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Our Ultimate Packing Tips for Female Backpackers

By Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor April 17th, 2022 Posted in Travel Blog, Travel Guides 3 Comments

Here’s our version of Packing Tips for Female Backpackers. Packing for a trip can be one of the most exciting (oh my gosh, I’m really going somewhere!) and stressful (how am I supposed to fit all of this into that?!) parts of a trip. Depending on what you pack and how you pack it can either excite you or make you throw your clothes all around the room in frustration.

I used to stuff more than I needed into my bag. I would pack shirts and pants that I wouldn’t even touch during the duration of my trip. I always end up wearing the same outfits because they are either comfortable, for hiking or walking around, or cute, for going out to dinner. When you’re traveling, no one is going to realize you’ve worn the same shirt three days in a row (“Smell? What smell?”). To be honest, when I was volunteering in South Africa, I wore the same pair of pants seven days in a row- yes, seven- and I was with the same group of people the entire time. Did I care? Nope! As long as my backpack is lighter and there are fewer things in it, I don’t care.

I’ve compiled packing tips for female backpackers, so you know exactly what you should and shouldn’t pack.

Packing Tips for Female Backpackers: What Backpack?

Product NamesProduct ImagesAbout this ProductPrice
Kelty Redwing 50 BackpackOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersRedwing is a tried & true trail value for all-day hikes or a quick overnight. The perfect Fit Suspension supplies you with customized comfort without the hassle, accurate on-body adjustments with 3 simple steps for pack fitting success.check price button2 dnd 300x178
Numinous PackOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersNuminous Pack is made of anti-slash fabric to resist tampering and theft. Its anti-puncture zippers can't be pried open. Its feature-rich, functional wheeled luggage also converts to a backpack. check price button2 dnd 300x178
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body BagOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersTravelon cross-body bag has an adjustable shoulder strap that attaches to a post or chair. It is also slash-resistant. check price button2 dnd 300x178
JanSport SuperBreak BackpackOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersJanSport SuperBreak Backpack is 100% cotton. It also has a dimension of 16.7"H X 13"W X 8.5"D and a 13" shoulder drop.check price button2 dnd 300x178

1. Find the right backpack

This will make you or break you. I highly recommend the backpack I use, the Kelty Redstone 60 L Charcoal backpack. It’s a bit pricey (I found it on sale!), but it’s an investment if you want to travel long term. Price is definitely a big factor when choosing a backpack. If you can’t afford one right away and you have some time before your trip, put aside some money so you can purchase a quality backpack (Kach used to have a Numinous Pack).

numinous 65 litre backpackA feature that I really like with mine is the strap around your stomach that provides awesome back support. There’s a ton of room, different zippers to access different parts of the backpack without having to dig through everything, and a cover over the top. You can also adjust it to the curve of your back for optimal comfort.

There are other great options for cheaper backpacks as well that are just as great. These can be found online. The reviews that people leave are also incredibly helpful.

No matter what kind of backpack you get, make sure it has good back support, adjustable straps, and that it is comfortable to wear. It should also have a lot of storage space, such as small zippers on the side of the backpack that is convenient for storing small items.

2. Over the shoulder purse/ smaller backpack

I said “over the shoulder” for a big safety reason: It helps prevent people from grabbing your bag and running off with it! If it’s across your body, there is no easy way for them to snatch it and run. If you’d rather use a backpack, then a small regular backpack is great, too, and better for your shoulders (I like to wear my backpack in front of me on public transportation to prevent theft).

Bringing a smaller purse or backpack is perfect when going on short day trips so you can bring important items with you (camera, phone), and leave your bigger bag at your hostel/hotel. It’s also an important place to keep valuables that you absolutely cannot lose if there is not a locker for storage at your hostel. It’s also a good idea to spread out your valuables between your backpack and your smaller backpack, so they are not all stored in one spot.

Packing Tips for Female Backpackers: How to Prepare your Luggage

Product NamesProduct ImagesAbout this ProductPrice
Ziploc Storage BagsOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersZiploc Storage Bags features a Smart Zip Plus seal. It is made of durable, long-lasting plastic and is microwave safe.check price button2 dnd 300x178

1. Pack an extra outfit in your carry on

Whenever I fly, especially for longer flights, I pack one extra outfit in my carry on (if my carry on bag isn’t big enough, only extra underwear and socks are just as good). I do this just in case the flight loses my bag and it takes a few extra days to get to me. This happened to me once, but thankfully, it was on the way home.

2. Copies of Important Documents

Another safety tip, in case you lose something important, such as your passport, credit card, license, etc. It’s always smart to have a copy of each of those things on hand for emergencies.

3. Ziploc Baggies

I love Ziploc baggies. They act as dirty laundry hampers! Bring a couple of the gallon-sized ones, and fill them up with your dirty clothes to prevent you from re-wearing them again! I also bring a smaller sized baggie to put my bar soap in to prevent it from making everything soapy. I also put my shampoo, conditioner, and shaving cream in Ziploc baggies. They have a tendency to explode in my bag.

