Backpacking guides · Packing · Travel tips

Pack light.
Go further.
Spend less.

Travel stories, backpacking tips & life on the road. Practical guides on what to pack, how to choose your gear, and simple habits that make every trip easier.

Start hereHow to Choose a Backpack for Travel: A Practical Guide8 min read

Browse by topic

Packing Guides7 guides

Backpacks & Gear8 guides

Travel Tips7 guides

Accommodation Tips3 guides

Latest guides

All guides

Backpacks & Gear 6 min read

Daypack essentials for city sightseeing

Daypack essentials for city sightseeing in Malaysia: what to carry for heat, rain, temples and trains in KL, Penang and Melaka, and what to leave behind.

Packing Guides 6 min read

What to Pack for an Island Trip

An island trip packing list for Malaysia: cash for marine park fees, dry bags, reef-friendly sun care, snorkel gear and what to leave behind on the ferry.

Travel Tips 8 min read

Staying Connected and Handling Money When You Travel

Tips on staying connected and handling money when you travel: eSIM vs local SIM, safe Wi-Fi, cards vs cash, ATM habits and the apps worth having.

Backpacks & Gear 7 min read

30L vs 40L vs 60L: Which Backpack Size Do You Need?

Backpack size guide: what fits in 30L, 40L and 60L packs, how each size works with budget airline cabin limits, and which one suits your kind of trip.

Backpacks & Gear 7 min read

Rain covers and dry bags: keeping gear dry in monsoon season

Rain covers and dry bags compared for Malaysia's monsoon season: what each one does, which sizes to pack, and how to keep your passport and phone dry.

Travel Tips 7 min read

Street Food and Hawker Guide for Backpackers

A street food and hawker guide for backpackers: dishes to try, how mamak, kopitiam and night markets work, how to order, etiquette and reading halal signs.

Upcoming events

All events

Popular guides

About the blog

Hi! I’m Kate.

Travel stories, backpacking tips & life on the road.

I love travelling around Asia, from Singapore and Brunei to Vietnam and Cambodia. Kate Blog is where I share practical guides on packing, gear and the travel habits that make backpacking easier.

Pack light.Go further.Spend less.