First time in a hostel? Here’s what to pack!

👉 Jump to: Hostel Packing Checklist | Essentials | Clothing to Pack | Packing Tips | Get Printable Version

There are quite a few differences for what to pack when staying in hostels versus staying in hotels or rentals. You don’t have all the amenities of a hotel at hand. But, at the same time, space is much tighter in hostels. So preparing by packing right can really make your break your stay!

I’m a backpacker who’s stayed in dozens of hostels while traveling. I’m here to help you choose the most important travel essentials for your first — or fiftieth — hostel stay.

I’ll break down exactly what to include in your travel pack for your upcoming hostel stay as well as the items I personally never leave home without.

Hostel Packing Checklist

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this checklist here!

Quick-drying Towel

The REI Co-Op Multi Towel Lite is one of the top travel essentials, especially when staying in hostels. It’s incredibly light, takes up virtually no space in a carry-on, and dries within minutes.

The REI Co-Op Multi Towel Lite allows you to shower on the same day of your flight without having to pack a wet towel. It can also double as a beach towel but I recommend packing two quick-drying towels if traveling to a beachy destination like Puerto Rico or Mexico (one for showering and the other for the beach).

Shower Sandals

Shevalues Flip Flops is a must. This pair of shower sandals is under $10 and keeps your feet clean in the public hostel shower. They’re easily packable and can even be worn on an excursion to the beach.

They don’t dry incredibly fast, however. This can easily be solved by storing them in a dry bag if they’re still moist on travel days, which I’ll get more into later on.

Toiletry Bag

I never travel anywhere without my REI Co-Op Toiletry Bag. From California road trips to international excursions, I always have this convenient toiletry bag on hand.

The three different compartments make it easy to organize bathroom toiletries like makeup, skincare products, and jewelry. The compartment zip-off option also allows this bag to compress even more when packed.

Travel Backpack

A sturdy travel backpack like the Tortuga Travel Backpack can make all the difference on your upcoming trip. Not only does it fit in the overhead bin and under your hostel bed, but it’s also height-adjustable, making it even more collapsible.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack is the perfect blend of a suitcase with the flexibility of a hiking pack. Versatility is one of the main components to look for when choosing travel gear and the Tortuga pack fits the bill.

Daypack

The Osprey Daylite is the perfect size for day exploring. Whether you’re discovering a new city via a walking tour or going on a day hike, the Daylite pack is the perfect size to store all your essentials for the day with room to spare.

Packing Cubes

The 8-piece Well Traveled Packing Cubes not only keep your travel gear organized but also compress down to an even more compact size as you take clothes out on the road. Maximize space in your bag with these organizer packing cubes, conveniently available in a variety of colors.

Medicine Kit

Traveling anywhere with a medicine kit is a must. Accidents happen on the road and with the Travel Medicine Kit, you’ll be prepared for the most common traveler’s illnesses.

The Travel Medicine Kit has you covered whether you feel an on-coming headache, fever, stomach pain, traveler’s diarrhea, or motion sickness. Even if you don’t usually get sick, it’s always handy to have medication in case of an emergency. 

Padlock

This Combination Lock guarantees that your important travel documents are secured in your hostel locker at all times. Most hostels provide a locker in the dorm rooms, but only a few provide a padlock. Be prepared with your own padlock for your hostel locker or to lock your luggage during travel days. 

Earplugs

Comfortable earplugs like the Lysian Foam Earplugs are an absolute must when staying in hostels. Even if you aren’t staying in a party hostel, travelers are constantly coming in and out of dorm rooms at all hours of the night.

Prioritize a good night’s sleep by packing a couple of earplugs. I highly recommend packing more than two, as the small plugs have a habit of getting lost. 

Eye Mask

The cotton Mavogel Sleep Eye Mask is a helpful item to have on hand. Having a travel eye mask is especially helpful on red-eye flights and in hostels without blackout curtains. This unisex mask is under $10 and reusable for all your upcoming adventures.

Travel Adapter

The Tessan Universal Power Adapter works around the world, negating the need to stress over needing a new adapter in every new country you visit. This adapter covers Type C, Type G, Type I, and Type A outlets and has three USB ports for charging multiple devices at once. 

This universal adapter is also lightweight, compactable, and easy to store in either your carry-on, checked bag, or purse.

