Essential products for backpacking

✿ Before a backpacking trip, it can be so difficult to work out what products you NEED and which ones you can leave at home. I've put together a list of my absolute essentials that I think you should bring travelling with you!

✿ I have also included a few notes at the bottom about things you definitely DON'T need (yes I'm including shower filters in this category, and I'll explain why!).

✿ This post contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you) I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I’ve used and loved, or similar highly rated alternatives.

1. Shampoo bar

When you're backpacking, light and compact products are ideal. A shampoo bar rather than liquid shampoo takes up so much less space. One bottle of liquid shampoo may only last you a month, but my shampoo bar lasted me 4 months! I would recommend either a lush shampoo bar, or a Faith In Nature shampoo bar, of which my favourite is the coconut and shea butter scent (Amazon link). They are my go-to brands as someone who has sensitive skin and loves products with quality ingredients and gorgeous scents.

2. Conditioner bar

I have tried the Faith In Nature conditioner bars, and rated them really highly. They're a little harder to get your hands on these days. However, conditioner bars like this one from KinKind (Amazon link) have fantastic reviews, and could pair perfectly with your shampoo bar to maximise your bag space and minimise your bag weight.

3. Soap bars

Starting to see a theme here? Yes, you're right, but I CANNOT emphasise enough how much space bar products save (instead of the liquid versions). For me, they tend to save money too! Whenever I buy a bar of soap, I try to choose a scent like lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree as these are scents that bugs/mosquitos hate, so add a little barrier to help prevent bug bites. My favourite is the lavender soap bar from Faith In Nature (Amazon link). If you really want to repel bugs, this citronella soap bar (Amazon link) would be ideal.

4. Moisturiser

When I travel and inevitably swim in the sea lots and get lots of sun exposure, I find that I get really dry skin. A good body moisturiser is essential for me. My favourite body moisturiser is the Lush sleepy body moisturiser, which absorbs beautifully into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, and has a lavender (bug-repelling) scent. I also love Nivea Soft (Amazon link) for my body and face. It's inexpensive, widely available, and moisturises quickly whilst still being light.

5. Aloe Vera gel

Aloe vera gel is the best thing I think you can use for sunburn. Aftersun lotions with aloe vera in them are fine, but pure aloe vera gel like this one (Amazon link) is even better. It soothes and moisturises and is far less expensive than lots of aftersuns on the market. I got through an entire bottle of this gel in the first 2 months of travelling!

6. Sun cream!!!

Sun cream isn't always the cheapest abroad, so personally if I'm travelling for a while, I will bring at least two with me. I love the Nivea sun protect lotion (Amazon link), as it is fairly gentle on my skin but really effective. I always go for a minimum of factor 30, ideally factor 50+.

7. Bug spray/repellent

Bug repellent is a MUST to try and prevent bites. When I was travelling in Thailand, I was recommended the Soffel mosquito repellent and I must say it was a GAME CHANGER. Most bug repellents feel like they leave a residue on your skin and smell pretty harsh, but this one smells much more floral and is nice to wear on the skin. It is a little hard to purchase in the UK (so if you're travelling to Thailand, stock up!) but I have found it on Ebay, so check it out.

8. Bug bite clicker

If you're going to try anything on this list, let it be this product! When we think of relief from bug bites, we tend to gravitate towards antihistamine creams. However, I find they don't work too well for me, but this "bug bite zapper" (as my family like to call it) is far more effective. It uses piezoelectricity to prevent the spread of histamine (the chemical that causes your bug bite to swell and itch). Don't think it would work? Try it for yourself (Amazon link).

9. Tiger balm

There are a few different kinds of Tiger balm, but the one I reccommend is the red one. Following on with the bug bite theme, I use this balm in combination with the "bug bite zapper" and if I use both products together, the swollen and itchy bites will be almost flat the next day. It is widely available to buy in SE Asia, but if that doesn't work for you, get ahead of the game and purchase it before you travel (Amazon link).

10. Mini first aid kit

I can almost guarantee that whilst you're travelling, you're going to have a little scuff up. Be it a grazed knee or an infected bug bite, it is always a good idea to have a mini first aid kit with you. I would say the key products to have are plasters, alcohol/antibacterial wound wipes, and antiseptic cream. I would recommend purchasing a little kit like this one (Amazon link) for your plasters etc. and Savlon (antiseptic cream) (Amazon link) to add in as well.

11. Estrid razor (+ travel case)

Last but not least, we have the Estrid razor. I find that most razors give me razor bumps or a rash, but this razor I have been using for a few years now and I'll never go back. I could use it daily and would have little to no irritation. The travel case is fantasic as it prevents a sticky mess in your wash kit, and stops you from reaching in and accidentally cutting yourself.

Products you DON'T need

1. Shower filter

   
   

   This is the no.1 product that I see recommended online, but I would tell you not to bring. I do appreciate that water in some countries when travelling can be quite harsh on your hair and skin, but the likelihood of most showers being compatible with the filter when you're travelling is very slim. Not to mention it would be a bit of a pfaff to install and remember to un-install when you change accommodation etc. Instead, invest in good haircare and skincare products if you are worried about your hair and skin when travelling. You could also use bottled water to wash your hair.

   
   

2. Lots of makeup

By all means ignore me, but personally I think briging minimal makeup products travelling is the way to go. I brought a few, just for nights out and the days when I wanted to really feel nice, but the reality is makeup products can often melt in the heat or get damaged in transit, so keep that in mind (don't bring your really expensive products) when packing. I also find that makeup is impractical to wear frequently when travelling. For me, it just slides off my face!

I hope my recommendations have been useful to you, and if not hopefully you just got some packing ideas! Happy travels <3