Hostel Packing List

The Osprey Fairview 40 is great for one-bag travel, especially if you’re planning to walk to your hostel from the airport instead of snagging a ride share. That’s thanks to the extremely comfortable harness system with thinner, curvier shoulder straps designed for women. It’s easily adjustable for differently-sized users and includes a breathable mesh back panel so you won’t have a sweaty back when you arrive, plus a sliding sternum strap and beefy hip belt. Inside, use packing cubes and pouches to organize the open space, and you’ll be able to fit everything you’ll need for nearly a week at each location you visit. And, use the internal compression straps to keep everything from slipping around. There’s also a large mesh pocket to hold things you want easy access to and a large laptop sleeve if you choose to bring a device. It doesn’t take up much space if you want to go screen-free, though, and you can repurpose the flat area for travel documents or flip-flops. While you’ll want to prioritize investing in a good travel backpack as you hop from hostel to hostel, we like the Osprey Fairview 40 as it won’t break the bank while still including features we expect from higher-priced bags.

There are times when even a sling is too much bag to bring. We’re packing the Moment Crossbody Wallet for the little things that won’t fit in your dress or pants pockets. Although it’s large for a wallet, the leather bag looks sleek enough to pass as a purse, and you can carry it as a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody, depending on which strap you use. It has enough room for your phone, cash, and cards, plus some lip balm, so you can bring the essentials when heading out to eat or explore.

When you’re doing laundry in shared machines, it’s nice to stand out from the crowd. Pack Parade’s Days of the Week Pack of underwear, and you’ll solve two problems: You'll make it all week without needing to do laundry and know right away if you misplaced a pair when you can’t find “Tuesday” to cover your tushie. The recycled cotton blend fabric is super soft and breathable, and the pack includes colors and styles to complement any outfit, each with the day of the week and a little icon stitched in front. If you need a thong to minimize panty lines on Wednesday instead of Friday, go ahead and switch it up—we won’t tell. Each pack comes with 7 pairs of underwear, so you'll only need one.

Comfort is important when exploring a new place, and the Parade Dream Fit Triangle Bralette is a supportive yet comfy bra that rolls up small and works under nearly any top you want to pack. Your mileage may vary, but we think these provide enough support without uncomfortable underwires digging in after you’ve spent hours on a bus to Rome. The straps stay put whether you’re reaching for a subway strap or carrying your travel backpack across town, and they come in neutral colorways to match every outfit.

If you’re planning to work out, do some yoga in the park, or hike in the foothills of a nearby mountain range, you’ll want to add a sports bra to your travel backpack. The 3-Pocket Run Bra from Brooks includes three stretchy pockets: one on the racerback for your phone and one on either side for a hostel key or a credit card. It’s super convenient when your leggings and shorts don’t have pockets or they’re too small, though it takes a few minutes to get used to the feeling of your phone between your shoulder blades. Then, whether you stumble upon a beautiful vista or get lost and need to check the maps app, you’ll be prepared.

While showing off your cute pedicure day after day is fun, some activities call for socks. Pack a few of these to be ready for hiking around historic ruins, going for an early morning jog to get the lay of the land, or even just walking from the dorm to the bathroom of your hostel. They’re super cushiony and won’t slip off your heel, although they’re only ankle height, so you may want to opt for something taller if you’re adding hiking boots to your packing list.

A basic tank is a good staple for your capsule wardrobe since you can wear it solo or as a layer under nearly any top or sweater when the temperatures dip. It looks great with shorts or pants, and the pocket gives it a fun accent, so you can wear it for casual occasions like hanging out around the hostel or outdoor adventures. It even works for workouts when the temperature spikes. Although it’s on the pricier side, the Modal blend is softer than cotton and created to last through more washes, so it’s an investment for future travel.

This soft and breathable cotton tee is great for nearly any adventure and looks cuter than the school logo T-shirt you bought freshman year. The loose crop style looks great with high-waisted pants and shorts, or show off a bit of cheeky midriff—you do you. The material is durable and machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about special washing instructions while you travel, and it rolls up small to fit in your packing cube.

This GapFit top's not just for workouts. It's an easy-on-your-wallet tee that's easy on the eyes, thanks to the little twist in front. If you’re planning a more active excursion followed by lunch at a cute cafe, reach for this shirt. Dress it up with flowy pants, or keep it casual with leggings or shorts. Either way, the polyester, Lyocell, and Spandex blend will keep you cool while you’re active and looking stylish when you want to slow things down.

Whether you want to hike to a mountaintop temple or do sunrise yoga with the local goats, a moisture-wicking performance tee is worth including in your packing list. This recycled polyester and spandex shirt is also antimicrobial, so it lasts longer between washes. Pack two if you’re a more active traveler or have a workout routine you plan to maintain as you see the world. They’ll roll up small and look cute enough to wear for sightseeing, so you won’t regret them taking up space.

