I’ve been fortunate enough to backpack and travel extensively, so I know a thing or two about the greatest backpacking equipment and travel necessities that make a journey easy, pleasant, and hassle-free.
I’ve had several solo backpacking excursions around Europe as well as various multi-month travel experiences around the world, including three months in South America, one month in India, and multiple travels through China.
Through these experiences, I’ve honed my packing techniques and discovered the travel gear and devices that can really make a difference when you’re on the road.
The key to travelling light while backpacking is to not forgo comfort and convenience.
I’ve tried out many tools, gadgets, and accessories over the years and have learned what works best (and what you shouldn’t bring on a hiking trip).
Everyone needs a few necessary travel items like a place to keep their money, a way to recharge their electronics, and other items that just make travelling a little bit simpler.
I’m thrilled to share my top backpacking travel gadgets and accessories in this blog article so you can have a better sense of what to bring and what to leave at home.
1. Travel insurance comes first.
The most important travel necessity for backpackers is travel insurance.
Whether you’re on a domestic or international trip, travel insurance is an essential component.
You may have financial security and peace of mind with travel insurance in the event that something untoward occurs to you or your things while you are travelling.
The cost of medical treatment might be high, particularly if you come from a country where you don’t often have to pay for doctor appointments. And the last thing you want to do when you’re trying to backpack is spend all that money on medical expenses when you might be spending it on something enjoyable.
A good travel insurance policy will pay for your medical costs in the event of an accident as well as any lost or stolen bags and personal items. Long-term, a simple investment like this may save you a lot of money and worry.
For travel insurance, I recommend SafetyWing and HeyMondo equally.
Since I’ve been using SafetyWing, I can say that it’s really simple, inexpensive, and hassle-free overall. Prior to your journey (or after; you may subscribe even if the trip has already begun! ), make sure to check them out. For digital nomads, they provide subscription-based travel insurance, which is ideal. You may add travel insurance to it to provide coverage for damaged or stolen things as well as additional costs incurred by delayed travel in addition to the ability to claim medical expenditures.
The Ideal Travel Backpacking Baggage
2. An excellent bag
Whether to bring a backpack or a suitcase when hiking is a topic of much debate.
Here’s why I’m a complete team rucksack:
- It’s simpler to tote them.
- They make it simpler to adhere to baggage restrictions.
- They are often stronger.
That list might not sound like much, but in all honesty, the first justification is the key one for why I travel with a rucksack rather than a bag.
It is not enjoyable to drag a luggage through cobblestone streets, up and down hotel staircases, and along railway corridors.
Additionally, luggage are more likely to break than backpacks. Additionally, they appear to sustain greater damage when flying. Don’t even get me started on the wheels; suitcase zips fail, the seams fall apart if you attempt to overfill them and
I would suggest a backpack that is at least 55L when it comes to backpacking. The size is up to you, but make sure you can still carry it!
My preferred backpacks are made by Osprey. They are also really robust and feature nice compartments to help you manage your belongings.
3. A tote or canvas bag
You probably have a daypack for your trips, but carrying it when shopping, out at night, or in a city may not be the best option.
A rucksack may not feel comfortable when worn with dressier footwear or sandals. That is when a tote bag is useful.
It may be reused, is portable and simple to pack, and can fit in your pocket.
You could already have several tote bags at home because they are frequently sent gratis as promotional items.
If not, a straightforward tote bag is a fantastic addition to your travel necessities. Everyone can use it and it won’t take up much room in your luggage.
4. A daypack
If you’re hiking, it’s also a great idea to have a day bag.
When travelling by plane, a day bag may serve as your carry-on luggage, and it can also be used for overnight tours when you don’t want to bring all of your gear along (putting your larger bag in safe storage at your hostel or hotel).
Additionally, it is helpful on a daily basis when you travel to different cities and locations.
Normally, I carry the larger backpack on my back and this smaller day bag on my front while I’m hiking and moving between locations.
5. Compression packs
60 Best travel items for intrepid travellers and backpackers?theadvent 20;l;am2;o;1; and a=B01960PY96I used them on my three-month journey around South America with my husband, and I believe they’re the ideal method to reduce the amount of room in your backpack. They are essentially the best travel item for every traveller.
Although many individuals adore packing cubes, I believe compression bags to be superior. Your clothing may be arranged in various bags, and you can even wrap them up and press out all the air, which will make them all take up much less space.
