best travel video gear

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9 Essential Travel Vlogging Gear For Every Trip

As a travel vlogger, identifying the essential gadgets to bring along without carrying a mountain of gear can be quite challenging. Not to mention that most filming equipment is heavy, making it hard to walk around with them for long.

This guide lists the main vlogging gear you need that’ll help document your adventures without carrying along with an entire studio.

At A Glance

2. iPhone 13 Pro Max

3. samsung galaxy s21 ultra 5g, 4. external microphone, 5. windshield, 6. portable wifi, 8. gopro action camera, 9. backpack for vlogging, what travel vlogging gear to pack for your trip, 9 gears you can’t do without for travel vloggers on the road.

While travelling, the choice of camera narrows down to compatibility and image stabilization. A compact and mirrorless camera is the lightest option that can match a DLSR’s quality. Mirrorless cameras have a larger sensor and this feature plays a crucial role in capturing light; thus, the camera works great even in poor lighting.

The Canon G7X Mark II is one of the most recommendable compact and lightweight cameras that you can consider. It can easily fit in your pocket or any backpack, and some of its key features include outstanding optical image stabilization, 1.8flens, and a flip screen.

Other recommended compact cameras include Canon EOS M50 Mark II and Sony ZV-1 . These small cameras usually have low battery life, and with the immense recording as a travel vlogger, you will need to carry extra batteries.

Apart from cameras, smartphones are a great choice for shooting and can act as backup for the camera. Some of the best camera phones for 2021 include;

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is currently one of the best vlogging camera phones, thanks to its advanced auto HDR, deep fusion, and 3x zoom features. The phone is lightweight, has a great battery life, and guarantees great video quality and stabilization.

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G,  with this phone, you get a big-sensor main camera that gathers a lot of light and an autofocusing ultrawide camera. You not only get one but two telephotos offering you one of the most versatile zoom setups.

At times, vlogging in windy scenarios can affect the quality of the audio of your videos. You don’t want to have to discard a chunk of footage just because of poor sound quality.

The built-in mics in cameras are good at picking up your voice but not in windy scenarios. This is why you need an external microphone that can focus on your voice over background noise. A shotgun microphone is the most recommendable option for travelling since they are excellent at reducing the background noise, allowing you to record smooth videos .

Some of the best microphones include the Rode VideoMic Pro+ , Sennheiser MKE 600 , and Rode NTG3 .

Another compact microphone that works great for travelling is the lavalier microphone . The mic allows you to wear it and move around while still capturing sound for a great price.

They do offer excellent audio, and you can plug them directly into DSLR cameras, PCs, portable audio recorders, and even smartphones. Some of the best lav mics include Sony ECM-AW4, Audio-Technica AT899 , and Rode Lavalier Go .

As stated earlier, the weather while travelling isn’t always stable, and you’re bound to encounter extremely windy scenarios. If you plan to hike a mountain or vlog along the beaches the quality of your audio will be affected. Having a good quality microphone helps, but a windshield does a better job retaining the sound quality in windy situations.

There are various types of windshields that you can use on your camera’s built-in microphone, a shotgun mic, a lavalier, or even on your smartphone. If you don’t have an external microphone, getting a mini windscreen is the least you can do to maintain the quality of your audio.

Top recommended windscreens include Auray WSW-007 MKII Windbuster , Rycote Softie Windshield , and Movo WS220 .

As a travel vlogger, you’ll probably be editing your videos while on the go, and you’ll need a stable internet connection to upload your videos or pictures. One way to remain connected to the internet across countless countries is by using a hotspot.

Bear in mind these hotspots are not exactly intuitive since you have to keep changing SIM cards. More so, the internet connectivity won’t always have the best speed that can help you upload travel videos. This is why you need to have portable WiFi, and some options even work off 4G, which guarantees a safe and fast connection.

These portable WiFi routers work great on your laptop and mobile phones, and in addition to uploading your videos, having a strong internet connection while travelling allows you to pass the time streaming your favourite show or playing your favourite online games.

Moreover, if you stream live on platforms such as Twitch or Youtube, a strong connection is paramount otherwise it may end up with glitches. Whenever playing a game or watching a stream, lags can be very irritating, especially if you are playing live casino or slots.

If you wish to play slots on the go, be sure to have great WiFi and check for comparison sites that compare all the best online casinos where you may play anytime, anywhere, as long as you have internet. They have the most recent games from prominent providers while assuring that only the sites they recommend are safe and licensed by trustworthy organizations to secure your money. There, they look for all of the greatest free spins offers, write detailed evaluations, and offer advice on the various banking options, like Paypal and/ or Ethereum.

A tripod is an essential accessory for shooting cinematic scenes. As a travel vlogger, you’ve to consider the functionality, weight, and size of a tripod before choosing to buy one.

With a travel tripod such as the Joy Gorilla Pod , lightweight and multifunction are its best factors. Ideally, its legs can be moulded and attached to pretty much any surface.

You can attach it to a tree or a rock, and it’ll remain steady. The GorillaPod usually comes in various sizes, allowing you to choose the most convenient size depending on your camera’s size. From this GorillaPod guide, it’s evident that these tripods have a lot to offer. However, if your camera is heavy, you will definitely need a heavier tripod to help hold it securely.

Nevertheless, the GorillaPod can make vlogging too bulky if you work with a mirrorless or DSLR camera. The Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 is a recommendable tripod that works great with a DSLR camera, and you can easily vlog for a longer period without straining your hands.

Other recommendable tripods for your travel include Sirui ET-35K, Benro Tabletop Tripod, and the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand .

This is not a must-have gadget, but it can elevate the quality of your travel vlog by capturing unique shots that are impossible to get on a regular camera. A GoPro camera is a great option if you’re planning a trip with extreme activities such as hiking, water rafting, snorkelling, or kayaking.

The device is waterproof, and it has incredible features that allow you to capture moments in action. If you’re going on an adventurous trip, you can get the latest GoPro Hero 9 . It’s small and lightweight and is great at taking wide-angle pictures.

However, we emphasize that this camera is only suitable for fast-paced moments and doesn’t really fit normal shots. Ideally, the ultra-wide-angle lens does have a perspective distortion, making everything look unnatural. Thus, your viewers will find it hard to watch, especially longer videos.

While you can still use the usual backpacks, those designed for photography usually come in handy. This is because they have compartments that allow you to store your travel vlogging equipment safely while maximizing space.

Most of these bags are also weather-sealed, which is an excellent feature that gives you peace of mind when travelling since your equipment won’t be damaged because of extreme weather.

One of the best backpacks you can consider for your next trip is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack . This bag is designed for digital nomads and is made from an ultralight waxed Kodra synthetic canvas. The fabric also has an extra DWR coating which makes it weatherproof. It has multiple access points, making it easy to remove your equipment. The shoulder straps are padded and can rotate and swivel for extra comfort.

Other reliable travel backpacks that offer durability, quality, and utility include the K&F Concept Multi-Functional Camera Backpack 600D and the MOSISO Camera Backpack .

Having the right equipment as a travel vlogger is crucial, but at the same time, you don’t want to be carrying around huge bags.

Ideally, when choosing your gadgets, the key features to consider should be compatibility and functionality. If you can get lightweight equipment that does the job right, you don’t need to buy a bulkier version.

When packing for your next trip, make sure you have a camera, most preferable, a compact or mirrorless one. You’ll also need an external microphone to boost the quality of your audio. A windshield is also necessary for windy situations. Other vlogging tools include a compatible tripod and an action camera if you are going on an adventurous trip such as water rafting, hiking, snorkelling, or kayaking.

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Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali , while traversing 55+ countries. Pulling from my travel adventures and life lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and enjoy MORE!

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Travel Video Gear: The Ultimate Travel Vlogging Gear For Beginners

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2021

There is a common myth that to take good travel videos and photos you need lots of expensive gear. With this travel video gear guide I aim to disprove that.

When I first started travel vlogging I didn’t really know where I was going with it (like most people) and it’s only normal not to want to spend lots of money on expensive cameras and accessories.

This travel video gear list was updated in January 2019, since over time I’ve accumulated more bits and bobs that I felt I needed.

If you’ve just started travel vlogging and want some cool gear to take beautiful photos with but don’t want to break the bank, this ultimate travel video gear guide is the place for you!

• 1.1 Main camera: Nikon D3300
• 1.2 GoPro Hero 4 Silver
• 1.3 Sony Compact Camera
• 1.4 DJI Spark (Fly More Combo)
• 1.5 GoPro Dome
• 2.1 Bokeh lens for Nikon D3300
• 2.2 Extra batteries
• 2.3 Memory cards
• 2.4 GoPro floaty backdoor
• 2.5 GoPro selfie stick
• 2.6 GoPro red dive filter
• 2.7 Memory card for GoPro
• 2.8 External Hard Drive
• 2.9 Rode Microphone & wind protector
• 2.10 Manfrotto Compact Tripod

The Treasury of Petra in Jordan, shot with a Nikon D3300

My travel video gear essentials

Main camera: nikon d3300.

This is my main camera, and it does pretty much everything, from wide panoramic shots of landscapes, to close ups of food or people’s faces.

I actually bought this before I began making videos, as it’s considered one of the best DSLRs for beginners, and it’s pretty easy to use.

You can also change the lens, so it’s a pretty good camera to start with, then when you feel ready to step up your game you can just get another lens, such as a brighter one, or a more powerful zoom, instead of buying a whole new camera!

I usually keep my camera in a simple camera sleeve , it’s a lot smaller and lighter than an actual camera case, and it does the job in keeping your camera safe when you put it inside a bag.

Click here to see the latest prices of the Nikon D3300

Cala Soraja, Italy, shot on Nikon D3300

GoPro Hero 4 Silver

I use this as my action camera, and take it pretty much everywhere I don’t want to risk getting my Nikon wet or broken.

GoPros are generally considered amongst the best cameras for bloggers , and it’s easy to see why.

You can take all kind of shots with a GoPro , I’ve used mine for example on sailing boats, kayaks, or when swimming. It comes with a bunch of basic screws and sticky bases that you can use to begin with.

There are also a number of new GoPro models out, but if you don’t want to spend too much money on one you can start with an older model.

Check the latest price for the GoPro Hero 4 Silver & newer GoPro models here

Snorkelling in the Similan Islands, Thailand, shot on GoPro Hero 4 Silver

Sony Compact Camera

This was a later addition to my travel video gear, and became my travel vlogging camera. At first I filmed most things with my DSLR, and when I felt like I needed to do a vlog selfie type video I just used my phone.

However if you can invest in a vlogging camera with a flippable screen it’s probably better, as the video quality will be better than your phone and it’s easier to carry around and film with than a DSLR if you’re doing active activities, such as cycling.

I got a fairly cheap one but there are also fancier models if you want to step up your travel vlogging game.

See the latest prices and models of Sony Compact cameras here

Cycling in Copenhagen, Denmark, shot on Sony Compact Camera

DJI Spark (Fly More Combo)

The latest addition to my gear collection! I have been wanting a drone in forever and when DJI released the Spark just a few weeks before my birthday, I knew what my present to myself was going to be.

The DJI Spark is a great consumer drone, it’s small and light, perfect for me to carry around during my travels, and really simple to manoeuvre. You can check out a video I made with it here , featuring lots of flying over water!

Extra batteries are an essential for a drone. The battery for the Spark lasts only around 15 minutes, if you’re going to be out and about all day, having an extra one is pretty much essential!

I bought the Fly More Combo , which includes a spare battery, the remote, and a couple other extras. It works out cheaper than buying the drone, a spare battery, and the remote separately, so definitely worth the value for money.

If you’re looking for advice on what drone to choose, check out the best travel drones reviewed by travellers .

Get your drone here and start filming epic aerial travel videos!

Swimming in Sardinia, Italy, shot on DJI Spark

The natural pools of the Archipelago of Maddalena, shot on DJI Mavic Pro

This is more of an accessory than an essential, however since I never go anywhere without it these days I would classify it as an essential.

GoPro domes are used to take those epic half over and half underwater shots, without breaking the bank on an expensive DSLR underwater dome case.

Click here to read my GoPro dome review and over / under photography tips.

Click here to purchase your GoPro dome!

