"Backpacking Travel Essentials" table of contents
Hola, hola it’s Tati! Today we are talking about my travel essentials. For starters drop your suitcases. That’s it . Blog concluded. Jk jk but really, I mean it. Look I’m not trying to claim everyone needs to be REI’d out or else you have backpacking all wrong, but a suitcase for the type of traveling y’all see me doing is just not optimal. I now consider myself well traveled, and a fully experienced travel packer at that. It took me a long way and many fails but I now have it down to a T! I went from 10 days in Africa with two pieces of check in luggage (SUITCASES) plus carry on …smh, to cruising through Asia for two months from cold Himalayan hikes to Thailand’s hot beaches, with only carry on! I’m now at a point where you could tell me I have a last minute flight booked for tomorrow morning, and I can get my stuff packed the night before, without sweating it.
“What are your packing must haves?!” is probably one of the most common questions I get asked by friends. Kind of a broad question right? Well to be honest it can be very overwhelming, to plan your first backpacking trip or even your first solo trip period! Hostel hopping is a different animal to tackle for someone who’s used to, per se, all-inclusives in Cancun. There’s way more you need to take into consideration, that you may think. Now let me clarify, I’m not allergic to all-inclusives or fancy forms of traveling. I can rock either or and enjoy myself regardless. Getchu a girl who can do both!
Thankfully I have come up with a consolidated list of items I consider essentials when it comes to packing. These will work for long month or year long trips, to even shorter weekend getaways. This list will cover travel essentials from backpacks to electronics to random travel holy grails of mine.
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Backpacks
This is obviously the big important one. Always remember this, as repetitive as it may sound. TRAVEL LIGHT! I have a couple of options that I use depending on my type of traveling. As far as my main piece of luggage I have two go-tos, a 65 Liter and a 53 Liter.
1. TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack
The Teton 65L was my first baby. This is an ideal bag if you are gonna be doing a lot of outdoor camping and if overnight hikes are in your travel plans. Through geology school this baby came with me to all my camping trips including a three week multi state field camp in West Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. I also took this backpack to Central America for a month-long trip and to many other overnight hikes. It has the space for tent poles, strapping in hiking boots, compression straps for sleeping bags etc. The bag also features a waterproof sleeve that comes out the base and covers the whole backpack within seconds, trust me that comes in handy when the rain comes in mid hike!
Other great features about this bag is that you have access from both the top and bottom, it has an internal frame, and a waist strap for support. To conclude, this is my pick for camping trips, outdoor travel and hikes.
The Teton 65L was a great bag for my month-long Central America trip, with the exception that it was too big to be considered carry-on. In my case it wasn’t much of an issue because I crossed most borders thru land. However if you are gonna be doing a lot of local “budget” airlines within your trip, your best option is a carry on backpack to save on those outrageous baggage fees.
2. BAGO Carry on Traveling Backpack Duffle Bag – 3 Way
My favorite sight of me ✈️
This is where the sleek and chic BAGO comes into play. After much research and meticulously reading every review I could find, this BAGO bag became my new travel companion for carry-on only trips. You can fit plenty in this 53L bag and it can be transformed from a backpack to a duffle. Also, can we please talk about the aesthetics?! So aesthetically pleasing, yet she can take a beat thru any rough road! This particular bag I have used for short weekend trips through the states, it was my loyal companion through Asia for two months and even did a little 10 day Eurotrip with me. No complaints at all. It fits right up the overhead compartment in planes and I always get compliments on it. I’ve even had friends buy it after I recommended it and they have nothing but amazing things to say about it.
Daypacks
Do not forget to bring a daypack! Say you are gonna do an overnight hike to an amazing volcano (hint hint). You don’t want to bring your big ass 65L on a 8 hour hike carrying everything you brought on your trip. Plus let’s not mention, kill your back while you’re at it. In cases like this, you would want to leave your main piece of luggage (Items #1 or #2 mentioned above) in your hostel or in the hike’s base camp and only take 2-3 days worth of clothes and your camping gear in a day bag. I have two options that I use. If you’ve seen my IG stories while I travel you will recognize both of them. Both of these can serve as a personal item that can be stowed under your front seat in planes, and one of them has an option to fold up into almost nothing, so you can take it out only as needed. So again, still flying carry on only and $0 check in baggage fees.
