If you’re looking for the best backpacking essentials, this list has got you covered. After 16 years of backpacking, I’ve learnt a lot about what is truly a backpacking essential and what you can really do without.
I’ve come a long way since my first backpacking trip aged 17. Back then, I packed all the wrong stuff – I mean bright white t-shirts for jungle trekking?! Really?! Needless to say, they didn’t come home bright white!
But 16 years later (oh god that’s depressing) I think I’ve finally got my backpacking packing list sussed.
There are several backpacking essentials I would never leave home without again like my trusty packing cubes and a decent power bank!
So today I am sharing my list of backpacking essentials that always make it onto my packing list!
Read next: My checklist of long haul flight essentials
What you can expect from this article...
- 1 Here are my backpacker essentials for your packing list…
- 1.1 A Sleeping bag liner (preferably a silk liner)
- 1.2 Noise cancelling ear plugs
- 1.3 Noise cancelling headphones
- 1.4 Packing cubes
- 1.5 A Power Bank
- 1.6 A Travel Towel
- 1.7 A Head Torch
- 1.8 A Kindle
- 1.9 A Travel Padlock
- 1.10 Mosquito Repellant (DEET)
- 1.11 A Worldwide Adapter
- 1.12 Water purification tablets or a filter water bottle
- 1.13 Biodegradable travel soap
- 1.14 A portable washing machine – Scrubba!
- 1.15 A Portable Hard Drive
- 1.16 A Waterproof Dry Bag
- 1.17 An Anti-theft Travel Bag
- 1.18 A Waterproof Phone Case
Here are my backpacker essentials for your packing list…
A Sleeping bag liner (preferably a silk liner)
If you’re sleeping in hostels or even in a budget hotel, you’ll want to have a sleeping bag liner just in case!
Picture the scene; you arrive at a hostel late at night and nab the last bed. The sheets are a less-than-satisfactory colour & look like they need a good boil wash!
You will be able to whip out your sleeping liner and slumber in peace knowing hygiene has been taken care of!
They are also useful for hot nights when you want something to sleep in but don’t want to swelter under the thick blankets provided.
They come in cotton, silk and fleece. The latter are useful for colder climates and camping, The silk liners are more pricey than cotton liners but are lighter and compress into smaller spaces, making more room in your backpack.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Coleman Stratus Adult Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner, Mixed Colors | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
Tough Outdoors XL Sleeping Bag Liner - Travel Sheet for Adults - Lightweight Sleeping Sack for Camping, Traveling, Hotels & Backpacking - Smooth & Breathable Fabric | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
Browint Silk Sleeping Bag Liner, Silk Sleep Sheet, Sack, Extra Wide 87"x43", Lightweight Travel and Camping Sheet for Hotel, More Colors for Option, Reinforced Gussets, Pillow Pocket | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here |
Noise cancelling ear plugs
Trying to block out the screaming child on a flight? Or bunking in a dormitory with someone who snores louder than Shrek?! Some decent noise cancelling earplugs should definitely be one of your backpacking essentials. Let the snoozing resume…
Noise cancelling headphones
Speaking of noise-cancelling, you’ll want some decent noise-cancelling headphones to listen to your own music on long journeys.
- High Fidelity sound: 11mm vibrating diaphragm, CSR chip and Bluetooth 4.1 technology deliver high-fidelity audio; CVC noise cancellation built-in mic for stereo sound and superb bass sound. Clear high & low volume, makes calls clear and stable
- IPX7 waterproof: sports Earbuds Design, internal Nano-coating protects the headphones from heavy rains or sweat throughout intense exercises; just enjoy your time when running, jogging, riding, hiking, fitness, or in the gym
- Foolproof operation: control buttons on the headphones so that you can play and pause music, adjust the volume, skip tracks, answer and end calls, and activate the voice control of your phone with one Simple operation on the headphones
- Long Playtime: built-in polymer Lithium battery; only 2 hours charge gives you up to 8 hours talk time/audio play time, enough to power your workouts with music for a week
- Comfortable and stable: lightweight and ergonomic design, customizable accessories with large, medium, and small size of gel ear tips; soft silicon earhooks ensure comfortable and secure wear in even most intense workout
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are a total backpacking essential if you want to keep your backpack organised and your sanity intact! They should definitely make it onto your packing list!
When you’re moving hostels and hotels ever other night, you need to have a well-organised backpack system where everything has its place and you know how to find it in a hurry. Enter, packing cubes…
Whilst I was in South America, packing cubes came in especially handy as I could split my winter and summer clothes and not have to fumble through piles of Peruvian jumpers to reach my bikini at the bottom of my backpack!
