For a full checklist for your backpacking trip download the free e-book the Backpacker´s toolbox. The Backpacker's Toolbox contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.
Peter Siljerud is an experienced world traveller and co-author of the Backpacker's toolbox. He regularly contributes to Hello Backpacker - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages:
Get inspired / Plan your trip / Advice on the road / Tips when back home
Having the right toiletries with you can help you get a more rewarding trip. Use the below check list to make sure you have all the toiletries you need on your backpacking trip.
- Contact lenses Bring an extra pair of contact lenses in case you lose them during your trip (which can easily happen during activities such as rafting). It may be practical to bring daily lenses or lenses worn 24 hours/day so that you do not have to bother with cleaning them.
- Contact lens fluid You may not be able to bring it in your hand luggage because of security regulation so a few daily lenses may be better to bring on board the plane.
- Contact lens container To store your contact lenses in.
- Glasses
- Cord for glasses Attaches to your glasses and goes behind your neck so you do not lose your glasses if they fall off on boats etc.
- Case for glasses Hard case for glasses to protect them when you do not wear them.
- Cloth for cleaning glasses
- Cotton swabs
- Toilet paper Hey, you do not want to be stuck without it.
- Hand disinfectant Great to clean your hands where it is hard to find water.
- Small mirror To be able to put in and take out contact lenses. Look for it in the make up department at your local department store.
- Laundry detergent For washing your clothes.
- Dressing-case (toiletry bag) To store your toiletries.
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste and toothbrush Try to find a container to put your toothbrush in to keep it fresh. Before finishing toothpaste at home you can save it for future travels where you only need a few days of toothpaste.
- Soap and container Try to find a container to put your soap into so it does not go all over your stuff.
- Deodorant
- Schampoo
- After shave/perfume
- Ear plugs To get some sleep or kill noise in general.
- Eye shades To help you get some sleep.
- Inflatable pillow Comfortable during long bus journeys but it can also be used as neck support on lazy days on the beach.
- Nail scissors
- Sunscreen/after sun cream
- Water purification tablets Useful if access to clean water is difficult. They are available in liquid or tablet form.
- Washing up detergent If you plan to go outside big cities and cook for yourself.
- Cotton balls For use with skin care products.
- Electrical shaver + charger or shaver and shaving cream
- Handkerchief
- Skin care products
- Lip balm
- Sanitary towels (napkins)
- Make up Maybe you will run into a really cute guy on your trip :)
Happy travels!
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