Ultimate Solo Backpacker Packing List

I spent two months backpacking South America solo, this is the packing list I’d wished I’d seen before I left.

I stayed in hostels, travelled via bus and did a lot of hiking while I was there. You can adapt the list to suit your specific travel plans but this is a good place to start. A lot of the toiletries you’ll be able to restock when you need too, any medication I would recommend bringing the amount that you will need for the time you are travelling.

If you’re not planning on camping you do not need a sleeping bag. They take up a lot of space and most hostels won’t let you use your own anyway, if you decide you want to go camping there are a lot opportunities to buy or rent them.

1. A large backpack (50–60L), durable, and waterproof
2. Packing Cubes *amazing! Organize them based on temperature (warm clothes in one, cooler clothes in another)
3. A day bag with zippers
4. A microfiber quick dry towel and face cloth
5. T-shirts or tank tops (4)
6. Long sleeved t-shirt (2)
7. Jeans (1)
8. Leggings (2)
9. Studio Pants (1)
10. Shorts (2)
11. Sun Dress (1)
12. Vest (1)
13. Waterproof Coat
14. Underwear (10)
15. Sports Bra (3)
16. Regular Bra (2)
17. Socks (7)
18. Bathing Suit (2)
19. Flip-Flops (1)
20. Sandels (1)
21. Running Shoes (1)
22. Blundstones (1)
23. Ball Cap
24. Hat, Mitts & Scarf *season dependant, winters at high altitude can get quite chilly, I was glad I’d brought a touque*
25. Sunglasses
26. Sunscreen (SPF 50)
27. Face Wash
28. Dove Bar Soap
29. Deodorant
30. Toothpaste
31. Tooth Brush
32. Nail Clippers
33. Razor
34. Shaving Cream Bar
35. Hair Elastics
36. Diva Cup
37. Safety Pins
38. Polysporin
39. Benedryl Cream
40. Tylenol
41. Altitude Pills *talk to your doctor*
42. Band Aids
43. Aloe Vera
44. Laundry Detergent Single-Use Packs
45. Dryer Sheets *Put them in with your clothing to keep things smelling fresh*
46. Elastics *life-saver, good for quick fixes and keeping things organized*
47. Medium-Sized Tupperware
48. Utensils
49. Travel Clothesline
50. Pocket Knife
51. Notebook
52. Pens/Pencils
53. Clipable Water Bottle
54. Cellphone
55. Travel Adapter
56. Charging Cord
57. Power Bank
58. Credit Cards (2, store them separately)
59. Passport and a Photocopy
60. Health Insurance Information
61. Vaccination Record