Add another layer to your wardrobe with the BALEAF Long Sleeve Shirt. It slips easily under a sweater or looks good on its own for casual adventures, depending on the temperatures where you travel. Plus, the technical fabric will wick away moisture if you want to go for a run in the morning chill. While it’s long-sleeve, it’s thin enough that you won’t quickly overheat, and it includes SPF 50 protection from the sun, so you’ll want to grab it for a day exploring the pyramids or other sunny spots.

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When you need a lightweight extra layer or to cover your shoulders to adapt to more modest cultures, reach for the Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl. It’s a perfect wrap for your dress or to blocks the sun’s rays when you’re eating al fresco at a seaside restaurant. Back at the hostel, you’ll find even more uses. Tuck it under the mattress of the bunk above you to create a privacy curtain in bed, or snuggle up with it when it’s too cold in the dorm and the blanket provided with your bedding isn’t cutting it.

Even if you know the weather forecast for your destination, there’s no telling how cold a plane, restaurant, or hostel will be. We’re digging the Airplane Cardigan as an extra layer over any outfit. The large pockets give you a place to carry your phone and small accessories. The cotton fabric is easy to care for and breathable so you won’t overheat. Although large, it doesn’t wrinkle when rolled, so you can squeeze it into your packing cube without worrying about what it will look like when you arrive.

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A sturdy pair of shorts is great for exploring the outdoors around your hostel. Whether going for a hike, strolling the city, or hanging out with your hostel mates, slip on these Levi’s for a cute and casual vibe. The blend of cotton and elastane gives them the right amount of stretch, and you can tuck your keys and wallet in the pockets, although they’re a bit short for a phone. While Levi’s calls these mid-length, the stitched cuffed hem gives them an inseam of just 3 inches, so your mileage may vary whether these are long enough for you.

Although they look dressy enough for a splurge dinner out, these pants are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them daily. The wide legs look cute with a tee, a sweater, a tank, or even a bikini, and the high waist complements a crop top. The flowy legs also look good with longer tops, and they have pockets, so you can carry your keys and lip balm without needing a bag. They’ll take up a bit of room when rolled in your packing cube, although they’re our choice pick for wearing on the plane or while traveling between cities, so you may not need to worry about it.

Since they’re nice and thick, you’ll reach for these organic cotton leggings for lounging around with your new friends, shopping at the local market, or trying a new workout routine. While they may not wick away moisture as well as more technical blends, they also don’t look like you’re still wearing the clothes from your morning run. The contouring waistband stays where it’s put, and the thicker fabric masks panty lines and other flaws. Although inexpensive, Pact manufactures them in a fair-trade factory, so you can feel good about wearing them.

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A good bathing suit is a boon at the pool or beach, though you’ll also want one for exploring waterfalls, woodland streams, and other adventures that take you off the beaten path. We’re packing a one-piece for an extra tank-style top to pair with our pants or shorts—bodysuits are back, after all. Look for one with a built-in bra, and you can wear it just about anywhere. Although a good swimsuit is an investment, Aerie has frequent sales, so you can score a good deal. While their styles change with the season, go for a classic tank for the most versatility.

We like to pack a dress for touring cathedrals, stylish metro areas, and going out to a restaurant, although it’s essential to choose one that can take the stresses of travel. This dress has a flirty, flowy style that will fit in pretty much anywhere, yet it’s so comfortable that you won’t feel like you’re dressing up. It even has pockets for stashing your phone and lip balm, so you may be able to leave an extra bag behind. It’s a bit large for your packing cube, though the Tencel jersey material doesn’t wrinkle easily, so it will look good wherever you pull it out, whether in Phoenix or France.

While you could catch some zzz's in the tee and leggings you wore all day, you’ll have to do laundry much more often if you’re also sleeping in your clothes. Make space to pack a set of pajamas, and you’ll be able to put on fresh duds in the morning. Whether it’s a worn-in theme park T-shirt or your favorite PJ set from home, you don’t have to spend much to find something to crash in overnight.

Whether you want to shade your face from the sun or have a bad hair day, a good hat is essential wherever you travel. Pick up a black ball cap like the lululemon Baller Hat Soft to have headgear that will coordinate with everything on this list, and the dark hue will hide any stains you pick up along the way. Although the brim is stiffer than most packable options, wrap it up with a ponytail holder to make it easier to fit in your travel backpack, and it will hold its curve around the world.

