Even though international travel isn’t much of an option right now, 2021 brings hope for new
adventures, and I for one have entered the year with optimism. So what are the essentials for
those of us who need to fit it all in a single bag? Backpacking means you can’t afford to carry
anything you don’t regularly use and absolutely need, so organization is crucial. Everything needs to be travel size, lightweight, and actually useful, or it’s going to end up being parted with as soon as the next packing day occurs. Below you’ll find a list of six items that are essential for all backpackers and light travellers going on their next adventure, no matter where the destination.
See also: The Awesome Truth About Solo Travel
Packing Cubes
My life can be divided into two distinct parts – before I knew about packing cubes (‘the dark
times’) and after. Packing cubes are ESSENTIAL for organizing your luggage, no matter how big or small your bag, and they make the repacking process at different locations so much easier since everything has a designated section. Trust me – the moment you start using these, you will have no idea how you ever survived before. If you want to go with a high-quality pack that will last a long time, I would recommend the Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set, but there are a lot of budget options around on Amazon that will do the job just fine.
Universal Travel Adapters
Take it from me – you can NEVER have too many travel adapters so one item is an absolute backpacking essential, it’s this one! You just don’t realize how many things you own that need plugging into the wall until you need adapters to do it. Universal adapters are great because they don’t need to be replaced with each new country you visit, saving money and space in a bag. If you can get one with USB ports so you can use the same adapter for multiple items, that’s a real bonus, which is why I love the BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter – it can simultaneously charge up to seven devices, and even converts voltage so there’s no risk using higher-powered items like hair dryers.
See also: Lifelong Jetsetter Steven Branco Shares His Favourite Cities To Live In, Travel To And Why He Can’t Wait To Getaway
Portable Phone Charger
This one almost goes without saying. Using your phone for everything, be it as a camera, a map, or (shockingly) a phone, means that it is likely to need charging on the road more often than it does when you’re at home. You probably aren’t always going to have a convenient power plug available, or indeed the time to stop and let it charge throughout the day, so a high-quality portable power bank is a godsend. My personal favourite is the Anker PowerCore 20100, but so long as you get one that is lightweight, fast charging, and preferably with multiple USB output ports, you really can’t go too wrong.
Travel Umbrella
Rain tends to hit at the most inconvenient of times, and you don’t want to be caught out while
travelling. An essential item for any backpacker is an umbrella that folds up small in your bag and isn’t heavy to carry with you all the time while you’re out exploring. For a high-quality umbrella that will resist tough conditions, look no further than the Bodyguard Inverted Umbrella. It’s travel-sized, isn’t too expensive, and is built to withstand the elements.
Microfibre Towels
Fitting towels in a backpack or suitcase can be a nightmare for any backpacker, but we’ve all dealt with the inconvenience of getting to a destination and realizing we left them at home, so we know they are unfortunately a necessary item. The good news is that a towel doesn’t have to be the chunky space — taking items we all know and hate — you just need to switch to microfibre. Microfibre towels are lightweight and will fold up far smaller than standard towels, making them a lot easier to fit in a small bag so they’re essential for any backpacking trip. They also dry really quickly so don’t need to be hung out all day after a shower or trip to the beach, which is fantastic for someone moving around a lot. As a side bonus, rumour has it that microfiber is actually better for your hair than using a cotton towel, so that’s an added perk. I’d recommend grabbing one of the Active Roots Microfiber Travel Towels – they are a great price, high quality, and have a couple of sizes for you to choose from (there’s even a combo pack if you’d like to get a spare).
Collapsible Water Bottle
Travelling with your own water bottle is a great way to save money and the environment. If you’re looking to save space on your next trip, a collapsible bottle is essential while backpacking and there are plenty of fun and innovative options around. I’m personally a fan of Hydaway’s collapsible bottles that fold down into a disc when not in use because they’re sturdy, well-made, and lightweight. As a side note, if you’re travelling internationally, make sure you’re careful where you’re filling up your water – not all destinations have drinkable tap water, so check before you drink!
Torch
This one is particularly essential if you plan on camping, but even if not, a torch is never a bad thing to have with you. Whether it’s for an early morning hike or a late-night around a campfire, sometimes you just need a more powerful light source than the tiny torch on your iPhone. There are literally thousands of options when it comes to buying a torch, but for travel, you want one that is compact, lightweight, preferably waterproof, and with long battery life. I love the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 – it will survive short drops, takes AA batteries, can be submerged in water up to 2 metres, and even has five modes for you to choose between.
Earplugs
If you’ve ever stayed in a hostel for more than a night, you know that earplugs are definitely a good choice if you want a peaceful night’s sleep. Add in the air pressure of long flights, and finding a comfortable pair of earplugs to wear regularly becomes a travel requirement. I personally use EarPlanes because they are made of hypoallergenic silicone, meaning they fit in your ears comfortably, and help with both inflight discomfort and noise cancellation. Plus, they’re ‘buy one, get one free’ on your first order – what’s not to love?