4. Check the weather

This will make your life a lot simpler. It’s easier to plan for the weather if you’re going somewhere for less than a month when the weather won’t change too drastically. However, even if you’re going for a longer period of time, you can check the trend of weather from previous years and plan accordingly.

Packing Tips for Female Backpackers: What to pack?

Product NamesProduct ImagesAbout this ProductPrice
Vislivin Womens Supersoft Camisole Stretch Casual Tank TopsOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersThis women's tank top is made of 95% modal and 5% spandex. and super soft modal fabric. This Camisoles tank offers supreme comfort, stretchy, and breathability. It is perfect with leggings, shorts and skinny jeans. It's a super breathable and soft undershirt that can be worn all day.check price button2 dnd 300x178
MIRITY Women Racerback Sports BrasOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersThis MIRITY Women Racerback Sports Bra is 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex. It has a high-support sports bra and a comfy racerback in smooth Body-Wick fabric to keep you cool, from cycling to circuit training.check price button2 dnd 300x178
Compression Socks for Men & WomenOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersThese socks help to improve blood circulation and reduce fatigue. These wonderful FOOTLOOSE unisex knee-high compression socks are here to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day. check price button2 dnd 300x178
CUPSHE Women's Black Lace Up Halter Padding Bikini SetOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersA lace-up bikini top, reversible bikini bottom, and lace-up back with lining. It is made of chinlon fabric. check price button2 dnd 300x178
L.A. Beauty Womens Flip Flop with Glitter Straps and Comportable FootbedOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersA fashion flip flop with glitter straps. Materials used are synthetic & rubber so it is lightweight. check price button2 dnd 300x178
HALO Sleepsack Micro-Fleece Wearable BlanketOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersHALO Sleepsack is made with 100% Polyester. The original wearable blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib for a safer environment. It also has an inverted zipper that opens from the bottom for easy diaper changescheck price button2 dnd 300x178
Country Bound Microfiber Towel by Fast DryingOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersThese microfiber towels absorb as much water as a big, bulky towel—but dry much quicker so you can reuse them again and again. Each package includes a generously sized Large body towel (60x30”), Medium hand towel (30x15”), & Small face towel (15x15”). It also includes Handy Zippered Storage Bag.check price button2 dnd 300x178
Itraveller Portable Hanging Toiletry BagOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersAn anti-bacterial inner lining and water-resistant fabric will protect your personal items from the penetration of moisture or bacteria. The tidy and fine close stitching ensure the bags are sturdy and durable. It also has multiple compartments for different requests of storage.check price button2 dnd 300x178
TSA Approved Travel Combination Cable Luggage Locks for Suitcases & BackpacksOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersAll TravelMore retractable travel locks are 100% travel sentry certified and designed from the ground up to be the strongest and reliable luggage locks in the market. These small and weatherproof wire locks can be used on a variety of items. It also has 3 dial combination & a flexible steel cable. check price button2 dnd 300x178
Nalgene BPA Free Tritan Wide Mouth Water BottleOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersNalgene BPA Free Tritan Water Bottle is suitable for both cold and warm beverages. It is also printed with milliliters and ounces for easy measurement. check price button2 dnd 300x178
OPTIMOX Iodoral IOD 12.5 High Potency Iodine Potassium Iodide Thyroid Support SupplementOur Ultimate Packing Tips for Female BackpackersA tablet form of Lugol solution, providing an amount of total elemental iodine comparable to the average daily intake by mainland Japanese. It is free of wheat and gluten, corn, soy, yeast, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, and peanuts. check price button2 dnd 300x178

1. Clothing

This is a generalized list. Depending on where you are, this list is subject to change! For example, if you’re somewhere with freezing temperatures, you’re going to pack warmer clothes and no shorts, as opposed to somewhere where it’s very hot, you’ll probably only want one pair of pants.

-2-3 pairs of pants: one pair of jeans/nice pants and one pair of casual pants. Quick-dry pants are the best. These pants are very convenient especially if you’re going to be hiking or walking around in wet weather, as they dry very quickly. Also, bring a pair of leggings. These are incredibly convenient in any season and are very comfortable to wear when traveling (bring black ones- you won’t be able to tell if they’re dirty for a long time).

4-5 shirts: two tank tops, one long-sleeved, and one or two nice shirts. Tank tops are small and easy to pack, so weather permitting (and if you have a lot of room) you may want to pack more. Make sure the shirts you’re packing are versatile. You’ll be surprised with how many mix and match combinations you can come up with that will make you feel like you’re wearing a whole new outfit!

2 nice outfits: two dresses, or one dress and one skirt. The skirt can be mixed and matched with the shirts you bring. If you wear a clean tank top with a skirt, that’s already another nice outfit!

3 pairs of shorts: Shorts are easy to pack and small. I like to pack one pair of denim/ nice shorts, one pair of hiking shorts, and one pair of comfortable shorts that I could also sleep in.

8 pairs of underwear: Bring one pair of underwear for each day of the week, and then one more. This will be helpful if you can’t do laundry in a week’s time. Make sure you pack comfy underwear too — Knix has one of the most comfortable bras out there, great for traveling.

