Essential items to pack in your travel backpack

There's an art to packing a backpack. The idea is to save space while making sure that everything you need is at hand. But knowing how to pack isn't always easy, and the destination itself often dictates what to include and what to dismiss. However there are some items that should always be ticked off your travel checklist, no matter where you're going. 

Browse the gallery and find out how to pack like a pro. 

Passport

Your most important travel document should be stored safely away from wandering hands. Depending on your journey, you may choose to place your passport in your backpack or store it in a safe at your place of accommodation, for example.

Clothes

Try not to overpack. Instead, work with light layers and warm layers—quality clothing that's a comfortable fit and easily stored. And don't forget to pack some extra masks!

Underwear

If you're traveling in winter, thermal underwear works wonders! Otherwise, whatever's comfortable. Tip: carry a spare all-purpose bag for your dirty laundry.

Water bottle

Out in the field a fresh water supply is vital. Pack a metal water bottle. These are long lasting and less susceptible to damage.

Medicines

Travelers taking prescribed medicine should make sure they have enough to cover the duration of their trip. Set an alarm on your phone so you remember to take it. Always check your medications are legal before traveling overseas, and get a signed note from your doctor confirming your prescription in case of problems at border crossings.

Travel guide/phrase book

These days there's an app for everything, but it's worth packing a phrase book and some thoroughly researched and well-written travel literature about your destination.

Hat/cap

An obvious item to pack to keep you shaded when necessary.

Backpack rain cover

Some backpacks incorporate a fold-out rain cover. If yours doesn't, invest in a good quality accessory. There's nothing worse than getting your gear drenched during a downpour.

Padlock

For peace of mind, pack a couple of padlocks, one for the main backpack zipper and another to secure your luggage to a fixed point if necessary.

Running shoes

A well broken in pair of running shoes is a must-pack travel item. Ideal for wearing on walking tours, they also give tired feet a break after the sweaty confines of a hiking boot.

Sandals/flip-flops

A must-have on soft, sandy beaches, sliding into comfortable flip-flops makes perfect sense, again after a day concealing your feet in a suffocating pair of dirty hiking boots.

Swimming goggles

They're handy for an impromptu snorkel, as you don't know what you might brush up against. Have you ever tried to recognize a jellyfish underwater without a mask?

Flashlight

Don’t always count on the light built into your mobile device: a flashlight is far more powerful. Get one with a waterproof casing.

Emergency whistle

Some backpacks are sold with this diminutive instrument as a standard attachment. If not, pack one. 

Sunglasses

Even when it’s cloudy, quality eyewear counts. They'll ensure that your vision is clear no matter what.

Thermal flask and cup

Never underestimate the appeal of a hot cup of coffee, especially if the weather is cold and you’re tired. Pack a durable flask that will go the distance.

Cheap backup cell phone

Purchase a cheapo pay-as-you-go cell phone for emergency use. Alternatively, pack a spare SIM card that works abroad.

Glasses/contact lenses/contact lens cleaner

If you’re vision impaired, your glasses are your eyes. Look after them carefully. You’re alright if you're in a city, where you can get a replacement pair if necessary. But misplace these items out in the sticks and your world view will be that much dimmer.

Board shorts

A trendy fashion statement and a practical piece of apparel, board shorts look just as good on land as they do in the surf.

Razor/beard trimmer

For those with beards, take along a trimmer. Remember the charger though, otherwise you'll eventually end up looking like Robinson Crusoe.

Ear buds

A last resort for light sleepers perhaps, but do bear in mind you’ll be needing to hear that early morning alarm or, heaven forbid, a fire alarm!

Eye mask

Optional, but handy if you’re sensitive to light.

Sunscreen

Another very useful item for your backpack and of course, an essential accessory if traveling to a hot, sunny destination.

Trekking poles

Planning an alpine walking adventure? A pair of trekking poles will assist you with your rhythm and provide stability on rough terrain.

Toothbrush

Stay in the habit of brushing regularly. Don’t bother packing an electric toothbrush, as they're not very practical.

Toothpaste

If traveling with friends then perhaps this is when size matters. In other words, one member of the group carries a jumbo tube of toothpaste and shares it among the rest.

Gloves/hat/scarf

Climate and prevailing weather conditions largely dictate the need for items like these. Though a hat is always useful.

