What clothes should I bring on a backpacking trip
I am planning a 2 month backpacking trip through China.
I would like to
- Bring the LEAST clothing possible
- Be comfortable in temperatures ranging from 10 C (50 F) to 30 C (86 F).
- Be equipped for every kind of weather.
What should I bring?
Best Answer
Fleece tops are great because they're warm, dry fast, and can be squished down a lot in a backpack. If you take a fleece top and a lightweight, waterproof jacket, you'll be fine in terms of outerwear.
I agree with Mark Mayo that quick-drying t-shirts and pants that tear/zipper off into shorts are perfect for cutting down on travel. However, you might want to consider getting travel/trekking pants that look a little nicer than the kind that zipper off. That way, you can wear them out to dinner, dancing, etc. Companies like The North Face and ExOfficio make decent-looking ones. You can find trouser-type pants that are waterproof/sunproof and functional but don't look like "sport" pants.
I also suggest getting a camping towel. I like to bring my own towel with me when I travel (and if you're backpacking, I presume you'd be staying in hostel-type places that don't provide towels), I also recommend getting a super-absorbent camping towel. They're basically giant micro-fiber cloths, but they're great because they dry really fast and don't take up much space.
And as Mark Mayo said, how long you're willing to go without doing laundry/having clean clothes is a big factor, too. ;)
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What should you not bring backpacking?
To help you pack light, here is a list of things you should consider not packing for a trip.- Jewelry and Valuables. ...
- Heavy Zoom Lenses For Your Camera. ...
- Extra Toiletries. ...
- Too Many Cotton Clothes. ...
- More Than One Pair of Jeans. ...
- Those Nice Shoes. ...
- Hiking Boots. ...
- More Than One Heavy Jacket.
What type of shirt is best for backpacking?
The Best Hiking Shirts for Backpacking in 2022 are:- Columbia Silver Ridge Lite.
- Icebreaker Tech Lite.
- Patagonia Sun Stretch.
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt.
- REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt.
- Macpac Eclipse Shirt.
- ExOfficio Men's BugsAway Shirt.
- ExOfficio Halo Long-Sleeve Shirt.
How do you dress like a backpacker?
Backpacking Travel WardrobeWhat should a woman wear on a hiking trip?
Women can opt to wear either hiking pants or leggings. Hiking pants will provide a more durable layer, best for trails with lots of brush. Standard athletic leggings are also an option for those opting for more comfort.What Are the Best (and Worst) Clothes to Wear on Backpacking Trips?
More answers regarding what clothes should I bring on a backpacking trip
Answer 2
I agree with an above comment about writing down what you use and making that your kit. The first time I traveled, I took so much that I didn't need. On each new adventure I was able to pair things down more and more. I recently did a year in South America with a 28 liter bag with room to spare.
Everyone seems to be different so it's difficult to determine what will work for you so all I can offer is generic advice:
When buying clothing, make sure it works in several situations. All black hiking boots don't look too bad if checking out a club in town.
Tan or beige pants that convert into shorts work great for a hike or a night out if dressed up with a polo.
I personally don't like the synthetic stuff. I stick with Smart Wool for all undergarments. I've spent weeks in the jungle with just two pair of socks, shirts, and underwear made with the stuff and never smelled a bit.
Avoid jeans if you can. They are heavy and do poorly when wet. They also often require a belt which adds to your kit.
Try to keep it light as possible unless you're planning to rough it for weeks without civilization. You can always purchase shirts and things if you need. As long as you have a few basics, you'll be OK.
Answer 3
Most other answers have covered all the ground that there is to cover, and I agree with the comments. What I really must say though is that you should add a good sports training jacket to your packing list. NOT one that's too heavy or one of the cheaper ones that are just thin rain jackets. I don't want to name brands but quite a few sports apparel brands have jackets with a mesh-lined inner back with an outer waterproof layer. It works brilliantly in protecting you from cold or windy conditions in the temperature range you've given, as well as offering you protection when it rains.
And, not specifically about clothing, but this will help you carry enough clothes easily: roll up your clothes when packing. It helps in packing everything compactly and you will be able to stuff in at least a couple of tshirts, shorts/jeans etc in even small backpacks.
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