travel backpack patagonia

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

Account Settings
My Benefits
My Products
Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Travel Backpack Review

It's more comfortable, expansive, and versatile compared with the other travel backpacks we tried

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

The Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC is the best travel backpack I tried because it combines organization, comfort, versatility, and sturdiness.

It was a close race against a few other contenders, but these factors helped the Patagonia bag edge out the rest: It has mesh pockets so you can easily see what’s inside. Lots of slots and cubbies, especially in the outermost “business” compartment, meant that my gear wasn’t free-floating all over the place, especially when I was traveling through a bustling airport. (MLC stands for "Maximum Legal Carry-On.") That portion also unfurls partly rather than opening like a book, so you don’t have to sweat spilling contents.

Price: $169 Where to buy: Patagonia Dimensions: 12.25x19.5x6 in. Weight: 2.7 pounds Claimed capacity: 26 liters Construction: Recycled polyester Tuckable pack sleeves: Yes External bottle sleeve: No Shoulder carry: Yes Waist strap: No Eyeglass sleeve: Yes Extras: Keychain loop

The oversized laptop sleeve was large enough to hold both my MacBook Air and iPad Pro, plus a book and magazine. But if you really stuff all your gear in this pack, it’s barely going to fit under the seat of a plane. That said, if you pack less so it can fit there, it should still hold enough to work as an overnight bag. It’s an especially comfy carry with wide, strong backpack straps and a chest clasp that’ll adjust to many different torso lengths, making it versatile across different shapes and sizes.

The backpack’s shiny and rugged exterior is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop polyester and seems too playful for a buttoned-up office. But it laughed off rain showers, and its overlarge grab handles at the top and side made it easy to tug out from under a seat and slide my arms through the straps. Despite not having a waist strap, I even found it fine dashing around town for over an hour of carry time. (See the Incase pack for another comfortable option without a waist belt.) It’s a big bag, but its versatility makes it multipurpose. It’s a do-a-lot-of-things, travel/commuter, haul-your-Greenmarket-groceries bag.

Bonus: It has a slot-through for sliding onto the telescoping handle of your roll-aboard carry-on bag, so you can roll two bags at once through an airport. And it has a shoulder strap, though the pack is too ungainly to carry across your body when it’s fully laden.

See our review of the best travel backpacks for more information, including how we evaluated them. Check out the other travel backpacks we considered here:

Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack
Incase EO Travel Backpack
Thule Crossover Backpack 32L
Topo Designs Global Briefcase
Yeti Crossroads 27L Travel Backpack

The Patagonia Black Hole easily accommodated all of my gear. But if I packed it to the brim, I might have trouble fitting it underneath a plane seat.

Michael Frank

Michael Frank is a freelance writer who contributes to Consumer Reports on the intersection of cars and tech. His bias: lightweight cars with great steering over lumbering, loud muscle cars any day. You can follow him on Twitter (@mfwords) and Instagram (mfwords).

Sharing is Nice

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Trending in Travel Backpacks

Best Travel Backpacks

Is Away Carry-On Luggage Worth the Price?

Smarter: You’re Not Cleaning Your Toilet Brush Often Enough

Thule Crossover Backpack 32L Review

C$19 Fast Rate Shipping

Orders are shipped within 1-2 business days and arrive within 3-5 business days.

Orders are packed and shipped within 2 business days. Orders placed on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day.

More Details

Earth Is Now Our Only Shareholder

If we have any hope of a thriving planet—much less a business—it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have. This is what we can do.

Read Yvon’s Letter

Filter & Sort

Recommended For You
Most Popular
Everyday Packs
Travel Backpacks
Technical Backpacks
Laptop Backpacks
$200-$300 (8)
$300-$400 (1)
One Size (9)
One Size Fits All (1)

Features & Processes

Fair Trade (8)
Made without PFCs/PFAS (3)
Water Resistant (6)

New Arrivals

New styles and colors (6)

Materials & Fabric

ECONYL Recycled Nylon (3)
Organic Cotton (3)
Recycled Materials (9)
Ripstop (7)

Product Family

Black Hole® (3)
20L & under (1)
21 - 30L (6)
31 - 45L (2)
Gender Neutral (9)
Packs & Gear See Packs & Gear
Backpacks See Backpacks

Refugio Daypack 30L

Refugio Daypack 26L

Black Hole® Pack 32L

Black Hole® Pack 25L

Ultralight Black Hole® Tote Pack 27L

Atom Tote Pack 20L

Fieldsmith Linked Pack 24L

Fieldsmith Lid Pack 28L

Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack 32L

Go-To Travel Backpacks for Men and Women

Durable and lightweight travel backpacks, carry-on backpacks for every trip, find the best travel backpack for you.

We guarantee everything we make.

We take responsibility for our impact.

We support grassroots activism.

We give our profits to the planet.

13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Featuring brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Nanuk, and more.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

One smart way to create stress-free travel is by using a travel backpack . It's what the travel experts recommend, and it's also what your Aunt who travels for work recommends (she has more airline miles than anyone in the family combined, you know). Traveling light often means going carry-on only, but traveling the leanest way possible usually involves just a travel backpack, also known as a carry-on backpack.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Matador seg45 travel pack.

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Patagonia black hole pack 32l.

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35 l travel pack.

Travel backpacks are a versatile, easy-to-carry luggage pick if you're trying to pack as smart and fast as possible. A travel backpack is also a great choice if you want to bring a bag with you on the plane (instead of a formal carry-on suitcase) to go with a checked piece of luggage. Unlike a regular backpack, a good travel backpack is going to offer a little more size and space (usually between 30 to 40 liters). Most travel backpacks are made to hold at least a few outfits, plus all your electronics and travel gadgets . The generous space helps carry an entire weekend's (or week's) worth of clothes. It can also hold all your flight essentials: your hoodie , plane shoes (great for long flights), travel pillow , headphones , and more.

If you believe you can only carry a significant amount of belongings via a roller bag or duffel bag , think again. All of our travel backpack picks below offer optimized storage with comfortable straps and friendly designs that make navigating your environments that much easier. Ready to see what's out there? Let's dive into the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

Best Luggage Brands on Amazon | Best Luggage Trackers | Best AirTag Wallets | Best Sling Bags

Matador already makes some of the world's coolest, most clever travel gear. Its SEG45 Travel Backpack is no exception. The clamshell-style zipper opens to provide full access to the pocket-free interior. So you can stash everything inside the open-layout interior like a duffel bag (the included carry strap allows for carrying like a traditional duffel, too) if you're a free-wheelin, "I don't need no pockets" kind of guy.

The other option is to pack this bag using the five front zippered pockets, each with a slightly different capacity (together, they total 45 liters). So, for example, you can stash smaller items like your passport, headphones, and snacks in the small top pocket. Larger electronics can go toward the bottom. You get the gist.

There's also a zippered, padded laptop sleeve at the rear, so it sits directly against your back when worn like a traditional backpack. Padded shoulder straps allow for comfortable all-day carry, and they can be tucked away when not in use. An external water bottle pouch and a reinforced water-resistant bottom round out the great features.

Nanuk N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Traveling with serious electronics like digital cameras, lenses, action cameras, tablets, and drones can be nerve-wracking. You want luggage or a backpack that can protect everything for those long-haul journeys. Nanuk's N-PVD line of travel backpacks is purpose-built for just that.

Every bag in the line-up features a well-padded interior that can be reconfigured to accommodate whatever you're hauling. Every removable velcro pad can be flipped, turned, and moved around inside the interior so you can Tetris all your most valuable electronics to fit and protect everything exactly how you want. There's also a padded laptop sleeve and a bonus top pocket that's perfect for smaller essentials you want to keep within easy reach.

"I used the 18L model as my only camera bag on a recent trip to Antarctica," said MH gear writer Mike Richard. "I was able to pack my digital camera, a couple of lenses, a 15" laptop, my GoPro equipment, and a bunch of other must-haves, like snacks and my passport, with room to spare. Plus, the recycled polyester shell held up to daily Zodiac rides, pounding rain, and penguin encounters like a champ!"

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

We admit to fanboy'ing over Peak Design, as it seems every product the company reinvents turns to gold. We love the incognito look and simplicity of Peak Design's Travel Backpack. Aside from a top stash pocket, the bag relies on a single zipper that opens out the entire bag. From there, you can add in your clothes and shoes without packing cubes , or you can grab any of Peak Design's matching packing cubes and load in your clothes, electronics and gear.

The inner compartment also holds a padded laptop sleeve that keeps your device tightly secured. Our favorite feature of this travel backpack is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pick-pocket thieves from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds.

As far as construction materials, Peak Design went with 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas thanks to its supreme water and abrasion resistance. In terms of comfort, padded shoulder pads, a generous adjustable strap length, and an optional hip belt accessory help limit fatigue, so you can power through long travel days.

COR Surf Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

The most active travelers demand a lot of their luggage. In most cases, they want their bags and backpacks to pull double duty: They need them to transport everything from A to B on the plane, then haul all their gear essentials around on the beach, the trail, or the slopes. That's where COR Surf's Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle comes in. The 40L model (it's available in 28L and 40L flavors as well) is roughly the size of a carry-on but way more durable and versatile.

The design opens wide like a traditional suitcase for easy access to everything. This bundle includes a water-resistant toiletry bag and a set of compression cubes to wrangle your clothes, shoes, electronics, and souvenirs on the way home.

The outside is built for all-day wear with wide, padded shoulder straps and a chest strap to help distribute heavier loads. It's built with double stitching all around, so it's ready to go the distance wherever you travel.

We especially like that it's available in a handful of colors, so you can color coordinate with your personal traveler's vibe (if that's your thing). Plus, it's crazy affordable at around $125 on sale.

Nomatic 40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

In the "new era" of next-gen travel backpacks we're currently living in, Nomatic was one of the OG brands to seriously reinvent the game. Its convertible travel bags are still some of our go-to favorites. The 40L option is sized like a traditional carry-on but carries like a duffel or travel backpack. With clever built-in straps, it transitions seamlessly between either carry method, so it's comfy to tote around even on your longest travel days.

