After living out of our backpacks for nearly two years, we've learned (some the hard way),
the essential items that you need in order to make your life easier on the road.
the essential items that you need in order to make your life easier on the road.
1. Black Ink Pen
For all of the forms you'll have to fill our during your travel days. You don't want to be that guy asking your neighbour to borrow his pen.
Cost: $4.00
For all of the forms you'll have to fill our during your travel days. You don't want to be that guy asking your neighbour to borrow his pen.
Cost: $4.00
3. Cards or Uno
If you guys know us, you know we love Uno! We've played more times than we can count while traveling, with new friends at hostels. It also helps as an ice breaker if you're a little shy!
Cost: $6.00CAD
If you guys know us, you know we love Uno! We've played more times than we can count while traveling, with new friends at hostels. It also helps as an ice breaker if you're a little shy!
Cost: $6.00CAD
4. Clothes Line
If you're trying to save money, we couldn't recommend this enough. We always do our own laundry ourselves. Also, we've had a couple of bad experiences during the beginning of our trip where we took our laundry in, and our clothes shrank, or our clothes went missing, so this is one way to avoid that situation. This line is very easy to set up - you can tie to trees, or on your balcony. It also already has the clips attached, so you don't even need to buy, carry around hangers or hope that your hostel has them.
Cost: $16.00CAD
If you're trying to save money, we couldn't recommend this enough. We always do our own laundry ourselves. Also, we've had a couple of bad experiences during the beginning of our trip where we took our laundry in, and our clothes shrank, or our clothes went missing, so this is one way to avoid that situation. This line is very easy to set up - you can tie to trees, or on your balcony. It also already has the clips attached, so you don't even need to buy, carry around hangers or hope that your hostel has them.
Cost: $16.00CAD
5. Combination Luggage Lock
Combination locks are the way to go - you don't have to carry around a key or risk losing the key. Definitely do not leave for your trip without purchasing these though, we've heard too many horror stories about peoples belongings being stolen in hostels, or even from the baggage handlers at the airport. Always protect your belongings as best as you can! Especially, if you're doing a solo trip!
Cost: $16.00CAD
Combination locks are the way to go - you don't have to carry around a key or risk losing the key. Definitely do not leave for your trip without purchasing these though, we've heard too many horror stories about peoples belongings being stolen in hostels, or even from the baggage handlers at the airport. Always protect your belongings as best as you can! Especially, if you're doing a solo trip!
Cost: $16.00CAD
6. Diva Cup
Gentleman, if you're reading this, just skip onto the next one. Ladies, If you didn't know already, tampons are extremely bad for your body, and the planet. Switching to the diva cup will be a complete game changer for you. It doesn't harm your body, nor the planet. You can wear the cup for up to 12 hours, so they're beneficial when it comes to long travel days. Not only that, but think about all the money you'll save (if you can even find tampons), you can put that right back into your travels!
Cost: $40.00CAD
Gentleman, if you're reading this, just skip onto the next one. Ladies, If you didn't know already, tampons are extremely bad for your body, and the planet. Switching to the diva cup will be a complete game changer for you. It doesn't harm your body, nor the planet. You can wear the cup for up to 12 hours, so they're beneficial when it comes to long travel days. Not only that, but think about all the money you'll save (if you can even find tampons), you can put that right back into your travels!
Cost: $40.00CAD
7. Dry Bag
Chances are you're definitely going to be doing activities near, and or around water - such as cliff jumping, waterfall chasing, kayaking, island hopping and etc. Get yourself one of these bags, and like we said earlier, protect your belongings! They're really good quality too - we've used them for years now, and still have not had to purchase a new one.
Cost: $24.00CAD
Chances are you're definitely going to be doing activities near, and or around water - such as cliff jumping, waterfall chasing, kayaking, island hopping and etc. Get yourself one of these bags, and like we said earlier, protect your belongings! They're really good quality too - we've used them for years now, and still have not had to purchase a new one.
Cost: $24.00CAD
8. Ear Plugs
You'll need them for both transportation, as well as sleeping in your accommodations. Helps block out crying babies on airplanes, snoring in your dorm room, or nightclubs close by your hotel.
Cost: $6.50CAD
You'll need them for both transportation, as well as sleeping in your accommodations. Helps block out crying babies on airplanes, snoring in your dorm room, or nightclubs close by your hotel.
Cost: $6.50CAD
9. First Aid Kit
Very wise to have the basic medical supplies just in case something happens - better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Cost: $20.00CAD
Very wise to have the basic medical supplies just in case something happens - better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.
Cost: $20.00CAD
10. Headlamp
You're probably already considering packing a flashlight, but instead, get yourself a headlamp so you can be hands free. You're also probably going to go to a couple caves once or twice on your travels, and some of them charge you to rent a headlamp as they're required. Now you can bring your own and save money!
Cost: $24.00CAD
You're probably already considering packing a flashlight, but instead, get yourself a headlamp so you can be hands free. You're also probably going to go to a couple caves once or twice on your travels, and some of them charge you to rent a headlamp as they're required. Now you can bring your own and save money!
