Aside from the obvious clothes, cash, camera (and passport), here are 10 of the things I put inside my backpack while traveling.
All of these stuff has been part of my “must-brings” since I started traveling. Most are used to save money and to save space on my backpack.
1. Hammock.
click the image to know more about my good ole hammock
As you might have observed in the past posts, I like to do some camping in places I visit (Mambukal, Guimaras, El Nido samples). My hammock weights 1lb and is very practical to carry anywhere I go. This becomes my home/bed/accommodation especially in areas where I can’t find a chaap guest house.
2. Goggles / Snorkle.
Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. As I always say, “all waters must be tested” so I have to experience every falls, sea, river and springs I saw. That is why I always bring my goggles especially on a beach trip or when in the island. Even on the mountains, I’m ready to check out what’s below the waterfalls or the river. This is also the best way to experience the beauty of the sea-world as I cannot afford scuba-diving as of the moment.
It also saves me P100-150 of snorkeling mask rentals.
3. Vibram Five Fingers / Slippers.
I’m a runner and there are times that I need to have me dose of endorphins. Before I always bring my running shoes but then when I got a Vibram Five Fingers Sprint (VFF), I leave the running shoes at home and just bring my VFF. It can be used practically in every outdoor activity I choose to- running, beach walking, snorkling, trekking, river-crossing, surfing, (even malling) and anything in between. I can also use this whenever there is a social event or party as it is not like slippers that looks cheap while on.
Color- screaming red! This also attracts attention of locals and is usually a springboard for conversation. For those who don’t have VFF, slippers would do the trick.
4. Sarong.
Made of very light fabric it has lotsa use. I used it as towel in the morning (I stopped bringing towel anymore), protection from the sun during the day, a cloth where I can sleep while basking on the sun’s heat at Boracay, and a blanket during the chilly night. In my recent trip to Mindanao, I brought two sarongs.
5. Water bottle.
I would always bring a 500ml or 750ml bottle. It is common knowledge that our bodies need 2 liters of water daily right? If I will be buying water everytime I get thirsty that would translate to P15 / 500ml bottle which is very expensive in the long run and probably would make me broke before going 30. By bringing my own water bottle, I can always refill it in the eateries, canrinderias, fastfood, hotel, airports, local houses (even in river streams). Saves a lot of money and makes me happy!
Need further probing? See my previous post: “Bring your own Water Bottle”
6. Flashlight.
Roads in rural areas are usually poorly lit. Bringing flashlight would help you find your way. I can also use this in times of emergency or black outs. I used a motorized flashlight so I would not be needing battery or charger.
7. Jacket.
Very helpful from the cold months of December-February and the rainy months of June-August. Also useful in the mountains and places with high elevation like Baguio City, Tagaytay, Davao Area and in Catanduanes.
8. Ziploc / plastic bag.
Water-proofing is a must especially when river-crossing, mountain-hiking and crossing from one island to another. important stuffs like camera, mobile phone and wallet will be safe here.
9. Travel Mug.
I love caffeine, it is a must when waking up on misty mornings. I bring with me my travel mug so I can always have my java. To save money, I bring along with it instant coffees, chocolates and tea inside. I would just ask or buy hot water, mix and viola- a steamy hot drink to power up my day.
More reason why you should “bring an instant coffee, chocolate or tea”
10. Nature Valley trail mix / bread.
In long trips or during long hours of waiting in bus terminals/airports a small amount of food is your best friend. Unless you want to splurge your money buying over-priced necessities, you may want to bring with you a bar or Nature Valley trail mix (this is my favorite). If I can’t bring that, I would ask my sister to bake for me some butter scotch bars so I can eat while on the road. Saves me a lot of peso! If these are unavailable, I buy bread in the bakery.
In my recent trip to Catanduanes, my bag weights less than 7kgs. The pack is good for 1 week.
If you are wondering why you need to save space in your backpack or “travel light,” my friend Flip wrote a must-read article about “Why You Should Pack Light?”
Bonus items: Small notebook & pen to record your experiences on the road.
7kg for a week’s trip? Tindi. Hehe. Hanap na rin ako alternative sa cotton towel. Kumakain kasi talaga ng space and noticeable yung weight nya. Salamat sa tips!
yep, 7kg for 1week. im still thinking of ways how to lessen the load. if i have machete body, i would go half-naked nga.lol
Try mo Ced and micro-fiber towel, very absorbent and not bulky.
