The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Image by lookstudio on Freepik

Backpacking is a unique and exciting way to travel, where you can explore new places, meet new people, and immerse yourself in different cultures. However, it can also be challenging and overwhelming, whether you’re traveling with company or solo, especially when it comes to logistics and planning. Luckily, there are many useful apps that can make backpacking easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we will introduce the ten best apps for backpackers that can help with navigation, accommodation, language learning, packing, and more. These apps can save you time, money, and stress, making your backpacking adventure smoother and more memorable.

1. Maps.me

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Maps.me | Photo Credit: https://robots.net/tech-reviews/how-to-use-maps-me-offline-a-beginners-guide/

Maps.me is a free offline map app that allows you to navigate without an internet connection. This app is especially useful for backpackers who may find themselves in remote areas without internet access or who don’t want to use their data plan. With Maps.me, you can download detailed maps of almost every country in the world before you leave home. You can also save your favorite places, create routes, and navigate with turn-by-turn directions. Maps.me is a reliable and accurate navigation tool that can help you explore new places with ease.

2. Hostelworld

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.hostelworld.com/

Hostelworld is a popular app for backpackers, as it allows you to search and book affordable accommodation in hostels around the world. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it saves time and money. With Hostelworld, you can easily search for hostels in your destination, read reviews from other travelers, and book your accommodation in advance. This app also offers flexible booking options, so you can change or cancel your reservation if your plans change. Hostelworld is a trusted and reliable app that can help you find comfortable and affordable accommodation on your backpacking trip.

3. Duolingo

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://blog.duolingo.com/

Duolingo is a language-learning app that can help you learn the basics of a new language. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you communicate with locals, understand signs and menus, and navigate new places. Duolingo offers interactive and fun language lessons in over 30 languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. The app tracks your progress and adapts the lessons to your level, so you can learn at your own pace. Knowing even a little bit of the local language can make your travels more enjoyable and help you connect with locals.

4. Google Translate

Google Translate is a must-have app for backpackers, especially if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you communicate with locals, read signs and menus, and understand important information. Google Translate can translate text, speech, and images in over 100 languages. You can even use the app to translate text in real-time using your phone’s camera. This app can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to order food, ask for directions, or communicate with locals.

5. XE Currency

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

XE Currency is a currency converter app that allows you to quickly and easily convert currencies on the go. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you understand the value of the local currency, avoid overpaying for goods and services, and stick to your budget. XE Currency offers live exchange rates, so you always know the most up-to-date rates. You c

an also set alerts for specific currencies, so you can be notified when the exchange rate reaches your desired level.


Anker PowerCore Portable Charger

A portable charger is an essential item for backpackers who want to keep their devices charged on the go. The Anker PowerCore Portable Charger is a high-capacity power bank that can charge smartphones, tablets, and other devices multiple times. It is compact, lightweight, and has multiple ports, making it easy to charge multiple devices at once.

Travel Laptop Backpack

A travel laptop backpack is designed specifically for backpackers who need to carry their electronics, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, while on the go. These backpacks typically have multiple compartments for electronics, cables, and other travel essentials. They are also designed to be comfortable and lightweight, making them ideal for long days of walking and exploring.

Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite is a lightweight and waterproof e-reader that is perfect for backpackers who love to read on the go. It has a long battery life, a high-resolution display, and can store thousands of books. The waterproof feature makes it ideal for reading by the pool or beach, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a backpack.

YETI Rambler Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler

A high-quality tumbler is a must-have item for backpackers who want to keep their drinks hot or cold while traveling. The YETI Rambler is a vacuum-insulated tumbler that can keep drinks hot or cold for hours. It is made of durable stainless steel, and the no-sweat design prevents condensation from forming on the outside.


6. Trail Wallet

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://unevensidewalks.com/trail-wallet-app-review/

Trail Wallet is a travel expense tracking app that can help you keep track of your spending on the road. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you stick to your budget, avoid overspending, and make informed financial decisions. With Trail Wallet, you can set a daily budget and enter your expenses as you go. The app will show you how much money you have left for the day and provide you with detailed reports of your spending. Trail Wallet is a user-friendly and customizable app that can help you manage your money on your backpacking trip.

7. TripIt

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.tripit.com/web/blog/news-culture/whats-new-tripit-app-2022

TripIt is a travel planning app that can help you keep all your travel plans organized in one place. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you stay on top of your travel plans, avoid any last-minute surprises. With TripIt, you can forward all your travel confirmation emails to the app, and it will create a master itinerary for you. This itinerary includes all your flight information, hotel reservations, rental car details, and any other travel plans you have. You can also add notes, photos, and maps to your itinerary to help you stay organized. TripIt is a helpful app for backpackers who want to keep their travel plans organized and easily accessible.

8. Skyscanner

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.skyscanner.ca/

Skyscanner is a flight search app that can help you find the cheapest flights to your destination. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you save money on flights, which can be a significant expense on a backpacking trip. With Skyscanner, you can search for flights from multiple airlines and compare prices across different dates. You can also set up price alerts to notify you when the price of a flight drops. Skyscanner is a useful app for backpackers who want to find the best deals on flights.

9. HappyCow

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.happycow.net/

HappyCow is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide app that can help you find plant-based food options while you’re traveling. This app is beneficial to backpackers who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or who want to try plant-based foods while on the road. With HappyCow, you can search for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in your destination, read reviews from other travelers, and get directions to the restaurant. The app also includes information on health food stores, farmers markets, and other places that offer plant-based food options. HappyCow is a helpful app for backpackers who want to eat healthy and ethical food while traveling.

10. PackPoint

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Apps: 10 Must-Have Apps for Travelers
Photo: https://www.pilotplans.com/blog/packpoint-review

PackPoint is a packing list app that can help you create a customized packing list for your trip. This app is beneficial to backpackers because it can help you avoid overpacking or forgetting essential items. With PackPoint, you can enter your destination, travel dates, and activities, and the app will generate a packing list for you. The app also takes into account the weather forecast, so you can pack accordingly. You can customize the list by adding or removing items and even share it with other travelers. PackPoint is a helpful app for backpackers who want to pack efficiently and avoid any packing mishaps.


Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is a foldable and lightweight backpack that is perfect for day trips or as an extra bag. It is made of durable nylon and can hold up to 18 liters of gear. When not in use, it can be packed into its own pocket, making it easy to store in a larger backpack.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

A water filter is an essential item for backpackers who plan to hike or camp in remote areas. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a compact and portable water filter that can remove bacteria and protozoa from water sources. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for backpackers who want to travel light.

TSA Approved Luggage Locks

TSA-approved luggage locks are a useful accessory for backpackers who want to keep their backpacks secure while traveling. These locks can be used to secure zippers or to lock the entire backpack. They are designed to be TSA compliant, meaning they can be opened by TSA agents if necessary.

Universal Travel Adapter

A universal travel adapter is an essential item for backpackers who want to charge their devices or use electrical outlets in other countries. These adapters can be used in different countries and have multiple plugs, making them versatile and easy to use. They are also lightweight and compact, making them ideal for backpackers who want to travel light.


These apps can make backpacking trips more comfortable and enjoyable. From navigation and accommodation to language learning and packing, these apps can help you stay organized, save money, and make the most out of your backpacking adventure. Before your next backpacking trip, consider downloading these useful apps and make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free.


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