Top 10 Travel Essentials - for Backpackers and Digital Nomads
If you are someone who travels often, or are planning to do a whole lotta travelling, then I hope you can derive some inspiration from this list. In my opinion, it’s so important to invest in high quality, practical items and equipment that you love and will actually last. I myself am always looking for ways to make my travels more efficient and less stressful. Upgrading my gear is certainly one way to achieve that.
In this article, I’ve listed my top ten travel items and also included links to where you can find them in specific countries. However, these recommendations are not always consistent due to variances in supply between countries. My biggest tip is to always do your own product research and identify which aspects are most important to you.
1. Carry on backpacks
What to look for in Carry On luggage & backpacks?
Roughly 35-40L is the maximum capacity allowed as Carry-On for most airlines, depending on the dimensions of your carry-on, so you’ll definitely want to utilise as much space as you’re allowed.
Backpacks with compartments help make organisation a breeze and the ability to zip up the back straps help keep it safe from airport security conveyor belts.
DIGITAL NOMAD 35L
This multi-compartment backpack has thought of everything for those travelling as Digital Nomads. It fits a surprising amount in the most efficient way possible and I love how the back straps can zip up, so you can stow it away neat and tidy. The different compartments help me to de-clutter my chaos and organises my most important items. It’s almost impossible to create chaos in this perfectly organised backpack.
By far my favourite part about this backpack is it’s multi functionality: I use it as my carry-on when I fly, it’s also my essential road trip bag, my go-to for city travelling, it also fits everything I need for a week long solo travel, and even backs up as a day pack for short hikes. In my opinion, this is the most practical and versatile carry-on travel backpack I’ve ever had. Perfect for those who have a varied style of travelling :)
You can view the backpack here: Digital Nomad 35L
Source: The Outdoor Shop
OSPREY 40L
My brother actually uses this bag as his carry-on and he’s done quite a few solo week-long travels just with this backpack! It’s very high quality, very comfortable to travel with and also fits in a surprising amount of things. I really liked the fact that it comes with a side strap too, so you have the option of turning it into a duffel bag. The back straps also zip up close for more efficient and safer storage.
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
Wish List: OSPREY TRANSPORTER 40L
Osprey will always be one of my favourite outdoor brands and I love the concept of this lightweight compressible backpack, especially its ability to be stored away in a mini satchel size. It’s like a reusable shopping bag on steroids! Multi functionality, multi compartments… definitely wish list worthy!
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
2. Larger Backpacks for long trips & hiking
What to look for in larger Check-in or Hiking Backpacks?
Multiple compartments certainly do help, but this can easily be overcome by the aid of packing cubes (which is next on the list). Lightweight is important and the ability to ‘add-on’ extras (eg. tent) can also come in handy.
The straps have to be comfortable and the overall design should support your body and posture. Don’t cheap out on this because lower quality designs can have a very detrimental effect on your body if you’re planning to carry it around for extended periods.
OSPREY 90L + 15L
This bag has been with me for a few years now and still in excellent condition. The little 15L additional backpack is actually what I use most often as my day pack and as my additional Carry-on Laptop bag. For 15L, you would be surprised how much you can fit in there!
The back straps of the 90L can be perfectly zipped up. It offers a few different compartments, and has the ability to attach larger items on the outside if you need (eg. tent). I’ve taken it hiking before, but it’s best for backpacking adventures, not so much hiking.
Unfortunately it looks like they’ve discontinued the model. So here are some recommendations based on a similar upgraded style - with the ability to wheel it + convert to a backpack when you need! Bonus!
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
Wish List: OSPREY 65L
Ever since my designated hiking bag got damaged, this has been on my wish list. If I’m going to invest in a hiking bag, then it’s going to be a really good quality one that supports my body and posture - not degrade it. I’m in love with this model and look forward to adding this to my collection! :)
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
3. Packing Cubes
There are so many packing cubes out there to choose from. Some are can even be further compressed so that it saves you even more room! So genius! I use these to organise my packing and separate my clean clothes from dirty ones, tops from bottoms, socks and undies, etc.
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
4. Power Banks
What to look for in Power Banks:
Ideally they should have at least 4 full charges for a smartphone. Bonus if they are waterproof and can be solar charged like the one below. I have a few, most of them double up as a torch light or lamp, some have solar charging capabilities and can be attached with carabiners to your tent.
