Hostel Packing List for Females: My 38 Essentials + 4 Items I Skip Entirely

My first hostel stay—I had zero idea what to pack aside from the fact that I knew it was no Marriott and would have to provide my own amenities.

Since my first solo trip to Ireland in 2013, I’ve personally stayed in 15+ hostels across Europe and North America (from my favorite boutique hostel—the Loft—in Budapest to a regrettable choice at Young & Happy in Paris) and have learned exactly what’s worth packing and what just takes up space.

So you won’t be scrambling for basic toiletries, losing sleep due to noisy roommates, or compromising your comfort—or worse, your safety—because this hostel packing list covers everything, from game-changers like solid shampoo bars (so you can travel carry-on only) and melatonin to the anti-theft bag that kept my belongings safe throughout my travels.

According to Hostelworld, women are more likely to take solo trips, with 60% identifying as female, so I’ve geared this list toward the ladies (of course, being a woman myself doesn’t hurt) and noted which items are essentials, nice-to-haves, and alternatives for each.

Whether you’re a first-time hosteller on a budget or a seasoned backpacker looking to streamline your packing, this guide will help you arrive prepared, sleep comfortably, and travel safely.

Short on Time? ⏳
Save this hostel essentials packing list for later!

Grab my free downloadable PDF of this hostel items list! You can even print it for your trip!

Send Me the FREE List!

My Packing List of Hostel Essentials

For an essential hostel packing list, you do not need to bring your own towel, padlock, or bedsheets to most established hostels, as these are typically provided or available for a small fee.

Note that this list doesn’t cover items like underwear or a bra, which you should pack no matter where you’re staying.

It’s exclusively a list of items to add to your usual packing list.

Luggage and Bags

1. Anti-Theft Travel Purse

Get an anti-theft purse with built-in security features, such as locks, RFID-blocking, and slash-resistant material, to deter theft.

The Travelon Messenger Bag, which contains all these, is my #1 safety essential.

Before I went to Barcelona in 2021, everyone had warned me about pickpockets because they had had something stolen from them—phone, wallet, etc.

So before I traveled to Spain, I searched for a bag I could rely on and found the highly rated Travelon purse.

I’ve used it for every trip since, and it hasn’t let me down yet, so I consider it the best purse for European travel!

I love that it’s got enough space to hold all my essentials: passport, money, portable charger, cable, glasses case, sunglasses case, travel-size lotion, mirror, tissues, lipstick, and more.

It even has a nifty slot for a water bottle, which is one of the reasons I picked it in the first place.

I get that it’s not everyone’s style, so if you’re looking for a more fashion-forward or eco-friendly bag, get this vegan leather anti-theft purse.

I typically use the Thafael bag as my “home” bag and love how light it is while still being safe.

I will say, however, that I use it as my “home” bag because it’s made of cactus and I’m told it can dent. The Travelon one, on the other hand, can be stuffed into a backpack if needed to downsize on the go without worrying about it getting ruined.

But if you’re not planning on having to reshuffle luggage, it would be fine to bring it abroad.

Whichever one you choose, get a crossbody.

They are the best travel purses because they are safer, as it’s harder to steal a purse that’s across your chest, making them great gifts for those traveling to Europe.

2. Compression Packing Cubes

Those wanting to stay organized, grab yourself some packing cubes.

I got my first set at the WITS travel conference in 2019 and have been using them ever since.

I put all my shorts in one, shirts in another, underwear in a third, you get the idea.

It helps me get ready quickly without having to scrounge through my entire suitcase.

Those looking to also save space should get packing cubes with compression technology.

They save space by compressing your clothes, like this 8-piece set from Well Traveled.

While I use the larger ones in suitcases or backpacks for clothing, I use the smaller ones for things like a shower caddy to carry shampoo, conditioner, and a razor.

Using this method, I traveled Europe for 4.5 months with just a backpack and a vacuum-seal carry-on.

3. Suitcase OR Backpack with Built-in Lock

You may be saying, ‘Oh hell no, not a suitcase, Michelle!’

