Backpacking is an amazing way to explore different countries and cultures. But packing for a backpacking trip can be tricky.
You want to bring enough to make your trip comfortable, but you don’t want to bring too much and overload yourself with the weight of your luggage. One key question many backpackers have is “How many pairs of underwear should I take backpacking?”
The answer depends on a few factors. How long is your trip?
If you are going for a week or less, it is probably safe to stick with three pairs of underwear as long as you plan on doing laundry at least once during your trip. Make sure that at least one pair is made from a quick-drying material such as synthetic blend fabrics or merino wool, since these don’t take as long to dry.
If you are going for more than a week, then you may want to increase the number of pairs of underwear that you bring. A good rule of thumb is one pair per day plus two extra in case one gets lost or damaged along the way. Also consider how often you plan on doing laundry during your trip — if it won’t be very often, then it’s best to err on the side of bringing more underwear in case some linger longer in the wash than expected.
Think about Where You are Going
It’s also important to consider where you are going and what kind of activities you will be doing while there. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, then make sure that at least one pair of underwear has built-in sun protection so that your skin will be safe from harmful UV rays. Additionally, if there may not be access to laundry facilities near where you will be staying for some time, then it might be wise to bring an extra pair or two just in case.
Conclusion
The number of pairs of underwear that you should take backpacking depends on how long your trip is and where you are going. Generally speaking, three pairs should suffice for trips under a week; however, if your trip lasts longer than that or if there isn’t easy access to laundry facilities where you’re staying, then it’s best to err on the side of bringing more pairs just in case.