Les must-have d'un backpacker

1. The Backpack: Your Best Ally

Choosing the right backpack is arguably one of the most important decisions when traveling as a backpacker. There are models specifically designed for women, men, or unisex. The difference often lies in back length, weight distribution, and adjustable straps. Picking a backpack suited to your body shape is essential for optimal comfort, especially if you’ll be carrying it for several kilometers.

In terms of size, backpacks between 40 and 60 liters are the most versatile: spacious enough for a long trip, without being too bulky. For globetrotters who want to carry more (over 60 liters), some backpacks even come with discreet wheels, ideal for easing the strain on your back at airports or train stations.

The material is also important: some backpacks are water-resistant, while others are fully waterproof. If you’re traveling to tropical areas or during the rainy season, this is a real plus. Additionally, a removable rain cover is often included or sold separately.

Here are some well-known brands recognized for their reliability, comfort, and excellent customer feedback:

• Osprey: a classic, praised for its ergonomics and durability. The Farpoint/Fairview model is highly appreciated.

• Deuter: renowned for well-ventilated backs and solid backpacks, ideal for long hikes.

• Lowe Alpine: excellent build quality with a good balance between technicality and comfort.

• The North Face: practical and robust backpacks with a more urban design.

• Nomad or Forclaz (Decathlon): budget-friendly options with very good value for beginners.

Investing in a good backpack helps avoid unnecessary pain, stay organized, and fully enjoy your adventure.

2. Sleeping Anywhere, Peacefully

When traveling solo, hostels are often the ideal compromise: they allow you to stay at a low cost while meeting other travelers. Most hostels offer dormitory beds, in rooms ranging from 4 to 30 beds. It is usually possible to choose a mixed dorm, female-only, or male-only, sometimes with a limited number of beds for more comfort.

But dorms also come with noise challenges. Between slamming doors, suitcases opening at 3 a.m., snoring, or partygoers returning late, it’s wise to come prepared. A sleep mask and earplugs are strongly recommended to protect your rest. In this regard, the Blane sleep kit is really excellent: comfortable, compact, and designed for travelers. You can check it out here: Blanepack Travel Kit.

Before booking a hostel, it’s essential to check online reviews on platforms like Google, Booking, or Hostelworld. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises: bed bug infestations, outdated facilities, poor location, pests, or safety concerns. Recent reviews often provide a clear idea of the atmosphere and quality of the place.

If you’re particularly sensitive to insects or want to guarantee a peaceful night despite uncertain surroundings, a travel mosquito net can make all the difference. I personally used this pop-up single mosquito net in several Asian countries. It sets up automatically, is lightweight, spacious (I’m 1.63m tall with a normal build, and I was very comfortable inside), and once you get the hang of it, it folds back in 15 seconds flat. A real plus for tropical or nature destinations.

Sleeping well while traveling is essential. With a bit of equipment, the right information, and smart habits, you can ensure peaceful nights… even in the busiest corners of the globe.

3. Minimalist and Efficient Hygiene

When traveling with a backpack, every centimeter counts. It is therefore essential to focus on products that are lightweight, useful, and easy to carry.

Among the essentials, a microfiber towel is a true game-changer. It dries quickly, doesn’t retain moisture, takes up very little space, and is especially useful in tropical and humid areas, where drying clothes or a regular towel can be challenging. I always took mine on trips across Southeast Asia, and it has clearly saved me more than once.

For hygiene products, stick to the basics: brush (especially for long hair), toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, sunscreen. The idea isn’t to recreate your entire bathroom, but to feel clean, comfortable, and ready for daily life. Solid versions of these products are practical, durable, and perfect for traveling light, while avoiding leaks in your bag.

In countries where tap water isn’t drinkable, it’s generally very easy to find bottled water in shops, convenience stores, or small stands. However, if you travel to more remote or off-the-beaten-path areas, a filter bottle becomes a valuable ally, as do purification tablets to slip into your kit. It’s also useful to have a few oral rehydration sachets, especially in very humid regions or after a heatwave.

A small hand sanitizer or biodegradable wipes can also make a difference when water is unavailable, particularly after transport or in crowded areas.

Finally, a tip for women: in some highly religious regions or countries, tampons may be impossible to find, even in big cities. It’s therefore recommended to bring some in advance, especially for long trips.