It boasts 20 clever features, all targeting the needs of modern nomads. There are plenty of compartments to organize your clothes, shoes, tech, and other gear. A water bottle pocket helps you stay hydrated, and the included laundry bag helps keep your funky clothes quarantined away from your clean threads. It's all wrapped in a rugged, water-resistant tarpaulin material that's vegan-friendly and 100% synthetic.

If you're looking for something a little more streamlined, Nomatic's 30L model has all of the same features in a more compact footprint.

CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack

If you're an ultra-minimalist traveler or are just looking for a compact, rugged bag to supplement your carry-on, CamelBak's A.T.P. is just the trick. The 26-liter model is perfectly sized for hauling everything you need and nothing you don't. (It's also available as a smaller, cheaper 20-liter model )

In stark black or pure, undyed white, the exterior aesthetic is about as clean and streamlined as it gets. There are no extraneous pockets or design flourishes—this bag is all business. The interior is accessible either via the top flap (like a traditional top-loading hiking backpack) or through a long zipper topped with a snapped "collar" closure of sorts that almost resembles a zip-up hoodie. It makes accessing the inside way easier than most travel backpacks. The open-concept interior includes a laptop pocket, a water bottle pocket, and several small drop pockets for smaller travel essentials. Outside, compression straps allow you to cinch it all down to the exact size you need, so there's never any wasted space.

One of our favorite features of this travel backpack is the ultra-green manufacturing process. CamelBak touts this as its "first pack to ever earn the highest rating on our sustainability scale. The A.T.P. is made from 100% recycled CORDURA re/cor and creates half the greenhouse gas emissions produced in traditional manufacturing processes." Nice!

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Made with water-resistant nylon, this best-selling 40L travel pack promises organization through multiple zippered compartments. Starting from the front of the bag, there are four small zippered pouches, followed by a large zippered compartment for clothes and shoes , and then finished with a laptop sleeve compartment.

At under $60 retail (often less than $40 on sale!), you'd be hard-pressed to find a travel backpack this functional and durable for less. It's true the bag might not have the longest lifespan as others on this list (the zippered compartment design worries us about pockets potentially getting damaged), but in terms of getting solid bang for your buck, it's a great pick.

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

Yeti brings the design chops from working on the best, most rugged coolers to the world of travel backpacks. The Crossroads 35L is one of the toughest travel backpacks around.

For starters, the outer material of the Crossroads 35L is something you won't see on other travel backpacks. Why? Because Yeti opted for a textured Tuffskin nylon and a strong 700D nylon that's both water and abrasion-resistant. Yeti says it feels more like motorcycle gear, and we agree.

Second, the bag's clamshell opening allows for easy access to the laptop sleeve and for the ability to roll your clothes up and bag them down into the bag tightly. Last is the strength of the zippers, which are waterproof and tough as nails from the outer stash pockets all the way the main compartment zippers.

The only downside some might have is the shoulder pads could be more cushioned, but we found them to provide just enough comfort while stepping through the airport. But, if you're looking for a rugged backpack that's down for whatever, you can't go wrong with this pick.

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

One of our favorite duffel bags, the North Face Base Camp, also works great as a convertible travel backpack. The straps on the Base Camp might have some of the best paddings you can get, making it that much more comfortable in terms of all-day carry. And as far as materials, the strong 1000D recycled PVC with water-resistant zippers is damn-near-bulletproof, ready to repel any and everything.

Our only gripe about this bag is the interior storage configuration. It doesn't have any special laptop compartments or unique pocket designs: It's a simple, straightforward duffel at the end of the day. But remember, if you ever get tired of carrying this on your back, you can carry it by the hand straps or sling it over your shoulder. So you've got options here.

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Talk about a behemoth! Away's F.A.R. Convertible Backpack is equal parts duffel bag and ackpack. It holds a whopping 45L, which makes all the difference if you want to add another pair of shoes or bring home souvenirs you pick up on your travels.

While you don't have a ton of compartments on the inside of this bag, it does have built-in compression straps, which allow you to clamp down your clothes and keep everything condensed. This travel backpack is made from water- and abrasion-resistant polyester that's strong enough to handle pretty much anywhere unless you're planning on getting far off the path (like a hiking or camping trip, or a trip to somewhere less developed).

While the bag can feel a little heavy on your back if packed to the gills, the good news is you can always convert it to duffel carry. You get the best of both worlds here.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

The Porter 46 reminds us a lot of a hiking backpack in looks and in its durable design. It holds a whopping 46 liters, which can be deceiving thanks to the outer clamp-down straps. On the front of the bag is an easy-access laptop sleeve, and on the side are grab handles for briefcase-like carry if your shoulders get tired. If you want to know our favorite features of the backpack, though, it's the U-zip opening design, which allows the user to pack in and access their goods with ease—it's especially easy to get items on the bottom of the bag when the back is laid down and opened.

A couple of qualms include the straps being a bit too narrow, which can cause some discomfort for long travel days. The other is there aren't a lot of stash pockets. So if you like to use those to wrangle your favorite travel essentials, you might want to look for a different backpack design. But if you're looking for a big-time hauler that fits a rugged, traditional hiking backpack design, then this is a solid choice.

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing all of the latest packing tools and accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within the travel space.

When it comes to travel backpacks, our gear enthusiasts in the office tested a total of 30 different travel backpacks over the past two years. We inspected the bags in office first before taking them out on assignments and vacations. Then, after wear and tear, we accessed the condition of the bag and added in our testing notes. Lastly, we considered what each travel backpack does best by applying them to all the different types of traveler needs—like size, versatility, weight, and more.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

There are a couple of features you want to keep an eye on when shopping for a travel-worthy backpack. Overall, your travel backpack should be lightweight, organized, and suitable for the types of travel you typically take. These are the most important considerations.

As mentioned earlier, a good sweet spot for travel backpack capacity is between 30L and 40L. This amount of space usually allows you to pack a couple of outfits and a pair of shoes or allows you to pack all your airplane essentials. Some of the travel backpacks above go up to 45L. We love the generous capacity, but if you go above this sizing, you might be veering away from carry-on size requirements or you might find a bag packed that fully becomes a little heavy on the shoulders.

TSA Carry-On Approved

Pretty much all travel backpacks are TSA-approved for carry-on use. If you're someone who likes to keep a bag under the seat, you'll want to pay closer attention to the exact dimensions and how your bag looks when it's fully packed. Some airlines—especially ultra-budget carriers—are getting mighty strict on baggage size requirements these days.

Outer Materia ls

The good news about our travel backpack picks above is they're all made with some sort of water-resistant material. Most have abrasion resistance too. Aside from looking for these two qualities, most travel backpacks use nylon or polyester blends. A truly tough bag might don an outer material of 500-denier nylon or higher, which is a material grade that ensures the nylon is strong, water-resistant, and tear-resistant—all great features in a travel backpack.

Packing Organization

Last to consider is your personal packing style. The vast amount of travel backpacks on the market has led us to have all sorts of bag openings and packing configurations. Some have lots of compartments (interior and exterior), while some have a single main compartment and only one stash pocket. Most travel backpacks have openings that help you pack clothes down tightly and allow for easy access if you need to get something at the bottom of the bag. A few common bag opening designs include U-shaped zipper openings, suitcase openings, and clamshell openings. There's no one best design; it's all about what's right for you .

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel backpacks and carry-on backpacks for 2024. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, and gear expert, Mike Richard, reviewed dozens of packs to evaluate their design, performance, durability, and features. We also considered price point, as some travel backpacks promise a better overall value than others. In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024.

5 Fun Things to Do the Next Time You're in Bermuda

The 7 Best Vacations For Your Body

12 Top Luggage Brands You Can Find on Amazon

The Perfect Luggage for Avoiding Airport Chaos

best travel gadgets and travel electronics

34 Cool Travel Gadgets That Are Worth Trying Now

7 Travel Hair Dryers, Vetted by Grooming Editors

No One Was Prepared for the Diarrhea Plane

on the road fitness truckers man doing resistance bands in truck parking lot

7 Rules of On-The-Road Fitness

You Need These TikTok-Famous Amazon Travel Hacks

These Are The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024

Where to Work Out in Texas

The 12 Best Nude Beaches in the World

Take Action
Start a Repair

Shipping Information

We do our best to process and ship orders within 1-2 business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays). We kindly ask that you choose standard shipping where possible to reduce our environmental impact. If you have any questions about your order, you can reach out to our Customer Service team and we will be happy to help.

More Details

Unsure of the right size? Can’t decide between jackets? Our Customer Service team is here to help—the less unnecessary shipping, the better. We have no time limit on returns and accept both current and past-season products.

How returns work Start your return Customer Service

Filter & Sort

Recommended For You
Price (High to Low)
Price (Low to High)
£50 - £99 (8)
£100 - £199 (21)
£200 - £299 (2)
Breathable (4)
Fair Trade (23)
Made without PFCs/PFAS (13)
Waterproof (1)
Water Resistant (20)

Materials & Our Footprint

ECONYL Recycled Nylon (9)
Organic Cotton (8)
Recycled Materials (31)
Ripstop (21)
20L & under (5)
21 - 30L (19)
31 - 45L (6)
Packs & Gear Packs & Gear

Backpacks & Rucksacks

Refugio Daypack 26L

Refugio Daypack 30L

Black Hole® Pack 32L

Black Hole® Pack 25L

Terravia Pack 28L

Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack 32L

Terravia Pack 36L

Ultralight Black Hole® Tote Pack 27L

Fieldsmith Linked Pack 24L

Guidewater Backpack 29L

Terravia Pack 14L

Slope Runner Exploration Pack 18L

Disperser Roll-Top Pack 40L

Waxed Canvas Tote Pack 27L

Terravia Pack 22L

Atom Tote Pack 20L

Stealth Pack 30L

SnowDrifter Pack 30L

Fieldsmith Lid Pack 28L

Dirt Roamer Pack 20L

We guarantee everything we make.

We take responsibility for our impact.

We support grassroots activism.

We keep your gear going.

We give our profits to the planet.

Backpacking in Patagonia – Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

Everything you need to know for backpacking and budget travel in Patagonia in this complete ultimate guide.

By Jason Hollinger (Me Cycling near El ChaltenUploaded by Amada44) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons

The southern stretches of Chile and Argentina constitute what has rapidly become an unmissable part of any backpacking or adventure trip to South America.

