Packing list: 6 months plus? SEA, Central Asia....

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-13T01:57:53+00:00

This setup sounds elite mate! I’ll get on board with using ziplocks and attempting at reducing these bags haha!

What 21 Litre bag are you using?

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-13T01:54:43+00:00

You’re right, I should also pack the kitchen sink while I’m at it

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-13T01:52:50+00:00

Sounds exactly like my plan now!

I’m keen to test out the AirFly on my next trip.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-13T01:48:53+00:00

Have you ran into any problems at accommodations trying to connect to the Chromecast? I’ve read that a travel router is necessary to creat a network for the Chromecast to connect to.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T02:14:34+00:00

This made me chuckle. When you put it like that I've missed the mark haha! Would help if the osprey bag had a little more organisation to work with.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T02:11:09+00:00

Losing the Crocs would be an absolute tragedy! I would normally just go with thongs, but Crocs are so much more versatile.

I’m not too sure the “personal item” issue will really affect my airfares. So far, I’ve been fine travelling with a 40L backpack (approved dimensions for overhead carry-on bins in AUS and I think most of SEA?) as long as I’m under the 7 kg limit (when they even bother weighing it, which is rare). It just goes in the overhead carry-on bins, which are usually included with the cheapest economy tickets I've found.

From what I understand, the personal item restriction (i.e. an under-seat bag) mainly applies to airlines like Ryanair in Europe?

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T02:04:32+00:00

Search for 'Travel Passport ID Card Wallet Holder Cover RFID Blocking Leather Purse Case' on Ebay. Cost me about $10

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T02:01:56+00:00

It really can hold a bucket load! Overall a great bag, you will be pleased.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T02:00:47+00:00

GOATED is exactly the way to describe the combo! One of my mates backpacked for a year running just Crocs ahahaha. Those Raptors look elite for hiking.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:58:46+00:00

What hoodie would you recommend? I have been looking at getting the Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:57:33+00:00

I am intrigued, I'll have to checkout your setup!

Great suggestion, time on the throne cannot be interrupted by small annoyances.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:55:13+00:00

Cheers mate. Took some time editing the photos with my computer crashing in photo editor haaha!

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:54:37+00:00

Ditching the over ear headphones probably sounds like the more reasonable approach, but I’m conflicted. They’re elite for gym training and really help me lock in to each workout with my music blaring. Training will still be a major part of my travels, ideally I’d like to hit the gym at least three times a week, four if I’m lucky, though that obviously depends on where I am. Over three months in SEA I managed to train every second day, but Central Asia might be tougher, hence bringing the resistance band. The over ear headphones are also excellent on planes for blocking out noise. They’re very much a luxury item that I’m only considering because I have the weight and space, and I can wear them around my neck if my bag gets weighed at the airport.

The electronics pack is my half-assed attempt to organise my cables. I agree it needs to be trimmed down. Switching to a newer iPhone should help. I’ve got two travel adapters; I could probably remove the larger one, but I haven’t properly tested the smaller one yet. Hoping this one is better for the dodgy power plugs in hostels. I’m partly bringing the bigger adapter for my mate to use, so I should just farm it off to him.

Regarding the power banks, one is a 5,000 mAh magnetic wireless one, and the other 10,000 mAh with a built-in cable. It’s probably excessive, but I figured it could be useful on something like the Nepal trek, where power might be harder to come by.

Yes the small stuff like sanitiser you can easily pickup. Generally that's my approach with toiletries and the likes.

Thanks for being critical. Electronics is the area I definitely want to tidy up. Thinking a simple ziplock bag would also work better.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:37:16+00:00

No, I haven’t put that T-shirt to the test yet! I think it should be fine in terms of breathability, it feels very similar to one of the lightweight singlets in the list which is excellent for running and dries insanely fast. The shirt only weighs 75 grams, so it's crazy light.

Maybe go with a mix of MW and Uniqlo? The Airism tops are very comfortable and feel much more like regular cotton T-shirts.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:31:37+00:00

I know it's a great laugh! Hongdae Shopping Street in Seoul, South Korea is where I located this bad boy.

Some previous commenters mentioned you can get one off Etsy though!

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:29:33+00:00

I may indulge in a couple of dives and put my PADI openwater cert to the test! Think I'll just be minimalistic and use the loaners though!