An over / under water photo taken with a GoPro Hero 4 Silver & Telesin GoPro dome

Travel vlogging gear – useful accessories

Bokeh lens for nikon d3300.

As I mentioned above, one of the advantages as getting a Nikon D3300 as your main travel vlogging camera is the opportunity of removing the lens and swapping it with another.

Most DSLRs have this feature but don’t take it for granted, some cameras have a fixed lens.

You often see all over social media and magazines photos with a nice blurred background, that make the person standing in the middle stand out (this effect is known as Bokeh).

Despite my best efforts I couldn’t recreate this with my DSLR, until I found I needed a different type of lens for it. This is where the Nikon f/1.8 35mm lens comes in.

This is a fixed zoom lens, meaning you can’t zoom in and out but will physically have to get closer or further away from the object you’re taking photos of, but it will allow you to create this soft blurred background effect.

See the latest prices for bokeh lenses here

Sunset at the London Eye, shot with Nikon D3300 and the f/1.8 35mm lens to get the nice blurred background effect

Extra batteries

Whether it’s an extra battery for your Nikon D3300 or your GoPro if you’re planning on making videos, you will need another battery.

Especially if you’re out and about all day without chance of recharging, you don’t want to be out filming and then your camera dies half way through an epic activity!

Click here to get extra batteries for your camera gear!

Sunrise at Uluru in Australia, shot on Nikon D3300

Memory cards

You will need also a memory card. I recommend you get a relatively big one, I have a 64GB memory card .

Similarly to the having an extra battery, you don’t want to be out and about and run out of filming space.

Click here to get memory cards for your cameras!

Porto Faro, Italy, shot on Nikon D3300

GoPro floaty backdoor

If you’re planning on using your GoPro in water, a floaty backdoor is essential.

It will ensure that when you drop it, or it detaches itself from wherever it is you have attached it (because it will happen) it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the ocean and you lose it forever.

It’s nice and bright and orange too so it’ll be easy to find.

Purchase your GoPro floaty backdoor here!

Sailing in Sardinia, Italy, shot on GoPro Hero 4 Silver with floaty backdoor (no way of retrieving it if it falls here!)

GoPro selfie stick

If you want to take shots with yourself in it at anything other than arms length, you will need a GoPro selfie stick .

Click here to get your GoPro selfie stick!

Maya Bay, Thailand, taken on GoPro Hero 4 Silver with selfie stick

GoPro red dive filter

If you want to get good underwater shots, especially when diving in tropical waters, you need this. I didn’t know this before and this is what my first scuba diving shots look like. It’s all blue.

I got the red dive filters in preparation for my Bali trip and you can see below in the second photo the difference.

Get your red dive filters for GoPro here!

Swimming with turtles in the Similan Islands, Thailand, shot on GoPro Hero 4 Silver without a red dive filter

Nemo in the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, shot on GoPro Hero 4 Silver with a red dive filter

Memory card for GoPro

You will need to get a memory card for your GoPro, this is different from your DSLR card as it’s a tiny one .

Again, you want to get a big one, 64GB or more, especially if you’re going to attach your GoPro somewhere and have it film a whole event or can’t retrieve it for a while.

For example when I used it sailing I couldn’t stop to pause until we eventually went back to shore, a good hour and a half later!

Click here to get your GoPro memory card!

Sunset in Venice in Italy, shot on Nikon D3300

External Hard Drive

If like myself, you have a laptop with limited memory, you will need an external hard drive . This is also useful for backing up your data, you wouldn’t want to lose it after you spent so much time filming it!

I actually have two external hard drives, when I first purchased one I went for 1 TB thinking it was huge and I’d never fill it up. Less than a year later I had to buy another and decided to go for a 5 TB one this time so it lasts longer.

See the latest prices and various models for external hard drives here

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, shot on GoPro Hero 4 Silver

Rode Microphone & wind protector

I didn’t get a microphone for quite a while because I didn’t think I needed to, every time I filmed myself speaking the audio turned out fine anyway.

Until I tried filming myself speaking outdoors on a windy day. Needless to say you couldn’t hear much, so I invested in a proper microphone and a dead cat (I’m not making this up, that’s actually what they call it!) to protect it from the wind.

Click here to get your vlogging microphone!

Sunset over Florence, Italy, shot on Sony Compact Camera

Manfrotto Compact Tripod

Another recent addition to my gear collection! I should have probably bought this much earlier on, as it allows you to take many more and better quality shots.

It’s got a convenient handle so you can spin it around and ensure your panorama shots are smooth, without the bumps you get by doing it by hand.

Also, if you want to take photos that require a long exposure or shutter speed you can’t do it by hand, you’ll need a tripod.

You know which ones I mean, the cool ones of cities at night with moving lights, or any shot of the night sky if you want to capture the stars. It’s also perfect for travellers since it’s very light and will easily fit in a backpack.

Click here to purchase your Manfrotto compact tripod!

Long exposure shots at Kings Cross Station, shot on Nikon D3300 & Tripod

Final thoughts on the best travel video gear

This is all the gear I personally use for all my travel photos and videos.

If you’re just starting out with travel vlogging this travel video gear list is a great place to start, as I have tried to include cameras and accessories that won’t break the bank.

Are you also a travel vlogger? What gear do you use? Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you find this travel vlogging gear guide useful in creating your own epic travel videos! Also, if you want to see this travel video gear in action don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for more videos!

Enjoyed reading about the best travel vlogging gear? Pin it!

6 Essential Travel Vlogging Gear to Have in Your Backpack (+2 Optionals)

As someone who travels several times a year and wants to record the whole experience, there are a few essential things that I carry on every trip. If you’re looking to record some cool vlogs about your travels, here you’ll find all that you need to make it possible without hassle.

You will need:

Table of Contents

Top Cameras for Travel Vlogs

2) extra batteries or power bank, 3) windshield for your camera’s mic, 4) small tripod or phone holder, 5) enough memory from the right class, 6) a good backpack, 7) optional: an action camera, 8) optional: microphone.

**Disclaimer: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

1) Your Smartphone or Compact Camera

The last thing you want when traveling is to carry around a rig like this:

The right camera for travel vlogging doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. You can simply use your smartphone if you have one with a good camera.

I used to carry around a huge rig because I thought I needed it. The fact is that modern phones are almost as powerful as most semi-professional cameras. As long as it has good stabilization and image quality, it should be good enough.

I only carry a better camera with me if I think I’m going to record a lot in the dark. In those cases, I prefer carrying a mirrorless since the larger sensor makes the footage a hundred times in the dark.

Here are some of my favorite cameras for vlogging, including both compact and mirrorless cameras:

You can read a deep comparison between these cameras here.

Nothing consumes more power than recording video, and travel days are long and full of fun activities you don’t want your audience to miss out on. You need to be prepared to use more than one charge per day.

You can either buy extra batteries for your camera or get a good power bank to charge your device anywhere.

If you are going for a power bank, please make sure it’s good. I can’t count how many bad power banks have just stopped working in the middle of my trip. It’s worth investing in one that is reliable. I use a Charmast power bank that has not let me down for a couple of years now.

For traveling, I recommend getting one with at least 10000mAh so you can give your device at least one extra charge and a bit more depending on the battery capacity. Here are some good options:

As I said before, travelers will encounter windy scenarios more often than any other kind of vlogger. Mountains, beaches and basically any kind of open field can cause you a lot of troubles. Using a microphone windshield will help you record useful audio in most situations like this.

There are windshields for every kind of microphone. It doesn’t matter if you want to use your smartphone, a lavaliere, a shotgun mic, or even your camera’s built-in microphone, you can find one for each kind. Just look for one compatible with your microphone on Amazon and you will make it possible to record in almost any windy situation.

If you don’t want to use an external mic for audio, the best you can do is get a mini windscreen for your camera’s mic. These are little windscreens you can stick to your camera’s mics.

The location of the microphones will depend on your camera model. To identify where they are, look for two tiny holes on your camera’s body that aren’t a charger or USB input. They are hard to miss if you look closely.

But for one last time, be warned: you might end up having to mute your entire vlog if you use your camera’s mic. You can get a good mic for only $12. I don’t think it’s worth risking it!

For travel vlogging, getting the right tripod is a big deal. I like to bring it down to two main option, either a GorillaPod or the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 . I’ll explain what’s good about them:

A gorillapod is a tripod that you can transform into almost anything. Besides being able to use it as your camera’s stick and tripod, you can set it on any kind of surface, no matter how irregular it is.

Found an amazing view and a tree cut in half by a thunder strike is the only possible place to set your camera? No problem! This makes this tripod an incredibly useful tool.

GorillaPods come in all sizes and you should choose one based on the size of your camera. The heavier your camera is, the heavier the GorillaPod you will need to hold it steadily.

The problem with them is that if you have a mirrorless or DSLR camera, combining it with one of these tripods can make your vlogging rig too big and heavy, and that’s when the next tripod comes into play.

The second option—the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 —is not as versatile, but it is a lot lighter and can still support a DSLR. You can use it as a tabletop tripod or a camera stick. You will be thankful for its weight when you hold your camera for an entire day while walking around a foreign city.

My favorite option for vlogging is the Manfrotto. Still, I love carrying a GorillaPod because it allows me to take shots that’d be impossible with any other. For me, they are useful for different things, so you should choose the one that is right for you.

There’s another good option to use as a tripod for your trips that you may like. Check my tripod comparison for more info on this .

When it comes to memory to save your footage, the more the merrier.

I like to go for 64GB for Full HD, but that would depend on the length of the trip. I also prefer to go with multiple cards instead of just one that is huge. You might lose one during your trip, or maybe it may stop working, who knows? It is better to be prepared with multiple cards if this is the case.

Another thing that brings me peace when recording is uploading all of this footage to the cloud as soon as I get to the hotel each day.

I can’t express in words how frustrating it is to lose entire GBs of recordings during a trip. This is why carrying a laptop that you can use to upload your footage might be a good idea too. But thankfully, most devices allow to upload to the cloud without needing a computer,

You might think that you can just get any backpack if you’re a travel vlogger. This might work for you, but you should know that there are some perfect backpacks for photography that allow you to store your equipment with efficient use of space and more safely.

These allow you to save A LOT of gear in a small space in a secure way. Many of them are also weather-sealed, so you won’t have to fear any of your expensive equipment getting damaged.

So if you’re taking a lot of gear with you, consider a good backpack for vlogging . Here are some of our favorites:

Having a GoPro available can be incredibly handy for a travel vlogger. It’s not only that you can record underwater footage or record your point of view of any sports activity you do, it’s also great at taking wide-angle pictures. And it’s so small and light that you may forget you have it on you.

But unless you are an extreme sports vlogger, you won’t want to record everything with your GoPro. I often see this mistake.

You hear about the GoPro, and see some amazing footage, so you buy one and think you’re set to record incredible shots and vlog your entire trip. Error. You only want your GoPro for those fast-paced, adventurous moments. You don’t want to be speaking to an action camera.

Why? Basically, your longer videos will become hard to watch after a while. The ultra wide-angle lens featured in GoPros applies a lot of Perspective Distortion. This makes everything look unnatural, including your own face. You might not know why, but if you watch a video like this for a while you will start feeling weird.

Action cameras are an amazing tool, but you have to use them for what they are made for.

There was a time when built-in mics were extremely bad. But now that people want to share videos on their own social media all the time, most brands have stepped up their game in this regard.

There was a time when I wouldn’t go without an external mic. But nowadays I prefer going without one. The amount of hassle that it saves me is well worth it. But that’s only because I have cameras that can record good audio out of the box.

If that’s not the case for you, you might want to get an external mic. I like lavalier microphones as they are the ones that have given me the best results overall.

However, it’s not comfortable to carry one of them clipped on your clothes all the time. Also, sometimes you’re required to hold it with your hand close to your mouth, which is not ideal.

The other options are shotgun mics. But for that, you need a hot shoe to mount them on your camera or smartphone.

I suggest recording some footage outside while speaking and simulating you’re vlogging. Then, listen to it on your computer with headphones or decent speakers. If it sounds fine, just take a windshield with you in case it’s windy, and call it a day.

