So, you’ve mastered your local hills and are ready for the next adventure. Once your gaze lifts from your immediate vicinity, you find just over the horizon that neighboring hills beckon newcomers.
It’s time to go abroad!
Assuming you’ve got a passport, a phone, a laptop, and the appropriate clothing for wherever you’re heading, it’s time to think about what else you will need. Security, safety, and hygiene should be highly considered during your preparations to go overseas so that when you arrive in your destination you don’t have to think twice when capturing lasting memories. Now, let’s tackle the 10 essentials any backpacker should consider when traveling abroad!
1) Backpack:
New Outlander Packable Backpack 20L/33L
Price: $
How Good is it?
You need a pack. Its as simple as that. Although many tourists typically travel heavy, the backpacker knows to only bring what’s absolutely necessary. So, look no further backpackers! Behold the New Outlander Packable Backpack.
“Ultra-light. Ultra-durable. Ultra-awesome,” best describes this pack. It only weighs half a pound, which is great for either a 20L or 33L. A feature that separates this bag from the rest is its packable quality.
The pack comes with its own personal pocket (as seen in the picture above) and packs down to little more than nothing. So, if you do bring other luggage along, you can tuck this backpack away until the time is right. Then, unzip from its pocket and eureka! You have a day bag! Even though it gets small, it has multiple storage options with small zippered pockets on the front and inside the bag, as well as two water bottle shaped pockets on each side.
The bag is made of nylon fabric to enhance strength and is water resistant. It comes in 9 colors of your choice and has a lifetime warranty, too. This pack owns the world.
If you're planning a bigger trip abroad check our expedition backpacks article, it surely has great bigger packs that will fit all your gear.
2) Passport and Wallet Security:
Lewis N. Clark RFID Neck Stash Hidden Security Wallet
Price: $
How Good is it?
Assuming you already have a passport, smartphone, credit card, and other important documents to get you where you need to go responsibly, you’ll need to make sure those items are safe and with you at all times. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Neck Stash Hidden security wallet is a mouthful but will keep your mind at ease.
This day in age, pickpocketing is more than just a physical act but an electronic one as well. Other than hanging around your neck and being comfortably close to you, this security wallet has RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) blocking technology which prevents any unwanted scanners from stealing your identity.
Because it is meant to remain close to your skin, TRAVELDRY fabric resists moisture and odor. Its durable, adjustable, and has 3 separate compartments to keep your important items secure.
Don’t think twice with this one.
3) First-Aid Kit: First Aid Kit 115 Piece
...for Car, Home, Travel, Office or Sports. Emergency and Survival bag fully stocked with high quality medical supplies.
Price: $
How Good is it?
It’s not a fun one to think about, but you will forget the fun if an unlikely accident does occur. Always be prepared with the Protect Life 115 piece First Aid Kit.
It’s the perfect little package that will relieve any negative thoughts while traveling and backpacking. 115 medical pieces included, which are sanitary wipes, pads, strips, bandages, swabs, tapes pins, and more. And it does all add up without being that heavy.
This FDA approved kit is used by medical professionals like lifeguards, firefighters, doctors, teachers, and more. It’s also easy to sort through because the compartments are clear and organized neatly. Be ready for any situation with this pack.
4) Water Purification:
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Price: $
How Good is it?
It would be a shame to find yourself bedridden on vacation because you had a drink of water you thought looked safe. Even if it looks safe, microscopic bacteria is invisible to the naked eye. Be confident with LifeStraw Personal Water Filter.
Under a quarter pound and less than a foot, this tiny lifesaver should not be underestimated.
It has won “Time Magazine Invention of the Year,” has passed EPA standards for filtering water, and has been used by many since 2005. Amazingly, it uses no chemicals or batteries to function and makes 1000 liters of questionable water drinkable.
Tested and proved to aid those without reliable water sources, this little guy needs to be with you as long as you live for travel.
5) Containers:
HappyDavid Silicone Travel Toiletry Bottles Set
Price: $
How Good is it?
Since the human body is made up of over 50% water, it makes sense that we need liquids handy. Soaps, shampoos, detergents for hygienic purpose as well as sauces, spreads, and other liquids could be useful to carry wherever we go. Bringing them while not making a mess is tough, unless you look into Happy David’s Silicone Travel Toiletry Bottle Set.
They might not look different than other travel kits, but wait until you hear more. They are 100% BPA Free, so no industrial chemicals here. They are TSA approved, so you can bring them in your carry-on baggage on the plane. They are leak-proof because of the 3-layered cap, easy to fill because of a wide opening, have built-in suction cup technology to stick to walls, and make it easy to label exactly what’s inside. Does more need to be said? Tough, light, and soft this 3-pack will make transporting anything less than a solid a pleasure to bring.
6/A) Raingear (Men):
Columbia Men's Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket
Price: $$
How Good is it?
Depending on where you are going in the world, downpours can happen without a moment’s notice. Even in warm environments, rain can get deep into anyone’s core and lower body temperatures tremendously. Even if you can’t stay dry, Columbia’s Watertight II Front-Zip Hooded Rain Jacket for Men will keep you comfortable in your skin.