Cost: $24.00CAD
11. Imodium
Chances are your stomach will likely not agree with you at some point or another, and this will save your belly!
Cost: $20.00CAD
Chances are your stomach will likely not agree with you at some point or another, and this will save your belly!
Cost: $20.00CAD
13. Kindle
Perfect for reading on a bus, ferry, plane, or on a hammock or beach. It's also waterproof!
Cost: $140.00CAD
Perfect for reading on a bus, ferry, plane, or on a hammock or beach. It's also waterproof!
Cost: $140.00CAD
14. Laundry Bag
Pretty common sense - don't have your dirty clothes mixed in with your clean clothes. Also, how cool is this laundry bag with the world map on it?!
Cost: $10.00CAD
Pretty common sense - don't have your dirty clothes mixed in with your clean clothes. Also, how cool is this laundry bag with the world map on it?!
Cost: $10.00CAD
15. Laundry Detergent
Doing your own laundry will save you so much money, and your clothes! Just bring a few detergent packs with you to get you by the first few weeks, then you can pretty much find these everywhere (for cheap too).
Cost: $5.00CAD
Doing your own laundry will save you so much money, and your clothes! Just bring a few detergent packs with you to get you by the first few weeks, then you can pretty much find these everywhere (for cheap too).
Cost: $5.00CAD
16. Microfiber Towel
If you haven't tried a microfiber towel, you're missing out. Don't lug around a normal bathroom towel that takes up so much room. These microfiber towels are light, small, fast absorbing, and quick drying. This one in particular comes with a face cloth which is a nice added bonus. You can also use your towel as a blanket, pillow, or even a sleeping liner.
Cost: $20.00CAD
If you haven't tried a microfiber towel, you're missing out. Don't lug around a normal bathroom towel that takes up so much room. These microfiber towels are light, small, fast absorbing, and quick drying. This one in particular comes with a face cloth which is a nice added bonus. You can also use your towel as a blanket, pillow, or even a sleeping liner.
Cost: $20.00CAD
17. Noise Cancelling Headphones
Little ear buds just don't cut it on the plane, train, or bus when you're trying to pass time by watching movies. These inexpensive bad boys here, work wonders to blocking out the noise around you.
Cost: $60.00CAD
Little ear buds just don't cut it on the plane, train, or bus when you're trying to pass time by watching movies. These inexpensive bad boys here, work wonders to blocking out the noise around you.
Cost: $60.00CAD
18. Packing Cubes
If you've never used packing cubes before, these will change your life! There's nothing worse than a giant mess in your backpack, having to pull everything out just to find one thing. Organization is key guys! These are really good quality too, we highly recommend them.
Cost: $24.00
If you've never used packing cubes before, these will change your life! There's nothing worse than a giant mess in your backpack, having to pull everything out just to find one thing. Organization is key guys! These are really good quality too, we highly recommend them.
Cost: $24.00
19. Passport Photos
If you're going on a long backpacking trip, to numerous countries, extra passport photos are key. Many countries when applying for a visa also require a passport photo or even two sometimes. Carry around a sheet of about twenty just in case.
If you're going on a long backpacking trip, to numerous countries, extra passport photos are key. Many countries when applying for a visa also require a passport photo or even two sometimes. Carry around a sheet of about twenty just in case.
20. Portable Battery Charger
Although this charger is a tad on the heavier side, we still cannot rave about this charger enough - it can charge your phone from dead to alive, six times! SIX TIMES guys!
Cost: $42.00CAD
Although this charger is a tad on the heavier side, we still cannot rave about this charger enough - it can charge your phone from dead to alive, six times! SIX TIMES guys!
Cost: $42.00CAD
21. Power Strip
Many hostels we've stayed at don't have nearly enough plugs! Carrying this around will be so helpful for you if you've got lots of tech and gear like we do!
Cost: $22.00CAD
Many hostels we've stayed at don't have nearly enough plugs! Carrying this around will be so helpful for you if you've got lots of tech and gear like we do!
Cost: $22.00CAD
22. Goretex Rain Jacket
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia, you'll especially want a rain jacket, and one that's Goretex!
Cost: $160.00CAD
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia, you'll especially want a rain jacket, and one that's Goretex!
Cost: $160.00CAD
23. Resuable Collapsible Food Container with Cutlery
You're not always going to be eating out - There will be times when you'll just want to eat at 'home' and binge watch your favourite show. So again, opt of the resuable container to avoid plastic usage. These are great because they collapse so they don't take up much room at all when they're not in use.
Cost: $23.00CAD
You're not always going to be eating out - There will be times when you'll just want to eat at 'home' and binge watch your favourite show. So again, opt of the resuable container to avoid plastic usage. These are great because they collapse so they don't take up much room at all when they're not in use.
Cost: $23.00CAD
24. Reusable Collapsible Water Bottle
Yay, another way to save money and the planet, guys! Think of all the plastic water bottles you'd potentially be buying, when you can just have one collapsible bottle, and fill up whenever you find a water fountain. This bottle in particular is also leak proof and folds very small into itself.
