You are leaving for your first backpacking trip, but you don’t know what to bring? Don’t worry, I got you! These are the most important items I bring when I travel. BUT the ones with a star are an absolute must. So please don’t forget them or your backpacking experience won’t be as fun as mine.
YOUR BACKPACK
I’ve tried 3 backpacks and here are the two I would recommend and why. I tested 2 Ospreys and another brand. I am sold for life with the quality of Osprey. I know they are a bit more expensive but keep in mind they have a life guarantee.
- OSPREY FARPOINT TREK 55L ★
This one is technically in the men’s section. However, it has adjustable shoulder straps which makes it okay for me, and I am small I can tell you that! It has amazing back support with a breathable back. It opens like a suitcase and has compression straps. It has an Aircover which is like an envelope that protects the bag when you check it in while traveling. It also doubles as a rain cover while hiking. While traveling with my first backpack, the one I am not recommending today, the buckle broke during the flight. All I know is that it was broken when I picked it up. This is why I love the Aircover. Your bag is expensive, and this is a way you can protect it since you are not in control after you check it in with the Airline company. We all know they can be rough with our luggage.
- OSPREY KYTE 56L ★
This one is also a great option. It’s the perfect model to bring your bag carry-on. You can find this one in the women’s section. Since there is no metal in the back, it’s very lightweight. You can also open it like a suitcase, so you have access to all your gear, or like a regular backpack. There is a rain cover included with this bag too. It has a lot of compression straps to make it safer and smaller. If you are looking for a backpack with the possibility of being a carry-on that is easygoing and practical, this one is for you!
YOUR DAY BACKPACK ★
Having only your big backpack is not possible. You also need a smaller one that you are going to bring with you throughout your day while the big one is locked up in the hostel/hotel. This is mine and I love it! It has good back support and a breathable net. Fits a lot of things! Having to wear a backpack during a hike, for example, can be really annoying, so don’t just get the cheap one. You will wear it more than your big backpack, make sure it is comfortable and of good quality like this one.
FANNY PACK / BELT BAG ★
There are a lot of pickpockets everywhere. Don’t try being fancy with a nice purse hanging that is easier to steal. This will keep your important stuff close to you. It’s cute, it’s basic and it’s very light. You can wear it in the belt style or cross-body. I personally vary depending on my outfit and the activity I’m doing. I have this exact one and I love it. I use it even when I’m not traveling. It’s the perfect size.
SMALL TRAVEL WALLET ★
This small wallet is perfect for traveling, trust me. You don’t need a big wallet but you 100% need a little zipper space for money, mostly for coins. The carabiner is so useful. You can lock it on your belt, your bra or anywhere for more safety. The RFID protection prevents electronic pickpocketing.
SAND PROOF BEACH BLANKET ★
I have used this so many times on my trips! On a lot of beaches, they make travelers pay for chairs or any utilities of the sort. On other beaches, there is simply nothing. Bringing this will save you money and be more comfortable. It packs so small and is so easy to put back after use. This is definitely one of my favourite products!
PHONE POWER BANK ★
You might go on big adventures like I did. You will need your phone at all times for safety purposes and taking amazing pics, of course. I’ve used this exact power bank and I like it because it is so small and has a minimum of two full charges for my iPhone.
MICROFIBER TOWEL ★
I personally like to bring two of those. One I use for the beach and one for when I’m fresh out of the shower. If you are a backpacker and sleep in hostels, they won’t always have a clean towel for you. You probably won’t be at a nice resort, there is no beach towel for you. You 100% need your own microfiber towel. If you want a clean one without sand when you get out of the shower, maybe you should get two like me. They don’t take up a lot of space, and they dry quickly, which is important.
SOFT BLANKET SLEEPING BAG STYLE
I’ve used many LONG public transportations while traveling through Europe and Asia. I promise you will try sleeping on your 10-hour bus ride. It’s so light and, again, doesn’t take much space. You will use it on your flights. You can also use it as a bonus blanket in hostels or hotels if they don’t give you enough blankets.