This light and easily packed away jacket will hold the showers at bay while allowing heat build-up to escape because of the Omni-tech fabric.
Draw a hood over for heavy rain and keep your small, personal items dry in 2 zipped-up side pockets. 18 colors to choose from.
6/B) Rain Gear:
Paradox Women's Platinum Waterproof Rain Jacket
Price: $
How Good is it?
Ladies, you can stay dry in style with this one. The 2.5 layered Paradox Platinum Waterproof Rain Jacket is ready for battering rain with a water-repellent fabric finish and is seam-sealed.
Storm flaps protect the center zipper from weather wear, the Paradox logo is reflective for safety, a chest pocket for small items, and the hood and hem can be adjusted according to the weather intensity and individual preference.
A great item to have on all your damp adventures!
7.) Universal Adapter:
Ceptics GP-5PK International Travel Worldwide Plug Adapter Set
Price: $
How Good is it?
The digital age requires power sources. Unfortunately, arriving to your destination doesn’t mean you can plug your appliances in straight away. You will need something like the Ceptics GP-5PK International Travel Worldwide Plug Adapter Set.
If this Worldwide Travel Adapter Set doesn’t have what you’re looking for, one of the other 12 Adapter packages from Ceptics will.
This Adapter set in particular includes:
- Type E/Type F plug, European "Schuko" plug, CEE 7/17 (7/4, 7/7) (GP-9)
- Standard: Type G plug, UK, Dubai, Honking CEE 7/16. Grounded 3-Prong plug. (GP-7)
- Standard: Type B plug, US, Japan, Canada CEE 7/16. Grounded 3-Prong plug. (GP-5)
- Standard: Type C plug, CEE 7/16. Grounded 2-Prong plug with round pins diameter 4.0mm.
- Standard: Type I plug, Australia CEE 7/16. Grounded 3-Prong plug.
Be sure to do your research on this. These plugs DO NOT convert voltage! This can damage devices permanently and/or cause a fire if not done properly. Your particular device needs to support your home voltage and foreign voltage.
Nonetheless, this Worldwide Adapter kit will come in handy if used responsibly. Power yourself from anywhere before heading off to your next destination.
8. Charger: Anker Astro E1
5200mAh Candy bar-Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger (External Battery Power Bank) with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology
Price: $
How Good is it?
You might not always have the option to plug your appliances into a power source. Smartphones are especially prominent and many people rely on them for communication, photography, GPS, and so many other functions. The Anker Astro E1 Portable Charger resurrects essential devices back to life, all from the comfort of your pocket.
This clever charger detects your device and “decides” on the quickest charge and delivers an even faster charge than a computer USB would. It can charge phones up to two full charges on the go as well as bringing an iPad mini nearly to full. This charger is optimized with the 12 inch Macbook, Apple and Android smartphones, tablets, and other USB-charged items. Take note that it will NOT charge iPod nano or classic, HP TouchPad, Dell Venue 11 Pro, Asus tablets and a few other GPS and Bluetooth devices. An 18-month warranty is guaranteed. If you do own a device that this little baby can juice, you’d be nuts not to get this.
9. Journal:
Old World Journal (Hardcover)
Price: $
How Good is it?
Don’t let your adventures wash from memory. You want to remember them forever. Look into the Old World Journal to record and recall the good times.
This inspirational hardcover design will be a joy to hold and the pages inside will be equally so because of the travel quotations within. 160 acid-free pages included in this journal which allow pen and pencil markings to sit well. Also, the journal is secured by a magnet in a foldover panel. Keep it close, ready to scribble when the inner writer calls.
10. Camera:
Nikon Coolpix L340 Digital Camera, Black
Price: $$$
How Good is it?
To relive those moments you don’t wish to forget, you must consider a camera. As a #1 best seller on Amazon, the Nikon Coolpix L340 Digital Camera seems to have pleased many.
The camera is built to operate without much hassle, which is a huge advantage when fleeting and spectacular moments come and go quick while traveling. What comes with the camera are as follows:
- 28x optical zoom, 56x Dynamic Fine Zooms
- 20.2-MP CCD sensor for bright, sharp photos and HD videos
- Frame coverage: Approx. 99% horizontal and vertical (compared to actual picture)
- HD 720p videos with sound bring your memories to life
Includes: LR6/L40 (AA-size) alkaline batteries (x4) , Lens Cap LC-CP25 (with cord), USB Cable UC-E16, Camera Strap
As cameras go, it is said to have “one of the smallest bodies in its class.” It’s also easy to hold, has a vibration reduction function, and an LCD monitor for viewing. The Nikon Coolpix L340 is one of the more expensive pieces of equipment on this top 10, but can you really put a price on memories?
There is so much gear out there perfect for travel, and this is just one interpretation. Wherever your travels take you, be safe and happy globetrotting!
Have something to add? Tell us in the comments below!
