Figuring out what you need for a longer trip as a backpacker can be really overwhelming. From my first trips, I now know what I was missing and what I definitely don’t wanna miss on my future trips.

A few things that I no longer want to miss, might not seem obvious to a first-time traveller. Or can be easily forgotten. That’s why I’ve picked out here which useful things you can use as a backpacker. Most of these things we can easily find on Amazon.

Backpack

One of the most useful things a backpacker can have is a backpack instead of a suitcase. Both are incredibly heavy, no question but a backpack can sometimes be transported easier than a suitcase. Especially when it’s a lot uphill or downhill, you’ll notice that a heavy suitcase can take up your powers quite a bit. I have already traveled with a suitcase as well as with a backpack. I now know that I never want to travel without a backpack again.

Hanging wash bag

A hanging wash bag is much more hygienic than a normal wash bag. Since there are usually no benches in the showers in the hostel to put your things on, you always have to put them on the floor. However, this is mostly wet and dirty.

Worldwide travel adapter

A worldwide travel adapter can be useful in every way. Not only do you not have to buy a new adapter every time you travel to another country, but you can also charge several devices with one adapter at the same time.

Power Bank

On days when you are away the whole day, a power bank is very helpful. The battery of your phone drains very quickly, especially if you take the bus for a long time and listen to music or take a lot of photos.

Padlock

As soon as you share a room with several strangers, you need a padlock to lock your valuables in the locker. Especially in the hostel, valuables are often stolen.

Ear plugs

Seriously: Thank me later for this Travel Hack. Since my last trip I’ve been using ear plugs every night. Since then I’ve been able to sleep much better in the hostel. Really often, your roommates might come back from a party in the middle of the night or make any other form of noise. Even if someone snores, you can no longer hear it with good ear plugs. I bought my ear plugs for 3.50€ at the pharmacy.

Sleep mask

A sleep mask can also make your nights in the hostel or on the plane a lot more relaxed. A sleep mask can be very useful, especially in hostels when your roommates turn the lights on again at night without taking care of other people.

Travel detergent

A washing machine can be a bit more expensive in the hostel. So if you only have a few items to wash, such as a pair of socks, you can quickly wash them in the sink with a small packet of travel detergent.

Foldable lunch box

A lunch box can be very handy for day trips. A foldable lunch box in particular saves a lot of space in the backpack when it is empty.

Water bottle

A larger water bottle is particularly worthwhile for longer excursions. Even in countries where you can drink water from the tap, you save money for drinking water in the supermarket because you can refill your drinking bottle anywhere.