My backpack checklist

When I first started backpacking in 2024, it started when I went on a hike at Mount Merbabu. Two days, one night camping. I was not sure whether I’m gonna like it or not. Not sure if I like having a backpack on my back all the time. I also have history of scoliosis, so carrying something on my shoulder is a no-no for me. But growing up, I always envied those “bule” (white foreigner) who travel only with their backpack. They seemed so free. One day, my friend asked me whether I wanted to join an open trip to Mount Merbabu. That’s when I decided I would use this trip as a trial. I went to a nearby Decathlon store, bought a 45L backpack because of the cute blue color. And off I go to the mountain.

After the trip, I converted myself into a backpacker addict. Turns out, if you buy a proper backpack, your hip is supposed to carry the weight. Not your shoulder or your back, it’s the hip. Right after the trip, on our way back from Central Java to Jakarta, I bought a flight to Kuala Lumpur, to do my Southeast Asia backpacking trip for 12 days. I am so thrilled, because if you know me from 2015, you will know me as this over packer kind-of-gal. Back then, I will bring at least 10 pairs of shoes on a trip. Crazy right! Now I only bring the essentials in my backpack. I am much more minimalist in my travels compared to 10 years ago.

I usually bring two backpacks, the big 45L and the small/medium 10-25L. Because I usually bring laptop, cameras, and we cannot put them as checked-in luggage. All the very essential ones, like passport, wallet, gadgets, I always put in the small backpack and it will always attach to my body. The rest, I put it in the big backpack.

Initially, I created my checklist for my own purpose. Other than for packing during pre-trip, I love using the checklist during the trip as well, so I know I still have all my stuff with me. It has served me well, and now I want to share it with you. This list went through several revisions based on my personal experience. This is by far the best checklist for me. And hopefully for you too.

Free download backpack checklist

You can download the checklist for free here.

See you in my next post!