Otherwise, here are some of my favorite mics:

If you want to start recording your trips, make sure you have the right equipment before leaving for the airport. If you want to make sure you will be able to record everything without many troubles, make sure you have the following list of things:

In my opinion, if you’re just starting you shouldn’t spend too much on equipment. Test out your equipment and start to assess what parts need improvement. Is it video quality or audio that needs to be better? After you’re sure that you need a new device, then go for it according to my tips in this post.

There are some stuff you should not forget, though. Specifically, always make sure you have enough battery and memory and that you’re prepared with a windshield for your mic. This way you’ll avoid common frustrations that may arise when recording vlogs while traveling.

Will has been a full-time content creator since 2014. He’s an audio, video, and tech hobbyist dedicated to reviewing products and giving you the best tips he knows to grow your audience.

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Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

Best Travel Vlogging Gear for Solo Female Travelers

Best Travel Vlogging Gear for travel, youtube and solo female travel. I often have to carry my own luggage, so I appreciate gear that won’t weigh me down. As I’m also filming myself traveling alone, I need travel vlogging cameras and accessories that help me get a selfie on my own.

I share the best vlog equipment for solo travelers. This gear kit is also what I use for blogging and social media content.

Below you’ll also see my vlogging accessories, best youtube vlogging courses, camera bags I use (or have used and recommend) and a video gear checklist.

Remember, the best travel vlogging gear is the one that empowers you to capture your story authentically and share your adventures with the world.

My Best Travel Vlogging Cameras

These are the travel vlogging cameras I am rocking.  I’m currently testing to see which can handle it all so I can downsize my camera kit. I also own a Sony A7iii , but only use it for video freelance work; the color and picture look different from my Canon vlogging camera in the edit. It also weighs more than the my Canon DSLRS. As a female solo travel vlogger, I want to be as light-weight as possible.

Canon Vlogging Camera This is my favorite vlogging camera. I always pack two of these babies in case one goes down while I’m traveling.  * This camera is often sold out these days and i’m not sure if it’s being discontinued. If you find one on sale from a reputable dealer, grab it.

Sony vlogging camera This is a decent replacement and it is comparable to my Canon vlogging camera as it has an audio port.

GoPro Hero Black is a great action camera, which can take hard knocks, weather and is water proof. I dropped it on the Indian highway and there was not a scratch when I retrieved it! Capable of wide and super wide angle lens. If you get the GoPro you’ll want to get a Full Action Kit

Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera/4K is like a mini DSLR. I have a   Canon EOS adapter M mount, so I can use my Canon EF/EFS lenses w/ my Canon M50. I love using it with my zoom lens, which is great for safaris.

Canon Zoom Lens Had this for years and highly recommend for street photography and safaris! The cheapest zoom lens for Canon

Canon Wide angle lens *Best Wide lens and least expensive*

📷 Download my free Camera Buying & YouTube Guide

Past vlogging cameras i’ve used which are good.

Past Best Travel Vlogging Cameras I Have Used and would recommend

Canon 80D DSLR Creator Kit with Rode VidMic  |  Watch my  review . I used a   Canon EOS Rebel for many years- highly recommended for beginners.

Insta360Nano Camera 360 camera connects to mobile phone. I used this camera more for dynamic 360 little planet photos.  Insta360 has definitely gotten better over time!

Sony NEX-5T mirrorless camera   was my vlogging camera for Greece and Turkey until I dropped it and broke its battery door. But it’s a cute camera for stylish women adventurers. Watch  my review

Related Blog Articles on Travel Vlogging Camera Gear

How to Take a Selfie: 10 Top Tips for Selfies & Travel Vlogging

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD Review: Best Portable Drive for Travel in 2024

Insta360 Nano Review: Taking 360 degree travel photos & videos with a mobile phone

11 Best Vlogging Cameras for Travel Videos

Want to help keep me on the road , best travel camera backpacks for under $100.

Through the years, I’ve gone through a ton of camera bags for travel vlogging. The best camera bags for solo female travel content creators seemed to remain elusive.  I juggle a travel journalistic style, am constantly on the go, switching out lenses and gear, I need to be lightweight and do not like setting my bag down like a photographer. These options worked for me and they may work for you. Read my reviews .

My Favorite Travel Camera Backpack I found my camera backpack Cinderella fit! I’ve tried a lot of camera backpacks, even plain backpacks and nothing suited my style or workflow until I came upon this Manfrotto backpack! I love the easy access and ability to use it as a day pack!

Manfrotto Metropolitan Camera Backpack This is my backup in case my something happens to my other Manfrotto bag. I like the fabric of my other backpack more than this one, but this travel camera backpack is a good runner up!

Apecase Envoy Bag This is a minimalist cross-body travel camera bag that performs great if your tools are few. It can also double as a travel purse. I’ve taken this with me to Tokyo and some other countries when I wanted to be more fashionable and lightweight. Carries 1 DSLR’+ a lens + point-n-shoot camera+ iphone. My go to bag when I want to be girly and pack for city sightseeing

What’s in my Camera Gear Bag?

Best travel vlogging accessories for solo travelers.

Joby 5K Gorillapod This alien tripod makes a great travel tripod. Mounts up to DSLR cameras.

Joby Wavo Mobile Microphone As of 2019, it’s been my new mic to replace my Rode VidMic Pro . Smaller and more compact, it’s easy for me to setup

Wind Screen to filter wind noise on point and shoot travel vlogging cameras

DigiPower Selfie Extreme Stick. It’s not a cheapie selfie stick. It extends to 5 feet, can go diving with me and is enough to stabilize a shot.

Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD (2TB drive) , 4TB v2 drive By far the smallest, lightest and rugged portable external drive I’ve owned yet! It’s an SSD vs HDD so storage is safe. Waterproof, dust and shock proof. Almost the size of a credit card.  Read my review .

Tip: I’ve replaced my external drives for SSD drives, read  the difference between portable SSD and external drives .

Pelican memory card case  + Sandisk Extreme 128GB cards You can never have enough memory cards when filming.  Sandisk extreme r eads speeds up to 90MB/s; write speeds up to 60MB/s . Compatible with GoPro

Insignia USB card reader I always pack a USB card reader for transferring footage from my memory cards to my laptop/external hard drive.

Universal International Travel Adapter with USB B & C ports. This international travel adapter helps me plug into any plug outlet when I travel.

MultiPlug adapter   I like to pack this multiplug adapter in my in-flight bag so I can charge multiple things at once during my layover. I have four of these for my Go bag and in my house.

Mobile Vlogging Equipment

iPhone 13 Pro Max (Factory Unlocked) 512 GB  

Mgnaooi Magnetic iPhone case . It is a magsafe case with powerful magnets that let me stick this to anything metal. This works well with Anker xPop Socket Magsafe charger , and Anker nano lightning charger

Mobile Vlogging Kit for mobile phone vlogging. Watch my unboxing video to see what you get inside

10-inch ring light with 65″ stand for mobile Portable and helps in a pinch. Stand is not as sturdy as I like, so I mount the ring on my gorillapod so it’s perfect face lighting for Zoom conferencing.

Bocasal Wallet Cases – I love them! These mobile wallet cases have a card holder and magnetic flip cover that turns into a kickstand . Magnetic case can attach to anything metallic. Perfect if you want to use it to take selfies. Read my mobile travel accessories

Tip: Also, check out this handy Crossbody purse case with Magsafe charging

  PopSocket   is a must for any selfie taking Instagrammer.

My Creative Office Essentials

Apple MacBook Air 13 & 15 Inch Laptop (Amazon Renewed) :  These are the portable laptops I take with me on all my travels. Light-weight, small, thin; it’s exactly what I need to conduct things on the fly.  

Amazon Prime membership . I shop a lot of products on Amazon due to free shipping, two day shipping, easy returns and Prime membership sales like this . Get a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime to see if it is a good fit for you. I guarantee it will be!

Tip:  Download the Amazon Mobile App  Having the app on your mobile device is soooo handy for quick browsing, last minute deal hunting for your trip or even when you’re on it (you can have items sent to your hotel or Amazon pickup points)!

Mint Mobile ( USA )| Unlimited GB of 5G At home in Hawaii, I use this economical plan for as low as $15/mo unlimited! Once owned by Canadian Ryan Reynolds, it works off a T-Mobile server, so it has great connection and it’s fast. Best of all, it’s helped me keep my phone Unlocked and open for other mobile services when I travel.

Tip: Best value if you commit in 6-12 month terms. You can trial it for as little as three months !

USB C to HDMI Multiport Adapter, 7 in 1 Dongle with Card Reader For the travel content creator who has to multitask and connect multiple devices!

Neewer Dimmable LED Diva Ring 18 inches This large diva ring works great for a home office studio (it’s too large to travel with). Read how I create my YouTube studio setup

Surge Protector Multi Plug Power Strip This charging station holds 8 Outlets, with 4 USB (2 USB C) w/ 5 ft Braided cord. Super handy for charging multiple devices.

Seagate Backup Plus 5TB This was my old travel backup drive for video footage and photos. For travel purposes, I’ve upgraded to SSD drives but I still use various sized Seagate hard drives as a home backup. These hard drives are weightier than SSD drives but is sturdy for home use.

Adjustable mobile stand  S turdy and love that it is adjustable and collapsable

Tools I Use to Grow my Travel Blog

A2Hosting is my current hosting company; was recommended to them by a few Dev folks. Fast speeds. I host my blog and portfolio sites on them. Use my affiliate link for an enormous discount off your first year.

This website design is designed with Impreza Theme , a Themeforest theme for WordPress. It is sold through Envato , a marketplace of plugins and themes. Impreza feels easy to learn with some WordPress knowledge. Their support is really responsive and good- highly recommended.

Course creation, webinars, subscription plans & lead magnets

New Zenler is a Kajabi killer at a fraction of the cost.  All my creator courses are housed on it and I love that it has so many features. It is an all-inclusive course creation and store site offering a variety of ways to monetize your audiences from webinars to subscriptions, lead magnets, email lists and more!  Use my referral code for the free Beta version.

Tools I Use to Grow my YouTube Channel

Adobe Premiere Pro I’ve been Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 for years.  Adobe Premiere isn’t the most intuitive video editing software out there, but it does the job needed of professionals.

Unlimited Video Editing is the way I make my YouTube workflow affordable and lighter. With the intense amounts of video content I need to create and manage, this service offers economical plans and fast turnarounds. Use my referral link for $200 off your first month

TubeBuddy is a tool every travel vlogger needs!  The free tool offers a lot of basic features needed optimize your video : keyword tool for search engines, thumbnail analyzer. Install TubeBuddy FREE version to get started.

VIDiQ Similar to TubeBuddy but VidIQ offers AI recommendations and help with scripts, description, etc… Install VidIQ toolbar for FREE . It’s worthwhile to get the upgraded membership for the AI features and analysis.

Epidemic Sound How do I get the coolest tunes I use on my YouTube videos? Get a Month Free!

Patreon    A great way for artists and creators to build a supportive community and sustainable income for their creations. It helps me afford video editing help!

YouTube Creator Business & Monetization

YouTube PowerFLO template A YouTube work flow system is essential! Organize and monetize your YouTube workflow with this management system. Includes video tutorial and plug-n-play template on Airtable for YouTubers Creators.

Viral Video Money Toolkit How to make money, even if you are a small channel. 6 categories of income to build your monetization strategy around.14 viral video formulas to plug into your content strategy.

How to Make Money with YouTube & Blogging Over 70 ways to make money with YouTube and blogging.

1:1 YouTube Coaching & Course Program Designed for video creators and business owners who are striving to expand their influence and profit. We’ll come up with a customized strategy plan for your channel to level up your game so you know what 100K+ channels know and start you on a powerful business mindset.

YouTube JumpStarter Kit Bundle Youtube JumpStarter Kit for the busy professional, who wants a bundled cheatsheet of YouTube essentials.

Branding Influence shows you how create powerful personal brand & a Bullet-Proof Business with YouTube. Laser focus on your tribe. Discover the unique IT factor and secret sauce. Sculpt a magnetic brand that stands out in the YouTube sea.

Blogging SEO Digital Nomad Wannabe Sharon Gouley shows you how to grow your traffic and increase your blog income and her surefire strategies help!  Take her free 7 Day SEO Boost Challenge   or do her 7 Day Link Challenge and you’ll find your AHA moment.

