60 Best travel accessories for backpackers & adventurers

There’s a lot of discussion about whether you should take a backpack or a suitcase backpacking.

I’m 100% team backpack and here’s why:

• They’re easier to carry
• They make it easier to stick to luggage limits
• They’re typically more durable

That might not seem like many reasons, but honestly, that first one alone is the main reason I travel with a backpack vs suitcase.

Dragging a suitcase through cobbled streets, up and down staircases in hotels and down train corridors is not fun.

Taking a day bag is also a super good idea if you’re backpacking.

A day bag can act as your carry-on luggage if you’re taking a flight somewhere and it can also be used if you’re doing an overnight tour where you don’t want to take all your luggage (leaving your bigger bag in secure storage at your hostel or hotel).

It’s also just useful for the day-to-day as you’re exploring cities and new places.

When I’m backpacking and travelling in between places, I’ll typically carry the bigger backpack on my back, and then this smaller day bag on my front.

The Osprey and North Face day bags are a great choice.

A small hip bag or belt bag is a great small bag to bring with you. It’s great for storing your essentials like keys, phone, wallet and some water while out exploring a new city. while being lightweight and easy to carry.

The Patagonia Black hole mini or the Lululemon belt bag are two popular options that come in a range of colours.

A travel essential for backpackers is a waterproof backpack cover if your backpack doesn’t already come with one.

This way, you can keep all your gear and clothes dry even if it rains while you’re travelling between places or waiting for a bus outside.

The last thing you want is for all your supposedly dry gear to become wet!

Packing cubes are such a great way to organise all your clothes and gear while backpacking.

Using packing cubes means you don’t have to unpack absolutely everything in your bag, which is great since, as backpackers, we typically only spend one night in a hotel before moving on.

All that packing and unpacking can be a pain so I love using packing cubes!

Many bundles of packing cubes come with laundry bags too which is super useful to sort your dirties from your clean clothes!

We’re currently spending a year travelling around Europe and the UK and these packing cubes are my favourite thing to use.

If you’re a bit of an adventure traveller then you might find yourself kayaking, whitewater rafting or on a boat at some point. 

In that case, these dry bags will ensure you keep everything dry should a sudden immersion arrive.

They’re also super useful to have to store that gear that you want to make extra sure stays try (tech gear, clothes).

This way, you’ll know your gear is dry should you be caught in a sudden downpour which can happen if you’re backpacking in Asia or other tropical countries.

A luggage scale may be small in size, but it is one of the handiest travel gadgets you can pack, especially if you’re bringing back souvenirs from your trip. 

Weigh your luggage with the scale before heading to the airport to avoid all the extortionate additional fees for going over your weight allowance. 

Even if you can’t get your luggage under the accepted weight, purchasing excess luggage online before your flight can help you save money since it’s usually cheaper to do this than to pay for excess weight at the airport. 

Another must-have travel accessory and gadget for backpackers is a travel door alarm. 

The easy-to-use alarm can be set up by sliding the blades into the crack between the door and doorframe and looping the other part around the door handle. 

When triggered, the alarm emits a loud, high-pitched sound that can wake you up, alert your neighbours, and deter potential thieves. 

A travel pillow is an essential gadget for backpackers who want to get some restful sleep on long journeys. 

Backpacking often involves a long bus, train, or plane ride, and sleeping on a cramped and uncomfortable seat can be a challenge. 

A travel pillow can provide the necessary support and cushioning for your head and neck, helping you get a more comfortable and restful sleep. 

It’s also a small and lightweight gadget that can easily fit into your backpack without taking up too much space. 

Investing in a quality travel pillow can make all the difference in your backpacking experience, ensuring that you arrive at your destination well-rested and ready for your adventures.

Padlocks and luggage locks are essential travel accessories for backpackers. 

Padlocks not only keep your luggage secure but are also great for staying in hostels. 

Most hostels require you to bring your own lock to secure your valuables, and buying one from them can be expensive. 

A padlock also comes in handy if you’re living the van life and using a gym to shower. Since you’ll want to lock up your valuables while you’re otherwise occupied.

Make sure to pack a combination luggage lock that’s TSA-approved like this one, so you don’t have to worry about losing a key or carrying it with you at all times.

A sandless beach mat is a game-changer for anyone who loves to hit the beach. 

