25+ Travel Gift Ideas for First-Time Backpackers

Cramming your entire life into a backpack and sailing away into the unknown might not sound like your idea of a relaxing getaway. But for adventure-seekers, a first-time backpacking trip is the start of something truly unforgettable.

So if you have a pal or loved one headed out on a gap year, soul-searching journey, or sabbatical, the least you can do is send them off with a few thoughtful, practical gifts in tow.

With that in mind, here are 25+ travel gift ideas to give the first-time backpacker in your life the perfect sendoff!

Starting With the Backpacking Basics

When it comes to backpacking, certain items are non-negotiable. The following essentials lay the foundation for smooth, organised travelling.

1. Lightweight Daypack

Yes, backpackers carry their backpack with them everywhere, but sometimes they need to leave it at the hostel. That's where a sturdy daypack comes in handy. This is a smaller, lightweight backpack that can be taken on hikes or sightseeing. It should be small enough to fit inside the main pack while travelling between destinations, but big enough for all the essentials on day trips — such as a camera, snacks, a laptop sleeve, and maybe an extra change of clothes for the beach.

2. Durable Sleeping Bag, Travel Sheet, or Yoga Mat

Clean bedding isn't always guaranteed at every location, especially in more rural areas. A lightweight sleeping bag, travel sheet, or yoga mat makes the perfect gift for backpackers headed to more remote locations with limited facilities, like national parks, campsites, or rural hostels.

3. Packable Rain Jacket or Travel Poncho

Getting absolutely drenched in the rain is a day-ruiner. That's why a light, compact rain jacket or poncho makes a great gift for first-time backpackers who haven't been caught in the rain (yet!). Look for rain gear that's small enough to fit in the outside pocket of a backpack, so it's always accessible when the weather decides to flip the script.

4. Travel eSIM

One of the most practical gifts you can give a first-time backpacker is a travel eSIM, like ZenSim. Travel eSIMs can be installed ahead of time, taking away the stress of having to hunt for a physical SIM card upon arrival at a new country. With an eSIM sorted before departure, backpackers can hit the ground running as soon as they land at the destination.

Must-Have Travel Gear for Comfort and Convenience

Backpacking is all about adventure. But home comforts are still important! A few well-chosen items can make backpacking life so much more comfortable and enjoyable.

5. Microfiber Towel

This really should be in the essentials section, because a microfiber towel is most definitely an essential. Microfiber towels are lightweight and most importantly, quick-drying, so they're always ready and raring to go to the beach (or to the hostel shower). Pair it with a lightweight toiletry bag for added organisation.

6. Inflatable Travel Pillow

A good night's sleep (or nap) is key to keeping a happy backpacker happy. Soft, inflatable travel pillows are super practical because they can be inflated whenever they're needed, and then deflated and tucked away when they're not. This keeps travellers well-rested on overnight buses and long flights, without taking up too much precious space in the pack.

7. Packable Hammock

Okay, this one's for those spontaneous moments at the beach or by a river, and they give serious main character energy: packable hammocks. They're practical, they're a luxury, and they're a perfect gift for nature-loving backpackers who like to take it easy.

Tech That Travels Light

Bulky gadgets are a big no-no for backpackers. But the right tech, that's also lightweight and compact, can be a game-changer.

8. Multi-Port USB Charger and Power Bank

Outlet space is precious while travelling, especially when charging phones, headphones, and cameras all at once. A multi-port USB portable charger keeps all devices powered up, and a power bank is helpful to have on overnight trains and remote hikes where outlets are few and far between.

9. Compact Universal Travel Adapter

Universal travel adapters are another must-have for international trips, especially for backpackers headed to multiple countries. Pro tip: Choose one with a built-in USB port and carrying case to save even more space.

10. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Hostels and crowded trains can be very noisy. Noise-cancelling earbuds offer a bit of sanctuary from the chaos, giving overstimulated backpackers the chance to relax with a favourite podcast or audiobook.

Top Picks for Getting Connected and Organised

The whole backpacking experience goes a lot smoother when essentials are in reach and plans stay on track. The following items help facilitate happy, organised travelling.

11. RFID-Blocking Travel Wallet or Pouch

If there's one thing (okay things) that can't be lost while travelling, it's a passport, bank cards, and transport tickets/boarding passes. Keeping them all in one place with a dedicated travel wallet makes travelling across countries and regions a lot easier. Consider a wallet (or pouch) with card slots that have RFID-blocking technology for added protection against electronic pickpocketing and theft.

12. Reusable Waterproof Luggage Tag

A sturdy, waterproof luggage tag protects contact information from rain and wear, while also making luggage easy to identify. Look for tags made of silicone or durable plastic, bonus points if it's a bright colour to make luggage handles super easy to spot in crowded baggage carousels.

13. Cable Organiser

Cable organisers keep cords, Bluetooth headphones, and adapters neat and tangle-free inside luggage and backpacks. Look for one with separate compartments or elastic loops. You may also be able to find one with a few extra pouches for flash drives and miscellaneous tech.

Staying Safe, Healthy, and Prepared

Safety first! These are the items backpackers don't know they need... until they need them.

14. Lightweight First-Aid Kit

Nobody wants to scramble around for a tablet if they've got a late-night headache after a long bus journey. Having a basic kit with all the health and safety essentials, like pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptic wipes, can make a bad day a bit more bearable.

15. Mosquito Net or Repellent Bands

In certain locations, mosquito protection is an absolute necessity. Portable mosquito nets and repellent bands make great gifts for backpackers headed to warm, humid destinations.