Sleeping Bag Liner

While it’s not necessary to bring a sleeping bag to a hostel, it’s a good idea to bring a durable sleeping bag liner like the Sea to Summit Bag Liner. This ensures sanitation when hostel sheets are questionable. It also provides added warmth when staying in cold weather destinations like Colorado or Hungary.

Laundry Bag

Traveling with the JHX Dirty Laundry Bag is a great way to keep your dirty clothes separate from clean ones on the road. This set of 2 comes with handles with lightweight carabiners and an outside pocket for dry-cleaning receipts. 

The laundry bags can also double as stuff sacks for day hikes or food storage while out exploring a new city all day.

Travel Insurance

World Nomads Travel Insurance is my go-to travel insurance when I travel. It’ll keep you covered in the event of an emergency, big or small. It offers 24/7 emergency services, covers over 200 travel activities, and protects your travel gear.

World Nomads is reserved for American citizens only but covers travel around the world.

Power Bank

The Anker Portable Charger ensures that your phone stays charged all day while you’re on the go in a new town. The compact charger can fit in your pocket and also charges lightning fast, ensuring you have all-day access to maps, photos, and messaging throughout the day.

Headlamp

The Petzl Actik Core is a travel staple. Whether you’re going on a night hike or your hostel bed lamp doesn’t work (which isn’t uncommon), you’ll be prepared for anything with this headlamp.

The Petzl Actik Core can run on either lithium batteries or a rechargeable battery. It’s the perfect accompaniment during a blackout or for reading in your dorm room bunk bed after the lights are out. 

Dry Bag

The Unigear Dry Bag isn’t just a necessary travel essential for vacations involving fun water activities like scuba diving or surfing. It keeps wet clothes and towels separate from clean, dry clothes in your pack, allowing you to pack in a pinch.

This waterproof bag varies in carrying capacity from 2 to 40 liters and can be carried as a sling on backcountry adventures. 

Travel-sized Toiletries

Yictek Travel Containers ensure that you don’t overpack on liquids. The clear 3-ounce bottles are a travel essential for all travel types. Many hostels don’t provide shower essentials like shampoo and soap, so make sure you bring your own in these TSA-approved bottles. 

Money Belt

The Lanney Money Belt keeps your travel essentials protected at all times. Not only is a money belt a good idea for exploring a new town, but it may also come in handy if your hostel does not provide lockers.

The lightweight properties of the Lanney belt make it comfortable enough to wear to bed. I’ve slept with my money and important documents in my money belt in hostels before, tucked away under my pillow. 

Reusable Water Bottle

The Hydro Flask Standard keeps your water insulated all day while on the go in a new town. Fill up your 24-oz  Hydro Flask at your hostel before setting out on a fun excursion and stay hydrated all day. 

The mouth handle makes it easy to carry or clip onto your pack with a carabiner. This is also the ideal bottle to pack for colder destinations. Fill up your Hydro Flask with hot tea, coffee, or cocoa during winter travels to have access to toastiness when you need it.

Pajamas

Any travel pj’s get the job done but I personally use and recommend the Ekouaer Knit Lounge Set. This stylish set can double as both pajamas and loungewear around your hostel on a lazy travel day. It’s affordable, comes in a variety of fun colors, and packs down to virtually nothing in a travel bag.

eBook Reader

Traveling with a Kindle is a game-changer. I used to pick up heavy books along my travels and discard them along the way due to their weight. The Kindle allows travelers access to thousands of books on the go.

A Kindle is an absolute travel essential for me. I always store it in my carry-on or day pack and busy myself with my eBook reader during long transportation days. You can adjust the glare-free brightness on your Kindle to avoid harmful blue light and get lost in your story comfortably.

Travel Journal

The Biuwory Notebook is a must, especially if you’re staying in hostels and meeting loads of interesting travelers. A travel journal is a great way to remember your adventures on the road. And what better way to do so than in style with the leather Biuwory notebook?

Other Hostel Essentials to Pack

• Laptop
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Laundry detergent
• Books
• Extra socks
• Lounge clothes
• Guide books
• Sleeping bag
• Camera
• Passport holder
• Snacks

Clothing to Pack for Hostels

Packing for a hostel depends on your destination and when you choose to travel. For instance, if you’re visiting a European country in the winter, switch out the bathing suit for a down jacket. The items in the clothing list below are a more generalized items that fits almost any destination in any season.

Of course, switch out items if you’re traveling to a destination for a specific purpose like scuba diving in Thailand or mountain climbing in France.

