Female Backpackers Carry-On Only Packing List!

When you tell people you’re travelling for over a year with just a carry-on, you often get two reactions: wide-eyed awe, or a look that suggests that we must be idiots how do we manage to do anything with so little. For us long-term digital nomads, packing light isn't just a suggestion; it's a survival strategy. Every gram counts, and every item must earn its place.

So, for all you aspiring adventurers (or those just curious how I haven't resorted to wearing a potato sack yet), here's my honest, no-frills packing list, full of lessons learned from living out of a backpack.

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The Wardrobe That Works (Hard)

Forget your fast fashion hauls. My travel wardrobe is a highly curated, multi-tasking team of champions.

• Underwear & Socks: A lean 9 pairs of undies. For socks? Honestly, 2-3 pairs, max. You barely wear socks in Asia unless you’re out for big walking days or hiking. The sooner you embrace the no-shoes-indoors thing, the easier it will be for you. If you really need more, you can grab them at a local market for pennies.

• The "Every Outfit" Philosophy: This is where things get serious for long-term especially female travellers. The key to a minimal wardrobe is that every single t-shirt you pack should go with every single bottom. While this might sound "basic" to the more adventurous, hippy, vintage, rocking-the-mohawk type travellers, trust me, if you're anything like me, you want simplicity. If you have a boyfriend like mine, if we say we are leaving at 8 am that means you are in that taxi sitting down in it at 8 and not a second later, so you need an outfit that is ready in 30 seconds without a second thought. 😆

• Laundry Sanity: I avoid anything that needs special care – no hand-washing-only items, no delicate fabrics that will get ruined in a rough hostel laundry machine. I stick to easy-wash clothes (usually darker colours or general colours that can mix into one wash). Light, easy to fold, and wearable.

• Durability Over Dazzle: The amount of people who have told me they shouldn't have gone "too rogue" with their outfit choices because everything just ends up getting ruined, stained, torn and tattered is astounding. If you've been travelling for as long as we have, you'll get it. While men often have it simpler in the clothes department (other than their larger clothes and shoes taking up more space!), this is the smartest way to go about it for us. You'll probably notice in lots of my blog pictures that I'm most likely in colours like blacks, blues, or light, easy-to-wash-and-dry fabrics. It makes all the difference.

  
  

• Bottoms Up:

  I pack 2 skirts and 2 pairs of pants, and I always make sure they're versatile and quick-drying – these are absolute must-haves. A pair (or two) of shorts comes in handy for when the heat really kicks in. The goal is to mix and match, so you don’t have to worry too much about having a different outfit every day – no one will notice!

• Top Tier (Literally):

  I keep it simple with 2 bras and 1 sports bra. Comfort and support are key when you’re on the move. For tops, I bring 5 t-shirts – two of them are a little more "presentable" for those occasions when I need to look a bit more put-together, and the others are just good, reliable basics. The majority of my tops have long sleeves. This isn’t just a personal choice – it’s a necessity for places like temples in Southeast Asia, where covering up is required for entry. It’s important to respect local customs and be mindful of cultural expectations. You might not always feel like wearing long sleeves, but if you want to explore sacred sites, it’s something you’ll need to accept. The same goes for pants or skirts, as knees (and sometimes more) need to be covered – this applies to both women and men.

• Swimsuit Essentials:

  I originally thought one swimsuit would be enough, but I quickly learned that having 2 is a game-changer. It’s nice to have a backup while the first one is drying, especially for those spontaneous waterfall swims or beach days. Trust me, you’ll be glad you packed the extra pair!

• Footwear Philosophy: One pair of runners for exploring, hiking, and escaping dodgy situations, and a trusty pair of sliders (flip-flops, slides, whatever you call them!) for showers, beach days, and generally letting your feet breathe. That’s it. Your fancy shoes are staying home. Pro Tip: on travel days wear your runners and tie your sandals to the outside of your bag!

  
  

If you are struggling with your clothes, a travel pillow could be the answer to your problems. Pull the stuffing out of it and jam it with your clothes. You can go through airports with it around your neck. I don't personally need to do this but a lot of travellers do and its always good to pass on tips and tricks from others!

The List

This might be the biggest gasp-inducer for some: I travel with virtually no makeup. No, seriously. Since leaving Europe and diving into Asia, I've embraced a liberating, minimalist beauty routine.

• The Essentials: My entire makeup bag consists of tinted moisturiser (hello, sun protection!) and a One Use Mascara that’s ridiculously cheap in convenience stores like 7-Eleven. It’s all about those quick, single-use, low-commitment options. Why? Because you’re never in situations that demand a full face of glam, and honestly, you learn to live without it. Embrace your natural glow!

  You also realise that every other girl in the hostel is in the exact same situation as you.

  You bond over it. You start sharing Mosquito repellent spray over bronzers 😆

• When it comes to must-have products for a backpacker girl, it’s all about packing smart with the right essentials that keep you feeling fresh, clean, and comfortable no matter where you are.

  
  

  Include:

  Sunscreen (this is non-negotiable for protecting your skin!)

  Tooth Brush, Paste, Dental Floss

  Hair Brush, Clips, Claw Clip, Bands (bobbles/ ties, whatever you personally call them! 😆)

  Tiger Balm is a lifesaver for soothing itchy mosquito bites or even sore muscles

  Mosquito Spray or Roll-On

  Eye Drops—especially if you’re spending time in air-conditioned buses or hostels.