First aid kit

An essential packing item, frankly. You never know when you might need it.

GPS or map

Download a GPS app to your mobile device and you shouldn’t get lost. Well, that’s the theory. Always best to keep an old-fashioned paper map handy in case the battery dies or your phone gets stolen.

Moisturizer

Dry or cracked skin is not only unsightly, but it can lead to infection, especially if you’re venturing into the tropics.

Towel

These can be cumbersome, so opt for a microfiber towel that’s easily folded and stored away.

Shampoo/conditioner

Use small, portable plastic bottles a bit like those you find in hotel bathrooms (no that's not an excuse to nab a few on your next city break). Use shampoo sparingly during your trip and it should last the duration.

Deodorant

Keeping dry and fresh makes sense. But try and purchase an anti-mosquito crystal deodorant, something with citronella in it, to deter hungry bugs. Remember, mosquitoes are drawn to strong, sweet scents.

Body wash

The same goes for your body wash. Look for something mosquito repellent.

Camera charger/memory card

Easily forgotten, but without these you’ll soon be reverting to pencil and paper to capture those gorgeous sunsets.

Camera

Most mobile devices these days double up as pretty good cameras. But if you’re serious about getting the shot, equip yourself with a decent digital SLR.

Painkillers

Headaches, muscle aches, period pains… these irritable symptoms can ruin your day. Make sure to keep some painkillers handy just in case. Tip: again, check your medications are legal before traveling abroad.

Hairbrush/comb/hair gel/spray

These hair products are useful when you’ve reached your destination and want to freshen up before hitting the bars.

Energy snacks

Tasty energy boosters like breakfast bars, trail mix, and boiled sweets make great on-the-go snacks, especially if walking or hiking.

Sleeping bag liner

If you're camping then a sleeping bag is a must. However, if the plan is to stay in hostels, a sleeping bag liner is useful whenever the cleanliness of a bed is in doubt.

Raincoat

If your destination is prone to wet weather, a raincoat is a must-have. Always best to prep for downpours, even in summer.

Phone charger/portable phone charger

These days, people and phones are joined at the hip. Avoid a tearful separation by packing a portable phone charger.

Socks

Never underestimate the sock! It's all that rests between bare skin and some potentially coarse fabric. Simple rule: cold weather means woolen socks, warm weather means cotton socks. Tip: wear ankle socks with your running shoes.

Adaptors

Two-prong, three-prong...? Check adapter and converter requirements to match up your plugs with foreign outlets.

Box of matches

Being able to light a match can sometimes mean the difference between staying cold and wet or drying out in front of a warm fire.

Lighter

A reusable metal lighter is a useful backup in case your matches fall victim to the damp.

All-purpose knife

Always a useful item to have at hand. Just don't flash it around—some people may get the wrong idea.

Fanny pack/bum bag

OK, fanny packs may look pretty tacky, but they're making a comeback! They also have their uses, for example as a way of distributing your cash, or storing extra documentation.

Lip balm

Blistered lips are no joke. You literally crack a smile, and who wants to kiss a strip of sandpaper? Seriously, buy sun protection lip balm and apply regularly.

Nail clippers

There's nothing wrong with keeping your nails in check. Toenails especially can cause endless grief if left to curl around your feet.

Postcards

Why pack postcards? In remote areas, a postcard depicting your home city is a wonderful way of introducing yourself to strangers and initiating conversation. And your guests will appreciate the souvenir.

Ball of string

An odd thing to pack you may think, but how versatile is a ball of string? Besides working as a laundry line for example, string is the perfect substitute for a snapped shoe lace. You try finishing out your hike in a loose boot.

Going out shoes

This one depends on your travel itinerary. Sure, if you plan on staying in a city, pack some evening shoes. Not much use in the outback, though.

Evening wear

Similarly, backpacking or hosteling doesn't necessarily mean you have to look like a Woodstock reject. If you're going to hit the town, pack some evening wear. Just be economical with the fashion trends.

Walking shoes

Most likely the heaviest item on your travel inventory, make a habit of wearing walking shoes at airports rather than storing them in your backpack during flights.

Underwater camera

Not much bigger than a matchbox, a GoPro is the ultimate audio-visual travel mate. It's waterproof, so all your underwater adventures can be recorded for posterity.