The Golden Rule: Pack Light, Then Remove Half
Three years of backpacking across Southeast Asia. My entire life fits into a 40-liter backpack. You need far less than you think.
Clothing
4–5 t-shirts, 2 shorts, 1 lightweight long pants, rain jacket, swimsuit, sarong. Quick-dry fabrics only. Flip-flops plus one pair of walking shoes.
Tech and Gear
20,000mAh power bank — non-negotiable. Universal adapter. Dry bag for boat trips. Headlamp for power outages. Microfiber towel.
Health and Toiletries
First aid kit: antiseptic, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheals, rehydration salts. DEET mosquito repellent. Bring your own sunscreen — expensive and low quality in SEA.
What to Leave Behind
No sleeping bag — guesthouses provide bedding. No guidebooks — offline maps. Max one week clothing — laundry is $1-2/kg everywhere.