Packing for an extended backpacking trip, especially when it’s through multiple countries, is no easy task. Between trying to figure out what clothing to bring and making sure you have all the right visas and documents, it can be overwhelming. These six items made my life much easier while travelling and I would recommend them to any backpacker.
Disclaimer: I have personally used and loved all of these products; I am not being paid to promote any of them.
A Backpack
First and foremost, you’re going to need a well-built, functional backpack. Unless your plan is to only travel to one or two spots, I highly recommend using a backpack rather than using a rolling suitcase. It will be much easier to carry over cobblestone streets, broken sidewalks, steep stairs, uneven docks, and more. It’s also lighter than a suitcase, so it’ll be easier to comply with baggage weight limits on airplanes.
My backpack of choice is the Osprey Aura AG 65, which can hold up to 65 liters, hence the name. I like it because it has strong hip and back support and different weight distribution options depending on your needs. It comes with lots of extra compartments, pockets, and clips, and also has a removable top section that can be used as a daypack. Osprey packs tend to be priced on the higher side, but it’s not uncommon for them to go on sale; I bought mine during the REI anniversary sale in May.
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/aura-ag-65-AURA65S22_224.html
Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
When travelling, I always try to bring my own shampoo and conditioner instead of getting it overseas. Even though buying abroad means there is one less thing to pack, between not knowing which brands are best and trying to translate ingredient labels in a foreign language, I’ve found that it just isn’t worth it. However, instead of carrying around bottles of shampoo and conditioner, I opted to use shampoo and conditioner bars from HiBAR. They are smaller, lighter weight, easier to pack, and most importantly, they won’t leak. If you aren’t checking a bag, you can take them through security without having to worry about using travel-size containers. They also last at least as long as regular shampoo and conditioner bottles, if not longer. I wash my hair every other day, and it takes me about a month to go through each bar. As an added bonus, they are made without plastic, parabens, or phalates, so they are better for your hair and for the environment.
Note: I originally bought these specifically for travelling but have continued to use them since returning home; my hair has never felt healthier! HiBAR sells a few different kinds but my favorite is Soothe.
https://hellohibar.com/products/soothe-shampoo-conditioner-set?
Belt Bag
An absolute necessity while traveling is a belt bag; I use mine every single day. It’s large enough to fit all of the essentials (phone, passport, keys, etc.), but not so big that it becomes inconvenient. It’s also harder for pickpockets and purse snatchers to access since it will stay close to your body and doesn’t have a long skinny strap. It’s versatile enough that I can use it for pretty much any activity, from hiking through the jungle during the day to hitting the club at night.
I love, love, love my Everywhere Belt Bag 1L from Lululemon! The size is super convenient and I can make it work with almost any outfit. I also like that it has a hidden pocket in the back which is perfect for storing credit cards and cash.
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/bags/Everywhere-Belt-Bag/_/prod8900747?color=0001&sz=ONESIZE
Luggage Locks
If you are planning on staying in hostels, luggage locks are a must. Some hostels don’t have lockers big enough to fit an entire bag while others don’t have lockers at all, and sometimes the lock are too small for a standard padlock and only work with luggage locks. Although hostels are usually pretty safe and people tend to be respectful of each other’s stuff, there are always exceptions and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if your plan is to stick to hotels and private rooms, I still recommend getting a set. You never know if you’ll have to store your luggage somewhere, and although it may not prevent your bag from being stolen, it will at least act as a deterrent and could stop someone from rifling through it.
I purchased this set from Amazon; they’ve been easy to use, and they are TSA approved.
Air Tags
If I were only going to recommend one travel essential (other than a backpack, of course), it would be an Apple Air Tag. I use one for each of my bags. Here’s why: on flights, I often know that my bag made it on the plane before takeoff, and I always know where my bag is by the time I reach baggage claim. If there were an issue with bags not making it on the plane, I would be able to get a head start on filing a claim. On alternate forms of transportation such as boats or buses, it’s not uncommon to have to check anything larger than a purse. Mix-ups occasionally happen and if anything, you can take comfort in knowing your bag is with you on, let’s say, your hour-long journey into the Gulf of Thailand. Bottom line: it’s only $25. If nothing happens to your bag the entire trip, you’re paying $25 for peace of mind. If something does happen, you’ll have a much easier time locating your bag and getting it back.
Note: Airtags are NOT compatible with Androids, but there are plenty of non-Apple alternatives.
Power Converter
When traveling to most foreign countries, you are going to need some sort of adapter or converter for your electronic devices. I recommend this converter from FOVAL. It comes with five different adapter types which collectively cover over 150 countries. It has two North American outlets and four USB ports so you can charge up to six things at once. Because it actually converts the voltage, you can use it to charge your laptop without blowing out the battery. Just as with any other adapter or converter, it is not recommended that you use this with hair tools such as a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron. If you want to use those while travelling, I recommend buying them once you are already overseas. So far, I’ve been able to use this converter in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Note: when it’s running, it makes a quiet whirring sound similar to a small fan. If white noise doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be an issue, but if it does, you may want to reconsider.
https://www.amazon.com/Voltage-Converter-International-European-Countries/dp/B074QLCKW6
Knowing what to pack, especially if you’re an inexperienced traveler, can be challenging. On top of that, all of the different brands and variations can complicate things even more. These items have made my trips much smoother and I hope they’ll do the same for you. Happy backpacking!
