Planning a backpacking trip? This is the ultimate must-have travel essentials for backpacking. It includes a complete checklist with packing tips to help you travel light and pack smart.
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Backpacking is one of the easiest and most adventurous ways to travel. It doesn’t matter if you are exploring big cities, hiking through the mountains, visiting islands, or going on a quick weekend getaway packing the right travel essentials can make your adventure that much better.
When it comes to packing light finding a balance between essentials and overpacking can be a challenge. This guide will help you make sure you have everything you’re going to need on your adventure and will include a checklist for the must-have travel essentials for backpacking.
This comprehensive guide will cover must-have backpacking essentials, including must-have gear and packing tips, and ensure you have everything you need for safety, comfort, and plain convenience. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned backpacker this packing strategy will make sure you’re prepared for all adventures.
This guide is all about must-have travel essentials for backpacking.
Must-Have Travel Essentials For Backpacking Europe
Choosing The Right Backpack
This backpack is one of the best backpacks for multiple reasons. It is super easy and comfortable to carry and the straps and the back portion of the backpack are padded with clips across the hips to secure it while you are carrying it. There are also lots of pockets to help keep everything organized. The bag itself is the perfect proportionate size, it is fairly lightweight for a backpack, and extremely durable and will last through all of your adventures. It also has other color options. The bag also has a waterproof cover which is great.
Must-Have Travel Gear And Organization For Backpackers
This foldable backpack is also another great bag to pack when backpacking. This bag has come in handy so many times on my travels. It folds up super compact and it is easy to just toss anywhere and can be used for so many different things. It is great to use as a day bag when you want to bring extra items on your day-to-day travels. The bag can be used as a carry-on bag if you want to bring a change of clothes and other items on the plane with you. Also can be used for an extra bag if you buy souvenirs or items that may not fit in your main backpack. An absolute must.
This Belt Bag is one of the must-have travel essentials for backpacking. This bag is great to keep with you at all times. Keep your passport, wallet, cash, medications, and all important items here. A belt bag is great to have any time you travel since it sits in front of you and it is harder for pickpocketers to steal your items. Great to carry with you when flying or going on day-to-day adventures. I usually bring this bag for my everyday bag instead of a purse because it is more secure.
Packing cubes are a game changer when it comes to packing especially when packing in a backpack. Packing cubes allow you to organize all your items so you know exactly where everything is and it makes everything a whole lot easier. There are multiple ways of using packing cubes. I have found that packing each cube with specific items makes it easier to find when you are getting ready. For example, I pack all tops in one, bottoms in another, socks/underwear/bras in another, and toiletries and electronics separately.
These Packing cubes are the best ones because they have the compression option which is great to use to get all the air out to make them smaller and a lot easier to fit in your backpack. They come in a pack with different sizes, and durable zipper closure, they have a handle and be carried when not in luggage, also come with a shoe and toiletry bag.
For packing for 2 weeks in a carry-on check out the blog post “HOW TO PACK FOR 2 WEEKS IN A CARRY ON“.
Travel locks are a must-have if you plan on staying in hostels or leaving your backpack in storage or lockers while exploring. Hostels usually have a locker as well to keep all of your belongings, and I like to have my own lock just in case.
Travel Essentials For Backpacking: Clothing Essentials
When choosing clothing items to pack for your backpacking trip it is very important to choose capsule clothing that you can easily mix and match with other items to create multiple outfits. A good idea is to pack neutrals so that they go with everything.
I would bring light-colored pants and dark pants. For tops be sure to pack beige, black, white, and neutral colors so they are very easy to mix and match. A pair of leggings is always a good idea and they can be paired with almost anything.
It is also important to pack clothing that is quick-dry, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and is low maintenance. It is likely that you may need to do laundry at least once depending on how long you are traveling, whether it is a washing machine, hand washing, hotel or hostel laundry service, or a laundry mat.
Basic clothing items to pack in your backpack:
- a pair of dark bottoms
- a pair of light-colored bottoms
- a pair of leggings
- multiple neutral color tops including white, beige, black, etc.
- a hoodie sweater
- a more casual sweater or cardigan
- 5 pairs of socks
- 10 pairs of underwear/ 2 bras
- 2 pairs of pajamas
- 2 pairs of shoes (running shoes, comfortable shoes to dress up in, or sandals depending on the weather)
- a packable rain jacket
- a thicker jacket depending on the weather
- a belt bag for all important documents and to carry day-to-day
Spring or Fall Tips – Lightweight layers like long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof jacket and umbrella. Waterproof walking shoes.
