This hostel items list will ensure you have an awesome trip

Staying in hostels is wonderful for so many reasons. They allow you to travel cheaply, are in awesome locations, and best of all, you get to meet other travelers from all over the world.

I’ve made many close friends at hostels that I still keep in touch with to this day. In fact, I even went to the wedding of a friend I met at a hostel!

All that being said, if you don’t have the right gear, staying in hostels can be very uncomfortable. So to make sure you pack everything you need, I’ve compiled this comprehensive hostel items list of must-have hostel essentials after years of experience backpacking around the globe, and through a lot of trial and error.

When I set out on my first solo backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, I had absolutely no idea how to pack for it. I’d never stayed in a hostel before, and I was panicked that I would forget something important that I wouldn’t be able to buy abroad. So I went completely overboard!

I bought all sorts of things that I never used, and I ended up wasting a lot of money and throwing a bunch of stuff out. I learned from my mistakes so you don’t have to. This battle-tested hostel packing list includes everything you will need for your next hosteling adventure, and nothing that you won’t.

Happy travels!!

Pro tip: I highly recommend booking your stays on Hostelworld to find the best hostels around the world. They require a low deposit and have easy change/cancellation policies, which is perfect when you make new friends and decide to change your plans at the last minute!

HERE IS MY CURATED MUST-HAVE HOSTEL ITEMS LIST:

hosteL ESSENTIALS

It’s hard to narrow everything down into a list of the absolute essentials, but I managed to do it. These are the hostel essentials that I bring with me on every backpacking trip, from the jungles of Peru to the beaches in Cambodia. They are tried and true, and have never failed me.

It’s worth investing in quality gear because this stuff will last you for years. And as with everything else in life, you get what you pay for.

Backpack - The #1 item any backpacker needs is an excellent backpack! This is the one item that you shouldn’t skimp on because the quality of your backpack will affect every aspect of your trip. Getting one with good support will protect your back and shoulders. I love Osprey, particularly this style for men and for women.
Daypack - You’ll carry your large backpack as you move around from hostel to hostel, and city to city. But when you are out sightseeing and doing day trips, you’ll need a daypack so you can leave your large, heavy backpack at your hostel. Getting a bag with theft protection is important. This is an excellent pack, and this one comes with a built-in lock.
Packing Cubes - This is one of the best investments a budget traveler can make. They may seem superfluous at first glance, but when you are carrying around a 40-pound backpack and need to keep your belongings organized so you can easily access things without having to dig around, these are phenomenally helpful. I’m still using the same ones I bought over a decade ago, so they last a long time. I recommend traveling light with a 4-pack, but get a 6-pack if you have more stuff.
Quick-Dry Towel - 99% of hostels don’t provide towels, so you have to bring your own. This towel is lightweight, doesn’t take up much space, dries super fast, and comes in multiple colors and sizes. And you can use them as yoga and camping towels too, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth! I have one large one for my body, and one small one that I use as a hand or hair towel. If you have long hair like me, I also highly recommend this hair wrap towel.
Sleeping Bag Liner - This hostel essential is worth.every.penny. I really can’t emphasize enough how valuable this is for backpackers - it has has saved me SO many times. Whether you find yourself sleeping in questionable sheets, on dirty train/bus seats, or need protection from insects, this thing will keep a protective layer between you and anything you don’t want to touch. I splurged for this luxurious silk one which makes me feel like I’m staying in a 5-star hotel no matter where I am, but this basic one will do the job too.
Earplugs - Sharing a room with others in hostels means that you can hear them partying, snoring, and just about everything else! It’s important to pack a quality pair of earplugs so you can get your shut-eye.
Sleeping Eye Mask - A sleeping mask comes in handy when people wake you in the middle of the night by turning on the room lights or using flashlights. You can also use this on plane/bus/train rides or any time you need a nap.
Neck Pillow - A neck pillow is priceless during long commutes and when you don’t trust hostel pillows.
Filtered Water Bottle - This is way cheaper and better for the planet than buying plastic bottles. Make sure you always have safe drinking water no matter where you are.
Swiss Army Knife - This is a useful tool to have around for all kinds of scenarios.
Caribiner Clips - These are great for attaching your shoes, water bottle, or anything else to the outside of your backpack.
Journal - My travel journals are some of the most valuable possessions I own. Sometimes I forget what a badass I am when I’m back home, but reading through my journals reminds me.
Guidebook - Having a physical guidebook for your destination is crucial for when internet connectivity is spotty. The best and only guidebooks I ever buy are Lonely Planet.

This is the smile of a woman who is packed appropriately and ready to go!