Unlike a lot of the rest of the continent, Patagonia has a well-established network of hiking trails and a reliable tourist infrastructure that makes it a far easier location to visit for keen trekkers.

But the real allure of Patagonia is its superlative uniqueness: a region famed for towering mountain peaks, elusive yet captivating wildlife and scenery that switches between deserted grasslands, groaning glaciers and silent, shimmering lakes.

With a month or more to travel it’s possible to explore some of the region’s most mesmerising highlights. Don’t be surprised if, like many South American adventure travellers before you, Patagonia becomes the crowning moment of your whole trip.

But there is a slight problem…

Table of Contents

Budget Travel in Patagonia

Best websites for bus travel in patagonia:, best websites for boat travel in patagonia:, best websites for buying cars in patagonia:, absolute budget:, absolute budget:, food and drink, torres del paine national park, highlights on the carretera austral: pumalín park, highlights on the carretera austral: parque queulat, highlights on the carretera austral: cerro castillo national park, highlights on the carretera austral: patagonia park, nahuel huapi national park, refugio circuit, el bolson, pin it for later.

If you’ve ever researched backpacking through Patagonia, it’s likely you’ve discovered the unfortunate truth: it’s expensive, particularly by South American standards.

Before we start, it’s important to make it clear that it’s virtually impossible to travel in Patagonia on the same sort of budget as you might in Peru, Bolivia or even northern Argentina.

Travel in Patagonia is disproportionately expensive and there is no magic wand to wave to make these prices lower.

That said, backpacking in Patagonia on a budget can be achieved with some forward planning. The following budget travel tips prioritise experiencing Patagonia’s sensational places over travelling in particular comfort and expect that your Patagonia trip will cost around $50 USD (or less) per day.

Love adventure? Check out our ultimate guide to hiking in Patagonia.

When to Travel in Patagonia

The season in which you choose to travel will significantly affect the cost of your trip. The internet is in agreement that the Austral summer, between December and February, is the best time to visit Patagonia. However, this is open to debate.

These months are when the warmest, pleasantest weather is most likely, but it’s also the time when everyone else has the same idea . Cue the prices of accommodation and transport soaring and greater competition for space on hiking trails.

The little-known secret is that the shoulder seasons, either between September and November or March and May are a far better option for budget travel in Patagonia.

With reduced pressure on tourist infrastructure, you’ll not have to book as far in advance and can adapt your trip as you go. Start/end of season discounts on accommodation and tours are also a possibility.

By Justin Vidamo (Autumn Colors Of Patagonia) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Flickr

Final budget travel in Patagonia tip: During the months of September and May at the extreme start and end of the shoulder seasons, some hostels and tour companies are not open, so researching your options and contacting them before you arrive can save headaches.

Another key way of backpacking in Patagonia on a budget is being selective about how you travel.

Ironically, the more time you have to dedicate to the region will actually save money, as a tighter schedule means some of the following forms of transport are impossible.

Flights: The issue with flights in Patagonia is that you need to book in advance – at least three months in advance in some cases.

If you’re arriving into Santiago or Buenos Aires, a short plane journey can be useful to get south into Patagonia, just be aware that internal flights in Argentina are prohibitively expensive.

Flying across to Santiago and instead taking an internal flight south into Patagonia can save a considerable amount of funds.

Sky Airlines in Chile have flights costing as little as $40 USD ($25.000 CLP) from Puerto Montt to Punta Arenas.

Avoid trying to fly across the border in Patagonia as flights can get into hundreds of dollars.

Best websites for finding flights in Patagonia: https://www.atrapalo.cl

Bus: Patagonia has a good infrastructure of buses which most backpackers in Patagonia use. Prices rise during the summer months and you’ll be looking at paying upwards of $45 USD per ten hours of travel.

You can book online (although often not for trips too far in advance), but buying in the bus terminal a few days before you plan to travel is always the easiest way of organising transport.

Be aware that during peak season, you may have to spend a day or two waiting for a free spot on a bus, so always ensure you’ve got some wiggle room with your timings.

Chile: www.recorrido.cl

Argentina: www.omnilineas.com , https://www.centraldepasajes.com.ar and https://www.plataforma10.com/

Boat : This form of transport is only really available on the Chilean side of Patagonia. Two budget travel options exist: the Navimag ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Chacabuco and the Naviera Austral , which disembarks from Quellón on Chiloé Island for Puerto Chacabuco.

The Navimag ferry costs $70 USD ($45.000 CLP) for a shared, dormitory style cabin plus three meals and, if the weather’s good, you’ll be treated to splendid views of the Chilean coastline.

The cheaper Naviera Austral ($16.000 for a seat and no meals) passes closer to land, where you’ve got the chance of seeing sea lions and a magellanic penguin colony. Both leave several times per week in each direction.

https://www.navimag.com/explore-patagonia-by-ferry-navimag and https://www.navieraustral.cl/ .

Car: Renting a car, or, if you have the money upfront, buying one in Chile is one of the best tips for travelling in Patagonia on a budget. Buying your own vehicle will cost from $4000 USD plus petrol costs (around $1.10 (730 CLP and 17 ARS per liter)). You’ll be able to sell at the end and reclaim the majority of your initial outlay.

The biggest problem you’ll face is that without decent Spanish (and actually, even with a good grasp of Spanish), this can be a complicated process.

Considering making local friends in Santiago through Couchsurfing who won’t mind acting as your personal translator for parts of the process.

Be aware that you will need to get a separate set of insurance for crossing the border into Argentina and having an international driver’s license is a must.

For vehicle hire, Chile is by far the cheaper country in which to do so, and a four person rental car can cost from $34 USD ($22,000) per day. You might even be able to negotiate a long-term hire discount – just remember to arrange to return your car to the original pick up point to cut costs.

This website is comprehensive and up-to-date overviews of the process.

Best websites for renting cars in Patagonia: International companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget have offices in Chile and are generally cheaper than local outfits.

Cycling: You’ll need to plan this in advance (cycling gear is a lot more affordable in your home country), but as crazy as cycling the whole of Patagonia might sound, there’s a growing number of travelers doing just that.

With your own bike, you literally have everything you need with you – tent, cooking equipment and the open road. You can stop wherever you want and have the ultimate freedom to do so. The downside is that I can only even begin to imagine how much the Andes must hurt to cycle over them. But no pain, no gain, right?

Hitchhiking: Despite its bad reputation, hitchhiking (or auto stop in Argentina and hacer dedo in Chile) is a normal way of travelling in Patagonia along the Carretera Austral (Chile) and Ruta 40 (Argentina), and you’ll be surprised by how locals will go out of their way to help you get to your destination.

If you speak a little bit of Spanish and are happy to take the ultimate form of slow travel, (yes, you might be waiting a few days for a ride sometimes), this is the budget transport for you. Bring a tent, cooking equipment and stock up on food when you get the chance, so that if you do end up waiting on the side of a remote Patagonian road, it’ll feel like an awesome, impromptu wild camping experience.

Traffic is most frequent during the high season, but even during the shoulder seasons you will find a ride. Look out for lorries and red 4x4s (driven by either local or foreign tourists) as these are most likely to give you a lift.

By Douglas Scortegagna (Just Patagonia) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Flickr

Accommodation in Patagonia

Accommodation in Patagonia can be categorized into the following: cabañas (mainly on the Chilean side), alojamientos, residenciales and pensions, hostels and camping.

One of the main issues you’ll face is that a large proportion of these types of accommodation are not on standard hostel booking websites. Instead, a quick google search or looking at your destination on Google Maps and Maps.me will bring up a lot more options to choose from.

Cabañas: These are predominately found in Chile and if there’s four or more of you, these can be the best Patagonia budget accommodation option. They include a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom and cost from $45 USD ($30.000 CLP) per night.

Hostels: Prices fluctuate according to the season and get more expensive the further south you are. A night in Bariloche costs $14 USD in high season, whereas in Ushuaia expect to pay at least $24 USD.

If travelling during high season, you will need to book in advance. Out of season, you can generally turn up without an issue.

Residenciales/pensiones/hospedajes : The equivalent of a B&B, these are excellent options for budget travel in Patagonia. With a private room, kitchen access, breakfast and sometimes Wi-Fi included, they are very affordable and will give you a chance to practice your Spanish with the locals. Expect to pay from $18 USD upwards.

Camping: Official campgrounds in towns and national parks are the cheapest way of travelling in Patagonia – and possible the most fun. Prices can start from around $5 USD, and include flushing toilets, hot showers and sometimes even a shared cooking area.

You’ll also discover a plethora of wild camping spots for nights beneath sparkling skies, far, far from civilization. Just make sure you leave everything as you found it.

Patagonia is notorious for its strong winds, so a good backpacking tent is essential and a four season sleeping bag and comfy sleeping mat will be appreciated.

By Daniela Snow (Campamento Paine Grande) [ CC BY 2.0 ], via Flickr

As all food has to be imported into Patagonia, high prices and a lack of variety will be the main budget issues that you face. In small towns you’ll be lucky if you can get your hands on fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly as the traditional South American mercado is not common here.

Menu del día lunchtime offers can cost between $8-$10 for two or three courses and a drink, and you won’t go far without finding empanadas (a pastry shell filled with meat or cheese and ham), which are great for a snack or a light lunch.

Luckily, most types of accommodation have cooking facilities, so while your diet may not be the most diverse, you should still be able to cook up a decent meal on the road. Wine and local craft beer is also super cheap, so if all else fails, opt for a liquid lunch!

Things to see and do when backpacking Patagonia on a budget

One of the main draws of the region is its splendid scenery, so budget travel in Patagonia is realistic if you’re a fan of hiking. Although routes, for the most part, in the more visited national parks and reserves are well-marked, a little bit of Spanish goes a long way in areas that see fewer tourists but where landscapes and paths are more untouched as a result.

The ‘W’ and the ‘O’ treks are regarded as the jewel in Patagonia’s crown – and it’s immediately obviously why. This landscape of epic glaciers, scraggly peaks and wind-ravaged pampas which is only accessible by foot is the ultimate hiking trip for your bucket list.

If you want to do Torres del Paine on a budget, the simple thing is to avoid taking an unnecessary – and horribly expensive – tour. All routes are well-marked, there are plenty of other walkers in case you somehow question your way and there are excellent campsites en route . Put simply, there is no need to pay someone to guide you around.