That’s fine; some of you are backpacking people.

But sometimes a trip warrants it, especially if you’re heading to a cold-weather travel destination or visiting places with differing weather, in which case I bring my medium-sized suitcase.

After a decade of use, I’ve fallen in love with my Delsey hardside luggage.

It’s the best luggage for trips where I need the extra space to pack!

I certainly wasn’t going to fit all my winter clothes for Lapland, Finland, into a carry-on when it was -20 degrees F out there.

Its hard shell means nothing will be crushed or smooshed in transit.

My Delsey is 29″, so it’s too big for a carry-on, but it’s not gigantic, so I never find myself struggling with it (even on cobblestones), due in part to the rolling double spinner wheels.

However, I can sometimes manage a backpack, mostly in warmer weather.

This compression travel backpack really helped me during my travels in Belize and Mexico while working remotely, as I could store my laptop in the padded slot and still had plenty of room for clothes.

It also has compression tech, which removes some of the extra air, allowing me to pack more.

Here are some other tips for choosing a personal travel backpack.

Both options have a built-in lock, which is great for when you’re staying in a hostel and want to secure your items before exploring for the day.

I can’t usually fit the suitcase in the hostel lockers within the room, so it’s nice to know my stuff is protected no matter what.

4. Collapsible Tote Bag

I love bringing a collapsible tote bag because it lets me pack carry-on items, go grocery shopping, drop off laundry at a laundromat (especially if going on a longer trip, since you’ll likely need to transport your clothing to a laundromat or the hostel’s laundry room), and more.

Because they are so lightweight, can tie off, and fold, they are the perfect addition to a hostel items list as a multi-use tool!

They come in tons of designs, so you’ll have no problem finding one you like!

I do recommend buying bigger ones than typical grocery bags, however, so that you have more space.

Used to use a zippered plastic bag from online shopping to store dirty clothes, keeping them separate from clean items.

But on longer trips, I’ve switched to collapsible totes and reusable shopping bags as they fit more.

Clothing

5. Pajamas

You have to remember that you’ll likely be sharing space with other people unless you’re booking a private room, so bring a set of pajamas you’d feel comfortable in in front of strangers.

I love my Cozy Earth pajamas because they are breathable, soft, and have pockets!

They are also ethically and responsibly produced, so although they cost more than that large T-shirt you got for free somewhere, I felt good about buying them.

They’ve also held up very well since 2021, so they aren’t poor quality.

I have a set with long sleeves and another with short sleeves, both in black (wouldn’t recommend the white shown here, just ’cause any discoloration will show easily).

⚠️ Deal Alert: By using my affiliate link, you get 20% off!

Toiletries and Cosmetics

Please remember that many hostels don’t provide all the “usual” toiletries that hotels do.

Typically, they do provide soap, but not much beyond that.

6-7. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

I’ve gone on trips lasting from 2 weeks to 4.5 months, and as I’m a big cosmetics/hair gal, liquid limitations are not my friend.

However, I’ve gotten better about this over the years.

Some of the liquid-less alternatives I like are Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner bars.

Do make sure to buy a container, like this tin one, for the bars, as once they’re soapy, they’ll be hard to transport, especially if there’s no drying out time between showering and packing.

Ethique also has face scrubs, body wash, deodorant, and more.

They are an ethical haircare company, meaning that they use clean ingredients, are vegan and cruelty-free, and use compostable packaging.

The only product of theirs I haven’t loved is the deodorant, but that’s simply because when the block wears down, it kinda becomes hard to apply. Otherwise, I’ve been happy with their line!

8. Travel-Sized Toiletry Containers

If you’re dying to bring your regular shampoo and conditioner, or any liquid products for that matter, transfer them to a travel-sized container.

It’ll take up far less space than your usual full-sized product.

I also have some products that come in glass containers, so, if for no other reason, transferring will lighten your luggage if you have products like these.

I tend to save random sample bottles I get or take the ones I’ve used from hotels instead of buying a set, but if you don’t have some, go ahead and snag a set!