Cost: $16.00CAD
Yay, another way to save money and the planet, guys! Think of all the plastic water bottles you'd potentially be buying, when you can just have one collapsible bottle, and fill up whenever you find a water fountain. This bottle in particular is also leak proof and folds very small into itself.
Cost: $16.00CAD
25. Reusable Waterproof Grocery Bags
You'll most likely be buying food and toiletries at some point or other during your travels - so help with saving the environment, and use a reusable cloth bag.
Cost: $18.00CAD
You'll most likely be buying food and toiletries at some point or other during your travels - so help with saving the environment, and use a reusable cloth bag.
Cost: $18.00CAD
26. Reusable Straw
We don't understand why southeast Asia loves straws so much! You're given a straw for basically every single drink you purchase in southeast Asia. However, if you do like using a straw, just carry around a small resuable one to avoid more plastic ending up in the ocean. It even comes with a cleaner!
Cost: $19.00CAD
We don't understand why southeast Asia loves straws so much! You're given a straw for basically every single drink you purchase in southeast Asia. However, if you do like using a straw, just carry around a small resuable one to avoid more plastic ending up in the ocean. It even comes with a cleaner!
Cost: $19.00CAD
27. Reusable Ziploc Bags
So many uses for ziploc bags - your toiletries, jewelry, medicine, sunscreen, bug spray, passports, money and more! I think you get the unnecessary plastic usage by now ha ha (hopefully).
Cost: $9.00CAD
So many uses for ziploc bags - your toiletries, jewelry, medicine, sunscreen, bug spray, passports, money and more! I think you get the unnecessary plastic usage by now ha ha (hopefully).
Cost: $9.00CAD
28. Scarf
For the ladies again - You can use the scarf to cover up your shoulders or knees while visiting temples, as beach blanket, sleeping liner, or even a blanket. It has so many uses for just one piece of small, lightweight fabric.
Cost: $18.00CAD
For the ladies again - You can use the scarf to cover up your shoulders or knees while visiting temples, as beach blanket, sleeping liner, or even a blanket. It has so many uses for just one piece of small, lightweight fabric.
Cost: $18.00CAD
29. SD Card
For the long plane, bus, and ferry rides where you have offline downloaded movies and shows! You can put the SD Card in either your phone or laptop!
Cost: $20.00CAD
For the long plane, bus, and ferry rides where you have offline downloaded movies and shows! You can put the SD Card in either your phone or laptop!
Cost: $20.00CAD
30. Spork
Some countries eat with their hands and if you're not comfortable to do so, this will come in handy. It's a fork, spoon, and knife, all in one. Also great for when you get your food take-away to eat at a park, on top of a cliff, or at the beach.
Cost: $16.00CAD
Some countries eat with their hands and if you're not comfortable to do so, this will come in handy. It's a fork, spoon, and knife, all in one. Also great for when you get your food take-away to eat at a park, on top of a cliff, or at the beach.
Cost: $16.00CAD
31. Sunscreen
Always protect your skin, guys! Also, bring sunscreen from your home town, it's cheaper abroad in tourist towns.
Cost: $8.00CAD
Always protect your skin, guys! Also, bring sunscreen from your home town, it's cheaper abroad in tourist towns.
Cost: $8.00CAD
32. Swiss Army Knife
Have you ever tried to open a bottle of wine without an opener? How about a can of food without an opener? What about trying to open packaging without scissors? This has it all, guys! As you can tell, we love the multi-use items. Plus, this guy is so small and won't take up any room in your backpack.
Cost: $20.00CAD
Have you ever tried to open a bottle of wine without an opener? How about a can of food without an opener? What about trying to open packaging without scissors? This has it all, guys! As you can tell, we love the multi-use items. Plus, this guy is so small and won't take up any room in your backpack.
Cost: $20.00CAD
34. Universal Adapter
There are 15 different outlet plugs around the world - this one will have you covered. It's also got two USB ports as an added bonus!
Cost: $20.00CAD
There are 15 different outlet plugs around the world - this one will have you covered. It's also got two USB ports as an added bonus!
Cost: $20.00CAD
35. Waterproof Phone Case
Your phone is the main item you use daily - stay in touch with family, booking your next hostel or flight, taking photos, and listening to music. Protect it with a waterproof case while you're floating on a tube down a river!
Cost: $12.00CAD
Your phone is the main item you use daily - stay in touch with family, booking your next hostel or flight, taking photos, and listening to music. Protect it with a waterproof case while you're floating on a tube down a river!
Cost: $12.00CAD
Backpacking Essentials Checklist
Save our Backpacking Essentials Checklist below to help you shop, pack, and get yourself ready for your trip!
interested in more packing lists?
Are you trying to pack for your next trip? Be sure to check out the following for more.
Carry On Essentials
Long haul flight? These carry on essentials will have you covered.
Men's Packing List
A men's full packing list for backpacking.
Women's Packing List
A women's full packing list for backpacking.
Long haul flight? These carry on essentials will have you covered.
Men's Packing List
A men's full packing list for backpacking.
Women's Packing List
A women's full packing list for backpacking.
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These small commissions help to keep us on the road longer, and to provide our supporters with travel content such as vlogs, itineraries, guides and more.
We are super grateful for your support!