No more sand stuck to your sunscreen or all over the rest of your gear in your backpack!

These mats come in various sizes, vibrant colours, and patterns, making them a trendy and practical travel accessory. 

They’re perfect for backpackers who want to relax on the beach without worrying about sand getting everywhere. 

A portable umbrella is a must-have travel gadget for backpackers, especially if you’re on a budget. 

You won’t want to spend money buying one when you’re on the road, and it’s nice to have it when you get caught in a downpour. 

This ultra-light and mini-sized umbrella is easy to carry around and comes in multiple colours.

Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia during monsoon season or exploring a new city in Europe or North America, having a portable umbrella can significantly affect how much you enjoy your backpacking experience.

A headlamp is an essential travel item that’s easy to keep in your backpack when travelling.

It’s great for when you get stuck somewhere whilst watching a sunset and can’t find your way back, for times when you want to do a sunrise hike or those trips where you’re camping and need some light to find your way to the toilet.

A head torch was also our only source of light for the five months we lived in our van. It worked better than you’d think!

If there’s a travel accessory you think I’ve forgotten then it’s probably covered with the Wallet Ninja. This will fit in your Ridge Wallet, and has 18 different functions including a beer opener which, let’s face it, is the one you really want!

Just make sure to put this in checked-in baggage when flying. Whilst Wallet Ninja say it is TSA approved, you’ll probably have it taken away from you when going through security – this happened to us once!

A gear repair kit, consisting of duct tape and a mini sewing kit, is an essential backpacking accessory for any adventurer. 

When you’re on the road, your gear can take a beating, and a small rip or tear can quickly escalate into a more significant problem. 

Having a repair kit can help you quickly and easily fix any issues with your gear, from patching up a tent or backpack to fixing a hole in your clothing. 

Duct tape can also be used for temporary repairs on everything from shoes to water bottles. 

Travelling on a budget is a great way to stretch your funds and experience more during your trip. 

However, budget accommodation can come with its drawbacks, such as dorm rooms with snorers. That’s where noise-cancelling headphones come in as one of the best backpacking gadgets out there.

Investing in a pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones can make all the difference in getting some much-needed rest on long journeys. 

They’re perfect for blocking out the sound of noisy vehicles or passengers and screaming babies on public transport or flights. 

With these ultimate travel accessories, you can get some precious shut-eye and arrive at your destination feeling well-rested and ready to explore. 

The Pocketalk translation gadget is a game-changer for travellers and backpackers who want to communicate with locals or other travellers while on holiday – or just understand a menu!

With the touch of a button, this gadget for backpackers translates 82 languages bidirectionally, and its text-to-translate camera instantly recognises and translates text, the written word, and signs. 

This ultimate translation gadget also comes with a free 2-year mobile data plan, providing coverage in over 130 countries/regions, so you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi. 

If you’re planning to chill out by the beach, try some kayaking, go snorkelling or even find a waterfall then you’re going to find a waterproof case super useful.

I’m forever breaking things because they got wet. I recently bought myself a waterproof case and now I can be safe in the knowledge that even if my phone does get splashed a bit too much, it’ll still work.

These waterproof cases work on loads of phones and you can still use your phone normally whilst it’s in the case. I’ve tested out taking pictures with it too and you wouldn’t be able to tell it was in a plastic-y case. You can keep it around your neck thanks to the lanyard. The best part is they’re not even expensive!

Whilst I’m not sure I trust it enough to actually drop it into the sea outright, it’s definitely on my list of essential travel accessories for adventurers!

A battery charger or portable power bank is an essential travel accessory for all backpackers. 

Travelling often means being on the move, and you don’t always have access to power outlets to charge your devices. 

Whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking in the mountains, or camping in the wilderness, having a battery charger can keep your phone, camera, and other electronics charged and ready to use. 

It’s also a lifesaver in emergency situations when you need to call for help or navigate your way back to safety. 

Capturing stunning shots while backpacking solo can be challenging and that’s why the Joby Gorilla pod is one of my favourite backpacking gadgets.

This travel gadget can be wrapped around anything to provide stable support for your camera making it so easy to take photos of yourself or a group shot including all those you’re travelling with. 

Joby makes the best Gorilla Pods, and they come in different sizes that cater to different camera weights. 

