Many items are obvious to pack while putting together a gear list for a backpacking trip, but here is a list of things a first time backpacker might not think to bring, which can be extremely helpful to have on the road:

• Ziplock Bags – Gallon Size – Putting dirty and or wet things in and general organization in your pack.
• Large heavy duty garbage bags – In case anything needs waterproofing.
• Safety pins – Good for holding rips together.
• Floss - Tying things together for a quick fix, and dental hygiene!
• Headlamp – Comes in handy almost anywhere, especially at hostels when you are sharing a room and trying to rummage through your things at night, camping, overnight bus, or train ride.
• Extra copies of your passport, ID, bank information, vaccinations or other important medical information. Keep in a plastic folder deep in your bag to protect from damage or theft.
• Facial Tissues – Used for emergency toilet paper, when you feel filthy with a face covered in soot, and other assorted spills.
• Passport size photos – For visas or other documentation.
• Small sewing kit – To repair your clothes, baggage, etc.
• Sarong - Skirt, blanket, towel, scarf, head cover, pillow etc….a million in one uses .
• Microfiber Travel Towel – They take up far less room and dry quicker than a regular towel, but do get smelly quick.
• Small combination lock - with cable or chain – To lock luggage in transit as well as at a hostel. (Also can be cheaply and easily purchased in many countries with a high theft rate).
• Duct Tape - Wrap some duct tape on top of itself around a pen, water bottle, or other item with round smooth surface and it will be ready when you need it for repairs of all kinds. Don’t bother with a whole roll, you won’t be fixing an airplane fuselage (unless you fly air Laos).
• Small alarm clock- If you are not traveling with a cell phone, an alarm clock is key to get you out of bed and on the early bus/boat/plane in the morning.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of essential items to have on the road and we would love to hear responses of what you have found to be invaluable when on the road! Just leave us a comment below. Thanks and happy trails!

Written by: Jessica Siebenmorgen