3 bras: I like to bring two regular bras and one sports bra which comes in handy with hiking and exercising.

7 pairs of socks: Make sure you have quick-drying, good quality socks. This will not only help prevent them from ripping but also help eliminate odor. This is convenient if you can’t wash them for a few days!

2 sweaters/sweatshirts: One cardigan and one sweatshirt. The cardigan is a perfect coverup if you need to dress up for something. You can easily wear it with a tank top. I like to pack one sweatshirt as well for comfort and warmth.

2 bathing suits: These are very small and easy to pack. If you bring bikinis, mixing and matching is another option!

Georgina Sasha - Caribbean Wedding Preparations with Carnival CruisesFor pajamas, I usually wear a tank top and a pair of comfortable shorts. If you have room, pack an extra pair of shorts and a tank top (they’re small) and keep those as your “pajama clothes” so you don’t need to worry about washing them as often.

2. Shoes

I recommend only bringing one pair of sneakers, one pair of cheap flip flops (for the hostel showers) and one pair of nice shoes, such as ballet flats or comfortable sandals. You’ll be wearing sneakers most of the time, which will help prevent blisters and foot pain.

I have a pair of waterproof hiking sneakers that I love. If I’m in a location with a lot of rain, I can still walk around in them and not have to worry about ruining them or bringing rain boots. Depending on the weather, bring a pair of regular boots instead of sandals to keep yourself warm.

Try and buy shoes that are multipurpose. For example, buy boots that are waterproof and would also be good to wear with a nice outfit. The sandals that you wear in the hostel would also be perfect to wear on the beach or on a casual walk.

3. Jackets

Again, this all depends on the weather. If I’m going somewhere warm, I like to pack one rain jacket. If it’s a bit cooler, pack one fleece. Fleeces are great because they’re easy to pack and provide a lot of warmth.

4. Towel

Invest in a quick-dry towel. These are especially great if you’re on the move a lot and don’t have a lot of time to let your towel dry overnight. They feel strange and you won’t get the comfort you would if you had a cotton towel, but they get the job done and your bag won’t end up smelling like wet dog!

5. Accessories

Baseball caps are great. They protect your face from the sun and are small. I also like to bring one scarf and one pair of sunglasses, both of which are also small and easy to pack.

6. Cosmetic Bag

I put everything into my cosmetic bag! Toothbrush, toothpaste, Advil, mascara, nail clippers, floss, glasses, contacts, contact solution, tweezers, chap-stick, deodorant, etc. Remember, you can buy these items at any convenience store, so don’t worry about having forgotten an item or not packing enough of one item.

Cosmetic bags are an inexpensive way to organize your toiletries and prevent anything from exploding onto your clothes (such as your toothpaste).

If you’re not checking a bag at the airport, buy carry-on sized bottles for your shampoo and conditioner, and airport approved toothpaste and contact solution if you need it. You can always buy bigger bottles at your destination.

7. Makeup

Stowaway Cosmetics - Caribbean Wedding Preparations with Carnival CruisesStick to the basics, especially if you’re going somewhere warm where you’ll be sweating a lot. I like to bring face moisturizer and mascara. Eyeliner and blush are also small, easy things to pack that won’t take up a ton of room.

8. Safety

I carry around a lightweight, cheap lock that I can put around my backpack strap and around the leg of my hostel bed. You have to buy a lock with a cable so you can wrap it around the bedpost. I know this wouldn’t prevent anyone from going inside of my bag (unless there was a lock on that too) but it would prevent them from taking my entire backpack! It’s easier to cheaply replace clothes than a nice backpack.

9. Electronics

Travel Gadgets of Two Monkeys Travel 6Be careful which electronics you bring. If you’re not going to use your Kindle, don’t bring it! Pick up a book at the airport instead. Bring any chargers and adapters you may need, and anything else, such as your phone, camera, and laptop if you need it. These items are going to be the most expensive, so make sure to keep an eye out for them.

10. Re-useable water bottle

This will save you that precious cash and prevent you from continually buying water bottles. If the water is safe to drink at your destination, drink it! If it’s not, you may also want to invest in Iodine tablets that will clean your water and make it safe to drink.

Packing Tips for Female Backpackers: What not to pack?

1. Valuables

Leave the expensive jewelry at home! Not only may you risk losing it, but it makes you more of a target if you’re wearing a nice ring. It’s just not worth it.

2. Think before you pack

Picture yourself wearing the item multiple times. Don’t pack any outfits for a “special occasion” you think might happen. It’s just going to take up unnecessary room that could be used for other things. Remember, less is more! You’ll have to get creative with outfits, but that’s part of the fun.

Do you have any packing tips for female backpackers of your own?

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3 thoughts on “Our Ultimate Packing Tips for Female Backpackers

  1. These tips are amazing. I definitely prefer a small backpack, but of course everyone choose the most comfortable for his self. Every time I travel I try to feel comfortable in my shoes and my clothes.

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Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]