Get enough of them and they can also come in handy for laundry bags, shoe bags and a way to keep your electronics and various wires organised!
I’m naturally a bit of a messy person (Ok I finally admit it Mum) but with packing cubes, I was the tidiest backpacker in the hostel. Maybe I’m not doing so bad at adulting after all?!
- 4 Packing Cubes - Extra Large( 17.5 x 12.75 x 4) Large (13.75 x 12.75 x 4) Medium (13.75x9.75x4) Small (11 x 6.75 x 4)
- X Design with Double Stitching – Creates a Strong Reinforced Lid to Hold Your Clothes in Place and Prevents the Bag Material in the Middle to Fold Upwards
- 4 inch Deep Design Allows You to Fit All The Clothes You Need into Our Bags
- Laundry Bag Included to Help Separate your Dirty Clothes At The End of The Trip
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A Power Bank
On my last big backpacking trip, I decided to take a solar charger instead of a power bank since I was doing a lot of camping. Total utter waste of money. I was never stationary long enough to charge it so it became entirely redundant.
Instead, now I carry a powerful power bank with me. A few hours charge will allow me to charge my phone up to 7 times. I can even multiple items at once so I never have to decide what’s more important – my smartphone or my GoPro?!
- The Advantages of the this new powerbank:A beautiful and stylish LED display is equipped for the product to indicate the remaining power capacity for you any time, which will avoid the troubles in your work or life caused by the lack of power when you go out.
- 2x Output USB Ports, then you can charge 2 phones or 2pcs other devices e.g. Bluetooth speaker headphones tablet etc. This power bank output 5V 2A,then it can charges many Electronic product
A Travel Towel
Okay so these are not as luxurious as your hotel fluffy white towels but a travel towel will be your best friend when you travel.
Lighter than an average towel, less space-consuming and they dry super quick so you can pack it up the following morning when you hit the road!
You can also get anti-sand towels which are a blessing on the beach.
Make sure you go for an antibacterial one to avoid a smelly backpack!
It used to be that travel towels were very functional looking. You can now get them in beautiful designs that are as much a fashion statement on the beach as they are a functional backpack essential.
- ☀️ OWN THE BEACH with these stunning 2 sided beach towels . Their vibrant modern prints will impress. These Sand Proof Beach Blankets come in a Mesh Travel Pouch for easy carrying & Hanging loop for Quick Drying. Cool Stuff that makes life easy!
- ☀️ PHEW! FINALLY A TOWEL THAT DRIES FAST! Microfiber is a thin lightweight material that is ultra absorbent but engineered to dry 3 x faster then regular towels.
- ☀️ This Fun Travel Towel is an essential vacation accessory. Packs small & easily fits in beach/cruise/hiking/camping gear. Not going far but need a towel for the Pool/Yoga/ sports event? Look no further, simply chose one of these FUN-TASTIC designs & Enjoy!
A Head Torch
If you are planning to stay in any dormitories or do any camping, a head torch is an absolute backpacking essential.
Useful for late nights when everyone else is snoozing and you need to find your PJs or for packing up early in the morning before your roommates wake up. I take my headlamp every time I travel now even if I’m sharing with friends. It’s just respectful, isn’t it?!
It goes without saying that this is an absolute must if you are camping – you really don’t want to step on a snake or enter the wrong tent by mistake, do you?!
I recommend choosing one where you can angle the light, adjust the brightness and charge it via USB like this one…
- USB RECHARGEABLE: Charge Fully from any USB Port in Only 4 Hours and Provide up to 30 Hours of Constant Light on a Single Charge. Micro USB Charging Cable included.
- WATERPROOF & DURABLE
A Kindle
I love my Kindle. it’s one of my favourite backpacking essentials. I rarely get time to read when I’m at home. Between working as a doctor and running two websites, there’s little time left over for luxuries such as reading!
But when I travel, I always carry a kindle loaded up with plenty of reading material for those long journeys.
I actually kind of enjoy a long journey as it gives me an excuse to read!
Click here for more boredom-busting ideas for long journeys.
The best thing about a Kindle, other than its absolutely ridiculous long battery life, is that you can take as many books as you want without them weighing you down.
I’m a fussy reader. I’ve lost count of the times a book promises to be brilliant but I can’t push past the first 10 pages. With the Kindle, problem solved. Ditch the 1st book and move onto the next!
The latest kindles are also waterproof – perfect for taking to the pool or the beach!
