A hostel packing list comes always pretty handy, right?! Ahh, the eternal travel question – what on earth should I pack for traveling and staying at Hostels? We had a look around and all those packing lists for hostels we found, were pretty outdated. Nothing to do with the modern backpacker, the new generation with SmartPhones, Cameras and Tablets.This article is part of the big full guide to hostels – packed with everything you need to know about hostel-typed accommodation!Whether you’re the type of traveler who flings everything in their suitcase half an hour before leaving the house, or you have a meticulous packing list ready weeks in advance. At some point you’re going to have to make some decisions about what goes into that suitcase of yours. Oh wait, should it be a suitcase or actually a backpack? That is a different topic though…Aaaalso, very interesting for you: The NO-GO, NEVER-EVER hostel packing list – items you should leave at home!If you’re planning on staying in hostels during your adventures, there are some travel items that you definitely won’t want to leave at home.

We’ve complied this hostel packing list of our geeky must-have items to stay at a hostel to help you figure out what to take with you. You can get an idea of all facilities and services a Hostel offer in our Full Hostel Guide.One last question before we start – did you remember your passport?You can download the Hostel Packing List as a PDF. Simply open the .pdf and save it on your device. We also added a few more points so you can add your own items to the list.You never know who you could end up sharing a room with in a hostel. Now, most people are genuinely nice – we’re not trying to scare you here.But you might find out in the wee hours of the morning that your super sweet new friend has some supersonic snoring abilities.Or maybe the friendly girl you met downstairs spent her evening getting to know the city’s bar scene. You’ll become painfully aware of this fact when she crashes into the room at 5 a.m.More and more hostels add the little privacy to a dorm by adding a curtain to the bunk beds.

And we at Hostelgeeks really like this. So simple and effective!However, an Eye Mask is always a good idea to add to your hostel packing list. You can use it as well for long flights, or taking a nap during the day.Lots of travel websites recommend bringing a key chain flashlight. That’s so you can find your way around the room in the dark without having to disturb your roommates by turning the lights on.Yes, we mean you, friendly girl who stumbled into the room at 5 a.m.!OK, nowadays you can use your phone for this, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind. And yes, even the iPhone doesn’t require an extra App anymore for having a flashlight.Again, this isn’t intended to scare you. Like we said, most hostel guests really are nice, normal people (we promise!). But when you stay in a hostel, you’ll be sharing space with people you don’t know. Be sensible and don’t leave your stuff lying around.If you’re traveling with something you don’t want to lose (like that passport we reminded you to take – you’ve still got it, right?), then it’s a good idea to keep it locked up somewhere safe.

Better to be safe than sorry!If you forget a padlock, most hostels will be able to sell or rent you one.fa backpack 4chanDo you know this trend to put love locks on bridges around Europe? bap backpack ebayWell, don’t do this…remember our 14 worst travel tips!osprey backpack 85lSome of the 5 Star Hostels offer a techy solution to this.backpack journalism syllabusYou will definitely want these for the shower no matter how clean the hostel is, trust us. ezydog backpack ukThey also come in handy when you plan to hang out in the hostel garden or to hit the beach in destinations like Lisbon (5 secret tips Lisbon here including the best beaches around Lisbon).best stuffable backpack

Unlike at a hotel, hostels don’t provide toiletries. Okay, many of the 5 Star Hostels do, but in general Hostel don’t offer that.We recommend getting a few travel-sized bottles and reusing them for all your trips. You can avoid checking a bag on a flight that way, too!Important: When you plan to buy small-sized toiletries, make sure their size is maximum 100ml! This is the max size of liquids you can bring on a plane with your hand-luggage. We have seen bigger “travel-size toiletries”, so have a look on that before you buy!This a photo from Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage, 5 Star Hostel in London. They offer travel-size toiletries at the rooms.For your left-overs from your lunch or dinner you cooked in the hostel kitchen! You can close it properly, put it in the fridge and tag it super simple!Another big advantage: Depending where you are, you can prepare your lunch for the next day, take it with you and eat wherever you want. We had lunch in national parks in Croatia, cliffs in Ireland, and beaches in Spain.Also, it saves you some coins, and gives you the freedom not to worry about your food when wandering around!

Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to change plugs. Don’t get stuck with all the stuff to charge up your electronics but no way to plug them in!On that note – have you packed all your chargers?The photo shows the We Bologna Hostel in Bologna, Italy.Flashpacking anyone? A USB Multi Charger is great to charge your camera and smart phone at the same time.It’s super easy to stick in your bag and it doesn’t weight a lot. Eco-friendly and Multi purposed! Use it to separate your clean and dirty clothes while you’re traveling. You’ll really appreciate this as you get towards the end of your trip! Really.Also, you can use it for shopping and cut down the usage of plastic bags. The best new luggage and gear from the International Travel Goods Show Gearing up to hit the road? Suit up with the best new luggage and gadgets to designed to make your time away from home a little less stressful. Over 300 exhibitors at the 2016 International Travel Goods Show held in Las Vegas debuted their newest wares this week.

They showcased the newest space savers to the latest in smart luggage and clothes designed for life on the road. The annual tradeshow is the largest exhibition of travel products in the world with attendees from over 50 countries. Leading manufacturers and even first-time inventors hit the strip to preview the newest travel products, many before they hit store shelves. In the market for some new travel gear? Check out a few items what will making a splash throughout the industry in 2016. Calling all parents and big families. The Scootie transforms this cool kids' case into a versatile scooter with a weight capacity of 120 lbs. With a simple fold-up, it goes back to a fully maneuverable carry-on. Why it’s cool: You’ll finally be done with carrying your kids’ luggage. When is it available? The Sympatico International Carry-On Expandable Spinner from Briggs & Riley is the world’s first polycarbonate case with CX expansion-compression technology. What is CX expansion and why do you need it?

The lightweight system increases packing capacity by 18 percent-- then compresses back down to the bag’s original size for easy overhead storage. Compressible luggage hit the market a few years ago – but this is one of the first hardside compressible pieces. Why it’s cool: Eliminate wasted suitcase space with a compressible hardside. The Cloud Sleeper keeps your back in proper alignment while allowing you to relax in a comfortable and natural forward position. As a bonus, its patented design lets you use your smartphone, watch a movie, play games or read a book – all within the pillow. The Cloud Sleeper has a 2-valve system so you can adjust the top and bottom sections separately for individually tailored comfort. The handy pillow also has an "EZ Inflate" feature so it inflates and deflates in seconds. Why it’s cool: Takes up little to no space; entertain yourself while in use Introducing the next tech-savvy bag from the Hedgren Connect line. The Junction Backpack boasts 15” laptop storage, tablet pocket, RFID-blocking storage pockets, locking zippers, crushproof pocket and a removable phone case.

Bags in the line feature storage for portable battery chargers for phone, tablet and laptop, and comes bundled with a retractable USB cable that integrates with the bag for easy charging. Why it’s cool: Never run out of juice for your devices and look stylish at the same time Finally, a way to truly leave the house without a bag to carry around. The versatile Odyssey Jacket by Stuffa is a waterproof, single skin outer jacket with a removable inner jacket with 12 stuffable, concealed pockets. Why it’s cool: Forget lugging a bag around and carry your essentials on your body Designed for maximum versatility, the eco-friendly Rolling Mobile Pro from LiteGear Designs features separate individual quick-access pockets for laptop, tablet, smartphone, water bottle and desk tools, and geared up with apps: thermal food container, document organizer, flashlight, mesh accessory pouch, neoprene cord manager. Measuring 17” x 10” x 9”, it is also compliant with current airline specs for your under-the-seat personal item.