Written by Zoë Howie on 11 / 11 / 2024
Gap Year Advice
There is a never-ending stream of information online about what to pack for your gap year travels. Everyone has their ride or die products, items, and creature comforts. It can definitely feel overwhelming if your gap year is the first time you've gone backpacking.
Fear not, we're here to help. With 25 years of experience sending gappers away, we're confident we know what's worth packing and what can be left at home. Did you know, if you book a Leap programme, we provide you with a comprehensive kit list so the thinking is done for you.
Backpacks are the best kind of luggage. We recommended size – 80 litres. Whilst you don't need the most expensive all-singing all-dancing one, you do need to consider how long you'll be travelling for and how much time you'll spend with it physically on your back (if you're doing one of our team programmes then you won't be expected to carry it for long periods).
Day backpacks Opt for a 25-litre size, so you can use it for overnight hikes for example. This really does want to be comfortable as you will spend more time with it on your back day-to-day than your main backpack.
Passport You're not going to get far without it! Make sure you have plenty at least six months on it before it expires, and if you do need to renew it make sure you do it in plenty of time.
Packing cubes You can squirrel away all your belongings into colour-coded cubes and at any time grab whatever you need without emptying your rucksack all over the floor.
Clear zip lock bags or a small dry bag - useful for valuables on beach/boat days and leaky toiletries.
Sunglasses Take 2 pairs, one always gets lost or broken. Remember to get ones with UV lenses, they don't have to be expensive but they need to protect your eyes from the sun's harsh rays.
Ear plugs & eye mask Essential to get a decent night's sleep in your hostel.
Travel pillow If your travel routes are going to involve a lot of flying then invest in a decent travel neck pillow. Top tip: get an inflatable one that can then be squashed down again when you're not using it.
Money belt/bum bag The sexiest of the travel accessories. Whilst perhaps not the most fashionable item, it will soon become a firm favourite when you see how easy it is to keep your money and valuables safe on your person as you travel.
Padlock Preferably one with a steel, flexi cable to give you more flexibility when securing your rucksack to something and a smaller one for your day bag.
Lightweight travel towel They take up much less room and dry a lot quicker than ordinary towels.
Refillable water bottle E.g a Chilly bottle/Super Sparrow or a water purification bottle. Double benefits here - save plastic (always good) and if you get a water purification bottle it guarantees you always have clean, safe water wherever you end up travelling on your gap year.
They come in all shapes and sizes, but start with taking a look at LifeStraw – not only are they high quality, removing 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, but for every item purchased LifeStraw will ensure a child in need receives clean water for a whole school year.
Sleeping bag liner If you don't want to buy one, a single duvet cover works well too. Climb in, button up and say farewell to those bed bugs and creepy crawlies. Perfect for those long overnight buses too. They don't take up much space but also protect you from grubby looking sheets.
Travel washing line
Mozzie net (location dependent)
Journal
Hanging wash bag / cosmetic bags so it doesn’t have to go on bathroom floors
Lightweight raincoat
Warm puffer coat (if going to chilly places)
Beach-friendly option A pair of flip-flops, Crocs, or Birkenstocks (think good for getting wet)
Sturdy trainers Ditch the massive walking boots and go for a sturdy pair of trainers for all those hikes you will be signing up on your gap year. The Saloman speed cross are excellent.
Going out trainers/shoes
Universal plug adaptor
Music speakers and splitters Perfect when it comes to creating the perfect campfire moment or helping day dream your way through a long bus journey. When it comes to the speaker, definitely get a waterproof one so you can take it to the beach and won't panic over a spilled beer.
Phone And take a cheap backup one in case you main one gets lost/stolen
Headphones - need we say more?
Portable phone charger - Essential
Head torch There will come a time when one-handed packing in the dark just doesn’t cut it
In addition to your basics remember, try to reduce single-use plastic.
Body bar (soap and shampoo in one) and a tin to keep it in
Travel wash to enable you to wash your clothes quickly and easily
Reef-friendly sun cream (check ingredients and avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate, common in chemical sunscreens. Mineral versions use tiny minerals that shield against the sun’s rays without harming aquatic life)
I can guarantee that if you don’t take one, you’ll end up wishing you had. So get this right. Pro tip: remove everything from its packaging to save space, but keep the instructions for medication. Make sure you bring:
Insect repellent Make sure you are not allergic to it before you go as some are really strong.
An assortment of plasters & bandages Essential to cover blisters or a stubbed toe (which will definitely happen by the way, as you’ll be living in flip flops)
Sterile patches They keep wounds clean and stop bandages from sticking.
Antiseptic wipes/spray & hand sanitizer Total must-haves to make sure that graze doesn't become infected & for all those times when bathrooms have no soap.
Medical tape
Germolene (or antiseptic cream) A godsend for any cut, scrape, or seriously itchy mozzie bite.
Pain killers
Imodium It's a hard pill to swallow, but at some point on your travels you will get an upset tummy, make sure you pack plenty of Imodium.
Diocalm and rehydration salts Ensure you remain hydrated
Finally, remember the simplest packing rule of all: lay everything out that you want to take... and half it.
Should I take a backpack or suitcase when gap year travelling? Backpack. You'll quickly grow bored of lugging your suitcase down uneven roads and up flights of stairs. Suitcases are also at risk of getting damaged unlike a hardy backpack on your travels.
How early do I have to buy my gear for gap year travelling? You could start asking for some of the big ticket items (backpacks, day bags, packing cubes etc) for Christmas and birthdays. There also might be some stuff you don't have to buy new, ask around and someone might have a spare bum bag knocking around that you can borrow. Start early and build your collection - great for budgeting too.
What apps should I download on my phone before I go travelling? You can read some of our recommendations here.
