Should I pack a larger suitcase and just travel slower?

No. A backpack forces the discipline that makes family travel smooth. You move easier between transport, you're not struggling with luggage on buses or boats, and your kids are more mobile. After 3 days you won't miss anything you didn't pack.

What if I forget something important?

You can buy it there. Clothes, toiletries, medications, sunscreen, phone chargers—all available and cheap in every town. The only things you can't easily replace are prescription medications and glasses/contacts. Everything else is replaceable.

How do I keep clothes from getting moldy in humidity?

Air them out daily. Hang everything to dry in your guesthouse room, even if it's damp outside. Open windows. Do laundry frequently. Don't seal wet clothes in your backpack. Quick-dry fabrics resist mold better than cotton, which is another reason to avoid it.

Should I buy travel insurance before packing?

Yes, but it doesn't change what you pack. Medical emergencies are rare, but a travel insurance policy costs $40-80 for a family for 2-3 weeks. It's cheap peace of mind.

Is it worth buying expensive merino wool clothing before the trip?

If you'll backpack again (multiple trips), yes. If this is your only trip, budget synthetics from Decathlon or similar work fine and cost half as much. Merino lasts longer and smells better, but synthetic dries faster in extreme humidity.

How do I keep kids entertained on travel days without packing toys?

A lightweight activity book, colored pencils, a notebook, and a phone loaded with downloaded shows (not relying on WiFi) work better than physical toys. A small stuffed animal takes minimal space. Most kids are entertained by buses and new environments once they're bored with screens.

What to Pack for Family Backpacking in Southeast Asia

Pack light—aim for carry-on only if possible. Bring quick-dry clothes, a portable charger, a basic first aid kit, and one outfit nicer than your backpack clothes. Everything else you can buy there or do without.

Choose your base backpack size. Get a 40-50L pack for adults, 20-30L for kids. This forces the weight discipline you need. Test it loaded before you go. A pack that's too big tempts you to fill it.
Pack clothes for hot, humid weather. Bring 5-7 lightweight shirts (merino wool or synthetic, not cotton—it doesn't dry fast enough). Pack 2 pairs of quick-dry pants or joggers and 1 pair of shorts. One pair of underwear per day of travel plus 2 extras. Skip jeans entirely. They're heavy, they take forever to dry, and you won't need them.
Plan for laundry, not wardrobes. Assume you'll do laundry every 3-5 days. Every hostel and guesthouse offers this. This means you need fewer clothes. Pack 5 pairs of socks maximum—most days you won't wear them. Bring lightweight flip-flops or sandals (1 pair) and one pair of walking shoes that are already broken in.
Prepare for water and sun. Bring swimwear, a lightweight long-sleeve swim shirt (UPF 50+), and a hat or visor. These prevent brutal sunburns that will ruin a week of travel. Sunscreen is available everywhere but costs 3-4 times what you'd pay at home—bring a small tube anyway for the first few days.
Assemble a travel-specific toiletries bag. Pack toothbrush, toothpaste, prescription medications, and a small bottle of any shampoo/soap you can't live without—but know that every shop sells basic versions. Bring a lightweight microfiber towel (regular towels are bulky and take days to dry). Skip the hair dryer. Most places have one, and humidity will undo it anyway.
Build a minimal first aid kit. Include: electrolyte packets (for stomach issues—common with kids), basic pain reliever for adults, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamine, and basic bandages. Thermometer if you have room. Pharmacies are everywhere and cheap. Don't pack a full medical kit—you're not hiking in the wilderness.
Add the practical electronics. Bring a portable charger (20,000mAh minimum—phones die fast with maps and photos). One charging cable per person. A universal adapter for Southeast Asia (type A, B, C). Skip the laptop unless you're working. Phone and portable charger are enough for any traveler.
Pack one outfit nicer than backpack clothes. One pair of lightweight pants or a dress that isn't damp and covered in dust. One clean shirt. You'll want this for nicer restaurants, temples with dress codes, or evening out. It doesn't need to be fancy—just clean and dry.
Consolidate for kids. Pack kids' clothes in the same system as adults—lightweight, quick-dry, fewer items. Bring comfort items (small stuffed animal, favorite book) but not toys that take up space. A lightweight activity book and colored pencils weigh almost nothing and entertain kids on long travel days.
Do a final weight and volume check. Full backpack should weigh 15-22 lbs for adults, 10-15 lbs for kids. If it's heavier, remove something. You'll regret every unnecessary pound by day 4 when you're walking through Chiang Mai in 95-degree heat.

Should I pack a larger suitcase and just travel slower?: No. A backpack forces the discipline that makes family travel smooth. You move easier between transport, you're not struggling with luggage on buses or boats, and your kids are more mobile. After 3 days you won't miss anything you didn't pack.
What if I forget something important?: You can buy it there. Clothes, toiletries, medications, sunscreen, phone chargers—all available and cheap in every town. The only things you can't easily replace are prescription medications and glasses/contacts. Everything else is replaceable.
How do I keep clothes from getting moldy in humidity?: Air them out daily. Hang everything to dry in your guesthouse room, even if it's damp outside. Open windows. Do laundry frequently. Don't seal wet clothes in your backpack. Quick-dry fabrics resist mold better than cotton, which is another reason to avoid it.
Should I buy travel insurance before packing?: Yes, but it doesn't change what you pack. Medical emergencies are rare, but a travel insurance policy costs $40-80 for a family for 2-3 weeks. It's cheap peace of mind.
Is it worth buying expensive merino wool clothing before the trip?: If you'll backpack again (multiple trips), yes. If this is your only trip, budget synthetics from Decathlon or similar work fine and cost half as much. Merino lasts longer and smells better, but synthetic dries faster in extreme humidity.
How do I keep kids entertained on travel days without packing toys?: A lightweight activity book, colored pencils, a notebook, and a phone loaded with downloaded shows (not relying on WiFi) work better than physical toys. A small stuffed animal takes minimal space. Most kids are entertained by buses and new environments once they're bored with screens.