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Introduction

G’day! I’m Mikki, a solo Aussie traveller who’s spent the better part of this year hauling everything I own on my back. If you’d told me before I left home that I’d learn more about myself from a pair of thermal undies than from a fancy tour, I’d have raised an eyebrow. Yet here I am, sharing the top living out of backpack lessons I’ve picked up after months of hostel dorms, budget airlines and more street-side noodles than I care to admit.

Whether you’re planning your first month-long getaway or prepping for the ultimate multi-continent stint, these insights will save your sanity – and maybe a few kilos off your pack. Let’s dive in!

1. Choose Your Backpack Wisely

First things first: you need a backpack that feels like an extension of your spine rather than a medieval torture device. I swear by my 40-litre favourite from Amazon AU. It’s lightweight, pockets are intelligently placed, and it’s tough enough to survive hostel cargo holds.

Pro tip: Try it on loaded with books or water bottles at a shop before you commit. Poor posture and bruised hips are real things. If you can still stand upright after a few laps around the store, you’re on the right track.

2. Pack for Versatility (Not Just Style)

You might love those bright neon shorts, but will you still love them in two weeks of city grime and unpredictable weather? My rule: every item must work as a minimum of three different outfits or purposes. My Merino wool tee from Amazon AU doubles as a sleep shirt and a quick-dry gym top. Those yoga pants? Also fantastic for hiking and cold hostel nights.

Leggings as pajamas. Sarong as beach cover-up, blanket or picnic mat. One scarf becomes a head wrap, belt and impromptu curtain for privacy in a dorm. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your pack weighs half as much and you’ve still got style points.

3. The Art of Laundry

Laundry on the road is less glamorous than it sounds. Unless you love playing Tetris with wet clothes in a hostel sink, invest in a basic travel laundry kit: a sink stopper, a scrubbing board, and a multipurpose bar soap. Pack a minimal detergent powder pouch for those inevitable 50-degree laundromat dryers.

Schedule laundry every seven days and squeeze it in between sightseeing. I’ve scored entire machines for myself in deserted small-town laundromats. If you’re staying in cities, hop on Hostelworld to find cheap places with free washing (trust me, these are diamonds).

4. Embrace Capsule Toiletries

Toiletries can bulk out your bag like nothing else. My capsule kit fits into a 1-litre plastic bag and includes:

• A small bar of biodegradable soap
• Mini shampoo bar (from Amazon AU)
• Toothbrush and travel toothpaste
• Multipurpose balm (lips, cuts, heels)
• Tiny deodorant stick
• Basic first-aid essentials

Everything else I buy as I go locally – sunscreen in Thailand, aloe vera in Australia.

5. Tech and Connectivity Hacks

Living out of a backpack isn’t an excuse to go off-grid entirely. You’ll still need Google Maps, your travel blog, or to FaceTime home when the hostels get too quiet. Instead of swapping SIMs at every border, I get an eSIM from Airalo. It’s instant, reliable and loaded with data packages across dozens of countries.

For power, carry a lightweight power bank and a short, sturdy cable. No one needs a tangled mess of wires poking them in the back of the bus. While you’re at it, invest in a universal travel adapter with USB ports – it’ll fit into hostel power boards like a glove.

6. Budget Brain: Track Every Dollar

A wandering spirit doesn’t have to be a broke one. On day one, I set a daily budget and record every coffee, bike hire and late-night snack. I use a simple spreadsheet and update it on my phone when I’m waiting for a ferry. If you’d rather automate, apps like Trail Wallet or even a few quick notes in your phone’s memo app will do.

Want to save on accommodation? I’ve had epic hostel finds with Hostelworld and mid-range hotels on Booking.com. Sneaky tip: check non-refundable rates if your dates are locked in. You’ll often score a 10–15% discount.

7. Travel Insurance Isn’t a Luxury

I admit, I nearly skipped this line item to save money. Then I slid down a muddy hill in Sri Lanka, twisted my ankle and faced a €150 emergency clinic bill. Yikes. Get coverage from reliable providers like World Nomads or SafetyWing. They’ll sort you out if you’re mugged, sick, injured or stranded. Better safe than couch-surfing in a hospital waiting room.

8. Plan Light, Stay Flexible

It’s tempting to map out every day down to the minute, especially on Instagram. But real magic happens when you leave room for spontaneity. That hidden waterfall you hear about on a bus? The midnight market you only discover by chatting with a fellow traveller? These are the moments you actually remember.

I usually book my first two nights in each new place via Booking.com or Hostelworld. After that, I remain blissfully uncommitted. If I find a café I love, I’ll extend. If not, I’m off like a roo.

9. Cultural Respect Goes a Long Way

Living out of a backpack is more than ticking off landmarks. It’s people, smells, mistakes and laughter. I always learn a few local phrases before arriving. Even if my pronunciation is laughable, locals appreciate the effort. If you’re in Europe, try a short language series on Lingopie or ask to borrow a phrasebook.

Small gestures – removing shoes, greeting elders, modest dress – can open doors. It’s also polite to ask before snapping photos of locals. You might just make a new friend.

10. Mental Wellbeing Matters

Backpacking can feel like one long roll of sensory overload. Hostels are noisy, travel logistics sometimes feel endless, and homesickness creeps in too. I schedule digital breaks – no phone for a morning, yoga by a river or simply journalling in a quiet café.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember you’re not the only one. Chat to your dorm mates. I’ve met epic pals just by saying “Hey, you look like you’ve seen the sunrise from here already—worth the trek?” Travelling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone.

Conclusion

Living out of a backpack isn’t always glamorous. You’ll lose socks, question your decisions at 3 a.m. on a bus and develop an unhealthy relationship with instant noodles. But the lessons you learn—about priorities, adaptability and kindness—are priceless.

So pack light, embrace mess-ups, and savour every awkward conversation in a foreign language. Your best adventures happen when you stop micromanaging and let the road surprise you. And if you need gear, insurance or a cheeky hostel, check the links here. Happy trails, friend!

Safe travels,
Mikki