- Stephen Pfaller
- Oct 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2024

True travel takes many unseen twists and turns. One day you're stranded at a remote bus stop, running low on phone battery. The next, you are staring down a tiger, with only a moment snap that photo. Packing the right travel gear can make or break your trip, and having the right essentials ensures you're prepared for whatever comes your way. In this post, we’ll dive into the must-have travel gear to keep you comfortable, organized, and ready to deliver when you need it the most!
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Luggage
Deuter Brand Backpacks
Compartmentalization is the name of the game with Deuter. Especially in adventure travel, keeping the stinky separate from the clean, is essential. My Deuter Quantum 60L has accompanied me from the frigid Arctic Circle to the humid rainforests of Sumatra.
Country Count: 67
Lowepro Fastpack PRO BP 250 AW III
Versatile, rugged, and dependable. The large camera compartment allows you to store your photography equipment for whatever shot you need, while the substantial upper compartment provides enough room for all your day pack needs. This sucker is grab-n-go ready!
Country Count: 51
ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Packable Backpack 25L
Traveling light but still need a daypack for those short hikes or wanderings around the city? Fold it up and pack it in and you'll be ready for it all.
Country count: 45
Comfort and Connectivity
Rugged Camp - Backpacking Pillow
So small, you'll throw it in your pack without a second thought. When that flight gets delayed or you miss your bus connection: all will be jealous when you pull it out, blow it up, and doze away the delay.
Country Count: 70
GOODaaa Power Bank Wireless Charger 36000mAh
Never be powerless again! With 4 built in cables, charge any device in a pinch. Not only could this solar charging battery pack save your life in the wilderness; it can also save your mind on that 20 hour Colombian bus ride (The Office Season 2 for the win!).
Country Count: 45
Beats Studio Buds
Block out that crying baby or late night hostel-goers with noise cancellation and long battery life.
Country Count: 30
Outdoor Gear
Hennessey Hammocks
Sleep comfortably anytime, anyplace. Without cumbersome tent poles, a hammock can easily be strapped to the bottom of your LowePro bag, allowing you to sling-up and rest whenever you need it.
Country Count: 5 (USA, Mexico, Aruba, Oman, UAE)
33,000 ft Packable Rain Jacket
You know the drill: if you don't bring it, you'll definitely need it. Packs up small and comes up big when you need it most. Only a tourist lets a little rain damper their plans.
Country Count: 28
Khul Free Rydr Pants
First purchased in Alaska, I've since worn these pants in every environment imaginable. I'm still not sure how they kept me warm in the Himalayas and cool in the Amazon.
Country Count: 28
LEDLenser, H19R Core Rechargeable Headlamp
The last thing you need deep in a rainforest is to see the dreaded double-blink warning of a headlamp battery dying. With 5+ hours of continuous, high-beam battery life, that isn't a worry anymore.
Country Count: 12
Photography
GoPro Hero 13
Don't get cute. Sometimes the best, is the best, for good reason.
Country Count: 77
Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
When that Tiger emerged from the grass, I had less than 30 seconds to get a shot. Fast, intuitive and well priced.
I got the shot!
Country Count: 15
SANDMARC Pole - Metal Edition: 15-50" Waterproof
Whether diving with sharks or walking with Komodo dragons, this pole allows you to get up-close without getting too personal.