The campgrounds range from free to $6 and upwards, and on some of them, $21 will get you the hire of a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

It makes sense to bring your own gear or rent it from nearby Puerto Natales though; some of the free campsites which don’t rent gear are actually far nicer.

Stocking up on food for the duration of your hike in Torres del Paine from the supermarkets in Puerto Natales is the cheapest option, just make sure you bring cooking facilities as these are not available at all campgrounds.

Entry into the park is $27 USD (18.000 CLP) for foreigners.

The Carretera Austral

Whichever form of transport you’ve chosen, make sure the Carretera Austral features on your trip.

Starting in Puerto Montt and ending in Villa O’Higgins in the south, the Carretera Austral or Ruta 7 is 1240km of semi-paved road lined by national parks brimming with virgin Valdivian forest, Andean peaks, steaming volcanoes and an abundance of breath-taking glacial lakes.

What makes Ruta 7 unmissable is it’s one of the cheapest budget activities to do in Patagonia, whether you road trip, hitch a ride or even shuttle between the towns using the local buses.

Bring camping equipment and stock up on food in the supermarkets of Puerto Montt and Coyhaique to maximize the opportunities for wild camping that present themselves along the route.

For more information about the highlights discussed below, check out this article about travelling along the Carretera Austral .

About 200km south of Puerto Montt, Pumalín Park was the initial Chilean conservation Project of the Tompkins Conservation group – the organisation set up by co-founder of North Face, Doug Tompkins.

A range of established trails lead up to the craters of recently active volcanoes and to the foot of glaciers, while the park is home to temperature Valdivian rainforest and some of the last remaining areas of Alerce – one of the oldest species of tree on earth.

For those who have the luck of visiting, many come away claiming it’s one of the most beautiful reserves in Chilean Patagonia; quite an assertion in a region that is covered in areas of outstanding natural beauty!

Roughly 20km south of Puyuhuapi – a town approximately half way along the Carretera Austral – you’ll find the turn off for Parque Queulat; the national park home to the spectacular V entisquero Colgante or Hanging Glacier.

A one-hour trail from the main entrance of the park leads up to a viewpoint of the glacier from where you can watch chunks of ice calving from the glacier and the meltwater waterfall that plunges into the lake below.

Small boats can get closer to the glacier by sailing through the milky-blue waters of this lake. There are also a handful of other short trails in the park.

Entry costs $8 and camping prices are $8 per night with basic facilities.

Highlights on the Carretera Austral: Bosque Encantado

50km south of Puyuhuapi is another captivating spot: El Bosque Encantado or the Enchanted Forest. A short hike brings you out at Los Gnomos Lagoon, which is fed by the crashing waters of the glacier draped over the mountain above.

It’s a peaceful place to while away a few hours and the hike through the moss and ferns of this ancient forest will leave you convinced that fairies must exist. Park entry costs $6 and the forest is best reached by your own vehicle or hitchhiking.

330 km south of Coyhaique, the jagged basalt peaks of Cerro Castillo have captivated all backpackers who find their way to this remote national reserve.

The main circuit up to the shimmering waters of Laguna Cerro Castillo is a moderate, 62km hike surrounded by forests of native lenga and with basic campgrounds for each night of the trek.

It is recommended that you start the hike at the trailhead at Laguna Chiguay campground, where the CONAF ranger offer can give information regarding the conditions of the route.

Be aware that poor weather, particularly during shoulder season (September and March/April), can make the trek inadvisable.

Taking a bus from Coyhaique to Villa Cerro Castillo and hitchhiking to the trail head is the only way of getting here.

100km south of Puerto Tranquilo you’ll find Patagonia Park ; a private reserve also founded by the Tompkins Conservation family.

Currently under-construction, the park at present has six main trails, including the Aviles Valley trail (50km one-way) which connects to trails in the Jeinimeni Mountains and takes approximately three to four days to arrive at the Jeinimeni Reserve Ranger Station, around 70km from Chile Chico.

Two campgrounds are available, both of which cost $15 USD per person per night with toilets. The West Winds Campground is more accessible if you do not have your own transport.

From Puerto Tranquil on Lago General Carrera, hitchhike and jump out at the El Cruce Entrada Baker crossroads or take an early-morning bus from Coyhaique to arrive at the park.

Best budget travel activities in Argentine Patagonia

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos is a picturesque drive that weaves between stunning, alpine lakes and snow-capped Andean mountains.

Visitors traditionally stop at the seven most impressive lakes, where free and serviced campgrounds ($8 per night) allow you to pitch up on their shores. Visit with your own vehicle to take advantage of the lakeside camping as buses drive this route without stopping.

Nahuel Huapi National Park has some spectacular day and multi-day trails and is easily accessible by bus or hitchhiking from nearby Bariloche.

One of the most popular is from the base of Cerro Catedral to the lake at Refugio Frey (24km, 8-hour trek), while the five-day, 50 km Pampa Linda to Colonia Suiza has spectacular views as it winds through a landscape strewn with glaciers and soaring mountains.

Campgrounds (often free) and refugios (bring a sleeping bag and food – these start at $8 USD) are available along all trails. For excellent information about routes and facilities in the park, check out this website .

Argentina’s self-proclaimed hiking capital ranks as Patagonia’s second most popular trekking destination thanks to its selection of one and multi-day hikes. Entry into the park is free, and the three-day, two-night Monte Fizt Roy/Cerro Torre loop has free campsites en route .

Staying in El Chaltén is not the cheapest (a bed in a dorm room will set you back at least $18 USD and will need to be booked in advance during the high season), but the access to day hikes, such as spectacular Laguna de Los Tres (12.5km) and Laguna Torres (11km), completely make up for it.

All hikes start from the town, so your only additional costs will be if you treat yourself to delicious roasted lamb and Malbec or other Patagonian delicacies in the excellent restaurants that you’ll find along the main road.

The Andean forests that surround hippy hangout El Bolsón are perhaps Argentina’s best kept secret. Here, a series of gentle and more challenging treks connect a circuit of thirteen refugios – all of which are at least four hours from the nearest road.

Offering one of the best sensations of trekking in Patagonia – that feeling of being lost in the wilderness, far from civilization – the paths also bring you to the ice of the Hielo Azul Glacier and to viewpoints for admiring neighboring Chile’s Osorno volcano which rises from across the border. Check out these suggested routes for multi-day hikes through the area.

These refugios are basic but offer some creature comforts – well, a mattress and a hot meal – and cost from $20 a night.

Cheeky budget Patagonia backpacking tips

Don’t over pack. Getting a hitch is significantly easier if you’ve not got a huge amount of stuff. You’ll also be thankful when you don’t have to worry about where you leave the belongings that you don’t need when hiking.
Learn some Spanish and get chatting. I was offered accommodation by locals on more than one occasion as well as being gifted food and drink by kindly Chileans who picked me up when I was hitchhiking. Patagonians are so friendly and often pretty curious to hear about your story.
If you’re cycling, make sure you stop to ask friendly locals for water at around 2pm each day. A cyclist I met had done this and been invited in for lunch nearly daily. Never underestimate the kindness of the Patagonian people!
Consider investigating a few weeks of volunteering using the opportunities advertised on Workaway or Helpx . Numerous farms and sustainable projects are seeking labor in Patagonia and this is an excellent way of living in the wilderness while getting a free roof over your head and a couple of meals a day.

The Ultimate Guide To Budget Travel In Patagonia

Steph Dyson

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

8 Awesome Things to Do in Puerto Madryn, Argentina

19 Epic Things to Do in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (2024 Guide)

Backpacking in chile – the ultimate travel guide [2024], why chile shouldn’t be missed off your adventure travel itinerary, ushuaia – chilling at the end of the world, 43 thoughts on “backpacking in patagonia – ultimate travel guide [2024]”.

Hi, great article, really inspired to go. I will go the end of september, then chill in santiago a little while. One questions, when you get to O´Higgins, how can you get further south? Down to the O and W treks, or over to argentina?

Glad you liked the article. There are buses all over the country. Their system is very good and connect many towns. Happy travels.

Thank you for the post, super helpful! I’ll be in Patagonia the month of October and plan on camping. Do you know if there is dispersed/free camping allowed in most places and where I can find that information? Thanks!

Hi Caitlin, not too sure about the free camping. I know they are strict within the national park but not too sure about everywhere else. All the best

El Bolson is such a quaint place that we decided to stay there for nearly a week. It’s more affordable than Bariloche and has a fraction of the crowds. Slow down and enjoy this lovely town.

Sweet. thanks for the advice Scott. 🙂

Hi, Thanks for all the helpful info! I would like to hike the W teck, solo, from May 10 to May 14. Is it really mandatory to have a certified guide? If so, how could I find a cheap one?

Hi Koohyar, Do you do a lot of hiking? If you do then you definitely do not need a guide. You definitely need to book your accommodation whether you are staying in a dorm bed or a tent site. If you are not bringing your own tent to Patagonia, you can hire what you need from Puerto Natales. If you do not hike a lot and are not used to carrying a bag up to 10kg, then maybe look into a guide. It is all up to you. It is not mandatory to have a guide just your bookings. As for finding a guide, we are not too sure. Ask around in Puerto Natales at the hostels, they’ll be able to help. Have a great trip.

Such breathtaking views! Loving the advice. My next stop is the Philippines this March. Maybe one day I’ll make it here.

Awesome. Glad we could help with your research. It is an amazing place. Have a great time in the Philip[pines

The article is outdated. Now there are low cost airlines in Argentina. Norwegian Airlines operates the route Buenos Aires –> Bariloche for just 60 dollars. All you have to do is book three months in advance. Another point here is that the Argentine peso has plunged to its lowest in 13 years. You should bring dollars and exchange them in Argentina as you need them.

Thank you for that. We will be sure to look into that airline. Is this the only information outdated? You only mention an airline. The peso does fluctuate in Argentina so it is hard to keep u with the pricing. One day it is low next it can be high.

Hi, I am looking to explore Patagonia solo at the end of this year. I have a couple questions, how do I book accommodations online? Also if I hike on the Argentinian side an visit El Chalten can I just visit the park for the day and then come back to El Chalten instead of having to stay in the park like Torres del Paine? I will also have a 60L backpack with me plus a camera back pack, I of course don’t want to bring all that with me for 1 week so do they have a place in Puerto Natales I can leave some of my things or do I have to take it all with me? Thank you!