Download Free YouTube Holy Grail: 11 Accelerator Tips Checklist

Do audiences not love you or is it the algorithm? There may be something missing in your YouTube practice.

How to Make a Travel Video on YouTube (in 6 Steps)

Read full article: how to make travel videos, articles on the travel content creator business.

15 Travel Vlogging Tips from a SOLO FEMALE Travel Vlogger

19 Networking Tips for your first Travel Conference

Creating a Home Vlogging Studio Setup in 4 Simple Steps

Benefits of Attending Travel Conferences

Beginner’s Guide to Filming Wildlife on a Safari & What to Bring

A Complete Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a Digital Nomad

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post which helps support the work I do. The companies listed, I recommend because I think they’re awesome and they’ve helped me a lot in my travels. If you support this site in some way and want to book your trip, these links will help you do that.

How to Make Money with YouTube & blogging

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THE BEST TRAVEL VLOG EQUIPMENT: WHAT WE USE TO FILM OUR TRAVEL VLOGS

What's In Our Camera Bag?

What travel vlogging gear do we use.

Siya and I are often asked, "What cameras and other travel vlogging gear do you use to film your travel videos?" In this post, we share the cameras and gear we use to create the videos and photography you see on this blog and all of our social media platforms. Most of the items we use cost between $1000-$2000 CAD. Whatever your budget may be, we have the best camera equipment recommendation for you to choose from when deciding on the best camera and vlogging equipment for your own video and travels.

Have you ever wanted to be a YouTuber or to try starting your own travel vlog? Do you dream of getting paid to travel the world making travel videos and taking kick-ass photos? Or are you just looking to get your hands on the best travel vlogging gear and camera equipment to take on your next trip? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're going to love this video and post.

Travel Vlogging Gear & Cameras for Video and Photography

Sony RX100 5

GoPro HERO6 Black

GoPro HERO5 Black

DJI Phantom 4

Camera Lenses for the Sony A7SII

Sony 16-35mm lens

Sony 24-70mm lens

Sony 85mm lens

HOYA Polarizing Filter

HOYA ND Filter

HOYA Lens Protector

Portable WiFi Device

Skyroam Solis

GoPro Accessories

GoPro Karma Grip

Joby Suction Cup

SD Cards & Hard Drives

LaCie Rugged 2TB USB-C Portable Hard Drive

WD 1TB Portable Hard Drive USB 3.0

Water Resistant SD Card Hard Cover Case

Lexar Professional 64GB SD Card

SHURE LensHopper Camera-Mounted Shotgun Mic

Sennheiser Lav Mic

Rode VideoMicro Shotgun Mic

Zoom H4N Multitrack Recorder

Manfrotto Be Free Tripod

Joby Gorilla Pod and Ballhead Bundle

  Manfrotto LED Camera Light

MyCharge Portable Power Bank

Solar Power Bank

SCROSS Pro Plus World Adapter

Peak Design Camera Clip

Camera Cleaning Kit

Have you ever dreamt of travel vlogging gear? Do you fantasize about traveling the world making YouTube videos? Let us help you make it a reality by sharing our secrets and advice on the best travel vlog equipment!

I've teamed up Nadine Sykora ( Hey Nadine ) and Matthew Kepnes ( Nomadic Matt ) who are two of the top people in the travel vlogging and blogging world to create: The Ultimate Course to Creating Travel Videos and Vlogging . Whether you’re looking to try and make a career out of travel, photography, videography or you're just to get better at filming your own adventures, this course has been designed to help you improve your travel video making skills. It's not just the best travel vlogging equipment that brings our videos to life, it's also practice, education and a desire to get better.

For Only $269USD

Want to see our travel vlogger gear and equipment in action? Watch  our latest travel videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you get notified when we post new videos each week.

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22 Comments

Covid came and ruined everything now didn’t it?

if you’re reading this I hope it has ended well… cuz this thing really seems to be wanting to stick around forever.. oh Great article btw

Hey, nice article. Thanks for sharing this useful information.

Loved to read this blog.

A Great Article Inspired Me a lot.

Great Photograpy Tips. Really Helps me Further.

Great Article about Gadgets for travel. Informative Post.Thank You !

Good information, I always knew that phone is bit expensive, What I didn’t know is that it take good pictures, thanks for the information

Is this still the gear you’re using? Would be interesting to know how the RX100 is holding up two years later. Do you often record in 4k with it? Some fantastic photography in your blog by the way.

In today\’s era, when a lot of people are veloggers, we have to understand that velogging could b so easy when you have the right equipment and if you don\’t have the right equipments , you will not survive in this fast age. So there are some modern techs which are helpful in making videos.

Thanks for sharing with us! Sony 24-70mm lens is one of my favorite lenses. Have tried a lot of camera equipment because I love to click the photos so I buy a different kind of equipment sometimes I buy used equipment too. Loved to read your article and got nice information.

Was searching for a good microphone for the longest time now, The Rode looks nice, might give a try! Good article overall, hope you keep up the good work.

Great article about the gadgets . It would helped me out.

Awesome photography tips for travel vloggers. All you need is a passion for photography. Similarly Voila Studio is also specialized in photography like product photography, model shoot, just the difference is we are passionate for delivering our photography services to others.

When the subject is a person in street photography, I always try to share the picture I just took by showing the camera screen; that often opens the door to a second series of shots, which I always find much better because the subject is more reaxed !

We bought the Sony A7SII a few weeks ago thanks to your recommendation and are loving it so far

Great overview about equipment. I will try this.

Thanks for reading. What camera are you using right now?

If you had to travel with only your sony rx100 or the go pro, which would it be?

And I thought I carried a lot of equipment. Great overview and advice on your gear.

It actually crazy how all of this fits into two backpacks. We carry one backpack each and a carry on suitcase and never have to check anything 🙂

I would like to learn to do this but have no knowledge of camera use. I don\’t even own a cell phone. I am also very computer illiterate. Is this a course I can take and understand with my limited knowledge? When i saw all the equipment you use it scared me from taking the course.

thanks, ruth

Absolutely Ruth! The way we structured the course is for beginners as well as intermediate. Not only will you learn about how the camera works and tips and tricks to taking great shots, but also how to edit and promote your videos, work with brands and tourism boards, etc. Basically everything we’ve learned throughout the years to allow us to do this full time.

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9 Essential Travel Vlogging Equipment for Beginners

Embarking on your journey as a newly turned digital nomad, you have traversed cities and countries, collecting riveting stories. But before you dive headfirst, there are countless checkboxes you need to tick. 

Foremost among these is the selection of travel vlogging equipment – from tripod stands and a quality camera to microphones and more. To help you get a comprehensive view, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about travel vlogging equipment for beginners. 

Let's dive in.

Keep these things in mind when  travel vlogging  

Keep your videos crisp 

Keep your videos brief, aiming for under 3 minutes to retain viewer interest. During travels, capture short clips (3-10 seconds) for easy editing into a concise, engaging compilation. Remember, a crisp and short video has the potential to make a lasting impact. Begin with less and make it memorable.

Show the planet from your lens

What sets a travel vlog apart from regular travel videos is its ability to weave a first-person narrative, immersing viewers in the adventure they seek. A successful vlog captures your personality and perspective, providing a personal touch that standard travel videos may lack. 

Unlike traditional travel videos, travel vlogs prioritize showcasing your temperament. Elevate the viewer's experience by incorporating numerous first-person point-of-view shots into your adventure.

Involve other people 

Encounters with people—whether locals or fellow travelers—are abundant during your travels. Some may approach you, while you may initiate contact with others for directions or a simple greeting. The richness of these interactions often goes beyond what travel guides or Google can offer about a place. 

Be a storyteller

The essence of meaningful videos lies in storytelling. Storytelling is the art of conveying meaning without explicit definition. Imagine wandering in a jungle, transporting viewers with the crisp sound of fallen leaves, the scent of moist soil from raindrops, and the sensation of cold wind drifting through the woods. Allow them to experience the forest as you do. 

Use the right travel vlogging equipment

Use the right travel vlog equipment. While you can shoot with your phone and AirPods, it's better not to compromise on quality. Depending on your vlogging goals, consider researching and investing in decent gear for a better overall experience. Quality equipment makes a difference in the professionalism and impact of your videos.

9 Best Travel Vlogging Equipment to Carry

Travel vlogging goes deeper than merely capturing some snippets on your smartphone. An accurate, seamless travel vlogging story means a high-quality video with clear voices and sounds. And that’s where travel vlogging equipment or gear comes into play. Here are nine must-travel vlog equipment you must carry with you. 

It's a no-brainer! Crafting immersive content demands a top-notch camera that captures every detail. Whether it's a compact, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, the key lies in its features. Ensure your camera boasts high video quality (preferably 4K resolution), a microphone jack, a built-in stabilizer, a rotating LCD screen, portability, and manual mode for maximum creative control.

If you are traveling in a car or a bike and want to shoot the best views along the road, how do you do that? Use a robust adhesive mount for cars or suction car stands to fix your action camera when driving. These camera stands are engineered to help you get the best angles when shooting and are the best fit to capture for Instagram Reels. 

For a low profile, flexible positioning of your camera or smartphone and to capture dynamic shots, use a suction cup mount . For spontaneous pictures and videos and to capture a panoramic view, use an adhesive phone mount ; it is one of the best vlog equipment. 

A tripod is the most important travel vlog equipment. Unlocking full potential requires a robust support system, not just in life but also in vlogging. Shaky footage is a viewer's pet peeve, making a reliable tripod a must-have investment. The bonus? It frees up your hands, allowing for more expressive and engaging content. With numerous options available, choose a tripod based on your camera's weight for optimal stability.

While there are innumerable tripod stands, the best ones can hold your device securely while helping you get the best angle. Moreover, it should be compatible with smartphones and compact cameras. 

Our Tripod Phone Mount is a two-in-one magic instrument you can hold as a selfie stick for a better shot amid crowds. Or, like a traditional stand, fix it firmly in the ground, poles, or fences by bending the mount’s legs and creating live videos. Check out our tripod mount to learn more. 

Another good option is to use an 11-inch tripod mount. The metal plates will ensure your smartphone stays firm while you move it like a selfie stick through a concert crowd or place it at the roots of a tree. Check out what makes our handy tripod a must-have vlogging equipment. 

3.  Gimbal 

Enhance your support system by adding a gimbal, especially if you seek tripod-level quality with the freedom to pivot while capturing moving subjects. A gimbal ensures camera stability, producing smooth, high-quality footage without bumps and shakes.

4. Microphone

Regardless of how fantastic your video is, viewers will quickly lose interest if they can't hear you. A quality microphone is, therefore, crucial travel vlog equipment. Ensure your mic can suppress background noise and make your voice crisp and clear. Remember that built-in microphones cannot suffice as vlog equipment. You need a mic for outdoor shoots. 

5. Remote shutters

A Remote Shutter is a nifty tool often overlooked but a valuable addition to your gear. It enables you to remotely start, pause, or stop recording your camera, allowing you to stay in position for retakes—an invaluable feature. 

These devices simplify vlogging considerably and are budget-friendly. If your camera has WiFi, you can achieve similar functionality with your smartphone. Otherwise, consider the AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control, ensuring compatibility with your camera model.

Things to keep in mind when buying travel vlogging equipment

Here are essential factors when selecting the best vlogging equipment:  

• Portability: Opt for lightweight and compact gear for easy travel.
• Versatility: Choose equipment that serves multiple functions to streamline your kit.
• Durability: Prioritize robust and durable gear to withstand varying conditions.
• Compatibility: Ensure your equipment and editing tools are compatible with each other.
• Power Efficiency: Select gear with long battery life or convenient charging options for uninterrupted filming.
• Weather Resistance: Consider weather-resistant or waterproof options for diverse shooting environments.
• Budget: Establish a realistic budget, focusing on essential items to avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Audio Quality: Invest in a quality microphone for clear and engaging audio in your vlogs.
• Stabilization: Include stabilizing equipment like gimbals or tripods for steady footage.
• Storage Capacity: Ensure ample storage space through large memory cards or external devices.
• Editing Requirements: Choose gear that supports your editing preferences and desired style.
• Adaptability: Opt for versatile gear suitable for various shooting scenarios.
• User-Friendly: Prioritize equipment that is easy to use, especially if you are a beginner.
• Research Reviews: Read reviews and watch demonstrations to gauge the performance and reliability of your chosen gear.
• Warranty and Customer Support: Check for warranties and reliable customer support to address any issues.

