Top 10 Travel Essentials for Backpackers
Or What can you fit in your carry-on bag to survive in the wild?
Waterproof shoe cover
Monsoon season could be a challenging time for those who don’t like to get wet. And in Asia, it is like a shower. If you want to have dry shoes, this is a must! Good quality, wraps around your shoe zips up and can be adjusted by the upper string, every piece is waterproof.
Portable charger
How long can your battery last in jungles, or at the mountain top, or at the beach?
Take 2 :)
Power 20000mAh and higher - 2x to fully charge
Compatible for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Android
Water PURIFIER
Essential life-saver for the place with no drinking water. The straw purifies water with advanced membrane and makes it drinkable even from the river. It is more convenient not to worry about getting a bottle of water…especially if you forgot it before going to sleep at the Hostel (been there, they don’t sell bottled water :( )
Light and ideal for hiking
anti bacterial hand gel 100 ml
I would advise to get one from the pharmacy OR to order the non-brand clinically tested one.
You will need maximum protection from the germs and bacterias in some places where f.e. there is no running water.
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/EcoHydra-Alcohol-Antibacterial-Instant-Sanitiser/dp/B00K803G4Y/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=hand+sanitiser+100ml&qid=1604860764&refinements=p_36%3A-500&rnid=122946031&s=beauty&sr=1-9
sun screen spf 40 100 ml
YES. Not less than SPF 50, as our skin is exposed to the direct sun rays for a longer time during hikes. And especially, we underestimate the destructive power of the sun during ‘cold snow hikes‘ which effect is even stronger due to reflection / dissemination from the white-coloured snow. Choose wisely for your skin and take only the ones which is compatible for your face’s skin as this is the most exposed area.
If you can’t find affordable dermatological cream, get the one for kids.
Options bellow are between 15-30$
fOLDABLE lIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK
Is a must during the hikes. Its durability and waterproof qualities will serve as an amazing help during the sweaty and long walks or hikes through unpaved or ruth areas with unpredictable weather. It is foldable so it can be transported easily in carry-on luggage and the padding is soft and comfortable for your shoulders even if the backpack is heavy.
It has 2 compartments for water bottles, outside and inside pockets and internal divider.
travel toothbrush
Its foldable so will fit in any style of cosmetic bag, and it also fits a small tube of toothpaste inside (sometimes it is included). Also more hygienic as the brush’s head is always covered (don’t you hate this feeling when your toothbrush accidentally fall on the dirty floor…?)
UK https://amzn.to/2MtaFVy
tRAVEL BOTTLES SET + ZIPLOCKS
I SWEAR by it. If you could take only one thing- take this one. In your hand luggage, you can only fit one zipped pack of 100ml bottles (=6 bottles). And these squeezable bottles are easy to use and squeeze the whole amount of liquid out. The bigger ones could be used for shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and body cream ; the little ones would be great for the creams, soap, sunscreen etc… and there are tiny ones for portable (daily) use of creams and serums. The set also comes with toothbrush’ covers and washing face brush !
I like my travel items to be unique and colourful but if you prefer solid design, there are options below.
UK https://amzn.to/2Z1JClm
CA https://amzn.to/2WLytrv OR https://amzn.to/2JX2BKK OR https://amzn.to/2WIoZgx
ELECTRIC travel toothbrush
For those who can’t live without their electric friend- there is an a good alternative to wired set. The Brush is waterproof and comes with a brush cover. There are 2 options: batteries and wired set. I would recommend to take battery one for short trips and wire rechargeable for longer one as you never know if they would have the right batteries.
UK https://amzn.to/31av7xs
UNIVERSAL TRAVEL adapter
Such a trap when you don’t have the right plug for your dear phone, laptop or camera. Multi-adapter contains every world adapter you will ever need + 2 USB ports. It is lightweight and will save lots of space and trouble of thinking between the right plugs or adapters.
ear plugs
If you are a budget traveller, most likely, you will stay at the hostels. While it could be a fun place to make friends, but it could be as well full of people who … let’s say doesn’t like to sleep and will do many things to wake up others. Ear plugs did actually help me and I am a light sleeper. For me, the cheap foam ones was the best option as i could squeezed it in according to my ear hole shape so almost no sound could come through!
Blister bandages
You know what I mean.. especially if it happens in the middle of the climb and there are another 3 hours to climb. A blister. No one loves it and it could be problematic sometimes to find a place to buy the gel pads as many pharmacies in the developing countries will not have it. I would RECOMMEND to buy waterproof gel ones. One pad will serve you for couple days even if it will get wet and it doesn’t move on the skin.