The Giant Backpackers Travel Checklist

Giant Travel Checklist for Backpackers

We hope the travel checklist for backpackers really helps on your journey. It’s easy to have one or two items slip your mind, but not anymore. Refer back to the list as often as you need.

Thanks!

Documents & Essentials

• [ ] Passport
• [ ] Travel tickets (air, train, bus)
• [ ] Hostel or campsite reservations
• [ ] Visa documents (if required)
• [ ] Vaccination certificates (if needed)
• [ ] Travel insurance (covering adventure activities)
• [ ] ID card
• [ ] Credit/debit cards
• [ ] Foreign currency (in small denominations)
• [ ] Driver’s license (if renting a vehicle)
• [ ] Travel itinerary (flexible but detailed)
• [ ] Emergency contact information
• [ ] Copies of important documents (passport, ID, insurance)
• [ ] Backup credit card (stored separately)
• [ ] Student ID (for discounts, if applicable)

Electronics

• [ ] Phone and charger
• [ ] Portable power bank (with multiple charges)
• [ ] Lightweight camera (or phone with a good camera)
• [ ] Camera charger/battery
• [ ] Memory card (with sufficient storage)
• [ ] Universal travel adapter
• [ ] GPS device/map app on phone (offline maps recommended)
• [ ] SIM card (for international travel)
• [ ] Multi-tool (with knife, scissors, etc.)
• [ ] Small flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• [ ] Bluetooth speaker (compact, waterproof)
• [ ] E-reader or tablet (for books and entertainment)
• [ ] Travel lock (for hostel lockers)

Health & Personal Care

• [ ] Prescription medications (enough for the entire trip)
• [ ] Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers)
• [ ] Prescription glasses/sunglasses (with a case)
• [ ] Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
• [ ] Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• [ ] Shampoo/conditioner (solid or travel-sized liquid)
• [ ] Razor (compact or disposable)
• [ ] Lightweight hairbrush/comb
• [ ] Deodorant (travel-sized, eco-friendly if possible)
• [ ] Sunscreen (high SPF, compact size)
• [ ] Insect repellent (especially for tropical destinations)
• [ ] Hand sanitizer (small, refillable)
• [ ] Face masks (reusable or disposable)
• [ ] Earplugs (for noisy environments)
• [ ] Lightweight travel towel (quick-drying)
• [ ] Wet wipes (multipurpose)
• [ ] Tissues (small packs)
• [ ] Lip balm (with SPF)
• [ ] Face moisturizer (compact size)
• [ ] Nail clippers (small, fold-able)
• [ ] Tweezers
• [ ] Hair ties and bobby pins (for those with longer hair)

Clothing & Accessories

• [ ] Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
• [ ] Flip-flops or sandals (for showers and casual wear)
• [ ] Lightweight, moisture-wicking socks
• [ ] Underwear (quick-drying)
• [ ] Sleepwear (lightweight and comfortable)
• [ ] Swimsuit (packable and quick-drying)
• [ ] Hat/cap (for sun protection)
• [ ] Lightweight jacket (waterproof and windproof)
• [ ] Packable rain poncho
• [ ] Scarf or bandana (multipurpose)
• [ ] Belt (lightweight and secure)
• [ ] Gloves (if traveling to cold climates)
• [ ] Multi-functional clothing (e.g., zip-off pants, layers)
• [ ] Travel-friendly clothing (easy to wash, quick-drying)
• [ ] Small, packable day pack (for day trips and essentials)

Luggage & Packing Aids

• [ ] Durable, lightweight backpack (with rain cover)
• [ ] Lock for backpack zippers
• [ ] Luggage tags (with waterproof information card)
• [ ] Packing cubes (for organization)
• [ ] Compression bags (to save space)
• [ ] Laundry detergent sheets or soap (compact and eco-friendly)
• [ ] Sewing kit (compact, travel-sized)
• [ ] Zip lock bags (for wet clothes, electronics)
• [ ] Reusable shopping bag (fold-able, lightweight)
• [ ] Reusable water bottle (collapsible or stainless steel)
• [ ] Reusable straw or utensil set (eco-friendly)
• [ ] Travel clothesline (compact, no clothespins needed)
• [ ] Lightweight, portable sleeping bag or liner (for hostels or camping)
• [ ] Mosquito net (if traveling to areas with high mosquito activity)

Comfort & Entertainment

• [ ] Lightweight travel pillow (inflatable or compressible)
• [ ] Reading material (e-books or lightweight physical books)
• [ ] Travel journal (compact with pen)
• [ ] Notebook (for travel notes, ideas, or contacts)
• [ ] Small games/cards (compact and portable)
• [ ] Handheld fan (battery-operated, compact)
• [ ] Snacks (lightweight, non-perishable)
• [ ] Travel guidebook (digital or compact physical version)
• [ ] Fold-able sunshade or tarp (for outdoor use)
• [ ] Small sewing kit (for quick repairs)

Travel Safety & Extras

• [ ] Emergency whistle (compact and easy to carry)
• [ ] Safety pins (multipurpose)
• [ ] Lightweight travel-safe money belt or neck wallet
• [ ] Guidebook/maps (offline versions recommended)
• [ ] Language phrasebook (small, pocket-sized)
• [ ] Waterproof watch (durable and reliable)
• [ ] Travel insurance card
• [ ] Copies of travel tickets (printed and digital backups)
• [ ] Emergency cash stash (in multiple currencies)
• [ ] Adapter plugs (for different countries)

Special Items

• [ ] Camera equipment (extra lenses, tripod, etc.)
• [ ] Adventure gear (climbing shoes, trekking poles, etc.)
• [ ] Trip-specific clothing (e.g., cold-weather gear, hiking boots)
• [ ] Portable water filter or purification tablets (for remote areas)
• [ ] Lightweight hammock (for camping or relaxing)
• [ ] Small cookware set (for self-catering or camping)

The backpackers travel checklist was designed to help jog your memory so you don’t get there without the things you really need.

Enjoy!