9-10. Downey Wrinkle Release Spray + Hanger

Downey Spray has saved my butt on quite a few occasions when my clothes had gotten severely wrinkled!

And unlike hotels, most hostels don’t have irons or ironing boards, so this is your best alternative.

Trust me, it’ll happen to your travel outfits, especially if you’re backpacking, even if you purposely bought the shirt that ‘doesn’t wrinkle.’

I also bring along a hanger, so that I have somewhere to hang the clothes after I have unwrinkled them.

Of course, some hostels do provide hangars, but I’ve seen others that don’t, so make your own decision whether to bring one.

11. Mini-Manicure Set

A must on my hostel items list for girls is a manicure set!

I’ve had a 007 Manicure set for over ten years, and it still holds together.

Unfortunately, I got it at a dollar store, so I can’t find a link for it, but the one seen here is similar. Or hop to your local 99-cent store and snag one there!

A set will provide you with not just nail clippers but also tweezers, mini-scissors, a nail file, and sometimes other items you may need.

⚠️ TSA scissors rule: Put them in your luggage, not your carry-on, since the TSA doesn’t allow scissors (over 4 inches) on board. Or you can remove the scissors, and it’ll be fine.

12. Nail Polish

My nails start to chip around the third day of my trips, so I bring nail polish along.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of touching up your colored nails, you can put on a coat of clear nail polish to make them look healthier and cleaner.

Just make sure to pack it well in case the bottle breaks.

13. Conditioner OR Shaving Cream

If you’re in a pinch, you can use conditioner instead of shaving cream.

However, I spend so much on hair products that I wouldn’t dare do that.

I’d rather just buy the travel-size shaving cream.

It doesn’t weigh much, and you could stuff it in a boot to help it keep its shape during transit.

14. Lotion (Especially for Cold Destinations)

I bring hand lotion with me everywhere, even when I’m not traveling.

And if you have eczema like me, I highly recommend packing lotion!

When I went to Finland, my eczema was flaring up because I was wrapped in layers and layers, so I really needed to keep my skin moist, or I’d be itchy all day—truly not fun in -20°F.

While it was a constant battle, I did find that lotioning up at night with a lotion specifically made for eczema helped, making it a must on my hostel items list.

You can also use it to take off stubborn makeup at the end of the night.

Double whammy on this packing list for hostels!

Note: I haven’t used the specific brand above, but it’s very similar to Aveeno, which I typically use.

15. Makeup Remover Pads

Another must-have I also use at home is my makeup remover pads.

These make it SO easy to remove my makeup at the end of the day.

When you’re in a hostel, especially one with shared bathrooms, sometimes there’s not a whole lot of extra bathroom space, so being able to just wet these and take off my makeup is superb!

They’re also machine washable when handwashing doesn’t get all that mascara off the cloth.

16. Toiletry Bag

Having a toiletry bag on hand will also help with bathrooms that aren’t en suite.

This way, you can easily carry whatever items you need to the shower or bathroom area.

I know some people bring a dedicated hanging toiletry bag for the showers, which is smart!

But if you’re looking to use something you already have, grab one of your packing cubes you aren’t using and turn that into a toiletry bag.

That’s what I do, and because it had a handle, it was super easy to just hang it on whatever is nearby.

17. Mirror

You may be like, “Gee, Michelle, don’t they have mirrors there?”

They do, but if you’re in a shared room, you’re also sharing that likely one, max two mirrors, with everyone else so if you happen to be getting ready the morning when everyone else is, it’ll be rough getting mirror time.

Typically, I have one built into my eyeshadow palette, but if you’re unsure about yours, check before you stay at a hostel.

Or, grab a small pocket-sized one you can prop up easily.

18. Deodorant

If you want to save space, get a mini-deodorant!

While I found the Ethique sample-size ones a bit hard to apply with my fingers since there’s no holder, I love their travel-size ones that have the compostable packaging for easy application!