Travellers should choose for the self-sealing varieties since they don’t want to hassle with using a hoover in their hostel or hotel room.
These are the top backpacking devices for you if you have trouble packing light.
6. Patagonia Black Hole Mini
A excellent compact bag to have with you is a hip bag or belt bag. When you’re out visiting a new city, it’s perfect for keeping your basics like your keys, phone, wallet, and some water. while also being portable and light.
7. Dry Bags
If you like to take on some adventure when travelling, you could occasionally find yourself kayaking, whitewater rafting, or on a boat.
In that situation, these dry bags will guarantee that everything stays dry in the event of a sudden immersion.
They are also incredibly helpful for storing items like clothing and electronics equipment that you want to make sure are kept safe.
If you do this, you’ll be able to tell if your stuff is dry in the event that you get caught in an unexpected deluge when travelling in Asia or another tropical nation.
8. Footwear bags
I frequently just bring a plastic bag with me to keep my shoes and clothing separate. However, after a few times of taking out and replacing the shoes, the bag either breaks apart or I rip a hole in it from tying the knot too tightly.
When that occurs, the bag is worthless, and any muck on my shoes contaminates the rest of the room.
These sturdy shoe bags will keep everything tidy (and smelling better) while also not breaking. Additionally, one of them would be perfect for storing your dirty laundry in until you have time to visit the laundromat.
Best backpacking technology
9. Door-to-travel alarm
A travel door alarm is yet another device and accessory that travellers just must have.
By inserting the blades into the gap between the door and doorframe and wrapping the other end over the door handle, the simple alarm may be set up.
The alarm’s loud, high-pitched sound can wake you up, warn your neighbours, and dissuade would-be criminals when it is activated.
10.1 Bag scale
Even though a baggage scale is compact, it is one of the most useful travel accessories you can bring, especially if you want to bring home gifts from your trip.
Before leaving for the airport, weigh your luggage on the scale to avoid paying the exorbitant extra charges for exceeding your weight limit.
Even if you are unable to reduce the weight of your luggage, buying extra luggage before your journey can still save you money because doing so is typically less expensive than paying for extra weight at the airport.
11. The Ridge Wallet
These days, there are many sophisticated wallets to choose from, but I always travel with The Ridge Wallet. Since 2017, I’ve only ever used my Ridge Wallet.
I don’t always want to bring a bag with me when I go out simply so I have a place to put my wallet. Because the pockets on women’s clothing are too small for a typical wallet, I end up placing a card in there instead, which falls out when I want to get my phone. In general, it’s not great.
The Ridge Wallet, on the other hand, is extremely small, light, and fits in all of my pockets, including the incredibly shallow ones found in pants.
When you consider it, it can store up to 12 cards until it is filled. You don’t really need all those loyalty cards for stores back home when you’re travelling, and you probably won’t need to carry around so many cards anyway when you’re home.
Oh, and if you’re concerned about someone wirelessly taking your information, you’ll be relieved to hear that their wallets prevent RFID.
They also come in a variety of hues, including my fave one!
Electronic Devices for Backpacking
12. Noise-cancelling headphones
Budget travel is a fantastic way to stretch your dollars and get most out of your vacation.
However, low-cost lodging also have its downsides, such as snoring dorm rooms. One of the greatest hiking accessories available at this point are noise-canceling headphones.
Purchasing a pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones may make a world of difference in your ability to catch some much-needed sleep on lengthy commutes.
On public transportation or aeroplanes, they work well at drowning out the sounds of squealing children, obnoxious passengers, and other annoying noises.
With the help of these must-have travel items, you may get some much-needed zzzs and travel refreshed and eager to explore.
13. Airfly Pro
Anyone who enjoys travelling should get the AirFly Pro, especially on lengthy trips.
It is a Bluetooth converter that enables the use of AirPods or other wireless headphones in environments that only have wired headphone connectors, such the airplane’s in-flight entertainment system.
This device enables you and your travelling companion to quickly connect your wireless headphones through Bluetooth to the media system while travelling as opposed to utilising the inexpensive cable headphones offered by airlines.
I no longer take my AirFly device when I travel, and the AirFly Pro is even better because you can use it in rental vehicles to connect phones without an aux jack to your car radio and listen to music while on a road trip!
14. The camera
Even though cameras on mobile devices have improved, buying a camera can help you capture those priceless moments when travelling.
The greatest images to print out and put to your house wall or create a scrapbook of your camping adventures are those taken with a camera since they can withstand editing better.
