WHAT TO PACK FOR A 6-MONTH SOUTH AMERICA BACKPACKING TRIP
08/04/23![]()
So this is it. You’ve decided to do a backpacking trip in South America. And now comes the time to pack. But what to bring when travelling solo for multiple months on one of the world’s largest continents?
The tricky thing with South America is the seasons: you can jump from summer to freezing winter in a single bus ride. And if you want to try out different outdoor activities, like trekking in high altitude or surfing, you’ll need to bring quality gear, while keeping the stuff you pack to the bare minimum.
You’ll carry your life on your back for a few months. So pack light, and pack smart. If you need inspiration, here’s my packing list with everything I brought on my 6-month backpacking trip in South America. If you’re a woman, you’ll find female essentials to bring with you in tropical climates.
What to pack for a long-term trip: backpacking essentials South America
Your Backpack
Your backpack will be your closest travel companion during your trip, so choose it wisely! While you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on it, investing in a good brand can ensure that your backpack lasts for many trips to come. For instance, my Lowe Alpine backpack has served me well for over 6 years and travelled with me to numerous countries, still looking almost like new.
To pick the right backpack, consider factors such as your height, trip duration, and gender.
For my 6-month backpacking trip in South America, I opted for a 50L backpack, which weighed 12kg when fully packed (you can find the complete packing list here).
You don’t have to splurge, but I’d reocmmend to still invest in a good brand to use your backpack as long as possible.
Note: It weighed 18kg when I returned home. That’s because you WILL bring stuff back of course, like that huge poncho from Cusco, or those Alpaga sweaters for your whole family. It’s no problem, as long as it’s towards the end of your trip. Otherwise, you may have to sacrifice a few things to make space for souvenirs.
What I don’t recommend you bring
❌ Laptop (unless you really need it for work): I brought mine and someone stole it from my locked locker in Ecuador. Truth is, my trip became much better without it: less distractions, and more social interactions. And much more space in my bag to bring back souvenirs :)
❌ Camping gear: Unless you plan to spend most of your trip camping, I recommend you leave it at home. You’ll be able to rent camping gear in most trekking hotspots in South America.
Backpacking Gear Checklist
- Quechua bag cover: useful in hostels with no lockers / airports / sketchy buses
- Clothes compressors x1: I used one to compress my fleece and winter clothing
- Backpack clothes organisers: super useful to save precious space
- Hiking bag 20L
- Swiss knife / mutlitool
- Head lamp
- Microfibre towel
- Light beach towel
- Tote bag
- Water filter/bottle, like this one from GRAYL
- Secret money belt
- Waterproof pocket for smartphone/passport
- Portable mosquito net
Electronics
- Unlocked smartphone: essential if you need to buy local sim cards to access the 4g network
- Earphones
- Disposable camera x2
- Universal plug adaptator
- Portable charger (indispensable!)
- Charging cables
South America Backpacking Clothing List
This is where it’s getting tricky...Sacrifices must be made!
- Surf rashguard (if you plan on surfing a lot)
- Hardshell jacket
- Light compressible down jacket
- Trekking pants or quick-dry sports leggings
- Technical fleece
- Technical quick-dry T-shirts x2 (merino wool if you can afford it)
- Hiking socks x 3
- Trail shoes or hiking shoes: bring hiking boots only if you plan to do long treks at high altitudes. Otherwise, basic Salomon trail shoes will do.
- Flip Flops
- City shoes (light sneakers)
- Swimming suit x2
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of light pants
- 3 t-shirts
- 1 overshirt/light sweater
Toiletries/First Aid/Female Solo Travel Essentials
- Solid shampoo bar: mine from Lush lasted 6 months
- Conditioner
- Green clay powder: powerful multitasker (exfoliate, clean, disinfect, heal...)
- Argan oil: a non-comedogenic oil that’s great for your face, that you can also use to clean your face from sunscreen/sweat
- Tea tree oil: also a great multitasker: disinfect cuts, soothe itchy bites, heal acne lesions...
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Cicalfate (La Roche Posay): awesome cream to heal scars and cuts
- Marseille soap to wash your clothes
- Biodegradable face wash (here’s a great soap)
- Bug repellant
- Antihistamine
- Painkillers
- Tweezers
- Band aids
- Compeed
- Arnica: to heal bruises and contusions
- Sleep mask
- Earplugs
- Condoms
Travel Misc
- Sketchbook/Travel Journal - although you can buy some there
- Drawing material
- A good book
What To Pack: Don’t Forget Your Documents!
Word of advice: always include your travel documents in your packing checklist. Check the box only after you’ve packed your documents. That way, you’ll be sure to have critical documents with you.
You’ll find a list of the documents (travel insurance, proof of vaccine, passport etc...) you need to bring in my free backpacking trip planner. Always keep a digital copy of your documents in case you get them stolen or lose them ⚠️
Backpacking South America Packing List
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Get your backpacking essentials packing list ︎︎︎