3. TOFINE Backpack Lightweight Daypack
The Tofine 30L is possibly my favorite daypack all in all. Sidenote; if you are wondering how you carry a big backpack like the first two and a day pack, no worries it’s easy. Big backpack in the back and day pack in the front, pic below. You might think you look silly, but believe me you won’t be the only one. The image of me carrying my two bags with my face barefly poking out, is one that has become very nostalgic to me. That image brings so many happy memories. So many experiences, so many laughs, so many faces and smiles I’ve met along my journeys. I’m sure you will fall in love with the image of that silhouette of yourself as well!
The Tofine works great for both outdoor trips and traditional traveling. For overnight hikes it is amazing because it has an internal frame, which is a lifesaver when hiking (especially if you suffer from back problems like yours truly). It also features a waistband for support and weight distribution, and a waterproof sleeve is also available at the bottom of the bag for easy cover in case of rain.
4. Venture Pal Lightweight Packable Durable Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack
I never thought about using these, until mother Conny gifted one to me. This last option is a must for me regardless if I take my Tofine or not. This is a foldable backpack, that folds into literally nothing and you can fit it inside a shoe! I take this one unfolded on every trip and always have the option to fill it up for my return flight if I’m coming home with items that I gathered during my trip. Even though it has no internal frame this is great for daily activities like shopping or half day hikes where you don’t really need to bring much. The Tofine (Item #3) is great if you were already planning on bringing a personal bag (the one you stow under your front seat) in the plane. But let’s say you just wanted to fly with your big bag. This is where the foldable option comes in. You can carry all your belongings in the BAGO or Teton and just take this one folded in your bag without taking up any space and only take it out when you need to use it.
When exploring a city, this serves great instead of a purse. Here I can put my camera, tripod, and all things I’d put in a regular purse while I’m out of the hostel for the day doing a city tour, visiting museums, or shopping the local markets. Keep in mind pickpocketers. A backpack instead of a purse has you covered in that department, just pop it to your front, keep it zipped up and you’re good!
5. Fanny Pack
Thankfully these bad boys are trending at the moment so you have plenty to choose from. The colorful one in my pictures, I didn’t link cause I thrifted it, but the yellow one (wayuu weaved) is from a fellow Colombian entrepreneur also based in Houston, @Colorful4U (instagram). But yes these are ESSENTIAAAAAL as can be. Plus they make any outfit pop even more! They take no space in your luggage since they are tiny and they are also great for night time. Fit your room key, iphone and wallet and you’re ready to hit your hostel’s pub crawl!
Now for actual packing….
Packing Cubes
Oh my God, if you do not already use these, you will thank me for eternity. I swear by these. These packing cubes make packing a breeze. I personally roll all my clothes to prevent wrinkling, and with rolling and using these cubes you are set for saving so much space! They not only can fit so much, but also keep you organized. I try to use one for tops, one for bottoms etc. to make it easy to find stuff and not have to make a mess looking for one single thing. Long gone are the days you have to empty out your whole bag to take out one top! I do suggest you get mesh ones, so it’s easier to distinguish what’s in each. Also, good tip here, always take an extra empty one for dirty laundry.
6.Mossio 7 Set Packing Cubes
I have had my pink Mossio set for almost three years and they’re still holding strong.
7.Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
I also own the compression duo which are great for things like underwear and socks that can get compressed without worrying about wrinkles.
8.Tancendes Waterproof Travel, Makeup, Cosmetic Bag
A cosmetics/toiletry bag is always an essential. This one not only matches my pink mesh set but it’s waterproof and fits make up and toiletries all in one. I bought this one at the same time I bought my packing cubes and again, it’s holding well. Also, when I’m not traveling I use this as my gym toiletry bag. Win win.
