Are you going backpacking? These are our 12 essentials

In a list of essentials for backpacking, the backpack obviously cannot be missing. But since in this article we are going to focus on what to put in it, we put it before the 12 recommendations. 

A good backpack is something essential and durable. We have traveled for months with them and they are perfect That is why it is important that you invest in a good one that is comfortable on your back but above all comfortable to unpack and do. This It's mine and I am very happy.

Best backpacks 2026

We have one unpopular opinion, well, rather two. And you are going to find yourself in a thousand places and you will have seen a thousand people carrying a large backpack on their back and a small one in front, For me, it's the most uncomfortable thing there is. And backpacking is a mistake. The second thing is related to the first: many recommend taking a maximum travel backpack of 40 or 50 liters; mine is 60 liters and I wouldn't trade it for anything because It allows me to carry only one backpack. and not fight with her to close it every morning. 

Okay, you'll tell me, okay and camera, passport, cartera….where do I put all this? Well, you put the documentation and money in a fanny pack and everything else in a small, foldable (but comfortable) backpack. as this that fits inside the big one.

The topic is as follows, if everything fits in the big backpack (except for the waist pack) you'll be able to move around in comfort without looking like a sherpa. When you arrive at a station, it's as simple as opening the top button of the backpack, sacar the small one to keep the delicate items with you and close the large one again, and upon arrival, the reverse process. 

Seriously, try traveling with just one backpack. This is coming from two people who traveled with two backpacks for six months through Latin America and were completely fed up with it. Then we spent nine months in Asia with just one backpack, and the experience was much better.

✹ ¿How much does a GREAT TRIP cost?? We will tell you!

Now let's go for our 12 essentials for backpacking.

Non-negotiable for comfortable travel. A fold-out toiletry bag that hangs on a hook, keeping everything in sight, is the best way to stay organized and easily find what you need. 

About Us we use this, and we carry it full because we take the opportunity to put everything like repellent or sunscreen. If you prefer to carry that type of things separately, I recommend this other one foldable toiletry bag smaller Also ideal for those traveling alone.

A pill kept in a zip-lock plastic bag gets you out of more than one trouble If you want to wash something and you can't find a laundry or if there is but it takes a long time to deliver your clothes. Even if you are in an ultra-touristy area, prices may be sky-high and you may not want to pay it. For example in Egypt we always washed our clothes by hand because the laundries charged per item regardless of whether they were socks or pants.

It may interest you… Clothing for Southeast Asia, checklist ✔ with everything that cannot be missed in your backpack or suitcase.

Even if you go backpacking in Thailand or any other warm place, we recommend you bring a foldable down. It is usually very cold in transport or if you are going to take night or dawn excursions you will appreciate it. 

Although I have to say that for backpacking in Southeast Asia I did not bring down, just a waterproof jacket. Yes, a raincoat Good for cutting the wind, abrasion-resistant for riding a motorcycle with a bit of safety, and it also protects you a lot if it rains. Pau, on the other hand, did bring his foldable down jacket and also a oilskin. 

You probably already know it, but of course it is essential for backpacking. This type of towel does not take up anything and dries very quickly. We have two towels large size and a mini for the cara. 

In beach destinations we use a very thin sarong where both of us can sit. 

we cannot or we don't know how to live without packing cubesOrganizing your clothes in your travel backpack is vital. It keeps everything less wrinkled because it's better arranged, makes everything much more organized and accessible, and also makes packing and unpacking less tedious. So tell me if it isn't a backpacker's essential.

In our case We brought two packing cubes There are two large ones, and a small one for each person's underwear. Then there's another large one shared for dirty laundry. Depending on the time of year (the destination), we've organized it in different ways; you're sure to find one that suits you best. 

With this fifth essential for backpacking, we want to recommend that you always carry a first aid kit, but make it basic. You don't need to carry a lot. We have everything because most things are sold in every country; if something runs out, you can always buy more. We don't usually take more than one or two blister packs of each item, and it's been perfect.

For example, in India, Pau had a bad cough and sore throat, so we used up everything we had with us. At a pharmacy, after explaining her symptoms, they sold her a syrup for a dry cough along with... carStrepsils-type melons and the price was less than €2. 