Hi Tiana, that is amazing your trip is coming up. El Chalten is a gorgeous place. We stayed in town and did day hikes from our accommodation. You can find these all on booking. com ( https://bit.ly/2BSzqTa )

Here is a video we did on El Chalten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9s9361ReO0&t=9s

Getting the bus to Torres del Paine is about 6 hours either way and a little further for Puerto Natales. To explore Torres del Paine it is best to stay in the park for a few days. Do you want to hike the W trek? You can stay in a tent (you can rent from town) or book a dorm bed but it is not cheap.

Here is a great website with the booking websites. https://www.worldlyadventurer.com/camping-in-torres-del-paine/

Staying in Puerto Natales is a great option to prepare for the trek. The bus from there to Torres del Paine is about an hour and a half I think. If you do not have pre-booked accommodation in the park you are expected to leave and head back to Puerto Natales. In Puerto Natales you can leave your bags at the hostels as they are use to this and many people do this. Lighter is better. All the best and have a great hike.

Hi Alesha and Jarryd, thank you so much for all this helpful information. I am traveling to patagonia on my own for 3 weeks in November (mainly Torres del Paine, el chatel and Ushuaia). Do you know if I need to book accommodation in advance for this period? also I am finding it hard to decide on what dates to buy flights (Buenos Aires – calafate; calafate Ushuaia and back again). Also, I am not such a pro trekker so I wouldn’t like to do it by myself. do you know if it is possible to join a group on the spot? Truly appreciate if you can give me your opinion and all the best for your travels. ana

Hi Ana, It would be best to book accommodation in Ushuaia as this is a busy town. As for Torres del Paine you 100% need to book campsites if you are hiking the O trek or W trek. If you do not have accommodation booked the rangers will turn you back on certain areas of the trek. Puerto Natales you should be fine as there is many options. As for El Chaltan you should book as it is a small town and there is not a lot of accommodation. Our friends, Nick and Dariece from Goats on the Road wrote a great post on trekking in Torres del Paine. https://www.goatsontheroad.com/ultimate-guide-trekking-camping-o-circuit-torres-del-paine-chile/

There are many companies in tour that offer tours, but if you stay at Base Backpackers you should meet people and you can ask to trek with them. This is the backpacking place everyone goes to to find out information for the trek. There are a lot of places in town to rent gear if you need. Check it before you go on your trek. In El Chaltan these hikes are popular and you will be passing many people. All the best and have a great time.

Hi Ana – I am looking to do this same thing in December – solo – and I know pretty much nothing – but I am an avid camper and so considering renting a car and doing it that way – road trip – camp – would love to hear how your trip went!

Hi Scott, If you want to do a road trip in Patagonia, Chile check out Soul Vans. These guys are great and better than other bigger well known companies here. Check out Steph from https://www.worldlyadventurer.com/chile/ , she has written a lot on Chile as she used to live there. Check out Steve from https://www.back-packer.org/backpacking-chile/ as he travelled Chile and wrote a lot about it also. Have a great trip.

Hi, you’re site is fantastic, the best I’ve found!

I am thinking of travelling to South America for a 5 – 6 week trip and Patagonia is my priority. I plan on flying into and out of Santiago. I am considering mid March 2019.

I have a couple of questions I am hoping you can help with.

Would hiking be possible solo through Patagonia, staying at B&Bs, hostels and campgrounds, particularly at that time of year?

Your articles mention needing to book things well in advance. Does this include national park entries, B&Bs and camping etc? Are there some sites you would recommend to research this and make bookings?

Once again thank you for starting and maintain a wonderful site.

Safe travels, Craig

Hi Craig, When hiking in Torres del Paine there are only a few hotels you can hike from. We recommend Eco Camp. You can do different hikes with them or on your own to different parts of the park. You can hike the W trek on your own and book at the accommodation places. They are not cheap but the price includes dinner and breakfast. If you choose to do this option, you need to book the accommodation in advance. As for the entrance fee you get that on the day you enter and that will last for the period you are in the park. Have a great trip

Thanks for sharing, this sounds like awesome fun. I gather from your post that having our own tent and gear is a must? Would you also recommend buying a van or are most places accessible by bus and little hitchhiking 🙂

Hi Conor, not at all. You can hire camping gear when you need. Buying a van would be awesome to travel the country or you can rent one. There are many buses and the price is reasonable. Hitchhiking is common so will be easy to do. Have a great time.

Thanks for sharing! Patagonia sounds like such an awesome place! I would love to plan a trip there some day!

It really is an amazing place Jimmy. Hope you get there soon. 🙂

Hi, I always wanted to go to Patagonia but was not clear about the place and other stuff. Thanks for mentioning all the things in detail that will help me in planning the tour.

No worries. Glad Steph could help. It is an incredible area and we highly recommend travel there. 🙂

This is incredible! Thanks so much for posting all the info! I’m going to be in South America with my boyfriend next month and we were trying to figure out which route to take down south- one would get us there in July/August, the other late April/early May. From all your information would you say that the better time to be in southern Patagonia would be late April/early May? Its so nice to know we wouldn’t have to book a super inflated tour!

This you so much. We are glad we could help. Hope you are having a blast in Patagonia at the moment, We loved travelling the area. 🙂

Does anyone know how trustworthy https://www.atrapalo.cl is?

I just looked it up and there is a whole string of bad stories about it on TripAdvisor.

Can anyone verify or refute the claims? The payment landing page seems a little fishy and so I thought to double check what the internet had to say about the company.

Also, the flight times it offered were sold out on Latam and Aerolineas.

Thank you for the update Peter. Steph (the lady that wrote the article) lives in Chile and wrote this a little while ago for us. We will check out the reviews and look into it. 🙂

You just got me super excited planning my trip to Patagonia! So many useful info on here!!!

Thanks for sharing!

You will have a blast Mick. It is a beautiful area and great hiking.

Hello! Does anyone know if it’s possible to go hiking from O’Giggins to Coyahique and how?? My partner and I are really expecting to go from Chaltén to Villa O’Giggings (passing throw Lago del Desierto), but we don’t know if its whorty. Thanks!

Has anyone got any info about treks in patagonia in may/june? Super keen after all these blogs but unsure if i should say for another trip during warmer months. Thanks!

Hi Steph, it is really cold at that time of year down there so you have to be very prepared. In May there might be a few trails open but June I think most/all will be closed. The O circuit was shutting at the mid April when we were in that area but we have heard you can do a winter trek along the W. We have not come across anyone that has done it. The best option is email Base Camp in Puerto Natales and ask for information for those months. They were very helpful when we were down there hiking and were the information centre the Torres del Paine. They speak English and Spanish fluently. All the best.

Thank you so much for this guide. Patagonia is really confusing for me and this helped clear up some of the confusion. Currently in Brazil heading south towards Patagonia!

Awesome. We are so glad Steph could help you. She wrote an awesome guide. We are here in Patagonia now and it is amazing. Highly recommend hiking in Torres del Paine. If you are interested make your reservations sooner than later. The trekking in the park closes in the winter. Patagonia is expensive but just watch what you spent your money on. They people are so lovely and very friendly. They accommodation is on the expensive side for what you get but unfortunately thats how it is. We have not been staying at hostels as guesthouses have been cheaper and breakfast is usually included. Anyway if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message. We would love to help. Happy travels

Hiya, we booked our tickets to arrive in Chile in January, thinking this would give us plenty of time to book campsites for Torres Del Paine but they all seem to be booked up already?! A year ahead? Does this mean we can’t visit the park..? Any advice so welcome, this is quite shocking… 🙁

Hi Nancy, we just finished the O circuit. We hiked it is 8 days and we got very lucky with the weather. It was stunning. The situation with the park has dramatically changed as of January this year. If you are doing the O circuit they are only letting 80 people in a day on the back side. The rangers check that you have a booking and if you do not they will not let you continue on. As for the W hike we don’t think there is a number. Look up the CONAF details for in Puerto Natales. You may be able to email them as sometimes the information on the website may not be correct. Keep trying. When you finally do have your booking, print them and have them on you or a screen shot on your phone. Some guards are strict and want to see the bookings. All the best.

I agree with you, sometimes, there’s no way around the actual prices of the destination, but planning ahead would help you save a lot!

You are so right Agness. We are heading to Patagonia now and we have had to book all our camping sites for the O Trek. It is booked up all of February already. We don’t normally travel like this but it has been better for the budget. We were a little surprised but have been budgeting well so far. Steph’s article has definitely helped us. 🙂 Happy travels

Hey! When will you guys be in Patagonia exactly? Crazy! Myself and a bunch of travbuddies ( about 20 of us ) are going to antarctica Feb 5-15 and then trekking and visiting around Patagonia after that for a few weeks! Maybe , just maybe, we will be at the same place at the same time!