Hair Styling

19. Hair Straightener

I use my flat iron nearly every day on vacation, but I should note that I also use it daily at home, so that’s to be expected.

The Elchim Natures Touch Flat Iron was recommended to me by my former hairstylist.

It is a bit pricey, but I’ve found it to be reliable.

It also has a warranty; just remember to submit your purchase to the company so it activates, unlike me, who forgot to and now has no warranty (whomp whomp).

But it is a must on my hostel packing list because I have been using it daily since 2021!

20. Hair Ties

I always have hair ties on me, but if you don’t, this is a good reminder, as you may need them to tie your hair back while washing your face or just to keep it out of the way while you’re adventuring!

Personal Care Items

While you can skip the laundry items if you’re not planning to hostel-hop for a long time, the rest are must-haves, as you won’t find them in hostels.

21. Soap Nuts OR Laundry Detergent Sheets

When I first stayed in a hostel, a coworker recommended soap nuts.

You put a few of these nut-looking things into the little bag, get them wet, and they suds up.

You can either hand-wash or machine-wash with these.

Just dry them out after use, so you can store and use them again later.

And soap nuts work just fine, but I’ve since moved on to laundry detergent sheets as I find them easier.

All you need to do is fill a sink with water, place a sheet in it, and it suds up.

I did a whole load of laundry this way in a hotel room in Thailand and have also used them at laundry mats across Europe.

They were especially helpful when the machine at the laundromat I went to in Poland that dispensed detergent broke, so I had a backup!

22. Flip Flops / Shower Shoes

Especially if your hostel has a communal shower, I’d advise bringing flip-flops to use as shower shoes.

Not all hostel showers operate this way, so make sure to check (Hostelworld usually has this info) before you bring them with you for no reason.

But if they do, it’s best to keep those toes clean!

Aside from hygienic reasons, it’s also safer not to walk barefoot on slippery floors.

23. Travel Toothbrush

I use an Oral-B electric toothbrush at home, but when staying in a hostel (or anywhere for that matter that’s not home), I want to minimize how much stuff I have to charge, so I bring a battery-powered electric toothbrush instead.

It’s almost as good as my at-home toothbrush, but it doesn’t require me to bring along a charger.

The batteries also last a long time.

And speaking of battery-powered, I haven’t had one of these die on me yet, even during my 4.5-month digital nomad trip, but I bring along a spare battery just in case!

24. Toothpaste

There was a time when I tried to pack as few liquids as possible for a trip.

But unfortunately, there are some alternatives I just can’t muster through.

Case in point, toothpaste tablets.

I tried a Lush brand one, and they were like eating chalk, so I just bring a travel-sized Colgate now to avoid the unpleasant experience.

25. Feminine Products

Feminine hygiene products are a must-have and should be packed, as they may not be readily available at a hostel or even in local stores, depending on what you need and where you are.

♀️For the ladies, I have a comprehensive guide to affordable female travel essentials!

Safety Essentials and Medical Needs

If you’re concerned about hostel safety, this section of the packing list for hostels is for you!

🩺 I am not a doctor or medical expert, so please take with you what you believe you’ll need and what you’ve discussed with a licensed professional.

These are merely suggestions I’ve found helpful on prior trips and are not intended to treat anyone.

26. Travel-Size First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is necessary for hostel life, as you never know when you’ll need it.

I usually wind up with at least one blister on my travels, so it is useful for that, at least.

Add whatever medical-type items you think you may need to this, as it’s just a small kit filled mostly with band-aids and small cleansing options.

Also, make sure to check if anything has expired if you’ve had yours for a while.

I had this happen in Belize, and when I went to use the antiseptic, it was all dried out. Whether you’re making a Belize packing list or not, it’s essential to check if your first aid kit is expired.

👟 Pro tip: It’s best to break in your shoes before you go. However, with all the walking you’ll likely be doing, there is still a high chance of blisters, so it’s best to go prepared!

27. Pain Relievers

Advil or Ibuprofen is also a good idea, especially if you’re staying in hostels and over 35!

