A Real Packing List: Handy Gadgets

Repairs And Laundry

Double-sided tape can be used instead of a glue stick, temporarily fix a hem, or secure clothing to your skin. Cloth tape is good for repairing tears in backpacks and raincoats, packaging a box bound for home, and general jerry-rigging. A small sewing kit and safety pins in assorted sizes can come in pretty handy for the odd missing button, burst seam, small tear and even securing backpack zippers. A universal sink plug for hostels that are missing all of theirs and a travel clothesline can be useful too.

Retrospect: Of the items listed above, the only one I didn't use was the universal sink plug. Future travels will exclude the tape, as they were not absolutely necessary and are easily available to buy locally.

Security

A portable, lockable, and securable safe large enough for your travel documents, phone, iPod, wallet and camera could be handy if a trustworthy safe or locker is unavailable. The Pacsafe Travelsafe 100 is the tool for that occasion. An extra padlock for supplied lockers is useful, and a simple rubber door wedge can act as another security measure for dodgy hostel locks.

Retrospect: I used the Pacsafe several times to allow myself to spend the day exploring without carrying all of my valuables. These days, I carry very few valuables when travelling, and have no use for one. It is quite unnecessary for the back packer. The door wedge was a waste of space.

Tools

A multi-tool with at least scissors, a knife, can opener, and bottle opener can be very useful. I have a Swiss Card and a camping can/bottle opener. Don't forget that these must be packed in checked luggage. A headlamp or torch and an alarm clock for those early morning buses and planes are near essentials.

Retrospect: The smart phone can do many tasks, such as provide light in the dark, wake you for your flight, tell you how to say "toilet" in another language, and calculate exchange rates. The travel I have done since have been done with cabin bags only, so I no longer carry any kind of multi-tool and survive just fine.

Other Bits

Zip seal bags in different sizes can be handy for packing dirty or damp clothes, or liquid bottles and toothpaste. The smaller ones are handy for the odd bread roll or pastry that you want to eat later. A self-inflating camping pillow for overnight bus trips may be important to secure a quality sleep.

Retrospect: Zip seal bags were useful on the trip to protect gear from water, dirt, and damp, as well as keep spills contained. I did use some for snacks, but cleaning them is a pain. The pillow was integral for obtaining sleep in the upright position.