However, make sure the weight of your camera and the heaviest lens is within the supported limit – you don’t want it to topple over and smash your camera!

A portable monocular telescope is an excellent travel accessory for wildlife enthusiasts.

It would be perfect if you’re planning on going on a safari or doing one of these amazing wildlife tours on Vancouver Island.

These travel gadgets are half the size of a standard pair of binoculars, making them lightweight and portable. 

This 12x zoom monocular by Gosky is not only compact but also comes with an attachment for your smartphone. It makes it easier to capture stunning wildlife moments and share them with your friends and family straight from your phone.

With its lightweight and compact design, a portable monocular is a must-have travel accessory.

Memory cards are essential for transferring photos from your camera to your computer. 

A reliable memory card brand that can withstand the demands of travel is a must-have travel accessory. 

We use SanDisk Micro SD cards which are super reliable and speedy enough to work with powerful cameras and drones.

Losing your photos from your backpacking trip absolutely sucks, so be sure to get a reliable SD card like a SanDisk!

A mobile phone stand is a versatile travel gadget that can be useful for everyday life even once you’re back from your trip. 

The ring attachment on the back of your phone or case provides a good finger grip, which is perfect for travelling on crowded public transport. 

It prevents your phone from slipping from your hands, which can be frustrating and expensive if it falls and breaks. 

The phone ring can also be propped out to become a kickstand, which is useful for watching videos or taking group photos.

While mobile phones have become better at taking photos, investing in a camera can make all the difference in capturing those amazing moments during your travels. 

Camera-quality photos stand up to editing better and are best for printing off if you want to add some photos to your wall at home or make a scrapbook of your memories from your backpacking travels.

I use our Sony A7iii, but smaller Sony cameras like this are also great and aren’t quite as heavy!

If you’re a travel enthusiast who also loves to read books on long bus journeys, flights or on chill-out days during your travels, then an e-reader like a Kindle is a great idea.

You don’t want to pack a bunch of books when you’re backpacking since they’re heavy and take up the valuable limited space in your backpack.

A Kindle is lightweight and the screen is great for reading even in direct sunlight – making it much better than reading on a phone.

Plus, you can join Kindle Unlimited and save so much money on books!

DJI Mavic Mini is one of the coolest travel gadgets you can own, especially if you’re a travel enthusiast looking to capture stunning cinematic-style shots from a bird’s-eye view. 

I have the first version of the DJI Mini and it’s so much fun to fly. I’ve taken some great photos from above on our travels to Lofoten, Scotland and elsewhere.

The mini drone weighs only 249g and folds up into a compact size, making it one of the most ideal travel gadgets for backpackers and anyone who is always on the go. 

Note: Always check the rules about flying a drone where you’re travelling. In some countries, like Canada, you’ll need to complete a drone pilot exam, or in places like the UK, you need to register your device.

Music is an essential part of the travel experience, and having a portable Bluetooth speaker can make it even better. 

This speaker is Bluetooth-ready, so it connects to your phone or laptop without the need for an extra cable.

It sounds great, lasts a long time, and is small enough to carry in your backpack or luggage. 

Whether you’re in your hotel room or chilling on the beach, this portable speaker is the perfect way to enjoy your favourite tunes while on the move.

If you don’t require the ruggedness and waterproof capabilities of an action camera, like the GoPro Hero 9, the DJI Pocket 2 is worth considering. 

This is a travel gadget that you should definitely have on your radar. 

This pocket camera is one of the best travel accessories as it captures incredible video footage and photos at high resolution. 

It’s also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. 

If you’re travelling abroad on your backpacking trip, chances are you’ll need a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices. 

This universal travel adapter is the perfect solution as it covers all your electrical needs. 

It has adapters for the US, EU, and Australia, a voltage converter, room for up to 4 USB ports, and two plugs. 

Since most devices are charged via USB, this travel adapter is an excellent item to pack for your next trip. 

An outdoor watch is a must-have for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid hiker, or backpacker or just enjoy the occasional trek, a watch that is designed for the outdoors is an essential travel gadget to invest in. 

Outdoor watches offer a wide range of features including GPS, altimeter, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and full weather and shockproof capabilities, making them an ideal companion for any adventure.

I personally like my Garmin Instinct and consider it one of the best gadgets for hikers; especially if you get the solar version which recharges as you explore the outdoors. 