16. Collapsible Water Bottle with Filter

Clean water isn't always guaranteed, especially in remote locations and underdeveloped countries. Look for a collapsible water bottle with a built-in filter, which can keep the most adventurous backpackers hydrated without taking up too much space in the pack.

Food and (of course) Brews

Meals and snacks just hit different after a day traipsing across the globe. Until your backpacker can come home for a home-cooked meal, these gifts can keep them fueled and refreshed.

17. Portable Cutlery

Street food, hostel kitchens, and campfire barbeques — there are so many situations where having reusable, portable cutlery comes in handy. Look for a set that's compact and lightweight for easy packing.

18. Minimalist Cook Set or Coffee Press

If you know your backpacker plans to do some cooking on the road, a compact cook set is a welcome addition to any backpacking kit. Or, if you know they love a brew first thing in the morning, look for a travel-size coffee press or tea infuser for total caffeination.

Travel-Ready Wardrobes

Practical, high-performance clothing and footwear help backpackers stay comfortable across changing climates, landscapes, and time zones. Even the simplest upgrades can really enhance a trip.

19. Anything Merino Wool

Merino wool, a.k.a. a backpacker’s secret weapon. This is a bit of a pricier gift, but merino wool is well worth it because it's breathable and naturally odour-resistant. Look for Merino socks and base layers, which are perfect for long travel days and multi-day hikes.

20. Lightweight Waterproof Shoes

A good pair of water-resistant shoes helps keep feet dry, which prevents painful blisters. Even backpackers who aren't planning on doing a lot of hiking can still benefit from a pair of waterproof shoes, especially if they're headed to humid regions that get a lot of rain.

21. Compression Packing Cubes

When an entire wardrobe has to fit in a backpack, packing cubes help optimise what little space is available. Go one step further with a compression packing cube, which gives backpackers even more room in their pack.

Exploring and Navigating

Getting lost is all part of the charm of backpacking, but it's still good to have the right tools that make exploring a bit safer and easier.

22. Mini Compass & Emergency Whistle

A bit old school, but a simple compass and whistle are essential for backpackers headed out to remote locations without phone signal. These tools are very small and can even clip onto the outside of the pack for easy access on unfamiliar trails.

23. Travel Insurance or Safety Apps

Covering travel insurance is another way to give your backpacker (and yourself) that extra peace of mind during their journey. You can also find safety-focused travel apps (like maps with offline capabilities, local alert systems, and SOS services), which provide that extra layer of security. These services often work on a subscription basis and may even be local to certain regions, so it's worth having a look around to see what options are available.

24. Travel eSIM Reload or Data Top-Up

Already gifted a ZenSim travel eSIM? Keep the connection going with a reload or data top-up that allows your backpacker to stay connected to their maps and safety apps, without needing to rely on internet cafés or physical SIMs.

Learning and Entertainment

Even though it's a big adventure, backpacking still involves a considerable amount of downtime. That's where a well-chosen book, language app, or a simple deck of cards can make a world of difference while travelling, helping to pass the time and keeping things fun!

25. Language Phrase Pack or Downloadable Ebooks

A small language phrase book, dictionary, or downloadable eBook is nice to have on long bus journeys or rainy hostel days. Plus, knowing even a few local phrases makes it much easier for backpackers to get around and make friends.

26. Deck of Cards

This is a small gift with a lot of potential. A standard deck of cards is perfect for breaking the ice in hostel lounges and finding common ground across languages and cultures.

27. Digital Travel Guides

Travel platforms, like Lonely Planet, offer a treasure trove of downloadable maps, curated itineraries, and offline resources for frequent travellers. Consider gifting your backpacker a subscription or gift code to build excitement ahead of the big trip.

28. Streaming or Audiobook Subscriptions

Spotify Premium, Audible, or Netflix gift cards make excellent gifts for backpackers with long flights and bus journeys ahead. Offline access is especially useful in places with spotty Wi-Fi and phone signal.

Why ZenSim is One of the Best Travel Gifts

Backpackers (obviously) love a curated Instagram post of travel photos. But staying connected is so much more than that. It's about being able to check routes, translate menus and road signs, and confirm bookings. It's also about staying in touch with family (and new backpacking buddies!) from any location in the world.

This is what makes a travel eSIM from ZenSim the absolute perfect gift for first-time backpackers. With ZenSim, travellers can activate mobile data for any location before they even leave home. No fumbling with plastic SIM cards on the plane. No confusing kiosks. And no surprise roaming charges.

The best part? It takes up zero space in their pack!

Putting Together the Perfect Gift Bundle

Planning on going big and gifting multiple items at once? Here's some inspo on what to bundle depending on your backpacker's vibe.

• For the Urban Explorer, pair a stylish daypack with noise-cancelling earbuds and an RFID-blocking wallet. 
• For the Off-Grid Explorer, consider a packable hammock, collapsible water bottle (with a filter), and wool compression socks.
• For the Minimalist Traveller, bundle compression packing cubes with a compact microfiber towel.
• For the Social Butterfly, consider a deck of cards, a language app subscription, and a ZenSim travel eSIM.
• For the Wellness Wanderer, pair a travel-sized yoga mat with a tea infuser and audiobook subscription.

No matter the style, a thoughtful, personalised bundle can make any first-time backpacker's maiden voyage feel extra special.

Giving the Gift of Adventure

It takes a lot of guts to be a backpacker. That's why thoughtful international travel gifts mean so much. Travel SIMs, packing cubes, and water bottles aren't just 'things', they're lifelines and confidence-boosters that support smooth, safe, and smart travelling.

So go ahead and spoil the first-time backpacker in your life with all the tech and timeless essentials that'll make their trip the absolute best.