Bella’s Best Backpacking Buys. All in one Place.
From the must-haves, like THE backpack (and other boring bits) to the nice-to-haves, like a shower filter. I know the list of what you need can seem long and confusing, but, I am laying it all bare on what to buy and making sure that you have all the best bits
Let’s get shopping!
The Backpack
The Backpack
Fairview 70l
£200 | Osprey Europe
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I might be a little biased because I used to on my 4.5 month trip, but I think this is the ultimate backpack. It lasted incredibly being battered about endless buses and planes, Osprey is a phenomenal brand of quality.
The clip-on day pack is a game changer, leaving your front free. The size is perfect too, there's enough space to fit in all you could want to take plus your souvenirs, but it isn't so huge that you will overpack and it is too heavy.
Sojourn 80l
£296 | Osprey Europe
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A friend of mine used this bag on our trip. Functioning like both a suitcase and a backpack this bag will last you FOREVER. The straps are hidden away in a zip up pocket that can pop out at a moments notice.
Although it is defo on the pricier side, the double function means double the usage of a regular backpack.
I’m a big fan of an Osprey bag - the quality is worth every penny.
Traveller 80L
£80.99 | Mountain Warehouse
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Similar to the Osprey Fairview 70L rucksack, the connected day-pack and main bag is a game changer. This bag is on a very different budget though.
Mountain warehouse is a well-loved high-street outdoors brand. This is a great option too, but such a large bag could get VERY heavy.
Remember, you are also paying for the quality of the bag too, and a full broken rucksack is not going to be good.
Must-Haves
Must-Haves
TECH
£21.49 | TESSAN
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If you are going to a few different countries on your trip, you are going to need a few different adaptors, righ? WRONG! This universal adaptor has it all rolled into one, and multiple sockets for different leads, so you will also save space by not taking lots of different plugs.
Space really is the name of the game. Sometimes, I wish I could use mine back home..
A little bit about e-sims
E-SIMs make travel a breeze. They take less than 5 mins to download and you are instantly connect to a local network. Skip the fiddly SIM swaps or getting ripped off by tourist cards. You can also top-up your plan at the touch of a button.
I used Airalo and Nomad and loved how hassle-free it was.
Sometimes, upgrading your regular plan can work too.
Vanity
..Hanging Washbag..
£15.99 | Narwey
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Putting a washbag down on the hostel bathroom floor is a big no-no; it’s could be a wet room and its probably a little dirty. Popping your washbag on the hook is perfect.
P.S. there are lots of colours to chose from
Travel
.…..FOOT Hammock......
£9.99 | KAVAVO
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Long haul flights in economy aren’t the comfiest, but they are the most cost efficient way to start your trip.
This thin, light, fold up foot hammock makes sleeping on these long journeys MUCH easier.
I know it sounds silly, but trust me its a life saver so you don’t get off that plane totally knackered.
Wire Padlocks
£6.62 (were £9.97) | Brillirare
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Staying in a hostel means sharing a room with strangers, so it is always best to be able to lock your bag or cupboard, these fit on everything.
£13.49 | GOPPUS
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Australia, South East Asia and many other popular backpacking countries are supe hot, you know what is great in that situation? COLD WATER!
A metal water bottle is exactly what you need.
Health
£12.99 (was £17.99) | Anker
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Nothing could be worse than your phone dying on a long travel day or mid site-seeing. Having a power bank on hand means this won’t happen to you!
Anker sell the best power banks, they are super durable and provide at least two full phone charges before needing to recharge the bank.
£18.69 (£21.99) | Lumesner
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Prone to overpacking? Not an issue here!
Throw all your clothes in the cube, do up the compression zip and more space suddenly appears. A total life saver.
AirTag
£28 (was £35) | Apple
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Popping an AirTag in your backpack, wallet, day bag, or passport holder gives your piece of mind 24/7.
Whether your on the bus, and just want to check it hasn’t accidentally been taken off at the last stop, our you think you have dropped your wallet.
£24.99 | Dock & Bay
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Microfiber towels fold up super small, so maximise the space you have.They are really quick drying too.
I would recommend getting two (of different colours); one for the shower and one for the beach.
Backpacker’s Tip: make sure you wash it once before you use it so it is as absorbent as possible
For a more budget friendly microfiber towel, CLICK HERE
…….travel Pillow…….
£24.39 | PATIKIL
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My next hack for a long journey is a memory foam neck pillow to sleep against.
This one with a removable silk cover is perfect; you can wash it like clothes and the silk is great for your hair and skin (it’s a win-win)
£15.98 | INNKGLE
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Keeping all of your documents in one place means that you avoid any BIG mistakes.
Keep a copy of your insurance documents, passport and any health docs inside, along with a spare phone. When its a travel day, pop in your passport and boarding pass too!
….…..SILK EYE Mask…..…...
£15.99 | OLESILK
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Australia, South East Asia and many other popular backpacking countries are supe hot, you know what is great in that situation? COLD WATER!
A metal water bottle is exactly what you need.
.…/ Electrolytes …..
£8.95 | Vidrate
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The Vidrate electolytes replenish your salts and give you an extra boost of hydration with the perfect balance of flavour too. They are super affordable too. The variety pack is great to get to know your favourite flavour, but my fav is tropical, or strawberry and lime!
£13.49 | Free Soul
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When you’re travelling it’s important to get all of your vitamins in but in a quick and convenient way. Especially, in a way that doesn’t take up alot of space in your backpack.
These greens pack in 21 essential greens full of adaptogens and fiber. I take these every day without fail and it really is the best way to get in all your vitamins. Personally, the mango flavour is the best (and easiest to drink)
..…. Tinted SPF 50 ……
£15.98 | Bondi Sands
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The sun’s strength in Australia and South East Asia is no joke, it is STRONG. So, and SPF 50 on your face is a must! I love this Bondi Sands tinted SPF for everyday use whilst away to feel a little but more put together in the day time.
Tinted eyelashes also help with this and are so easy to do in a hostel bathroom. I use brown eyebrow dye as it is more natural and lasts so much longer.