Hey Hali! We land in Buenos Aires on Feb 12th, will be heading off to Antarctica from the 25th to March 7th, then bumming around Patagonia afterwards. Maybe our paths will cross! 🙂

The Complete Packing List for Moscow

Moscow packing list – what you need to bring, how to pack for moscow.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Moscow. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Moscow gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Moscow.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Moscow will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

Important hings to do before you go
Essential documents
Transport essentials
Backpack & luggage
Clothing and shoes
Hygiene & Toiletries
Photo, Video & High Tech
Useful accessories
Medication and first aid kit
Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

Prepare your travel itinerary Apply for a visa (if necessary) Make your vaccinations (if necessary) Check-up at the doctor / dentist Take out a travel insurance Photocopy or scan important documents (passport) Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary) Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking ) Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me Download movies offline Prepare your favorite music playlist Turn off or turn down the heat of your house Empty garbage cans Water the plants Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

Passport ID card Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case) Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation) Visa (if necessary) International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car Health insurance card Travel insurance Credit card Cash Useful numbers in case of emergency Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping) Vaccination certificate Diving license, sailing license, etc. Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

Phone and charger Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide MP3 player Chewing gum Pen + notepad Travel pillow ( my favorite ) Sleep mask ( my favorite ) Earplugs Snacks / sandwich Small water bottle Nasal ointment for dry nose Sunglasses Glasses case Watch Hand sanitizer Disposable face mask Tissues Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite ) Handbag Travel laundry bag ( my favorite ) Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite ) Travel bag ( my favorite ) Luggage tag ( my favorite ) Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite ) Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite ) Zippered carry-on bag Shoe bag ( my favorite ) Fanny pack Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

Socks Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…) Tank tops Skirt ♀ Dress ♀ Pajamas T-shirts Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him ) Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him ) Polo shirt ( for her , for him ) Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him ) Jeans Lightweight pants ( for her , for him ) Money belt ( my favorite ) Shorts Jogging suit Jacket / coat K-way ( for her , for him ) Windbreaker ( for her , for him ) Hat / cap / beanie Scarf / bandana Swimsuit Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

Comfortable walking shoes Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…) Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him ) Hiking shoes ( for her , for him ) Sandals ( for her , for him ) Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him ) Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him ) Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

Microfiber towel ( my favorite ) Toilet bag Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite ) Toothbrush & toothpaste Dental floss Soap Shampoo Facial cleanser Nail clippers Cotton buds (biodegradable) Tweezers Make-up Deodorant Comb / Hairbrush Razor & shaving foam ♂ Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite ) Toilet paper roll Perfume Makeup ♀ Contact Lenses Contact lens product Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

Camera Lens Memory card Polarizing filters ND filter Extra battery Charger + cable + plug adapter Cleaning kit External hard drive USB key Stabilizer Drone ( my favorite ) Waterproof phone case Flash Solar charger ( my favorite ) Gopro ( my favorite ) Waterproof case Selfie Pole External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite )

Don’t forget:

Portable speaker Ipad / Tablet Laptop PC External battery Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Moscow:

AirBnB Booking Couchsurfing Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!) Google Maps Google Translator Google Trips Lonely Planet Guide LoungeBuddy Maps.me Meetup Tripadvisor Uber Whatsapp XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Moscow will depend on your travel style:

TSA lock ( my favorite ) Headlamp ( my favorite ) Sleeping bag ( my favorite ) Sheets ( my favorite ) Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite ) Travel clothesline ( my favorite ) Powdered or liquid detergent Clothes pegs Spork ( my favorite ) Ziploc bags Lighter Folding umbrella ( my favorite ) Toilet paper Mosquito repellent ( my favorite ) Mosquito net ( my favorite ) Sunscreen cream Aloe vera gel Waterproof pouch for smartphone For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle Walking stick ( my favorite ) Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite ) Beach towel ( my favorite ) Sawyer water filter ( must-have !) Pills to purify non-drinking water Mask, snorkel, fins Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

Cotton buds Tweezers Round-tipped scissors Pairs of single-use latex gloves Bandages Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain Sterile compresses Disinfectant spray for wounds Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning) Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips) Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration) Water purification tablets Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur) Medication for altitude Medication for sore throat Anti-malarial medication Survival blanket Tick tweezers Ointment against itching (antihistamine) Probiotics for the stomach Corticosteroid pills and cream Analgesics (painkillers) Survival blanket Cold medicine (decongestant) Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns) Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Moscow now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Moscow on Getyourguide:

backpack Moscow business travel list Moscow check list Moscow checklist Moscow checklist travel Moscow Moscow travel checklist Moscow what to pack Moscow what to take essential for Moscow essentials for travelling to Moscow how to dress in Moscow how to pack for a trip to Moscow how to pack for Moscow list for travel to Moscow list of luggage for trip to Moscow list of things to bring on a trip to Moscow luggage list Moscow necessary for Moscow trip packing light for Moscow prepare your backpack for Moscow printable packing list for Moscow the essentials for going to Moscow travel list Moscow vacation packing checklist for Moscow what should I pack for Moscow trip what should I put in my travel bag for Moscow what to bring for a trip to Moscow what to pack for Moscow what to put in my suitcase to go to Moscow what to put in your suitcase for Moscow what to take to go to Moscow what to wear in Moscow

Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024)

In this article, we are going to go through everything you need to know about backpacking Russia.

Russia is the largest country in the world, with a land area equivalent to 11% of the earth’s total landmass. Pretty impressive, right?

With stunning tundra landscapes, huge cities, stunning beaches and an array of wildlife, it’s truly an amazing place to visit.

Some of the most popular sights include the capital city of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, Sochi, Kazan and the Ural Mountains.

Although often not depicted as a travel destination, Russia has so much to offer. It’s also a great place for backpackers as accommodation, food and transport is generally very cheap.

Russia is also the first country I ever backpacked, all the way back in 2007! I also returned three years later and backpacked my way from London to Lake Baikal in Siberia.

So let’s dive right into the article, and find out all the things you need to know before backpacking Russia.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

What regions make up Russia?

The Russian Federation is made up of eight districts. These are:

Central – District Capital: Moscow
North-Western – District Capital: St. Petersburg
Volga – District Capital: Nizhny Novgorod
North Caucasus – District Capital: Pyatigorsk
Southern – District Capital: Rostov-on-Don
Ural – District Capital: Yekaterinburg
Siberian – District Capital: Novosibirsk
Far-Eastern – District Capital: Vladivostok

Russia Highlights

Kaliningrad – a tiny Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea

Moscow – Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin Mausoleum, Bolshoi Theatre…

St. Petersburg – the Hermitage , Church on the Spilt Blood, the Winter Palace…

Yekaterinburg – final resting place of the Romanovs and gateway to the Ural Mountains

Mount Elbrus – Europe’s highest mountain!

Lake Baikal – the world’s largest and deepest body of fresh water.

Vladivostok – the end of the line, Russia’s port city on the Pacific Ocean.

Kamchatka – the land of fire and ice, volcanoes and more bears than people.

The Trans-Siberian Railway – everyone should take this journey at least once in their life!

Suggested Russia Itineraries

1 week – Moscow and St. Petersburg

2 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Yekaterinburg

3 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Yekaterinburg – Rostov-on-Don

4 weeks – St. Petersburg – Moscow – Novosibirsk – Irkutsk – Lake Baikal (Trans-Siberian routes)

5 weeks – Moscow – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Baikal – Vladivostok (return by Trans-Siberian)

6 weeks – Moscow – Novosibirsk – Baikal – Yakutsk – Kamchatka

Daily budget for backpacking Russia

Depending on where you visit in Russia, the cost of accommodation, food and transport will vary. For example, the touristy areas of Moscow may be more expensive than the more rural areas of Russia.

On average you are looking at a daily budget of around ₽4,800 ($63). This will cover basic accommodation costs, food, and transport whilst backpacking Russia.

To help you stick to your budget, we have plenty of money-saving tips later on in the article!

Russia Visas

Citizens of 55 countries including Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Israel, Laos, and the U.A.E can enter Russia visa-free for between 30-90 days depending on the agreement with that country.

If you are a citizen of Japan, the USA, the EU, the UK or a country in Asia or Africa you will have to apply for a visa. For some countries you can apply for a visa online, otherwise, you will have to go to your nearest Russian embassy or consulate.

Language in Russia

The Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet and it would pay to try and familiarise yourself with this a little before you go. All signage is in Cyrillic and English isn’t widely spoken, even in Moscow.

Getting to Russia

If you are travelling to Russia by flight, it’s likely you will arrive in Moscow as it has 3 large international airports; Sheremyetevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo.

You may also choose to fly into Pulkovo airport, which is near St. Petersburg.

Trip.com has some of the best deals on flights to Russia.

Travelling into Russia by train is easy as the country has multiple high-speed rail connections with Europe.

Train routes run to Russia from Finland, Poland, France and Estonia. It’s also possible to go on other routes but it’s important to do your research as some require a transit visa.

Weekly routes to Moscow from the following countries. Check RealRussia for timetables and ticket prices.

Belarus: Minsk to Moscow – 8 hours

Estonia: Tallinn to St. Petersburg – 8 hours

Estonia: Tallinn to Moscow – 17 hours

Ukraine: Kiev to Moscow – 12 hours

Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan (Astana) to Moscow – 40 hours

Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar to Moscow – 98 hours

China: Beijing to Moscow – 140 hours

You can travel to Russia by bus from Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Poland, Germany and London. Although often not the most popular choice, it’s very cheap.

Ferries run to Russia from Japan, Korea, Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine.

It is possible to visit St. Petersburg visa-free by taking a cruise from Helsinki, Tallinn or Stockholm with St Peter Line. See their website for full details.

Getting around Russia

Russia is a HUGE country, but luckily there are a variety of transport options to help you get around.

Plane – There are over 200 airports within Russia, so when it comes to domestic flights there are plenty of choices.

Train – Travelling by train through Russia is one of the best options, as it’s a lot cheaper than catching a flight and is often more convenient.

Be aware that some stations have retained their Soviet names on timetables which can be a little confusing ( Yekaterinburg is shown as Sverdlovsk for example).

Metro – The metro system is located in 7 of Russia’s cities; these are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Samara and Yekaterinburg. It’s the best way to explore these cities.

City bus systems – The public transport systems in Russian cities are usually made up of buses, trolleybuses and trams. Travelling this way is cheap, and very convenient.

Long-distance bus services – There are plenty of long-distance bus services around and they are a great option whilst backpacking Russia.

The Trans Siberian Railway

There are three main routes:

Trans-Siberian – Moscow to Vladivostok
Trans-Mongolian – Moscow to Ulaanbaatar
Trans-Manchurian – Moscow to Beijing

Unfortunately, at present there is no “hop-on, hop-off” service, so if you wish to visit places along the route, you must buy individual tickets for each leg of the journey.

Where to stay – Cheap accommodation in Russia’s most popular tourist spots

It’s inevitable that accommodation prices will vary depending on where you travel throughout Russia.

To give you an idea, I’ve come up with a list of the most popular spots in Russia and a cheap accommodation option for each one:

Moscow – Napoleon Hostel

St. Petersburg – The Roomers

Lake Baikal – Mini Gostinica near Lake Baikal

Belokurikha – Hotel Berkut

Sochi – Sochi Hotel

Kazan – Mironov’s House

Money in Russia

The currency in Russia is the Russian rubles (or rouble – RUB).

The exchange rate fluctuates but at the start of 2022, the average exchange rate is $1 = 75 RUB.

The important thing to remember about money in Russia is that It’s always best to exchange it in advance.