You may also want to bookmark this beach packing list and this hiking essentials list for more specialized items to include for your adventures.

So what clothing should you pack for hostels? Here is a quick clothing checklist for hostels: 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2 sundresses
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 scarf
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 down jacket
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 pair of hiking shoes
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 4-6 t-shirts
• Hiking sandals
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• 1 beach coverup

Below are specific items that I use when I travel, either domestically or internationally. No matter the season, I always have these items packed in my backpack:

Hat

The ZLSLZ Retro Newsboy Hat is both functional and stylish. While any baseball cap will get the job done just the same, the Newsboy Hat enhances any travel photo. It’s under $10 and is crushable, an essential aspect for backpackers.

Swimsuit

The Geluboao Bikini is a packing list essential. While not every hostel has a swimming pool, most travel destinations have some form of water nearby. Check out the local waterfalls, lakes, or beaches with new hostel friends, and be prepared by packing a just-in-case bathing suit like the Geluboao Bikini.

This 2-piece high-waisted bathing suit ensures coverage while maintaining a fashionable style. And these Hodo Swim Trunks are a good, quick-dry option for men. 

Hiking Sandals

I never travel anywhere without my ultra-comfortable Teva Tirra Sandals. From exploring the United States in my motorhome to hiking in South America and beach hopping in Asia, I’m always wearing my Tevas.

They’re waterproof and comfortable, making them the go-to travel sandal for hiking and exploring new towns. The men’s version is a great option for larger sizes.

Socks

Darn Tough Socks are the ultimate hiking and traveling socks. Available in a variety of colors and patterns in both women’s and men’s socks, Darn Toughs are made from merino wool and are lightweight with cushion.

Darn Toughs are also insured for life. The Vermont company is more than happy to send you a replacement pair should yours get worn out. I’ve had some Darn Tough socks for over 4 years and have hiked hundreds of miles in them without any holes yet. 

Walking Shoes

Blundstone Boots are comfortable and durable. I’ve worn my Blundstones both in town and in the backcountry, hiking through desert slot canyons in Utah. They’re great camp shoes but can also be dressed up as city wear. Paired with a comfortable pair of inserts like Dr. Scholls, you’ll be indestructible all day in your Blundstones.

🖨️ Get a printable version of this checklist here

Packing Tips for a Hostel

Ask About Laundry Services

Ask your hostel receptionist about laundry services before you seek out expensive private services around town. Hostels often have laundry discounts for guests, plus you don’t need to carry your heavy, stinky clothes very far.

Take Advantage of the Kitchen

One of the biggest perks of staying in a hostel is the shared kitchen. Budget travelers prioritize hostels with kitchens because they can save some serious money on eating out.

Most hostel kitchens I’ve been in have utensils, bowls, plates, and some spices, so you just need to bring the ingredients and leave the other cooking supplies at home. Cooking in the communal hostel kitchen is also a great way to meet fellow travelers.

Travel During the Off-Season

What you pack will depend on the season you travel and your destination. For instance, if South America is high on your travel bucket list, I recommend traveling during the rainy season from December to March to avoid crowds and peak-season prices. I highly recommend packing light, however, no matter the season. 

Stay in a Single-Gender Dorm

Did you know that most hostels offer single-gender dorm rooms? Stay in a female or male-only dorm room, especially if you’re concerned with hostel safety on your upcoming trip.

From one solo female traveler to another, I highly recommend this tip to the adventurous heroines out there. Besides the perk of comfortability, single-gender dorms may even have their own male or female-only restrooms, a major plus of choosing this kind of accommodation.

Pick Either Socialization or a Good Night’s Rest

Staying in a party hostel means you’ll make a lot of friends but you likely won’t get a good night’s rest. Party hostels are great for solo travelers and are a great way to save money, as they’re typically more affordable than quieter hostels off the beaten path. 

They are louder, however, and not ideal for travelers who wake up early. Earplugs are high on this hostel packing list for this reason alone. Make sure to pack whatever else you need to get a good night’s rest if you stay in a party hostel.

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Let me know in the comments below which item you can’t travel without when you stay in hostels.

Want to do a little more research on what it’s like to stay in a hostel? Travel Lemming writer, Ruthie, has stayed in over 50. Check out this article she wrote with helpful advice for staying in hostels for first-timers!

🖨️ Get a printable version of this hostel checklist here