What makes Arkon’s the best choice? 

Be it a camera, smartphone, or additional lighting object, we have gear for everything. Arkon is your one-stop solution for all your travel vlogging equipment needs. Get the best vlogging equipment, like our bending tripod stands and adhesive car mounts. Here’s what makes us the best choice for travel vlogging equipment. 

Our mounts and tripod stands boast customization features, ensuring 360-degree adjustability and compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and cameras. Capture exceptional videos with precision, achieving perfect shot angles that guarantee stability and eliminate any unwanted shaky footage. 

Tailored for content creators and streamers, our series of mounts and stands are discreetly designed to stay out of the shot while offering a steadfast hold for consistently smooth footage, enhancing the quality of your content for your audience. Arkon is committed to providing the best tools for elevating your travel vlogging experience.

Specialized Selection : Arkon curates a specialized selection of travel vlogging equipment, catering specifically to the needs of vloggers. 

Tailored Customer Support : Arkon emphasizes personalized customer support, you benefit from a more tailored shopping experience with assistance in choosing the right equipment.

Innovating continuously : We keep innovating and featuring cutting-edge technologies in travel vlogging equipment.

In this blog, we have covered the essential travel vlogging equipment list. Consider this your starter pack, as capturing the perfect shot involves having the right gear and using it at the opportune moment. To delve deeper into the realm of travel vlogging equipment and learn more about optimizing your gear for the perfect capture on foot or in your car and on the road, visit our page today. 

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Home » Video Gear » Gear and Accessories You Need for Travel Video and Photography

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Gear and Accessories You Need for Travel Video and Photography

Wondering what video gear you need to pack for a destination or travel shoot? Here are all the tools you will need while you’re away.

Top image via Shutterstock .

The following is an excerpt from Shutterstock’s  The Explorer’s Guide to Travel Photography and Destination Video .

The free e-book also covers the following topics:

• Travel Tips and Regulations.
• Cameras for Travel Photography and Destination Video.
• Lenses for Travel Photography and Destination Video.
• Gear and Accessories for Travel Photography and Destination Video.
• Shooting on Location.

Go  grab a free copy of the e-book as a  downloadable PDF on the Shutterstock blog .

Gear and Accessories for Travel Photography and Destination Video

Shutterstock image by rdonar .

Shooting abroad poses one of the biggest challenges for photographers and videographers. How much gear is the right amount? From extra baggage fees to misplaced luggage, there are plenty of valid concerns.

Your best resource is your own research of the locations. You may find that some places, like major cities, have plenty of rental houses for you to rent additional gear — like specialty lenses or big gear like tripods. Renting can save you the hassle of packing all your gear.

If you don’t have the luxury of renting, choosing the right gear should be a priority.

Batteries and Power

Shutterstock image by EKKAPHAN CHIMPALEE.

To operate your camera, you’re going to need power. Depending on your location, you may not have access to electricity while shooting.  Be sure you have enough batteries to keep you out in the field long enough to capture what you need.

The camera isn’t the only thing that needs batteries. Don’t forget AA, AAA, 9V, or any other type of battery you may need to operate equipment like lights. It’s also recommended to carry a battery pack so you can recharge your phone while on location.

In addition to batteries, it’s  always good to have some surge protectors and an extension cord   to add a few outlets to your hotel room. Don’t forget power adapters for the various types of outlets around the world. Make sure you have one that works in the country or countries you are headed to. If you will spend significant time in a car, pack a car charger as well.

Memory Cards

Now that you have a camera, lens, and batteries, you’re certainly going to need plenty of memory.

If you plan to shoot a ton of material, your first thought may be to purchase one very large SD or CF card. While that may seem like an easy solution, it’s actually  best to have multiple smaller cards . That way if something happens on location — like dropping your camera into the water — then you will still have all the photos and footage you shot on the other memory cards.

Make sure you purchase the appropriate card speed for your camera, as that will help you capture the best quality images as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to pack any cables you may need to dump and back up your photos and video.

Tripods, Monopods, and Stabilization

Shutterstock image by eldar nurkovic.

Stable images and footage are crucial for a successful travel shoot. You will want to find gear that is as light as possible. Carrying heavy sticks over a long period of time will really wear you down and hurt your back. Compact gear should be a priority.

Monopods are the easiest form of stabilization to travel with.  They are incredibly compact, and even some of the more rugged ones are still rather lightweight. A carbon fiber monopod may cost more upfront, but it is well worth the price.

Tripods are the standard form of stabilization for photographers and videographers. There are a ton of different options, and there is a whole market for traveling shooters. You can find compact tripods that collapse to an incredibly small size. There are a variety of heads, from traditional mounts to pistol grip pivot heads.  Tripods with pivoting heads tend to be the best for travel  since they can offer level images no matter how rugged the terrain. There are also travel tripods that have additional features like built in flashlights.

Shutterstock image by djgis.

When it comes to choosing the right tripod, your main concerns should be the weight, size when collapsed, tallest height when extended, and weight tolerance.

Videographers may want more options when it comes to stabilization. There are  travel shoulder-rigs  built for a variety of cameras, as well as  traditional stabilizers like a Steadicam . When traveling, weight should be a primary concern, as well as the size of the rig when collapsed. The smaller the better, but remember that a variety of small parts greater potential for losing pieces in the shuffle. You may also need a set of tools to put the rig together, depending on the type of stabilizer you choose.

Lights, Flashes, and Reflectors

Photographers will be quick to find that  traveling with a video light is usually much more practical than carrying a camera flash.  That’s not to say camera flashes can’t be the go-to for lighting your travel photos, but the video light also doubles as a flashlight and you can use it in combination with reflectors to help capture stunning images.

Video lights are compact, and you can easily find them at a very low cost. This is great for travel, so if something does happen to your light, it’s easy to replace. Many video lights can use rechargeable batteries, or even AA batteries.

High-end video lights and light wands offer changeable color temperature.  This is great for all sorts of shoots. You can use these lights on subjects or adjust the colors and use them as backdrop lights.

A collapsible reflector is really the best lighting tool   for traveling photographers and videographers. Most travel shoots will use a ton of natural lighting, and a reflector helps you harness sunlight. Collapsible reflectors can fit into small pouches, and many come with a variety of color options. The closer the reflector is to your subject, the more powerful the light.

Additionally, a  traditional flashlight or headlamp  can always help light up a subject. Many flashlights have a very harsh light, so make sure you test the look of the flashlight ahead of time. These tools are also helpful when digging through your gear bag in the dark.

Shutterstock image by tigristiara.

No matter if you are shooting stills or footage, you will want to make sure you have some neutral-density filters . Shooting outdoors in the middle of the day can be a nightmare for anyone, but an ND filter can help you capture excellent images in bright conditions.

With an ND filter and the correct combination of aperture and exposure settings, your camera can grab stills and video that would otherwise be overexposed.

Graduating ND filters, or split ND filters, can balance the light, especially at sunrise and sunset. They can darken a bright sky, while leaving the landscape naturally lit.

Variable ND filters offer multiple stops of light control , all in one filter. You can easily adjust the ND filter to whatever you need for the shot. If you invest in a nice variable ND filter, you may want to add a step-up ring. That will allow you to use the filter on all of your lenses, no matter the lens diameter size.

Microphones and Audio Recorders

Videographers will need to remember microphones or audio recorders to capture audio on location. From the ambient sounds of an oasis to capturing interviews, quality audio is crucial to every video.

For travelers, the best option is  a handheld audio recorder and a lavalier mic . Both are small and easy to transport. You can use the hand recorder to capture ambient sounds and then plug the lavalier mic directly in for interviews. It’s the simplest and most travel-friendly setup.

Depending on the type of lavalier mic you own, don’t forget audio cables and adapters if necessary. Wireless lavs can be a hassle on remote locations, so consider going hardwired into the recorder.

Cleaning Kit and Tools

Shutterstock image by inewsfoto.

From microfiber wipes to a dust blower, investing in a portable cleaning kit can save your shoot. Dust, dirt, and all the natural elements will wreak havoc on your gear. Make sure you can easily clean your lenses while on the go.

Be sure to pack the necessary tools to take your gear apart if you have to do heavy cleaning or assemble any camera rigs. Invest in a quality multitool. A steel multitool with built-in screwdrivers, pliers, and knives is often the best.

Don’t forget any Allen wrenches or specialty tools you may need for specific gear. Zip ties are also great to have. Keep all your tools in an easy-to-grab pouch, so you know where everything is. Don’t forget that  tools may need to go in your checked luggage.

Laptops and External Hard Drives

Shutterstock image by RossHelen.

Working on location is usually much more than just shooting. To dump and check your photos and footage,  don’t forget to bring your laptop . It’s also recommended to store your files on external hard drives as additional backups.

Create a solid folder structure for your project so files are easy to find when it comes time to edit. You can break your travel photos and video into individual folders based on the day you shoot or on specific locations.

Backing up your folders on an external hard drive is highly recommended.  Opt for a Solid State Drive  (SSD) to store your images and footage. They have faster read/write speeds and are more durable.

Upon your return, don’t forget that Shutterstock would love to see contributor submissions .

Backpacks, Cases, and Carry-Ons

Now that you have a rough idea of all the camera gear you need to travel with, it’s time to find the right bags for your shoot. The perfect bag is the one that is perfect for you.

Rolling bags will only be your friend in the airport.   Oversize rolling bags and hard-shell cases will keep you gear safe in transport, but when it comes to working on location, portable camera bags are far more practical. Heavy cases will get your gear to another country, but they’re not always necessary when getting to a specific location.

Sling bags and messenger-style camera bags  are great for those with a small amount of lightweight gear. If you will be wearing them for a long period of time, they can start to wear out your shoulders. For the best experience, consider an ergonomic backpack-style camera bag.

Shutterstock image by Maria Savenko.

Camera backpacks are perfect for travelers , and they come in a variety of sizes. There are small bags for those with just a camera and a couple lenses, and there are heavy-duty backpacks that can carry several camera bodies, lenses, and gear. You can even clip on additional gear outside of large bags, like your tripod. These backpacks help keep you moving, so look for a bag that distributes weight evenly with nice, sturdy straps. Most backpacks will also meet the carry-on requirements for your flights.

For safety and security, inconspicuous bags are better, as  thieves can easily spot tourists with expensive camera gear . Low-profile bags are the best for getting around unnoticed.  Also consider removing any camera straps with brand names and placing gaff tape over the brand name on the camera body.  There’s No need to draw extra attention to yourself.

For more tips and tricks on destination video, check out the  The Explorer’s Guide to Travel Photography and Destination Video   on Shutterstock.

I’d also recommend these articles   on traveling with photo and video gear:

• A Travel Guide to Taking a Drone on a Plane
• The Traveling Videographer’s Guide to the Monopod
• 5 International Travel Tips for Filmmakers and Videographers
• The Video Gear I Can’t Travel Without
• Tunes for Travelers: Royalty Free Music for Travel Videos and Vlogs

The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

You save $12 (40%)

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

You save $2 (17%)

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

(limited colors)

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and appears to be in stock. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, , we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

With delayed shipping

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a great bag for tech-carrying travelers to slide under an airplane seat. We also have options for other travelers. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Ivy Liscomb

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The Best Travel Pillow

by Sabrina Imbler

After testing eight travel pillows on four red-eye flights in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the Travelrest Ultimate is the best for most travelers.

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

by Kit Dillon and Wirecutter Staff

After hundreds of hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, we’ve singled out the gear that’s absolutely essential for your next journey on the open road.

The best travel camera in 2024: compact and portable cameras to take anywhere

The best travel cameras are small, lightweight, easy to use and offer a range of features – here are the ones to look at

• The Quick List ↩
• Best overall
• Most versatile
• Best full frame
• Best action
• Best hybrid
• Best for size
• Best waterproof
• Best luxury
• Best for kids

Honorable mentions

Comparisons.

