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What’s in my Bag?: Backpackers Edition

Purple Star emoji 19 items
Everything I packed, wish I brought, and alternatives to make your journey go smoothly, and to prepare you for everything ahead! No need to stress about whats worth packing of not, I've got you covered. Lmk if you have questions on what to bring or a...
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The Bag

I brought the Cotopaxi 35L, because I'm a light packer, but I've listed some popular alts as well.

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
My DREAM bag, this Cotopaxi travelled through 8 different countries on my back, over the course of 4 months. I love the internal organization so I dont have to stuff everything into separate tiny bags.
Allpa 35L Travel Pack - Del Día
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Very similar to the 35L, but for people who pack a little heavier. Same great organization, but more space.
Allpa 42L Travel Pack - Del Día
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Trade the Cotopaxi organization for a top notch rigging system that will keep this pack light on your shoulders, even after trekking to your hostel. The most popular choice for travel backpackers I've seen
Fairview® 40 Travel Pack

Everything I brought

The exact products I used for my trip, no changes

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
These open up TONS of space in your bag, so you can make sure you pack everything you need. They organise and compress clothes into smaller packets!
Gonex 6 PCS Compression Packing Cubes Blue
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
The best towels for packing down in a bag, and they dry super fast as well!
EPAuto Microfiber Fast Drying Towel, 2 Pack
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Hanging bags are essential for keeping your things off the dirty hostel surfaces. Lets face it, your not always going to be in clean places on your travels
Narwey Hanging Toiletry Bag - Water-Resistant
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Even my best friend took it from me to go on her own trip because its THAT useful. Perfect for day trips, hiking, plane rides, you name it. fold up and clip it onto your big pack while not in use!
WATERFLY 20L Foldable Hiking Backpack
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
I used these so much more than I anticipated on my trip. Clip on waterbottles, neckpillows or anything that doesn't fit into your main pack!
BEIFENG Heavy Duty Locking Carabiner Clips
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
QUITE LITERALLY never left my side. Hold so much more than the 1L, but doesn't look bulky. I had my passport, phone, kindle, earbuds, medication etc in here (yes it even holds a kindle). I recommend getting a darker colour if your backpacking though,...
Lululemon Belt Bag 2L
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Surprisingly comfy, I could walk hours in these, at least before I lost them on a night bus in Vietnam.
Walmart Birk Copies
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Essential for those who don't want to risk losing everything they own. I slipped it in a secret pocket in my backpack, so I was always able to track the location
AirTag
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Such a space saver, I never had to worry about being bored on transport, and as a reading addict, I could bring it along to all the new cafes and sit down with a drink to relax while downloading books for on the go. Fits into the Lululemon 2L bag!
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) –
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Really really helpful for budgeting your money (you deposit an amount to use), and getting you the best conversion rates available with no fuss. You can track the conversion rates to guess the best day to transfer, and then use the card at any POS sy...
Multi-Currency Card - Wise

Other Things to Try

Here are alternatives to products I used, and some ones that may also be helpful to try

 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
All of Cotopaxi's gear are made with top notch materials, meant to keep everything ultra organized and these are no different. If you want some heavier duty packing cubes, tehse are for you
Cubo Packing Travel Bundle - Del Día
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
Secure and spacious, it's a great alternative for the Lululemon bag.
Telena Fashionable Fanny Pack Beige
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
PLEASE protect your kindle screens. I didn't and it got super scratched up in my bag
7" Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen Anti-Glare Protector
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
You wont find a Backpacker in warm climates WITHOUT a pair of these, because you can walk for HOURS and no problem. I went for the Walmart version which works just the same but if you want the real thing here it is!
Arizona Suede Leather Birkenstocks
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
If you're doing any hiking, or backpacking where the water isn't guaranteed to be clean (for me Southeast Asia) this can save you a lot of discomfort down the line
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - Blue
 
Jordan Mackellar profile picture
You end up accumulating a few cards during travel, whether for your room key, travel debit card, etc. Having a signal blocking wallet was super handy. Mine wasn't this brand,  but it is highly reviewed.
Buffway- RFID Blocking Leather Wallet