10-Day Tropical Backpacking – What’s in My Bag? 🌴🎒
Backpacking through a tropical destination for 10 days means packing light, smart, and being ready for anything—from sunshine and waterfalls to jungle humidity and sudden rain. After many trips and trials, I’ve come to rely on a very specific set of gear that keeps me comfortable, dry, and mobile.
Here’s what’s inside my 5kg backpack for 10 days of tropical adventure:
The Essentials – Stay Dry & Organized
- 1 Dry Backpack | Sea to Summit
- 1 Dry Bag | Sea to Summit
- 1 Dry Necessaire (because wet toiletries are no fun) | Sea to Summit
- 1 Filter Bottle (hydration is key, and clean water is non-negotiable) | Hydrapak
- 1 Emergency Blanket (lightweight and surprisingly useful)
- 1 Kitchen Sink (yes, it folds and saves the day in remote spots) | Sea to Summit
Cooking & Eating – Keep it Simple
- 1 Wooden Spoon | Anna in Wood
- 1 Foldable Bowl | Sea to Summit
- 1 Ultra Light Spoon | Sea to Summit
- 3 Emergency Vegan Meals (just in case there’s no food around) | Trek n’Eat and Forestia
- 1 Bag of nuts and figs
- 1 Bag of Sea Biscuits
Clothing – Light, Layered & Tropical-Ready
- 2 Shorts
- 2 Pants
- 3 T-Shirts
- 2 Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeves (cool evenings/ sun protection and mosquitoes)
- 1 Pyjama
- 2 Sports Bras
- 6 Panties
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 1 Bikini
- 1 Rain Jacket
- 1 Pair of Gore-Tex Shoes (waterproof and breathable)
- 1 Pair of Slippers (for relaxing or shared showers)
- 1 Cap
- 1 Air Lite Towel (dries fast, packs tiny) | Sea to Summit
- 1 Pair of Water Earplugs (for swimming or sleeping near waves)
Little Extras – For the Soul & Sanity
- 1 Diary (to write, draw, remember)
- 1 Game of Kniffel (a tiny game = big joy on rest days)
Final Thoughts
Backpacking through the tropics teaches you to let go of excess and connect with the essentials — in your bag and in yourself. Every item you carry should serve a purpose, just like every step you take should bring you closer to the moment. With the right gear and an open mindset, you don’t just travel lighter — you live freer. Here’s to chasing waterfalls, walking barefoot, and waking up with the sun. 🌞🌴✨