Again, I am not your doctor, so I’m not prescribing you anything. I am just reminding you that sometimes headaches and muscle aches occur, so bring what you and your doctor think best.

The last thing you want is to be in pain on your exciting adventures!

28. Immunity Tablets with Zinc and Vitamin C

During my 4.5-month jaunt through Europe, there were a few times I felt the sniffles coming on.

When that happened, I’d dash to the store and pick up some immune tablets, liquids like orange juice, and chill for the rest of the day, and that’d kick the cold out of me!

While I’m not going to say these will cure every cold, they did help keep my immunity up and stop the sniffles most of the time!

I like elderberry because it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and has several health benefits, but you can also find other options at local stores.

29. AirTags

For some added theft protection, put AirTags in your items.

I have one in my purse, backpack, and suitcase.

This way, I know if anything wanders off without me, and I can track it down.

The batteries that come with them tend to last a bit longer than the replacements I’ve gotten, so just be aware that you may need backup batteries at some point.

Sleep Aids

30. Sleep Mask (Eye Mask)

If you’re staying in a shared room and you’re a light sleeper, please use a sleeping mask, as everyone is on a different schedule.

Someone may be leaving for the airport really early, and the last thing you want is to be awakened at 4 am, so take precautions by adding an eye mask, or anything else that’ll help you sleep through any disturbances.

31. Earplugs OR Noise-Cancelling Headphones

I have tried earplugs, but they just fall out when I attempt, so they are a pass for me.

However, if reusable earplugs have worked for you in the past, go ahead!

The alternative is noise-canceling headphones, which my AirPods are, but I broke the squishy part when I fell asleep once, so again, not a perfect solution.

However, I move around a fair amount and have still found them super helpful when I need to drown out snorers or general noise, and I feel it’s worth the risk.

😴 Note: If one of these options works for you, remember to sleep with your phone on vibrate near you, so if you don’t hear the alarm, then you at least feel it.

32. Melatonin

While we’re on the topic of being disturbed by others, I recommend melatonin if you’re a light sleeper or just have trouble sleeping in general.

You can get this over the counter, but again, consult your doctor if you have questions.

I find that it helps me fall asleep when I really cannot get myself to go to sleep.

I’m told not to take it super regularly because, like anything, its effects can lessen, so add this to your hostel items list only if you’re having a rough time catching some Zs.

Tech and Gadgets

33. Universal Travel Adapter

No matter where you’re going abroad, you’ll likely need an international plug adapter.

The last thing you want to be is like that girl in ‘Leap Year’ (one of my favorite travel movies set in Europe) trying to plug in her electronic device, only to short-circuit the town because she had the wrong plug!

Which means an international power adapter is an essential on my hostel items list!

Note: I haven’t used this exact adapter as mine is no longer available, but mine looks very similar, and I’ve used the same one since 2013!

🔌 Packing tip: Make sure your electronics fit into the adapter correctly. I once brought a hair dryer with a big plug that didn’t fit, so I couldn’t use it. Also, ensure it has enough USB ports for your needs.

34-35. Portable Charger (Power Bank) + Cable

Be sure to bring an external battery pack as navigation apps, audioguides, and photo-taking can drain the phone battery.

The one I use is so darn old that they don’t sell it anymore, but I recently purchased this top-rated one since it has USB-C charging and it is super fast!

And don’t forget the cable if it doesn’t come with one!

36. Headphones / Earbuds

People who FaceTime without headphones drive me bananas!

I ran into this again and again on my travels, so have common decency if you’re calling your family from the hostel and put in some headphones or earbuds (I love my noise-canceling AirPods Pro)!

Also useful to listen to music or podcasts, of course!

Misc Things Needed for a Hostel

37. Deck of Cards or Travel-Sized Game

Wanting to make some friends at the hostel?

Spending some downtime there and socializing with a game is an easy way to get started building friendships, as it’s low-pressure!

Some people are nervous or worried about language barriers, and something like a simple card game can help break the ice.

