Learning to Backpack (One Forgotten Item at a Time)
St Christophers Alexanderplatz to backpacking necessities
There’s a moment on every first backpacking trip when you realize you’ve forgotten something important. Maybe it’s toothpaste. Maybe it’s a phone charger. Maybe it’s the one warm layer you swore you didn’t need because the weather is warmer at your destination than at home (speaking as a Canadian leaving -20 to still be cold in the windy +10 of Berlin. Whatever it is, it usually happens after a long travel day, when your brain is tired, your bag feels heavier than expected, and you’re suddenly very aware that you’re far from home.
The truth is, backpacking isn’t something you get perfect on the first try. It’s something you learn gradually — through small mistakes, last-minute problem solving, and figuring out what actually matters when you’re living out of a bag. Forgetting things isn’t a failure; it’s part of the process. In fact, it’s often how you discover the rhythm of travel, the kindness of strangers, and the surprisingly resourceful version of yourself that only shows up on the road.
This guide is for those moments. The little travel emergencies. The “I can’t believe I forgot that” realizations. Whether you need basic toiletries, an extra layer, a replacement charger, or proper gear for the next leg of your trip, here’s where to find what you need — starting right from the hostel. These are the stores I used on my second backpacking trip while staying at St Christophers Backpacking Hostel-Alexanderplatz in Berlin, with directions on how to get there.
Globe Trotter
(Open Mon - Fri 10:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 7:00pm)
Schloßstraße 20, 12163 Berlin (directions below)
The first lesson I learned the hard way was about space; or more specifically, the lack of it. No matter how carefully you think you’ve packed, a backpack somehow always feels fuller once you’re actually living out of it. You spend an hour carefully folding and organizing, but as soon as you need something, it becomes an absolute mess again. Compression packing cubes quickly became less of a “nice extra” and more of a survival tool. Being able to shrink bulky clothing, organize outfits, and actually find things without unpacking your entire life onto a hostel bed is a game changer. They turn chaos into something manageable, which, on the road, is half the battle.
Good shoes were the second reality check. Backpacking days are long, often unplanned, and usually involve far more walking than you expect. Cute or convenient doesn’t last when you’re navigating cobblestones, train stations, and unexpected detours. A reliable pair of comfortable, supportive shoes can completely change your experience; turning what could be exhausting days into ones where you still have energy to explore, socialize, and enjoy the places you came to see in the first place. While I still use my Doc Martens everywhere I go because the one time I switched my footwear last minute, it because absolute pain, twisted ankles and blisters; it was a different story for Adrian. His day to day shoe soon turned out to be causing severe discomfort which led to finding a new pair. It can take 4 days for that pain to subside, so learn from our mistakes and pick something up that works for you beforehand
Directions - St Christophers Alexanderplatz to Globe Trotter (33 mins)
Transit:
Enter Rosa-Luxemburg - Platz station (30 meters from Hostel)
Board the U-Bahn U2 toward Pankow on Platform 2
Ride 2 stops (5 min)
Exit train at U Schönhauser Allee
Follow signs for Dänenstraße
Enter S Schönhauser Allee Station
Board the S-Bahn S42 to Beusselstraße on Platform 2
Ride 3 stops (8 min)
Exit train at Westhafen
Transfer to U-Bahn U, follow signs for the U9
Board the U-Bahn U9 toward Rathaus Steglitz
Ride 12 stops (16 min)
Exit train at Schloßstraße
Follow signs for Deitmerstr.
Walk 100 m to destination. When exiting the station, cross the street, turn right, walk to the corner and you will see Globe Trotter (2 min)
Alexa - Apotheke - pharmacy
(Open Mon - Fri 9:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm)
Grunerstraße 20, 10179 Berlin (directions below)
Pharmacies (Apotheke) quickly become one of the most useful stops when you’re learning to backpack. They’re not just for emergencies; they’re where you’ll end up replacing all the small but essential items that somehow get forgotten. Things like toothpaste, contact lens solution, pain relief, blister plasters, and basic feminine hygiene products are easy to find, and staff are usually very knowledgeable if you need help choosing something.
In many European cities, pharmacies are also a reliable place to get practical travel health advice, even if you’re just dealing with minor discomfort from long walking days or changes in routine. Knowing where the nearest Apotheke is can make those first backpacking hiccups feel much more manageable, turning a potential travel stress into a quick and simple fix.
