Backpacking isn’t for the weak, especially when it comes to the packing process! To save as much space as possible and avoid overpacking, I’ve put together this backpacking packing list featuring my top backpacker must-haves.
This is your complete backpacking travel checklist to help you avoid those pre-trip mental breakdowns and stay organised on the road.
If you’re looking for our general favourites (like the best backpacks and microfibre towels), make sure to check out Part 1 of our most recommended travel essentials here! The MOST important Travel Essentials This second part is diving even deeper into the essentials you’ll need for a true backpacking adventure.
To give a better overview, I’ve split everything into four groups. First up is the tech kit, followed by small but very important essentials. I’ve also included things that can be useful in a hostel, for actually getting some sleep and a little personal bonus at the end, that I’m keeping as a surprise for now…
Soooo let’s go!
The 23 Backpacker Must Haves for 2026
Technichal Must Haves
- Universal Travel Adapter: This is the most important thing. No matter where you go, there are always different outlets and it’s a pain not to be able to charge easily. The amount of single adapters I have at home because I forgot mine is insane (and expensive). I found this one on Amazon and it’s literally my favourite purchase ever, it works worldwide and charges multiple devices at once!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/universal-travel-adapter
- Fisheye lens: This is my favourite little widget to clip over my phone lens! It creates such a cool, different vibe and it’s honestly the perfect accessory for selfies.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/fisheye-lens
- Digi Cam: Digi cams are so trendy right now and I’m obsessed. I love the vibe and how every camera has a different aesthetic. I use an old one from my dad (Lumix Panasonic DMC-TZ8) and Emma uses a film camera (Olympus muji zoom 102)!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/digi-cam
- SD Card Adapter: If you use a camera, this is an absolute lifesaver. You can upload your photos directly to your phone in seconds.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/SD-card-adapter
- Gorilla Pod: Perfect for solo travellers or when you want to get a group shot where everyone is actually included. Mine even has a little remote so you can trigger the photo from a distance.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/gorilla-pod
- AirPods (Noise Cancelling): The one thing I wouldn’t survive without. I need these to calm down and enjoy long road trips. The noise cancellation is the most essential feature. These ones are my favourite and way cheaper than Apple!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/airpods-noise-cancelling
- Speaker: Maybe a luxury item, maybe an essential. I love having a small speaker with me, especially for longer travels where you spend time with people or go on road trips. In New Zealand, we used it every day since we wanted to listen to our music and the car didn’t have any Bluetooth! (I love this one, it’s waterproof and can play for hours)
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/music-box
- E-Reader: Essential if you want to read without carrying five heavy books. It’s small, convenient and has a backlight for reading in the dark.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/e-reader
- AirTag: I bought one for my last trip and it saved my nerves. I was always worried about losing my backpack, especially on those long-distance bus tours.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/AirTag
Small but Mighty Essentials
- Rain cover for Backpack: We already shared our favourite backpacks in this post The MOST important Travel Essentials, but people always forget the rain cover! It’s not only useful for rain, it also keeps your bag from getting dirty or damaged during transport.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/rain-cover-for-backpack
- Rain Poncho: Super tiny to pack and sometimes a literal lifesaver.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/rain-poncho
- Waterproof Phone Case: I used to use a plastic bag for boat trips or kayaking (so glam, I know). With a proper waterproof case, you don’t have to worry and you can actually film underwater!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/waterproof-phone-case
- Uniqlo Bag: My personal favourite! It’s in almost every travel picture of mine. It’s just so practical, fits way more than you think and keeps your essentials close to your body.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/uniqlo-bag
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/uniqlo-bag-cord
- Carabiners: Not only a gay item, but also very practical! You’ll use these for everything, for example for hanging wet swimsuits or extra shoes on the outside of your bag.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/carabiners
- Luggage Scale: Small enough to carry and a total “fine saver”. Airport baggage fees are no joke and this keeps you in check.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/luggage-scale
The Hostel Survival Kit
- Sleeping Bag Liner: I found a super compact one for my last trip and loved it. It made me feel so much more comfortable in hostel beds that didn’t look… great. Plus, if you’re on a bottom bunk, you can use it to craft some privacy curtains!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/sleeping-bag-liner
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: The ultimate duo for a good sleep. Pro tip: get the earplugs connected with a string so you don’t lose them every night.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/sleeping-mask
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/ear-plugs
- Neck Pillow: A must for long travel days. My life hack: I leave the filling at home and stuff the pillowcase with my underwear and socks. It saves space and stays comfy, thank me later haha!