I typically have Heads Up! downloaded on my phone for easy access (I played it with my hostel-mates in Budapest), but Skip-Bo and Phase 10 are also great picks for easy-to-learn games that aren’t large or heavy to pack.

38. Reusable Water Bottle

Whether you’re trying to be more eco-friendly or just hydrated, bringing along a reusable water bottle is a good idea.

I tend not to drink as much water while traveling as I do at home, since it’s an afterthought. Having one on hand really helps keep me hydrated, which can also prevent headaches and other health issues.

I tend to get free water bottles at random events, so I haven’t had to purchase one, but here’s a top-rated one in case you need to snag one before you depart.

Just don’t leave it behind anywhere, like I did in Bacalar, Mexico 🫠

Items to Leave Off Your Packing list for Hostels

1. Padlock

Many bloggers recommend bringing a lightweight padlock/combination lock to secure your luggage in lockers as their #1 hostel tip.

However, I have seen a few hostels that either provide them or allow you to rent one for a small fee.

In 2026, I bought one at the Highroad Hostel in Washington, D.C., from a vending machine in the lobby for $5, as that was my only option.

Research your hostel to see if you’ll need this if you don’t plan on bringing one. Hostelworld typically has this information.

Usually, I just lock my backpack, which has a TSA-approved lock for the laptop compartment, or use the lock on my suitcase and place any valuables inside because I don’t want to drag around a lock.

But do what gives you peace of mind for theft protection.

2. Sheets

I’ve seen sheets required or available for a fee a rare few times, particularly at a hostel I stayed at with my cousin in Norway.

As my cousin is from there, we brought them from her mom’s, but if that hadn’t been the case, I would have paid so I didn’t have to carry sheets, which would have taken up a sizeable chunk of my luggage space.

3. Towels

Some people add a towel to their list.

I don’t like taking up all that room in my suitcase.

Usually, hostels provide towels, or you can get one for a small fee, so it’s not too expensive. Occasionally, they offer one for free when you subscribe to their membership program; this happened to me in Stockholm.

But you can probably fit a hand or microfiber towel into your luggage if you’d like.

4. Anything Expensive

This goes for basically anything you’d regret no longer having, whether you just lose it while touring the city or it somehow disappears at the hostel.

While I’ve never had anything taken *knock on wood*, I still don’t bring anything along I’d be sad to lose.

Packing for a Hostel Stay in Europe?

Most of this list applies no matter where you’re hosteling, but a few country-specific quirks are worth knowing, especially if you’re heading to Europe.

Pickpocket-prone cities like Barcelona and Paris make the anti-theft purse non-negotiable, especially on my Parisian packing list.

In Finland, cold-weather hostel stays call for the eczema-friendly lotion and layers I mention above.

For a Santorini packing list, which is famous for its volcanic beaches, don’t pack white, as it’ll get stained by the rocks. If you’re heading to other islands or the mainland, check out my comprehensive Greek packing guide.

If you’re hopping between hostels across multiple countries, check out my broader travel packing guides for destination-specific advice.

FAQs

Related Travel Packing Guides

• How to Pack Light for 2 Weeks in Europe | Suitcase Edition
• Hostel Packing List for Females: My 38 Must-Haves + 4 Items I Skip Entirely
• How Do Compression Packing Cubes Work + Are They Worth It?
• What is the Best Purse for Traveling in Europe?
• 10 Reasons Why I Love My Delsey Paris Luggage
• What’s the Best Work and Travel Backpack? Top Pick for Digital Nomads with Laptops
• The Complete Guide to Choosing a Vacuum Seal Carry-On
• 43 Budget-Friendly Female Travel Essentials to Pack for Your Next Trip
• What’s the Best Camera for Solo Travel? Honest Review of the Insta360 GO Ultra
• 35 Gift Ideas for Someone Traveling to Europe That They’ll Actually Use (2026 Guide)

Want to remember this? Pin this Ultimate Hostel Items List: My 38 Must-Haves + 4 I Don’t Pack article to your favorite Pinterest board!