My advice: travel with the minimum, test your backpack in the first few days, observe what you actually use, and adjust on the go. You’ll easily find basic products along the way, and this will prevent overpacking from the start.

4. Clothing: The Rule of Three

When traveling with a backpack, every piece of clothing counts. You need to find the right balance between lightweight, practical, and versatile, without washing everything every other day or carrying an entire wardrobe.

The golden rule, tried and tested: the rule of three. Three tops, three bottoms, three sets of underwear. This allows simple rotations between what you wear, what’s dirty, and what’s drying. This system works very well for trips lasting several weeks or even months.

Ideally, prioritize technical or breathable clothing that dries quickly and doesn’t retain odors. I personally use lightweight synthetic or merino t-shirts (perfect for humid climates), a black legging that doubles as pajamas, travel pants, or hiking gear, and convertible pants that can turn into shorts—very practical when temperatures shift from 10°C to 35°C in a few hours.

Don’t forget a light sweater or hoodie, useful for air-conditioned trips, cool evenings, or nights at higher altitude. A compressible windbreaker or rain jacket is essential in tropical areas or during monsoon seasons.

Regarding swimwear, one suit is enough. It can also serve as underwear or shorts depending on the situation. For socks, thin wool or breathable cotton models are great to prevent blisters when walking long distances.

A practical tip: test your clothing before departure—wear it for a full day, wash it by hand, and see if it dries quickly and holds up well. You’ll immediately know which items deserve a place in your backpack.

Final point: it’s better to travel light, even if it means buying one or two pieces locally if needed. Many tourist countries sell climate-appropriate clothes on-site, often at very low prices. This also supports the local economy while keeping your backpack lighter.

For footwear, I recommend a pair of flip-flops and comfortable sneakers for walking. If trekking will be a significant part of your trip, it’s probably wise to choose more specialized shoes.

5. The Essential Tech Kit

Even when traveling light, a minimum of technology is indispensable for navigation, capturing memories, staying connected, or working remotely. Again, the idea is to focus on the essentials: compact and useful for daily life.

The first must-have: a universal adapter. This is the kind of tool that’s easy to forget but becomes vital when arriving in a country with different outlets. Prefer models with built-in USB sockets—this avoids carrying ten separate chargers.

Next, a lightweight power bank (at least 10,000 mAh) is almost essential, especially during long excursions or trips without access to power. If you travel a lot by bus or train, it will save you for charging your phone, Kindle, or GoPro.

For smartphones, consider downloading offline maps via apps like Maps.me or Google Maps (accessible even without a connection). And don’t forget Google Translate: you can download languages directly into the app for offline use. Extremely handy in countries where you don’t speak the language.

If you read a lot or travel for several months, a Kindle or e-reader is an excellent companion. It’s lightweight, offers several weeks of battery life, and can store dozens of books without taking up space. It’s also perfect for accessing our eTravel Books throughout your journey.

For content creators or anyone who wants to keep beautiful memories, a GoPro, mini camera like DJI Osmo Pocket, or simply a smartphone with a good camera sensor is more than enough. No need for a heavy DSLR.

Finally, think about a tech pouch to keep all your cables, chargers, adapters, USB drives, and SD cards together. This prevents loss, protects your gear, and saves valuable time during transport or at the airport.

Field tip: travel light and test your gear before departure. Keep only what you actually use. You’ll gain space, reduce weight, and be more efficient.

6. Health and First Aid

No matter the destination, having a well-thought-out health kit is essential. The goal isn’t to carry a full pharmacy, but to handle minor injuries or common travel inconveniences.

Your basic kit should contain:

• Pain and fever medication (paracetamol or ibuprofen)

• Bandages for blisters or small cuts

• Local antiseptic

• Digestive remedies (like Imodium or probiotics if you’re sensitive)

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions to food, insect bites, or environmental changes

• Water purification tablets if you plan to travel off the beaten path

Another key item: oral rehydration sachets. In case of heat, diarrhea, or after a long hike, these quickly replenish your body with minerals and electrolytes. I always carry a few, especially in hot and humid tropical areas.

A strong mosquito repellent is also essential, particularly in Southeast Asia, Central America, or anywhere diseases like dengue, malaria, or chikungunya can occur. There are natural formulas (lemongrass-based) and chemical options (DEET-based), depending on your tolerance and the regions you visit.

