packing light and smart is key. As a female traveler, it’s especially important to balance practical needs with comfort and style. Here’s your ultimate packing guide for a 2-month backpacking trip to these diverse destinations.

1. Pack Light, but Smart

Backpacking is all about simplicity and mobility. A small, high-quality backpack or a travel bag (40-50 liters) will be your best friend. You’ll need a bag that’s comfortable to carry, durable, and easy to access.

Key Packing Tip: Stick to a versatile, minimalist approach with items you can mix and match. Packing light means less to lug around and more space for souvenirs and memories!

2. Clothing: Versatility Is Key

Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand can have varying climates, from tropical heat to cooler mountain air, so you’ll need to be prepared for all conditions. The goal is to pack clothing that can handle humidity, rain, and chilly evenings.

Essentials:

Tops: 4-5 lightweight, breathable t-shirts, tank tops
Bottoms: 3-4 pairs of pants/shorts that are comfortable for long travel days and versatile enough for a variety of activities. A pair of leggings or athletic pants are great for hikes or yoga.
Dress: 2-3 versatile sundress (can be dressed up or down) for evenings or when you want to feel a bit more put-together.
Light Sweater/Layer: A thin hoodie or cardigan for cooler nights in New Zealand or higher altitudes in Southeast Asia.
Swimwear: 4 swimsuits for beach days, waterfalls, or hostel swimming pools. A quick-dry one-piece is a great option.
Rain Gear: A compact, packable rain jacket. Southeast Asia can be very rainy, and it’s worth being prepared. You can also buy a poncho at 7/11 in Asia.
Underwear & Socks: 6-7 pairs of each, including a couple of quick-drying pairs for hiking or long travel days.
Sleepwear: 1-2 sets of comfy, breathable sleepwear.

Footwear:

Comfortable Walking Shoes: A pair of durable sneakers or hiking shoes, depending on your planned activities.
Flip-flops or Sandals: For beach days, showers, and casual wear. A pair of flip-flops that are lightweight and comfortable for travel are essential.

3. Essential Gear

Packing the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Backpack with Rain Cover: Invest in a high-quality, comfortable, and weather-resistant backpack. It should have padded straps and a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly. I personally have the Osprey Kyte 38L, this is what REI suggested for my height 5’ 3”. I would suggest something bigger like the Osprey Fairview 40L
Daypack or Small Backpack: For day trips, beaches and hikes.
Packing Cubes: These will save space and keep your clothing organized.
Sleeping Bag Liner: If you’re staying in hostels, a suede liner can keep things sanitary and give you some peace of mind.
20 oz Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated in tropical climates is a must. Make sure it’s durable and lightweight. 25 oz collapsible water bottle
Travel Towel: A quick-dry microfiber towel that won’t take up much space and is perfect for hostels or beach trips. I love this 3-pack, one for the beach, shower and to wash your face.
Portable Phone Charger & 2 pack: You’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your phone for maps, bookings, and photos, so a power bank is essential.

4. Toiletries & Personal Care

You can usually find what you need in most Southeast Asian and Australian cities, but it’s still good to pack a few key items.

Essentials:

Toiletry Bag: Keep all your toiletries together, for when you’re staying in those hostels.
Toiletry Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant (in travel-sized bottles), and other personal care products.
Sun Bum 2 pack Sunscreen (SPF 50+) or Blue Lizard SENSITIVE Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen: Southeast Asia can be intense, so protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Australia has a high UV index as well. While SEA will sell sunscreen, you want to avoid buying there as they almost always put whitening stuff in the bottles.
Bug Repellent: In tropical regions, mosquitoes are a concern, especially in Southeast Asia. Get a good quality DEET or natural-based repellent. If you are going to south east asia first, I would wait and buy it at the 7/11.
Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons, pads, menstrual cup, or whatever you prefer. It’s also smart to bring a few wipes for when you’re on the go.
Spray Hand Sanitizer or Germ-x Hand Sanitizer: Especially useful when you’re traveling in remote areas or when clean water is scarce.
Disposable toilet seat covers: You are going to be in for a cultural shock when you see some of the toilets in southeast asia.

5. Health & Safety

Staying healthy while traveling is key to enjoying your trip to the fullest. Make sure you’re prepared for any health needs.

Essentials:

Travel Insurance: Always travel with insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
Basic First-Aid Kit: Bandaids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and other basic supplies.
Prescription Medications: If you take any medications, bring enough for the whole trip along with the necessary prescriptions.
Travel Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations before heading to Southeast Asia. Check the CDC or your doctor for recommendations.
Water Purification Tablets: These can come in handy when you’re in more remote areas without access to clean water.

6. Electronics & Photography

You’ll want to document your journey and stay connected, but don’t overdo it.

Smartphone and Charger: This is your primary communication and navigation tool.
Headphones: I would only suggest bringing buds, as the over the ear one’s can be too bulky and could possibly get water damage from the humidity.
Camera (Optional): If you want higher-quality photos, consider a sony mirrorless camera or an Action Camera for adventure shots.
Laptop or Tablet (Optional): If you plan on working or blogging during your trip, a lightweight laptop or tablet could be useful.
Travel Cable Organizer: It really helps having everything organized and in one place
Universal Travel Adapter: Your regular plugs will not work, this is necessary.

7. Documents & Money

Keep your important documents safe and organized.

Passport & Copies: Keep your passport in a safe, easily accessible place. Make photocopies of it and store them separately.
Travel Wallet or Rfid Blocking Wallet: Use a travel wallet or neck pouch to store cash, credit cards, and documents securely.
Visa Requirements: Make sure you know the visa requirements for each country you’re visiting, and have the appropriate documentation ready.
Credit Cards & Cash: Carry a combination of both. Southeast Asia is still quite cash-based, while Australia and New Zealand rely more on card payments.

8. Extras

A few other things to consider for a more comfortable trip.

Journal or Notebook: For jotting down your experiences, sketching, or making notes.
Earplugs & Eye Mask: Hostels can be noisy, so earplugs and an eye mask can help you sleep better.
Lightweight Lock: Some hostels offer lockers, and having your own lock can keep your valuables safe.
Apple Air Tag: Highly recommend putting these in all your bags
Travel Pillow: I am someone who can not sleep on planes, and this was my saving grace. Or this Airplane Head Strap with Eye Mask for Sleep
Books or a Kindle: You will spend a lot of time on ferries, bus rides or at the beach and wish you had a good book to read. A lot of hostels will have a book exchange as well.

Final Packing Tips

Test Pack: Try packing everything a week before your trip. This allows you to see what you’ve missed or what you might not need.
Don’t Over-Pack: Remember, you’ll be able to buy most things along the way. Keep it minimal and only pack what’s necessary.
Embrace the Laundry: Many hostels offer laundry services, so don’t worry about packing for every day. You can wash your clothes as needed.
Thrift Shopping or Discard Clothes: Make sure you only bring clothes you are absolutely okay with the possibility of them getting ruined, or ones you can donate. I plan on donating some of my hot temperature clothes, so I can go thrifting in New Zealand for cold temperature clothes.

Conclusion

Packing for a 2-month backpacking trip in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on versatility, comfort, and practicality while keeping in mind the unique climates and activities you’ll experience. By sticking to the essentials and using a smart packing system, you’ll be able to travel light, stay organized, and fully enjoy your adventure!

Happy travels! 🌏✨

Sara Trimm

Sara is a travel enthusiast navigating the world with an autoimmune disease. She shares budget-friendly travel tips, itineraries, and personal insights to inspire others with similar health challenges to go out and explore.