Packing the right travel gear can make or break your trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a year-long adventure. When we first started traveling, we were excited but clueless about what to bring and how to choose the best gear. Over time, through trial and error, we’ve figured out what works—and what doesn’t.
As long-term travelers, we now focus on durability, quality, and value. Early on, our tight budget led us to prioritize cost over quality, but we quickly realized that investing in high-quality gear saves money in the long run. We also strive to pack efficiently, opting for versatile items that work across a variety of destinations and activities.
This guide focuses on travel gear that makes every trip easier and more enjoyable. From choosing the right travel bag to organizing essentials, protecting valuables, and packing the best gadgets and electronics, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also find insights into camera gear for capturing memories and a small section on activewear for adventure-packed days. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned nomad, this page will help you pack smarter and travel better. Let’s get you geared up for your next adventure!
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Travel Bags
Choosing the right travel bag can make a world of difference in your adventures. The perfect bag not only reduces stress but also makes hopping between destinations smoother and ensures you have enough space for all your essentials. Whether you’re traveling light or packing for a long journey, here’s a guide to help you decide.
Suitcase vs. Backpack: Which is Best for You? Your travel bag choice often comes down to your personal travel style and the type of trip you’re planning. Both suitcases and backpacks have their pros and cons, so it’s worth considering what fits your journey best.
Suitcase
Suitcases are ideal for travelers who prefer easy organization and don’t want to carry the load on their backs. They’re especially convenient for city-based trips with paved roads or primarily flight-based itineraries. For durability and security, we highly recommend a Samsonite hardshell suitcase. It’s scratch-resistant, expandable, and equipped with TSA locks—perfect for frequent flyers.
Convertible Backpack
If you’re torn between a suitcase and a backpack, consider a convertible backpack. These versatile bags combine the convenience of wheels with the flexibility of a backpack, making them great for trips with varied terrains or mixed travel styles. (Also see: Osprey Women’s Wheeled Travel Pack)
Backpacks
For trips that involve frequent movement or destinations with less developed infrastructure, a backpack often makes life much easier. Think bustling streets in Asia, uneven sidewalks, or even jungle trails. Backpacks are more versatile for transport options like tuk-tuks, ferries, or hiking paths.
The key is to pack light and choose a reliable brand. Personally, Deuter backpacks have been a game-changer for us. Their designs prioritize comfort and durability, and they offer women’s and men’s versions for the perfect fit. Below you can find our main picks for men’s and women’s backpacks.
– Our Deuter Backpacks –
Deuter AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL for her
This 60L backpack is perfect for women, offering an adjustable back system, padded straps, and dual access points (top and front). It also includes a detachable 10L daypack and a separate bottom compartment to keep things organized. A built-in rain cover makes it perfect for unpredictable weather.
Deuter Aviant Access Pro 60 + 10L for him
This is Moritz’s favorite backpack, and for good reason. It opens like a suitcase, which makes packing and organizing a breeze. With side pockets, a dedicated shoe compartment, and a detachable 10L daypack, it’s versatile and practical. The harness can be tucked away for a cleaner appearance, which is great for smoother transit.
– Alternative Options Backpacks from Osprey –
Known for its adjustable torso and detachable daypack, this Osprey backpack opens wide for hassle-free packing. The straps stow away neatly for a cleaner look when not in use, making it versatile for different travel situations. If you need extra space, consider the Fairview 70.
Compact yet spacious, the Farpoint 40 is ideal for shorter trips or minimalist packing. It has a large main compartment that opens from the front, but note that it lacks side pockets. The bag includes a strap cover for stowing away harnesses during transport. If you need more capacity, the Farpoint 70 adds an extra daypack for additional storage.
Compact Daypacks for Daily Adventures
When traveling, a smaller daypack is a must for carrying daily essentials like valuables, snacks, or electronics.
Spacious and well-organized, this daypack is perfect for city outings or short hikes. It’s our go-to for carrying water bottles, snacks, cameras, and other daily necessities.
Our main Deuter backpacks include a handy attached 10L daypack. In case you are still looking to get a lightweight daypack, we highly recommend the Deuter Speed Lite 13L. It’s compact enough to tuck into the bottom of your travel bag or use as hand luggage. I usually take it on day hikes to carry water, snacks, daily essentials, and an extra sweater. The external side pocket is perfect for a water bottle, and the extra compartment keeps valuables like keys and phones secure.
