Should I bring boots for a tropical climate?

Only if you are doing serious trekking. Otherwise, bring one pair of versatile trail runners that dry quickly and one pair of sturdy sandals.

How do I deal with wet clothes?

Bring a lightweight carabiner to attach wet items to the outside of your pack while moving, or use a dedicated waterproof 'dirty' bag inside your backpack.

Is it worth bringing a heavy coat?

No. Bring a single lightweight fleece or merino sweater for airplanes or high-altitude areas. Skip heavy layers entirely.

How to Pack a Backpack for a Tropical Climate

Prioritize high-wicking synthetic or linen fabrics and pack no more than 7 days of clothing, regardless of trip length. Use packing cubes to compress soft goods and keep your gear organized by weight to maintain your backpack's center of gravity.

Choose the right base layers. Stick to merino wool or technical polyester. Avoid cotton; it absorbs sweat, stays heavy when wet, and takes 24+ hours to air dry in high humidity.
Distribute weight correctly. Place the heaviest items (shoes, toiletries, electronics) in the middle of your pack, close to your back. Put lighter clothing at the bottom and items you need during transit (rain shell, snacks) in the top compartment.
Optimize for humidity. Bring a dry bag for electronics and important documents. Humidity ruins hardware; place your camera and phone in a sealed bag with a silica gel packet when not in use.
Use a modular packing system. Use one cube for bottoms, one for tops, and a small mesh bag for underwear and socks. This prevents you from dumping your entire bag when looking for one item.

Should I bring boots for a tropical climate?: Only if you are doing serious trekking. Otherwise, bring one pair of versatile trail runners that dry quickly and one pair of sturdy sandals.
How do I deal with wet clothes?: Bring a lightweight carabiner to attach wet items to the outside of your pack while moving, or use a dedicated waterproof 'dirty' bag inside your backpack.
Is it worth bringing a heavy coat?: No. Bring a single lightweight fleece or merino sweater for airplanes or high-altitude areas. Skip heavy layers entirely.