Travel Essentials For Backpacking
If you are going on some long-term travels, you will need to ensure that you have all the essentials in your backpack so you’re not panicking about finding things when you’re in the middle of nowhere. Obviously, you will need your clothes, so we won’t really go through that, as this all depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing.
If you have never been backpacking, some of these essentials may not be obvious, but you sure don’t want to forget them if you want an easy and comfortable life whilst backpacking. Some may opt for super luxury travel accessories but if you are on a budget, you will be able to get much cheaper alternatives. In this article, we will go through some of the top travel essentials for when you go backpacking.
Your Travel Backpack
The first essential item, although pretty obvious is your trusty travel backpack. The size of the backpack completely depends on a range of factors including the duration of your travel. There are a couple of options for you, but if you’re going travelling for up to 3 months, a 40-60 litre backpack will do you. If you are going travelling for up to 6 months, then you will need at least a 60-litre backpack. If you are going travelling for up to 12 months, then you will need at least an 80-litre backpack.
Another factor to consider when looking at buying a travel backpack is your height, as you don’t want anything to be too heavy or too big for you to carry. If you are a little shorter than many, a 60-litre backpack should be the maximum size. When looking for features for your backpack you should look for something that has lockable zippers, and organiser pockets and it should also be adjustable so that you can expand or shrink the backpack. If they have a detachable daypack, this is an added bonus and can save you money.
Daypack
A travel backpack is essential but if you are going on a day’s travel, you won’t want to be carrying out a huge backpack around with you, so having a daypack will be great for carrying out your wallet, phone, sun cream and any other daily essentials. Some travel backpacks come with detachable daypacks so look for one with this to save you time and money.
Travel Towel
A travel towel is essential to any packing list, it saves you space and it also drys much faster. They are specifically designed for backpacking and squash down to a very small and compact size compared to a standard towel. They are extremely absorbent, quick drying and lightweight, which is exactly what you want when backpacking. The great factor about travel towels is due to them being quickly dry, they don’t leave any damp smells in your backpack. Look for an antibacterial travel towel so they stay fresher for longer.
Water Filter Bottle
It is a well-known fact that you shouldn’t drink from the tap when you go travelling to different countries. Some water just isn’t safe enough to drink and you could risk getting sick from drinking this. This will not only prevent you from getting sick, but it will save you a lot of money and it will also help you to avoid plastic waste to reduce your carbon footprint.
When you get a water filter bottle all you need to do is purchase the water filters, but even these won’t take up much space at all. This is going to change your travelling experience for the better, so ensure that this is on your list of things to buy.
Compression Bags
Anyone going travelling needs to make the most out of the space in their backpack, so having compression bags will save you a lot of space and will also make you much more organised. There is nothing worse than going backpacking and having to rummage through your clothes to get to an item at the bottom of your backpack.
When you have compression bags, you can have your clothes all in these bags so that you can then easily navigate to what you need in an organised manner. Ensure that you look at reviews as the last thing you want is for them to tear or the zip to break and leave them unusable.
Money Belt
The money bag has always had a bad reputation for being uncool, but in all honesty, it will give you peace of mind when travelling, so it is definitely essential. This doesn’t mean you have to constantly wear it, but if you are travelling at night or on public transport, you can’t always keep an eye on your backpack, so ensuring you have all of your essential documents such as passports, travel documents and money in the money belt will help you if your backpack gets stolen or lost. When you wear this under your clothes, you will be less prone to being mugged.
If you have a watch with you, ensure you have a NATO watch strap as this will also help you to keep your watch safe and make it much harder to steal. Watches can be a person’s yearly or even longer wage in some countries, so ensuring you have a secure watch band will help.
World Travel Adapter
If you have a range of devices such as a laptop, mobile and camera, you are going to need a plug adaptor so you can charge everything up. If you are travelling to a range of different countries, you will need a few options. Alternatively, you can buy an all-around-the-world adaptor which will plug into any socket around the world.
Many these days will often have USB slots to save space with other plugs. Most hostels will only allow one socket per bed, and often they will only provide one per room in some countries, so having a plug board can be handy if you have more than one device that needs charging.
Waterproof Phone/Camera Case
Waterproof device cases come in handy for a range of reasons. Whether you’re going for a beach day, exploring the land for a waterfall or even having a dabble at some water sports or snorkelling. A waterproof device case can significantly reduce the risk of your devices being damaged from getting wet. Waterproof cases come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be used for a range of devices including your mobile phone and camera.
Yes, many phones are now waterproof, but this doesn’t stop them from getting damaged in other ways by the water. Whether you’re keeping it around your neck or attached to your shorts, they will significantly help to keep them safe. They’re not expensive, but obviously don’t go for the cheapest as these may be delicate and could easily tear.
Locks
When travelling, some countries are more prone to pickpockets than others, but security should always be on your mind when you are in a different county. By ensuring you can always have a lock and lock your backpack, you won’t ever need to be worrying about people stealing your items.
A key lock is not ideal as you may lose your key but ensuring that you have a combination padlock will be extra safe as this will give you less opportunity to lose the key as the code will be in your mind. Don’t have the code written down and in your bag as you are just giving people your bag too easily. Cable locks are much better as they are able to lock zips and attach to solid fixed objects making it harder to steal.
