Here is some of the travel gear I use. I look for clothing that is not only functional, but also stylish. I also like inexpensive electronics/gadgets that can be useful while traveling.
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Advice. Bring enough to make your trip a comfortable one, but no more. Traveling light is a huge benefit especially over the long term. Carrying your bags on planes, trains, buses, boats, subways, and around the city looking for your accommodations can be a pain with too much baggage. There is also the matter of checked back fees or possibly losing a bag on flights. Smart packing can avoid, or at least minimize, these issues. That said, you may find yourself wanting a few extra things for convenience, especially when first traveling for an extended time. Eventually as you travel more you will learn what you really need and what you don’t. It will be less than you think.
Brands. Uniqlo for base layers and jackets (inexpensive). Icebreaker for t-shirts (worth the money, but look for sales). Kuhl for stylish and functional clothing. Prana for comfortable clothing (pants in particular great for hiking and sitting around for hours like a bus or plane). Smartwool for socks (best fit, look, and durability). Saxx for underwear. Merrell for shoes/boots, or Xero Shoes, or Vivobarefoot for minimalist footwear. Xero Shoes, Teva, or Chaco for sandals.
Tip. Read the washing instructions! Generally you have to wash most of this stuff cold and either dry on low heat or not at all and instead hang dry in the shade. Otherwise, the material will be ruined and not work as well or may even stop working.
$250
Already having the R2 in my possession along with the Folio accessory, I added this no frills, high quality bag to my collection in an attempt to get down to one bag travel. This 40L roll top, weatherproof modular bag is just awesome. It's so spacious and maintains a slim profile, expanding upwards as needed with the roll top or strap closure. This is important because it's easier to stuff into planes, buses, lockers like the R2. Most bags are fatter vs taller which can be problematic. Plus they offer all kinds of accessories that can be easily detached to fit in almost any scenario. There are 6 rails total which support all kinds of accessories. The new HTC500 material provides excellent quality and weatherproofing. They offer an assortment of other bags, but they get very pricy. Tip: You can buy extra arkiv clips and make other non-MW accessories into ones that will slide onto the rails.
$249
This was a bit of a splurge since I already had my MW R6, but it was on clearance so I couldn't resist. Such a clever, well made bag. Primarily made for skiers, it's perfect for any type of traveler. I've decided this works best for me for remote work since there's plenty of space, expansion and organization for all my work items. For a square bag, it isn't bulky and the fit is magical unlike other similar bags in this category and shape. It's great for planes since it's protected, compressible, and you can hide the shoulder straps, so easy to check or put in the overhead bin. They also make a canvas version, but the black is weatherproof. Optional waist belt if you can find it. I could only find at their store in Breckenridge, CO. Anther solid candidate for one bag travel offering 35L with expansion to 50L which should be plenty for minimalists.
$65
Spacious yet compact 24L packable daypack. While I love the look of this bag, the weatherproofing, quality, and compactness, I'm mixed on it simply because there is no structure or form to it. You need to basically pack it full and in a particular way so things settle into it and it's comfortable to wear. Additionally, if you have more than a few pounds and hike for more than a couple hours with a thin shirt, it will dig into your shoulders. Other than that and messing with the roll top versus a zipper to get your stuff, it's a great daypack, especially when space is a consideration and also weather. I alternate between this and another packable daypack. A new version of this bag has a way to create some structure.
$21
$40
Nice affordable packable duffle bag that I find useful as an extra bag, especially if going one bag travel. This can be used to separate things if you want to maybe keep some stuff in your room or if you need to check a bag due to weight or size restrictions, but want to keep your main pack with you. I hate checking bags for fear of loss mostly. Tip: With the MW R6, you can just strap this onto the outside of the bag and it doesn't add much extra weight or bulk and you have an extra 40L bag at your disposal. A packable daypack may also suffice, but won't be checkable. Lastly, get some compression straps since this bag has no structure and can otherwise be a bit annoying to carry if not full or have many disparate items inside.
