I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years around the world. Some has been good and some I would never recommend on Triphackr. Below you will find gear I use when I travel, products I have used and gadgets I’ve tested on various trips.
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Best Travel Backpacks
A backpack can make or break a trip. Too large and heavy really slows you down and if you don’t have enough space you will have to sacrifice on things you need. I have tested way too many backpacks because I am obsessed with finding the best one. These are my favorites.
Tortuga Backpack
Bring everything you need without checking a bag. More info about this great backpack on Tortuga.
The Best Day Packs
Day packs are also really important and something I never leave home without. A small back makes a great addition when trekking through the jungle or just strolling around the city. Keep your camera, guide book and a bottle of water handy without a heavy pack slowing you down.
I own this pack and carry it everywhere. It carries my laptop and is a great carry-on and day pack. Read my full review here or head over to GORUCK.
Another favorite brand and day pack of mine is the Osprey Daylite pack. It is small and can be packed empty inside a larger carry-on for use on arrival.
Backup Travel Batteries
I take these batteries everywhere. They are great for planes, airports, and any time I need an extra charge for my phone or GoPro. They can even charge two portables at once. The larger battery offers a few more charges but both are great options. I carry the larger one in my pocket often but the smaller one is a nice alternative.
Best Camera Gear
I usually find myself with too many camera options but that’s ok because they all offer something different. Whether it’s a GoPro, DSLR, point-and-shoot, or just my iPhone they all serve a purpose.
I never leave home without my GoPro. It is small, light, and versatile. There are a few price levels but I carry the Black edition. The Silver is great for most just looking to have some fun.
I also carry a point-and-shoot camera for days I don’t want to carry my large DLSR. It is also great for shooting non-action videos. This is a powerful and compact camera.
I love this camera and use it on every trip. This camera is mirrorless and lighter than traditional Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras which means less weight to carry and pack.
The nice thing about the Sony a7 is that you can buy an adapter to use with any brand of cameras. That means you can use your Canon or Nikon lenses with it. If you stick with Sony the 70-200mm is great option.
Camera Accessories
Domke makes a lot of great camera bags. I carry this one which holds my DSLR and point and shoot as well as a couple of extra batteries.
The camera straps that come with new cameras are terrible. Black Rapid makes the perfect camera strap for a DSLR.
Other Camera Accessories
I always carry a backup battery or two when I am out for the day along with a couple of extra memory cards. The Black Rapid wrist strap is a nice alternative the the shoulder strap.
I like this for days I don’t want to carry my shoulder strap and am just walking around the city.
This is great for packing 12 SD cards, 6 mini SD cards and 6 micro SD cards and protecting them all.
Best GoPro Accessories
Once you pick up a new GoPro you are going to want to find the best accessories. I have tested a lot of these and carry many of them with me. Here are some of my favorites.
All my Favorite GoPro Travel Accessories
This is a great GoPro extender pole. It extends to 32 inches, collapses to only 7 inches, and weighs 7 ounces.
I have also tried this pole out. It is cheaper than the XShot Pro but is noticeably less stable. It will get the job done if needed.
GoPro sells backup batteries but I have found these batteries from Wasabi to be awesome. I carry 4 extra batteries charged whenever I go out with my GoPro.
When I need to charge on the run I use this Anker charger. It can charge my GoPro backup batteries from anywhere. This is a perfect combo with the Wasabi Power Pack.
Travel Photo Backup System
Never lose another vacation photo. Backup your photos online or bring a durable portable external hard drive with you when you travel. I can’t rely on online photo backup when I have no access to WiFi or very slow internet. An external hard drive is a great addition to your travel gear list.
Read: The Ultimate Vacation Photo Backup System
Protecting Your Gear
Now that you have some awesome travel gear you will want to protect it.
This case is great and I use it all the time. It’s perfect for water, sand, dirt and any adventure.
This is great for packing 12 SD cards, 6 mini SD cards and 6 micro SD cards and protecting them all.
Keep you GoPro stay and organized with this small padded case designed just for your GoPro gear.
Keep your expensive DSLR safe in this backpack designed to carry it. It’s padded and compact.
Travel Clothing
Of course you can wear anything you want when you travel and this varies by climate, season, and country but some clothing is a lot more versatile than others. Clothing that can be worn more than once means less space is taken up in your luggage. Merino wool is one of the best clothing options available. It doesn’t smell after being worn on a hot day and is good for cold and wet climates.
Travel Shirts
There are different weight shirts for different climates as well as other styles. I have 4 of these men’s shirt that I wear all the time. It’s my favorite shirt for any trip.
Travel Socks
Travel Pants
All pants are travel pants right? Well sort of but I wear travel pants from Bonobos and they are great. If you ever want to fit in almost anywhere in the world do not wear shorts. Shorts are a great way to stand out almost anywhere outside the US.
Pants are more versatile anyway. I’ve worn these hiking, around the city and out to dinner.
Flying Gear
Airplanes are not the most comfortable place to spend long hours but you can make the best of it. Pick up a few small essentials and make your flight a little more comfortable.
Read: My Ultimate Guide to Sleeping on a Plane
This is essential because they always turn on those overhead lights when you’re trying to sleep.
I’ve used over-ear and ear buds and I like them both. It really is just about how much space I have in my backpack or duffel.
These look a little ridiculous and it does take up quite a bit of space but it does help me sleep. Anything over 6 hours and I bring mine.
*Please note some of these products contain affiliate links but that comes at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use or would use mysef. Thanks!