Essential Travel Gear I Recommend
Curated recommendations from 6+ years of international travel — real insights from someone living the nomad life. Tested gear, trusted brands, and smart choices for every type of adventure.
Safety & Security

Garmin inReach Mini 2
Two-way satellite messaging and SOS emergency beacon with 50-hour battery life. Essential for solo travelers heading to remote areas where cell towers don’t exist.

PacSafe Metrosafe X25 Anti-Theft Backpack
Slash-proof construction, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets make this the ultimate travel security backpack. Professional travel photographers and security experts consistently recommend PacSafe for their proven anti-theft features.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Lightweight filter that processes 1000 liters before replacement is needed. Packs down to almost nothing but keeps you hydrated safely from mountain streams to questionable tap water worldwide.
Electronics & Power

GL.iNet Travel Router
When you want peace of mind on the road, go with this dual-band AX travel router. It offers VPN protection for boats, hotels, and more — and if you game, it’s fast and keeps you covered.

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
Enough power to charge your phone 7+ times, with three USB ports for simultaneous charging. Travel editors consistently rate this as essential for extended trips without power access.

TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter
Works in 150+ countries with 4 USB ports built in. Compact design with reliable connections — never had issues with loose plugs across multiple continents.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer construction that’s incredibly lightweight (5.3 oz) yet durable. 10,000mAh capacity with pass-through charging and a low-current mode for protecting small electronics like watches.

SanDisk 4TB Creator Pro Portable SSD
Back up always and often. With up to 2000MB/s over USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2) and IP65 water and dust resistance, you’ll have space and peace of mind for laptops and computers alike.
Adventure Gear

Osprey Hikelite 26 Daypack
Incredible value with a trampoline back design that keeps you dry and provides structure. Lightweight yet durable, with deep side pockets, and it fits a 3L hydration bladder.

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Boots
Comfortable out of the box with proven durability. Handles everything from jungle treks to mountain hiking across multiple continents. The waterproof version is worth the extra cost.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent
Fully freestanding design works 100% without stakes, unlike competitors. Roomier than similar-weight options and doesn’t require trekking poles, making it perfect for airline travel.

Darn Tough Vermont Hiking Socks
The lifetime warranty speaks for itself. Merino wool construction prevents odors and wicks moisture — the same pairs lasting 3+ years of heavy travel use.
Health & Comfort

Bug Bite Thing
Sometimes science just makes your life better — and that’s the case with this bite-suction tool. Get bit? Suck out the venom. Small, affordable, and worth tossing in your go-bag today.

Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker
Well-organized with labeled pouches for quick access during emergencies. Includes medical-grade trauma shears, quality medical tape, and essential medications for multi-day trips.

Dr. Bronner's All-in-One Soap
One bottle handles shampoo, body wash, and laundry soap. Biodegradable, TSA-friendly, and perfect for minimalist packing and eco-conscious travel.
Photography

Insta360 Ace Pro Xplorer Bundle
A great little action camera for your everyday carry — capture moments and video on the fly.

Sony Alpha 7C II
One of the smallest full-frame mirrorless cameras, with excellent low-light performance and sharp autofocus. Ideal for shooting street scenes without attracting attention or weighing down your pack.

Peak Design Travel Tripod
Carbon-fiber construction keeps weight down while maintaining stability. The compact design fits in carry-on luggage — essential for long-exposure shots and video content creation.
Digital Nomad

Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Noise cancellation is essential for video calls from noisy co-working spaces. The 24-hour battery life handles long work days, and they’re crucial for productivity in loud environments.

KYY Portable Monitor (15.6")
Once you work with dual monitors, there’s no going back. 1080p resolution, 0.3-inch depth, and only 1.7 lbs make it perfect for digital nomad setups worldwide.

Laptop Stand for Desk
Never thought I’d like one — now I love them. An adjustable, foldable, ventilated riser that holds 10–15.6″ laptops and tablets and keeps things cool.
Services

Booking.com
I’ve been using it for years. Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million reported accommodation listings.

Priority Pass
If you fly often, check it out. Since 1992, Priority Pass has provided frequent travelers with independent airport lounge access worldwide.

Viator
Viator, a Tripadvisor company, is the world’s largest experiences marketplace — connecting travelers with tours and activities they’ll remember for a lifetime.

Aviasales
Save on your next flight. Aviasales is a trusted service for buying cheap flight tickets — no extra fees or markups.

Eatwith
Eat with new people. Eatwith is the largest global community for authentic culinary experiences with passionate locals worldwide.

GetYourGuide
I’ve found some fun trips here. GetYourGuide is a booking platform that helps travelers find incredible experiences wherever they’re headed.
Ready to Gear Up for Your Next Adventure?
Got questions about specific gear or need recommendations for your destination? I’ve been testing and researching travel gear across three continents and respond to every message personally.