10 Best Helpful Travel Accessories for Backpackers in 2025

I like the Deuter Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL Pack because it’s comfortable even when you load it with a lot of weight. It’s ergonomic back panel and straps are best in class, and it’s a superior quality backpack that’ll last for years.

I took a Tortuga laptop daypack as my personal item on a flight and was impressed with how much it holds, for its size. Being a Tortuga backpack, I know the quality is amazing and the functional pockets are uniquely useful.

When I’m going to a rainy destination, having weatherproof Vessi shoes is a must! The Vessi boots are awesome if you plan to be hiking and don’t want to let rain spoil your plans.

My Teva sandals have seen lots of countries in Latin America and I like that they feel rugged, and comfortable. They dry fast if it’s humid or wet, and they let your feet breathe in hot weather.

Hoka sneakers are known as great shoes for supportive wear during backpacking. They double as workout shoes if you’re into running or workouts, for healthy habits while traveling.

I’ve been using packing cubes ever since Dan introduced me to them, and I can’t travel without them. My Nomatic cubes let me organize my clothes, socks and layers, and they’re compressible with mesh exteriors.

I used to use Ziploc bags for my backpacking toiletries, and that wasn’t the greatest idea. Peak Design is one of our favorite travel brands and makes a functional and minimalist toiletries bag that’ll last for decades. The material wipes clean and the pockets have pull-out linings.

Scrubba is a travel product for doing your own laundry. It revolutionized machine-free washing for travelers and does away with the need to do your laundry in a sink! It has an internal “washboard” and weighs only 5 ounces.

This handy product from Cocoon is a way to keep your passport, immunization records and any other important papers free from getting damaged by water and the elements.

Some hostels, or even basic hotels, may charge for towel use, depending on the country. I always have a quick-dry microfiber towel in my backpack to use as a primary towel, or a second (like going to a beach).

Having basic flip flops is an essential for backpacking hostel life. You might want to wear them around the hostel if your primary pair of shoes got dirty or wet, and I always use flip flops in hostel showers.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to lock my valuables in a locker in a hostel, to keep them secure overnight. Having your own locks means not needing to rent them from the front desk.

My friend Daniela introduced me to soap sheets for backpacking! Hostels and campsites may not provide shampoo, soap and conditioner, so be prepared with these to stay fresh.

Having a VPN in places like China helped me communicate with friends and family back home — it was totally indispensable. See why you need a VPN for travel before getting a VPN like ExpressVPN for watching your favorite shows on your phone while you’re away, if they’re blocked in some parts of the world.

I like having Airpods as travel-sized headphones, and they’re also doubly good for packing to work remotely while traveling. I also have the Sandmarc Airpods case with a wrist strap to protect them during travel.

If you’re a big reader, taking a Kindle instead of all your books saves a ton of space. A Kindle helps pass the time on long-haul bus and train rides. This one’s only 5.5 oz.

I’ve avoided having a dead or drained phone battery because of my Anker backup battery. It’s slim, fits in a tech pouch and keeps my phone alive.

Airtags are a hot travel item for tracking your valuables. I like putting them on my luggage and valuables, like a laptop or Kindle.

Airfly is a new travel gadget I recommend in my travel gift guide that lets you pair Bluetooth headphones with an old-school headphone jack, or pair a Bluetooth speaker in an old rental car!

Specifically for places where the wildlife is a big part of the hike itself, bring along some compact binoculars to get close (but not too close) to nature. This pair from NOC is waterproof and can adapt to a phone so that you can get incredible close-up photos.

Having a travel flashlight is smart, and useful: when you want a handy light that’s not your phone, a hand torch can be good for dark hikes, power outages, dark hostel rooms or walking at night on dodgy sidewalks.

You know I swear by a trusty leakproof water bottle as a classic travel accessory for hiking, road trips, travel days, long flights and more! I don’t travel without my Lululemon travel water bottle nowadays.

I can’t sleep on a long flight (or bus, or train, or long car ride) without a firm neck pillow. I reviewed the best neck pillows for travel and tested a few, but I swear by the Cabeau neck pillow for all my travels.

My eye mask helps me sleep on flights (when the lights are on), and is necessary (in my opinion) when sleeping in shared rooms or hostels. Mine also came in handy in Estonia, when the sun rose at 3:30 am in the summer!

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones makes travel days and long days of transit such a breeze. Block out the unwanted noise, and plug into your best music, shows or podcasts.

Aviator travel jeans are perfect for having as the only jeans you need as a backpacker. The hidden zipper pockets in the back can conceal money, cards, keys or other valuables.

I can’t live without stretch leggings that have a pocket for my phone or cards, when I’m in long transit journeys. The Free Fly Pocket leggings are a new favorite of mine, for their quality and style.