Buying Guides
Backpacking/Gap Year Travel Kit List
Backpacking holidays and worldwide travel during a gap year have become increasingly popular amongst young adults
in recent years. It is a great way to see a bit of the world while you are still young and with no dependants or
commitments.
It is also becoming increasingly popular with older people who want a break from their career and from the rat
race of modern life.
Not only is it a much cheaper way of travelling, but you will also get to see a lot more of the countries you
visit, and the customs and way of life of the local people, than you would on a normal holiday.
Planning & Preperation
It is certainly a very exciting way to travel, but can be very daunting. Planning your trip carefully is
essential, and a kit list will help you ensure that you take everything you need.
Here at Chas E. Smith, we have compiled a list of what we think you may need to take, and we hope you will find
this useful.
This kit list is for guidance only - please check with your travel operator for a definitive list.
Global Travel Kit List
| Description |
| Travel Documents |
| Passport and any necessary Visas & Vaccination Certificates |
| Tickets |
| Travel Insurance |
| Driver's License |
| Cash/Bank Card/Travellers Cheques |
| Phone Numbers & Email Addresses |
| Embassy & Emergency Numbers |
| It may be an idea to take spare passport photos and photocopies of the above documents. |
Clothing |
| Shirts & T-shirts |
| Trousers & Shorts |
| Underwear |
| Socks |
| Waterproofs |
| Jumper/Sweatshirt |
| Boots/Shoes/Sandals |
| Headwear |
| Swimwear |
| Adjust the list above to suit your personal preferences, and your destination(s). |
Bedding |
| Sleeping Bag |
| Sleeping Bag Liner |
| Sleep Mat |
| Inflatable Pillow |
| Tent/Overnight Shelter |
Health & Toiletries |
| First Aid Kit |
| Any personal medication |
| Insect Repellents |
| Sun Cream |
| Water Purification Device |
| Mosquito Net |
| Wash Bag |
| Toothbrush & paste, soap, shampoo, razor & cream, sanitary protection, brush/comb, Toilet tissue etc. |
| Hand Sanitizer |
| Travel Towels |
| Unbreakable Mirror |
Security |
| Money Belt |
| Padlocks & Rucksack Locks |
| Wallet (on chain) |
| Personal Attack Alarm |
Luggage |
| Rucksack |
| Daypack |
| Rucksack Transit Cover |
| Stuff Sacks, Pouches & Liners |
| Waterproof Rucksack Cover |
Other Useful Items |
| Duct Tape (for running repairs) |
| Penknife or Multi-tool |
| Sewing Kit |
| Water Bottle |
| Matches |
| Binoculars |
| Whistle |
| Compass |
| Maps & Guidebooks |
| Plug Adaptor |
| Spare Batteries |
| Mobile Phone |
| Wind up charger |
| Sunglasses |
| Radio/MP3 or CD player |
| Camera & Film |
| Cards/Games |
| Carabina(s) |
Dependent on type of Trip |
| Emergency Blanket |
| Survival Kit |
| Bivi Bag |