Alongside your first aid kit, for minor emergencies you need good insurance In case you have the misfortune of experiencing something more serious. If you're traveling for less than 3 months, we recommend the Peace of Mind Trip or the Top Trip. Heymondo, CAP Trip Chapka or Iati Backpacker who is the most caror of the 3, but for backpacking trips the features are unbeatable. 

However If your backpacking trip is long-term (more than 3 months) read with carI love this article that Pau has put so much work into, with the comparison of long stay insurance. This way you choose the one that best suits you and you are aware of the fine print of each one. 

It is not something to put in your backpack, but it is essential before traveling backpacking. Don't forget to send yourself an email with all the documentation you might need if it is stolen or lost. In that email or carYou upload photos of everything to your drive and share it with a family member or friend. in case you couldn't access it. (If you lose your phone, sometimes it is super difficult to access your accounts). 

We have the travel insurance number, passport, carvaccination network, carNational and international driving permit and ID card.

Traveling pollutes, we all know that. But Helping to make your footprint a little smaller is simple. Take a cloth bag and use it whenever you go shopping (show it ahead of time to avoid being given the plastic one). Same with the reusable bottle, you will find many accommodations where you can refill it with good water and thus you will avoid a lot of plastic.

It's a little extra effort but you can also get a water filter to drink from the tap or a bottle with a filter.

If you want to go further in your plastic-free backpacking kit, these are some easy things to add: 

• Foldable Tupperware
• Multipurpose cutlery
• Shampoo and solid soap 
• Bamboo toothbrush
• Reusable cotton balls

I know this is not an essential as such, but for me it is. If you like photography, you don't want to be so minimalist with your luggage that you leave your camera at home. 

In terms of quality, the mobile phone may become more and more similar to a camera, but going with the camera is something that I wouldn't change for anything. In addition, being able to take prettier photos as well. It makes you much more present than if you go with your cell phone in your hand.. Nowadays we always travel with data on our mobile either with a local SIM or with an eSIM like the ones from Holafly, so when you carry your phone in your hand you will rarely use it just to take photos.

As I do not recommend taking a very large camera or several lenses. Unless be a photography lover. I travel with a mirrorless with an 18-135mm lens and I am the happiest in the world with its versatility and weight.

Check out our travel camera

Something that no backpacker can do without is a universal multi-input adapterThey're great! to carcharge all electronic devices at once from a single outlet. Outlets are often scarce, and you also save yourself from having to carry the base of all the cargadores.

Rubber bands and a carabiner are two things that may seem like you are not going to use, but we use them a lot when backpacking. Hang a couple of carabiners on your backpack and put some chicken gum in some small pocket. You will see how more than one occasion arises where it would be a luxury to have it on hand.

For example, to hang the microfiber towel on the outside if it's still wet or to close a package of cookies that you have half finished and you don't want to make a mess inside your backpack. 

Having a pen to fill out paperwork at the borders will be great for you (they usually have them, but few... so there are queues). In general, I would say that we use the pen we carry more than it may seem a priori..

We never travel without it, and not because it rains a lot, but because protects your backpack from getting dirty and scratched. If you have been traveling for a few weeks or months, you will see how waterproof case It starts to take on a disgusting color, because all of that hasn't ended up in your backpack. It's tempting to think "if I leave the cover on I'll carry less stuff" but it's better to pick it up and put it on every time you take a ride.

Now that you know our essentials in your travel backpack, I'll leave you a few extra lines about the unwritten rules.

• Open mind, patience and respect They are three essentials for traveling the world.

• Everything weighs. Although it may seem like a few grams are nothing, they quickly become kilos. Leave the “just in case” ones at home. 

• Unless you travel to very remote areas you can buy everything you need during the trip. When we travel for months we always take the opportunity to run a day of errands when passing through the capitals.

• Less is moreYes, totally true. But don't go overboard, try to find balance between wearing what will make you feel comfortable and not carrying the house on your back. Maybe you have been so minimalist when choosing your backpack that it doesn't fit everything you need.

• Don't take your travel backpack to burstingThere is no worse feeling than suffering from closing your backpack day in and day out. If you wear them loose you will appreciate it. Plus, any extra you want to buy during the trip will make it even more difficult for you.

That said, if you have any backpacking tips you'd like to share in the comments, go ahead!

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