From galavanting from city to city in Europe to living out of a car in the Outback of Australia, I’ve spent a good amount of my young life perfecting the art of long-term backpack travel. While yes- less is more when you’re responsible for lugging your belongings everywhere – it’s important to be strategic about the things you’re bringing with you.
Here is a list of my 10 essential no-brainer items I can’t live without while traveling long-term.
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This is a tried and true backpacking classic. It’s light, durable and in the 40L version.. carry-on friendly! This was the backpack I used while spending a few months hopping around Europe in the Summer of 2016. One of the best features is the integrated rain cover ! Impromptu rain will not be a concern with the quick access on the bottom. It’s zippers also allow you to thread a small lock through them for extra peace of mind when you have to leave your bag.
Another thing I love about the Osprey Fairpoint is the suitcase style zipper. You can open it up from the sides or top without having to unload the whole bag . While I was traveling in Australia I opted for another , slightly larger Osprey top-loader bag. It might have been a little bigger but it definitely wasn’t more convenient to load up.
When you’re constantly packing and unpacking, being able to shove your stuff in quickly will make all the different. Especially, when you got in from your night out an hour before, haven’t packed and need to catch a bus after check out.
There is hundreds, if not thousands of backpacks to choose from. And it’s really a personal preference. Personally, I’ve had two Osprey bags and feel the quality and convenience features are well worth the price.
If there is one thing you will not regret buying- it’s a quick dry towel. You can’t afford the space in your bag for a regular beach towel, and you’re not going to want to stick a musty, damp towel in with the rest of your stuff. Trust me. If there’s any no-brainer items you need to take my advice on- it’s this one. I prefer one that comes with it’s own bag to store it in, just in case it hasn’t completely dried yet.
These towels come in a multiple of sizes, I recommend going to the biggest one you can find. It won’t take up much space and will be the closest to a regular beach size. You want to be able to wrap it around your whole body so you’re no exposing anything after a shower!
If you can spare the space, it’s great to have a couple of sizes of these so you can use one as a face cloth or substitute loofah!
A foldable tote bag will be an excellent, inexpensive purchase for your travel needs. You’ll be able to fold it up so you don’t even notice it in your bag. This will come in handy for so many things, like carrying your souvenirs and groceries after a day of exploring. No need to bring a separate beach bag on your trip either. You can fold this one up and forget about it until you need it. Get one that is durable and able to fold into a space package. You will no regret it. I always keep mine with me in my day bag just in case I buy something while out and about.
4. Packing cubes.
If you’re backpacking and not using compressing packing cubes, I honestly don’t understand you. There is no better organizational tool for you to have in your pack. There is a reason everyone recommends using them. There are a variety of sizes and colors to choose from. Just make sure you’re getting ones with an extra zipper to compress the cube even more. Space and compatibility is key when backpacking. It’s great to be able to just grab the cube you keep your pajamas when you’re in a dark hostel room, instead of rummaging through all your stuff. Packing cubes will also help you from leaving anything behind.
PRO TIP : Keep the space things in the space cubes every time your packing up. It takes out the guesswork of where your things are and you’ll be able to pack up without struggling to figure out the best way to configure everything in your pack.
5. International travel adaptor.
Don’t forget this one! Different countries have different style of power plugs. You could be up schitts creek if you arrive to a new country without considering this. I prefer an all-in-one international adaptor with additional USB plugs. You’ll probably have a bunch of things to charge, and you won’t be unlimited plugs available in your hostels and homestay. You can buy individual adaptors just for Europe for example, but buying on with multiple country set-up will save you from storing a few.
6.Power Charging Bank with Built-In Cords.
Don’t underestimate the amount of things you will need to charge!! Tablet, phone, AirPods, camera, go pro … you name it. Having an extra charging bank will be a life saver if you aren’t in a place with a plug or you’re on the go without your international adaptor. Getting a charging bank with built in cords saves your from having to bring a thousand different cords with you on the road as well .
Being able to hang your toiletry bag will be a game changer! More often than not, there will not be a place to store your bag in the bathroom while you’re bathing or getting ready. A durable, hanging toiletry bag is the perfect system for on-the-go living. You can hang it from a door or on your dorm room bed, anywhere that works. This way, you don’t have to put anything on the ground, you never know the style of shower you’ll be faced with and you won’t want to pack a soaking wet bag in your pack! I love this one I’ve linked because it has an extra pocket you can store your jewelry in.
PRO TIP: You can also use it as a makeshift vanity while you’re getting ready if you prop a small mirror up on it while it’s hanging!
There’s been more than one time in my travel career I’ve been cursed with a broken phone. It is SO disappointing not being able to capture your memories if you only rely on your phone for photos. For this reason, I recommend a GO-PRO camera. I’m a huge fan of the Go Pro and will probably always travel with on. They are tiny and incredibly durable. Unless you are a photographer or photos are super important, you probably don’t want to be lugging around a delicate, expensive camera everywhere you go. That’s not to say you shouldn’t bring a good camera with you- this is your trip! Live the life you want. I recommend the Go Pro because you’ll be able to take photos and videos with out being afraid to break it. It’s waterproof and there are TONS of accessories to help you get all the amazing shots from your trip. Remember, durability is your friend when traveling long-term!
9. Waterproof Poncho or Foldable Light Jacket
The layers you decide to pack should be determined by the climate you’re headed to. Spending your time in tropical climates during the summer? You probably don’t need to bring a jacket for warmth. In this case, layers will be your friend. But- don’t for get about rain ! In places like Southeast Asia the rain can break you. Having a durable poncho is not something you will regret. You will be able to buy the cheap plastic ponchos in most places, but if it’s particaurly rainy where you’re traveling, you’re not going to want to buy a new one every day. A durable poncho can be packed in your day bag for when you need it. This one also can be turned into a little tent for shade in a pinch! We love items with multiple uses!
A poncho is not going to cut it in all climates. For my year in Australia, I had no clue where I might end up or in which climates. For this trip, I packed a compressible light jacket that was rain proof and super warm! I could fold it up small to fit in my bag for the summer months. When it started to get colder I was so happy I’d been carrying it with me.
10. Dry bag Day Pack
Of course, you’re going to need another backpack other than your main pack. This will be great for day trips or to keep your valuables close to you while traveling. I love the idea of making this bag a Dry Bag. If you don’t know what a dry bag is; it’s a bag that can be sealed to be completely waterproof. Meaning you can take anything you want in your bag without worry if it’s going to get wet. Want to bring your camera to the trek to the waterfall but concerned you might get it wet? Dry bag. On a live aboard scuba adventure? Dry bag. Stuck in the rain all the time- Dry. Bag.
Like I said, durability is your friend. And there’s nothing worse than realizing the change of clothes you brought got soaked at the beach.
I hope this list is helpful for you when you start packing for your adventure. By no means is this comprehensive and everybody will have different preferences. These are just ten items I feel I couldn’t live without on my travels or ones I wish I had when I got to my destination.
What are your must-have travel items for long-term travel? Let me know in the comments below !
I m hier and not a heavy drugs from extensive
This post is exactly what I was looking for. You’ve addressed all the questions I had and provided clear, actionable advice.
Thank you , I’m so glad to hear it! Any big trips planned?