$30
Purchased on Kickstarter, now available for pre-order, this is my favorite belt ever! It fits great and despite all the stuff you can fit inside like money or tools, it's still pretty slim lined. The buckle is awesome quality and looks great for casual or even business attire. Also easy to customize the fit once you get it. Made of nylon type material, it's strong and alternative to leather. I just bought the belt by itself, but as you can see, additional tools/supplies can be purchased separately to put into the belt. Perfect for everyday, travel (hide money, docs, keys), camping, or the wilderness.
$20
Great fit, adjustable sizing, secret pockets, breathable. Not as breathable as a something made of nylon, but the secret pockets are great for travel, camping, around town, or the beach to stash, your cash, keys, or other valuables.
$20
$100
Merrell barefoot shoes are hands down the best shoes I've ever worn. They are durable, sticky bottom for traction, and allow my feet better contact with the ground due to the zero drop (no heal cushion), thin sole, and no extra padding. As a result, I've noticed better posture, less lower back, hip, and knee pain when walking around for a long time, and also stronger ankle strength. For travel, ditch the traditional hiking boots for warm weather excursions, as these weigh next to nothing and take up little space. I much prefer to traditional hiking boots. Tip: It will take some time to get the bottoms of your feet calloused enough to be comfortable, took me about 3 months and now I won't wear non-zero drop shoes anymore. DO NOT run long distances with these until your feet get adjusted and you change your running posture or you will likely injure yourself. Note: The latest trail gloves 5 & 6 are narrower and with arch support and are awful if you want more traditional minimalist footwear. I hope Merrell goes back to the old style which were perfect.
$110
$80
After searching long and hard for minimalist (barefoot) sandals with straps that didn't pierce between my toes and stayed on, I found Xero Shoes. They offer several styles, but these are perfect for me with a bit of added thickness for rocky terrain from the Z Trek as well as adjustable straps for around town, hiking, or running.
$100
$185
Pretty damn close to waterproof, these are one of only a handful of cold weather, waterproof(ish), minimalist hiking boots on the market. They're awesome, comfortable, protective, warm, and kept my feet dry walking through water. They're made of recyclable material which is cool. Vivo also makes another hiking boot. My only two gripes are the stiff piece in the back of the heel which rubs up against your achilles heel which requires wearing thick socks or you'll blister and the annoyance of getting these on an off because of the sock like fit. This is also a pro since they fit like a glove. Note: Link is to a newer version.
$120
$220
Great style, warm (worn so far in 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit), several pockets, water repellent, wind resistant. Great slim fit, though Kuhl products seem to magically fit all shapes and sizes. Front zippered pockets, utility sleeve pocket, inside pocket, hand pockets. Also comes in a hoodie or vest. Packs up to the size of a football, but can be compressed more. Recommend purchasing a stuff sack. Tip: Don't leave compressed always or will ruin the down/warmth. Wearing with a waterproof jacket will increase warmth, be fully waterproof, and resist wind when in even colder climates. Look for sales.
$12
$70
$99
Fantastic and relatively inexpensive rain jacket. Very lightweight, thin, and folds into itself. Packs small. Has a loop attached when folded to attach to a hook/carabiner. Zippered underarm compartments help breathability a bit. Adjustable hood.
$48
Packs small, very lightweight, water resistant. If you're in a monsoon, water may enter at the zipper, though I've not had a problem in heavy rains, just testing in the shower. Great little jacket I always bring with me if I'm in a hotter climate where my fully waterproof jacket is too hot. I almost always have it in my daypack in the event it might rain or get unexpectedly chilly (outside or in a restaurant).
$85
Having a button down long sleeve, breathable shirt with sun protection is a versatile piece for your required I never travel without. This one even has hidden zippered pockets! Fits great, casual or semi-dressy. Have worn hiking in the Texas sun and felt pretty good and also out to dinner. Most Kuhl shirts run long on me, but this fit great. Tip: Buttons are stiff initially, but are fine after a couple washes and usage.