When it comes to long-term travel or working as a digital nomad, having a reliable laptop is crucial. 

You’ll need a laptop that is lightweight, high-spec, and has a decent battery life. 

There are two main options to choose from, Windows-based or Apple. 

The Garmin inReach Mini is a lifesaver for backpackers (literally) who enjoy hiking. 

This compact device provides GPS tracking and two-way satellite communication, which means you can stay in touch with your loved ones even when you’re in a remote area with no phone service. 

The device is rugged and waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. It’s expensive and requires a monthly subscription but it’s essential if you’re solo hiking or backpacking.

It honestly drives me crazy the amount of plastic water bottles travellers get through.

Please, please take your own water bottle with you! I mean this even more when you’re travelling somewhere that has drinkable tap water!

You can get all sorts of cool water bottles now. With my favourite being either a Nalgene or this Hydrapak which collapses.

I’ve been using these water bottles while out trail running, travelling and hiking recently. They’re a great accessory to pack as they’re very light and can fold down to take up almost no space.

An AeroPress is a must-have gadget for backpackers who are coffee lovers. It’s a compact, lightweight, and portable coffee maker that allows you to brew high-quality coffee anywhere you go. 

With AeroPress, you no longer have to settle for mediocre instant coffee or spend a fortune on buying coffee from cafes on the road.

It’s incredibly easy to use; all you need is hot water, coffee grounds, and the AeroPress. The travel version comes with a mug too. 

Being a hungry backpacker always on the go, it’s essential to have utensils at the ready for meals, especially when on the road or hiking. 

This small and easy-to-pack utensils kit comes in handy and is easy to use while camping or travelling around the world.  

It’s also a great eco-friendly travel accessory since you won’t need to pick up plastic takeout utensils when buying lunch to go anymore!

Water filtration systems are not only useful but also crucial for the environment. Getting a water filter bottle is one of the most useful and essential travel gadgets for backpackers, providing a safe source of drinking water on the go. 

The Lifestraw bottle protects against, microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter and sand, dirt, cloudiness and improves taste. However, it does not protect you from bacteria that may be in the water. 

Instead of buying expensive and wasteful travel-size toiletries, consider investing in reusable bottles for your shampoo, conditioner, makeup remover, and other liquids. 

Not only is it better for your wallet, but it’s also better for the environment.

These bottles are especially useful for shorter trips where you don’t need a large amount of product, and they come in small enough sizes to pass through airport security. 

Just fill them up with whatever you usually use at home and you’re good to go! Make sure you label them properly so you don’t accidentally put shampoo on your face instead of makeup remover!

Plus, you can reuse them for future trips, making them a sustainable and practical choice.

A toiletry bag may not seem like a must-have travel accessory, but it can make a big difference in your travel experience. 

For hostel hoppers, it’s an easy way to carry all of your toiletries to the bathroom without fumbling with loose bottles and tubes and dropping them everywhere, waking up all your dorm mates – just me?

Additionally, a good toiletry bag can prevent spills and leaks from ruining your clothes and other belongings. 

Look for one with waterproof fabric and multiple compartments to keep your items organized and easily accessible.

And once you’re in the bathroom, you can simply hang your bag on the back of the shower door instead of cluttering up the counter or floor. 

It’s a small but valuable addition to your travel gear that can make a big difference in your daily routine.

Multi-use soap is an essential travel accessory for backpackers and travellers. 

This multi-use, unscented soap has so many useful purposes. It can be used as a body wash, shampoo, and even laundry detergent. 

This means that you can pack lighter, save space in your backpack, and not have to worry about buying multiple products for different uses. 

My favourite multi-use soap is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable option for eco-friendly travellers.

Hand sanitiser is another essential travel accessory, especially in today’s world. 

It helps to prevent the spread of germs and is especially useful when travelling in areas with pit toilet blocks without warm water and soap, or in crowded spaces like airports or public transport. 

A small bottle of hand sanitiser can easily fit in your pocket or backpack, making it a convenient and essential item for travellers.

Quick-drying travel towels are a game-changer for backpackers and one of my top must have travel accessories or backpacking gadgets.

These towels are highly absorbent and dry out quickly, making them perfect for those who are constantly on the move, the last thing you want is to throw a damp towel in your backpack and have it stink out everything else in there! 

