International Backpacking Must Haves! You won't Want to Forget These!

After spending a couple years on the road I thought I would make a list of my favorite items to have when backpacking. These are must haves for me and I travel with all of these along with a couple outfits when I travel internationally. The Amazon ads are links to my different suggestions through my Amazon affiliate account. I'm not endorsed by these brands but I do recommend them! 

Over many months and many trips I have learned to pack as lightly as possible. When I started backpacking I was backpacking with one of those big backpacking backpacks that you see all over Europe. After spending 40 days lugging around a big giant backpack I realized I didn't need have of the things I had with me and I started getting rid of things one by one. By the time I got back to the U.S. I realized half of my backpack at that point was souvenirs. 

The very next trip I decided I was going to go with a "weekender" size backpack and bring the bare minimum. At this point I had some money set aside in case I needed to purchase anything overseas for my everyday needs. 

Several trips later I now have it down to a science and thought I'd share the wealth of knowledge I now have. 

Step 1: Pick a Great Backpack. Here is My Top Choice!

This backpack has made it on several trips through Europe and is also the backpack I bring with me in my truck camper. I went with this backpack because it was $27 and it checked every box I had. You can get this backpack nowadays for $22 on sale or if you have to pay full price it is currently $36 which is a great price for something that is actually quite durable.

   

Maybe this is overkill but here are the reasons why I love this backpack!

1: Protective sleeve for laptop

-There is a strap that keeps my laptop in place perfectly. It fits laptops up to 15.6 inches. I somehow managed to fit my 15 inch laptop with a case in it (snug). 

2: Breathable and comfortable back padding

- If you are planning on doing the traditional style of backpacking you will be walking a lot. You will be walking to trains, buses, planes, cabs, boats, and getting to places on foot. I don't know about you but comfort is one of my top priorities. 

3: USB charging port

- There is a port where you can hook up a battery pack from inside of your backpack and then plug in your phone cord to the side of the backpack so you can have your phone in your pocket while charging and walking somewhere. This wasn't a big selling point for me but I have used it several times, especially at airports. 

4: Water Resistant Material

- As a backpacker you have to try and prepare for everything with a minimalist approach. 

- When walking through towns and cities if it starts to lightly rain I feel safe knowing that my laptop has several means of protection

5: It's nice and small

- In my personal experience this backpack is small enough to pass as a "personal item" when I fly with cheap discount airlines. I can't guarantee this fact because I haven't flown with every airline but I have never even been asked to measure it because it is small.

6: Anti theft clips! 

-Self explanatory but a great feature!

To this day I am shocked that this backpack has held up so well because it was so cheap and I have taken it to about 10 countries with zero issues and it is still in great shape.  

Now You're Probably Wondering How You're Going to Fit All of Your Things in This Backpack

I've got good and bad news. Since most people like to hear the bad news first we can start there. You won't be able to bring every little thing with you unfortunately. You'll need to learn to travel light. This is pretty easy in the summer but requires a lot of compromise in the colder seasons. Okay so the good news is that we can use space savers. 

Some genius created these awesome compression bags and we use them when backpacking and in our truck camper for our clothes. You won't be able to use all four of these in this backpack but if you are traveling with a partner or bringing bigger luggage you can use them all. Honestly regardless of how much you bring with you or how much you travel, these come in handy for organizational reasons. 

 

Initially I packed all of my clothes in the main area of whatever luggage I had with my toilet trees and other items. It was a complete mess. The only reason I purchased these was because I was downsizing pretty dramatically. Now even when I have plenty of space in the summer months I still like to bring the compression bags so I can stay organized. I use one of the smaller compression bags to separate my dirty clothes. 

What About Toilet Trees?

There are several reasons why having a toilet tree bag is awesome. First for staying organized but also for getting your favorite products and toilet trees through TSA. This set comes with TSA approved bottles and the bag that is equal to the total liquid allowance. I will be honest I sometimes opt out of toilet trees and I just buy them as soon as I reach my destination. But I do sometimes pack them so I can have all of my favorite products with me. In my truck camper I love my toilet tree bag, I bring it to all the public showers and hang it up for easy access!

What do I need to Bring When I Travel Internationally?

I can't stress this one enough. You will need a World Travel Adapter. Depending on where you are going you will want an adapter since the plugs will be different. The last thing you want to do is arrive in a foreign country where you don't know the language and can't figure out where to buy a converter. I suggest packing one. 

This one is great since there are interchangeable pieces for common countries. Plus it comes with 2 three prong ports, two USB ports, and a built in C-type (newer android) plug. 

Must Haves for Hostel Needs, Public Showers, RV Parks, or Camping?

Here are several Items that I consider must haves.... and I mean MUST HAVE.

1. Flip flops also known as shower shoes. These are my favorite, yes they are crocs but they are durable, easy to rinse off and dry, and really comfy for walking around in. I don't see many people without shower shoes in public showers and that is probably for a good reason. They can't be cleaned before and after every person so it lowers your risk of another persons germs all over your feet. Remember, travelers from other countries don't have the same hygiene standards as you. 

2. Fast drying camping towel. These towels dry really fast so you can shower in the morning and by check out time your towel is dry, has a carrying case, and is very compact. Some hostels will let you buy a towel but they are never great and are usually over priced so that decision is up to you. 

3. A Padlock is always good to have. I have seen people lose their keys or use the tinier locks and get their things stolen. Unfortunately the world is not as safe as it once was so it's always a good measure to have a lock. 

4. A portable charger is not completely necessary if you don't use your phone much but I have used mine many times when my phone is on low battery and I am sitting and waiting for a train or something. Not every country has wall plugs that are accessible to the public. I carry this as a "worry free" item like the padlock 

5. Travel sized squeeze bottles that are TSA approve for carry on and so is the bag. The toilet tree bag I posted above doesn't come with bottles. 

Well that was a long list but I hope it helped some travelers out! Also thank you for visiting my page and clicking on my Amazon links! None of these are paid advertisements but really just my favorites. The links are my amazon affiliate links. 

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https://www.youtube.com/@worldtravelwithmandy/videos