Our recommended travel essentials

Water Purification System

Why It's Essential:

Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental need while backpacking. In many countries, tap water isn't safe to drink, and bottled water can be expensive and environmentally harmful. A good water purifier ensures you stay hydrated while avoiding illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea, giardia, or E. coli contamination.

Recommended Product:

✅ Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Lightweight (2.3 oz), easy to use, and filters up to 1,000 liters of water. No need for pumping or chemicals—just fill and squeeze.

• Cost: ~$45 (affordable for long-term travel)

• Value for money: 9/10—Cheaper and more sustainable than buying bottled water.

Problems Without One:

❌ Increased costs of buying bottled water
❌ Plastic waste accumulation
❌ Risk of dehydration or waterborne diseases

Best Trips for This Item:

🌍 Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, and remote hiking/camping trips where tap water isn’t always safe.

Lightweight Sleeping Bag or Travel Sheet

Why It's Essential:

Not all accommodations provide clean bedding, and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. A lightweight sleeping bag or silk travel sheet adds warmth, cleanliness, and comfort while keeping your pack light.

Recommended Product:

✅ Sea to Summit Traveller TrI Sleeping Bag – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Weighs just 1 lb, packs super small, and is warm enough for mild conditions. It also doubles as a blanket.

• Cost: ~$170 (mid-range but long-lasting)

• Value for money: 8/10—Expensive but durable and versatile.

✅ ALPS Mountaineering Microfiber Mummy Sleeping Bag Liner (budget option) – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Adds warmth, fits into hostel beds, and is washable.

• Cost: ~$40

• Value for money: 9/10—Affordable, lightweight, and useful.

Problems Without One:

❌ Risk of bedbugs in low-budget accommodations
❌ Uncomfortable, cold nights
❌ No extra layer of protection in questionable bedding

Best Trips for This Item:

🏕️ Backpacking in hostels, trekking in the Himalayas, or sleeping in night buses or cheap guesthouses.

First Aid Kit

Why It's Essential:

Backpacking often involves hiking, street food, and unpredictable situations. A well-stocked first aid kit helps treat cuts, infections, stomach issues, and minor injuries without needing immediate access to a pharmacy.

Recommended Product:

✅ Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Waterproof bag, ultra-light (6 oz), and contains bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, and medications for common ailments.

• Cost: ~$30

• Value for money: 10/10—Compact, affordable, and could save your trip.

Problems Without One:

❌ Infections from untreated cuts
❌ Severe discomfort from food poisoning or dehydration
❌ Lack of pain relief for headaches, muscle aches, or fever

Best Trips for This Item:

🚑 Anywhere! Especially in remote areas, long hikes, or regions with different food hygiene standards.

Universal Travel Adapter & Power Bank

Why It's Essential:

Different countries have different plug types, and long travel days can drain your phone battery when you need it most. A universal adapter and a reliable power bank keep your devices charged for maps, translations, and emergency calls.

Recommended Products:

✅ EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Works in 150+ countries, has USB-C and USB-A ports, and includes a built-in fuse for safety.

• Cost: ~$22

• Value for money: 9/10—Covers almost all destinations.

✅ Anker PowerCore 20000mAh Power Bank – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Can charge a phone 5-6 times, fast-charging, and compact.

• Cost: ~$50

• Value for money: 10/10—A lifesaver on long bus rides and treks.

Problems Without One:

❌ Dead phone = No maps, no Google Translate, no emergency contacts
❌ Can’t charge devices in countries with different plug types
❌ Expensive to buy last-minute adapters at airports

Best Trips for This Item:

🔌 Everywhere, especially long backpacking trips or remote areas with limited electricity.

Quick-Dry Microfibre Towel

Why It's Essential:

Regular towels take forever to dry, get musty, and take up too much space. A microfiber towel is lightweight, fast-drying, and compact.

Recommended Product:

✅ Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Quick-dry, compact, and doesn’t get smelly like cotton towels.

• Cost: ~$16

• Value for money: 10/10—Essential for hostels, beaches, and hikes.

Problems Without One:

❌ Wet, bulky towels in your backpack
❌ Can’t dry off properly after showers or swimming
❌ Need to rent towels at hostels ($2-$5 per rental adds up!)

Best Trips for This Item:

🏝️ Beach destinations, camping, hostel stays, and adventure travel.

Money Belt / Hidden Pouch

Why It's Essential:

Pickpocketing is a huge risk in touristy areas. A money belt hides cash, cards, and your passport securely under clothing.

Recommended Product:

✅ Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Secret Pocket – Check on Amazon

• Why it's great: Lightweight, discreet, and RFID-blocking for extra security.

• Cost: ~$18

• Value for money: 9/10—Prevents theft, which could ruin your trip.

Problems Without One:

❌ Risk of pickpocketing in busy markets, buses, or metro systems
❌ Losing all cash/cards at once can leave you stranded
❌ Uncomfortable carrying valuables in regular pockets

Best Trips for This Item:

💰 Big cities with high pickpocket rates (e.g., Bangkok, Barcelona, Mexico City).