These travel towels are compact and lightweight, unlike regular bath or beach towels, and can easily fit into your backpack without weighing you down.

They are essential travel accessories because you never know when you might need a towel, whether it’s for drying off after a swim or shower, for using in hostels where towels often aren’t provided, or even using as a makeshift blanket.

Baby and body wipes are also handy travel accessories. They are versatile and can be used to freshen up after a long day of hiking or remove makeup. 

Plus, they are very useful travel accessories for messy meals or sticky hands after indulging in fresh fruits. 

These Ursa Major face wipes are my favourite for when I need to clean my face without access to a shower or my usual toiletries.

If you’re on a long trip, you’ll likely need to do laundry at some point, and that’s where the Scrubba portable clothes washer comes in handy. 

While you can go to laundrettes, the price of them can add up and sometimes you can’t find one nearby.

These lightweight and eco-friendly portable washers are perfect for backpackers who are constantly on the move or in off-the-beaten-track places. 

Their compact and lightweight design makes them highly portable and practical for long-term travel. 

To use them you simply add water, clothes and cleaning liquid, close the bag and deflate. Rub the clothes against the internal washboard for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, rinse and hang to dry!

Such a handy item when it comes to backpacker accessories.

Washing clothes on the go is a common occurrence for backpackers (often in a hostel sink!), or perhaps you’ve been caught in the rain and now everything’s soaking wet!?

Having a portable drying line is a great solution to this problem. 

It’s compact, lightweight, and can be easily set up anywhere, allowing you to dry your clothes without any hassle. 

You won’t have to worry about dirty or dusty surfaces staining your clothes anymore.

On long trips, it’s not always possible to wash your hair regularly. Dry shampoo is a lifesaver in such situations and a great item to include when packing your traveller accessories.

It helps freshen up your hair without using water, making it a perfect travel accessory for camping, hiking, or backpacking. 

With dry shampoo, you can easily manage oily hair or add some texture and volume to your locks.

A can of dry shampoo takes up minimal space in your backpack, making it an essential item for anyone who wants to keep their hair looking and smelling great on the go – and who doesn’t?

A small first aid kit with plasters and any essential medications is a must-have for any backpacker. 

When you’re travelling, it’s essential to be prepared for any unexpected accidents or injuries. 

A basic first aid kit with items like plasters, blister care, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and medication for common ailments like diarrhoea and allergies can help you deal with minor issues before they become big problems.

It can be difficult to find the right medications or medical supplies in a foreign country, so having a compact and portable first aid kit can make all the difference in staying healthy and safe while backpacking. 

Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

A pashmina scarf is a very useful travel accessory that is a must-have when backpacking.

It can be used as a blanket or as a pillow, making it perfect for long journeys on a plane, bus, train, or boat. 

They’re also super useful to have if you’re visiting churches, cathedrals, or travelling in a country where dressing modestly is important and you might need to cover up your head and shoulders. Just use your pashmina and you’re good to go!

A lightweight waterproof jacket is an essential travel accessory. 

I typically pack my Arct’teryx coat since that’s my main waterproof jacket, but whatever you have should work as long as it’s lightweight and easy to stuff in your bag. , it will keep you dry in light showers and can be used as an emergency coat. 

These travel rain jackets are also lightweight and they pack up small, making them easy to carry in your backpack or luggage. 

Prevent blisters and sore feet, which can quickly ruin a trip by making sure you’ve packed good comfortable socks.

Properly cushioned and supportive socks can help to absorb shock, reducing the impact on your feet as you walk around during your travels. They’re one of my top backpacking accessories.

Additionally, moisture-wicking materials can keep your feet dry, reducing the risk of fungal infections and other foot problems. If you invest in some high-quality socks made from durable materials, they’ll typically last a lot longer than cheaper ones too.

When backpacking, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on your feet, so investing in good socks is a wise choice to keep you comfortable as you travel.

Teva sandals are a popular choice among backpackers and travellers since their comfortable and durable.  They’re some of the best travel accessories for women and men.

They are perfect for hot weather and can be worn on long walks or while exploring a new city or when dealing with hostel shared shower rooms.

The sandals have adjustable straps, which provide a custom fit, and their sturdy soles give good traction on various terrains.