• How to choose
• How we test

The best travel cameras have to do one crucial thing – be better than your phone. Even though the best camera phones can produce great images, you just don't get the same quality as you would if shooting with one of the best point-and-shoots or best mirrorless cameras . Smartphones are restricted by smaller sensors offering lower still and video quality, reduced low light performance, and minimal control over depth of field (for those blurry backgrounds).

To be a top traveling companion, the best travel cameras need to combine compactness with image quality, advanced features with simple operation, and ideally – the ability to share your holiday photos and vacation videos quickly.

In this guide, I'll look at mirrorless cameras that offer the best image quality and more versatility than compact systems, but at the cost of increased size and weight. Compact cameras, perfect for keeping on you at all times, won't weigh you down, and are simple to use – although fixed lenses limit their versatility. And finally, action cameras that are robust cameras made for wild adventures!

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. He never misses an opportunity to travel, or an excuse to take photos while traveling, so is best placed to judge what are the best travel cameras for all sorts of different vacations and adventures.

The Quick List

Below are my top picks for the best travel camera to buy right now. If you want more information on each camera – you can find more comprehensive entries for each model further down the page .

Travel cameras should be small, light, and feature-packed. The Fujifilm X100VI ticks all of those boxes, with a diminutive size, but 40MP images and 6.2K video. And does all this while looking great, with some stunning retro charm. Although the fixed lens will be limiting to some.

Read more below ↓

Don't let its compact size fool you, the Sony a6700 is a pocket powerhouse. Best of all, you can use any of the huge selection of E-mount lenses to make this a versatile pick for everything from city breaks to safaris, although big lenses do throw the off the balance of the small body.

Despite aging a little, the Sony A7 III still offers some features that are competitive with new models like IBIS, auto-tracking, and 4K video. Best of all, the camera is incredibly well-priced, making it the best option for traveling with a pro camera without worrying too much about damaging expensive kit.

View the full list ⇩

The name GoPro is basically now synonymous with action cameras, and the latest GoPro Hero12 Black takes all the powerful features from the previous models and ups the image and video quality even further. However, the sensor still struggles a little in low light.

The Fujifilm X-S20 is a camera made for hybrid shooters, with great quality stills, but is set apart by its deceptively powerful video skills. This makes the X-S20 the perfect travel camera for any creator who is a versatile and lightweight camera that won't break the bank.

When picking the best travel camera, portability is essential. If you want to fit a whole photographic kit – that's a camera and several lenses into a bag, then the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best transportable camera systems you can get.

If you're planning on a coastal adventure then you need a camera that is fully waterproof and rugged enough to take on the most challenging adventures. This camera offers better stills than your average action cam, so if photos are your main priority – the Tough TG-7 is my top pick.

If you like to travel in style then you can't get much classier than a Leica camera. The Leica Q3 might be a lot pricier than anything else on this list, but the cool factor is unrivaled. Also, it takes pretty incredible photos and videos with a huge 60MP full-frame sensor in a compact body.

If you are looking for a camera to give to a budding young travel photographer then the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 offers a simple-to-use camera, but with enough features to get creative. And at close to $100, it won't break the bank if an accident should happen to the camera.

The best travel camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best travel camera overall

1. Fujifilm X100VI

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You want a pocketable camera: the Fujifilm X100VI is a very compact camera, the whole package of camera and lens are so small that you can easily slip this into a jacket or rucksack pocket. ✅ You want a camera that looks good: The X100VI is easily one of the best-looking cameras you can buy. The stunning retro looks of old-school film cameras are matched with superb build quality.

❌ You want a range of lenses: the lens is fixed on the X100VI, so you are stuck with the 23mm focal length, although its digital cropping modes give the illusion (but not performance) of more focal lengths ❌ You want a cheap travel camera: the X100VI has a premium price tag, and there are options that produce a similar image quality, if you don't mind a different style of camera that is.

If you are looking for a camera for traveling, then one of the major things to look out for is something small and lightweight that can easily slip into a bag or a jacket pocket and won't be a drag to carry around for long periods – enter the Fujifilm X100VI .

The X100VI is a fixed-lens camera, which means that it has a single lens that can't be changed. The lens is 23mm, or equivalent to a 35mm length lens on on a full-frame camera, a perfect length for travel photography as it is wide enough to get in landscapes and street scenes, but narrow enough for portraits and family shots. While there are converters available for the X100V to change the length of the lens, I find these have an adverse effect on image quality, but the X100VI does have a trick to crop images when taking them to give the illusion of additional focal lengths, although at a reduced pixel count.

The X100V 40MP photos however are stunning and packed with detail. There is also human, animal, bird, and vehicle autofocus tracking, so you can snap away with confidence that your shots will be in focus. Finally, image stabilization helps cut out hand jitters in low light or shooting video, for more stable footage.

For those who want to share travel snaps as you go, you get access to Fujifilm 's awesome film simulations and custom recipes, which takes the work out of editing, and with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity and the Fujifilm X App, you can quickly share ready to post photos and video to social from your phone.

The X100XI form factor and tilt-only screen mean this is not the most ideal camera for video on this list, but you can get 6.2K (cropped), 4K, or HD video with slow motion reaching 240 frames per second. If you are more serious about video then check out the Fujifilm X-S20 below .

The X100VI's design will certainly catch a few eyes while traveling. The camera is lovely to hold, made with premium materials, and with a wonderful hybrid optical viewfinder that shows either the optical view or how it looks through the sensor with a flick of a button. However, one major downside for travel – the X100VI lens is not weather-sealed without an adapter, which comes at an additional cost.

Speaking of cost, this premium camera comes at a premium price, with some similar tech available for less in other models. But for the build quality and features, I think it does a lot to justify its higher price, but if you want the best compact camera, there is nothing better than this.

Read more: Fujifilm X100VI review

• Back to the top ⇪

The best travel camera for versatility

2. Sony a6700

✅ You want a compact and lightweight camera: the a6700 comes with Sony's top specs in its most portable body. ✅ You want a great hybrid camera for content creation: not just a great camera for stills, the a6700's 4K video with excellent tracking and stabilization offers a killer hybrid experience.

❌ You have big Sony lenses: while you can use any E-mount lens, the a6700 becomes very front-heavy with big lenses, but Sony has plenty of excellent smaller lens options. ❌ If price is an issue: the a6700 is a top camera but comes with a price to match. There is a lot of cheaper options if you can compromise on specs from Nikon, Canon, Fuji, and Sony cameras in its ZV line.

The Sony a6xxx series has always been a favorite among photographers who value portability and versatility, with Sony continuously managing to squeeze more impressive features into the range while maintaining its incredibly compact form factor. The latest addition, the a6700, is a step forward from its predecessor, the a6600, boasting upgraded autofocus and in-body image stabilization.

The camera retains the compact APS-C design, although the button layout has been improved, as well as the menu system making for a more enjoyable to use camera, although with a body as compact as this, the layout is still a little cramped. This is especially true when handling larger full-frame lenses with the a6700, which remains somewhat awkward, but if you opt for Sony's smaller enthusiast lenses, you'll find a better balance, but distinguishing between the two formats can be confusing.

Although this lens conundrum is also one of the camera's biggest strengths. The a6700 can take the huge range of E-mount lenses from Sony, or third parties like Sigma and Tamron – which makes this one of the most versatile cameras you can get. The a6700 paired with a compact lens can be small enough to slip into a pocket for city breaks or can be attached to the end of a big telephoto zoom for safaris.

For keen photographers, the a6700 is capable of some stunning images, and improved tracking, faster shooting speeds, and in-body image stabilization make it easier than ever to ensure you get top photos. For hybrid creators, the a6700 also has impressive 4K60p video capabilities, oversampled from 6K, although if video is more your thing that stills, the Sony ZV range like the ZV-E10 II , might be a better choice.

Although pricier than its predecessor and some competitors, the a6700 offers a lot of impressive features, although there are a lot of challengers from Nikon , Canon , Fuji, and Panasonic nipping at its heels if you can compromise on the a6700's compact design.

Read more: Sony a6700 review • Best lenses for Sony a6700

Best full frame on a budget

3. Sony A7 III

✅ You want full frame quality: full frame cameras can produce more focus separation and are better in low light, the A7 III is the most affordable step into full frame. ✅ You want a camera to use outside of traveling: the A7 III is a pro-level camera that is not just for travel, you can shoot brilliant photos all year round with a multitude of lenses available for different subjects.

❌ You don't want the expense of lenses: the cost of lenses can add up, especially ones for full-frame cameras, if you want to keep costs low, choose a fixed lens camera or an option with smaller cheaper lenses. ❌ You want a small camera: the A7 III isn't huge, but it also isn't small. With a lens attached, it is going to take up quite a bit of room in a bag, and won't be sliding in any pocket.

While the Sony A7 III might be the oldest Sony Alpha camera still being sold as new, even being replaced by a newer Sony A7 VI, it more than holds its own today. Any photographer looking for an excellent full-frame hybrid camera for traveling should seriously consider this camera as an option.

Why? Well, I don't think there is a better value full-frame camera out there, which when traveling can take some of the jeopardy out of damaging or losing your incredibly expensive kit.

It might be getting on a little, but the camera still has a very competitive 24.2MP back-illuminated image sensor, which delivers great tonal range and makes high ISO settings possible, which anyone who is shooting a lot in low light on their travels will really appreciate. A 5-axis image stabilization system also delivers less shake when shooting at night, or capturing video.

And if you are also looking to get some video footage on your travels then the A7III has very capable 4K video, although has been surpassed by a few other models on this list which would be more suitable if video is a priority.

The A7III has a speedy and accurate 696-point AF system, and while not the latest algorithms, the A7 III also has some solid human face and eye tracking, so you can take reliably focused photos of your friends, family, or any interesting denizens you meet out on your travels.

Whilst the A7III can be thrown a little off-balance with big pro lenses, Sony's lens range is extensive and there are many smaller primes to suit this camera perfectly for those who don't want to carry a lot while traveling. Or superzoom lenses like the Sony FE 24-240mm will empower you to capture everything from near to far.

Read more: Sony A7 III review • Best lenses for Sony A7 III

Best action camera for travel

4. GoPro Hero12 Black

✅ You need a camera that can survive the elements: if you are planning on getting wet, cold, or sandy then the GoPro can survive it all. ✅ You want a tiny camera for attaching to things: you can stick this to a helmet, handlebars, surfboards, you name it, there is a likely a mount for it.

❌ You want the best low-light performance: the GoPro's sensor isn't especially good in low-light ❌ You want to take a lot of photos: the GoPro's wide-angle lens takes interesting perspective photos, but they are quite limited

The Hero 12 Black brings back (almost) everything that was great about the Hero 11 Black and refines it. Offering more shooting options with log recording as well as a much better audio recording experience with new Bluetooth options as well as the ability to record from dual audio sources.

However, one omission that might disappoint some users is the GoPro Hero12 is the first hero in several generations to not include GPS, which could well be make or break depending on your passion for geo-tagging your images. If this does completely turn you off, then check out the Hero11 Black, for mostly the same hardware, plus GPS.

Ditching GPS however does extend the battery life of the Hero12 which is definitely welcome, and will save you from having to switch batteries in environments where it isn't always easy to do so.

Down to brass tax. When it comes to video, the colors and quality of GoPro's footage still put it out front compared to competitors – in good light that is. The Hero12 unfortunately suffers quite a lot in low light, with the smaller pixels in its 1/1.9-inch not up to its chief rival – the DJI Osmo Action 4. But while GoPro hasn't cracked lowlight video, for anyone who wants detail in bright environments, we'd still call the 12 Black the best action camera for video.

GoPros' HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization continues to be incredible at producing gimbal-like footage without the gimbal, and the AutoBoost feature seamlessly gets the steadiest footage at the widest crop. New HDR modes and well as Log recording also work well in bright environments to push details in the highs and shadows further.

Finally, photos are solid, again in good light, although the very wide angle lens of 156º limits how good this is as a photography camera, but in areas you wouldn't dare take a mirrorless or compact camera, it's perfect for getting a few snaps.

