My 35L backpack

I searched all of San Francisco and tried on all the backpacks. There may be many 35L backpacks, but this one is mine.

Keep reading for packing accessories worth buying and my packing list for Thailand / Philippines in November.

This little thing got me through 6 days in Chiang Mai, 5 days in Phuket, and 5 days in Cebu.

I scrounged the internet for information on “packing lists for girls”, “backpack list for girls”, “backpack packing tips”, etc. I was in a whirlwind of information, so here is a list of items that worked best for me.

Packing helpers worth buying

I’m not sponsored by any of these, we legit bought these from the site provided.

Packing cubes

These things are a lifesaver. I don’t know why I haven’t used them before.

They help keep your pack compartmentalized and forces you to think about where things belong before packing and repacking.

Toiletries hanger

This is especially for the girls. The clasp at the top handle helps you attach the toiletries bag to just about anything. I’ve hung this on lamps, hooks, doors, bed posts, etc. Seriously easy to not dig through multiple bags looking for one item. This bag lets you see where everything is and you can save time and frustration.

It was handy to unroll the toiletries hanger and have everything accessible. There are different compartments to organize your items by type.

You probably have sensed the main theme to packing your backpack is ORGANIZE COMPARTMENTS BY CATEGORY.

Cord organizer

This helped mostly during the plane rides and long layovers. Easy to go from cord-lady to organized lady!

Foldable water bottle

This is just nice to have and easy to store. Weighs next to nothing.

Clothes to pack for Thailand / Philippines in November

  • light layers in case of rain
    • I packed one light water proof running zip up – this was plenty
  • tank tops that double as swimsuit cover-ups
  • shorts that are NOT DENIM
    • if you do decide to wear denim and they get wet, you’ll be glad you have the tank tops that double as short-short dress
  • water shoes you can snorkel in
    • tour guide told horror stories of sea urchin on the beach
    • while snorkeling we actually DID see sea urchin in the water!
  • long loose linen pants
    • loose pants keep the mosquitoes away
  • 2 swimsuits
    • if it rains overnight, your suit won’t dry
  • shower flip-flops
  • dry-fit tee for temples
    • girls need to have shoulders and knees covered

IMPORTANT: bring bug repellent

No matter how strong your repellent, you WILL get stung.

One of our tour guides in Thailand stopped mid tour to offer me some Tiger Balm. I know Tiger Balm smells like everyone’s grandma but TRUST ME and trust the local tour guide: Tiger Balm is the answer to your after bite care.

Apply the Tiger Balm immediately for itch relief. You won’t be tempted to scratch it and the cooling action helps with the swelling.