Backpacker tips
Travelling Asia with 7 kg of hand luggage: what I took and what I bought
I left for Dubai and Nepal with seven kilograms of hand luggage and a plan to throw away my old clothes. The secret of light packing is simple: buy what you need where it is cheap.
The plan
I flew from Vienna with only clothes I was ready to throw away. In Kathmandu I bought cotton clothes, a sleeping bag rated for freezing nights and winter gear. Mountain equipment in Nepal is cheap, and you should expect brand copies. Quality varies, so test your gear before a long trek.
Why hand luggage only
Hand luggage means no waiting at baggage claim, no lost bags and easy transfers between buses and flights. A German traveller I met at Vienna airport had a huge backpack, and they still let him through as hand luggage, so check airline rules and weigh your bag.
What I carried
Passport, phone, cards and cash. A small water filter. A power bank. A light jacket. Medication and a basic first aid kit. A few T-shirts and underwear. The rest is optional.
Buy local
Cotton, silk and cashmere clothes in Kathmandu cost a fraction of European prices. In Bangkok I bought a SIM card at the airport before leaving the building. Buy toiletries, towels and rain gear in the first town.
Laundry and bed bugs
In Kathmandu I washed my clothes and threw away the old ones in case they carried bed bugs. In Dubai and Bali I found bed bugs in a bed and in my backpack. Wash on a hot cycle, dry in the sun and check bed seams before unpacking.
Keep it truly light
Pack what you will use every week, not what you might use once. If you can carry your bag for an hour without pain, you have the right amount.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you pack for a long Asia trip?
On my 2022 trip I started with seven kilograms of hand luggage and bought clothes and gear locally.
Is mountain gear cheap in Nepal?
Yes, but a lot of it is copies, so test the gear and do not rely on it for extreme conditions.
How do I avoid bed bugs?
Check mattress seams, keep your bag closed and wash clothes on a hot cycle after suspicious stays.