My Go-To Travel Essentials

**THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY A WORK IN PROGRESS**

This page holds all my travel essentials from carry-on packing tips, best travel bags, natural travel products/toiletries, holistic medicine on-the-go, and helpful packing guides for destinations around the world.

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Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Carry-On Packing

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Favourite Travel bags

I always opt to use a backpacker over a suitcase while travelling. I rotate between the following bags depending on length of trip, climate, activities, etc.

ps – everything mentioned on this page easily fits in these bags with tons of extra room for clothes and extra shoes 🙂

Patagonia 45L Cragsmith this bag is ever-so-slightly oversized for carry-on, but I always get away with it as long as I’m not flying budget (like Ryanair). This back panel opens fully like a suitcase allowing complete access to the internal contents, there’s a top pocket large enough to store all my odds & ends, external straps for attaching shoes, and it has a chest & waist strap. This bag is the ULTIMATE backpacking bag for storage and functionality, in my opinion.

• Links to the Cragsmith at Patagonia Canada and Patagonia USA

Osprey Sirrus 24L: I’ve used this bag (men’s version) for the past 4+ years and have travelled and hiked all over the world with it. It’s the optimal personal item size for flying, it has all the features of a technical hiking pack, yet its small size makes it easy to bring anywhere. I can stuff a surprising amount of things in it and it also has external straps for carrying shoes. I love this bag so much I purchased the 36L version too for light overnight camping trips and winter hiking.

Patagonia 27L Black Hole Tote: I always bring a tote bag for beach days or wandering the city (mainly to avoid back sweat in hot climates). The Black Hole is water resistant, has large external pockets for water bottles, zips closed, has an exterior laptop sleeve, an internal hanging pocket, and also has backpack straps. Its ability to fold into its own pocket means it packs small enough to easily store in my Cragmisth bag when not in use. The Black Hole Tote also works as an alternate carry-on bag if I ever need to check my larger backpack.

• links to the Black Hole at Patagonia Canada and Patagonia USA

Lululemon fanny pack: I literally never leave the house without this fanny pack. It’s made of high quality materials and has external/internal pockets. The strap is sturdy and can be adjusted to wear as a sling or as a tight waist belt bag which is great if you’re running or biking. I also always keep this 500ml water bag in it for an easy-to-carry water option.

Osprey Fairview 55L: a popular choice for backpackers is this backpack (men’s version). It’s very similar to the Cragsmith, with the difference of a detachable 15L daypack meaning you can carry both your bags on your back rather than having to carry one on both your back and frontside. I opt for the two separate bags mentioned above as I prefer more features in my daily hiking pack.

PRO TIP: bring a waterproof rain cover for each backpack. These backpack covers are priced affordably, come in various colours, and sizes range from 15L-90L.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Documents

I recommend making multiple copies of your documents before you leave to go travelling. I personally bring a photocopied version (in colour) of every document listed below, have photos on my phone, and I leave a photocopied version at home with family members. NEVER put these documents in checked bags and always keep them locked up if you’re staying in public spaces like hostels.

• Passport
• Drivers license and identity card (for Europeans)
• Debit and credit cards
• Vaccination card
• Birth certificate
• Health card
• Additional licenses (ie, a boating license)
• Travel insurance – the travel insurance companies I recommend can be found in this post
• Extra passport photos – certain countries require you to have passport photos pre-printed prior to arrival (ensure they’re taken within a 6 month window of arrival and follow the local companies passport photos size requirements)

It’s also a good idea to obtain an IDP (International Driving Permit) before you travel. This permit is recognized in 150+ countries. You are legally not allowed to drive in many countries without one. They are typically inexpensive and can be obtained quickly. They last for 1 year at the time of registration.

Canadians pals – here’s information for obtaining an IDP in the great white north.

My favourite security products can be found below.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Toiletries

I am the toiletry queen and focus on multi-use natural products.

Skip ahead to my wellness section which outlines the oils and supplements I bring to stay healthy on-the-go.

PRO TIP – bring aluminum containers you can store smaller amounts of your toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc) in for shorter trips or carry-on travel. I use these 15ml containers and these 2oz containers.