INFLATABLE PILLOW
This adds to your soft blanket for sleeping in transportation like flights and buses. You might not think you need it as I did… But if I’m telling you about it, it’s because I was wrong lol! Now that I have my pillow, it has changed the game, I promise you!
PACK OF SILICONE TRAVEL TOILETRIES BOTTLES
You can’t bring your big shampoo bottles! You are backpacking! You need one for your face wash, your face cream, your shampoo, your conditioner and if you’re like me, many more self-care products. Get yourself this pack of 4 and maybe even more.
COMBINATION SECURITY PADLOCKS ★
You 100% need these. When in hostels, especially. They offer a locker for you to put your stuff in a safe place when you go out during the day. You are sharing a room with strangers, so you really should use them. The thing is, they don’t provide padlocks. These ones have a flexible handle, which is way better. Don’t get anything with a key… You could lose the key. Get the ones with a combination. Have at least a pack of two in case you lose one.
UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER ★
You probably already know that all countries have different types of electrical outlets. Just get this universal adapter, so you don’t have to buy many small ones every time you do another trip.
AIRPODS
You will share space with strangers in flights, hostels, cafés and the list goes on. Be respectful and wear headphones. I like the Apple ones because they are so easy to pair with my iPhone, and they fit everyone.
BRITA FILTERED WATER BOTTLE ★
The first thing you’re looking for in a water bottle is that it has a loop. You want to be able to attach it outside your small bag when out for a day’s adventure. This one is lightweight, and you don’t want any metal water bottle because it’s too heavy. The bonus of Brita is the filtered water you get when drinking. You can never be too careful drinking other countries’ water.
PACKING CUBES ★
Packing cubes are a huge must! Again, if you travel like me and change hostels every few days, you are going to be so tired of unpacking and packing your backpack. These will help. You know which cubes have your different clothes, which one has your underwear, which one has pants, and the list goes on. You can split your things the way you want, but at least you won’t have to get everything out every single time. Just get the cube, you need it. It also helps keep everything compact, so you save space in your backpack. This is an obligation, and this Amazon pack of 9 is affordable and easy to get.
CARABINER CLIPS
You will use them in so many ways! You need one for your water bottle. It comes with the loop but not the carabiner. For example, you’re on a long bus ride, and you only bring your small backpack with you. The big one goes under the bus, and you can attach your blanket to the outside of your small backpack, so it doesn’t take up all the space inside of it. You can attach your hat, your towel, everything. It’s a space saver and sometimes a time saver. No need to pack everything the right way now, just attach it for the moment.
TIDE TRAVEL SINK PACKETS
You will probably need to do a little laundry if you want to travel light. No need to bring 30 pairs of underwear, just bring this instead. You can use it in a sink, it’s so easy.
SOAP CASE
You are going to bring your soap to places that are nastier than you think. Sometimes, you will need to put it back in your luggage when it’s not dry. Get one of these.
TOOTHBRUSH COVERS
Same thing for your toothbrush as for your soap.
TIDE TO GO INSTANT STAIN REMOVER
Bring that in your little fanny pack! You don’t have a lot of clothes while backpacking, so it wouldn’t be nice to ruin some of them with a stain. So easy to use and it might save you.
NOISE CANCELING EAR PLUGS
Even if you are not a light sleeper, get them. Thank me later!
PORTABLE REUSABLE USTENSIL SET
It’s a set of two and comes with the case. I liked using this one more than another one I’ve tried because the knife is a bit sharper. It’s always useful on a backpacking trip.
COLLAPSIBLE SILICONE BOWLS CONTAINERS
I’ve used them many ways, for example, to hold ice to act as an ice pack, hold food for later or as dishes to eat right away. (Ramen from the supermarket is always an easy solution) You will find your own use, but I am sure that you will use them.
FIRST AID KIT
Some countries you might visit have fewer rules about safety, and you won’t find these in every building like in Canada. You never know what can happen in your daily activities. It’s a little precaution I highly suggest you take.
