Cotton trousers or combats are great, as are plain T-shirts and shirts. Take a large, cotton scarf to cover your head, shoulders or any other cheeky bits should the necessity arise. A long skirt is essential: it’s modest, suitable for smart occasions, keeps you cool and is handy for loo-breaks. Let me explain: in a lot of countries, sit-down toilets are not the norm. If you have to squat over a hole in the ground, it’s much easier to stop a skirt from touching the less-than-lemony-fresh floor than it is to protect your trousers. Of course, there’s a dead simple solution to these fashion dilemmas. When you reach your destination, go to your nearest market, buy some fabric, take it to a tailor’s stall and get a local-style outfit made for you. In a matter of hours, you’ll have a unique, bespoke little number all of your own, and you’ll know it meets local standards.

Backpack prices depend a lot on size, fabric, and brand. Most backpacks cost between $99-300 USD. The medium-sized store brands generally cost around $199 USD. Store brands are cheaper than big-name brands like North Face, Osprey, and Gregory. I don’t believe that any backpack is worth $300 USD, no matter how nice it is. These expensive backpacks tend to be large and have more bells and whistles, special padding, and material than you really need as a traveler. Additionally, you’ll find that most travel backpacks are hiking backpacks, meant for camping and multi-day treks in the woods. Buying a backpack that was meant to be used in the Rockies instead of the streets of New Zealand doesn’t matter, though – backpacks are pretty interchangeable these days, and getting a backpack meant for the outdoors simply means you’ll have a stronger and more durable pack.

Padded shoulder straps – These make carrying your load more comfortable, as the weight of your pack will also be pushing downward on your shoulders. The pads will put less pressure on your shoulders and also help take pressure off your lower back. Make sure the padding is very thick and made up of a single piece of material as it will be less likely to split and thin out.

Hiking gear : It is a good idea to always have a hard shell jacket to protect you from the elements. A great all-round hardshell is the North Face Resolve Jacket. In addition it is always worth carrying basic waterproof rain gear that you can quickly throw on should you encounter rain is a must when trekking. You can either get a rain suit top (with a hood) and bottom, or a poncho. We quite like the latter as they are easy to put on and often come with enough rear space to fit over your day pack or hiking rucksack. Make sure they are 100% waterproof, lightweight and store easily.

Backpacking Essentials : Don’t Buy All Your Backpacking Equipment at Once Start out with a few basics and take a 1-night backpacking trip, during a warm time of year, with no rain in the forecast, to a location you already know. On your first trip take note of items that you may or may not need in your pack. After returning home you can reduce or buy more backpacking gear if / as required. It will take some time to find out what you actually need or what fits you the best. Hiking shoes : These range from mid- to high-cut models and are intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads. They often flex easily and require little break-in time, but they lack the support and durability of stout backpacking boots. Materials impact a boot’s weight, breathability, durability and water resistance. Nubuck leather: Nubuck leather is full-grain leather that has been buffed to resemble suede. It is very durable and resists water and abrasion. It’s also fairly flexible, yet it too requires ample time to break in before an extended hike.

Keep your look simple. I like to wear mostly black when I travel. Sometimes I throw in one complimentary color, such as burgundy or beige.

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