I’ve been seeing lots of Twitter threads lately that ask: what’s ONE thing you bring while traveling that you can’t live without?
So instead of replying individually to each tweet, I decided to compile a list of things that I consider to be essential.
THE CARRY ON: Mission Workshop’s The Fitzroy / $245
I can’t live without this damn thing. It’s weatherproof (if you fold down the roll-top correctly); each compartment is also waterproof (there’s been plenty of times I’ve managed to spill water in the main compartment but it’s left my laptop compartment dry). On quick trips, I basically pack this to the brim, and I’m good to go. When I’m home in rainy Seattle and zipping through town on my bike, I have this guy on me. Some items that make it in the carry-on:
1. (C)or(d)ganizer: BUBM electronic accessories organizer / $14.99
Before I got this, I kept all my iPhone charging cords, earbuds, other charging cables, etc., in a hard glasses case. Now, I can have all my cords organized and untangled (!!). This also stores my little pouch of SIM / SD cards, camera battery charger, battery pack, recorder, Kindle, etc.
2. Neck pillow: Lewis N. Clark’s inflatable neck pillow / $14.99
Non-inflatable neck pillows take up so much room. Every time I see one hooked onto someone’s backpack at the airport I cringe a little. I’ve had this little guy for years and it’s great. An essential for flights. (I get lazy neck syndrome, that condition where if I doze off, my neck flops to one side and just stays there)
3. Camping utensils: Sea to Summit mug ($12.95) and Light My Fire Titanium spork ($14.99)
Eat and drink what you want, whenever you want.
4. Airborne.
Because my immune system goes haywire otherwise.
5. An emergency caffeine pack
This contains a few Starbucks VIAs, satchels of matcha green tea, and energy guu’s. I know, the last option’s gross, but when you don’t have access to clean water and you need energy….
6. Inflatable pillow: Trekology / $15.47
Yes, I pack an inflatable neck pillow AND an inflatable pillow!! Because the neck pillow is most ideal for flights, and the inflatable neck pillow (originally bought for backpacking!) is great for train rides, lumbar support, etc.
7. Face wipes / wet wipes
I’m one of those people who can’t go to sleep or wake up without having my face washed. When water comes at a premium (like it did on my overnight train yesterday in Kazakhstan…), use a face wipe! Also, wet wipes are a dime a dozen when you need to clean something with water but tap water isn’t clean.
THE CHECKED BAG (when I check my bags): REI Big-Haul 60 / $109
I initially thought of getting Patagonia’s 60L Black Hole, which costs $20 more, but these two packs are essentially the same. They are duffels and have straps so it doubles into a backpack. Super roomy. If I’m going carry-on only, I have an old Samsonite or bring my Everlane weekender. (The one I have is a few years older, but same design as the ones currently listed)
- Any 40L waterproof bag (e.g.: Marchway / $24.99)
I initially bought one of these for a long Southeast Asia trip when I didn’t know if it would be in rainy season in one place while dry somewhere else, and I needed to keep any extra gear dry. But they’re durable and fold up so well that I always stick one in my checked bag. Sometimes on the road this becomes my laundry bag. Other times, I end up using this as a carry-on when I accumulate more crap than I anticipate. Or, if I don’t want to deal with it on long flights, it becomes a checked bag. It comes in handy.
2. Packing cubes.
Y’all. Brands for packing cubes doesn’t matter. The label on my packing cubes literally just reads “PACKING CUBE.” I mean, read the reviews maybe and make sure the zippers don’t break readily. (If that’s the case, the packing cubes are essentially useless.)
3. Towel: REI Multi Towel Lite XL / $24.99
When your hostel / hotel / AirBnB doesn’t have a towel, or doesn’t have towels that you trust with regards to cleanliness. Also, get the XL because it seems like these sizes were meant for kiddos.
4. Sleep mosquito free: Sea to Summit CoolMax Sleeping Bag Liner w/ Insect Shield / $62.95
For when you’re in a sketchy hotel / somewhere rural and mosquitos may lurk at every corner and possibly give you malaria/dengue/your worst nightmares. I remember getting to a “hotel” one day after a long day of reporting in Sumatra. Couldn’t get the damn mosquito out of my room (or have the energy to kill it) so I took a shower, cuddled into the sleeping bag liner, and did all my work in there.
5. A doorstop a day keeps the creepers away.
Find a rubber doorstop at your local hardware store. Wedge it under a door so nobody can get in. (This is part of my anti-creeper kit)
6. Mosquito repellent: Picaridin
Doesn’t harm gear and works better than DEET. (I also firmly believe that mosquitos worldwide are becoming DEET-resistant)
WEAR-ON
It depends on the trip. Generally on flights I like hiking pants (not as restrictive as jeans, and has pockets, which puts it above yoga pants) and merino wool t-shirts (❤ Smartwool but there are good cheaper alternatives, too). For long flights, I always wear REI’s Contour Hoodie — it’s super cozy since it has a hood and THUMB HOLES and it keeps me warm.
For reporting trips, I’ve began to accept that I’ll just be one of those people who look like a park ranger. I’ve really taken to SCOTTeVEST’s travel vest ($135), which as 18 pockets for everything: passport, money, keys, cords, recorder, phone, chapstick, a hidden pocket, the possibilities are seemingly endless! Sometimes I can fit so much stuff in the vest that when I wear it on it’s like an extra carry-on item, and then I have more room in my backpack.
If I’m going somewhere hot and tropical, I have a pair of Chacos that are a few years old (I can’t seem to find a link!) They are close toed, look like water shoes, feel like sneakers. I’ve walked miles in them. If for whatever reason I’m terrified of getting my feet wet (for instance: I was pretty nervous about sanitary conditions in the Rohingya camps earlier this year), I bring my waterproofed trail runners.
Happy travels!
