Packing List

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WHAT’S IN MY BACKPACK?

Figuring out what to bring backpacking can be quite the challenge! You have one small bag and so much stuff you could bring. How do you decide exactly what are the backpacker essentials, and what to leave behind?

One of the most common questions I get from our Trekkers about to hit the Trail is - what gear should I take backpacking?

Don't worry – Our team is here to show you exactly what to pack while hiking by giving you our top-secret packing list.

We've been on the Trails for nearly twelve years now, hiking across the mountains with an essential backpack is all you need.

We are going to unleash everything.

This is the definitive packing list. We've put together this page guide filled with the things you do need, and some bold claims about the things you don't need to take backpacking.

Here you will find a complete packing list of everything you will need for a trip abroad so you can purchase your gear before you set off adventuring around the Inca Trails.

 

WHAT TO BRING PACKING – ESSENTIAL PACKING ITEMS

#1. A BACKPACK (We recommend 30 litre)

The most important item on this backpacking gear list. This backpack has to be super comfortable, well designed, almost indestructible… We suggest picking a backpack in the 25 to 30 litre range. Picking the right travel backpack is very important; you are, after all, going to be pretty much living out of your pack.

 

#2. DUFFLE BAG

The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next adventure you will be going with us. Your weight allowance is up to 7 kg/15.4 lbs. Our horseman will carry your duffle bag for you together with the food and camping gear. It is important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day as the horsemen and horses will always be ahead of the group. During the travel, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Usually, to 30 litre backpack is sufficient.

 

#3. DOCUMENTS

ORIGINAL PASSPORT, of course you will need your passport to get into Peru, but you will also need your passport when you start the Trail, to enter in Machupicchu Inca city or to take the train.  There’s an official government checkpoint at the start of the trail that works to enforce the strict limits on how many visitors can walk the trail per day, and for every foreigner beginning a trek it is required that a passport be shown.

 

#4. A PROPER TRAVEL TOWEL (You gotta stay dry!)

Don’t bring a normal towel on your trekking journeys!

Regular towels are heavy, inefficient, and take up a ton of space. Travel pros use micro-fiber dry towels. And We recommend micro-fiber towels so much. Micro-fiber towels are made by travelers for travelers. They are super light, and most importantly dry very quickly.

 

BEST PACKING LIST – CLOTHES LIST

Picking the right clothes when backpacking is super important. Here are a few tips…

1. Pack light clothes – Hot or cold weather, pack clothes that fold up small and don’t weigh too much – avoid denim jeans! Even if you are heading to freezing weather, it’s better to bring clothes that you can layer rather than a big heavy jacket. Cotton is light and breathes. Splurge on the more sweat resistant stuff if you can. 
2. Dress dark – Unleash your inner goth and dress dark! Darker clothes hide annoying stains and can be worn for longer. 
3. Bring fewer clothes – Clothes are pretty cheap in most parts of the world, so rather than over pack, bring slightly less than what you need and pick up anything else you might need on the road. 
4. Underwear (x5): It can be surprisingly hard to find underwear that fits in Asia… Pack enough before you go.
5. Thin hiking trousers (x2, 3): For both men and women choose the best stuff that can work with mosquito repellent. We’ve been wearing different brands gear for years. Remember it has to be tough, light, good value and keeps mosquitos at  bay. 

Long sleeved mosquito repellent shirt: A backpack necessity when traveling to certain areas, mosquito repellent shirts are a lifesaver when trekking or hanging out in tropical climates.

T-shirts / Tank tops (x4): Easy to find on the road, don’t stress too much about these.

Base Layer (x1): Crucial for keeping warm.

Lightweight technical fleece: Essential when you’re on buses or trains that have the AC turned to ‘freezing’.

Evening wear (x1) While we are not hiking, it’s nice to have for a night on the town or at the camp site! Remember it has to be tough and practical. 

