When I backpacked South east Asia for 3-4 month stretches (in 2017 and 2019), I never traveled with more than my 48-liter Osprey Kestrel. I only sometimes carried a mid-sized purse when in transit (buses, trains, planes..) to keep electronics, critical documents and snacks close by.
The benefit of hot places is how easy it is to travel light. Here’s are some tips & hacks on what I take that make beach backpacking (for a months) a breeze!
<h> Sarong <h/>
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A sarong is #1, and an absolute must. I normally buy one from a beach vendor when I get to a new country for $5-$10 USD (then each sarong represents a beautiful memory). From dress, to cover-up, to towel, to blanket, to jacket, this is a versatile everything piece.
- Surfer tank
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Definitely a #2.. a long surfer tank is a delight in any beach town. Throw it over a bikini and call it an outfit appropriate for shopping, lunch or hanging around town while drying off from the waves. Perfect when you have wet swim bottoms, and don’t want to get wet spots on shorts/ dresses.
- Dri fit shorts
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I absolutely love these for beach hopping on a scooter. When we beach-hopped Siargao, where perfect sand strips are 20-40 minutes apart, these are perfect to go from wet to dry. When the swimming is over, quickly swap out swim bottoms for these quick-dry shorts with built-in briefs. Then drive in comfort to the next beach while your bottoms dry in the wind.
- Lifestraw
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074WK421F/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074WK421F&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=7d488a1853123397a2c793d6f94b5e73″><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B074WK421F&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B074WK421F” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
I discovered this gem while backpacking Nepal, and fell in love. Never worry about having access to safe drinking water—anywhere. And ditch the plastic bottles to boot. This light-weight companion means you can fill from any stream or bathroom sink, no matter where you are, and have instantly filtered, fresh water. Also means you can pack less on the go.
- One piece suit
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRT87QJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07GRT87QJ&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=0aff8e494544e346083828fae8504c4b”><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07GRT87QJ&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07GRT87QJ” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
Although I always travel with a few bikinis, I find a one-piece an absolute must if you’re into surfing, scuba diving or just a long, athletic. A onesie is infinitely more convenient and comfortable than a bikini—all the pulling up & down of the wetsuit, or riding up of the rashie when you get on the board.
- Rashguard
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KZDPP18/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07KZDPP18&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=11d8c3e51fcc633346a529e29a5b5cd7″><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07KZDPP18&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07KZDPP18″ width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
I like to surf, so I always have a rashie with me. It’s small and crumples.. but is great for protecting your skin against the sun and the board.
- Goggles
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011PLS00O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B011PLS00O&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=4aa7ae8c6c588919c9080bb951d6d27e”><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B011PLS00O&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B011PLS00O” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
I hate the clunkiness of diving and snorkeling masks, so I find having a pair of lightweight goggles at all times means I can swim with the fishies whenever I please.
- Crumple maxi dress
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MWZKZQT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07MWZKZQT&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=c319db9030c8ed82b1a69c3ddbcb026d”><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07MWZKZQT&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07MWZKZQT” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
Wrap in a ball and throw on to look done in seconds. Quick to dry and flowy. Shoes optional.
- Collapsible day bag – The North Face Flyweight
<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKCKR7N/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07FKCKR7N&linkCode=as2&tag=lisaxia-20&linkId=5aa8e03f9cf44206968d8c0fd6c7fd9b”><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07FKCKR7N&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=lisaxia-20″ ></a><img src=”//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lisaxia-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07FKCKR7N” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
I love collapsibles because they’re so versatile. This one is strong yet tiny & light. Have a day pack when you need one, and shove it n your backpack when you don’t.
- Dry Sack
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(10L)
Always great to have your own dry bag to take on the boat or to the beach to keep your essentials protected.
- Packing squares
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I always keep packing squares for organization 1) swim suits/ goggles/ gear; 2) undergarments, and 3) laundry. They keep my backpack insanely organized, which I love. I also sometimes just use and re-use 1L Ziploc bags
- Poncho
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Another great hack.. it takes very little space, but when the skies open up, it’s exceptionally great to have one in your back pocket to protect you and your essentials.
[Full disclosure: As an Amazon partner, I may benefit from qualified clicks and purchases].
