The Ultimate Hostel Packing List (from a Full-Time Traveler)
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I’ve been traveling full time for nearly 10 years. Here’s the list of essentials I’m always sure to bring when I stay in hostels.
In additional to my usual items (clothes, basic toiletries, camera gear) here’s what I specifically make sure to bring if I’m planning a trip where I’ll be staying in hostels.
What to pack for hostels:
Sleep Essentials
Most Important: Noise-cancelling headphones - I’ve used Bose QC 35IIs for years. If I ever lost them, I’d buy them again in a heartbeat. Last like 24 hours on a full charge and (for my ears) they’re comfortable to wear for like 12 hours. The Apple Airpods Max probably are great. Again, this is the most important purchase if you’re gonna do hostels. Hostels only work if you can sleep, and I consider good headphones crucial for sleep in hostels.
Eye mask - Pretty non-negotiable. This is also useful for sleeping on trains/buses/flightes. Buy whatever, as long as it’s comfortable. Some international airlines will give you this for free, but I find they’re usually cheap and not as comfortable, and possibly won’t last long.
White-noise track: I use this one. Remember, only use this with headphones. Don’t play it out loud. Also remember to put it on repeat.
Earplugs – solid backup to headphones. Hostels sometimes have these available for purchase cheap, if not free, but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan.
Hygiene Must-Haves
Travel towel – small, dries fast, doesn’t stay gross. Hostels sometimes rent these to you for a fee, but long term it's cheaper to just have your own. I use this one. I also used to have this one but I lost it :(
Flip flops – non-negotiable for shared bathrooms, and perfect for late-night bathroom runs. Buy whatever.
Portable soap/body wash – not always provided. You might want to grab some 2oz bottles like these, and fill up with your own stuff.
Travel-size shampoo + conditioner – bring your own in refillable bottles
Security & Organization
Lock – most hostels have lockers, but rarely give you a lock. You can often rent them, but it's cheaper to have your own. Buy whatever, keep it around $5-6. Combo locks are better, and they double as luggage locks.
Whistle - for general safety. I’ve never felt unsafe in a hostel, but depending on where you stay, you may want the ability to protect yourself when you’re outside of the hostel. Give it a toot if you find yourself in a sketchy spot.. Also good for places where earthquakes are a risk (if you get stuck under rubble, this helps people locate you). I have mine on a keychain, but you may want to wear it as a necklace. I bought this one before I went to Japan because I was anxious about earthquakes. There’s 2 so you can give one to a friend who you don’t want to die :)
Other Essentials
Travel adapter or multi-plug – I’ve been using this thing 24 hours a day since 2018! 2 plugs + 4 USBs + travel adapters = clutch.
Power bank – Note: this is useful as well as when you’re traveling on flights, buses, trains, or to have as a backup just in case. Here’s the one I use. I actually have two of them, just in case I forget to charge one of them. I might grab this one in the future before I start traveling through SE Asia.
Reusable water bottle – especially in hot climates. Use whatever, you can just buy a plastic water bottle anywhere.
Backup for wifi - again most hostels have decent wifi, but some can be spotty, especially in less developed areas. You may want a mobile hotspot, or you might want to use an eSim service (Airalo is the gold standard these days).
💡 Pro Tip: Pack light. Hostels usually have stairs, not elevators. You’ll thank yourself later. It’s a good idea to only bring a backpack + a small roller luggage. Don’t bring anything larger.
That’s all I got! Do you bring anything extra with you to hostels? Leave a comment if you’ve got your own unique strategies.
Need more hostel tips? 👉 Read: Everything I Wish I Knew Before Staying in Hostels
