The Savvy Traveler’s Hostel Packing List

We know...everyone on social media is publishing their 'must have' packing lists. Our list is based on the author's years of hostelling experiences staying at more hostels than she can remember across 50 countries.

The Sleep & Privacy Kit

Modern hostels provide the bedding, but these extras ensure a hotel-quality sleep:

Flip-Flops or Indoor Slides: Essential for the walk from your bed to the shower.

Eye Mask & Earplugs: Even with privacy curtains and quiet hours, these are a must-have for light sleepers in any shared environment.

A Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel: Most hostels offer towel rentals or for free, but having your own lightweight, fast-drying version is a pro move.

Warm, fuzzy socks: Sometimes hostel rooms can be chilly. Having warm feet really helps!

Sleep Sheet: Not really in trend at the moment, but a silk sleep sheet will keep you warm on planes and in bed! And, being silk, they are lightweight, wash/dry easily and keep you cool on hot nights too.

Travel Pillow: Some pack really small. Great on flights, long bus rides, at the beach and when that hostel pillow is just toooooo flat.

Tech & Organization

Since you’ll have your own "pod" or locker, staying organized is key:

Extra-Long Charging Cable (2 meters/6 feet): While most pods have outlets, a longer cord ensures you can use your device comfortably while it charges.

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for when you want to work or relax in the common room without being disturbed.

Packing Cubes: These are a hostel-dweller’s best friend. They keep your clothes organized inside your locker and prevent you from having to "explode" your suitcase to find a pair of socks. Also, avoid plastic bags because no matter how hard you try, everyone hears them crinkling!

Adapter plug: Make sure you have the plug set for the country you are visiting. These can be expensive to buy abroad, and all the stores will be closed when you are in desperate need.

Security Essentials

A Solid Padlock: While many hostels use keycards for lockers, some still use traditional latches. A full-sized lock is always good to have in your bag. If you tend to lose keys, try a combination lock.

A Small Daypack: For keeping your tech and valuables with you when you head out to explore.

Toiletries & Self-Care

Hanging Toiletry Bag: Space can be tight on bathroom counters; get a bag that hangs on a hook or shower door.

A Small Laundry Bag: Keep your worn clothes separate from your clean ones to keep your locker smelling fresh.

Freshening Towelettes: Not just for women's makeup! If you just walked a dusty mile with no shower in sight, you will appreciate these!

Silicone Travel Bottles: Invest in good bottles that won't leak. But make them foolproof either by putting a little tape over the lid, or putting them all in a ziploc baggie.

First Aid Kit: Some bandaids, your favorite cold remedies. temperature testing strips and a list of your vaccinations will come in handy. Just remember to check what prescription drugs are allowed in the place you are visiting and have a copy of the script or the actual pharmacy bottle with you. When travelling to remote locations, it makes sense to bring instant bonding glue for cuts and syringes/needles in case the local facilities might be very basic.

Hunger Deflector

Peanut Butter / Power Bars: When that train gets delayed, or your stuck on the tarmac, having a little jar of peanut butter, or some power bars or whatever your snack jam is, will keep you from getting hangry.

The "Good Roommate" Bonus

A Portable Reading Light: If you’re an avid reader, having a small clip-on light ensures you don't have to rely on the pod light if you’re trying to be extra stealthy at night.

A Reusable Water Bottle: Most hostels have filtered water stations in the kitchen—save money and the planet by refilling!

Headset for Phone/Laptop: You will make your roommates happy if you wear a headset while watching videos.

The Most All Purpose Items

A Sarong: You can wear it (guys too!), use as a beach towel, fill in as a bath towel, gather up laundry in it, use as a sheet, a privacy screen, a shawl, to bundle up belongings and more!

Rubber Bands: Use as hair ties, to keep items closed, keep those slipping socks up, open tight jar lids, secure loose gear, etc.

Multi-function tool: Known more commonly as a Swiss Army knife, there are endless uses for these!

Cash: It might seem like ATMs are everywhere, but power outages happen, Wifi goes down. Always have some money used in the country you are visiting for when you don't have cell service and the nearest ATM is 40 miles away.

A Good Attitude: Transport will run late, directions won't make sense, your hostel roommates might be noisy...but all this is part of the adventure of travel! Having a flexible approach and good attitude will go a long way toward you having great memories of your adventures!