TRAVEL TECH & GADGETS

In my experience, having the right technology can make or break a trip. These gadgets are my mainstays to make sure I stay connected, can communicate with loved ones back home, beat boredom, and be prepared for any curveballs that come up. They go with me on every trip!

Power Bank - You’ll need a power bank for flights/trains/bus rides and for long days spent touring around. I’ve stayed in hostels where the power outlets were all being used or weren’t working at all, so having this was a life saver. You can use it to charge your phone, laptop, camera, headphones, and anything else with a USB cable. (Don’t forget to pack your cables! iPhone cable here and Android cable here). This power bank is good for everyday charging with 3 USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at once, but if you work remotely or need extra power, this one is the deluxe version.
Electric Adapter - I’ve had a handful of adapters go kaput on me, but this Swiss-made one by Skross is the gold standard. It has a sleek design that literally works with every single socket type on the globe and even has a USB port.
Headlamp - You’ll need a headlamp because you’ll be sharing a room with other people and can’t turn on the lights and wake everyone at night. It’s also great when walking unlit dark streets, when hiking, or when the power goes out (which it will if you’re traveling through the third world). This one is great for hostels, but I’d definitely splurge for this one if you’re planning on doing outdoorsy stuff during your trip.
Noise Canceling Headphones - Every packing list for hostel life should include great headphones! They will be crucial to drowning out loud hostel sounds and to beat boredom. My absolute fave headphones are these Bose ones and they come in earbuds too.
Travel Hairdryer - If you have long hair, you know that it can be a hassle and take forever to dry. Beyond helping you look good for all your travel pics, a hairdryer ensures you won’t freeze to death from sleeping with wet hair. I love this dryer because it is lightweight and powerful. (As an added bonus, you can also use it to quickly dry clothes when your laundry hasn’t dried and you need to hop to the next town).
Things to Prevent Boredom - Be sure to download your favorite shows/podcasts/music in advance, pack books or a Kindle/Tablet, and bring any games you like so you don’t get bored on long commutes or when there’s no wi-fi.

Noise cancellation headphones will save you from boredom

MUST-HAVE SAFETY & MEDICAL NECESSITIES

I got robbed the first time I stayed at a hostel and it was devastating. I’ve also ended up in foreign hospitals more than once. And I’ve seen countless backpackers get themselves into precarious situations.

These safety and health must-haves are wise things to pack for hostel life to protect yourself against theft and illness.

Locks - These locks have brought me so much peace of mind. You’ll want a few to lock up your bags and to use for hostel lockers. I recommend combination locks instead of keys so you don’t have to worry about losing the keys.
Bug Spray - Depending on where you’re traveling to, malaria and dengue fever are real concerns. I’ve met travelers who have gotten mosquito-borne illnesses and it’s not fun. I personally don’t want to take malaria pills given all the negative side effects, so I opt for strong DEET repellent to protect me. It is insanely strong and it works. If you prefer a natural spray, they also make a lemon eucalyptus repellent. Bring a couple bottles so you can spray your sheets and mosquito nets for extra protection.
First Aid Kit - I’ve seen fellow backpackers fall off motorbikes and seriously scrape themselves. I have gotten dozens of bug bites that bleed, and needed Band-Aids for blisters on my feet. A first aid kit is handy to have on hand for yourself and for your fellow travelers.
Travel Insurance - Anytime you are going on a trip, get travel insurance. It’s not expensive and you’ll be super glad you did. I got bitten by a street dog in India and had to get 5 rabies shots, and my insurance reimbursed me for all the expenses. I also saw a guy use his insurance to get helicoptered from Laos to Thailand to receive critical medical care. The company I use for all my travels is Safety Wing.
Tummy Meds - If you are traveling around developing countries, stomach issues are inevitable. Pepto and Immodium are lifesavers.
Electrolytes - Airplanes, running around, and breaking from your ordinary routine can cause dehydration, so these tabs will help a ton.

Trying street food like this cuy in Ecuador is part of the fun of traveling - just be sure to have your tummy meds in case of any mishaps

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essential travel TOILETRIEs

Hostels are different from hotels because they don’t provide any frills, and they often have communal bathrooms. Most of the time, they don’t supply soap, shampoo, or any other hygiene necessities. This list is what you’ll need to look and feel your best while on the road.

