Ten Things You Should Bring To A Hostel [Know Before You Go]

Hostels
Written By Taz Zaidi

What To Bring To A Hostel

Packing for a hostel stay is not complicated.

In my experience staying in hostels around the world, the basic hostel features are standard. This means that you’ll pack the same whether you book your hostel on Agoda.com or find a hostel walking down the street.

In this guide, we’ll cover 10 things every traveler should bring to a hostel.

The first five items are “must brings”, while the next five are optional items that can improve your stay. By bringing all these items, you can expect a safer, more pleasant overall hostel experience.

hostel-padlock-with-key.jpg

*Agoda.com is a great place to find deals on hostels. For today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

Ten Things Every Traveler Should Bring To A Hostel

Below is the list of ten items that every traveler should bring to a hostel. The first five are essential items and the next five are optional items than can improve your stay. I provide context for why you should bring each, as well as links to quality, budget-friendly products on Amazon.com (if you need to purchase anything). All these items are affordable (all ten under $100 total).

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

1) Lock For Your Locker

Always bring your own lock to a hostel!

Not all hostels provide lockers, but the ones that do usually expect guests to bring their own lock (some hostels sell locks at reception). You’ll find hostels with lockers by filtering your search results on Agoda.com.

There are two main types of locks that work on hostel lockers - padlocks and cable locks. Padlocks typically have a thicker shackle and are more difficult to break, while cable locks are usually more flexible (wiry) but easier to break. I do not recommend cable locks, as they’re more vulnerable to theft/breaking.

A steel shackle width between 7 to 10 mm is ideal for hostel use, as it’s thick but not too wide to fit into a thinner locker loop. Master Lock has been one of the world’s leading lock making companies for a century. Their locks are reputed for being strong and reliable.

hostel-padlock-with-key.jpg

For exactly how to find a hostel that provides lockers, read our Hostel Safety Guide.

2) Your Own Towel

Arriving at a hostel without your own towel is risky.

While it’s become increasingly common for hostels to provide towels for their guests, this still isn’t standard. Many hostels expect guests to bring their own towel (some rent at reception). For travelers, I recommend a quality microfiber towel. They’re storable, lightweight and dry quickly so you don’t have to pack a wet towel.

  • For a lightweight, versatile (good for the shower, beach or gym) microfiber towel that’s available in multiple colors on Amazon, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-microfiber-towels.jpg

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

3) Your Own Toiletries

Unlike hotels, most hostels do not provide toiletries.

As a hostel guest, you’re expected to bring your own toiletries, including toothpaste, shampoo and shower soap (some hostels provide shower soap). And unless you book an ensuite private room, you’ll also share a bathroom with other guests.

Most hostels provide space in the dorm bathrooms for guests to store their own toiletries. If there’s no space in the bathroom, store your toiletries in your locker. Keeping your toiletries in a hangable bag makes them easier to transport and store.

  • For Men: For a water-resistant, reliable toiletry bag with multiple compartments and available in multiple colors on Amazon, click here.

  • For Women: For a water-resistant, reliable toiletry bag with multiple compartments and in multiple color options on Amazon, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-toiletries.jpg

To learn about shared bathroom etiquette in hostels, read our Hostel Etiquette Guide.

4) Universal Travel Adapter

Obviously, most travelers charge their devices daily.

If you’re traveling to a destination that has a different wall socket input than in your home country, buy an adapter prior to your trip. With an adapter, all you’ll have to do is insert your device’s plug into the adapter, then insert your adapter into the local wall socket.

You can either buy a region-specific adapter for your destination, or a universal adapter that will work on all your future trips. To see which adapter you’ll need in a specific destination, click here.

  • For a quality, well-priced universal travel adapter on Amazon, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-universal-travel-adapter.jpg

5) Cash For Check-In!

Arrive with enough cash for check-in if your host does not accept card! Many hostels, typically those in cash-based economies, only accept cash as a payment form. You can see which payment form(s) your host accepts in your Booking Confirmation email. If you haven’t booked yet, you’ll find this information in a listing’s House Rules section.

house-rules-policies-hostelworld-card-not-accepted.png

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

6) Sleep Mask (Optional)

Sleep masks (aka eye masks) might help early or light sleepers. They’ll help minimize disturbances, whether that’s a light flicker at night or guests departing early. Sleep masks also make mid-day naps more pleasant. To learn about when lights should be turned/kept off in a dorm room, read our Hostel Etiquette Guide.

  • For adjustable, contoured sleep masks available in multiple colors on Amazon, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-sleep-mask-eye-mask.jpg

7) Earplugs (Optional)

Earplugs can also improve your sleep quality.

Consider earplugs if you’re someone who wakes up easily from light sounds, like bed squeaks, mumbling or snoring. Noise-cancelling headphones are quickly becoming a popular alternative to ear plugs (you may find them more comfortable and/or effective).

  • For a pack of reusable, noise-cancelling earplugs on Amazon, click here.

  • For a pair of reasonably-priced, noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-earplugs.jpg

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

8) Flash Light (Optional)

Dorm room lights should be kept off once guests are asleep. If you must navigate the dorm room or check out early, use a flash light or your phone light. Avoid shining any light directly onto another guest’s face.

  • For a reliable, durable flashlight ideal for indoor and outdoor use, click here.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-phone-flash-light.jpg

9) Flip Flops (Optional)

Flip flops (aka thongs) can be useful in communal bathrooms/showers. Although hostel bathrooms are typically cleaned daily, cleanliness varies by property. You may want to see how clean a bathroom is before deciding if you’ll need to pull the flip flops out. In my experience, most hostel guests do not wear them.

what-to-bring-to-a-hostel-flip-flops-bathroom.jpg

10) Power Strip (Optional)

Bringing a power strip can help you and other guests.

While it’s increasingly common for hostels to provide power outlets beside each bed, this still isn’t standard. Many hostels, particularly older ones, offer only a few sockets per dorm room. The best solution is to bring your own power strip, which allows multiple guests to charge devices simultaneously (and from a distance) from a single wall outlet.

  • For a reasonably-sized power strip (that also has 4 USB ports), click here.

what-you-need-to-bring-to-a-hostel-power-strip.jpg

*To see today’s deals on hostels in any destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

By bringing these 10 items, you can have a safer, more pleasant hostel experience. They’re also affordable (all ten for under $100 total). To learn more about hostels or Hostelworld, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find Discounts On Hostels In Your Destination

For great deals on a wide variety of accommodation (including hostels, budget hotels, resorts, apartments, homes, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and unique or alternative types), use the Agoda widget below. Just input your destination and dates, then browse the results! Or to go directly to Agoda.com, click here.

Featured
Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

Read More →
Taz Zaidi
Previous

Five Reasons Every Traveler Should Experience A Hostel [At Least Once]
Next

The Hostel Etiquette Guide [Know Before You Go]