Electronics
9. Selfie Stick Tripod, Eocean 45 Inch Extendable Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote
If there is one holy grail for a solo traveler….. A fuc*ing tripod! End of discussion! I swear, people (or haters lol) always have the smart-ass line “Well if you’re really traveling alone, who takes all your pictures?”. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you my sugar daddy: my beloved tripod! I kid you not 95% of my killer insta travel pics when traveling solo were taken by this bad boy! Look, taking travel pictures, for me personally is HUGE! Not because I have this blog, but seriously pictures are the only thing you will have to look back at from your trips. Plus I do love some bomb instagram fire!
Ready, set TRIPOD!
I will not lie, I was very shy and way out of my comfort zone at the beginning. I mean let’s be honest, it can be embarrassing for starters lol. I literally set up a tripod and take pictures of myself with a control ha. But you know what, NO ONE KNOWS YOU! So what if you get looked at funny?! Now trust me I wouldn’t do that here in Houston lmao. Now you might think, “Well why don’t you ask someone to take a picture of you?” Yes, this is an option, but come on. Even taking selfies, where I have full control, I still have to take 20 to get a winning one!
As far as how compact this tripod is… very. It comes down to 9 inches unextended and you can easily fit it in your backpack or tote. It comes with a remote, so no need for a self timer and most importantly its compatible with most phones and go pros!
10. Power Bank RAVPower 16750mAh Portable Charger
This is definitely another one that needs little explanation. It’s a must. But do yourself a favor and invest in one that has good power capacity; this is around the $30 USD price mark and it’s a 16750Ah. For an Iphone X it can charge it 4.5 times. Sure you can get one for $15 but would only hold enough power for one charge.
11. POWERADD Mini Portable Travel Surge Protector Power Strip 2 Outlets with Dual USB
Ok, now this one is gold! If you are staying in hostels, let me paint the scenario. A hostel bedroom is divided to fit 6,8,10, heck, I’ve been in rooms of 16 people (8 bunk beds).
Just to give you an idea of how some hostels are set up. This is in Ho Chi Minh City in a “capsule” concept hostel (much much nicer than your average hostel by the way). There were 18 beds in this room. you only get that bit of space plus a locker under the bunkbed.
And to make my point, you only have access to that one outlet.
You usually have one power socket per bunk bed (one outlet per person) and if you’re lucky you might get one to yourself. Which still means you only get 2 outlets. I don’t know about you, but when I travel I take a go pro, my phone, power bank, air-pods etc. You now see how these come in to play when backpacking. These portable strips are a lifesaver. Especially this one. Not only is it compact and small, but you have 3 usb ports and 2 regular outlets. Thank me later!
12. Universal Travel Adapter
While we are in the subject of charging and outlets. News-flash, countries out of the Americas use different plug types. Do your research on the country you’re visiting and make sure you get an adapter. This is another one that is worth investing in. Go for an Universal adapter that pretty much covers all, if not most countries and you won’t have to buy a different one each time you visit a different country.
13.Ultra Bright CREE LED Headlamp
Yes, a headlamp. No, not for camping (though you will 100% need it for that). I know what you’re thinking “Why in hell will I need a headlamp?!” If you are staying at a hostel believe it or not this is a MUST. Trust me, when I first went hosteling someone advised me to take one and of course I didn’t. I never made that mistake again!
Hear me out. Scenario #1: You are staying in a room with 10 other people. You end up making friends at the hostel (not from your same room) and go partying all night long. You get back to the hostel at 3AM and the room is pitch dark. It’s hostel etiquette to not be an asshole and turn on the light. Don’t be that person. You have to reach up to your bunk bed, get your toiletries bag, pajama etc. Sure iphone flash helps but it’s inconvenient cause you need both hands to maneuver up and down the bunk bed. Scenario #2 You come back from the same party, realize you didn’t pack and you leave tomorrow catching a bus at 6:00AM. You’re too tired (or drunk) to pack then, so you get up early and ….same scenario. Pitch black room, yet your ass needs to catch that bus. With this being a daily task, do yourself a favor and take one.
This is another hostel in Goa, a beachtown in India. This hostel room was for 8 people. Hostel hack: It was a group of 6 of us traveling so we would buy out all 8 beds (about $11-$15 per bed/night) and have a room all to ourselves. Yup ballers 💵
Now that you see the set up, I’ll relate this to the point I’m trying to make. If you are with strangers in this room. You do not want to be that person to turn on the light!