Fashion-forward slides are great for travel since they work as well at the beach as on city streets. You’ll be happy wearing the Chillos Slides everywhere, even around the hostel, since they’re as comfortable as slippers. The arch support may take a bit to get used to if you have flatter feet, though we like the adjustable straps for finding the right fit. Since they pair as well with a dress as shorts and pants, you can wear them as long as the weather warrants it. They can also double as shower shoes if you need to cut flip-flops from your pack, although the strap may take some time to dry.

These waterproof sneakers will keep your feet dry no matter what weather you encounter throughout your trip, and you can pair them with shorts, pants, or even a dress since the low-profile design goes with various styles. The black knit fabric looks nice enough for casual occasions, and you can wear them for some light exercise. They compress down for easy packing, so they’ll take up less space than running shoes in your pack.

Since you may be sharing a shower, it’s nice to have a toiletry bag that lets you tote the essentials. Hang this small organizer at your bunk or in the bathroom so you can see everything you need. It includes a shower caddy so you can carry your soap, razor, and other gear in the shower with you. Plus, there’s a ton of organization in this kit, so you’ll know you’ve forgotten something if you spy an empty pocket or loop.

If your hair’s longer than a few inches, a comb won’t cut it. Instead, reach for a travel-sized hairbrush that won’t snap in two when you hit a snag. The ergonomically-shaped handle on the Spornette Carry On is short yet comfortable to use, and the brush head is closer to the size you’re used to at home than a foldable style. Just be sure to slide it into the pocket of your toiletry kit with the bristles facing away from the mesh so it doesn’t get caught.

We like the Venus Mini because it gives you a nearly full-size blade on a petite handle, so you can still get a good grip. While it comes with its own case (yay!), it’s so large you can likely leave it behind and slip this in a slot of your shower caddy. Replacement blades are available nearly anywhere, and if you buy too many, they also work on the longer Venus handle you have at home.

We love products that serve double-duty, so we’re digging this 2-in-1 foundation and concealer from Milani. Sold in a TSA-friendly size, you can use it to cover a light blemish or two or as foundation for your whole face. A little goes a long way, so you’ll be set no matter how long you travel. Plus, it’s water resistant to stay put through a misty rain or while you’re sweating in a warmer location. Pair it with a palette for extra color or fancier locations.

Why worry about grabbing different containers of blush, bronzer, and eye shadow when you can get it all in one convenient, coordinated palette? Whether you want a natural, sun-kissed look or something with a little more flair, you can mix and match the shadows, blushes, bronzer, and highlighter in Milani’s All-Inclusive palette to create your perfect look. It comes in a slim package to slide easily into your toiletry kit. You’ll be the hit with new friends when you pull it out at the hostel. Don’t worry—there’s plenty to share before you go out for a night of fun.

While you may not reach for it often, Maybelline’s Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is great to have on hand whether you need to look more awake than you feel, you’re getting ready for a night out, or you don’t feel fully dressed without it. It’s waterproof to keep raccoon eyes at bay throughout the day’s (and night’s) adventures, and you can get the look you prefer based on how many coats you apply.

This makeup brush kit comes with the tools you need to apply blush, bronzer, foundation, eye makeup, and more, though what we love is that you don’t need to bring it all with you every time. Two handles come with interchangeable heads, so you can pack what you need and leave the rest at home. And the ability to take the brushes off the handles cuts down on the space you’ll need to pack them, so you won’t have to worry about squashed bristles when unpacking after traveling for days.

From splinters to ticks to stray hairs, we can find many reasons to include tweezers in a hostel packing list. While these tweezers from Revlon are perfect for shaping your eyebrows, you never know where you may need to pluck when you’re traveling for weeks at a time. Their slender profile won’t take up much room in your organizer, although, like many pointy objects, they can get caught in mesh pockets, so take care while taking them out.

You can get a GoTubb in three different sizes, though we’re opting to grab a small one to transport our makeup remover. While soap can do the trick in many cases, some makeup is a little harder to take off (we’re looking at you, waterproof mascara!). If you don’t plan to wear much, you can pack just a little micellar water or another remover. If you like to wear makeup daily, upgrade to the medium size since it will still make it past airport security.

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You may hope for spontaneity as you hop from place to place and hostel to hostel, but some things happen like clockwork. Plan for your period without making space for a big box of supplies with the Last Object Last Pad. Bringing along a couple means you’ll be ready even if Aunt Flo comes to visit when you weren’t expecting her, while also being kind to Mother Earth. These are washable, though you may want privacy if you rinse them in a shared sink.

If you have a packed agenda or your plans include a trip to the beach, you won’t want to use a pad. Instead, reach for the Athena Club Menstrual Cup, which contains your flow more like a tampon but is reusable. There’s a learning curve with a cup, so you’ll want to practice inserting and removing it before you go, but this flexible device fits easily in your pack, so you can always be prepared.