$85
Lightweight, slim fitting, stylish hoody. I have the previous version, this one is a bit softer feeling. I initially thought I wouldn't like the material, but I love it. It's breathable so nice in warmer weather, but also works well in cool weather wearing layers. Dries quick so perfect for camping and travel.
$64
$79
Nice base layer top that's a blend of merino, bamboo, and polyster. It's soft, compfortable, snug fitting, stretchy, and warm as an under layer for hiking or sleeping.
$15
$90
$110
$99
I'm a huge fan of Kuhl for their fit, style, and features. These are the latest in my wardrobe which I bought primarily for travel and camping, but also wear casually at home or around town. I typically don't care for softshell pants, but these are absolutely great. No wonder they are one of Kuhl's best selling pant. The "rock" cut is tapered and has better pockets, but the regular version is the same material with features similar to other pant styles. Over their cotton blends, I've found the Renegade are a bit better for abrasion, water resistance, weight, and quick drying. And the "rock" has the best pock system in my opinion, though the front pockets are a bit shallow. I have both rock and regular versions. I think rock are better to keep out cool air while the regular let a bit more air in for warmer temperatures. So I have a pair of each.
$85
$89
Some of my favorite pair of pants. Fantastic style, fit, comfort and durability. Packs up small, has a bit of stretch resulting in no restriction of movement. Quick dry. These are a bit different than the Kontra Konfidant Air in that they are not vented, making them better for cooler climates. Easy to wear a base pants layer under for cold climates. Stealth cell phone pocket super handy and deep stretchy front hand pockets. Tip: Two notes on sizing. They do make a size 28 waist which unfortunately is not sold at REI but is sold on Backcountry or Kuhl's website. Revolvr Rogue is their "tapered" fit which is slightly slimmer from the knees down which is great for skinnier legs and fit over a low cut sneaker. Full is the widest and Klassik is in between. I also dig a couple of other styles mentioned below.
$89
$89
$85
$128
These pants are so comfortable and feel very durable. There is a good amount of stretch while retaining their shape, making them great for activities since the range of movement is excellent. There are a ton of pockets, including some hidden ones, making it great for everyday or travel. Stylistically they work for hiking, around town, and even semi-formal. They're not heavy, similar to jeans but bit lighter and more breathable. Probably a little hot for warm weather. The only note is the side leg pockets are not very deep, they just about fit an iPhone mini.
$98
A pair of performance jeans with hidden pockets! A bit heavy for warm climates, these jeans have a bit of stretch, are more performant than typical denim, and contain multiple hidden pockets. Perfect for more casual, stylish travel. There are several brands out on the market such as DU/ER, Outerknown and Western Rise, but I found Bluffworks to be the best fitting, looking, and priced.
$135
$97
$40
If you're traveling somewhere cold, wear base layer pants under normal pants vs. opting for heavier pants. Wearing layers is more versatile, cheaper, and space/weight saving. I've worn these camping and kept me warm in Iceland during the day. There are many brands, I opted for REI because they're cheaper, especially co-op discounts, and I don't travel to cold places often.
$100
These affordable rain pants are not only great for keeping your lower body dry, but they also help protect from the cold due to the water and wind proofing when added on top of your normal pants. I did just this in Colorado and had no issues with the cold up in the mountains in the fall. They pack up into themselves to the size of a small football, have pockets, and only make a sightly crinkly sound when you walk. Available in quarter or full zip. Tip: If you wear bulky hiking boots, go full zip, if thinner hiking shoes, quarter zip is fine and less zippers means less chance for water to get in.
$79
Same material as the Renegade pants, I really like the fit, versatility, and compactness of these shorts for travel. I also wear them at home and around town. I've found the Renegade are a bit better for abrasion, water resistance, weight, and quick drying. While I still love the Ambush cargo, these take up slightly less space and are a bit more versatile given the features mentioned above. I prefer shorts + pants over convertibles which never quite fit right and don't look good. Convertible pants are certainly more versatile and space efficient. Tip: The Renegade comes in 8/10/12" inseams. You'll need to go to their website for all options.
