Backpackers are known to be savvy, money-saving travelers who can fit their entire lives in a single bag. It’s definitely not easy, but there are a few tricks that make this lifestyle possible! From packing tips to lifestyle tricks, backpackers definitely have their secrets. Here are 5 things backpackers should always carry, and that I always pack when I backpack!
Table of Contents
A Power Strip
I always carry a power strip with me when I travel. Having multiple plugins available helps make sure I’m completely charged up for a full day of exploring or blogging. Carrying a power strip will make your life, and others’ lives, much easier at the airport as well. You’ll triple the number of available charging ports per outlet, and you’ll definitely make some friends!
By getting a power strip with a surge protector as well, you can save your electronics from getting fried. Different areas of the world use different voltages for power. You want to protect your belongings from getting too much power and frying! A power strip is definitely an item backpackers should always carry.
Using a power strip abroad also means you don’t have to worry about fitting all of your electronics’ chargers on your power adapter. Just plug the strip into the power converter, and all of your electronics will fit on the strip!
Power Adapter
Power adapters are often forgotten by new travelers during their first trip abroad. Different countries will have different outlets for electrical sockets. Be sure to bring an adapter if you want to be able to charge your devices! A universal power adapter is a must, as it has connections for every kind of outlet in the world.
Chopsticks
I can’t tell you the number of times I brought a snack back to my room and had either forgotten utensils or refused plastic utensils for my meal. Eating a poke bowl with your hands in your hostel room is not the best experience! Chopsticks are so small and lightweight, that they take up nearly no room in my pack. I can use them to eat essentially any food (ok…maybe not soup). This allows me to reduce my use of single-use plastics as well! Be sure to get a pair of reusable chopsticks to reduce waste.
Solid Toiletries
I always pack solid toiletries for travel and believe solid toiletries are must-have items backpackers should always carry. With little risk of a mess in my bag, and being a huge space saver, solid toiletries are definitely the way to go! I use Ethique shampoo and conditioner bars, as well as solid toothpaste, perfume, and deodorant. I get months of use out of a single bar, they’re TSA friendly, and they help me cut down on single-use plastics! Check out my full list of solid, eco-friendly toiletries I use for travel!
Microfiber Towels
Towels are such a hassle when traveling. They’re incredibly bulky and never seem to dry before having to pack them back up. Hostels can rent you a towel, but those costs add up quickly. I highly recommend all backpackers get a microfiber towel!
These super-thin, compact towels absorb nearly 10 times more moisture than a normal towel and are nearly weightless. I always travel with a bath towel size and a washcloth size, but they come in all shapes and sizes! Microfiber towels also dry extremely quickly, meaning less risk of mildew smell in your pack.
These tips have helped me enormously on my travels by saving me money, time, and stress.
What backpacking hacks do you have? Let me know!
Shop My Travel Faves
Like this article? Pin it!
Great recommendations! I also travel with most of these except the surge protector/power strip, but that’s a great idea & I may have to start packing one!
It has definitely saved my butt in airports and hostels when there was only like one plug available for all of my electronics!