  Mini First Aid Kit - Plasters, Alcohol wipes, and Paracetamol

  Lip Balm

  Moisturiser

  Face Cleanser

  Loofah or Exfoliating Mitt (to scrub off layers of sunscreen, sweat, and dust from you day).

  Cotton Pads & Garnier Micellar Water

  Cotton Buds

  Heat protection capsules / Hair Mask (to stop hair from turning into sun-bleached straw).

  Travel-Size Perfume or Body Spray

  Wet Wipes for emergencies—(because feeling clean on the road is priceless!).

  Face masks from convenience stores are a great pick-me-up.

  Deodorant

  Conditioner (ANYWHERE you book will ALWAYS have shampoo & body wash)

  Nail kit - Scissors/ clippers/ tweezers all in a little pouch

  Sowing kit - because socks should only have one hole in them to get your feet in, not two!

  
  

  Pro tip: Always pack your own sanitary products when heading to Asia. If you’re picky about your brand or heading to a remote places it's best to be prepared. While big cities will always have all the pads and tampons your heart desires, small towns can be a bit like a game of 'will there or won't there'.

  
  

• Hair & Heat: A Farewell: This is a tough one for many, but if you’re serious about true light-weight

  travel, say goodbye to your straighteners, hair-dryers and curling irons. There simply isn't space, and the weight adds up. Everyone is in the same boat. No one has extra makeup to lend, no one has a straightener. You just kind of embrace it and laugh through it together as a funny moment. You learn to live without them and embrace your natural self ( and get really good at plaits, ponytails and the messy bun look! ). Most hostels / airbnb's have hair-dryers anyway so if you really need one you can always find a hair dryer and a brush and just style it out old school. Also, you will ALWAYS find one girl in your dorm who takes over the floor because she has packed everything including her kitchen sink in her giant suitcase. Ask to borrow that girls straightener if you really want it. She'll be more than happy to lend it to you because she hasn't used it once! But; you seriously don't need an extremely big bag that's too heavy, just the carry-on packed smartly. Big bags always contain unused items. Say goodbye to complaining about everything being too heavy to having to carry an extra bag.

  
  

• The Local Salon Perk: You’re in a part of the world where everything is much cheaper than home, you can absolutely treat yourself! Head to a local salon or hairdresser. Your pennies will stretch further than you can imagine. Heck, even get a massage or two a month – you'll be grand!

  
  

The Joy of Swapping & Stealing (Fashion Deals!)

One of the unexpected joys of long-term travel, especially in this part of the world, is the fashion game.

• Clothing Swaps: Hostels often have 'swap racks' or 'free bins.' If you're bored of a top, put it on the rack and see what gem you can find. It's sustainable, fun, and free! Remember 'Stuff can be two things' - you found a nice scarf.... Got yourself a new top there!

• Haggling & Bargains: If you really want to go for a shop about, forget brand names; dive into the small, local boutiques and markets. You will find amazing steals. I'm talking about getting a top-quality, unique piece for nothing. It's worth sacrificing a bit of space for these finds. However,,,,

  
  

  The "Adds Up" Trap: You just learn to let things go. The tip is: when you want to get something new, you have to be willing to sacrifice something you already have for space and lightness. You have to ask yourself, "Do I really need this, or am I just sick of what I have?" It happens to us all, but be willing to layer up while travelling through an airport or swap out something you have if you are feeling this way. This includes the famous phrase "I'll bring this just in case".

  
  

What I Definitely DON'T Need (And You Probably Don't Either)

This section is less about what I pack and more about what I don't pack, based on hard-won experience.

• Jewellry Overload: Maybe one or two pairs of earrings and a simple necklace that can be worn for all occasions (and even in the water if its good quality). Backpackers typically prefer jewelry that is durable, minimalist, and lightweight. Popular options include pieces crafted from braided cord, leather, or natural stones—materials valued for their toughness and ability to endure the demands of travel. That's it really. I highly recommended to not over-do it. It's when you start saying "They don't take up that much space" or I'll bring this just in case"... that you're in trouble. It's all those small 'bits' that add up. Those things should be nowhere near your bag, you can get them back home!

  
  

Ready to Lighten Your Load?

Embracing this minimalist approach has been liberating. It makes travel days easier, reduces decision making and forces you to live more simply. ( I don't think I will ever say "I have nothing to wear" again after living on the bare minimum for a year and a half ).

If you're gearing up for your own long-term adventure, remember that careful preparation makes all the difference. And while my list is pretty lean, there are a few absolute essentials that go beyond clothing to make my life as a digital nomad & long term backpacker easier. The MyFi box, the adapters, the fast-drying towels take priority over the extra dress and top that I think at the time 'I need that'.

If you're interested in seeing some of our essential must have's head over to our store. We've put together a collection of products we genuinely recommend and use ourselves everyday. We believe having the right gear is essential for turning those travelling dreams into a reality.

What's your ultimate minimalist packing tip? Or one item you thought you needed but left behind? Share your wisdom in the comments below! We are always eager to hear new ideas! Thanks for reading and if you have the time please like and share our blogs with your friends and family!