$99
$65
Board shorts used for swimming. Deep side pockets and zipper back pocket so they double as regular shorts as well. Super comfortable, fit great, and a bit stretchy. Tip: Prana sizes are a bit strange, so you might need to buy a size down.
$78
Merino wool is truly a transformational fabric and it's become very prominent among travelers. Expensive, but totally worth it. The moisture wicking, quick drying, temperature management, and odor control allows you to travel with only a few shirts for months on end. The lighter the weight and finer the wool, the less itchy it will be for those with sensitive skin. Merino wool in general is quite soft and non-itchy though, especially compared to what most people typically think of wool, which is itchy and heavy. I would suggest going with a reputable brand, as quality makes a difference in the capabilities of the wool. I transitioned to Proof and think they have the best fit and style over Icebreaker and Smartwool, though they are still excellent. Tip: Wash only when absolutely needed to prolong the life. You can even just wash the smelly bits or stains in the sink. Also, merino/polyester blends can be a bit cheaper. There are also merino/tencel/bamboo blends for additional softness, though tencel/bamboo take longer to dry, though are also odor resistant.
$85
$65
While tough to beat Icebreaker's merino wool shirts, I've gotten a bit frustrated with their quality as I consistently get small holes after a few months use. I saw this merino/polyester blend Kuhl shirt marked down and decided to try it. I still think Icebreak is a bit better, but I love Kuhl clothing and thought maybe this would hold up better. It's slightly cheaper and also more likely to go on sale. So far fit is great (though a bit long), wicks moisture well, dries quickly (faster than the Icebreaker since it's not 100% wool), and odor control is comparable. Good alternative to Icebreaker if you're considering. Also consider Uniqlo for less expensive options that aren't merino, but light, moisture wicking, and quick drying.
$10
$13
$8
Mix of polyester and cotton so dries quick. Super comfortable, fits great and looks cool. Perfect for nightlife or just casual wear. Pretty inexpensive too. Tip: Polyester blends are more breathable, less heavy, and dry faster than cotton. Often just as comfortable. Bamboo is my favorite but tough to find and usually expensive.
$10
Lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking, quick dry. Much better than cotton, perfect for the beach or generally tropical climates.
$32
After several years and much travel with ExOfficio, I found Saxx, which I've come to love. They are more comfortable, less issues with stretched out waistbands, dry much faster, and great odor control. Satisfaction guarantee. They also offer a looser boxer brief (my preference, see below) as well as other styles for everyday wear that are super comfortable.
$34
$26
$32
$16
Exceptional, lightweight, breathable, anti-microbial, moisture wicking, quick dry. "Ultralight" is cushion thickness thinner than typical socks, good for city, park, and shorter distances, or if you prefer less sock that's more breathable and makes your feet a bit less sweaty. "Light" will add more padding and warmth. "Micro" is sock height and is perfect for wearing shorts if you like the "hidden" style. "Mini" will be ankle height and help keep dirt out of your shoes. Tip: If you sweat a lot they will smell, but generally keep pretty fresh. Wash in the sink/shower. Ring out and roll in a towel for faster drying time.
$16
$22
Exceptional, lightweight, breathable, anti-microbial, moisture wicking, quick dry. "Light" is cushion thickness similar to typical socks, good for hiking and walking long distances on asphalt to provide extra cushion for feet. "Crew" is sock height and is perfect for hiking to avoid dirt getting stuck between your socks, ankle, and shoe rim which can cause rubbing and blisters. Also good if you have boots or just prefer this style. Tip: If you sweat a lot they will smell, but generally keep pretty fresh. Wash in the sink/shower. Ring out and roll in a towel for faster drying time.
$59
These 2-in-1 gloves are thin and insulated for cold weather, you can still reach into your pockets and use your phone. They have a pocket that holds a waterproof glove shell or hand warmers. Clever and versatile. I coveted these gloves for a couple years, never really having a need and not wanting to pay the extra for them. A good pair of gloves in cold weather is crucial.
$70
$50
Stylish and functional. Digital and analog displays, (useful when traveling across time zones). Alarm, stopwatch, backlight. Fits skinny wrists nicely. I got during a phenomenal flash deal. But style/function is the key here to help you find something similar.
