Miscellaneous Night Gear

Sheets, Blanket, Overbag

Sheets (Sleeping Bag Liner)

While they can help retain heat or protect against the cold, sheets primarily serve a hygiene function, whether you sleep in a sleeping bag or questionable bedding.

For travel, there are single or double sheets, available in "fleece" versions, with or without a "head section" or even in sarcophagus form. Silk liners are the lightest (100/200 g), unlike cotton (300/400 g) or fleece (450/700 g). Prices range from 10/15 € for basic models to over 50 €.

A liner can be a good investment if you favour budget accommodations in many countries. It’s also an alternative to a lightweight sleeping bag (with a similar price for entry-level models) that you can take on trips, though its fragility and limited protection may not always make it more practical than the latter.

Emergency Blanket

Useful against the cold—and less known, against heat—by reflecting body temperature inward. Most practical for treks and camping, especially in cold zones or seasons. However, the compact size, weight (< 100 g), and price (< 10 €) might convince you to pack one anyway.

Overbag

Protects your bag from moisture, wind, and rough terrain. An overbag can sometimes replace a ground mat. But given the extra weight (400/500 g) and cost (minimum 45 €), it’s only worth it if you’ll truly use it.

Mats and Mattresses

Foam, inflatable, or self-inflating, these mattresses insulate the sleeper from the ground to improve comfort and, more importantly, protect against cold rising from below. Highly recommended for those planning to sleep outdoors.

Beyond thermal performance, the often variable bulk for the same quality is another key factor for backpackers.

Foam Mats

Traditionally called "ground mats," these are the ancestors of modern options. While very light (150/400 g) and cheap (under 10 € for entry-level models), foam mats are now entirely outclassed by self-inflating models in both technical performance and compactness. In short, while foam might still be an occasional option for those travelling by vehicle, backpackers should opt for a self-inflating mat.

That said, "corrugated" types offer better comfort and insulation than "smooth" ones, though they’re slightly more fragile, expensive, and bulky.

Self-Inflating Mats

Now the dominant choice, self-inflating mats offer decent comfort, good thermal properties, durable materials, and increasingly lighter weight and smaller packed size over time—all at reasonable prices (though higher than other categories). Various models, single or double, exist for specific needs. Key criteria for choosing a self-inflating mat:

Transport

Will you carry the mat on your backpack, or do you have a vehicle? In the first case—especially for hiking—prioritise weight and bulk. In the second, prioritise comfort.

Weight, Bulk, and Comfort

Generally, larger (and thicker) mats are more comfortable but also heavier and bulkier—unless you’re willing to spend more (over 100 €).

Self-inflating mats typically weigh between 400 g and 1 kg ("hiking" models) or 1 to 3 kg ("camping" models), with a rolled size of roughly 30 to 60 cm x 10 to 20 cm.

Price

Prices range from around 15 € to nearly 200 €, depending on size, insulation, comfort, and weight-to-volume ratio. For around 50 €, you can find a solid entry-level option.

Inflatable Mattresses

Given their bulk and weight, these are only practical for those with a vehicle. While generally comfortable, they’re somewhat outdated compared to self-inflating mats. Budget around 15/30 € for a decent entry-level model (plus a few euros for a basic pump).

Pillows and Repair Kits

As a complement to your mat (or even if you’re not camping), you might bring a pillow—either inflatable or self-inflating (5 to 25 €)—prioritising compactness. Alternatively, a stuff sack or clothing-filled duvet cover can work as a pillow.

For a few extra euros, repair kits are also widely available and always handy.

Beds and Hammocks

Folding Camp Bed

Compact versions have been around for a while, though they’re essentially just fabric stretched over a frame. For the smallest single-person models, expect 3 kg and a packed size of 60 x 10 x 10 cm, with entry-level prices around 20 €.

Still, it’s best to have a real need for one, as it can quickly become cumbersome for vehicle-free travel. A good self-inflating mat will often do the job just as well, if not better.

Hammock

Sometimes includes a mosquito net. While useful for occasional hikes, beachside lounging, or seaside trips, it’s still somewhat of a gadget.

Choosing a Model

For travel, opt for a compact, lightweight, synthetic model that’s weather-resistant, frameless, and equipped with hooks and rope for hanging.

Entry-level prices hover around 15 to 20 €, with the lightest models (200/250 g) packing down to the size of a large can. Don’t forget the wide variety of hammocks available in many countries.

Lighting and "Energy"

Lighting

Candle

Useful when there’s no light in your hotel or your flashlight battery dies. Some also repel insects and diffuse scents.

Small Lamp (Headlamp Option) with Extra Batteries

Essential, especially for hiking or nighttime walking, where a headlamp is highly recommended. Note that solar-powered lamps and dynamo models now exist.

A wide range of flashlight models is available for a few euros, around 20 € for "Maglites" (long-range), and 10 to 15 € for basic headlamps. In all cases, they add barely a few dozen grams to your pack.

Lighter and Matches

Essential for travel, even for non-smokers. Options include classic disposables or novelty models like solar, magnesium, or tinder lighters. While not expensive (7 to 15 €), the latter aren’t strictly necessary, even for trekking.

The same goes for all-weather or waterproof matches (3 to 7 € for multiple boxes).

In heavy rain or very humid conditions, store your fire-starting tools in a waterproof bag (along with other moisture-sensitive items).

Power Sources

Miscellaneous Small Gear

Odds and Ends

Travel Alarm Clock

Indispensable. Compact models often cost under 15 or 20 €. Some now double as radios and/or MP3 players.

Earplugs (and Sleep Mask)

Always useful, while masks are less so. Many airlines provide free masks (and sometimes earplugs) in their overnight flight kits—so take advantage.

Incense and Small Ashtray

For those sensitive to (unpleasant) odours in their rooms, and smokers who might bring a mini aluminium ashtray (disposable style).

Padlock

Very useful for securing your room in certain hotels (and sometimes locking up your belongings). To avoid losing the key and allow multiple users, opt for a classic combination model (< 10 €) or, better yet, a cable lock (15/25 € for ~80 g). The latter, with its ~1 m cable that retracts into the lock body, lets you secure or bundle multiple bags together—all in the size of a standard padlock!