Sunhat (x1): If you’re heading to the scorched plains of Backpackistan, you need to keep your head covered.

Buff (x1): One of our favorite travel accessories on this packing list, It is usually wear on the wrist at all times; it’s great for keeping the sun off or covering your mouth and  nose to keep dust out. We also recommend to use it as an eye mask on long haul transport and in dorm rooms.

Indestructible sunglasses: For a hiking adventure, it’s worth investing in a decent pair of sunnies.

Warm Gear: If you’re heading into the mountains this is the most important section of the packing gear list. Do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of water-resistant gloves, a hat with ear-flaps and a down jacket.

Trekking trainers: Don’t go travelling around the mountains in Cusco without decent shoes! we personally recommend North Face Hedgehogs, Salomon, Quechua, Merrell or your favorite pair. 

 Technical sandals: If you’re going to spend a lot of time trekking in the mountains, jungle, hanging out around the city then it’s worth bringing a pair of good quality technical sandals. 

Flip Flops: Definitely worth packing no matter where you are going.

 

Packing Necessities – Technology List

Camera: If you want to take a camera and you’re new to photography I suggest getting something easy to go for taking quality travel photos. 

USB flash drive: Endlessly helpful.

USB card reader: Essential if you’re into your photography.

World Travel Adapter: This could easily top the list of backpacking essentials. It’s worth splashing out a bit here and getting one that can charge a laptop and two USB devices at once.

Smartphone: If you have a good smartphone, you might not need a camera – it totally depends on how much you care about your photos.

Portable battery: Extremely useful for keeping your phone and camera charged whilst adventuring. We recommend to travel with two as you’re often trekking and away from power.

Go Pro: If you want an action cam, this is the one to go for…

 

Packing List – Adventure List

If you’re a keen hiker or adventurer, you know that you’ll need to carry more gear… It’s great to pack light but if you’re spending a lot of time camping out or hiking through the mountains, it’s important to be prepared.  This camping gear checklist has got you covered on everything you’ll need for your epic hikes and camping delights. 

Head-torch: One of the most useful items on this backpacking checklist! Head-torches are useful for hiking and bathroom trips when the power’s gone out.

Pocket Blanket: Lightweight, waterproof, super compact pocket blanket is a great addition to your packing list. Doubling up as an emergency poncho is worth its weight in gold when chilling, or camping.

Mosquito Net: We strongly recommend getting a box shaped net. 

Cable ties: Always worth packing a couple, especially if you’re off on a trekking adventure.

Sleeping bag liner: Useful when the sheets are not so clean or you want to sleep under a blanket but it’s damn hot.

Pens and notebook: Don’t go traveling without it!

Packing Supply List – Hiking Gear List

Multi-tool: It’s the perfect companion for any backpacking adventure.

Sleeping pad and sleeping bag: If you are hiking and camping a lot, this is obviously a must when it comes to your packing equipment list – without a sleeping pad you will get seriously cold. 

Water bottle: Hydration is pretty damn important whilst trekking.

UV steripen: The best option for purifying water.

Water purification tabs: A much cheaper option for purifying water.

Packing List – Toiletries Packing List

Microfibre travel towel -super lightweight and fast-drying

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Shower gel
• Cotton buds
• Pack of tissues
• Decent sunscreen (often expensive to buy abroad)
• Deodorant
• Razor with replacement blades
• Shaving gel
• Earplugs
• Condoms

This travel toiletries list has all the essentials. Ladies – pack more as you may need.

 

Packing List – Medical List

It’s always worth packing a small first-aid kit.

• Personal medicines such as inhalers
• Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin
• Disinfectant spray
• Disinfectant wipes
• Mosquito repellent (at least 40% deet)
• Antihistamines
• Bandages and gauze
• Plasters in various sizes
• Steri-strips
• Throat lozenges
• Condoms
• Ciprofloxacin (the best thing to take for traveller’s diarrhoea)
• Malaria pills if applicable