Should I bring a sleeping bag?

No for most of Asia. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. Bring a silk sleep liner for hygiene in questionable places. Only bring a sleeping bag if camping or trekking in mountains.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry $200-300 USD in clean, new bills for visa fees and emergencies. Many places are cash-only. ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas.

Do I need special vaccinations?

Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Common recommendations include Hepatitis A/B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis needed for some rural areas.

Can I do laundry easily?

Yes. Laundry services cost $1-3 per kg in most places. Many hostels have washing machines. Bring a small amount of detergent for hand-washing in remote areas.

What gear to pack for backpacking Asia

Pack a 40-50L backpack, quick-dry clothes for hot humid weather, rain gear, flip-flops, a good padlock, and electronics with universal adapters. Focus on lightweight, versatile items since you can buy almost anything you need in Asian cities.

Choose your backpack wisely. Get a 40-50L backpack with external compression straps. Avoid wheels - they break on rough Asian roads. Osprey Farpoint 40 or similar works well. Pack a small daypack (20L) that fits inside for daily excursions.
Pack for hot, humid weather. Bring 4-5 quick-dry shirts, 2 pairs of pants (one zip-off), 7 days of underwear, and 4 pairs of socks. Choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Cotton takes forever to dry in Asian humidity.
Prepare for monsoon seasons. Pack a packable rain jacket and rain pants. Bring a waterproof stuff sack for electronics and documents. Umbrella is optional - you can buy cheap ones anywhere.
Secure your belongings. Bring 2-3 TSA-approved padlocks for hostel lockers and bags. Get a cable lock for securing your pack to bus seats or train berths during overnight travel.
Handle electronics and power. Bring universal adapter with USB ports, portable battery bank (20,000mAh), and all charging cables. Power cuts are common in some areas. Download offline maps and translation apps.

Should I bring a sleeping bag?: No for most of Asia. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. Bring a silk sleep liner for hygiene in questionable places. Only bring a sleeping bag if camping or trekking in mountains.
How much cash should I carry?: Carry $200-300 USD in clean, new bills for visa fees and emergencies. Many places are cash-only. ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas.
Do I need special vaccinations?: Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Common recommendations include Hepatitis A/B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis needed for some rural areas.
Can I do laundry easily?: Yes. Laundry services cost $1-3 per kg in most places. Many hostels have washing machines. Bring a small amount of detergent for hand-washing in remote areas.