Packing for a hostel (or any kind of dormitory setting) for the first time can seem intimidating. Unlike hotels, motels, and airbnbs, there are so many things that hostels don't provide. Below is a reference Hostel Packing Guide so you can get the inside scoop of the essential items you'll definitely need and the accessories that would make your stay at a hostel more comfortable. 

For travelers, by travelers

• Earplugs
• Combination Lock
  • The most forgotten item while backpacking! Hostels provide you with lockers to secure your belongings but you need to bring your own lock. The best locks are keyless, have flexible metal cables, lightweight and TSA approved.
• Sleep Mask
  • Make sure you get an adult-sized, comfortable sleep mask. Silk and satin sleep masks work better than cotton or linen sleep masks. You will encounter roommates that forget to turn off the lights or hostels where light shines through the windows.
• Travel Panel™
  • Of course, we can’t forget our patent pending Travel Panel™! This gives you the extra privacy and storage you’ll need while staying in hostel bunk beds. No roommate will have a front-row-seat to you sleeping. You won’t need to go to your locker in the middle of the night or bring your dirty day-bag into bed with you. You’ll have easy access to those bedside items like earplugs or sleep masks and somewhere to put your phone or hostel keys when you go to sleep. (Coming Soon)
• International Plug Adapter(s)
  • If you are traveling abroad, don’t forget that there are different power outlets around the world. If you're traveling to multiple countries, there are universal adaptors that have multiple country plugs all-in-one. The best adaptors also have USB and USB-C outlets built in.
• Microfiber Towel
  • Quick dry, lightweight and compact for indoor bathing use. Probably 9 out of 10 guests at a hostel, bring their own microfiber towel with them.
• Cotton Cloud Towel (optional)
  • Also known as a Turkish Towel. If you will be spending days swimming or at the park, these are great and multi-functional. You will want a second lightweight towel other than your indoor bathing towel. These can also function as a scarf or blanket.
• Compression Packing Cubes
  • The rule of thumb is at least one large packing cube per every 10L in your backpack. For example, if you are traveling with a 40L backpack, you’ll need at least 4 large packing cubes. Stick to the larger-sized ones that are uniform in size so they pack nicely in your bag. Packing cubes can also help separate your clean vs dirty clothes.
• Rechargeable External Power Bank
• Chargers
• Day Bag
  • You won’t want to bring around your main backpack everywhere you go. A small, lightweight day bag is helpful so you can carry your essentials while exploring.
• Travel Size Toiletries
  • Bath wash, deodorant, shaver, shaving cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen etc.
• Toiletry Bag
  • Urban backpackers seem to overly recommend hanging toiletry bags due to some hostels having very compact bathrooms with little counter space.
• Flipflops (optional)
• Headphones
  • If you use wireless earbuds, note that earbuds are the most lost travel accessory. Just image dozing off on a long flight or train ride and one of your expensive earbuds slip out of your ear. For this reason, if you use wireless earbuds, we suggest bringing a more economical pair.
• Money Belt (optional)
• Small Flashlight (optional)
  • Some travelers like to lock their cell phone in their hostel lockers, but if you do, you will need a light to help you get around the hostel dormitory while your roommates are sleeping. A small flashlight keychain would be fine if you don’t plan on bringing your phone to your hostel bunk bed with you. Some travelers recommend headlamps as they are also useful if you plan any camping.
• Compactable Water Bottle
• Pocket Wifi or Virtual Private Network (optional)
  • Perfect for Digital Nomads that are working while they travel. If you aren’t working, it is not needed.
• Document Folder (optional)
  • For your passport, travel insurance, extra cash etc. Preferably something that is waterproof.
• Comfortable Sneakers
• Clothing
  • Our only suggestion here is to not overpack and choose solid/neutral colors that can layered and matched in different ways.
• eSim Card
  • Having a little data while traveling is very helpful when it comes to getting around with directions and communicating. Generation Nomad™ has partnered with trusted Airalo® to provide backpackers with discounts on eSim cards. Scan the QR code below from your mobile phone for more info: 
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