slash-proof, water resistant, pick pocket proof and stylish to boot! No need to encourage the Ugly American concept :) I personally like the tan backpack, but they have various options--purses, packs...

All the benefits of the flashlight, and it clips onto stuff, which is helpful when you get back to the hostel from tearing up the town while your 29 room mates sleep. ---attach to books and/or the bunk bed so you can change quietly, organize your stuff, lock it up, and flip through your guide book in preparation for tomorrows adventure. Courtesy is vital for hostels to work for travelers.

go with whatever kind jumps out at you, but have a journal, and use it --- you are, we are, privileged to be able to explore other countries, it is worth documenting. Plus, all the absurd I can't believe he/she/I said/did that moments deserve their day in the sun too. you will be so happy you took the time to scribble down something.

A camera. A good one. With a soft thin case, good battery record, minimum delay between shoot and take and at absolute least 10 mega pixels. Check consumer reports, they're ratings are reliable and sum up all the stuff you need to know quickly.