Our Favorite Camera Bag – WANDRD PRVKE 21L
If photography is part of your travel plans, the WANDRD PRVKE 21L is worth considering. This bag features a removable camera cube (so you can also use it as a normal backpack), hidden pockets for smaller valuables, and side access for quick gear retrieval. Its weather-resistant material is perfect for destinations with unpredictable weather, like Thailand during the rainy season. The expandable top compartment keeps camera equipment separate from personal items, making it both practical and stylish.
Organization & protection
Staying organized while traveling is key to minimizing stress, especially when you’re moving frequently and adjusting to new places. With the right travel gear, you’ll always know where to find your essentials. Here are our go-to items for keeping everything organized and protected:
Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your belongings tidy and easily accessible. We use separate cubes for each clothing category, which simplifies finding what we need without unpacking everything.
A rain cover is non-negotiable for protecting your gear during rainy seasons or adventurous motorbike trips. It keeps your backpack dry and extends its lifespan.
For security, especially in hostels, we trust Pacsafe anti-theft bags. These portable safes come with cut-resistant material and locking zippers—perfect for safeguarding valuables like passports, laptops, and cash.
A cross-body bag is ideal for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys, especially during evenings out or short excursions. It’s light, convenient, and a great alternative to a bulkier backpack. (Also See: Crossbody Waist Pack for her)
A travel document organizer keeps all your important items—passports, tickets, and currency—in one place. It saves time during check-ins and eliminates the frustration of searching through your bag for paperwork.
Managing multiple cables can be a hassle, but an electronic cable organizer solves this problem. It keeps your chargers, adapters, and headphones untangled and easy to find.
Electronics
Besides your phone and charger, several gadgets can enhance your travel experience. This travel gear ensures you’re prepared for anything, from long journeys to unexpected challenges.
A reliable power bank is essential for those long days of exploring or bus rides without accessible outlets. We use the Baseus Magnetic portable charger, but as an alternative, there is the Anker PowerCore, which provides nearly five full charges for most phones.
Be sure to check if your devices are compatible with the power sockets of the countries you are traveling to. If not, or if you’re a frequent traveler, a universal adapter is a smart investment—it’ll save you trouble in many countries down the road!
Carrying a library while backpacking isn’t practical, but a Kindle makes it possible. With glare-free screens and waterproof models, it’s perfect for long journeys or beach days.
Headphones are a must for overnight trains, flights, or relaxing downtime. I prefer classic over-ear headphones for comfort, while Moritz swears by Anker Soundcore earbuds for their compact size and noise-cancellation features.
Lightweight Laptop or Tablet
While we urge you to unplug during your upcoming trips, a small laptop or tablet can be useful for bookings, emails, or creative tasks like writing and photo editing.
Camera Gear
Documenting your adventures is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling. Whether you’re a casual snapper or an aspiring content creator, this travel gear helps capture unforgettable moments. Below you can find the camera gear that we have been using for years and like.
Camera
My trusty Canon EOS 750D has been my companion for years. For beginners, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an excellent entry-level DSLR. If you are looking for something more lightweight, the Sony α6400 offers great features for a lighter load.
Camera Lens
I pair my Canon EOS 750D with the EFS 18-135mm lens for its versatility. From landscapes to portraits, it covers most scenarios. For sharper portraits, I also carry a 50mm f/1.8 lens.
An action cam like the GoPro Hero is perfect for adventurous activities such as snorkeling, hiking, or kayaking. It’s compact, durable, and delivers great wide-angle shots, even underwater.
Go Pro Underwater Case
Depending on the trip, we bring accessories like an underwater case for deep dives. While the GoPro can handle some water exposure, it’s better to protect it with one of these for swimming and diving.
Go Pro Backpack Mount
Most of the time we have our action cam strapped to our backpack with this backpack mount for hands-free filming. These small additions make a big difference for active travelers.
For vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 checks all the boxes: lightweight, wide-angle capabilities, built-in stabilization, and reliable autofocus. It’s perfect for capturing smooth, high-quality footage on the go.
Photography Accessories
A selfie stick that doubles as a tripod, like the Joby Gorillapod, is a versatile tool for solo travelers. Its flexible legs let you attach it to almost anything for creative shots.
This K&F Concept camera tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head is a lightweight, easy-to-use tripod that we rely on for capturing steady shots. This one even comes with a phone mount.
Extra storage is crucial. We prefer SanDisk Extreme Pro SD cards with at least 128GB to avoid deleting photos on the go.
For storing and editing footage, the Samsung T7 SSD (2TB) is unbeatable. It’s compact, fast, and perfect for post-processing while traveling.
