backpacking SE Asia for 5 months: every item I brought, what I would change, & how I organize it

I’m currently in SE Asia on a 5 month backpacking trip. So far I’ve spent 59 days in the Philippines, 10 in Malaysia, and 44 in Indonesia. For the last 3 years, every time I go on an international trip my goal is to bring just one backpack. I like to pack minimally, but also love to bring some “splurgy” items.
Here is my ENTIRE packing list 👇🏼
BAGS
REI Recycled Ruckpack 40L alnk.to/ge61kA4
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30L alnk.to/5FaytE6
Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack 3L rstyle.me/+V8L_y2H_dtkDGiumss...
CLOTHES/SHOES
hoodie rstyle.me/+QAVIFVF6CtQ1-pu_iX...
flowy pants rstyle.me/+_id2T7X0ijSnkHO7v1...
flowy shorts rstyle.me/+TBePdL17VNQrtRsdAY...
black tank top rstyle.me/+V8L_y2H_dtkDGiumss...
brown tank top (old one from Aerie)
cream tank top - can’t find the link for this one :/
pink tank top rstyle.me/+V8L_y2H_dtkDGiumss...
sun hoodie rstyle.me/+KXehUoBCQmcS6_hd-7...
cotopaxi puffer rstyle.me/+V8L_y2H_dtkDGiumss...
Outdoor Voices RecTrek Cargo Pant (sold out)
yoga shorts rstyle.me/+eB26vtn4P9kvyg8UtU...
hiking shorts (old pair of lululemon shorts)
hiking socks alnk.to/dLhpdYs
hiking socks #2 alnk.to/4MALcob
underwear (14)
yellow swim top shorturl.at/8f8Ct
pink swim bottoms shorturl.at/4uaoI
black swim top rstyle.me/+kZjH12zPVIoGVsp1z6...
black swim bottoms rstyle.me/+kZjH12zPVIoGVsp1z6...
long sleeve rash guard rstyle.me/+zgMNcWgvxP9mf4h4kC...
short sleeve rash top rstyle.me/+V8L_y2H_dtkDGiumss...
Parks Project Vintage Tree Patch Hat
pjs (shorts + bra)
bucket hat (market in Thailand)
romper rstyle.me/+WB6Oomz2tjYj6saKiL...
cotopaxi packing cube (I bring the smallest one) acesse.dev/sKTge
Teva Original Universal sandal alnk.to/bEijP5Y
Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 alnk.to/eZGIsBG
ELECTRONICS
camera amzn.to/3xlbRTa
3 extra SD cards amzn.to/3xlc88E
extra camera batteries amzn.to/4esgZ8v
camera battery charger + cord
outlet converter amzn.to/3XqgoOx
tripod amzn.to/3XqXnvE
Peak Design camera clip alnk.to/3ybsjAc
camera light amzn.to/4bZRZ6R
camera mini mics amzn.to/4bcWJoQ
ipad amzn.to/4c490wU
ipad charger
memory card adaptor (forgot this) amzn.to/45pZ7XO
lightning to usb adaptor amzn.to/4aZEYsZ
flash drives amzn.to/3ViruTe
gopro alnk.to/bEijrqL (I have the 10, the link is for the 11)
extra gopro battery alnk.to/fSguZ1g
gopro charger
gopro attachments
go pro stick alnk.to/4Xvwas7
film camera (I have my dads old Cannon t50)
film rolls (I brought 6)
portable charger (2) shorturl.at/Ar53Y
apple pencil (broke)
iphone charger
kindle amzn.to/3Xq2HiQ
kindle charger
Sony XM5 noise cancelling headphone amzn.to/3RpUCqj
corded apple headphones amzn.to/3RwaTu6
TOILETRIES
bonnet amzn.to/3XqocQv
hair claw clip
Dove soap (I use this as body and face wash)
matador soap bags (3) alnk.to/bPd4qki
razors
shampoo & conditoner bars rstyle.me/+PoZwC2V2EmD2du0KSJ...
brush amzn.to/4b3RVSj
face oil amzn.to/3KKFMaj
retinol serum amzn.to/3KJb7Kw
tweezers
brow pencil (I just get random ones at pharmacies)
brow gell amzn.to/3zdDq11
eyelash curler
mascara amzn.to/45HIwPD
blush amzn.to/45sfWBx
all over face color amzn.to/3xhmaYk
all over face brush amzn.to/45vh4En
retainer
micellar water amzn.to/3XpOguZ (I only bring one)
reusable cotton rounds amzn.to/3z3ZL16 (I bring 14)
tiny clear ponytails
toothbrush
toothpaste
dry shampoo shorturl.at/bb3Y9
mini mirror amzn.to/45nSDc5
brow tint (3pcs) amzn.to/45sMprx
root cover amzn.to/4cjadjC (brought 1, it lasted 2 months, wouldn’t bring again)
perfume (small travel sized of whatever I can find)
travel bottles rstyle.me/+kZjH12zPVIoGVsp1z6...
eyemask
Loop Quiet earplugs amzn.to/4b3baeR
Loop Experience earplugs amzn.to/4b4N4R8
EXTRAS
glasses
Lifestraw water bottle amzn.to/3z4QB4y
passport holder amzn.to/4c10ped
sunglasses 1 (from market in Vietnam)
sunglasses 2 shorturl.at/lL9oT
lock amzn.to/3XthOrE
dry bag amzn.to/3xbC6vg
neck pillow amzn.to/4bbAgYV
towel (size medium) amzn.to/4er5T3F
small face towel amzn.to/3VIas2h
planner amzn.to/4ei3gB8
black pens amzn.to/3XrnCln
plane snacks (goMacro bars, Chomps)
copies of documents (travel insurance, passport, pssport pics)
backup earrings (extra septum ring, extra small hoops)
bandana
MEDICINE
magnesium pills
cranberry pills
zofran
migrane pens
sea bands
ginger chews
Pepto pills
Benadryl
ZzzQuil
DayQuil
NyQuil
Imodium
*some of the links above are affiliate links

