I'm a female solo traveller - here are my backpacking essentials for travelling alone
Travelling solo can feel overwhelming enough without the added stress of figuring out what to pack for the trip.
The challenge of distinguishing between 'needs' and 'wants' when packing for individual travel can lead to overpacking, unnecessary buys or forgetting essential items altogether.
To navigate this, it's helpful to create a comprehensive packing list that separates necessities from optional items, reducing baggage weight and allowing for a seamless travel experience.
Thankfully, seasoned f emale solo travellers have shared their go-to accessories, devices, clothing items and bags that offer practicality, convenience, comfort, and safety during their trip.
Recommending travel hooks to her followers on TikTok, @jemmastravels said: 'When I was in Asia I would have wet bikinis, or in Europe I'd have smelly shoes that I didn't want in my bag, and I could just hook them to the outside of my backpack and go from hostel to hostel. Could not recommend them enough.'
Another TikToker, @kayli.kiing, encouraged fellow solo travellers to invest in soap bar bags, adding: 'I love shampoo and conditioner bars, but I hated dealing with them after a shower.
'These bags are made to let them dry inside without the inside getting all gross.'
From anti-theft bags to probiotics to power banks, here are 14 backpacking essentials every female solo traveller should pack for their next adventure:
Seasoned female solo travellers have shared their go-to accessories, devices, clothing items and bags
She's Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm
Feel safer anywhere with the She's Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm, a stylish keychain-sized safety device.
With a powerful 130dB siren and a strobing 200-lumen LED light, it's ideal for solo travellers, night outings, or daily commutes.
Clip it onto your bag, keys, or belt and go with confidence, as recommended by over 120,000 users worldwide.
£33 Shop
Simond Compressible Filter Bottle
Stay hydrated and safe with the Simond filtered bottle, which removes 99.99 per cent of bacteria and 99.9 per cent of protozoa and microorganisms.
With a 1L capacity and a wide opening for quick filling, it's lightweight at just 115g and folds down for easy packing.
Pro tip: Rinse the bottle, cap, and filter three times before first use, and be mindful of drips when drinking.
£29.99 Shop
Decathlon Waterproof Hiking Boots
For active travelers, a good pair of waterproof hiking boots is a must.
The Decathlon Waterproof Hiking Boots, created by QUECHUA, offer excellent grip and support, perfect for hiking trails or walking through wet weather.
They feature a high, flexible upper, 6 eyelet lacing with hooks for support, TPR soles with 3.5mm studs, heel cushioning with a 6mm EVA pad adapted to natural footpaths, and they include a removable insole so you can add orthopedic insoles
£19.99 Shop
Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes (Set of 8)
Helping keep you organised when packing, the Toifucos Travel Packing Cubes could help save you time and free up valuable space.
The set comes with eight different sized bags, including shoes, toiletries and drawstring bags - perfect for separating your dirty holiday clothes.
In one TikTok video, uploaded by solo traveller, @discoverwithemma, she said: 'I've seen these compression packing cubes all over TikTok.
'They actually save so much space because they have an extra zip.'
£11.99 Shop
Bag Smart 28L Carry-on Backpack
Stay organised and hands-free with the versatile Bag Smart carry-on backpack.
It fits up to a 15.6" laptop, opens flat for TSA checks, and includes dedicated compartments for shoes and essentials.
Water-resistant, machine washable, and airline-approved as a personal item, it's a smart choice for minimalist travel.
Volume: 28L | Dimensions: 31cm x 42cm x 20.5cm
£75.00 Shop
TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter
This all-in-one travel adapter is a must-have for globetrotters, allowing you to charge your devices in over 150 countries.
Compact and portable, the 5.5 x 7.25 x 5.35 cm adapter is compatible with outlets in Europe, the UK, the US, Australia, China, and many more, covering all major plug types.
It features three USB ports and one AC socket, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once, such as phones, laptops and cameras, all while being compact and portable.
It's also equipped with two overload fuses, each rated at 10A. If a fuse is damaged, you can immediately replace it with the spare one provided.
£19.99 Shop
Dude Flushable Wipes (Box of 30)
From cross-country hikes to sketchy restrooms, Dude Wipes are a must-pack essential for solo travellers on the go.
Fragrance-free, flushable, and gentle on skin, they're ideal for freshening up on the go, cleaning dirty hostel surfaces, or when toilet paper is nowhere in sight.
£12.41 Shop
Eagle Creek Money Wallet
Discreet and comfy, the Eagle Creek neck wallet keeps passports, cash, and cards safe under your clothes.
Made of breathable, washable silk with sweat-resistant lining, it's perfect for hot and humid destinations.
Colour options: Rose pink or black.
£29.99 Shop
OHOVIV Power Bank
Keep your devices charged with the OHOVIV Power Bank.
With 12000mAh capacity and fast charging up to 22.5W, it powers phones, tablets, and more.
The dual USB and Type-C ports let you charge three devices at once, while the compact design makes it travel-ready.
Type-C input supports: 18W quick charging for both iOS and Android.
£15.19 Shop
Pacsafe Go 15L Anti-Theft Backpack
Peace of mind meets everyday style with the Pacsafe GO anti-theft backpack.
Cut-resistant straps and fabric, lockable zippers, and an RFID-blocking pocket help keep valuables safe.
Fits a 13" laptop and features a hidden pocket for essentials.
Eco bonus: The bag is made from 21 recycled plastic bottles.
£99.90 Shop
Sea To Summit Travel Hooks (Pack of 3)
These handy mini carabiners are perfect for clipping wet clothes, shoes, keys, or gear to the outside of your backpack.
Lightweight and colourful (grey, blue, orange), they're a hostel-to-hostel lifesaver.
TikToker @jemmastravels swears by them for keeping wet bikinis out of her backpack across Asia and Europe.
£6.00 Shop
Optibac Travel Biotics (20 capsules)
Support your gut while on the move with Optibac Travel Probiotics.
These clinically-backed strains - Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria & Saccharomyces - are designed to survive high temperatures and new environments, helping reduce stomach upsets during travel.
Ideal for destinations like Mexico, Thailand, or India.
Also compatible with travel medications.
£15.99 Shop
Matador Soap Bar Case
Whether you're trekking through the wilderness or exploring new cities with just a carry-on, the Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case makes carrying soap or shampoo bars a breeze.
Ultralight and waterproof, the rolltop design keeps everything sealed while the Dry-Through technology lets your soap dry inside - even when zipped shut.
Shower, stash it, and pack it up without mess.
Available in: Garnet, Charcoal, and Arctic White.
£13.95 Shop
Compact Shower Filter
Don't let poor water quality affect your skin or hair while travelling.
The Tubo shower filter uses a 20-stage filtration system to remove up to 99 per cent of chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria.
Its compact size fits most showerheads and lasts for up to 12,000 gallons - making it a smart travel essential from beach huts to city hostels.
£19.99 Shop
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