Summer Tips – Light breathable fabrics like cotton or linen materials. Shorts, t-shirts, and swimsuits for beach destinations or pools at accommodations. Comfortable walking sandals.
Winter Tips – Thermal Layers, sweaters, and a winter coat. Scarf, hat, and gloves for cooler areas. Snow boots that are also waterproof and comfortable to walk in.
Backpacking Packing List: Toiletries & Personal Care Essentials
When it comes to toiletries only pack the essentials and transfer all large bottles into smaller travel-size ones that are TSA-approved. Also, be sure to have a toiletry bag that is waterproof. This travel toiletry bag is the best one, it is waterproof, has a hook to hang on doors, multiple compartments, and a zipper closure.
Some toiletry essentials that you should bring include:
- Little Travel Containers so everything is approved for airplane travel, will be a lot less weight to carry instead of full-size bottles
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Face Wash/ Toners/ Lotions, etc.
- Makeup Remover/ Makeup Remover Wipes
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Hair Brush/ Hair Accessories
- Makeup – Check out this Makeup Bag Essentials List
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Pain Killers, Allergy medication, Motion Sickness medication, Prescription medication (in original bottle)
- Laundry Soap Sheets or travel laundry detergent
- Soap sheets (in case there isn’t any available)
- Mini First Aid Kit (Great to keep bandaids, alcohol wipes, medications, etc. on hand)
Travel Essentials For Backpacking: Electronics
Some essential electronics and accessories you need to add to your packing list for backpacking:
- Phone (must be a smartphone, great for travel directions, work, entertainment, and much more)
- eSim (Download the Airlo app, it works very well worldwide)
- Travel Adapter (a must for anyone traveling to different continents)
- Portable Charger (great when you don’t have access to a power outlet) (includes all connectors)
- GoPro (great for action shots/ or vlogging your travels)
- Portable Speaker (good to have in a hotel, by the beach or pool, camping, etc.) (waterproof)
- Headphones (wireless, long battery life, easy to carry, great sound quality)
- Amazon Kindle (great for reading while traveling)
- Tablet/ iPad (great for watching shows and movies while traveling)
- All Chargers And Cables For All Devices
- Airtags (Great for keeping track of your backpack and belt bag at all times)
Must-Have Backpacking Gear For The Outdoors
These are some essentials you may need if backpacking outdoors, staying in the wilderness, and camping:
- Lightweight tent (sleeps 2-3 people and folds up super compact to add to your backpack)
- Hammock (super compact)
- Compact Sleeping Bag (comes with compression bag and folds up small) (great for most weather)
- Compression Pillow (folds up small as well)
- Collapsible water bottle
- Water Filter for the outdoors
- Lightweight Camping Stove with fuel (if you need to cook outdoors) (collapsible pan for cooking)
Here is a great packing list for backpacking Europe specifically “THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR BACKPACKING EUROPE“.
What To Pack For Backpacking: Essentials Documents & Travel Info
Before you leave for your backpacking adventure, you want to make sure you have all your passports, money, and travel documents ready to go. You want to make sure your transportation is all set, and you want to make sure your accommodations are good to go whether it’s a cottage rental, Hostel, Airbnb, Hotel, or whatever it may be. Make sure all passports are not expired if traveling internationally. You want to make sure all your travel insurance is ready. And it is always hand to carry cash in case cards are not accepted. These items are an absolute must to add to your packing list for backpacking:
- Document Holder
- Money (in case cards are not accepted)
- Passports (make sure they are valid longer than 6 months of your return date)
- Driver’s License or ID
- Credit/ Debit Cards (try and have a Visa or Mastercard, these are usually accepted everywhere)
- Travel Documents
- Travel Insurance
- Accommodation Information
- Flight Details
Packing Tips To Travel Light & Smart
Making the most out of your space and minimizing weight is key for backpacking successfully:
- Roll your clothes – Rolling clothing items saves a lot of space instead of folding and it also reduces wrinkles
- Pack a versatile capsule wardrobe – Pack multi-use items and clothing with neutral colors that can easily be mixed and matched
- Use compression packing cubes – These are essential for saving space as they have a second zipper that pushes all the air out making them very compact and easy to pack
- Leave room for souvenirs – Always leave some space for souvenirs
- Always pack a foldable backpack – can be used as a day bag or even for extra items you collect on your travels
- You could also pack a 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket for extra comfort
Hostels seem to be very popular places for backpackers to stay. For the best Hostel accommodations throughout Europe check out the post “11 BEST HOSTELS IN EUROPE YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT“.
This post was all about must-have travel essentials for backpacking.
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