How much should my packed backpack weigh?

15-25 lbs maximum. If you weigh 150 lbs, aim for 20-30 lbs total. Any heavier and you'll hate your life on long walking days.

Should I bring a sleeping bag for tropical backpacking?

No. Bring a silk sleep liner instead. It weighs 6 oz vs 2-3 lbs for a sleeping bag. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding.

What's the biggest packing mistake people make?

Bringing cotton clothes. Cotton holds moisture, takes forever to dry, and gets disgusting in humidity. Synthetic or merino wool only.

How many pairs of shoes should I pack?

Three pairs maximum: hiking boots, sturdy sandals, and flip-flops. Wear your boots on the plane to save pack space.

How to Pack for Tropical Backpacking

Pack lightweight, quick-dry everything. Your backpack should weigh 20% of your body weight max. Focus on moisture-wicking fabrics, sun protection, and waterproof gear. Leave cotton at home.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 40-50L backpack with ventilated back panel. Osprey Farpoint 40 or Gregory Paragon 48 work well. Test with 15-20 lbs before buying.
Pack moisture-wicking clothes only. Bring 4-5 quick-dry shirts, 2 pairs hiking shorts, 1 pair convertible pants. Merino wool or synthetic only. Cotton kills in humidity.
Waterproof your electronics. Use dry bags for phone, camera, documents. Get a rain cover for your backpack. Bring extra ziplock bags for daily use.
Pack smart footwear. One pair hiking boots, one pair sandals with ankle strap (Tevas or Chacos), flip-flops. Break in boots at home first.
Add tropical essentials. SPF 50+ sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, quick-dry towel, water purification tablets, electrolyte powder, first aid kit.
Layer for temperature changes. Pack one light rain jacket, one fleece or down jacket for air conditioning and elevation changes. Both should compress small.

How much should my packed backpack weigh?: 15-25 lbs maximum. If you weigh 150 lbs, aim for 20-30 lbs total. Any heavier and you'll hate your life on long walking days.
Should I bring a sleeping bag for tropical backpacking?: No. Bring a silk sleep liner instead. It weighs 6 oz vs 2-3 lbs for a sleeping bag. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding.
What's the biggest packing mistake people make?: Bringing cotton clothes. Cotton holds moisture, takes forever to dry, and gets disgusting in humidity. Synthetic or merino wool only.
How many pairs of shoes should I pack?: Three pairs maximum: hiking boots, sturdy sandals, and flip-flops. Wear your boots on the plane to save pack space.