It’s very important to research the country’s health situation in advance. Some vaccines are mandatory to enter, others are recommended but protect you from serious infections. I recommend visiting an international vaccination center at least a month before departure.

Personally, in May 2025, I was in Bali (Canggu) and contracted dengue from a single mosquito bite—the only vaccine I hadn’t had time to get before leaving. Result: fever, body aches, hospitalization. A tough lesson. Even if your general practitioner says some vaccines are “optional,” it’s often better to get them, especially if you want to fully enjoy your trip without worrying about every mosquito or every meal.

Yes, vaccines can be expensive, especially if you need several (hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, etc.), but it’s better to prevent than end up hospitalized on the other side of the world.

And if you’re on regular medication, bring your prescription, preferably translated into English, in case of checks or emergencies abroad. Some medications may be unavailable or restricted in certain countries.

7. Documents and Safety

When traveling abroad, keeping your documents organized and up to date is essential to avoid unnecessary hassles. A single forgotten formality can quickly cost you time, money, or even entry into a country.

Before departure, check whether a visa is required for your destination. In some cases, it can be obtained on arrival, but in many others, it must be done online in advance. Whenever possible, I strongly recommend getting your visa online: you’ll avoid long queues at immigration, paperwork on the spot, and often pass through checks more quickly.

In some countries, a prior customs declaration may also be required, especially for importing certain items or for health reasons. Even if it can be completed on site, it’s usually better to do it in advance through official websites to save time upon arrival.

Another often overlooked point: items prohibited on entry in some countries. For example, if you vape, check in advance: in several Asian or Middle Eastern countries, e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited and may be confiscated upon arrival—or even penalized.

Regarding transport, scooters are often the most convenient way to explore freely. But beware: in many countries, an international driving permit is required to rent a two-wheeler. In France, it can be obtained for free via the ANTS website, but the process may take up to two months, so plan ahead. Without it, the rental company can refuse, and in case of an accident, your insurance may not cover you. Some countries may even require a BSR license for scooters under 50cc. If you don’t have it and it’s required, it’s sometimes possible to get it locally, quickly and at low cost.

Another essential point: travel insurance. I highly recommend subscribing to a specialized provider like Chapka, which covers illness, hospitalization, theft, or repatriation.
Pro tip: in case of a scooter accident, most insurance policies won’t cover it if reported exactly as is. Use your judgment, but sometimes slightly adapting the facts when making your claim can be wise…

If you don’t want dedicated insurance, note that most bank cards include travel insurance, often valid for up to 90 days. It can suffice for a short or standard trip. To obtain a certificate, simply visit Visa or Mastercard’s website, depending on your card. It’s free, fast, and official.

Also, scan or photograph all important documents: passport, visas, vaccination certificates, plane tickets, insurance certificates… Store them on your phone, in the cloud, or in your email. In case of loss, you can present them more easily. Keep a printed copy of your passport in a discreet spot in your bag.

For money, travel with two bank cards (kept in separate locations) and a small amount of cash in euros or dollars in case of ATM failure. Consider a money belt or security pouch if traveling by night bus or in risky areas.

Finally, secure your smartphone and accounts with two-factor authentication, and disable contactless payment if you don’t use it.

The world is still full of kind people, but if you travel alone—whether you’re a girl or a boy—always keep your belongings in sight. Never leave them unattended unless in a controlled place or with a trusted person.
Assume you’re alone against everyone. This isn’t paranoia—it’s a rule of caution. Don’t trust everyone, especially if your instincts tell you to stay alert. If a situation, trip, or location doesn’t feel right, don’t force yourself.
In case of trouble, contact local authorities (police station) or go directly to your embassy or consulate.

8. Departure Is Approaching

Packing your backpack isn’t just about logistics: it’s the key to a smooth, enjoyable, and trouble-free trip. By anticipating the essentials—from the right backpack to a well-thought-out health kit, tech gear, and necessary documents—you ensure a serene, independent, and adaptable experience.

Every item in your bag should have a real purpose. And above all, remember: less is often more when traveling. Traveling light means traveling freer.

If you want even more practical tips, insider advice, and concrete hacks, check out our digital eTravel Books designed for everyone: they’ll accompany you everywhere, even offline.

Safe travels, and above all, stay curious, clever, and ready to adapt. The world is waiting!