The Traveller's Backpack , What it Should Contain

What should a traveller's backpack contain? What is essential and what is not for a trip?

Let's assume you've sorted out the issue of your suitcase and what (and how many) clothes to take. But what will you carry in your backpack? What is most essential for a trip?

 

Let's start with the basics...

 

Camera

A good camera is essential for your travels. No matter how good your mobile phone is, it won't be enough for excellent photos, especially under difficult conditions like low light or if you need significant optical zoom.

A camera will enhance your photographic skills and allow you to take pictures you'll cherish for a lifetime!

We recommend either a DSLR camera, or for size reasons, a Mirrorless one.

Mirrorless cameras have almost the same capabilities as a DSLR while maintaining a small size for easier transport.

See the best cameras here and choose the one that suits your needs.

 

We suggest you look at either the Canon 1300D as an entry-level DSLR or the Sony A5100 for an all-round mirrorless!

 

Action Camera

Action cameras are used to record action scenes as well as for underwater shots.

They can be mounted on special bases and then on various objects such as helmets, surfboards, etc.

If you engage in extreme sports during your travels, an action camera is essential.

Here, the choice is clear and goes by the name GoPro. Although competition is fierce in this category, GoPro cameras are far superior in quality to their counterparts.

One of the advantages of a GoPro is its wide-angle lens, which will allow you to photograph landscapes and places with its 167-degree lens, fitting everything into your shot!

 

See GoPro cameras here or here.

 

Power bank

A power bank is one of the most important items for a trip. You might carry it many times and use it only a few, but it can be a lifesaver! Imagine getting lost in a completely unknown city where you don't even know the language, and your phone runs out of battery, so you can't use your GPS!

All this would have been avoided if you had a fully charged power bank in your backpack!

Prices for power banks have fallen significantly, and you can buy a 10,000mAh one (meaning it will charge your phone approximately 2-3 times) for under €20.

It's definitely worth having in your travel bag!

 

Information and purchase of power banks can be found here.

 

Tripod

When travelling alone, a tripod is essential so you can also be in the shot you just took. With a tripod, you won't constantly need to ask strangers to take a photo of you with the scenery, with an unknown final result (if the photo taken by someone unfamiliar with your camera turns out well).

With a tripod, this comes to an end, as you can set it up wherever you want and take photos of the various landscapes and places you visit, with yourself in the frame!

 

Copies of travel documents

It's good to have 2-3 copies of your travel documents, in addition to the originals you always carry with you. You can keep one copy at the hotel and one with you in your backpack. In a difficult situation, they will save you!

 

Water

Make sure you always have water in your backpack. Water is an essential component that will give you strength and energy to continue exploring the city. Don't neglect it!

 

Chargers

If they fit in your backpack, it would be good to have chargers for both your camera and your mobile phone – especially for your mobile, it's considered essential to have its charger with you!

 

Pills

If you have any allergies, you should always carry antihistamine pills and cortisone with you. Make sure you also have some pain relief, such as Depon/Panadol for an emergency!

 

Do you carry anything else in your backpack? We'd love to hear your suggestions!