Backpack Essentials

When it comes to your backpack, don't forget some of the essentials you should consider bringing with you on your travels.  Some items will be carried in your pack while others can be attached to the exterior.  Many packs come with daisy chains are webbing loops sewn to the backpack allowing you to use straps, clips or carabineers to attach additional gear.

Travel Gear Luggage Tag

There are endless styles of luggage tags available, simply search 'Luggage Tags' and click on Images.  Pick something that appeals to your personality and have fun with it.  The important thing is that you have one!

Even if you do not plan on checking your bag, you should always have some type of ID Tag attached.  Situations may arise that are out of your control, requiring that your bag be checked, no matter the size.  If for some reason your bag gets lost, having an ID Tag attached will greatly increase the chances that your bag is returned to you.

Tags should include a slot on the back to insert a card with your contact information.

Be sure your information includes at minimum your name, phone number and even an email address.

Including your home address is up to you.  If you decide to include an address, a work address may be a better.  Listing your home address may send a red flag to other unscrupulous people that no one is at home.

 
Bluefield Backpack Rain Cover and Sizing Chart

Some backpacks will come with either a built in rain cover that expands from a bottom compartment or a separate rain cover that can be stowed away in any available compartment.  Other backpacks may not come with a rain cover requiring you to purchase one separately.  A rain cover is essential and you may never need it, but if you do, you can be darn sure you will be glad you have it.

We have had to break out our covers on several trips and they can make a world of difference when it comes to arriving somewhere with the contents of your backpack nice and dry or cold and wet requiring you to dry and air things out.  For only a few dollars, purchase a rain cover if your pack did not include one.

Your will find several different brands of covers available so choose one that works for you.  We have used and can recommend covers by Bluefield.

Bluefield Rain Cover Sizing Chart
Size Height (in) Width (in) Depth (in) Suitable Backpack (L)
S 22 13 6 15-35
M 29 17 8 35-55
L 32 18 10 55-80
 
Combination Lock

 

Although bringing a lock with you will add additional weight to your back, it is a good idea and may come in useful.  It's easy to carry and can simply be locked to the exterior of your bag for when you need it.  Keep in mind that no locking device is foolproof but it may help thwart an attempt for someone to take your bag.

A lock could be used to secure a double zipper preventing your backpack from easily being unzipped.  We have stayed in hostels having in-room lockers where you may store your bag, but you had to provide your own lock to secure it.

When purchasing a lock, we do not recommend a keyed lock but rather a combination lock.  With a combination lock you have one less thing to worry about as you do not have to be concerned with loosing or misplacing your key.  Some combination locks will come with a pre-set code while others allow your to set your own code.  Simply pick a code you can easily remember and you are good to go.

 

Look for locks with the Travel Sentry symbol.

Travel Sentry is a company that develops and licenses standards used in travel security, including a standard for luggage locks that can be opened by aviation security agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) without damaging the lock for baggage inspection should it be necessary.

 
Expandable Cable for Lock

It may be a good idea to include an expandable cable as a compliment to your lock.

Having a cable allows you to wrap it around objects helping to secure your bag so that it may not easily be snatched away.  It can be secured to a table or to your bed frame while staying in a hostel where other people are coming in and out of your room.

Should you decide not to bring a cable for your lock, in some situations you may be able to wrap your backpack's waist belt around something and click it together to prevent someone from running off with your bag but you will not be able to lock it securely while unattended.

We recommend an expandable length of approximately 48 in.

 
Carabineers

Spring Loaded Clip with Screw Lock

Spring Loaded Clip / non-locking

You may want to attach small items to the loops or the Daisy Chain of your backpack.  Carabineers are a cheap and convenient way to attach items such as your hat, small flashlight, compass, souvenir keychain, etc. to your backpack.

We want to note that these carabineers are not rated for climbing.  Climbing rated carabineers will work just fine, but they are much more expensive, costing $10 or more for a single piece.

You will find carabineers at outdoor stores specializing in climbing, but for travel there is no need to purchase climbing rated carabineers which can be very expensive.  As you will only be using these to attach small items to your pack, look for something inexpensive that still performs.

We found the best deals at Amazon for ordering in bulk; 10 pieces for about $10.00. (Link to the right)

 For convenience and if there is an immediate need, you can find individual non-locking carabineers at Home Depot for around $1.00 a piece.

Home Depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SecureLine-Mini-Spring-Link-4-Pack-7035BM-4C/204235663

There are several different colors, shapes and sizes available including mini and normal.

We recommend the normal-size with spring loaded screw lock for added security.

Approximate Sizes

Mini: 2 in. x 1 in.
Normal: 3 in. x 1.5 in.
  • Spring loaded clip
  • Optional spring loaded screw lock
  • Made of aluminum
  • Can be found individually or in bulk
  • Anodized finish
 
Stainless Steel Wire Cable Keychain with Screw Type Closure

Another alternative for attaching small items to your backpack is a Stainless Steel Wire Cable Keychain with Screw Type Closure.

These are probably the most economical of anything you will find, providing a lightweight, strong and secure way of attaching small items to your backpack.  You can find a pack of 12 multi-colored cables at Amazon for around $7.00. (Link to the right)

  • 2mm thick strong wire cable
  • Screw connector is secure and convenient
  • Connect two or more to increase the length
  • Material: Stainless steel wire with plastic coating
  • Quantity: 12 Pieces (2 Pieces of each color): Black, Silver, Red, Lite Blue, Green and Magenta

Various Sizes

  • Cable Length: 4 inches (10 cm). Loop diameter: 1.4 inches (3.5 cm)
  • Cable Length: 6 inches (15.5 cm). Loop diameter: 2 inches (5 cm)