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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All-new Kindle - Now with a Built-in Front Light - Black - Includes Special Offers | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
Kindle Paperwhite – Now Waterproof with more than 2x the Storage – Includes Special Offers | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
All-new Kindle Oasis - Now with adjustable warm light - Includes special offers | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
All-New Fire HD 10 Tablet (10.1" 1080p full HD display, 32 GB) – Plum | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here |
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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Ayotu Case for All-New Kindle 10th Gen 2019 Release - Durable Cover with Auto Wake/Sleep fits Amazon All-New Kindle 2019(Will not fit Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Oasis) Mint Green | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
ACdream Case Fits All-New Kindle 10th Genetation 2019 Release, Folio Smart Cover Leather Case with Auto Wake/Sleep for Kindle 10th Gen 2019 and Kindle 8th Gen 2016(NOT FIT KINDLE PAPERWHITE), Sky Blue | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
WALNEW Case for Kindle Paperwhite PU Leather Case Smart Protective Cover fits All Paperwhite Generations Prior to 2018 (Not fit All-New Paperwhite 10th Generation) | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
Dteck Slim Case for All Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with Stylus (6 Inch, 10th Generation, 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012) - Light Weight Protective Leather Smart Wallet Folio Cute Cover-Books | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here |
A Travel Padlock
Most hostels have lockers for your luggage but you will usually need to provide your own travel padlock.
Choose one with a code rather than a key – it’s way too easy to lose a key on your travels!
Padlocks are great for deterring thieves when you are away from your luggage but be cautious using them on your day bag as it can draw attention to you. Like a neon arrow pointing out your valuables!
For transfers between hotels and airports, consider using cable ties. They are more discreet and you can cut through them with a penknife when you get your luggage safely to your next base.
Mosquito Repellant (DEET)
Don’t underestimate how much you need mosquito repellant! There is nothing worse than suffering hundreds of mozzie bites – it’s just miserable.
Choose an insect repellant with DEET and consider wearing an anti-mozzie wristband or anklet.
In the evenings, wear long floaty clothes to protect yourself whilst the pesky mozzies are out in force.
A Worldwide Adapter
Being a bit stingy I resisted buying a worldwide adapter for ages, instead buying specific country adapters along the way.
True they are cheap as chips but it really was a time-waster.
With a worldwide adapter, I know I don’t have to waste time after arriving somewhere hunting a plug down!
Choose one which has 2 USB points as well to make charging all your accessories a breeze!
Water purification tablets or a filter water bottle
Even if buying bottled water in plastic bottles is super cheap, it’s not exactly the most sustainable or green way of travelling. It’s also always a hassle making sure you always have enough bottled water with you.
I remember one horrific occasion where I was solo backpacking and got food poisoning in Peru. I was too sick to leave my hotel room to get more water but I was horribly dehydrated. Reaching the shop nearby felt like climbing Everest. Some water purification tablets would have solved that problem!
Alternatively, you can also get water bottles with inbuilt filters so you can fill up on the go. I recommend either a Lifestraw bottle or a Water To Go bottle. If you get the latter, quote GLOBETROTTERGP at checkout and get a 15% discount.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel, Blue | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
joypur Portable Filtered Water Bottle - Emergency Water Purifier Bottle for Tap Water, 4-Stage Integrated Filter Water Bottle Straw for Camping Hiking Backpacking Black | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | ||
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - 3 Pack | Prime | Click to buy here |
Biodegradable travel soap
Useful for washing clothes in the sink. Get some biodegradable travel soap and save money on your laundry!
A portable washing machine – Scrubba!
Yes, really! To save on time and money, do your own laundry with ease when you use the Scrubba. This travel washing machine collapses down to the size of your palm but makes washing clothes by hand a breeze.
Especially useful if you suffer from dermatitis as washing powder is likely to cause your skin to flare up if you do you washing in the sink.
- Machine quality Wash: where ever you go Scrubba wash bag will ensure you have a quick and easy way to wash your clothes. Features a wash-board like inner scrub panel that produces a machine quality Wash.
- Save time and money: Never pay for a laundry service and again, save your money and use Scrubba wash bag instead. A simple, sanitary solution to clean clothes on the go!
- Lightweight and portable: Scrubba wash bag weighs only five ounces and easily fold to the size of a wallet. Easily add to your suitcase or backpack without weighing it down for clean, fresh Laundry wherever you are.
- Easy to use: simply place your dirty laundry, detergent and water inside, Seal and release air, scrub, rinse and dry! For a quality Wash in no time!
- Laundry solution: protect the earth by using less water and detergent than hotel laundry services and expensive laundromats. Scrubba wash bag is even safe to use in rivers and streams.
A Portable Hard Drive
If travel photography is important to you, you’ll want a foolproof plan for keeping your photos safe.
