A summer’s backpacking is what gap year dreams are made of. In an ideal world, freshly rendered bamboo tattoos steal you admiring glances on the beach, unprecedented dreadlocks and a ukulele mark you out as someone to invite to each and every bonfire party, and your brand new backpack holds up for the duration of your trip.
The reality is somewhat different. Locals giggle at the rude word forever etched on your arm. Head lice and an out of tune Hotel California have you ostracised. But if you’re happy that’s all that matters and however things turn out, that bag of yours remains sturdy and strong. You’ll still need some extras though, to make your trip run smoothly. With that in mind, here are 9 travel accessories that make backpacking so much easier.
Tags
Perhaps the most demoralising thing to befall a trip is lost luggage. If the whole essence of your trip relies on carrying your gear on your back, then the impact on your adventure can be tenfold. Tags, then, are a must. Sturdy ones, which will tear off when thrown into a rickshaw, or lose their ink in a monsoon. You know it makes sense.
A Waterproof Cover
Did someone say monsoon? If you’re backpacking, the destination is likely to be tropical and the weather erratic. All eventualities should be covered, including your backpack. You’re sure to be, at some point, trudging, deflated, when rain strikes. A simple waterproof cover will save the day – the trip even – and is a far safer bet than a hastily assembled protection unit made from bin bags or a poncho. And if you should go on a boat trip down the Mekong or down some other turbulent river, knowing your belongings are safe and dry if your boat capsizes will take a load off your mind.
Read: 8 packing tips that will make preparing for your holiday so much easier
A Water Reservoir
On the flipside, those hot, humid days of heavy hangovers and dehydration need accounting for, too. A water reservoir – also known as a hydration pack – is good idea (and cost efficient as well) for keeping your h2o at a good level. What’s one of those, you ask? Well, they’re a pouch which you fill with water (or a stronger tipple, if that’s your thing), stuff in your bag and sup on from time to time the reservoir’s tube system. There’s often a designated space for one in your backpack.
Chest Straps
Your back can undergo a fair amount of burden and strain when on the road. A daily massage, however ubiquitous they may be on many of the preferred backpacking trails, isn’t going to be great for your budget. Chest straps are far better investment, providing additional support for your back and making a longer trek more physically manageable.
A Backpack Organiser
We all know what it’s like; digging deep for a charger, unpacking the whole bag for a pair of knickers, losing stuff and finding it again when you’re in another continent. Mary Poppins, eat your heart out. A backpack organiser – essentially an efficient way to compartmentalise your bag – will save you time packing, unpacking and searching for fundamentals.
Custom Pins
Let’s be honest – half of backpacking is about collecting memories, and the other half is showing off that you’ve collected them. With custom pins, you’ve got the perfect way to personalise your pack whilst simultaneously broadcasting your adventures.
Whether it’s that dive shop in Tulum, the hostel in Hanoi where you met your travel soulmate, or simply a cheeky inside joke from that wild night in Bangkok, pins transform your backpack into a travelling scrapbook. Plus, they’re brilliant conversation starters when you’re awkwardly hovering around a hostel common room.
A Decent Padlock (Or Two)
Nothing kills the backpacker vibe quite like having your valuables nicked from a hostel locker. A sturdy padlock is your best mate when it comes to securing your belongings in shared accommodation. Get a combination one – keys have an annoying habit of disappearing after your third Chang beer. Better yet, grab a cable lock too for those times when you need to secure your bag to a bunk bed or luggage rack on an overnight train. Peace of mind for the price of a few pints? Bargain.
Carabiner Clips
These little heroes are the Swiss Army knife of backpack accessories. Need to hang wet swimmers off your pack? Carabiner. Want to clip your water bottle where you can actually reach it? Carabiner. Desperate to attach that souvenir ukulele you bought but now regret? Well, you get the idea. They’re cheap, lightweight, and infinitely useful – everything a backpacker accessory should be.
A Portable Washing Line
Unless you’re planning to fund the local laundry economy single-handedly, you’ll need a way to dry your smalls. A portable washing line takes up virtually no space but saves you from draping your knickers over hostel furniture like some sort of underwear art installation. The twisted elastic variety works brilliantly – no pegs required, and it’ll stretch between any two points. Your dorm mates will thank you for not turning the room into a drying rack.
The Bottom Line
Backpacking is one of those brilliant adventures that shapes who you are, even when things don’t go exactly to plan. Yes, there’ll be challenges – unexpected downpours, a bout of food poisoning, and the occasional lost sock – but that’s all part of the experience.
With these nine accessories in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the road throws at you. From keeping your gear dry in a tropical storm to staying hydrated on those scorching beach days, these simple additions make all the difference between a stressful slog and the trip of a lifetime. So pack smart, travel light, embrace the chaos, and get ready for the adventure you’ll be boring people with stories about for years to come.
