A backpacker’s backpack becomes a part of them, an extension of their body that carries around all their worldly belongings for weeks, months or even years on end, so it is understandable that many people want to personalise their backpack with cool decorations and accessories. If you’re looking for backpack patches to stick on to your trusty backpack or luggage, check out these cool backpacker flag and badge designs!
Why Decorate Your Backpack?
When you’re travelling long-term, backpacking around the world or have had the same backpack for years, it becomes one of the most important things you own, and personalising your backpack with backpacker flags and patches to represent your trips makes it even more special.
You can find backpack patches of country flags from all around the world, to show where you have travelled before. There are also lots of backpacker patches with inspirational travel quotes, cute characters and all kinds of designs which represent you, your travels, and your loved ones back home.
Not only does your backpack decorating your backpack help to remind you of wonderful memories, it also makes your backpack very easy to spot on luggage carousels, packed hostel storage rooms and anywhere else you might need to find your backpack quickly.
How to Attach Backpacker Flags
While pins might be great for small satchels or jackets, I don’t recommend pinning things to your backpack as they can easily catch on things and might fall off, or worst get stuck and tear your backpack.
The best option for attaching flags on a backpack is to get patches which can be sewn or ironed onto your backpack.
If you want to sew on backpack patches as you travel, remember to take a mini sewing kit with you. Iron-on patches don’t require you to carry any extra equipment, you’ll just need to borrow an iron from your hostel or accommodation as you go.
Alternatively, collect your backpacker flags and patches as you go, and sew them on when you get back home.
Cool Backpacker Patches
These are some of my favourite backpacker patch designs, including backpack flags, cute and funny patches, hiking backpack patches and travel quotes or sayings.
Country Backpack Flags
Choosing the flags of the countries you’ve visited is a great way to show how far you have travelled around the world, and can be a great talking point with people that you meet along the way.
While it is often possible to buy these kinds of backpacker flags in the country where you are, sometimes you can’t find them or just forget to buy one, so here are some places to order them online when you’re back from your backpacking adventures:
American Flag Patch
This seller is based in Austin Texas and has a range of velcro, iron on and sew on country backpack flags as well as other designs to choose from.
Free Shipping to the US
National Country Flags
Choose your country flag for backpacks, jackets or bags. This seller has a wide variety of iron on or sew on embroidered patches to choose from.
Free delivery to the UK
Round Country Flag Patches
This seller has a variety of backpack patches available, including several designs round flag designs of 5 and 4 cm in diameter. The patches are iron-on so no need for a needle and thread.
Free delivery to Canada.
Flag Patches with Country Name
If you have trouble remembering which flag is which, these have the country name embroidered on the patch to remind you!
Embroidered Travel Patches
Cute individual designs for the countries featured on these backpacking flags, including aspects of the country's culture - such as beer and a pretzel in Germany's case!
Based in the USA
Country Travel Patch
These gorgeous country backpack patches have unique designs for each destination, giving them more character than the usual backpacker flags.
Free delivery to the UK
Country & City Travel Patches
I love the designs on these cute stamp-shaped backpack patches! Choose from a range of countries, cities and other regional destinations for your backpack.
Unique Travel Patches
These country, city and National Park flags have unique designs that reflect the nature of the destination they represent. I love this elephant-shaped India backpack patch for example!
US Travel Backpack Patches
Staying closer to home? There are some gorgeous designs for travel patches for US travel destinations including American States and National Parks.
National Park Patches
NationalParkArt has some beautifully designed backpack patches for all of the US National Parks as well as State Parks and National Monuments.
California and US State Patches
Want to visit every state? Keep track of your adventures with these colorful travel patches to sew on your backpack or jacket
Hiking Backpack Patches
If you're more of a hiker than a traveller, you might prefer these hiking backpack patches instead of the backpacker flags above.
Hiking Trail Patches
Instead of backpacking flags, if you're a hiker you'll want to have reminders of all the epic hiking trails you've mastered!
Campfire Fun Backpack Patch
Camping is a big part of hiking, so this camping fun patch for your backpack is a great little reminder of that - especially in the rain!
Out of Breath Hiking Society Patch
I can certainly relate to this!! If you prefer to go at your own pace (often at the back of the group) this backpacking patch is perfect for you!
Inspirational Backpack Patches
If you prefer to decorate your backpack with inspirational quotes and travel captions, check out these beauties!
Travel Wanderlust Embroidered Patch
This World is Yours travel patch can be ironed on to your backpack for instant travel inspiration.
Wanderlust Patch
This seller has some beautiful designs of inspirational travel and backpacking patches to choose from.
Mountain and River Outdoor Adventure Patch
For bright and colorful backpack patches, look no further than these gorgeous designs from PatchClubOnline
Fun Backpacker Patches
There is no end to the amount of fun backpack patches to choose from, with cute and funny designs to suit every personality. Here are a few of my personal favourites:
Bigfoot Believe Patch
Are you a believer? Show your belief in Bigfoot with these fun patch which is beautifully designed.
Just Booked a Trip Text Travel Patch
The Travel Patch Kid Etsy shop has a ton of fun backpack patches to choose from, including patches like this, as well as country and destination patches and flags.
Smiling Earth Patch
Who doesn't love a smiley face? And on Planet Earth no less?
Rainbow Travel Patch
Colourful and cute, I think we all need more rainbows in our lives! The backpack patches from danscreations are a little more expensive but they include free delivery. Take a look at all their fun designs.
Backpacking Flags for Your Campsite or Home
How about these cute backpacker flags to decorate your campsite, home or office instead of just your backpack?
Mini Backpacker Prayer Flags
These colourful backpacker prayer flags can decorate your backpack or campsite wherever you are in the world.
Free shipping to the US
11 Flag Map Bunting
Pretty world map bunting, made up of 11 cotton flags perfect for decorating any space.
Handmade in th UK
Considering Travel Insurance For Your Trip?
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I always buy travel insurance for my trips and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!
- I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my current backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families, and offers cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
- I have also used SafetyWing which is available for purchase online in 180 countries and you can also buy it while you are already travelling. SafetyWing travel medical insurance is charged on a month-by-month basis so a great flexible choice for digital nomads or if you're not sure of your future plans.
- Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.