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The Ultimate Backpacker’s Gear Guide

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I've been an avid traveller for 6+ years now and have tried and tested a variety of gear in an attempt to simplify my travels. Preparing well for your trip will help you ensure that you really enjoy of your trip and are free from carrying too much ar...
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Bags

Three bags sounds like a lot, but it's not. Don't skip out on getting this set of bags that will make your travels much easier!

 
Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Take it from someone who has had both, if you are caught between getting a 1L or 2L Belt Bag, go with the bigger option! I've travelled to the US and various spots in Canada multiple times with my 2L Belt Bag from Lululemon, and that extra space make...
2L Belt Bag - Lululemon
 
Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Before my very first trip to Europe, I searched high and low on the internet for an affordable CARRY-ON backpack that would store everything I absolutely need for the trip. I wanted a bag that fit within the dimensions of a carry-on so I wouldn't nee...
Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks - NY Times
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
This bag is cute as heck, and it also happens to fit within the personal-sized luggage standards for most airlines so you can bring this onto the plane without any additional fees! It also got an expandable bottom, making it super easy to collect you...
Personal Expandable Travel Duffle Bag
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No, I did not just buy these because they are cute as heck. The fact that each bag has a different design makes it so much easy to know where to look for certain items in your bag! Most compression bags are all the same color, making it difficult to ...
7 Pack Large Packing Cubes for Travel
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Clothing & Accessories

 
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You need sunglasses, but don't bring a $200 pair because they will likely get damaged or lost at some point! Hahaha. Get a decently affordable option like this! I bought these a while back and really like them - great product, great price!
Affordable Sunglasses
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Do yourself a favor and bring a luggage lock that is TSA-friendly, has a bendable wire (so it works in a variety of scenarios) and buy a colored lock so it's easy to locate in hostels!
TSA Luggage Locks
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
I know this isn't that exciting, but bringing an umbrella is excessive in my eyes so I always make sure to bring a neutral rain jacket (mine is black) that I can wear to protect myself from rain and wind. I like Columbia jackets because the quality i...
Columbia Women's Jacket
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
I'll level with you - I would prefer to use a normal metal or glass water bottle, but when travelling, a collapsible is so handy as it can fit to the shape of your bag and be shrunk down in between uses, meaning you need to carry less bulk around wit...
Collapsible & Leakproof Water Bottle
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Some advice from someone who has made the mistake of buying a neck pillow in an airport - JUST DON'T! If you want to feel more comfortable on your long haul flights, consider trying out an inflatable neck pillow that you can customize to be comfy for...
Inflatable Travel Pillow
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
I've been using Wealthsimple for years to travel - you can use their service for FREE - no strings attached, and here's why you want to go with them: 1. they offer ZERO foreign exchange fees, meaning when you use this card outside of your home countr...
Avoid Foreign Exchange Fees FOR FREE with Wealthsimple (use code GECCXW to get $25!)
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Shoes

The trifecta of shoes for travel in my opinion. It may seem like a lot, but if you bring these three pairs you will have a shoe for any and every occasion!

 
Margo LeBlanc profile picture
She's beautiful, she's expensive, but she's SO worth it. I own two pairs of Blundstones (for 6+ years now) that I wear year-round and travel with, ALWAYS. Blundstones have such a versatile & comfortable Chelsea Boot that will never let you down. ...
Blundstone Chelsea Boot
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
If you're travelling anywhere warm, a pair of sandals is a must! I LOVE these Teva sandals because they're waterproof, lightweight, can be strapped to the exterior or your backpack (so you are stinking up your things with your shows), and are super v...
Waterproof Sandals
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
A basic, ultra-comfortable white shoe that can be dressed up or down is a literal must when travelling. I picked up these Dr. Scholl shoes that are known to be amazing for walking! They could be a bit cuter, but they are still pretty nice. Dr. Scholl...
Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Sneaker
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Tech

 
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Don't get caught in a bad situation by trying to buy the correct adaptor for where you're going - I picked up this universal travel adaptor and never looked back. You can go anywhere you want in the world and easily charge all your devices with this!
Universal Travel Adaptor
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A battery bank is a great thing to have when travelling. You never know how long you will be without power on travel days, so bringing a compact battery bank like this one is an essential thing to have on hand!
Mini Portable Fast Charging Power Bank
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
I've been using Airalo to get eSim while travelling for a few years ago and they've not disappointed me yet! You can buy your eSim prior to leaving your home country, and that way when you get off the plane you should be able to gain access to the in...
Airalo: Buy eSIMs for international travel with code MARGO4175
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Wireless earbuds are very convenient to have, especially when you're travelling with your bags in-hand! Avoid wires at all costs. These are the earbuds I have, but any wireless earbuds will do the trick!
Google Pixel Buds
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Sometimes the closest plug to your bed is 10 feet away, and that's why it's great to have a long cord that can work in a variety of scenarios!
10FT Fast Charging Cable
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
If you value getting quality footage from your trips, GET THE DJI OSMO POCKET 3! I have the first version of this gimbal-controlled camera, and the footage you get from this tiny little camera is STUNNINGLY smooth and cinematic! It's so small that it...
Osmo Pocket 3 - For Moving Moments - DJI
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Toiletries

 
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The first time I went backpacking I did not bring a towel, and unbeknownst to me, many hostel charge you to use a towel! That's why I bring a microfiber towel with me now - it's super compact but still ensures that you have a towel with you at all ti...
Microfiber Travel Towel
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If you're hopping on a place at any point, minimizing your liquid products is a good idea. I love solid shampoo bars because they last a long time, take very little space in my bag, and it helps me avoid troubles at the airport!
Solid Shampoo Bar
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A hanging toiletry bag is so handy, especially if you're staying in hostels! I found that many hostels didn't have a much counter space for you to put your stuff on in the bathroom - that's why I picked up a toiletry bag with a hook so I can easily h...
Hanging Toiletry Bag
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If you don't have issues with your thighs chafing, then you can move on! For those who do struggle, a product like this will make getting around on foot a lot easier! Just rub a bit of this between your thighs and voilà - your thighs will no longer c...
Anti Chafe Balm Stick
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If you are travelling light, these sink packets are a must so you can effectively wash your clothes in the sink if you can't find access to a washer! They are also great if you just want to wash a few things in your backpack (think undies, sports bra...
Tide Travel Sink Packets
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
You may think that you won't need earplugs, but you should bring earplugs. You never know what environment you will find yourself in, whether that be loud people snoring in a hostel or a super loud street party happening just outside your hotel or Ai...
Reusable Ear Plugs
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Margo LeBlanc profile picture
Your pill holder doesn't need to be anything fancy, but the more compartments the better in my opinion! This one helps me keep my large variety of pills organized and compact!
Travel Pill Organizer
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