Cards are generally accepted in the country, but you’ll never know what the exchange rate is or if Russian banks will accept the card.

Also, a lot of things are paid for in cash in Russia including public transport and tipping so it’s always best to have cash on you.

Sample costs of items across the country*

The best places to visit in russia.

Here are the top places to visit whilst backpacking Russia. They have been split by district to make things easier for you!

The North-Western district

St. Petersburg
Veliky Ustug
The Republic of Karelia
The Pskov Region

Visitors to Russia should allow at least a couple of days to discover charming Saint Petersburg . Highlights include the Hermitage, Winter Palace, Church on the Spilt Blood and the canals.

St Petersburg really is a highlight of Russia, so if you’re planning a trip be sure to include it in your itinerary. Check out this excellent guide to the beautiful Russian Palaces in the city (the Winter Palace was a highlight of my trip back in 2007).

The Central district

Sergiev Posad

No trip to Russia is complete without exploring the country’s impressive capital, Moscow . Allow at least three days to see the major sights including Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Lenin Mausoleum and more.

The Volga district

Nizhny Novgorod
The Republic of Tatarstan
The Raifsky Bogoroditsky Monastery

The Volga region is one of the true heartlands of Russia and encompasses the Volga River basin and stretches down to the Caspian Sea.

The Southern district

Rostov-on-Don
Novocherkassk

From Black Sea beaches to Europe’s tallest mountain, Elbrus, the Southern District is packed full of exciting places to visit. Pyatigorsk is famous for its mineral springs and spas and Sochi was home to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The Ural district

Yekaterinburg
The Ural Mountains
Taganay National Park
Kungur Ice Cave
Romanov Death Site

The Ural Mountains divide European Russia from Asia. The city of Yekaterinburg is a pleasant city with a dark past, as it was here that the Romanov family met their terrible fate in 1918. It’s not all gloom and doom though, and the city is filled with parks, lakes and impressive architecture.

The Siberian district

Novosibirsk
Stolby Reserve
The Omsk Region
Lake Baikal
Belokurikha

Siberia is a vast expanse of forest (taiga) that covers an area the size of the United States. The region’s crown jule is Lake Baikal, the deepest and largest body of fresh water in the world. In summer, the area is perfect for hiking, camping, picking berries and enjoying the great outdoors. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a winter playground!

The Far-Eastern district

The Kheketsir Mountains
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Land of the Leopard National Park

Russia is a wild country, but the Russian far east takes this to new extremes. From the “pole of cold” at Oymyakon in Yakutia can reach temperatures of -70 degrees Celcius! Conversely, the Kamchatka peninsula is the land of fire and ice. The volcanic peninsula is so otherworldly that the Soviets used it as a testing ground for their spacecraft!

Food and drink in Russia

When it comes to food in Russia, there is a variety of cuisine available. In the larger cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, there is more choice of cafes and restaurants. Japanese is a popular cuisine in these big cities, and western food is readily available.

However, as you head to the more rural areas of Russia, you will find there are fewer options and it’s harder to find menus in English.

There are plenty of tasty national dishes in Russia including pelmeni, borshch , pirogi and tvorog .

Vodka is the national drink of Russia and is usually knocked back in one gulp and then chased with a salted cucumber or a bite of black bread . However, vodka in Russia is not for the faint-hearted with such a high alcohol concentration, so be wary if you aren’t a big drinker!

Best time to visit Russia

The best time to visit Russia largely depends on what district you visit, and the purpose of your trip.

However, generally, the most popular time to visit the country is between June-August which is Russia’s summertime.

Although the weather is warm, the popular cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg get incredibly crowded during this time of year.

If you don’t mind the weather being a bit cooler, you can choose to visit Russia in May or September. The crowds will be a lot thinner, and accommodation prices will often be cheaper.

Many people like to visit in the wintertime to see a snowy Russia. It’s important to note that October and November are the wettest months of the year, so December would be a better choice if you don’t mind sub-zero temperatures!

16 money-saving travel tips for backpacking Russia

Stay in a hostel dorm or a cheap economy room (There are plenty out there).
Exchange currency beforehand rather than pay by card.
You can often volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation by using sites like the Help Exchange.
Getting a tourist pass in Moscow and St. Petersburg will save you money when it comes to entering attractions.
Some popular attractions have ‘free admission days’.
Use overnight trains to save a night’s accommodation. Book the tickets about a month in advance for an even cheaper deal.
Always use the metro in big cities if possible!
A troika travel card in Moscow costs around ₽50 ($0.66) and can be topped up at any time. With this card, any public transport journey in Moscow will cost ₽42 ($0.56).
Gastro food courts are perfect if you want cheap restaurant-quality food.
Stick to delicious Russian dishes as western food is a lot more expensive.
Research transport options before heading to another destination, as long-distance buses are often even cheaper than the train.
The government sometimes organise free entertainment such as concerts or screenings of matches.
Eat at a street vendor or small local cafe to cut your costs.
Stock up on supplies at the local supermarkets.
Buy a cheap travel Sim Card to save on network charges.
Don’t use taxis as they are expensive.

Is Russia Safe to Visit?

Although Russia has a very sketchy reputation, today generally speaking it’s as safe as many other countries in Europe.

Police and security cameras are located throughout popular cities, and the city of Moscow even has its own tourist police force.

However, no country is ever 100% safe and there are things to be cautious of whilst backpacking Russia.

Pickpocketing is incredibly common, especially in popular tourist spots like St. Petersburg and Moscow.

It’s also important to note that if you’re a member of the LGBT community, you should refrain from public displays of affection.

In Russia discussion of homosexuality issues or gay rights in the presence of minors is punishable by law, so there is a need to be careful.

Tourists are also strongly advised against travelling to the North Caucasus, as it’s considered to be the most dangerous region in Russia. With terrorist activities, higher crime rates and corruption, this is an area of Russia to avoid.

With the above in mind, it pays to have good cover while backpacking through Russia. Our partners at World Nomads are experts at providing cover for backpackers. You can get a free, no-obligation quote here .

On my second visit to Russia, I experienced police corruption first-hand. I was with friends drinking a beer in a public park and the police came and said that it was illegal and we must go with them (we had seen many other people doing the same, so it seemed suspicious from the outset).

It soon became clear that the police were after a bribe, and we each paid 2,000 ($25) to avoid being taken to jail. We were made to get in the police car and pass the money under the seat so no one could see what was going on.

I will add that this was over 10 years ago so perhaps things have improved, but be wary of the police and avoid interactions with them where possible.

Recommended vaccines for Backpacking in Russia

If you will just be visiting the cities and urban areas in Russia vaccines aren’t too important. If you will be spending time in the Russian wilderness, then it is advisable to have the following vaccines (all of which I had before camping in Siberia):

Hepatitis (A, B and C combined)
Tick-borne encephalitis

Russian wildlife

Russia is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and what you could encounter will differ depending on the area you visit.

Generally, a lot of the time animals are more afraid of us, than we are of them but it’s still important to know what dangerous species are around.

Bears – Bears will only attack people in self-defence or if they feel threatened (e.g wounded bears, mothers with cubs or bears who have just come out of hibernation).

Boars – Boars use their tusks as weapons, and will often attack anything that they deem a threat due to poor eyesight.

Dogs – Stray dogs are found all across Russia and can attack if they are defending their territory.

Elk – Elks are incredibly fearful animals, and will attack if they think someone poses a threat. Due to its size, an Elks kick can be fatal.

Snakes – There are a variety of venomous snakes located within Russia and these include the Common European adder, the blunt-nosed viper, the European cat snake and the Japanese striped snake. However, it’s the Northern viper that’s the most deadly.

Spiders – The Karakurt spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world, and if bitten you should seek medical attention immediately.

Ticks – Ticks in Russia can carry encephalitis and Lyme disease, which, unfortunately, can lead to swelling of the brain, seizures and the inability to move. If you will be spending any time in the taiga, it is recommended to get the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine.

Wolves – Wolf attacks on people are rare, but it’s often down to two reasons. Either their habitat has disappeared meaning they are moving into neighbourhoods, or their food source is running low during early spring.

Books about Travel in Russia

I have also written my own book about backpacking across Russia from Moscow to Irkutsk. You can buy it on Kindle here .

Russia is an incredible country, with a wide variety of landscapes and architecture. Although it’s often overlooked as a travel destination, it should be on the bucket list of every traveller.

With a range of transport options, cheap accommodation and a variety of different cuisine it’s the perfect destination if you’re a budget traveller.

Backpacking Russia is the best way to see the country, and trust me you won’t be disappointed!

If you have any questions about travelling on a budget in Russia, feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch via the contact form!

Check out my other backpacking guides

Backpacking China

Backpacking Hong Kong

Backpacking Kazakhstan

Backpacking the Silk Road

Backpacking the Baltics

Backpacking the Balkans

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024) ”

And now? how would it be to travel in Russia? The place is vast. Should be much the same as before Putin’s ridiculous invasion. Always wanted to take the trans-sib. Don’t want to wait ten more years (been waiting 30 as it is!). Another idea i had was to do one of the silk routes then tag on the trans mongolian train to at least get that part of the journey to Asia if I cannot travel on the Trans-sib part.

Aside from more stringent checks at customs (especially if you have evidence of visits to Ukraine), travelling across the vast expance of Russia will indeed be much the save as it ever was (an adventure, and not always easy). I would highly recommend doing the trans-sib if you have the chance. I’d also recommend taking one of the slower, local trains rather than the tourist services like the Rossiya if you want an authenitc experience (and a cheaper ticket). The Silk Road is also an incredible experience, but there isn’t just one train and a lot of changes (plus parts will need to be done by bus). Best wishes, Steve

Men's Ultralight Down Jacket

Select Size and Color

Select Size

Select Color

You searched for See You searched for

So light. So warm. The Ultralight Down Jacket combines 800-fill-power Traceable Down (goose down traced from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked) with a superlight 15-denier 100% nylon Pertex Quantum® shell for a lightweight, toasty-warm down jacket.