Travel Gadgets & Accessories
No matter where we’re headed, these travel gear essentials make life on the road smoother and more comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of what we always bring:
A spacious hanging toiletry bag is indispensable for keeping all our toiletries organized. The side pockets and subdivisions make it easy to store everything.
Instead of bringing full-size bottles, we transfer shampoo, body wash, and lotion into travel-size containers. It saves tons of space.
A reusable water bottle is a must for any trip. We refill at stations whenever possible, but if you want to take it further, a filtered option like LifeStraw or GRAYL ensures access to safe drinking water anywhere.
Compact, lightweight, and quick-drying, a microfiber towel is perfect for everything from beach days to hostel stays.
Navigating dark alleys, finding your way in a hostel dorm, or exploring caves—a small Flashlight or head torch always comes in handy.
This versatile tool is one of our most IMPORTANT accessories as it helps with first aid, removing ticks, plus it has a knife & scissors that we use all the time for cutting things like fruits.
Absolute essentials if you’re staying in hostels or catching overnight buses. Thin walls and noisy environments are quite common in Asia!
Whether kayaking, island-hopping, or caught in the rain, a dry bag keeps gear safe and dry. This dry bag includes a waterproof phone case—perfect for the beach or water-based adventures.
Carrying a first-aid kit on your travels is vital. We have needed it countless times! Our travel medical kit includes everything from bandages, sterile gauze pads, disinfectant, a thermometer, to a range of medications.
GRAYL GeoPress
The Grayl GeoPress is a reliable and efficient water purifier designed for outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers. It quickly transforms unsafe water into clean, drinkable water by removing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in just seconds. Its easy-to-use press design and durable construction make it perfect for adventures in harsh environments.
Travel footwear
We prioritize quality footwear and typically carry four pairs each to suit different activities. Here’s our go-to travel gear for feet:
– Footwear for her –
For rougher terrain, Salomon hiking shoes are unbeatable. With their GORE-TEX membrane, they’re waterproof, supportive, and offer excellent grip.
A comfortable, go-to pair for long days of sightseeing.
Ideal for all-day temple hopping or casual town strolls.
Always useful, even when not visiting a beach destination.
– Footwear for him –
Moritz swears by his Adidas low-cut Gore-Tex hiking shoes. They’re perfect for varied terrain and unpredictable weather.
Comfortable lightweight sneakers are essential for all-day exploring.
These sandals are great for town walks and temple visits.
Even when we’re not visiting the beach, flip-flops are handy for indoor use or quick trips outside in warmer climates.
Activewear
Whether tackling chilly mountain hikes in Central Asia or adapting to Southeast Asia’s tropical weather, we pack activewear to stay comfortable during outdoor adventures:
Thermal Underwear: Essential for cold climates or higher altitudes.
Warm fleece or hoodie: Perfect for air-conditioned buses, long flights, or cooler mountain regions.
Long-Sleeve Shirt: Protects from the sun during hikes and other outdoor activities.
Hiking Pants (For Him): Convertible cargo pants from brands like The North Face are functional and versatile.
Leggings (For Her): Ideal for colder hikes or lounging days.
Sun Hat or Cap: Keeps you protected from heatstroke during hikes or sunny adventures.
Hiking Socks: A must-have for comfortable, blister-free hikes. We like the brand Falke.
Rain Jacket: A waterproof layer for sudden downpours.
Packing Lists
Packing is often the least favorite part of travel, but having a packing list simplifies the process. Tailor yours to match the climate, activities, and cultural norms of your destination.
Packing lists not only help you stay organized but also ensure you only bring the essentials, saving time and avoiding overpacking. Whether you’re headed for tropical beaches or chilly mountains, a detailed list will keep your travel gear on point.
Check out our curated packing lists to help you pack smart and stress-free!
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Travel Resources
TRANSPORTATION | For booking bus, minivan, and train rides online, we recommend using the website 12go.Asia. This platform has been our go-to across Asia.
ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay is a breeze with Booking.com. It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Benefit from their feature highlighting the cheapest days to fly and the flexibility to search by month or region.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | When it comes to travel insurance, consider Heymondo. It’s our top recommendation for comprehensive and trustworthy coverage. Get 5% OFF through our link.
STAY CONNECTED | Secure reliable internet access for your trip with Airalo. Simply install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey. Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off any eSIM (for new Airalo users only). Use AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off as an existing user.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable city tours, day trip excursions and cooking classes, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com.
ONLINE PRIVACY | Always safeguard your online activity and digital privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad by using a VPN. We’ve trusted ExpressVPN for years! Plus, a VPN lets you stream Netflix shows from any country. Get 3 months FREE when getting a 12-month plan with our link.