The Ultimate Packing Guide for Indian Backpackers
By Priya Nair (Solo and budget travel writer — backpacking, hostel guides, student travel and first-time-flyer tips for Indian travellers.) · Published · 9 min read
A complete packing guide for Indian backpackers — what to bring, what to leave, how to fit everything in a carry-on, and India-specific essentials.
Quick answer
Pack for a backpacking trip in a 40-50L backpack. The key is ruthless minimalism: 4-5 tops, 2-3 bottoms, 1 warm layer, basic toiletries, a first-aid kit, charger and adapter, copies of documents, and a padlock. Indian-specific essentials include a universal adapter (Type C/G/A), Odomos mosquito repellent, Electral/ORS sachets, and a small spice kit if you cook in hostels. Aim to keep your total pack weight under 7-10 kg to qualify as LCC cabin baggage.
Choosing the right backpack
Your backpack is the most important purchase for any trip. Guidelines:
- 40-50L is the sweet spot for trips of 1-4 weeks. Larger bags just encourage overpacking.
- Front-loading (opens like a suitcase) is much more practical than top-loading for hostel life — you can access anything without unpacking everything.
- Hip belt is essential for comfort on long walks. Skip daypacks with no hip support.
- Popular brands available in India: Wildcraft, Quechua (Decathlon), Osprey, Deuter. Decathlon offers the best value — their Forclaz 50L is an excellent starter backpack.
- If flying LCCs (IndiGo, AirAsia, Scoot), check cabin baggage size limits — typically 55x40x20 cm and 7 kg. A 40L bag fits most cabin limits if not overpacked.
Carry a small foldable daypack (Decathlon has a 10L packable one) for daily sightseeing while your main bag stays at the hostel.
Clothing: the capsule wardrobe approach
Pack for a week and do laundry. Most hostels have laundry facilities (INR 100-300 per load) or you can hand-wash:
- Tops: 3-4 quick-dry T-shirts and 1 button-down shirt (for temples and nicer restaurants). Avoid cotton — it takes forever to dry.
- Bottoms: 2 quick-dry pants/shorts and 1 pair of jeans (optional — heavy but versatile)
- Undergarments: 4-5 sets of quick-dry underwear and socks
- Warm layer: 1 lightweight fleece or packable down jacket. Even tropical destinations have cold buses and planes.
- Rain protection: A packable rain jacket (not an umbrella — keeps your hands free)
- Footwear: 1 pair of walking shoes (comfortable trainers, not hiking boots) and 1 pair of flip-flops/sandals for hostels and beaches
For Southeast Asia, lean heavily on shorts and breathable fabrics. For Europe, add one pair of dark jeans and a nicer top. Temples across Asia require covered shoulders and knees — carry a light sarong or scarf that doubles as a cover-up.
India-specific essentials most packing lists miss
Generic packing lists are written for Western travellers. Indian backpackers should also carry:
- Odomos or similar mosquito repellent: Cheaper and more effective than most foreign brands
- Electral/ORS sachets: Essential for dehydration from heat, food poisoning, or long bus rides
- Small spice kit: If you cook in hostel kitchens, carry a small box with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, and cumin. You cannot buy these easily in European supermarkets.
- Hajmola/Pudina Hara: For digestive issues from unfamiliar food
- Universal power adapter: India uses Type C/D/M. Southeast Asia uses Type A/B/C. Europe uses Type C/F. The UK uses Type G. Carry a universal adapter or the specific ones for your destination.
- Photocopies of passport, visa, and insurance: Physical copies plus digital copies emailed to yourself
Tech and documents
The digital essentials:
- Phone: Your most important tool — maps, translation, booking, communication
- Power bank: 10,000-20,000 mAh. Airlines allow these in cabin baggage only (not checked). Note: some airlines restrict power banks above 27,000 mAh.
- Universal adapter: As mentioned above
- Headphones: Essential for hostels, long journeys, and video calls
- Offline maps: Download Google Maps offline for your destination before leaving India
Documents to carry (physical and digital copies):
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Visa printouts
- Travel insurance policy
- Flight tickets
- Hostel/hotel bookings
- 2-3 passport photos (for VOA applications)
- International driving permit (if you plan to ride scooters)
Search for flights on FlightGPT and note the baggage allowance before finalising your packing list — LCC weight limits are strictly enforced.
What NOT to pack
Common mistakes Indian backpackers make:
- Too many clothes: You do not need 10 outfits for a 2-week trip. Pack 5 days of clothing and wash.
- Full-size toiletries: Buy shampoo, soap, and sunscreen at your destination. Carry travel-sized bottles only.
- Laptop (unless you need it for work): Your phone does everything a tourist needs. Laptops are heavy and theft targets.
- Books: Download Kindle app on your phone. Physical books add weight.
- Expensive jewellery: Leave it at home. Wear minimal jewellery while backpacking.
- Towel: Most hostels provide towels or rent them. If you want your own, buy a microfibre travel towel (dries in 1-2 hours).
Frequently asked questions
What size backpack should I buy for backpacking?
40-50 litres is ideal for trips of 1-4 weeks. Go for 50-60L only if you are packing for cold-weather destinations. A 40L bag fits most airline cabin baggage limits and forces you to pack light. Decathlon Forclaz bags offer excellent value in India.
Can I carry a backpack as cabin baggage on IndiGo?
IndiGo allows one cabin bag up to 55x35x25 cm and 7 kg. Most 40L backpacks fit within these dimensions if not overstuffed. Weigh your packed bag at home — IndiGo enforces weight limits at the gate. If over, you will pay for checked baggage.
What medicines should Indian backpackers carry?
Carry a basic kit: paracetamol, Imodium (for diarrhoea), ORS/Electral, Avomine (motion sickness), Band-Aids, antiseptic cream, and any prescription medications with a doctor's note. Carry prescriptions for controlled substances to avoid issues at customs.
Do I need a sleeping bag for hostel travel?
No. Hostels provide bedding. A sleeping bag is unnecessary weight unless you are doing multi-day treks or camping. For overnight buses and cold hostel dorms, a lightweight sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) is useful and packs tiny.
Where can I buy backpacking gear in India?
Decathlon has the best range and value for backpacking gear in India. Wildcraft stores are another option. For premium brands (Osprey, Deuter, North Face), check Amazon India or speciality outdoor stores in metros. Buy your backpack well before your trip and do a test pack.