What’s in my Shower Bag

I use a small mesh bag like this to keep shower-only items. Everything else stays in my toiletry bag and the shower bag only comes out when I’m washing my hair. These items in this bag are:

• Shower cap
• Scrub mitt – I use a compact hemp scrub mitt, like this, from the Body Shop for a body exfoliant
• Face loofah – I bring one of these per every 2 months I’m travelling for a gentle exfoliant
• Shampoo bar, conditioner bar, and leave-in conditioner (plus their travel tins) from my home country. Hair care bars can be difficult to find abroad. I’m picky so I bring everything with me and store the extras in a sturdy ziplock bag until I’m ready to use them.
• Razor – if you’re travelling carry-one style you’ll have to purchase these when you land

What’s in my Toiletry Bag

• Facial oils – I list information about my facial oils + travel supplements below
• Natural soap bar in a plastic soap container.
• Bamboo toothbrushes and a toothbrush cover – toothbrushes are widely available, however I bring a few months supply so I don’t have to worry about scouring the city to find bamboo options.
• Toothpaste – I use natural brands and fill these containers for carry-one purposes.
• Toothpaste tablets – I love these tablets as they’re perfect to bring on hikes, at the airport, or when you need fresh breath, but can’t bring an entire toothbrush/paste setup. I transfer them to a small plastic bag to reduce storage size and weight.
• Tongue scraper – I use this one in the morning to scrape away the morning tongue toxin buildup.
• Deodorant – I use a travel size salt stick. It sounds weird, I know, but it’s designed to cleanse your pit’s pores rather than clog them.
• Lip balm – I make these and bring one for every bag.
• Body/face moisturizer – I typically use a combination of oils or purchase a whipped shea butter or tallow when I arrive.
• Nail clippers and tweezers – spend the extra money and purchase high quality ones so they actually work. I’ve used these tweezers for years. They’re bomb proof.
• Reusable Q-tip – I pack a reusable Q tip set and ONLY bring 1 to save space – not the whole package. I then wrap TP around the Q tip to clean my ears.
• Hair ties – bring more than you think you’ll need and clip them together with a carabiner – thank me later. I also bring elastic spiral hair ties as they prevent hair breakage.
• Large hair clip
• Hair brush – my curly hair requires only a finger brush when I wash it so I don’t pack a brush.
• Diva cup – I’ve been using this for years and my periods are not longer an issue when travelling. In some countries it’s very hard to find tampons.
• Sunscreen – I make my own face sunscreen and package it in this container. I do not use body sunscreen, but I limit sun exposure by using long sleeve shirts, hats, and pants instead which I find way more comfortable and convenient.

I also try to pack in advance or purchase upon arrival one of the following sprays: rose water, witch hazel (alcohol free), or colloidal silver. These three liquids are great for skincare, sunburns, cuts, and general health & wellness.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Travelling With Contacts/Glasses

I’ve worn many types of contacts lenses from soft and RGP to sclerals. From finding contact solution abroad to what to pack and cleaning protocols on-the-go – I list everything in this post (coming soon).

Odds & Ends

These are all the random little things I’ve found helpful from road tripping in Norway to backpacking Southeast Asia

Security is very important to me. I travel with these luggage locks and always keep my backpacks locked in public spaces/hostels. I also use this Pacsafe exo-mesh for enhanced anti-theft properties. The exo-mesh is especially helpful if you have to leave your luggage in an unsecured location for a period of time (like on this Albania hike or taking off for a motorbike loop in Vietnam)