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
5. World Wide Adaptor
What to look for in International Adaptors?
These all-in-one universal adaptors should be compatible with the following countries/regions: UK, USA, NZ/AUS, EUROPE, ASIA.
Most come with additional USB slots so you charge multiple things at once. Ideally they should be compact and retractable so it’s easy to travel with. Bonus if it comes with a travel pouch!
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
6. Compressible Pillow
What to look for in travel pillows:
There are so many different styles of travel pillows, but I think it’s important to find one that’s light and transportable. Preferably inflatable so you can compress it down, thus taking up less room and weight.
I take mine everywhere and sleep in cars, planes, airports, tents and outdoor huts… you name it! Since I use it so often, it’s important that the material is comfortable too and I love the travel pillows by Cocoon.
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
7. Micro Fibre Towels
What to look for in Travel Towels:
Micro Fibre Towels tend to be quite lightweight and compressible already, so the only thing you should look out for is the size dimension - make sure it’s large enough to wrap around your body! There are many good ones out there, but always scan through the reviews just to double check!
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
8. Lightweight Sleeping Bag
What to look for in Sleeping Bags?
Weight: the weight difference can differ hugely. Ideally, I only shortlist the ones that are under 1.5kg - I don’t want to be carrying unnecessary excess weight.
Warmth: since I do occasionally camp in sub-zero temperatures, I look for those that have a comfort temperature of below 0 Celsius. Ideally, the sleeping bag should be for 3 seasons. If you’re going to do winter camping, then I’d recommend investing in 4 season ones.
Compressibility: must be able to compress into a small but powerful little bundle. Another thing I often can’t afford (apart from weight) is space.
Keep these three important traits in mind when looking for a good sleeping bag.
You can view some good ones here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
9. Drink Bottles
Drink bottles save you having to buy plastic bottles and most places will let you refill for free - which also saves you money on water.
In countries where clean water is a luxury (eg. in Asia), there are filtered bottles like the GRAYL Bottle, which basically filters out 99% of bacteria and chemicals, turning almost any source of water into drinkable water. I don’t yet have one of these, but it’s on my Wish List.
Wish List: GRAYL FILTER BOTTLE
Absolutely genius concept! The filtration system in this bottle allows you to filter out 99% of bacteria and chemicals, meaning you can drink from streams and rivers much more safely. The only reason I haven’t got one yet is because I have a tendency to misplace my drink bottles… so gotta work on that before I invest in such an expensive drink bottle!
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
10. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Why you should travel with your own cutlery set:
Is the incentive of saving our planet from plastic waste overrun not already enough? The thought of never having to use plastic cutlery is so liberating. Even if it’s compostable cutlery from a cafe, that’s just unnecessary waste going to the landfill, which could have been prevented.
It saves you money because some places charge you to use plastic cutlery.
Also cheapest DIY ever! You don’t even need to ‘buy’ a set. Just take a cloth and wrap up a fork, knife and spoon. Take it with you everywhere you go… and voila.
I always use my own set of stainless steel cutlery on planes, and always refuse plastic cutlery when getting takeaway because it’s just so unnecessary and I have my own.
My Tip:
Have more than one set of cutlery stashed in the different bags you use most.
Keep extras for your family and friends.
eg. I have 1 set in my large backpack and 2-3 sets in my day pack: the extras also account for other people, so if I’m getting takeaway with family or friends, I can offer them my extra set - saving unnecessary plastic waste.
You can view it here by clicking on the country you’re closest to:
- Australia
- Germany
- USA
- UK
Conclusion
My travel gear and equipment are constantly being upgraded to allow myself to travel even more efficiently. This list may change and be updated over time, but I hope this gives you a good idea of some of the travel essentials and what to look for when shopping for travel items!
What’s on your Wishlist? If you have any awesome recommendations on practical or sustainable travel products, I’d love to hear them in the comments section below!
Collaboration & Affiliate Links:
This article was done in collaboration with The Outdoorers who kindly provided me the opportunity to travel with their Digital Nomad 35L Backpack. However, despite the co-operation, my recommendations and words are all my own. Affiliate links have also been used in this article to share the products that I truly stand by. If you make a purchase via these links, then I will derive a small commission from the company - and it has no effect on the final cost for you. Thank you for your support! :)
