Backpackers require gear that is both lightweight and functional. From travel day packs that collapse into bite-size packages to inflatable neck pillows designed specifically to keep passengers comfortable during long bus rides or flights, the right backpacking gadgets make traveling on a budget much more comfortable.
Luggage locks are essential when staying at hostels or sharing accommodations; additionally, they help secure luggage on trains, buses, and airplanes. A rain cover should also be considered an absolute essential on longer travel adventures around the globe.
1. Lifestraw Go Water Bottle
Travel and hiking alike will appreciate this reusable water bottle with built-in filtering technology – its 2-stage filter removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, odors and organic chemical matter while improving taste!
This bottle is ideal for camping trips, backcountry hiking and international travel to remote destinations. Simply collect water from any pond, stream or river and fill up the bottle – its internal filter will do the rest!
Not to be confused with the popular Sawyer Water Filter which requires an additional pouch to attach, this model is completely self-contained with just one cap component that covers and twists off to reveal a large opening for refilling. Plus, its ergonomic grip makes it great for hiking or camping trips with children!
2. Luggage Lock
After an eventful year of COVID-19 closures and house orders, it’s great to get back into planning trips again – with luggage locks as part of that plan!
These inexpensive travel locks provide your belongings with extra security during transit and upon reaching their final destination. Constructed of strong alloy metal and steel materials, these locks come equipped with an alert indicator if someone attempts to break in during TSA inspection.
This two-pack stands out for its long and thin shackle cable, making it easier to fit through some suitcase zippers than thicker traditional models. TSA approved, you can also use it to lock other gear like backpacks or gym lockers using its key card feature; opening it can easily fit in your wallet without risk of losing keys!
3. Portable Umbrella
An umbrella will help keep you dry during a backpacking trip. Choose an umbrella that compactly folds away into your carry-on bag or purse for easy portability.
Look for travel umbrellas with rubberized handles that are comfortable to hold and won’t slip when wet, as these travel umbrellas may be more durable than plastic handles in wet conditions and could make using your umbrella easier.
Find a compact umbrella that opens and closes at the touch of a button – these models scored highly in my Ease of Use test, such as Totes Auto Open Wooden and Blunt Metro models which feature this convenient feature, although they require more force for closing than full-automatic umbrellas such as G4Free or Lewis N. Clark Travel Umbrellas.
4. Inflatable Neck Pillow
The Trtl travel pillow differs from traditional U-shaped travel pillows in that it looks more like a plush scarf and provides multiple positions of support for neck and back support. Furthermore, its flat back section prevents your chin from hitting against the chest–an issue often encountered when using thicker travel pillows.
This memory foam neck pillow conforms perfectly to the contours of your chin and neck for the ultimate sleeping comfort. Plus, its lightweight design easily compacts into its compact carrying pouch for convenient transporting – plus features an inflation nozzle with quick twist-lock inflation for quick inflation.
Stuffable travel pillows can be an excellent space-saver when travelling on a backpacking or weekender trip, while still being comfortable enough for you to sleep on an airplane flight. Plus, this compact option can double up as an effective way to sneak extra clothing along.
5. Universal Airplane in Flight Mount
Sitting with your neck craned forward while watching movies or videos on your phone during a flight can lead to stiffness and pain upon landing, but the Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Mount was created to mitigate that discomfort by clipping onto either your seat back or tray table, freeing your hands while watching movies or videos, with its 360deg adjustable viewing angle, lightweight design, 360-degree adjustable viewing angle adjustment feature, lightweight build, lightweight profile size (making it ideal for travel), 360deg adjustable viewing angle adjustment feature as well as its lightweight dimensions make this travel stand solution significantly smaller than alternatives such as Nite Ize QuikStand mobile device stand or JOBY GripTight One Micro Stand solutions!
6. Kindle E-Reader
Kindle e-readers are ideal gadgets for backpackers as they’re lightweight and super portable, not to mention they can store thousands of comics, novels and audiobooks so you’re never without reading material during vacation or a long hike. Additionally, this year’s model boasts USB-C support as well as an internal battery with up to 10 weeks worth of reading material stored within its memory.
However, it doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of its more premium cousin, such as adjustable lighting or built-in dark mode. Still, its 300 PPI display and 16GB storage allow you to fit a lot of books easily – plus it costs under $150 so it makes an ideal budget pick for travelers.
7. Cool Backpacking Gadgets
Have the appropriate gear and accessories can make hiking or backpacking trips easier and more enjoyable, enabling you to focus on meeting physical or navigational goals more effectively. Invest in quality accessories if possible for maximum comfort when outdoors and avoid being sidetracked by minor issues that hinder progress.
Headlamps with LED technology and rechargeable lithium batteries that offer impressive illumination make the perfect backpacking gadgets, while smart watches like those offered by Garmin remain popular among backcountry electronics.
Lightweight satellite communicators like the Garmin InReach Mini can be invaluable when hiking alone in unfamiliar territory and without cell service. It allows SOS messages, two-way text messaging and basic GPS coordinates to be sent out quickly in emergency situations.