• Sturdy ziplock bags – I bring 2 medium and 2 large sizes.
• Collapsible silicone bowl with lid – this one is great for the most random things + eating in hotels.
• Aquatabs – these tabs give you the ability to filter water from organic material. I bring these on all my travels just in case.
• 3L Hydrapak – this silicone bladder is the only way I carry water on hikes.
• Stasher bags – I bring 1 snack size and a sandwich size bag. these bags are great for holding snacks, keeping electronics dry, and just about anything else.
• Bamboo cutlery and a reusable straw – this bamboo set includes a straw and straw cleaner. I don’t bring the knife.
• 750ml water bottle – I recommend this one for it’s size, screw-on lid (no leaks), and hot/cold abilities.
• Fanny pack – I use the Lululemon fanny pack as my everyday “purse” + running pack.
• 500ml silicone bag – I bring this water bag everywhere. It fits perfectly in my fanny pack so I can bring water without having to hold a bottle or bring a backpack to hold it.
• Headlamp – great for hiking or getting ready in dark hostel rooms. This model is a bit pricey, but it’s rechargeable, water resistant, and will last a life time. I researched this one for months before buying. 
• Backpack covers – bring a rain cover for each of your backpacks.
• Towels – this 24″ x 48″ microfibre towel is perfect for the beach and rolls up to almost nothing. I also bring a very thin cotton towel for showering. In many countries you can buy sarongs for this.
• 2 mesh laundry bag – I like this one with a zipper. 1 bag for laundry, 1 bag for organizing clothes/carrying them to hostel bathrooms.
• 400 page journal – with 3 pens. I prefer to bring 1 large journal like this one to avoid carrying multiple.
• Sunglasses – I bring 1 pair of Oakley Sutro glasses (small size for women) and a second “stylish” pair. I also bring 2 microfibre glasses and the Oakley hard case to store them together.
• Jewelry – I bring earrings and one silver chain with 3 gems I can rotate between. I also have a tiny plastic box I can store my jewelry and ear plugs in when I’m not using them so they don’t get lost.
• Earplugs and a silk sleeping mask – I pack 25 pairs of these ear plugs (for long-haul trips) which I find super comfy. I also wear a silk sleeping mask for skin health and cleanliness. I can’t sleep without these items on public transport or in hostels.
• Tote bag – I talk about this bag in detail above, but this foldable tote/backpack combo bag comes with me everywhere. It’s perfect for a day of exploring cities, at the beach, hiking, on public transit, etc
• Laundry detergent – I’m all-natural, so I shredded 2 bars of this soap I could toss in with my laundry for a natural detergent option
• Thin wool gloves – I always bring a thin pair of glove liners for hiking or for sun protection (ie. riding motorbikes in SE Asia).
• Bug suit – If I’m visiting countries where mosquitos are an issue, a bug suit comes with me as I like this option better than bug spray or larger bug nets. It’s comfortable and easy to sleep in too.
• Condoms – pack some from your home country before you travel, just in case. In some countries it can be difficult to find proper condoms.
• Rain poncho – can be purchased in-person if required in a rainy country.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Essential Oils | Wellness | Medication

Wellness on-the-go is SO important to me. Oftentimes travelling can wear out your immune system so I’ve found compact ways to bring natural medication with me no matter where I go.

My Preferred Supplements for Travelling

I bring max 3 months of supplements (depending on trip length) from brands I trust and package them in smaller plastic bags + attach the original label to them. I then place my supplements in this small pill organizer so I only have to open the bags once every few days. The supplements I pack for travel are:

• Advanced B complex – I’m vegetarian.
• Omega 3 + vitamin D – for all around health and wellness + enhances skin immunity to sun.
• Advanced magnesium complex – regulates sleep, helps sore muscles, maintains bone density, regulates blood pressure, etc.
• Zinc-copper balance – immune support (I double up on these if I experience cold/flu symptoms).
• Probiotics – supports healthy gut flora – I’m a mess without probiotics so I usually mix in 2 brands for variety.
• Charcoal/ginger – relief for stomach cramps, bloating, indigestion, or any stomach ailment.
• I also take lutein/zeaxanthin (personal preference) as this helps with natural blue light defence. As a blogger I’m always on my screen.

Keep in mind many countries have their own local supplements that are helpful. For example in Southeast Asia Dengue and Malaria are an issue, but papaya leaf is a natural way to prevent/cure these diseases (this is not professional medical advice). You can purchase papaya leaf supplements locally.

Always purchase your supplements from a health food store and dish out the extra cash. The pricier brands are almost always higher quality and your body absorbs more of the supplement. My favourite brands are AOR and CanPrev.

Favourite Essential Oils for Travel

I bring a mix of essential oils to handle everything from skincare, aftersun, and natural bug spray, to natural medication, dental hygiene, and perfume. Essential oils are how I’m able to bring an entire apothecary with me when I travel, with only a small amount of space.

These are my go-to essential oils – they MUST be mixed with a carrier oil, not applied directly. I aim for 15ml bottles which last forever. The following oils are commonly found in countries around the world.

• Lavender – the mother of all oils. Good for acne, redness and inflammation, sunburns, bug bites, sleep, anxiety and just about anything else.
• Roman Chamomile – specifically Roman. Is very similar to lavender for its properties. You don’t need both, but I like giving my skin a variety – like how you’d think about a diet.
• Clove – I add this to a morning oil pulling routine to whiten my teeth and prevent dental issues like tooth sensitivity. It’s also great for your immune system and can help with sore muscles and pain.
• Frankincense – the holy grail of skincare. Promotes tight and even skin (astringent properties), reduces puffy eyes, prevents aging and fine lines, reduces dark spots, heals acne and hormonal imbalances, etc etc etc.
• Peppermint/Rosemary/Eucalyptus blend – is my go-to for ailments. These 3 oils can be applied topically or via steam inhalation to help with headaches, nausea, congestion, coughs, + all other general cold + flu symptoms.
• Citronella & Eucalyptus blend – I don’t always bring this, but I do in mosquito heavy countries as a natural bug “spray.” It also smells nice and can be used as perfume.