Trust me I read stuff like this and didn’t think I would need it. Not only that, but wasn’t I gonna look like an idiot with a headlamp indoors. I kid you not at least half of the people I met at hostels had them (respecting my sleep as they packed). It’s up to you, but don’t say I didn’t tell you so.
Other Random Bits
14. Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow
This essential is one you can’t skip for long flights. Heck even for trains and bus journeys within your trip. It’s pretty self explanatory. I don’t think I have to get into it much, except this detail. Get an inflatable one! Again traveling light means being smart about saving space, and carrying a neck pillow isn’t too space-saving friendly, as it’s only used a fraction of the time.
15. Chaco Women’s Z2 Classic Athletic Sandal
So I don’t plan on going into wardrobe items because it’s just very complicated to generalize what an individual would need. Not only is it a sense of preference and style, but it can vary widely depending on seasons and different destinations. However, Chacos (for men and women) have been a MUST for me since I started traveling with them. I know they look like just an overpriced pair of sandals, but they are worth every penny in my personal opinion.Yes they can be a bit bulky but hear me out. When I travel I only take two pairs of shoes, tennis shoes and sandals. If you are going to warm weather and you’re gonna be doing a lot of walking, keep these in mind. For daily walks and exploring within the city or island you’re traveling to, tennis shoes are a great option but for hot weather I prefer sandals. Flip flops or any other casual sandals would be a nightmare of blisters waiting to happen.
Favorite form of transportation when backpacking.
Tuk-tuk rides while solo traveling in Cambodia.
That’s where Chacos come in with their adjustability, traction and underfoot support made to hike. Yes, hike in sandals! I proved the theory in Krabi, Thailand, when I climbed 1,237 steps (elevation gain of 278 meters) to reach the famous Golden Buddah at the Tiger Cave Temple. So there you go , they passed the hiking tests! Also the best thing about them is how versatile they can be for backpacking. I always wear flip flops to shower at hostels and guess what, no need to pack an extra pair, since these are waterproof. I wear these at the beach, for nightlife, walking the city, you name it! They are great water shoes as well, I used them to swim through caves on a hike in Vietnam, without having to take an extra pair. These sandals come in hundreds of designs and you can even change the straps to them. 100% recommended.
16. Youphoria Outdoors Microfibre Travel Towel
Yes, a travel towel (microfiber for fast drying) is an essential for hostels. If you are used to normal hotels, sorry, hostels do not include towels and if they do, they will charge you. If you are backpacking, I’m sure you are on a budget and that will add up day by day. So do yourself a favor and buy a travel towel. Tip: they also double as a cover if you get chilli in a train, or sleeper bus and also make great beach towels for tanning…and drying 🙂 I also love using these when I’m in a lower bunk bed as a curtain. You know when you need privacy lol.
Laying on my microfiber towel while journaling in a black sand beach in El Cuco, El Salvador. Bonus, the sand comes off in a heartbeat!
17. Padlock – 4 Digit Combination Lock
If you are new to hostels a padlock is needed as you will be given a locker in the room where you will store your belongings during your stay. I recommend combination ones because I lose everything and losing that key would be a bitch!
That’s a wrap!
Some other recommendations that are worth mentioning are as follows. A book. Traveling is the perfect time to read that book you “haven’t had time for”. A journal. I can’t even put into words the power it gave me to start writing my experiences when traveling. Heck, This blog wouldn’t even exist! That’s exactly how this blog came to life! Now, that was never my intention, I just loved the thought of one day giving the opportunity to my kids to read their mother’s crazy adventures and give them a snip of my youth. Also to give myself that amazing gift of being able to re-read and re-live my experiences years down the road. Travel insurance. This is a must, I personally enjoy using World Nomads. Another big tip please take printed photocopies of all your important documents or at least pictures in a cloud or email. Passport, Birth Certificate etc. Losing these items is always a horrible possibility but having a copy of them can help enormously.
That concludes my essential list! I hope you found some items that you can incorporate into your next trip and enjoyed reading this post. Besitos and see you in my next blog!
