With the holidays just around the corner, some of us are either getting ready to go on vacation or scrambling to buy those last-minute gifts for our loved ones. I don’t really like shopping, but I love looking for new travel gear for my trips. I’ve finally found some of the best gear that I just can’t travel without. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself this holiday season or get a gift for your wanderlusting friends, these items will make any trip easier and more fun!
Backpacking Gear
Backpacking travel gear is my favorite to buy. There are so many awesome knickknacks that I’ve come across that I didn’t realize I needed. Here are a few of my favorites:
It’s always good to have a sleeping bag liner in case the hostel dorm bed you’re stuck with gives you the heebie-jeebies or you end up camping last-minute and don’t have a blanket. This mummy shaped sleeping bag liner is so light that I always forget that I have it packed in my bag. When used with a sleeping bag, it adds 15 degrees Fahrenheit of warmth. I’ve used it by itself without a sleeping bag a few times in Central America and have never felt too cold at night. And it’s so soft!
SteriPEN
Unfortunately, the tap water isn’t drinkable everywhere. This UV water purifier is reusable up to 8,000 liters and destroys 99.9% of harmful microorganisms. With the click of a button and some stirring into a water bottle, the UV light will make the tap water drinkable all over the globe.
Coghlan’s Adjustable Bungee travel clothesline
At one point or another, you’re probably going to be hand washing your clothes in the hostel sink or shower. This travel clothesline is a giant bungee cord with hooks on either end that make it perfect to hang up clothes on a bunk bed, or anywhere really! The cord is actually two cords twisted together, making it easy to pinch smaller articles of clothing between the cords so there’s no need for clothespins. If you’re willing to share it with hostel dorm mates, you’ll make instant friends!
Osprey Tempest 20
This is the second daypack I’ve bought for this trip. The first bag I bought was also a 20L daypack but after two months it already started to tear and couldn’t fit my laptop and camera gear comfortably. I LOVE my new Osprey daypack. Its design makes it very comfortable on my shoulders and back when it’s full and the hip belt provides the extra support I need when hiking. It’s so convenient to put smaller things in the little zipper pockets and there’s so much space in the big pocket to fit all my important gear on travel days. It’s the best daypack I’ve ever had!
Samsonite 12-Piece Travel Compression Bags
These compression bags were a total life saver when I packed up to move to Spain and now I wouldn’t be able to fit my gear and clothing into my backpack without them. Just put your folded clothes inside, seal them, and roll them to get rid of all the air inside the bag from a tiny one-way valve at the end of the bag. The Samsonite bags come in varying sizes, which is handy to pack socks and undies in smaller bags and shirts and shorts in the bigger ones.
Camera Gear
One of the best parts of travel is capturing those special moments. Here are my favorite cameras and accessories for my backpacking trips!
I did extensive research before choosing a camera. I wanted a mirrorless digital camera that captured high quality images but wasn’t too heavy or bulky. The Fujifilm X-A2 takes great travel photos, has a swivel screen for the selfie lovers, and you can change lenses. I’m so happy with the photos I’m able to capture with this camera!
I get compliments on my camera case all the time. I like the retro look and it does a great job of protecting my camera when it’s packed away. It’s also convenient to screw in my tripod without having to remove the bottom part of the case.
I just bought this mini tripod because I was tired of always looking for flat surfaces to set my camera on, especially when shooting in low light. It’s small and compact, which I love because I can carry it in my daypack. It doesn’t extend to a larger size, so as long as you find the right surface to set it on, it works great!
My trips are always full of adventurous activities and I love using my GoPro to capture it all. From snorkeling to zip lining, I always bring my GoPro along to get video and photos of my experiences. I never used to take videos, but I’ve found it to be so much fun to look back on the footage afterward and share it with friends!
Footwear
When it come to clothing and travel, I’m mostly concerned about my footwear. The wrong shoes can weigh your backpack down or wreak havoc on your feet. After a few years of trial and error, I’ve finally figured out the best footwear to meet my backpacking needs.
These sneakers were one of the best purchases I made for my trip through Central America. The tread makes them great for hiking and they’re not as heavy as hiking boots. Since they’re trail running shoes, they’re also good for running and daily adventure travel use.
Skechers Performance Go Walk memory foam walking shoes
When my mom asked me to try on some Skechers slip-on walking shoes, I almost didn’t do it. I thought Skechers were for kids, but I was so wrong. Made with memory foam, these shoes are super soft, comfortable, and are so lightweight. I can walk around for hours in them without getting achy feet!
Sanuk
Flip flops with yoga mat material for soles? I’m sold! Sanuk flip flops are the only flip flops I wear these days. In the past two years, I’ve never broken a pair and they are so, so comfortable.
Which travel accessories are going to make it under your tree this year?
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. But I’ll always keep it real and only promote products I absolutely love!
We have the same camera case! And steriPEN! Ha! Great list 🙂
Author
They say that travelers are like minded people! 😉