Chamois (the yellow rubbery towel used for drying cars) is a good alternative to towel/microfibre cloth. Small but very absorbent. =)
yep, i use that too. very small pa
naks! you have a Vibram na! 🙂
i used to bring a hammock all the time. these days hindi na kasi kung saan saan na lang ako natutulog! hahaha 🙂
yay gaye, idol na kita! thanks for the uber hardcore idea. sana nga, CSer lahat ng pinoy noh? lalo na yung mga may ari ng hotels.
wala yosi? haha!
You forgot sunblock James, iitim ka 🙂
oo nga, i dont used narin or kung meron man, i just ask para tipid parin 🙂
Good one James!
And congrats on winning that Batanes trip!!
ay, salamat naman! 🙂 ok yung coron series mo ahh! ganda talaga ng palawan
teka walang headware? hehe
hahaha! you can add that.
whenever I see a hammock, ikaw lang naaalala ko.. hehe
ahahah! signature na ba? pero parang wala parin akong nkikitang hammock traveler. asar nga di ko nagamit yung hammock ko sa northern mindanao.
nice list bud… i also bring off lotion para iwas kagat ng lamok… iwas dengue 🙂
thanks for the mention.. 🙂
nice list James…i only bring a camera, few set of clothes, ziplock and yun lng…but on camping trip a hammock is a wiser choice than a tent…wag lng uulan hehe…
oo nga, pano yosi? he he nice post! galing ha, na-enumerate mo talaga! i really like the last entry, kasi client ko yan at yan ang sinusulat ko. i’ll find time to let the client know. he he good job, james!
fave ko talaga yang trail mix, once nature valley yung life saver ko nung gutom na gutom na ako.
thanks pinoy boy!
I find googles for snorkling really necessesary, especially when traveling around the country with so many beaches to choose from
indeed! the best way to enjoy the beach is to snorkle… even sa waterfalls, rivers you see amazing creatures like hipon or small fish
I always include Off lotion. I don’t know what’s in me, but I always get bitten by bugs and stung by whatever wherever I go. Great list, though I also have no need for a hammock 😀
same here, pero walang effect sa akin yung off lotion… so nagtatago nalang ako sa hammock ko na hindi napapasok ng insects.
very helpful tips James. Thanks! 🙂
thanks bino! glad it was of help 🙂
Nice tips! Recently din, I used sarong instead of towel mas magaan nga kc 🙂
Travel essentials ko would be shades, sunblock and off lotion.
This is very helpful. Definitely worth remembering in any trip prep. Thanks for sharing.
my pleasure january roads! enjoy packing for your next trip
hi james. i bring 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 🙂
4: i need to change, the fabric is not good for drying.
9: awesome–ganun nga.choco, coffee ot tea.
10: bread is good. i buy nuts too. (growers)
am saving for the VFF and the snorkle/goggles.
i only have crocs now.
THANKS. you inspire.
naks crocs, sosyal! goggles is a good investment
hi james. i bring 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4: i need to change, the fabric is not good for drying.
9: awesome–ganun nga.choco, coffee ot tea.
10: bread is good. i buy nuts too. (growers)
am saving for the VFF and the snorkle/goggles.
i only have crocs now.
THANKS. you inspire.
Very informative blog. I love it.
thanks IC! hope you visit again and again!
you are very cool dude ! love your style. i am in new mexico, usa and dream of palawan. happy trails- matt
you will definitely enjoy palawan. have fun in preparing for the PH trip
Hey man, where do I get this light hammock, Vibram Five Fingers / Slippers, and the Sarong? can I get it in Manila?
I only bring items 4 – 8 so I get to bring home loads of fun memories! 🙂
Great list, James! Will share this 🙂
Hi James,
Wow, you really travel light! As an outdoorsy type (and former community organizer), I do say that the essentials you mentioned are indeed that. And nothing beats having everything you need at a moment’s packing. Great post!
thanks bic!
Nice one sir james…really help me alot…
Before i used to bring a big backpack with me with almost 12kgs on my back…the fact that i am only 5ft tall, at the end of the day, i always complain of having back pain…And your tips of bringing a bottle of water that can be refilled is also very helpful…tnx.
Goodluck to you and hope someday we can crossed our way…
Godspeed, brother!
thanks a lot weng! gald you found the blog and read it.
travel light is the best talaga
mine will include TP, toilet paper..:)) nice read…I would love to try this type of adventure..
i have that too, for emergency reasons.. haha
Thanks for this post, very informative. I’m a traveler too but planning to have a solo trip for the first time this week. I’m excited 🙂