Packing for a backpacking adventure can be both exciting and overwhelming. With limited space and the need to stay mobile, every item in your bag should serve a purpose. Bringing the right gear can make all the difference. Here are our top 10 must haves for your next backpacking trip—plus a few things you’re better off leaving behind.
1. A Sturdy Backpack
A solid backpack is your best travel buddy. Choose one that’s comfortable, spacious, and easy to carry. It should have multiple compartments for organization and be sturdy enough to survive airport baggage handlers and the occasional hostel-floor drop. Trust me, nothing screams “tourist disaster” like spilled clothes at a bustling airport! Our favorite bag right now is the Osprey Fairview 55 backpack (highly recommend).
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes
There are many places where the charm lies in its walkability. Ditch the uncomfortable stylish shoes and bring your favorite pair of walking shoes/sandals. Your feet will thank you as you wander through cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and bustling markets. Trust us, those stylish shoes will just take up unnecessary space in your bag.
3. Travel-Sized Toiletries
Space is precious, and so are your hair care routines. Pack travel-sized versions of your favorite toiletries. And, of course, a quick-dry towel – because sharing a hostel towel is a gamble you don’t want to take. However, don’t forget this important detail: you can buy stuff there! So don’t overdo the toiletries.
4. Portable Charger
Your phone is your lifeline for maps, translations, and capturing the beautiful moments on a trip. Keep it juiced up! Making sure you have a long-lasting portable charger can be the difference between getting lost in the middle of foreign country and making it back to your hotel easy breezy.
5. Universal Adapter
Ah, the joys of incompatible outlets. A universal adapter will keep your devices charged across multiple countries. And remember what we said, your device could be your lifeline. Keep it charged!
6. Hostel Essentials
Think of these as your “survival kit” for hostel life: a compact padlock to secure your locker, earplugs for those inevitable snorers, and a sleep mask to shield you from late-night light switchers. Bonus points for bringing flip-flops for those questionable communal showers. You never know what gross things are lurking in those tiles!
7. Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a reusable water bottle. Fill it up at hostel kitchens, public fountains, or any trusty tap. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and the planet, one sip at a time. However, please make sure to double-check the quality of the water you fill up with. You don’t want tummy issues just for the sake of being eco-friendly.
8. Lightweight Clothes
Pack versatile, lightweight clothes that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Think practical. Nobody wants to lug around an entire wardrobe. And remember, laundry services are your friends! So, ditch the multiple pairs of jeans for your next trip.
9. Journal or Travel Diary
Keep track of your adventures with a journal or travel diary. It’s a great way to capture memories, jot down notes, and reflect on your journey. Plus, it gives you something to do during those long train rides. You’ll thank yourself later.
10. Snacks
Being a tourist can be exhausting! Not to mention, sometimes food can be hard to find. We always play it safe by packing lots of snacks with us. When I was starving on a train from Tokyo to Sendai, a granola bar saved the day! So, stock up before you head out for the day.
Things to Avoid (Because Some Stuff Just Doesn’t Belong in Your Backpack)
1. Heavy Books Your 600-page novel might be compelling but carrying it around isn’t. Opt for an e-reader or download books on your phone instead.
2. Excessive Clothes You don’t need five pairs of jeans for a two-week trip! Embrace the minimalist lifestyle and do laundry more often. Less luggage means more freedom!
3. Fancy Jewelry and Valuables Leave the bling at home. A vacation’s charm doesn’t require you to sparkle, and you’ll feel safer without worrying about losing or damaging expensive items.
4. Too Many Gadgets Keep your tech to the essentials. A phone, camera, and maybe a tablet are plenty. You’re here to experience the world, not to run a mobile office (that is unless you are running a mobile office).
5. Big Towels Hostels often provide towels (for a fee), and quick-dry travel towels are a better alternative. Save space in your bag and leave the beach towel for, well, the beach.
6. Massive Toiletry Bags Stick to the basics and use travel-sized toiletries. Pharmacies are well-stocked if you need to replenish anything along the way.
7. Overloaded Food Supplies Enjoy the local cuisine instead of packing a pantry. Snack wisely, but don’t burden yourself with too much food. Part of the adventure is trying new flavors!
8. Bad Shoes Unless you’re attending fashion week, leave the stilettos and Jordans at home. Cobblestones and heels don’t mix well – trust us on this one.
9. Giant Pillows Hotels, flights and hostels all provide pillows, and while they might not be luxury, they’ll do the job. Save your backpack space for more important items.
10. Negativity Lastly, leave any negative vibes behind. Backpacking is an adventure. Embrace the journey, laugh at the mistakes, and savor every moment.
At the end of the day, backpacking is all about traveling light, staying prepared, and embracing the adventure. With the right essentials in your bag, you’ll be able to move freely and enjoy every moment of your trip. So, pack smart, stay flexible, and make the most of every experience!
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