[@kayli_king]

Key points in the video: 0 - 0:41 intro 0:41 backpacks 3:00 clothes 3:25 hiking clothes 4:14 comfy clothes 4:35 daily clothes 5:25 swimsuits 6:22 hats 6:57 shoes 7:47 toiletries 10:34 medicine 11:49 electronics 13:28 misc items 15:46 sleep items 16:22 things I bought here 17:46 packing the bag

[@wanya_telborn]

I think you need one more ring on your finger

[@a.l.e2545]

I hope I’m around when she writes her first book of experiences traveling around the world. I’m sure it’ll be AMAZING! 🙂

[@albapedrerol8558]

It's crazy how a "what's in my back video" in the middle of my work day can refill me with energy :) Thank you Kayli for all your content

[@kayli_king]

ahw! thank you so much for watching :)

[@laurab8801]

Those bags for shampoo/conditioner bars are actually the greatest things ever. Didn't know such a lovely thing existed until I saw them in your stories!

[@kayli_king]

I am obsessed with them, so glad you like them as much as I do!!

[@minimaristgal86]

Thank you. I have been checking every now and then about how you pack your items in your backpacks. Or what are the pouches that you only bring in your travels. I am amazed with people who live only using their backpacks like you. I am inspired to keep things minimal with me because I am inspired watching your video who lives using only backpacks in their travels. Thank you for uploading this video. Watched it entirely. ❤👌 By the way, thank you for loving our country, Philippines, Kayli.. Keep safe and God bless you in your travels. 😊❤️🙏✨

[@missjoshemmett]

In the old days, I kept a disaster bag (everyone had one in their closet with a first aid kit). Now, I'm old and have switched out a lot of things and made it an ambulance hospital bag. It is usually possible for me to grab my tablet but the kindle is fine. People cannot believe what I have in that small carryall. And people do not believe what you will really miss in the hospital (including underwear and pajama bottoms). You, dear, can go anywhere and feel comfortable and some of the things I use for hospitals or rehabs...not sunscreen, though. LOL Knowing how to pack is a very valuable thing which most people don't realize until they get to...wherever. I love how much you have, how you have made the space, and make you stay feel homey as well. Love to Big Chungus who must miss your horribly!

[@jadelimpus1856]

Awww missing chungie! Glad you're having a blast out there! Fab content as always.

[@margotmartin-ck7qr]

Great video! Very cool to see how much stuff you bring, relatively, but fit everything into that backpack! I miss seeing Chungus but I’m sure she’s comfy where she is! Safe travels! ❤

[@geraldinekimm8714]

i leave next tuesday for 2 months! cant wait, thank you for this!

[@kayli_king]

YAY i’m so excited for you!! I hope you have a great trip :)

[@waltzthroughlife]

missed you, girlypop! thrilled that youve been having great experiences 💖

[@kayli_king]

hi!! thank you so much :)

[@Valley_Gal]

Love this video. I am living vicariously through you.😊

[@caitlinglover2636]

I love these type of videos! There’s something so satisfying to me about pairing down all your favorite/key belongings and seeing what each person values. Love your aesthetics also! Hope you’re having a rewarding traveling experience! 😊

[@ManUntdForever]

This is so awesome!! Safe travels!

[@syzygy2043]

Brilliant! You pack so well. I'm past carrying a heavy pack now, but remember having to carefully plan for a trip through New Zealand. It was winter and I hiked all the trails that were open. Nothing like camping in snow and having to fit a tent, groundsheet, insulated sleeping pad, sub-zero sleeping bag, and all clothes, food and accoutrements in one backpack!

[@savannah1529]

Loved this video and your vibe is so cool:)

[@SkypackVacuumBackpack]

Thanks for sharing your packing plan! It helps other travelers! ☺

[@zahirac6217]

Thank you for sharing all your packing tips!! You inspired me to get the REI backpack for an upcoming Camino 🥾

[@kayli_king]

Ahw love to hear that, have the best time!! I’m looking to do the Camino next year!

[@rituka]

I found this thoroughly entertaining.

