Backpackers need gear that is lightweight yet functional. From compact travel day packs that easily fit in your bag to inflatable neck pillows designed for comfort on long bus rides or flights, the right backpacking tools enhance budget travel significantly.
When staying at hostels or shared accommodations, luggage locks are essential for security; they also safeguard your belongings on trains, buses, and planes. Additionally, a rain cover is a must-have for lengthy global travel adventures.
- Lifestraw Go Water Bottle
Both travelers and hikers will value this reusable water bottle featuring filtering technology. Its 2-stage filter eliminates bacteria, parasites, microplastics, odors, and organic chemicals while enhancing taste!
Ideal for camping, backcountry hiking, and international trips to remote locations, this bottle allows you to collect water from ponds, streams, or rivers; its internal filter takes care of the rest! Unlike the Sawyer Water Filter that requires an extra pouch, this model is fully self-contained, with a single cap that twists off for easy refilling. Plus, its ergonomic grip makes it perfect for hiking or camping with children!
- Luggage Lock
After a year of COVID-19 restrictions, it’s exciting to get back to trip planning—luggage locks are a key part of that plan!
These affordable travel locks add an extra layer of security during your journey and when you arrive at your destination. Made from robust alloy metal and steel, these locks feature an alert indicator that activates if someone tries to tamper with them during TSA checks. This two-pack is unique thanks to its long, slim shackle cable, which fits more easily through some suitcase zippers compared to traditional thick designs. TSA approved, these locks can also secure other items like backpacks or gym lockers with their key card function, which easily fits in your wallet, eliminating the risk of losing keys!
- Portable Umbrella
A backpacking trip calls for an umbrella to keep you dry. Opt for a compact umbrella that easily folds into your carry-on or purse for convenience.
Choose travel umbrellas with rubberized handles for a comfortable grip that won’t slip when wet. These umbrellas tend to be more durable than plastic handles in wet conditions, enhancing usability. Look for a compact model that opens and closes at the touch of a button—options like Totes Auto Open Wooden and Blunt Metro score high for ease of use, though they require a bit more effort to close than fully automatic models like the G4Free or Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrellas.
- Inflatable Neck Pillow
The Trtl travel pillow offers a unique design compared to traditional U-shaped pillows, resembling a plush scarf that provides multiple support positions for your neck and back. Its flat back prevents your chin from resting on your chest–an issue commonly faced with thicker travel pillows.
This memory foam neck pillow perfectly conforms to the shape of your chin and neck for optimal sleeping comfort. Its lightweight design easily compresses into a carrying pouch for convenient transport and includes a quick twist-lock inflation nozzle for fast setup.
Stuffable travel pillows save space on backpacking or weekend trips while still being comfortable enough for sleeping during flights. Additionally, this compact option can serve as a sneaky way to bring extra clothing along.
- Universal Airplane in Flight Mount
Using your phone on a flight while craning your neck can result in stiffness and pain. The Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Mount solves this issue by clipping onto your seat back or tray table, freeing your hands for comfortable viewing during movies or videos. With its lightweight design and 360-degree adjustable viewing angle, it’s significantly smaller than alternatives like the Nite Ize QuikStand or JOBY GripTight One Micro Stand!
- Kindle E-Reader
Kindle e-readers are excellent for backpackers due to their lightweight and portability; they can hold thousands of comics, novels, and audiobooks, ensuring you always have reading material during your vacation or long hikes. This year’s model features USB-C support and has an internal battery that lasts up to 10 weeks.
While it lacks the advanced features of its pricier counterpart, such as adjustable lighting or built-in dark mode, its display and 16GB storage allow for ample book storage while priced under $150, making it a great budget option for travelers.
- Cool Backpacking Gadgets
Having the right gear and accessories can enhance your hiking or backpacking experience, allowing you to concentrate on your physical or navigational objectives effectively. Invest in high-quality accessories whenever possible to maximize outdoor comfort and prevent minor issues that hinder your journey.
Headlamps with LED technology and rechargeable lithium batteries provide excellent illumination and are ideal backpacking gadgets. Smartwatches from brands like Garmin remain favored choices in the backcountry.
Lightweight satellite communicators, like the Garmin InReach Mini, are invaluable when hiking alone in unfamiliar areas without cell service, enabling SOS messaging, two-way texts, and basic GPS positioning in emergencies.
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