Packing can be the bane of your life: but we’ve made the chore a little less tiresome for you and devised a COMPLETE packing list. Got a big trip coming up? Use this ultimate guide to remind you of useful essentials you need to buy for your travels, whether it’s shower gel, socks, clothes or sunnies. Knowing how to pack a backpack for a long trip ain’t easy. But simply treat this as a packing checklist and tick off each item as you go. Of course, it really depends on what kind of trip you’re about to embark on whether it’s trekking a mountain, or inter-railing Europe, so we’ve tried to include items that cater to every kind of trip!

When it comes to packing, the best way to pack a backpack is to save space. Our top tip is to fold your clothes efficiently. Remember: Heavy stuff at the bottom, stuff that leaks goes in plastic bags and things you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your destination (like toiletries) at the top. Roll your clothes up rather than fold them if it takes up less room. This guide will also work for suitcases for air travel too, not just backpacks. Don’t forget anything – and happy travelling!

Passport

The most important thing to pack for your travels is your passport. You won’t get very far without it. Once you’ve ticked everything off your pre-travel checklist, and before you put your foot out the door, one last check for that important little book really won’t hurt. If you’re travelling within Europe as an EU citizen, sometimes all you need is your ID/Drivers license to travel – but this often depends on your airline so we recommend keeping your passport on you at all times, just incase. Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid too. It’s always good to have at least six months on your passport before it expires so always check your expiry date in good time so you can order a new one before the trip comes.

EU adapters

Don’t forget to pack your EU adapters! Saves buying one in the airport and they can be pretty expensive. On Amazon, you can buy a two pack of EU Adapters for just £4.39. Two adapters should be enough for your travels so you can charge your laptop, phone, camera, hair appliances and more.

Socks

Socks are important because they will protect your feet from rubbing against your shoes when you do a lot of walking. We recommend packing thick socks if you’re going somewhere cold and ankle socks if you’ll be wearing trainers around the city.

Phone charger

We all know the feeling when our phone runs out of battery on the road. So bring a portable phone charger so that you can give your phone some charge on the go. You don’t want to have your phone die when you’re lost in the city or miss out on amazing photo opportunities. One of our favourite affordable portable phone chargers is the Anker PowerCore 10000 Redux, a small power bank that never lets us down.

Clothing

Hard part: clothes. Remember to take a mix of light layers and warm layers for your trip (depending where you’re going). It’s always handy to look up the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Packing light is a form of art and with limited space in your backpack, it’s good to be strict with yourself and only bring what you need.

Take into consideration what kind of activities you might be doing during your travels so that you’re prepared with the right gear – whether you’ll be hiking, snorkelling, partying, skiing or sightseeing around the city, you’ll need appropriate attire. If you’re going on a long trip, be sure to check the hostel has a laundry room so you can wash your things and wear clothes over again.