Consider getting a portable hard drive to store your travel photos on the move. After all, the more places you store your photos, the less chance you’ll lose them for good.
Photos to me are far more precious than possessions. I’d actually be more gutted about losing my memory card than I would be the actual camera. Okay, this might not be the case when I get around to upgrading to the Sony A7iii which is on my lust list!
- Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- Enjoy long term peace of mind with the included 1 year limited warranty
A Waterproof Dry Bag
This has been my best friend over the years and I’m still using the same one I bought about 7 years ago! It’s definitely one of my backpacker essentials!
A dry bag is a lightweight bag which rolls up to keep your possessions completely waterproof.
I go on a lot of sailing and kayaking trips and this allows me to keep my most important possessions on me in the knowledge that they are safe and dry.
When you’re not using it for protecting your belongings when you travel, it can also double up as a laundry bag!
- Lightweight Compact and Durable: Made from ripstop tarpaulin with sturdy welded seam which is designed for years usage, tear, rip and puncture proof. Perfect for almost any extreme adventure you imagine.
- Waterproof Guarantee: Solid roll-top closure system provides secure watertight seal. Keep your gear dry in any wet situation where the bag is not fully submerged. Protect your valuables from water, snow, mud and sand.
- Versatility: The dry sack can float on water after rolled and buckled, so you can track your gear easily. Perfect for boating, kayaking, paddling, sailing, canoeing, surfing or having fun on the beach. A nice Holiday Gift for families and friends.
An Anti-theft Travel Bag
For complete p[eace of mind when you travel, always use a theft-proof travel bag to avoid being a victim to pickpocketers – especially in busy crowded environments.
These days there are so many options to choose from that you don’t have to choose function over style. Check out this list of some of the nicest anti theft travel bags I found!
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
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Top | Fashion Backpack Purse for Women Nylon Backpacks Anti Theft Ladies Casual Daypack Stylish Shoulder Bag | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | |
Top | Travelon Anti-Theft Signature 3 Compartment Travel Cross Body Shoulder Bag with Matching RFID Blocking Zip Around Passport Travel Wallet, Black | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | |
Top | Travelon Anti-Theft Square Crossbody and Wallet Set - Medium RFID Lined Handbag for Travel & Everyday - (Black/Dark Emerald Interior) | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | |
Top | Travelon: Anti-Theft Courier Saddle Crossbody Bag - Navy | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | |
Top | Travelon Women's Anti-Theft Tailored Convertible Crossbody Clutch Cross Body Bag, Onyx, One Size | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here | |
PacSafe Women's Citysafe CX 3.2L Anti Theft Square Crossbody, Black, 3.2 Liter | PrimeEligible | Click to buy here |
A Waterproof Phone Case
If you’re going to the beach and don’t want to worry about your phone, keys, money or bank cards being stolen then you will need a waterproof case that you can take with you into the sea, safe in the knowledge your belongings are safe and dry.
- IPX8 Certificated: fully submersible and waterproof, the waterproof case is designed for extreme condition. Note: Please conduct a safety test before using this waterproof phone case.
- Free operation and transparent cover: This waterproof phone cover is designed not to hinder touch screen use underwater. Transparent cover to not block the camera use. You can perfectly operate your cellphone but not for touch ID fingerprint.
- Universality: it fits all large Smartphones below 6. 8 inches & Your cash, credit cards, etc. , Good for indoor &outdoor activities, water sports, travels. Compatible with most smart phones including iPhone 11, 11 Pro Max, 11 pro,xs Max, XS, XR, X, 8, Galaxy S10 Plus, S9, Note 10, 9 etc.
- Multi-functional waterproof phone bag: features a simple snap and lock access, easy to keep out water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt.
So there we have it, 17 travel essentials which will always make it into my backpack!
What are the backpacking essentials that you couldn’t travel without? We are all always learning so please let me know if you think there is something missing off this packing list!
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Other Packing Lists and articles about backpacking essentials you might find helpful…
I am also going to recommend extra batteries to this list! I just returned from backpacking in Colombia where I brought my headlamp…only for the batteries to die when I was trying to read at night while on an overnight jungle hike. I really should have just replaced them before I left. Remembering for next time ?
Such a good point! Yes extra batteries are a must!
Packing cubes are the best! I’ve never seen a portable washing machine before, but it sounds awesome!! So convenient!
I’d be lost without my packing cubes when I travel!
Think of all that time spent trying to locate laundrettes! ?
Some really great packing tips here. I would just be lost without my packing cubes. Thank you for all of this advice.
Glad you found it helpful!
Interesting list! Definitely a few things I would never have thought of like the headlamp. And I agree with you the solar chargers just don’t charge fast enough
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