Toiletry Bag - Having a good toiletry bag that you can hang in the common bathrooms/showers is a game changer. This is a solid option, and this waterproof one is the toiletry bag of my dreams with all the bells and whistles.
Travel Size Bottles - Pack your day-to-day necessities in these because you can’t always find them abroad (I’ve had trouble finding conditioner, floss, and a good moisturizer while traveling). Also, bring along Ziploc bags - they are super useful for keeping things dry and clean.
Multi -Purpose Soap - This is one of the most awesome hostel essentials because this one item does the trick for washing your hair, body, hands, dishes, clothes, and just about anything else. I love Dr. Bronner’s soap, and it comes in liquid or bar form.
Hand Sanitizer - Bring a lot, you’ll use it often. This is my fave brand because the scents are so delightful!
Sun Protection - A lot of common backpacker destinations have brutal heat and sun exposure. Pack reef safe sunscreen and a lip balm with SPF.
Tweezers - I know this sounds extra, but trust me, you’ll be thrilled you brought these when your eyebrows turn into a national forest and there’s no salon in sight.
Pocket Nail Clippers - These come in handy when you get painful hang nails or need to file a chipped nail, and I also bring along nail polish remover pads so I don’t look dissheveled when my mani/pedi starts to chip. Just because you’re backpacking doesn’t mean you can’t look good.
Pocket Hairbrush - Hairbrushes can take up a lot of space, so bringing a mini hairbrush is a huge space saver. Wet brushes are the best because they don’t tug or break hair.
Feminine Products - Plan for the time you’ll be traveling, and bring more than enough hygiene products to keep you covered because they aren’t always easy to find abroad. A lot of female backpackers opt for reusable options like a menstrual cup or reusable pad. I personally am a huge fan of Thinx period underwear!

Travel Tissues/Wipes - Travel tissues are easier to carry than toilet paper (because you will use toilets without any paper) and wet wipes always come in handy.

Don’t forget your essential travel toiletries

TRAVEL CLOTHING MUST-HAVES

One of my favorite travel hacks is to save goodwill clothes for travel. I always have a bag full of items in my closet that I don’t want anymore, so I take them on trips and then donate them to locals when I’m done.

This is great for not caring about stuff getting ruined when you’re traveling to third world countries and staying in hostels. And then you have empty space in your luggage to buy new clothes and souvenirs from local artisans. Win-win!

Also, take a few cloth grocery bags to keep your dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff and to protect your shoes. Beyond that, this travel clothing will have you covered (pun-intended).

Quick Dry Underwear - When staying in hostels, packing less is more. I usually take only 3-5 pairs of undies depending on how long my trip is for, and then wash them everyday. These are amazing because you can wash and dry them in like 30 minutes. Plus, they are super comfy. A handful of pairs are enough to get you through a months-long backpacking trip.
Flip Flop Sandals - These will be your best friend while staying in hostels. You can use them to protect your feet in the public showers, as indoor slippers, and when you head outdoors to places like the beach. Be sure to get durable ones since you’ll be using them all the time and there’s nothing worse than having flip flops break while you’re wearing them. My fave brand of all time (seriously, I own like a dozen pairs) is Reef - they have lots of styles and are available for both men and women.
Sun Hat - If you go to places like Asia, South America, or Africa, the heat can be absolutely unbearable at times, and you will thank yourself for bringing this along.
Scarf/Shawl/Blanket/Sarong - This is one of the most valuable things you can pack for your adventure. It will keep you warm, cover you up in conservative counties, provide privacy, can be a beach blanket or sarong, and has dozens of other uses.
Bandanas - I remember someone recommending bringing bandanas along when I went on my first long solo trip through Asia, and I didn’t understand why. By the end of my trip, I kept one around my neck or in my bag everywhere I went. A bandana will protect you from pollution, block out odors, wipe off sweat, keep you from swallowing airborne objects, and a bunch of other random things. Take a few of these with you for sure.
Leggings - I take 2-3 pairs of leggings on literally every single trip I go on. I use them to stay warm in colder weather, as pajamas, for impromptu yoga sessions, etc. I am obsessed with this brand. They feel like butter and are the most comfortable travel clothes ever. They’re perfection.
Comfy Shoes - Versatile shoes that are comfy and lightweight are key. My go-tos are Tevas because they dry fast, are strong enough for outdoor trekking, and look pretty stylish too. They have tons of styles for men and women.
Rain Protection - Getting caught in rain or a monsoon is the worst. Bring along a rain jacket, poncho, or travel umbrella so you are prepared.
Travel Clothesline - This lightweight, portable clothesline is easy to attach anywhere, doesn’t require clothespins, and is perfect for quickly drying your wet gear and laundry.

Well, there you have it! The ultimate hostel items list to get you ready for your next hostel adventure. You will be in great shape if you have all this gear, and then you’ll be able to relax and focus on enjoying your trip!

In the event that you get to your destination and realize you forgot something, don’t panic. Most major cities in foreign countries have similar things to back home, so you can stock up when you pass through. Otherwise, I’m sure some of your new hostel friends will be able to help you out.

Have fun out there!

Do you have any favorite hostel essentials that go everywhere with you? I’d love to hear in the comments! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.