Favourite Carrier Oils for Travel

I also bring or purchase on arrival at least one high quality carrier oil for a face moisturizer. The oils I rotate between are all basic and can be purchased in most natural shops in most countries:

• Rosehip is typically my oil of choice as it’s light and helps repair damaged skin – even sun damaged skin. It’s also high in vitamin C and prevents ageing. I mix this with lavender, chamomile, and frankincense during the application process.
• Jojoba and Argan are also great choices as they double as skincare and haircare oils. Jojoba is great for hot, humid climates as it’s most similar to our natural sebum which regulates our own oil production.
• I purchase a raw, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil when I land to mix with other carrier/essential oils for a body moisturizer (not face*). I also use it every morning in an oil-pulling routine with clove oil for a natural teeth whitener, to lessen tooth sensitivity, and to rid the overnight toxin buildup.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Electronics

The following items are electronics I’d pack as a regular traveller – not with my travel blogging needs in mind. If you’re a fellow digital nomad reading this, my additional digital nomad tech needs are listed below.

I pack all electronics in a waterproof toiletry-style bag to keep things organized.

• International power adaptor – I like this one for how many charging ports it has. Charge everything at once.
• Waterproof phone case – I never leave my phone at the beach unattended. I bring it in the water with me in this buoyant, waterproof case.
• Smart phone & x2 charging cables – I have the iPhone 14 Pro Max which is too large (I used to be an Insta creator), but the iPhone 14 Pro I’d highly recommend for it’s compact size, camera quality, and the satellite function for remote, emergency communication if you’re a hiker.
  • I also ALWAYS bring a SIM card removal tool. These come in handy on every trip.
• Phone Lanyard – these lanyards seem dorky but they’re SO convenient and great for preventing phone theft or putting your phone down and forgetting it.
• Portable charger – I’ve been using this compact charger for years. Multiple charges, always reliable.
• Kindle: if you plan to read as you travel this is the best option as books are heavy, bulky, and hard to find on-the-go.
• Tripod – needs to be suitable for a phone and camera if you’re bringing both. I’ve linked the tripod I use in the camera section below.
• Headlamp – I purchased this headlamp for camping and sunrise hikes. I’ve since travelled all over the world with it and use it in a shocking amount of unexpected situations. This model is a bit pricey, but it’s rechargeable, water resistant, and will last a life time. I researched this for months before buying.
• Headphones – I bring 2 sets of apple headphones WITH chords. I don’t mess with AirPod radiation or the potential of losing cordless headphones.
• x3 USB charging cables – these cables always seem to break so I bring a few extra on every trip.
• Camera – more about this below.
• Action camera – I honestly don’t recommend bringing this unless you’re going to be doing a ton of diving or action sports where you’re not able to use a phone/camera. I have an Insta360 and a GoPro – GoPro is much better and takes up less space.
• Laptop – not required unless you’re sorting photos on an external hard drive or working online. If you prefer a larger screen for travel research or booking, I’d suggest bringing an older iPad mini like this one instead of a laptop. Cheaper and smaller.

Which Camera I use for Travel

• Camera – I use the full frame, mirrorless Canon EOS RP body. It’s compact and for its price point it’s loaded with features and produces high quality images.
• Camera lenses – I use a combination of 3 lenses: 16mm (wide angle shots), 24-105mm (landscape and everyday), and a 50mm (portraits).
• Lens adaptor – a couple of my lenses are older (I used to use a 6D). I purchased this lens adaptor so I didn’t have to replace my old lenses.
• Camera batteries – I bring 6 batteries. Mirrorless batteries lose charge quick and I don’t always have access to charge batteries on-the-go.
• Charging dock – I bring this compact 2 slot charging dock with me so I can quickly charge my batteries.

