Are You Ready to Roam? Everything You'll Need to Start Backpacking Abroad

Millions of us absolutely love backpacking. It's a brilliant way to really immerse yourself in different cultures and to explore all kinds of wild and wonderful landscapes, with just the essentials you need on your back.

However, getting started as a backpacker in a completely new country can seem a bit daunting – and for good reason! What do you need to pack, for example, and how can you make sure you're still well-connected to civilisation if you need help?

On that latter note, SIMOVO has you covered – more on that shortly. In the meantime, let's get started by breaking down everything you'll need in your vital backpacking kit for any adventures you have lined up ahead.

Food and water

Yes! This really goes without saying, but if you're planning on really roughing it away from civilisation for a few days, you're going to need some form of sustenance.

Try to pack water supplies that you can easily carry, and invest in a filter system that you can use to safely drink wild water from. Be careful to choose a reputable, well-reviewed brand (as your health will depend on it!). You might also want to plan your trip(s) around areas where you can easily get fresh water and nutritious food.

If not, try to focus on nutrient-dense foodstuffs such as protein bars, nuts, pulses, and fruit and vegetables that won't spoil quickly. If you want to camp overnight, it's also wise to get yourself a stove and some fuel, along with canned food and a way for you to open it all!

There are no right or wrong ways about planning your diet when you go backpacking, but be sure to focus on healthy snacks and nutrient-dense items to keep you going.

Comfortable clothing planned around the weather

First of all, always make sure you have footwear that's comfortable and supportive, and which will endure the terrain you want to hike through. Walking or mountaineering boots, for example, are ideal for the great outdoors. Just make sure you have breathable shoes and/or insoles for extra support.

Do also check the weather before you go! If you're likely to get hit by all kinds of wind, rain, and hail, be sure to pack waterproof and warm clothing that you can change into.

On the topic of clothing, in fact, you can never go wrong with spares. Don't just pack for the days you're travelling for – add extra items in there, too, just in case anything gets wet, torn, or spoiled.

Above all, focus on comfort. You'll want to look good and feel good about yourself, of course, but when backpacking anywhere, staying warm and comfy is a must – it'll help you carry on trekking for longer.

A tent and other camping supplies

If you don't intend to head to a hostel or hotel overnight, you'll want a strong, waterproof tent that will comfortably house however many people are travelling in your group.

Look for camping brands you can trust – and, be sure to invest in enough groundsheets and comfortable camping beds so you don't wake up bereft of sleep for the adventures you have ahead.

It's best to try and invest in a tent that's not too much hassle to pop up. While you might know your way around a guy rope or two, it's safe to say that the easier the setup, the more time you'll have to actually get out and enjoy your trip.

Don't assume that you need to go for the cheaper option – if you can afford it, pay for convenience. If you're likely to go backpacking again in the near future, a solid, reliable, and convenient tent is a fantastic investment. Just pay attention to what legitimate reviewers and fellow campers have to say!

The bare essentials

No one thinks emergencies will ever happen, but unfortunately, they have a habit of popping up when you least expect them.

Therefore, you should always ensure to pack a basic first aid kit, a torch, a knife and/or scissors, a compass, and a map. Yes – you may well have a phone to rely on for GPS, but you never know when you might need some old-school orienteering skills!

And, pack a lighter and matches in case you need to make a fire at short notice. Beyond that, remember what we said about weather – well, carry sunscreen and make sure you have some form of waterproof sheet or covering that you can use as shelter in an emergent downpour.

Ultimately, you'll need to stay warm, hydrated, and well prepared for accidents and emergencies. Again, you could also prepare to travel around areas where you can ask for help at short notice.

A connection to the outside world

Yes – smartphones do sometimes defeat the object when it comes to going off-grid. However, keeping a way for you to communicate with others is fantastic in case you run into an emergency. Therefore, be sure to take a phone and a solar battery so that you're always charged up.

And, if you're backpacking in a foreign country, you'll need access to mobile data wherever you're travelling – for example, if you need to contact someone on WhatsApp, or if you need to use GPS. Alternatively, you might just want to listen to some playlists while you trek!

SIMOVO offers a fantastic range of affordable eSIMs with mobile data ready to go across different continents – just pick a package for where you want to travel, buy, and install in seconds. You're ready to go.

Our eSIMs allow you to connect to the fastest and most reliable networks available in the areas you're travelling to – just remember, we cover you for mobile data, not traditional calls and texts.

With all that in mind, it's time to start packing your backpack – and remember, with an eSIM and a charged-up phone to hand, you'll always have a lifeline if you need help at short notice in the middle of nowhere!