Checklist · 11 picks · 3 categories
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Hostels are the cheapest way to see the world and meet people, but the dorm life comes with a few side quests: a snorer in the top bunk, a shared shower, a locker with no lock, and someone who flips the lights on at 6am.
This kit handles all of it. Pack Hacker's hostel packing list says a good lock is essential and notes that only some hostels provide towels; its travel towel picks cover budget to splurge. Reviewed found the best gym lock, NBC Select picked the shower slides, and the earplugs and masks come from Reviewed, Sleep Foundation and Pack Hacker. Each card shows the drawback its outlet called out.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you're staying in hotels; the Travel list has the bags, chargers and neck pillows for any trip.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 5 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel | budget | $15-25 | hostels that charge for towels | 1 outlet |
| Sea to Summit Pocket Towel | mid | $25-50 | hostel showers and the gym | 1 outlet |
| Matador Ultralight Travel Towel | splurge | $25-50 | saving every inch of bag space | 1 outlet |
| Xomiboe Shower Shoes | budget | $15-25 | communal showers on a tight budget | 1 outlet |
| Teva TirraTraveler Flip-Flop | mid | $25-50 | one pair for the beach and the shared shower | Limited evidence |
Best travel towelbudget pick · Several sizes
Best for hostels that charge for towels
Pack Hacker's best budget travel towel: plain microfiber in a mesh case, for frugal travelers.
1 outlet. Pack Hacker best budget travel towel.
$15-25
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mid pick · Four sizes
Best for hostel showers and the gym
Pack Hacker's best value travel towel, and its pick for working out: extremely lightweight once it's out of its case.
Heads up. The case isn't nearly as lightweight as the towel
1 outlet. Pack Hacker best value travel towel.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Two sizes
Best for saving every inch of bag space
Pack Hacker's best splurge travel towel, and the towel on its hostel packing list: it compresses down super small, so it's easy to pack.
Heads up. It takes longer to dry than Pack Hacker would like
1 outlet. Pack Hacker best splurge travel towel.
$25-50
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Best shower shoesbudget pick · Standard
Best for communal showers on a tight budget
Slides with drainage holes so water doesn't pool under your feet, in a quick-drying material with grippy soles for a shared shower.
Heads up. Runs large: NBC Select says to size down
1 outlet. NBC Select best dorm bath pick.
$15-25
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mid pick · Pick by size
Best for one pair for the beach and the shared shower
The flip-flop on Pack Hacker's hostel packing list, which says they can double as shower shoes.
Heads up. The strap may take some time to dry, per Pack Hacker
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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Best locker padlockbudget pick · Compact
Best for hostel lockers with no key to lose
Reviewed's best gym lock: a cheap, compact 4-digit combo lock with numbers that are easy to turn.
Heads up. Not great for outdoor use
1 outlet. Reviewed best gym lock.
under $15
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budget pick · 30 mm
Best for small hostel locker loops
The padlock on Pack Hacker's hostel packing list: small enough to work on most lockers.
Heads up. No outlet has reviewed this one yet; Pack Hacker gives no drawback detail
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hearos Xtreme Protection Earplugs | budget | under $15 | snoring roommates | 1 outlet |
| Loop Dream Earplugs | splurge | $50-100 | side sleepers | 1 outlet |
| Mzoo Contoured Sleep Mask | budget | under $15 | bunkmates who turn the light on at 2am | 1 outlet |
| Matador Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs | mid | $25-50 | a mask and earplugs in one tiny pouch | 1 outlet |
Best earplugsbudget pick · Pack
Best for snoring roommates
Reviewed's best overall earplugs, first in its comfort and noise-blocking tests.
1 outlet. Reviewed best overall earplugs for sleeping.
under $15
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splurge pick · Multiple tip sizes
Best for side sleepers
Sleep Foundation's most comfortable earplugs: soft silicone tips that don't stick out, so they suit side sleepers.
Heads up. Medium noise reduction, and you may need to try a few tip sizes
1 outlet. Sleep Foundation most comfortable earplugs.
$50-100
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Best sleep maskbudget pick · One size
Best for bunkmates who turn the light on at 2am
Reviewed's best overall sleep mask: it blocks light well, and its contoured cups keep pressure off your eyes.
1 outlet. Reviewed best overall sleep mask.
under $15
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mid pick · Pouch-size
Best for a mask and earplugs in one tiny pouch
Pack Hacker's best value sleep mask: one of the more interesting designs it reviewed, with earplugs stashed in a built-in pocket.
Heads up. The shape doesn't look very custom fit for a human head
1 outlet. Pack Hacker best value sleep mask.
$25-50
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
A padlock for the locker, a travel towel, shower shoes, earplugs and a sleep mask. If you still need a backpack, packing cubes or a plug adapter, our Study Abroad and Travel lists have those.
Not always. Pack Hacker's hostel packing list says it's essential to bring a good lock, and notes that some hostels offer towels but don't always offer washcloths. Its pick, the BRINKS 30mm brass padlock, is small enough to work on most lockers.
Reviewed's best overall earplugs, the Hearos Xtreme Protection, came first in its comfort and noise-blocking tests. If you sleep on your side, Sleep Foundation calls the Loop Dream its most comfortable, though they only give medium noise reduction.