Top 10 Essential Items to Pack in Your Backpack

Here's a quick list of the 10 useful things to pack in your backpack, followed by a bonus list of 6 items that could be helpful.

If possible, opt for a headlamp. You'll find it always comes in handy! The headlamp has the advantage of leaving your hands free (which is also practical for reading on the bus or even in your room if your partner is already sleeping).

Very practical, it really doesn't take up much space. They're available in various sizes and qualities. Since our first trip in 2009, they've evolved significantly and now have a more pleasant texture than before.

Protect yourself from the sun: sunglasses, cap/hats, and sunscreen (and as long as you're at it, might as well choose an organic one - I discuss it more in this article >, but it's important for men as well!). You'll find all of this available at your destination, but it should definitely be part of your gear.

In this kit, don't forget an insect repellent. But don't worry, you can also find it on-site, in pharmacies or hiking supply stores.

A must-have for all those situations you don't anticipate before you leave, or simply to enjoy a delicious, sun-ripened fruit!

The sarong (or scarf) is a traveler's trick for women. Multifunctional, they allow you to protect yourself from scorching sun without suffocating in heavy clothing, shield your head to avoid heat stroke, and also cover your shoulders (or legs) when needing to dress properly to enter a church (it would be quite sad to have traveled all this way only to be denied entry: this happens frequently!). Plus, it's a little addition to your wardrobe, which can be quite limited while traveling, serving as a cute top or skirt.

Personally, I use an old pillowcase that functions as a catch-all bag and prevents the rest of my backpack from being tainted by smelly socks after a day of trekking in the tropical jungle...

Always useful for improvising a trash bag, sealing and storing the bottom of a biscuit package to avoid crumbs in your backpack...

Always, always have a roll of toilet paper with you! Golden rule of the traveler's code! In the absence of it, think about using napkins, paper towels, and tissues.

And let's end with a final tip:

In our time, we take more and more photos, which are getting larger and larger. Bringing extra memory cards is a good idea so you don't have to constantly sort and delete photos, allowing you to capture comfortably. Additionally, despite transferring photos to your computer, we keep them on the memory card as a backup. Because nothing is sadder than losing your travel photos. And for the spare battery, the same principle applies: imagine leaving for several days on an expedition without electricity: a second battery will allow you to finish your trip without the stress of seeing your battery die, thus avoiding rationing photos. Check before you leave: will you need an adapter to plug your devices into local outlets? You can often find them locally for less at small shops.

The mosquito net: we took one on our first trip... and never took it out of its packaging. We weren't in areas more at risk for mosquitoes; and during our second trip to Peru, where we went to the jungle, we didn't need it since it was already provided in the room. So I have some doubts about its necessity.

A rope: it can be useful for a bit of everything: hanging the mosquito net, laundry... It mostly depends on your needs and style of travel: you'll have to judge that for yourself. The same goes for clothespins, but given the goal of minimizing gear to bring, I'm not in favor of them.

A survival blanket: again, it depends on how you travel. It only costs $5 and if you plan on hiking in the mountains, it can be a useful asset!

A combination lock: especially if you're staying in hostels, bring your own lock, as often, those provided on-site are flimsy and easily interchangeable... Watch out for theft.

A sheet and/or sleeping bag: the first time, we left with a sheet to place between us and a questionable bed, or for use with the couchsurfing option. Ultimately, we used it a few times for various purposes (including once as a curtain), especially in Bolivia where the basic hygiene level is not very high. If you choose slightly nicer hotels, you won't need a sheet, which mind you, adds quite a bit of weight and takes up considerable space. We started with the assumption that we wouldn't be camping and that we would be mostly in warm areas, and for that reason we didn't take a sleeping bag. One time, we regretted not having a good warm sleeping bag (one night in a shelter without heating or electricity in the Bolivian mountains, on the way to Salar de Uyuni). But in such cases, you huddle together, fully dressed, and wait it out. That's part of the adventure!

The sleeping kit >>: inflatable pillow, earplugs, eye mask...

Also think about bringing a photo from home (or a small album), your country, your family; or possibly a map or inflatable globe. It always makes it easier to explain where you come from, and it helps forge bonds with locals, who are just as curious about our culture as we are about theirs!

Ready to go? Do you have your bag? Is your gear ready to be packed? Is your health and administrative checklist all checked off? All that remains is the most essential: feeling ready to leave!

Because, in the end, the most important things are never in the gear, but rather in the mind and heart!

Safe travels!