[@parultiwari3966]

i loved it , i loved you , i loved every adventure you go , life is beautiful 🌼🌿✨️🎀

[@cherry.bomb_]

Love all your videos

[@aprilf1017]

So helpful! 🤩

[@jackiemartin7276]

Great video!

[@Calmmind-living]

Thank you, very helpful

[@RaphealDaCow]

Thanks for making this video! I’ve been eyeing your romper for quite some time, was hoping to get the link to that. Lo and behold, the link to it is the same as your puffer 😅 could you fix that? Thanks!

[@kayli_king]

oh shoot 😅 should be good to go now! It’s the Free People Hot Shot Romper :)

[@invaderzim6543]

Keep being awesome !

[@jadelimpus1856]

Just brought some loop ear plugS after this - thank you!!

[@kayli_king]

Yay they’re the best!! Hope you enjoy :)

[@crystalmarshall573]

Hey, love the video! Planning my first overseas trip rn so the timing is perfect. I noticed that the short sleeve rash guard also has the Cotopaxi puffer linked - do you have a link for that top?

[@_Rose94]

Thanks for this amazing video!! I loved watching it. I noticed you didn't bring any rain jacket, was that intentional? Have you needed something like that so far?

[@kayli_king]

I really debated the rain jacket and still go back and forth on if I would bring one next time. I think if I was doing any 3+ day hikes that would potentially be rainy I would’ve brought it. For walking around towns and exploring, I’ve bought cheap ponchos and those do just fine!

[@kitlc1]

I love the detail you went into with this packing list. Do you worry about digital security on your phone and computer while traveling? Do you find VPNs really help while using public wi-fi?

[@kayli_king]

I do use VPNs on most public wi-fi’s I use! I also try to be careful with what sites I open and use on public wifi

[@novamir6417]

kayli pls upload more vids Love you

[@Stephanie198907]

I highly recommend you add immodium (anti-diarrheal) to your emergency stash.

[@gmm5550]

u can find that in every pharmacy and 7 eleven all over se-asia.and funny enough rice has the same effect ..

[@Miyahideko]

Thank you for addressing the boots clipped to the outside of the backpack. Everytime i see that i start to get so much anxiety not knowing how the airlines treat that lol. Also im very intrigued by the pee cloth bc thats the WORST when there is no TP. Keep those tattoos coated in sunscreen girl! Nothing ages us faster than our ink! ❤❤❤

[@Courtney-vx3bw]

Would you mind telling me how tall you are and what size you’re wearing in that romper? FP is so weird with their sizing. Your clothing list inspires me to get my # down.

[@katienasiatka6365]

Do you ever get planter fasciitis with the flatter hiker boot? I struggle with that sometimes but I have also struggled with the same issues of hurting knees like you mentioned in the video and recently struggled with my plushy Hokas shoes on a 10 mile hike

[@CynthiaNoelNYC]

Miss Chungleson Poppyseed 😻

[@Shy-807]

Are those Cotopaxi packing cubes durable?

[@karendelaney3128]

Do you prefer the REI backpack or the gregory border carry on? And with the Gregory have you ever had issues at airport using it as hand luggage?

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. In Asia & European airlines , it's usually the weight of the carryon that matters, not so much the size. The weight must not exceed 7 or 10 kg (depends on indv airline rules). (7 kg = 15.4 lbs, 10 kg = 22 lbs) Some airlines check the weight AND size.

[@okwilco]

where’s your ipad case from? :)

[@neeneemarie]

I have ibs too. I get it 😂

[@kewla1]

I've heard that microfiber towels end up smelling. Is that the case with yours? If not, what brand is it?

[@kayli_king]

I haven’t had that issue with it! got it from amazon, linked it in the details :)

[@dantezanotto2997]

Have you been able to bring the Ruckpack as a carry on when flying?

[@kitty_s23456]

Her ruckpack would be too heavy for carryon in most Asian & European airlines. She mentioned that her stuff weigh 17 kg. Most airlines (Asia & EU) - the limit for carryon is 7 kg or 10 kg (depends on which airline). 7 kg = 15.4 lbs, 10 kg = 22 lbs

[@meganwydler]

Amazing 🤍

[@Mina-hm2og]

I wanted to ask what vaccinations you did before your trip.

[@hoangluan3900]

how much u spend for 1 month on this trip ??? im curious if $1k to travel around thailand and cambodia in 22 days is enough?

[@kitty_s23456]

Hi. It could be enough if you stay in cheap hostels & eat cheap street food and don't party much or go to bars/ clubs ($50 per day, including accoms). If you intend to do those things, increase your budget to 1500 or 2k. ($100 per day) Also activities - some shrines or palaces have entrance fees. In TH, foreigners pay more than locals for entrance fees.

[@greyyang3846]

Would you be interested in doing a tattoo tour?

[@diamonds4joy]

Did i miss the toothbrush and toothpaste?? 😅

[@kayli_king]

oops I ran out of characters in the “Details” section but yes definitely brought both :)

[@marinag585]

What's wrong with you? That's none of your business.

[@Janaartin12]

Pls use conditioner also . Helps in making hair smooth

[@wanya_telborn]

‼️‼️‼️‼️What’s wrong with your MOUTH 😮😮😮😮