Directions - St Christophers Alexanderplatz to Alexa Apotheke (6 mins)
By Train :
Enter Rosa-Luxemburg - Platz station (30 meters from Hostel)
Board the U-Bahn U2 toward Ruhleben on Platform 1
Ride 1 stop, exit train at Alexanderplatz Bhf
When exiting onto the street, walk to the right then cross the street on the cross walk. Alexa - Apotheke is right there.
REWE - groceries
(Open Mon - Sat 7:00am to 11:30pm)
Schönhauser Allee 10-11, 10119 Berlin (directions below)
Grocery stores become an essential part of backpacking life faster than most people expect. Eating out for every meal might sound exciting at first, but it adds up quickly; both financially and energy-wise. Having access to a nearby supermarket means you can stock up on simple breakfasts, snacks for long travel days, and easy meals that don’t require much planning. Fresh fruit, bread, yogurt, ready-made salads, and local treats are usually easy, affordable options that help you stay fueled without overspending. I typically spend about 10 euro a day or less eating at the grocery store!
Beyond saving money, grocery shopping also becomes a small routine that helps you feel more grounded while constantly on the move. It’s where you’ll grab that early morning coffee substitute, the late-night comfort snack, or supplies for a spontaneous picnic with new hostel friends. Knowing where to shop nearby makes everyday travel feel smoother, more flexible, and much more sustainable in the long run.
One of the most convenient options nearby is REWE, which is only about a 9-minute walk from St Christopher’s Alexanderplatz. It’s an easy stop to make before heading out for the day or after a long travel leg, making it simple to stay stocked on affordable basics without going out of your way.
Directions - St Christophers Alexanderplatz to Rewe (9 min)
Walking:
Start by exiting St Christophers and walking to the left
In 315 m take a right onto the path
In 250 m take a right onto the path
In 5 m take a slight leftturn onto Schönhauser Allee
In 45 m take a right onto Saarbrucker straße
In 35 m the destination will be on your right
4. Saturn - electronics store
(Open Mon - Sat 10:00am to 8:00pm)
Alexanderpl. 3, 10178 Berlin (directions below)
Small tech and personal care essentials are easy to underestimate when you’re preparing for a backpacking trip, but they quickly become part of your daily routine on the road. Headphones help make long travel days more comfortable, whether you’re on trains, buses, or trying to carve out a quiet moment in a busy hostel. Portable batteries are equally important when your phone doubles as your map, camera, booking system, and connection to home. Even compact personal care items like electric razors can make a big difference in helping you feel refreshed and put together while living out of a backpack.
Saturn is a convenient nearby option for picking up practical travel tech like replacement headphones, portable power banks, chargers, adapters, and small grooming electronics. Having an accessible electronics store within walking distance makes it much easier to quickly solve these everyday travel needs, so you can stay focused on exploring rather than troubleshooting.
Directions - St Christophers Alexanderplatz to Saturn (33 mins)
Transit:
Enter Rosa-Luxemburg - Platz station (30 meters from Hostel)
Board the U-Bahn U2 toward Ruhleben or Theodor-Heuss-Platz on Platform 1
Ride 1 stops (2 mins)
Exit at Alexanderplatz Bhf
Follow signs for Alexanderstraße / Grunerstraße
Exit the station, walk to the left
Walk to destination (90 meters, about 2 mins)
Backpacking always looks simple on paper; pack light, grab a ticket, and go. In reality, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference once you’re actually living out of your bag. Having the right gear, knowing where to grab essentials, and understanding how quickly little inconveniences can turn into travel headaches can completely change your experience on the road. The good news is that most of these lessons are easy to solve once you know what to look for.
If you want to make things even easier, we’ve put together a Backpacking Packing Liston our site with tried-and-true products that we personally use and trust. These are items that have held up through real travel — not just things that look good in theory. It’s a list we’ll continue adding to as we find gear that genuinely works, so you can spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the journey.
And if you’re staying at St Christopher’s Backpackers Hostel at Alexanderplatz, you’re already in a great spot. Everything mentioned in this guide — from outdoor gear stores to pharmacies, groceries, and electronics — is just a short walk or quick train ride away. Whether you need to replace something you forgot, upgrade your gear, or simply stock up on snacks before your next travel day, it’s all within easy reach.
Backpacking is a learning process for everyone, but with a little preparation and the right resources nearby, those early mistakes turn into part of the adventure rather than something that slows you down.