$200
This being my third tablet, I probably should've just picked up an iPad, but the mini was just a bit too big, at least the 1st gen. This 8" tablet is perfect for me after getting fed up with the Kindle Fire which is great if you just want something cheap and don't plan to do much on it. The Samsung is quick, responsive, small enough to fit in your bag, purse, or large pocket, while large and clear enough to read or stream. I prefer this over a Kindle so I can have internet in case my phone dies and I don't have my laptop. Having a tablet is a great alternative to lugging around larger, heavier, more expensive laptop (unless of course you need it for work).
$50
$448
After using the same point-and-shoot camera for 9 years, I felt it was time to upgrade. While the iPhone camera is amazing, I sometimes don't want to risk damaging/dropping my phone plus I wanted an actual camera for better quality, additional features/settings/filters, and in my case zoom. The 18MP Zeiss lens (one of the best in the business) quality is amazing, tons of different modes to optimize quality for your environment, manual settings for more advance photographers, and shortcut options for frequently used shooting settings. And the best part is the 30x/60x optical/digital zoom. I've been able to get some amazing wildlife shots as a result. Camera may be pricey for some amateurs, but I was able to find a used one for just over half price.
$11
Fast, reliable SD card I use in my main camera. Depending on camera resolution and if you take video, should fit at least a few thousand pictures, several hours of video, or a combination of the two. Flash memory is cheap, the best value is around 32GB and 64GB cards. Not a bad idea to bring an extra in case you lose one, want a backup, or simply need additional space.
$11
Fast, reliable SD card I use in my action camera. Depending on camera resolution and if you take video, should fit at least a few thousand pictures, several hours of video, or a combination of the two. Flash memory is cheap, the best value is around 32GB and 64GB cards. Not a bad idea to bring an extra in case you lose one, want a backup, or simply need additional space.
$55
Anker makes exceptional electronics, especially chargers and power banks. This ultra slim 5,000mAh MagSafe power bank attaches to your phone and charges wirelessly. I bought this specifically for when I'm out and about and Google Maps is draining my phone rapidly from real-time navigation around town or if I don't have access to electricity (ie. camping). No cables to deal with and easily fits in your pocket. It's a bit oversized for an iPhone mini, but just slightly and still works. Will get you get at least a full charge and it's quite fast. For years I used a combined wall charger plus power bank with multiple ports for two things in one. But you still need a travel adapter. Combining the nano power bank plus universal travel adapter with USB ports that can be used at home or abroad achieves the same goal in a smaller, more modular package.
$30
$11
$26
Most electronics are USB chargeable these days, so having a travel adapter with USB plugs is essential. This one from Anker is less bulky than other travel adapters. It's flatter which makes it easier to pack in smaller pockets.
$5
On The Go (OTG) adapter I used to connect my tablet to flash drive to back up pictures. In my case, this worked on a Nexus 7 tablet with the Nexus Media Importer app.
$30
Constantly fearful I'm going to lose a checked bag, I always carry an AirTag with me now. I check at the gate and when I board the plane to make sure my bag wasn't left behind. Much better than paying for a more expensive GPS unit or chancing it. Tip: Make it personal and get the free engraving. Also makes it easy to tell apart from other traveler's in your party or strangers.
$20
Received in a bundle package with the Nomatic travel backpack, it's worth calling out their packing cubes because the dimensions, dual sides, and compression/expansion zipper make this an exceptional packing cube on its own. I have a previous version. Tip: Packing cubes can help you organize and keep together clothes, shoes, gadgets, etc. and even separate clean from dirty. A must have for any seasoned traveler.
$27
$13
$37
Comes in large or small and offers all the conveniences of other toiletry bags but smaller footprint, more features, and a bit more flexible. Tip: Pair with a clear, silicon toiletry bag for easier passage through airport security and/or extra space where you can separate these to better organize your bag, instead of one larger toiletry bag.