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/neck-pillow
- Water Bottle with Filter: Since it’s foldable, it’s really light. The filter makes me feel way more comfortable drinking tap water almost anywhere (but still don’t use it in regions where it’s not recommend to drink tap water at all!).
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/foldable-water-bottle
- Reusable Containers: Saving space in your toiletry bag is a skill. These let you bring your favourite products without the huge bottles and are, with under 100ml, approved for flights. (I’ve linked my favourite toiletry bag here The MOST important Travel Essentials).
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/reusable-containers
- Toothpaste Tablets: Another hack for saving space. You can also keep a few tablets in your personal bag when you need to brush your teeth during long flights, while the rest stays in your big bag.
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/toothpaste-tablets
- Shampoo & Soap Bars: Replacing bottles with bars is so much easier, especially for long-term travel.
For the Memories
- Travel Diary: Maybe not a “survival” item, but so valuable. Want to know how to start one? Check out my guide here! Create Your Own Travel Diary
https://blog-lifetoremember.com/travel-diary
Why this is NOT the only backpacking packing list you’ll need…
This list covers my “must-haves,” but it doesn’t include everything. Make sure to check out Emma’s post right here The MOST important Travel Essentials, where she shares the basic essentials that work for every single trip, whether it’s long or short.
I’m so excited to share these with you! Let me know in the comments if this list was helpful for your next adventure.
published: May 17, 2026
FAQ Section
What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?
1. Overpacking, especially clothes (leave the “just in case” pieces at home).
2. Forgetting a rain cover (as I mentioned, it’s a lifesaver).
3. Bringing full-sized toiletries instead of bars or resized containers.
4. Not using packing cubes to stay organised.
5. Leaving zero room in your bag for souvenirs!
Is 20kg too much for backpacking?
Honestly, that’s way too much. 20kg will just weigh you down and make hopping on buses or walking to your hostel a struggle. Aiming for 10–13kg is a much better range (if you can do less, even better!). Plus, with airline fees being as insane as they are, staying under the limit is a total “fine saver.”
What is the bare minimum for backpacking?
If you strip it down, you really just need: a reliable backpack, a travel adapter, microfibre towels, a small toiletry bag, locks, packing cubes, some clothes and your documents. Basics get you from A to B, but essentials like a good neck pillow or earplugs are what help you actually enjoy the journey!
This is your sign to start your own travel diary immediately! It will turn into your most important travel souvenir, that will be by your side before, during, and after
This week’s blog post is all about our top Travel Essentials that are (in our opinion) necessary when backpacking! We tested all of them during our long and many travels
This blog post will give you a perfect overview of the best travel apps you need to have as a frequent traveler. All of these apps will help you with
Johanna
About Johanna:
The visual storyteller behind Life To Remember, Johanna lives by the idea of "doing it scared." Always ready for the next backpacking trip with a camera in hand, she’s dedicated to capturing the raw, unfiltered side of travel. From searching for the best vegan spots to finding a deep connection with every new culture she encounters.
Johanna
About Johanna:
The visual storyteller behind Life To Remember, Johanna lives by the idea of “doing it scared.” Always ready for the next backpacking trip with a camera in hand, she’s dedicated to capturing the raw, unfiltered side of travel. From searching for the best vegan spots to finding a deep connection with every new culture she encounters.
