The Ultimate Backpacker Packing List (2026 Guide)

Ever landed in your destination and realised you forgot your toothbrush? I know right? If only there was a backpacker packing list that you had to avoid this…

Even if you’ve packed everything and checked your bag three times, you still leave the house with that nagging feeling that something’s missing, and you won’t realise what it is until you’re 5,000 miles away.

That’s exactly why I’ve put together this ultimate backpacker packing list, to save you from those moments of panic when you’re digging through your bag at 2am in a hostel dorm wondering where it all went wrong.

Print it. Screenshot it. Tick it off.

Your future self depends on it, no pressure. They will however thank you when you’ve got fresh socks, charged gear, and yes… a toothbrush.

How to Use This Backpacker Packing List

Before diving in, a quick tip, don’t just blindly pack everything.

Backpacking is all about travelling light, and the biggest mistake beginners make is overpacking. You’ll be carrying your life on your back, so every item matters.

A good rule:

• If you’re unsure, leave it
• If you can buy it abroad, don’t pack it
• If you won’t use it weekly, ditch it

This backpacker packing list covers essentials, not luxuries — but feel free to tweak it depending on your destination and travel style.

Things You’ll Put Your Stuff In

Things need to be put in other things — it’s basically a law of travelling.

No matter how much you squeeze into your bag, you’ll still somehow end up with more after a few market visits and “just one more souvenir” moments.

Backpack

This is what you really don’t want to go cheap on. Buy yourself a good quality backpack – not a suitcase – we’re backpackers! This should be waterproof or you should at least have a separate rain cover.

Your backpack will go through all sorts while you are backpacking, it will be in hotels, on boats, in cars, vans, be used as furniture, and and likely be dropped a few times a long the way. Buy a good backpack!

Day Bag / Day Pack

Once you have arrived at your destination and settled in you will want to go and explore, hike, or go off on day trips. You’ll have things to carry – food, water bottles, money, cameras. You don’t want to be carrying these around in your big backpack all day do you?

This is why you will need a day bag / day pack – they go by both names. A small lightweight backpack that you can stuff in your main backpack when you’re not using it.

Wallet

Carry your money and cards around – nuff said.

Bum bag

This may be a little controversial but I believe these are honestly underrated and great for security. You might not get any awards from the fashionistas though.

These wrap around your body securely and have zips where you can easily access your money and other personal items. You can get slim line versions of these that wrap around your body under your top so prying eyes cant see them and hands cant reach them! This money bag version is great.

Pro tip: Go for a backpack between 40–65L. Anything bigger and you’re probably overpacking.

Electrical Items

This section is written by someone who loves taking photos… so if you’re into documenting your travels, this is where you’ll want to pay attention.

• Adaptors (check your destination!)
• Camera
• Camera case
• Memory cards + holder
• Waterproof camera (for snorkelling, diving, cliff jumps)
• Camera accessories (tripod, mounts, etc.)
• Torch / headlamp
• Mobile phone – you cant live without it can you?
• Water proof phone case – if you go to the beach or take a dip with it.
• Spare cheap phone (great backup if yours gets lost/stolen) think Nokia 3310 vibes
• Chargers
• USB charging cables
• Power bank (absolute lifesaver on long travel days)
• Extension lead (turn one plug into many in hostels)

Documents (Don’t Mess This One Up)

If you forget something here, your trip can go from dream to disaster pretty quickly.

You can replace most things abroad… but not these.

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Flight tickets / confirmations
• Travel insurance
• Emergency contacts
• Medical info (including vaccinations)

Top tip:

Keep digital copies of everything on your phone and email but you will also need paper copies. What if you lose your beloved phone?

Keep the phone numbers and contact details of your insurer, airline, countries embassy, emergency contacts etc written down on paper. Keep these in a plastic sleeve that stays in your bag. It’s saved a lot of people.

Toiletries

This is a pretty simple setup, and yes, this leans more towards guys, but the essentials are the same.

• Toothbrush – take a manual toothbrush as well as you might not be able to charge your electric one in certain places.
• Toothpaste – you’ll run out and lost it but its good to have some when you land.
• Deodorant – take a quick Aussie shower
• Aftershave / body spray (anything but Lynx…)
• Paracetamol / ibuprofen
• Shampoo
• Flannel
• Shaver
• Nail clippers
• Microfibre towel (tiny, dries insanely fast)
• Condoms (if its that kind of holiday)

Extra tip: Go travel-sized where possible, you’ll save loads of space.

Clothes

This is where people massively overpack.

You don’t need a new outfit every day, you’ll be rewearing stuff and doing laundry as you go.

• Shorts
• Trousers
• Joggers
• T-shirts
• A couple of smarter shirts
• Underwear
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• Hoodie
• Raincoat
• Trainers
• Flip flops

Packing tip: Stick to neutral colours so everything matches, makes life easier.

Backpacker Packing List – Miscellaneous Essentials

Everything that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else but still earns its place in your bag.

• Watch
• Padlock (essential for hostel lockers)
• Money (exchange outside the airport!)
• Water bottle – fill up everywhere instead of buying bottled water.
• Glasses / contact lenses – if you’re blind like me

Backpacking Extras That Make Life Easier

These aren’t 100% essential, but they can seriously improve your trip.

• Packing cubes (keep your bag organised)
• Laundry bag – keep your dirty clothes separate form your clean ones (if you have any).
• Travel pillow – some people like them I can never get comfy.
• Earplugs (hostel life…)
• Eye mask
• Reusable tote bag
• Small first aid kit

What NOT to Pack (Common Mistakes)

A good backpacker packing list isn’t just about what to bring — it’s also about what to leave behind.

Avoid:

• Too many clothes
• Heavy books (use your phone or Kindle)
• Expensive jewellery
• “Just in case” items you’ll never use
• Full-size toiletries

You’ll thank yourself when you’re not dragging a 25kg bag through a humid street somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Your Backpacker Packing List

So there you have it, the ultimate backpacker packing list to get you started.

Everyone packs slightly differently, and over time you’ll figure out what you actually use and what just sits at the bottom of your bag doing nothing.

But if you stick to this list, you’ll cover all the essentials and avoid those nightmare moments where you’re missing something important.

I can’t promise it’ll completely get rid of that “I’ve forgotten something” feeling…

…but at least you won’t be crying in the corner of your hostel dorm because you forgot your pants.