$37
$35
This towel is unbelievably thin and absorbent and feels pretty good on the skin, one of the drawbacks of other kins of microfiber towels, which this is not. Also comes with a nice little carrying case easy to attach to your back. The loop is great to hang anywhere to dry out which it does so quite fast! Very compact. Better than the cheaper towels in my opinion.
$12
$10
$14
The best thing you didn't know you needed. I only travel with solids for all soaps, including shampoo/conditioner, and this thing is awesome. Keeps all your gear dry while still being breathable to dry out the soap between uses. As a side benefit, it also freshens up your toiletry kit or pack.
$10
Inexpensive, convenient, and planet friendly way to store your toothpaste if you don't want to bother getting at your destination, or just have a particular type of toothpaste you like to use. Comes with 2 tubes which is advertised to last 3 weeks. Mine typically last twice as long. A little tricky to figure out at first without making a mess, but you get the hang of it quickly and like all Matador products, really well thought out.
$10
Really handy for carrying all kinds of things. Very compact and ligthweight. I primarily use for pills. But also useful to keep anything dry or a subset of what you have at home for a trip.
$30
Perfect for the beach or park. Much better than drying yourself off with a sandy towel. Fits in your pocket. They make a really tiny one, but the slightly larger one is noticeably more spacious and still fits in your pocket. Pockets for sand, stakes for grass so it stays put. Easy to clean and get dirt/sand off.
$11
Not a fully sealing dry bag, but a nice little bag to have on you for wet or dirty clothing/shoes. Easily attaches to your keys pack.
$10
Pretty amazing. Self cleaning, I have never washed it. Dries in less than an hour and never smells. Use it in the shower or to clean off dirt from shoes or pack. It's not soft, it's a bit rough like a loufah. Something you probably wouldn’t think to bring, but I find it very handy.
$10
Nice looking, good sun protection, fold up into your pocket which helps avoid breakage.
$15
This slim lightweight aluminum glasses case is a great travel companion for glasses or sunglasses if yours fit relatively flat. They're pretty strong, though not sure I'd put expensive glasses in them and then stuff in a packed out bag. Takes up less room being less bulky than other sunglasses cases I've seen.
$8
One of the best multi-purpose items I have in my bag. I got this mainly to protect my neck from the sun since I get burned really easily there. But it also works as a mask which is helpful around smelly areas or blowing dirt. Bandana for sun protection. You can dampen it to cool you off. It is moisture wicking and dries quick. I always take this with me hiking and other adventures. I have both a lightweight one for hot climates and a polartec fleece for cold.
$18
$90
Very handy. Use at home, hiking, and traveling abroad. I looked around a lot for an all encompassing water purifying option (there are many). Works like a French press and removes metals, bacteria, and viruses. Water when purified tastes great. The older version of this was stainless steel but the lid had a major design flaw where your lips would drink from a part that could be contaminated. This has been fixed in the new design which has a screw opening and is also BPA free plastic which is noticeably lighter. There is also the GeoPress which is very similar but larger. I find it more difficult to use for travel as it doesn't fit in most water bottle pockets and takes up extra space in a backpack. I think it comes down to what you need and personal preference between the UltraPress and GeoPress. Easier and cheaper to make your own water than buying, plus you can avoid plastic bottles which is better for your health and the environment. In many countries, especially Asia, bottled water is cheap and plentiful though. I always travel with this.
$9
This is a must if you like to carry a water bottle. A great complement to the Grayl where once you have clean water, you can fill this water bottle up and throw it in your day pack. Collapsable, so as you drink, it gets smaller unlike a plastic water bottle. Easy to store when empty. Never seems to smell from old leftover water (amazing). Just let it air out once in awhile.
$20
Better than a razor if you hate shaving and like stubble. Has a guard useful for sideburns or hair. Battery operated. No power conversion/charger needed. Waterproof to work in the shower. Pretty powerful if not shaving a full beard.
$7
Fantastic, cheap ear plugs. Keeps sound out really well. Great for hostels, buses, trains, planes, and noisy cities. Tip: Replace once they stop expanding fully in your ear, usually a result of use and ear wax.