Should I pack hiking boots?

Skip them. The humidity means your feet never dry, leather rots quickly, and most trails are muddy or involve river crossings. Rent proper trekking boots locally for specific multi-day hikes.

How much clothing should I actually bring?

One week's worth maximum. You'll do laundry constantly anyway because of sweat and humidity. Local clothing is cheap, lightweight, and designed for the climate—buy it when you arrive.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

No, unless you're camping or doing specific treks. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding, and it's too hot for sleeping bags most of the year. A silk liner is enough for hygiene in questionable beds.

What about a laptop for digital nomad work?

Only if you absolutely need it for work. WiFi is good in cities but spotty in rural areas. A tablet with keyboard cover is lighter and handles most tasks. Many nomads ship laptops ahead to countries where they'll stay longer.

What gear do you need for 3 months backpacking Southeast Asia

For 3 months backpacking Southeast Asia, you need a 50-65L backpack, lightweight quick-dry clothing for hot humid weather, sturdy sandals plus one pair of closed-toe shoes, and essential electronics like a power bank and universal adapter. Pack light—you can buy almost everything you need locally for cheaper than bringing it from home.

Choose your backpack. Get a 50-65L backpack with a good hip belt and ventilated back panel. Osprey Farpoint 55, Gregory Baltoro, or similar work well. Anything bigger and you'll overpack. Test the fit at a store with weight in it—your hips should carry most of the load, not your shoulders.
Pack for hot, humid weather. Bring 5-7 quick-dry shirts, 3-4 pairs of lightweight pants/shorts, 7-10 pairs of underwear, and 7-10 pairs of socks. Choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool—cotton takes forever to dry and smells terrible in humidity. Skip jeans entirely.
Get the right footwear. Pack sturdy walking sandals (Tevas or Chacos), one pair of closed-toe shoes for temples and nice dinners, and flip-flops for hostels and beaches. Your feet will be wet constantly from rain and river crossings—leather boots are useless here.
Pack essential electronics. Bring a 20,000mAh power bank, universal adapter with USB ports, waterproof phone case, and a headlamp. Power outages happen and outlets are scarce in dorms. Skip the laptop unless you're working—phones handle everything you need.
Prepare for rain and sun. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, compact umbrella, wide-brimmed hat, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. Monsoon season means sudden downpours. The sun at the equator will burn you in 15 minutes, even when cloudy.
Health and hygiene essentials. Bring a basic first aid kit, anti-diarrheal medication, electrolyte packets, insect repellent with DEET, and a quick-dry towel. You'll get sick at least once, and mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria in rural areas.

Should I pack hiking boots?: Skip them. The humidity means your feet never dry, leather rots quickly, and most trails are muddy or involve river crossings. Rent proper trekking boots locally for specific multi-day hikes.
How much clothing should I actually bring?: One week's worth maximum. You'll do laundry constantly anyway because of sweat and humidity. Local clothing is cheap, lightweight, and designed for the climate—buy it when you arrive.
Do I need a sleeping bag?: No, unless you're camping or doing specific treks. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding, and it's too hot for sleeping bags most of the year. A silk liner is enough for hygiene in questionable beds.
What about a laptop for digital nomad work?: Only if you absolutely need it for work. WiFi is good in cities but spotty in rural areas. A tablet with keyboard cover is lighter and handles most tasks. Many nomads ship laptops ahead to countries where they'll stay longer.