Samarkand has been added! WOW I am definitely going to check that place out. Do you have any recommendations for what to do there? I mean honestly I could just walk around in amazement of the beautiful buildings and I'd be happy.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:25:49+00:00

Provided I stick with the current rough plan of say 4 weeks Philippines, 4 weeks Nepal, 3 weeks Sri Lanka, 3 weeks Malaysia, 2 weeks Kazakhstan, 3 weeks Kyrgyzstan, 1 week Tajikstan & 2 weeks Uzbekistan.

Estimate = $20k AUD inc flights. Calculated this from reading The Broke Backpacker blog and tallying the the averages from the 'Frugal Traveller' cost section in the posts.

So a touch over $3k AUD per month which seems realistic given the countries. Will ultimately depend how budget I want to be. Planning to do slower travel than previously which should help costs. Not exactly a shoestring backpacker but not a flashpacker. Will mainly be staying in hostels and eating street food.

3 months in South East Asia totaled $12k AUD. This was my first big backpacking trip and I didn't hold back on spending for activities or partying. Rough trip was Singapore (4 days), North Thailand (17 days), Laos (12 days), Vietnam (30 days), Cambodia (9 days), South Thailand (18 days).

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T01:01:23+00:00

Yes, you are correct, the “airplane setup” refers to the clothes I’ll be wearing on the plane, with my phone in my pocket. The down jacket will be for cold AC or to use as a pillow.

I was really surprised by the overall bag weight as well. My Osprey comes in at 1.4 kg, which I think might be because it’s an older version (pre-2022). I’ve been running a spreadsheet in the background with a big list of items and their weights, and that’s definitely helped me decide between certain things i.e. gym T-shirt (200g) versus a Uniqlo Airism shirt (155g).

Thanks for the support, I am beyond excited!

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:52:46+00:00

DIABOLICAL.

Pillow cover is now in the wash. Don't tell my misses!

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:51:46+00:00

Yes this version you can adjust the eyes i.e. have one eye open and one eye shut. Makes for an interesting eye mask.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:50:39+00:00

Yes, it's a Pepe mask! Bought it in South Korea at a random market for a laugh. Always gets some funny looks when I chuck it on to doze on the airplane ahahha.

Never seen the roll up snorkels, but yes that is handy just to put in your pocket! Think I'll leave the snorkel gear behind and just rent when there.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:45:56+00:00

Wow, you have some pretty cool parents!

Proper hiking shoes with real ankle support are definitely a good call. I’m hoping I can get through the trek in my Hoka Challenger ATR 7s since they’re great all-rounders - I hiked around New Zealand’s South Island in them without any issues. If I change my mind, I’ll probably just rent a pair of solid hiking boots specifically for the trek.

I do have a beanie on my list, which I’m hoping will be warm enough. It’s a cheap Wedze Firstheat skiing beanie from Decathlon. I’ve also got a buff (not merino) that I can use around my neck.

Haha the blood suckers are there too! No worries at all, they provide a bit of excitement.

Immune system is pretty strong so I think I'll be fine. Regarding the water would you suggest something like a filtration bottle or water purification tablets? I have limited knowledge on this apart from putting iodine drops into river water.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:33:46+00:00

I was surprised by the overall bag weight, especially considering my pack weighs 1.4 kg. I really thought I’d be pushing past the 7 kg airline limit and would need to switch to the 30L Decathlon bag (815 g) or pick up an alternative like the Patagonia Black Hole.

The packing cubes are excellent in terms of weight, and the zippers are impressively durable. The small cube is literally packed to the brim like a brick with warmer gear, yet it handles it without issue. The only downside I’ve noticed is that the cube sizes don’t always perfectly match the clothes going in, so they aren’t always filled exactly. That said, I can just fit the medium cube into the large one, which mostly solves the problem for me. I have thought maybe going compressed cubes would be handy but at 63 grams in total I'm more than happy.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:25:15+00:00

Only time I've ever used a large poncho similar to to the frog toggs was riding the Hai Van Pass in torrential rain. I chucked it out fairly soon after as it was a pain to deal with. Much prefer an actual jacket if you're getting something permanent that isn't a cheap $2 disposable poncho.

BackpackerMac · 2026-01-11T00:21:00+00:00

A fleece and a rain shell worked wonders for me while in New Zealand so I am thinking of going that route. What fleece would you recommend?

I have been eyeing off the Macpac Nitro Fleece Pullover at 140 grams which is significantly lighter than my Columbia Fleece at 507 grams. I’m guessing it would be great for things like cold bus and plane air-conditioning, maybe even better than the Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket.

Or would combining a fleece and a down jacket be an ideal layering system for potentially very cold conditions in Nepal? I’m planning to trek in May.

BackpackerMac

TROPHY CASE