Read more: GoPro Hero 12 Black review • Best GoPro accessories

Best hybrid travel camera

5. Fujifilm X-S20

✅ You shoot video and photos: the Fujifilm X-S20 is the best of both worlds, with great-looking photos and awesome video skills too! ✅ You want to balance price and features: the X-S20 offers a lot for its price, and it is one of the best-value cameras around, you will struggle to find matching video specs at this price point.

❌ You don't really care about video: Fuji's X-T5, X-T50, and X100VI might suit photographers more than the X-S20 with higher megapixel counts for stills. ❌ You might need weather resistance: the X-S20 is not weather-sealed, so if you plan to get adventurous, a camera that can handle dust and water might be a better choice.

When I tested the Fujifilm X-S20 I was just so impressed at the amount of features that Fujifilm had managed to squeeze into its petite body – it's not just a great stills camera, it is also one of the best video cameras available, and the cherry on top, it is really well priced! For anyone looking for a hybrid camera to shoot a mix of photos and video, I think this is the best hybrid camera for any traveler right now.

Fujifilm chose not to update the X-Trans IV sensor from the X-S10, but this sensor despite its age still holds up very well today when it comes to stills. The X-S20 is also able to use Fujifilm's excellent film simulations and programmable film recipes to create ready-to-use images straight from the camera, which makes any regular social media posting that much easier. The new X-Processor 5 also brings brand new subject recognition and tracking autofocus, making taking photos on the fly quicker and more reliable.

Despite its compact size, the X-S20 is a deceptively powerful video camera. The new processor combined with the modest resolution sensor means the X-S20 is capable of 6K video using the entire sensor (open-gate). The camera is also capable of numerous codecs and F-Log for getting in-depth with color grading. The subject recognition and tracking also carry through into videos and there are dedicated vlogging video features too.

Some might prefer the classic retro style like the X-T5 or X-T30 II, but with fewer manual dials, the X-S20 is a more user-friendly camera, with a more useful fully articulating screen than any of the X-T range. The camera is small, but handling is great with enough of a comfortable grip for long days, and the camera pairs really well with Fujifilm's small zoom and prime lenses, making traveling light with a kitted-out X-S20 a little easier. While the price is a little higher than the X-S10 that preceded it, I think the price bump is justified as this is one capable camera for traveling.

Read more: Fujifilm X-S20 review & best lenses for Fujfilm X-S20

Best travel camera for size

6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

✅ You want a small system: the whole OM Micro Four Thirds system is tiny, with small cameras and lenses, so you can take a lot more gear to cover more subjects. ✅ You want a good-looking camera: with a cool vintage style based on Olympus's OM film cameras, the E-M10 IV looks as good as the footage it shoots.

❌ You shoot a lot in low light: the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10 IV doesn't handle low light as well as larger sensors, not good for frequent nighttime shooters. ❌ You won't use the retro dials: if you are looking for just fast auto controls then the dials on the top of the E-M10 IV will be largely redundant for your needs.

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around if you are looking for a whole system including lenses that can easily slip into a bag. The best Olympus lenses include positively tiny optics that can go a long way for travel photography, helping you keep your kit and weight size down. So if you are the type of carry-on-only travel photographer but with big photography ambitions then this is for you.

Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, but the camera will look great on your travels too, with a cool retro design that harks back to Olympus's long pedigree in film cameras. The camera has tactile dial-led controls for anyone who wants to get creative with manual photography, although don't let that fool you into thinking the camera is complicated, as there are lots of automatic modes and helpful features built into the camera.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the smaller but still powerful Micro Four Thirds sensor. This has some slight disadvantages in terms of low-light capabilities, so if you like to go out a lot at night when you travel, then a larger sensor might be better for you.

But Micro Four Thirds does have one big advantage, it effectively doubles the focal length of any lens mounted to the camera; so a 50mm will behave like a 100mm, so if you are about to head off on safari, then this could make all the difference to getting up close to wildlife. Its snappy burst shooting, its accurate autofocus, and its impressive 4K video will also all assist you with creating amazing content. It's a terrific all-around camera.

Read more: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review & Best Olympus lenses

Best waterproof compact travel camera

7. OM System Tough TG-7

✅ You want a rugged adventure camera: the TG-7 can certainly withstand some serious adventuring with a rugged water/dust/freeze/drop-proof build. ✅ You want a photography-first adventure camera: the TG-7 puts photography first and foremost, offering a better experience than smaller fiddly action cameras.

❌ You want to strap the camera to things: while action cameras have numerous accessories to strap to your sports equipment, there is far less for the bigger TG-7. ❌ You only care about video: if you are just looking for the best rugged video camera for travel, then action cameras have you covered (see below).

Following the acquisition of Olympus's camera division, the OM System TG-7 is essentially an update to the much-loved Olympus Tough TG-6 under a new brand name. Although that camera has long been the top-regarded travel compact for adventurers who are as invested in photos as video. Action cameras might be smaller and just as hardy, but can't compete with the TG-7 for photography experience.

The TG-7 is ready for any travel adventure and is water-proof, dust-proof, crush-proof, drop-proof, and freeze-proof, so whether you are hiking, climbing, swimming, or otherwise take you to the hottest deserts to the coldest tundras, the camera should come out the other side unscathed.

The TG-7 might have a relatively conservative 12MP resolution, although this helps dramatically when it comes to low-light images, as each pixel is larger allowing it to capture more light. Why is this important? Well if you are shooting in darker underwater environments, in gloomy forests, or at night, then you will get higher-quality images.

The Touch also has RAW images, so you can get even more creative control over the final edit of your images. The camera also has a pretty incredible macro mode as well if you find some small details on your travels that you have to capture.

While it might not be up to the same standard as the best action cameras for video, the Tough can capture decent 4K video, and will get some perfectly serviceable footage for social and YouTube of your wild adventures!

Read more: OM System Tough TG-7 review

Best luxury camera for travel

8. Leica Q3

✅ You like to crop: the 60MP sensor allows for so much space to crop into which is made even easier with the lens's digital crop feature. ✅ You want the coolest camera: the X100VI might be uber popular, but the Q3 is arguably an even cooler camera to be seen with.

❌ You prioritize value: you can get much more feature-packed cameras for considerably less money than the Q3. ❌ You want to change lenses: despite the clever digital crop zoom, the fixed lens is still limiting for distant subjects.

If you are looking for one of the most stylish cameras to take with you on your travel adventures then the Leica Q3 ticks all the boxes. From the iconic German brand, the Leica Q3 is a camera that is designed to inspire camera envy wherever you go with its effortless cool style. Although, as ever with a Leica – it doesn't come cheap.

But you're not just paying for style and a red dot logo, the Leica Q3 is an all-round fantastic travel camera. Its compact size and fixed lens make it easy to carry around while exploring new places, and I had a really good experience shooting with this camera around London.

The 60MP sensor delivers stunning images with the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. being incredibly sharp, and while the fixed nature of the lens might appear limiting, its digital crop feature is incredible. With a huge 60MP to play with the Q3 can crop to the equivalent of 90mm and still produce 8MP images, so its almost like you have a zoom lens. The max aperture of f/1.7 and the full frame lens also mean you can get beautifully rendered out-of-focus backgrounds for some pro-looking images.

Autofocus is quick and accurate, there are new modes for tracking human subjects, which work really well, and animal subjects, which work less well. Animal recognition was a little erratic, but then this isn't really intended as a safari camera so I can let it off a little here. Additionally, good dynamic range and the Q3's unique Leica-rendered color and monochrome modes give fantastic out-of-camera images ready for sharing on the go via the excellent Leica Fotos app.

When it comes to video, while the Q3 has solid video specs, this is far from a hybrid camera. The camera's 8K video capabilities shine, providing a lot of detail, although I would question if 8K recording is really necessary, the Q3 also offers great 4K for smaller and more usable files. Image stabilization is also good, but not up to the standard of other manufacturers.

But for style plus substance, the Leica Q3 is a great option for travel – if you can afford it that is.

Read more: Leica Q3 review

Best travel camera for kids

9. Kodak Pixpro FZ55

✅ You want a camera it's okay to break or lose: if you are the type of person who worries about expensive camera gear while traveling, then this $100 camera might save you some stress. ✅ You want a super simple camera: this is perhaps one of the most straightforward frill-less cameras you can buy.

❌ You want good image quality: images are not great quality, and bested by some phone cameras. ❌ You want to shoot video: max 1080p video is woefully low quality for modern devices.

The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is one of the cheapest cameras you can buy brand new, and while it is a heavily compromised camera (more on that in a second), it serves a purpose as a fantastic option for traveling while not having to worry about expensive gear.

While it would suit any travel photographer who doesn't want to stress about damaging or losing expensive gear, the FZ55 is especially perfect for a child showing a budding interest in photography but is too young to be entrusted with a smartphone or larger gear.

The Kodak is robust and can survive a little rough and tumble. It is incredibly simplistic to use, so won't confuse or overwhelm anyone trying to get to grips with photography for the first time. While the 5x optical zoom lens also gives the freedom to play with framing.

The downside to the camera being so affordable is that the image quality is sub-par, with photos having a distinctive compact camera look to them that is reminiscent of the early years of digital photography. While smartphones with their intensive processing of images can take better photos, that isn't the point of having a simplistic dedicated camera. Plus, grungier imperfect photos are all the rage right now on social media, so get on trend.

Video is also abysmal, with the camera maxing out at Full HD 1080P footage, which is poor quality and way behind the 4K video that is now standard in almost every other camera.

Despite all these flaws I am still recommending it for the reasons I opened with, if you a looking for a camera where simplicity and affordability come first, the Kodak Pixpro FZ55 is definitely worth considering.

Read more: Kodak Pixpro FZ55 review

• Ricoh GR III / GR IIIx : this pair of street photography cameras have exploded in popularity recently due to their combination of large APS-C sensors and tiny compact bodies producing some excellent photos. A cramped design and outdated AF and video specs however have bumped them off my list.
• Sony A7C II : as the full-frame counterpart to the Sony a6700, the A7C II is every bit as impressive, but somehow squeezes an even larger sensor into the same size body. However, I prefer the a6700 for this list due to its lower cost, and its APS-C sensor is plenty good enough.
• Nikon Z fc : a stylish entry from Nikon for those who love retro cameras, although there are just a few too many retro cameras around this price point with the Nikon not quite getting its noise ahead on price or features – but for those invested in Nikon Z lenses, this might be a winner.
• Insta360 X4 : if you want to record your adventures in 360º then the best camera right now is the Insta360 X4, not the cheapest camera for casual users, but the footage is well worth the money if you are keen to invest.

How to choose the best travel camera

These are five key things to look out for when choosing the right travel camera for your needs.

1) Image quality: Ask yourself how you will use any photos or videos you capture. If you only plan to share content online on social media then any of the above cameras will be suitable. If you plan to print your pictures, though, then mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and higher megapixel counts will produce better-quality results.

2) Focal range: What kind of range do you need for your traveling activities? Compact cameras can have impressive zoom ranges, but to achieve their tiny size they often lack quality compared to mirrorless cameras. For mirrorless cameras, what lenses are available? So-called standard zooms are a great option for all types of travel, but they can also be large and heavy. A wide-angle lens might be best for capturing cities and landscapes, or if you are going to see wildlife or a sporting event then a compact telephoto lens might be best.

3) Size and weight: If you're going on vacation then the last thing you want to take is a heavy kit – especially given things like baggage restrictions when traveling. With that in mind, both your camera and lens(es) need to be small and light. If you want something that can fit in your pocket, get a compact camera – but if you don't mind taking a bag, a mirrorless system with one or two lenses could be more versatile.

4) Simplicity: Don't want to get bogged down with camera settings? Most modern cameras have a range of auto modes – especially compact cameras, which take away the stress. Advanced modes and complicated controls don't usually mix with spur-of-the-moment snaps, so decide what is important to you and pick your camera based on that.

5) Price: The cameras in our list have a range of prices, and we try to include cameras that suit every budget. The price of a camera usually reflects its capabilities, although all the options listed here will take great images and video – so try to strike the right balance between what you need in a camera and what you can afford.

Is it better to use phone or camera for travel?

This really depends on what you are taking photos of and where those photos are going. Your phone can handle a few quick snaps for social media, but if you want the best quality for printing then a camera with a much larger sensor has the edge.