Regular fit

What customers are saying: View all reviews

For more information visit our Size Guide

Specs & Features

Ultralightweight Pertex Quantum® shell and lining fabrics use interlocking Y-shaped nylon fibers to enhance the performance of the DWR (durable water repellent) finish

800-fill-power Traceable Down (goose down traced from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked)

Variegated channel construction stabilizes goose down; side panels with narrow channels provide shape and reduce bulk

Contoured fit accommodates movement while maintain loft and reducing drafts

Center-front zipper has interior storm flap and wicking kissing-welt zipper garage at chin for next-to-skin comfort

Two zippered handwarmer pockets and one zippered chest pocket have zipper garages; jacket self-stuffs into chest pocket with carabiner clip-in loop, as well as into the left handwarmer pocket to become a travel pillow

Elastic-bound cuffs and hem with single drawcord adjustment seal in warmth

Country of Origin

Made in China.

269 g (9.5 oz)

Last Season Color Offered at Full Price

Shell and lining.

0.85-oz 15-denier 100% nylon ripstop Pertex Quantum® built with Y-shaped filament technology, with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish

800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down (goose down certified by NSF International from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked)

Fabric is certified as bluesign® approved

Size & Fit

Free Ground Shipping on Orders over $99*

We do our best to process and ship orders within 1-2 business days. Please keep in mind that we get backlogged during sales or the holiday season and it could take longer. If you have any questions about your order, please contact our friendly Customer Service team and we'll be glad to help.

Returns & Exchanges

We accept both current season and sale items for return or exchange. We do not set a time limit on returns, though we ask that returns for fit or color be made in a timely manner and that items be kept in new condition with tags attached.

We Guarantee Everything We Make

If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, our Ironclad Guarantee allows you to return it for a replacement or refund at no charge. Damage due to wear and tear will be repaired at a reasonable charge.

We guarantee everything we make.

We take responsibility for our impact.

We support grassroots activism.

We keep your gear going.

We give our profits to the planet.

COMMENTS

Travel & Carry-on Backpacks by Patagonia
Whether you tend to pack light or you're prepared for anything, the best travel backpacks hold all your belongings. Find the gear you need, from casual daypacks to carry-on backpacks and lightweight tote packs. Shop travel & carry-on backpacks backed by our Ironclad Guarantee at Patagonia.com. Free Shipping over $99. 1% for the Planet®.
Outdoor Backpacks by Patagonia
Outdoor Backpacks by Patagonia
Patagonia Black Hole® MLC® Convertible Travel Backpack 45L
132 Reviews. $239. Our classic Black Hole® MLC® bag is a burly, soft-sided 45-liter suitcase with enough room for world travel and convertible backpack straps for comfy load carrying; made with 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, plus and a 100% recycled TPU-film laminate. Meets most carry-on requirements.
Outdoor Backpacks by Patagonia
Waxed Canvas Tote Pack 27L. C$ 189. Distances short or long require durable gear that stands tough—shop outdoor backpacks and daypacks for travel and sport at Patagonia.ca. $19 Fast Shipping.
Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Travel Backpack Review
The Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC is the best travel backpack I tried because it combines organization, comfort, versatility, and sturdiness. It was a close race against a few other contenders ...
Black Hole® Backpacks
Shop Patagonia Black Hole® Backpacks. Our durable gear haulers are now built with 100% recycled body fabric and webbing. burger. chevron left. chevron right. ellipses. logo ... Black Hole® Bags Duffel & Travel Bags Sleeping Bags Water Protective Bags Water Bottles & More Gear Care Past Season Gear Shop All Women's Men's Kids' & Baby
Patagonia Lightweight Travel Pack 26 Review
The Patagonia Lightweight Travel Pack's greatest attribute (aside from its cool Patagonia styling) is its packability. Like the REI Stuff Travel Daypack, this pack folds into an internal pocket that measures 8x6x4 inches. This pouch also has a gear loop for easy clipping. If you're looking for a spacious, quick drying daypack to toss into your ...
Travel & Carry-on Backpacks by Patagonia
Whether you tend to pack light or you're prepared for anything, the best travel backpacks hold all your belongings. Find the gear you need, from casual daypacks to carry-on backpacks and lightweight tote packs. Shop travel & carry-on backpacks backed by our Ironclad Guarantee at Patagonia.ca. $19 Fast Shipping. 1% for the Planet®.
The 5 Best Carry On Travel Backpacks of 2024
The 5 Best Travel Backpacks of 2024 | Tested
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L Review
Comfort. Patagonia is known for checking all the boxes, but it is difficult to make a truly comfortable duffel-style pack without a proper harness system, especially at this size. The 55-liter Black Hole Duffel is big, soft, and stuffable, which means it can get heavy very quickly. The shoulder straps are somewhat thin but surprisingly ...
13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts
In the end, we decided on these 13 models as our picks for the best travel backpacks worth buying in 2024. We reviewed brands like Cotopaxi, Peak Design, Away, Patagonia, and more to determine the ...
Patagonia Backpacks
ADD TO CART. 3 +. Patagonia Black Hole 14L Large Cube. $65.00. ADD TO CART. Haul your gear in a Patagonia backpack from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Find Patagonia bags and Patagonia backpacks in large and small sizes. If you find a lower price on Patagonia backpacks somewhere else, we'll match it with our Best Price Guarantee.
Backpacks
Fieldsmith Lid Pack 28L. £120. laptop compatible. Distances short or long require durable gear that stands tough—shop backpacks and daypacks for travel and sport at eu.patagonia.com. Free Shipping over €100.
Amazon.com: Patagonia Travel Backpack
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, TSA Friendly Flight Approved Carry-on Luggage Hand Water-resistant Lightweight Business Rucksack, Durable Large Weekender Bag Daypack Fits 17.3 Inch Laptop. Options: 2 sizes. 1,841. 1K+ bought in past month. $8099. FREE delivery Sat, Jun 29. Or fastest delivery Fri, Jun 28. 3 sustainability features.
Patagonia Black Hole® Mini MLC® Convertible Backpack 30L
177 Reviews. $199. A smaller version of our iconic 45-liter Black Hole® MLC®, the 30-liter Mini MLC is also built with recycled materials and a recycled TPU laminate. This travel-savvy, soft-sided backpack has tuck-away shoulder straps, plus a quick-stash padded hip belt that doubles as a shoulder strap. For use as a duffel bag or briefcase ...
Bags & Luggage by Patagonia
Backcountry to urban center—traverse thousands of miles with our durable travel luggage, packs and gear bags at Patagonia.com. Free Shipping over $99.
Backpacking in Patagonia
That said, backpacking in Patagonia on a budget can be achieved with some forward planning. The following budget travel tips prioritise experiencing Patagonia's sensational places over travelling in particular comfort and expect that your Patagonia trip will cost around $50 USD (or less) per day.
The Complete Packing List for Moscow
The accessories you will take in your bag for Moscow will depend on your travel style: TSA lock ( my favorite) Headlamp ( my favorite) Sleeping bag ( my favorite) Sheets ( my favorite) Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite) Travel clothesline ( my favorite) Powdered or liquid detergent.
Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024)
Daily budget for backpacking Russia. Money in Russia. Depending on where you visit in Russia, the cost of accommodation, food and transport will vary. For example, the touristy areas of Moscow may be more expensive than the more rural areas of Russia. On average you are looking at a daily budget of around ₽4,800 ($63).
The ultimate guide to backpacking Russia
Days 18 -19 - Moscow: Take yourself on a cultural tour of Moscow, including magnificent imperial-era buildings such as the Kremlin and St.Basil's cathedral, and fascinating Soviet history. Day 20 - Yaroslavl: Take the train from Moscow to Yaroslavl, one of Russia's famed "Golden Ring" of former ancient capitals.
Black Water Resistant Outdoor Backpacks
Pick your pursuit, find what you need and get out there. We make tough packs that hold it all, from technical bags and backpack suitcases for travel to everyday packs that go from the commute to the trail. Haul everything you need for sleeping under the stars in a tough camping backpack. Withstand a wet day with a water-resistant backpack.
Men's Ultralight Down Jacket
Write Your Review. $299. So light. So warm. The Ultralight Down Jacket combines 800-fill-power Traceable Down (goose down traced from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked) with a superlight 15-denier 100% nylon Pertex Quantum® shell for a lightweight, toasty-warm down jacket.

Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC Travel Backpack Review

Sharing is Nice

Filter & Sort

Features & Processes

New Arrivals

Materials & Fabric

Product Family

Go-To Travel Backpacks for Men and Women

13 Best Travel Backpacks in 2024, Tested by Our Gear Experts

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Best Lightweight Travel Backpack

Most Comfortable Travel Backpack

Nanuk N-PVD 30L Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

COR Surf Carry-On Travel Backpack Bundle

Nomatic 40L Convertible Travel Backpack/Duffel

CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Yeti Crossroads 35L Backpack

The North Face Base Camp Duffel - Medium

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L

Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack

Why Trust Us

What to Consider When Shopping for a Travel Backpack

How We Selected the Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Filter & Sort

Materials & Our Footprint

Backpacks & Rucksacks

Backpacking in Patagonia – Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Budget Travel in Patagonia

When to Travel in Patagonia

Accommodation in Patagonia

Things to see and do when backpacking Patagonia on a budget

The Carretera Austral

Highlights on the Carretera Austral: Bosque Encantado

Best budget travel activities in Argentine Patagonia

Cheeky budget Patagonia backpacking tips

Steph Dyson

8 Awesome Things to Do in Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Related Posts

Leave a comment Cancel reply

The Complete Packing List for Moscow

1/ Important things to do before you go

2/ Essential documents

3/ Transport essentials

4/ Backpack & luggage

5/ Clothing and shoes

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

8/ Useful accessories

9/ Medication and first aid kit

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Backpacking Russia (Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for 2024)

What regions make up Russia?

Russia Highlights

Suggested Russia Itineraries

Daily budget for backpacking Russia

Russia Visas

Language in Russia

Getting to Russia

Getting around Russia

The Trans Siberian Railway

Where to stay – Cheap accommodation in Russia’s most popular tourist spots

Money in Russia

Sample costs of items across the country*

The North-Western district

The Central district

The Volga district

The Southern district

The Ural district

The Siberian district

The Far-Eastern district

Food and drink in Russia

Best time to visit Russia

16 money-saving travel tips for backpacking Russia

Is Russia Safe to Visit?

Recommended vaccines for Backpacking in Russia

Russian wildlife

Books about Travel in Russia