My go-to Camera Accessories

• SD cards – I use Sandisk Extreme Pro for its fast speed. I usually use cards with max 128GB – I don’t like to store everything on one card in case I lose it so I bring multiple.
• Capture Clip – this little clip holds your camera and attaches to your backpack straps allowing you easy access to your camera without having to remove your pack on hikes.
• Camera strap – I prefer this strap over the stock Canon straps.
• Shutter remote & extra battery – I use the Canon brand remote (or Canon app) + tripod combo for moments of solo portrait photography.
• ND filter – chasing waterfalls? I use this filter with my 24-105mm lens to adjust exposure and capture smooth flowing water pictures.
• Tripod – this may be overkill, but I use this tripod (carbon-fibre version) which is quite heavy and large compared to a phone tripod, but it’s durable, quick to setup, and I never have to worry about it falling with my camera attached. It also has a built in phone holder so it’s a 2-in-1.
• Microfibre cloths – I bring multiple and leave them in every bag so I always have one handy.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Shoes

I rotate between trail runners, sandals, crocs, and hiking shoes – nothing else. I try to only bring 2 pairs of shoes whenever I travel, but depending on the climate and activities I’ll be engaging in, sometimes (on rare occasion) 3-4 pairs are required.

Sandals: opt for sturdy, comfortable sandals you can walk far distances in. I choose to travel with the hiking edition Chacos as they’re super sturdy and can be worn in water which is great for beach days and showers.

Trail runners are just more comfortable and sturdier than running shoes if you ask me. I love anything Salomon when it comes to trail runners and switch up the model depending on travel activities. For hiking heavy countries I like this model, whereas when I need an everyday shoe for trips with less hiking I go for something like this.

Hiking boots: for trips when my main activity is hiking I break out my hiking boots. I’ve been using this model (men’s version) which are very pricey but last for years. I beat the crap out of my hiking boots on all kinds of terrain over crazy distances and they last for at least 2.5 seasons.

Crocs: I LOVE a good pair of Crocs for showering, beach days, or just generally walking around. If they weren’t so bulky I’d bring them everywhere, however due to their size I have to save them for trips where I have extra luggage space or won’t be using airlines for travel that much so I can leave them strapped to the exterior straps of my backpack. I like the All-terrain model as they have adjustable straps and extra-thick grip so they last longer.

Clothing

I always use packing cubes – which I never recommend travelling without. These little guys keep you organized and keep your backpack from looking like a war zone.

I also recommend using a mesh bag with a zipper for a laundry bag.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Hiking Essentials

I literally do not leave home without these hiking items. They’ve become a part of me.

I use only Osprey for my hiking backpacks. I have 24L, 36L, and 55L technical bags from Osprey that I absolutely adore and will use ’til the day I day. I have my favourite backpacks linked above.

I also always pack the following items for any trip that involves hiking:

• Aquatabs – these tabs give you the ability to filter water from organic material. I bring these on all my travels just in case
• 3L Hydrapak – this silicone bladder is versatile and poses a great way to stay hydrated while hiking.
• Stasher bags – I bring 1 snack size and a sandwich size bag everywhere I go. these bags are great for holding snacks, keeping electronics dry, and just about anything else.
• Headlamp – I purchased this headlamp for camping and sunrise hikes. I’ve since travelled all over the world with it and used it in all Southeast Asia’s caves. This model is a bit pricey, but it’s rechargeable, water resistant, and will last a life time. I researched this for months before buying. 
• Backpack covers – bring a rain cover for each of your backpacks

For my hiking footwear recommendations, scroll back.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

Digital Nomad

If it weren’t for my constant online presence, photo editing, and email sending type of activities there’s no way I’d bring the items below – especially on a backpacking trip. Since I however make a living online, I pack the following items for every trip in addition to the electronics mentioned above.

• Laptop & charger – I personally use this laptop which I am absolutely obsessed with. It is a bit overkill for what I do, but I wanted a good quality laptop that could process photos and some video editing without glitching.
  • Laptop case – I use this case to protect my laptop on-the-go. It’s lightweight, water resistant, and has a front pocket where I keep my hard drive and scans of my important documents.
• External Hard drive – I use this 2TB SSD drive which is so fast and compact. I previously used HDD drives which are bulky and BREAK/are very expensive to recover. Pay the extra for SSD drives.
• USB adaptor – I bring these teeny tiny USB adaptors. Not all laptops have USB ports so when transferring photos these come in handy.
• Laptop headphones – most laptops still have aux outlets for headphones so I bring one pair for this purpose.

The Holistic Backpacker’s travel essentials

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