5 must-have items for hostel backpacking

• For the first time, I stayed in a hostel in the backpacker area of ​​Singapore.
• I’m a last minute person and decided to bring only the essentials for my overnight trip.
• While I was glad to have my AirPods, dental kit, and toothbrush with me, I really missed my flip flops.

I booked a night in a capsule hotel in the heart of Singapore’s hiking area earlier this month.

I was a new backpacker and wasn’t sure what to pack. Most of the articles I found online were about long term hiking and provided long lists of essential items.

Although I tend to pack last minute, I was able to make this overnight trip work for me: I packed light and only brought the essentials.

What I’m grateful to have had with me on my first visit to the hostel

1. A dental kitI figured hostels wouldn’t offer the same luxury amenities as hotels, so I packed my dental kit. My hostel only had dispensers with shampoo and shower gel so I took my toothbrush and tube toothpaste.
2. laptop charger: My work was done at a nearby cafe, so my laptop and phone weren’t always charged. It was handy to have a portable charger so I could continue working uninterrupted and not worry about the battery life of my devices.
3. Listeners: To be quiet in the hostel, I had to plug my headphones into my phone when watching YouTube videos or listening to music. For the rare occasions when the AirPods or my wired headphones wouldn’t connect, I brought my AirPods along with my AirPods.
4. Disinfectant wipesAntibacterial wipes for hiking are essential. When I first set foot in my sleeping space, I noticed black dirt all over the bed and the sides. The wipes were easy to clean. Although I had considered bringing a disinfectant spray to the hostel, it was too humid.
5. Sneakers: The most practical choice I made was to wear sneakers — and not pack another pair. Although I like to wear heels and boots, I don’t like to wear them in hostels. Shoes that can be worn around town are best.

What I wish I had packed

1. Flip flopsI didn’t bring flip flops which was my biggest packing mistake. I would have felt more comfortable using the bathroom, taking a shower, and even running late to the convenience store.
2. portable fan: The air conditioner in my sleeping pod was not working properly. I didn’t know what to expect. To relieve congestion, I kept my door open most of the night. A mini fan would have given me more privacy.

If you are staying in a hostel, keep your luggage light. However, a pair of socks is an ideal choice.

flip flops

I would have preferred a portable fan, as it would have taken up less space, which would have made my stay even more comfortable.