Taking gadgets along on a trip is not exclusive to flashpackers. Except for laptops (which are just way too inconvenient to tote around (not to mention, in danger of getting damaged or lost!), there are many other gadgets which backpackers have found to be easy to carry and useful during their travels.

Here are a few gadgets which YOU might want to consider taking along with you:

iPod - who is not familiar with the sight of travellers lost in their own little world as they try to find the next must see site. Apple's best product ever can be your salvation during those too quiet moments while you walk for hours and hours. It could even be your guide - think travel podcasts - in finding where that little budget hostel you booked is tucked away.

Global GSM Cellphones to help you within reach of mom's "be careful" litany of reminders. To avoid incurring outrageous roaming costs, you can also buy a local sim card to keep yourself "reachable".

International Plug Adaptor - for obvious reasons


The Essential Torch for Backpackers should keep you out of harm's way. "The FlareSafe is targeted at backpackers though is useful for any traveller. On the outside it looks like an ordinary LED torch but it also incorporates a smoke alarm, which may not sound that exciting but it's certainly useful. So if you sleeping in a hostel and a fire breaks out your torch will sound the alarm and switch on so that you can easily find it. Another feature of the FlareSafe is a personal alarm, so if need to attract attention hit the button and be deafened by the 110dBA alarm (the LED flashes too to attract the attention of people that are stone deaf)."

Steripen portable water purifier to avoid diarrhea or other diseases which you can get from drinking bad water.

Universal Sink Plug - will help save you laundromat clothes because it will allow you to wash your stuff on the toilet sink even if it's not allowed.

What about YOU? Which gadget would you bring along with you?