You also need to ask yourself if your travel plans make using a camera possible. Phones are so small and quick to use that they go where cameras are too bulky and slow to shoot. A great compromise is a compact camera which is the best of both worlds.

Is a DSLR or mirrorless camera better for travel photography?

As a travel camera, mirrorless cameras are usually the better choice for most people. They are much smaller and lighter than DSLRs, and also usually have a selection of smaller and lighter lenses to match. This makes traveling easier as it takes up less space and weight in increasingly restricted carry-on bags.

Mirrorless cameras also are generally newer than DSLRs and most likely have more modern technology, making photography and video easier to capture and of better quality.

What size camera lens is best for travel?

Again, this comes down to what your travel plans entail and what you plan to shoot.

A good place to start is with the kit lens that comes bundled with many cameras as this will cover the most commonly used focal ranges. Kit lenses are generally very small and light, although the cheapest kit lenses do not typically deliver the best image quality, so you might want to think about upgrading as you develop.

I personally travel with a single wide aperture prime lens, with my preferred length being 35mm. A prime lens such as this is a versatile focal length for different subjects, is generally a small lens and wide apertures are great in low light.

Then there are superzoom lenses that cover the widest range possible in one lens, while also trying to ensure that lens remains a travelable size. I'd recommend checking out the best lenses for travel photography to see what's right for you.

How we test travel cameras

When we are reviewing cameras, we carefully think about what scenarios each camera could be used for. So when considering which cameras would make ideal travel cameras, we judge each camera on how small and lightweight it is for easy packing and transport, as well as carrying for long periods of the day while out exploring.

We also consider the technical capabilities of each camera, and how suitable they are specifically for travel photography scenarios from beach vacations, to safaris, to city breaks. Finally, we consider the price of the cameras to select options that cover a range of budgets and requirements.

We use our real-world experience with each camera and our in-depth camera knowledge to determine a final selection of top cameras that we would recommend as the ideal camera traveling companions.

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Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

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The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

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Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

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Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

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Here's A List Of The Best Canon Photo/Video Gear To Travel With

This morning I found myself aimlessly surfing through Vimeo and I ran across a great video by Photographer/Videographer  Alex Cornell . In this 14 minute video Alex takes us through all of the gear that he brought to Iceland to capture both still images and 4k video. 

You may have seen that we've published a few posts about the gear that we brought to Iceland last year when we were filming Photographing The World with Elia Locardi . Our gear was completely different than Alex's because 1. We were shooting on Nikon, 2. We weren't shooting 4k, and 3. We were filming audio, aerial, and motion time-lapse. Alex's gear list is much smaller than ours but at the same time significantly more expensive. If you shoot Canon and you plan to travel, this video will help you narrow down your gear to the bare necessities. If you happen to be traveling to Iceland you will want to check out Alex Cornell's Iceland Travel Guide which is one of the most complete guides I've ever run across. 

At this point 4k video is still pretty expensive (especially if you are shooting Canon) but the price is dropping every day. Canon's new C300 Mark ii should be out soon but $16,000 is a pretty outrageous price to pay for 4k . Nikon needs to jump on the 4k/pro level video bandwagon before I'm forced to jump ship. 

Here is a list of everything Alex goes over in the video

Pelican 1510 Case : - Canon C100 Dual AF - Canon 1DC - Canon 16-35 f2.8 - Canon 24-70 f4 - Canon 70-200 2.8   

InCase DSLR Pro: - Macbook Pro 13" - Monster Overdrive 1TB SSD - Gopro Hero4 - Lexar Dual CF/SD Reader USB 3.0 - ND and Polarizing Filters by B&W - Gitzo GT1542T with Manfrotto RC2 - Black Rapid Curve with FR-T1 - Ikan D5 (duplicative if you are mostly shooting with C100)

Lee Morris is a professional photographer based in Charleston SC, and is the co-owner of Fstoppers.com

"Canon's new C100 Mark ii should be out soon and professional level 4k footage at around $5000 is pretty exciting." I believe the C100 Mark II will still only shoot in 1080p. The C300 Mark II, however, will shoot in 4k... but that's a much more expensive piece of gear.

Ya sorry I just got the 2 lines mixed up. The C300 mark ii is 4k but its 16k!

Curious as to why this list is aimed at just Canon? Pretty much everything on here can be used with all of the other major photo/video camera options out there. Most of the items listed are not "Canon" products.

That's obviously the system he uses so that's what he talks about but I'm sure no feelings will be hurt if you put "Nikon" in front of those items instead of "Canon". He does talk about the 1Dc a bit, but other than that yes, it's all generally useful info across the board.

Yeah, just threw me off as the title for this article, with the title of the video itself being "Travel Gear: The Perfect Rig for Photo and Video in Iceland".

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that the point Lee is making? Replace canon with Nikon and you don't find yourself with a 4K equivalent at all

Did Nikon ever come out with a 4K DSLR camera like the 1Dc? I'm not too familiar with the latest offerings by Nikon. I would assume that's while the title of this thread mentions Canon. Although other brands like Sony and Panasonic offer amazing 4K cameras, I think the 1Dc is still the best dual purpose camera even though it's overpriced.

Nope. Nikons only 4k camera is a point and shoot.

Let me run this shopping list by the wife...

My wife will probably say "No!" You got your 5D Mk III! Actually, it was her who showed me this great deal on the 5D; I thought I could only afford the 7D.

I got mine to agree to a photo studio and some new equipment as part of our home remodel. $20k later, I have to ask for permission. :(

Hey Lee, thanks for the post. Big fan of the site!

Thanks for the great video Alex

Missing Essentials : extra batteries, and also audio equipment (mic, recorder)

It seems like if the price points were uniform amongst the different brands most people would choose the canon cinema product. If canon was able to drop to price points that were more competitive they would probably dominate. That being said, i shot canon for a long time and switched to nikon, mostly for stills anymore.

Great information. Plus, I got to see the Black Sheep of The Stig Family (BBC Top Gear).

Great video. Now I am considering that bag. The monster overdrive ssd price is a bit insane though.

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The 15 Best Travel Accessories for Your Next Trip, Tested and Reviewed

We test thousands of products every year and these are our top travel accessory picks to make any journey as smooth as possible.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

It doesn’t matter if you’re a minimalist or a maximalist when it comes to travel, there is certain gear that is non-negotiable when packing. Think items you’ll always be grateful to have thrown into your suitcase or carry-on whether it’s your first or fifteenth trip abroad.

The right travel accessories should help to streamline your trip without weighing you down or malfunctioning while on the go — but getting the right gear on the first go can be tough. That’s why we personally tested thousands of different items in our lab and in the real world, all for at least six months. We continuously checked and rated for attributes like comfort, portability, and durability to best ensure our picks will actually go the distance.

The following items rose to the top for their overall quality and longevity so, here, find the best travel accessories, all reviewed by us.

Best Travel Pillow

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

The modular design is very versatile.

It’s not as firm as a memory foam option.

The best travel pillow should support your head and neck comfortably without causing you to overheat or feel restricted — and that’s exactly why we love the Infinity Pillow Travel Pillow. During the testing process, we found that the scarf-like design makes it easy to adjust to your personal preference when traveling; you can wrap it around your neck once for a looser fit or wrap it twice for a bit more support while napping. We also love that this pillow is machine washable which makes it easy to ensure it stays clean and sanitary between trips. The only thing we didn’t love was that this option isn’t as firm or supportive as a memory foam neck pillow would be so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you prefer more support.

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

There is impressive compression to fit even more clothing inside than a standard cube.

The set is very large and might be too expansive for shorter trips or light packers.

The best packing cube set that we tested , the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes, earned top points across the board thanks to the impressive compression and seemingly endless room in each cube. The clothing cubes are ultra lightweight and the material has held up extremely well even through heavy-duty use. We also love that the zipper doesn’t show any signs of stress when the packing cubes are stuffed to their limit.

The only slight downfall is that the cubes are on the larger side and might be too big to really make a difference if you tend to use a carry-on or pack really light. If you’re looking for something that’ll help organize a small amount of clothes, you might want to choose packing cubes that are on the smaller side, or only bring one from this three- or four-pack.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Toiletry Bottles

Liquisnugs premium silicone travel bottles.

These TSA-approved bottles are incredibly easy to fill.

The set includes two 89-milliliter and two 60-milliliter bottles so, if you want four bigger bottles, you’ll need to buy two sets.

The quality and utility of toiletry bottles can vary greatly. While we’ve tried dozens while traveling in the past, none of them held a candle to the LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles. These have a wide opening which makes it easy to squeeze your favorite shampoos and conditioners into portable, TSA-approved amounts. The silicone material is also much more flexible and durable than hard plastic bottles while the malleable material ensures you won’t have to deal with any leakage once you land.

Keep in mind that the price point for this set is higher than the average set of travel bottles (considering it only includes four bottles with no case), but it’s worth the splurge if you want something that’s easy to refill and durable enough not to spill when packed in your own case.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are an abundance of pockets which makes it easy to stay organized on the go.

It’s expensive if you travel infrequently.

We’re already major fans of Away luggage — and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this case. We particularly like that The Large Toiletry Bag by Away is waterproof and has loads of different pockets inside including one for brushes and a clear pocket for makeup products, along with others for additional toiletry needs. The bag also has a convenient top handle which makes it easy to grab while on the go plus it’s worth noting the nylon material is super lightweight and can handle a lot of products without getting too heavy.

We think this bag is worth the splurge if you want something that’ll last for the long run while also providing an easy way to keep all your toiletries properly organized while in transit, and possibly even at home, too.

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Travel Jewelry Case

Cuyana travel jewelry case.

The oval container offers a surprisingly spacious interior.

We wish there were a few more organizational features.

Investing in a great travel jewelry case is one of the best things you can do if you’re hoping to up your organization game. Not only does a good case keep all your jewelry in one designated spot at your destination, but it also ensures your jewelry is safe and secure while in transit. The Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case earns the top spot in our books as the best travel jewelry case for its deceptively spacious interior and elegant genuine leather exterior. It also has a soft suede interior that will further protect your jewelry from getting scratches or scuffs while on the go. The only drawback is that this option doesn’t have latches for necklaces or bracelets which means any chains you plan to bring along might get tangled in the side pouches.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

This breathable option won’t irritate the skin even with long-term use.

The belt is large enough to see when it’s under your clothes.

Shopping for a money belt can be daunting — you want something that’s secure and able to store your goods properly but it’s just as important to find something you can wear for hours on end. We found the Raytix Money Belt comfortable and smooth on the skin, while also noting that it can expand to accommodate many different sizes. The material also feels extremely sturdy and durable so you won’t have to worry about the bag wearing out, even after multiple trips.

Although we like that this money belt is large enough to accommodate bigger items (like a passport) without having to struggle to squeeze these in, the size is a little bit bulky and is actually visible with certain clothing types. This might not be ideal if you’re looking for something extremely discreet under a light layer, or a belt to pair with a travel dress .

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask stainless steel water bottle.

This unique water bottle comes with two different lids to suit a variety of beverages.

The exterior might get a bit dinged up with heavy use.

When it comes to water bottles , the Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is one of the best. It’s not flashy or overly expensive like other popular reusable water bottles on the market right now but it’s extremely durable and versatile. We really liked that this option comes with two different lids, one with a built-in straw and one that resembles a more traditional water bottle mouth. We also liked that this option was thin enough to fit in a standard cup holder and also very easy to grip.

During the testing process, we noticed that the stainless steel bottle did get a few aesthetic dings with heavy usage. That being said, the bottle didn’t leak at all nor did it become damaged beyond use throughout the entire process. This makes it well worth the price in our books.

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

These headphones are intuitive to use and very comfortable to wear.

They don’t fit super tightly on the head.

If you’re willing to spend a bit of money on noise-cancelling headphones , this pair from Bose is going to be a great option. We find the price point totally justifiable as we could hear every instrument as clearly as if we were hearing the music live. We also really liked that the headphones offer different levels of noise cancellation depending on your preference and setting. (Plus, you can easily tap directly on the headphones to change the level or you can do it in the smartphone app.) We found a very dramatic difference from level 0 to level 10 which is great for transitioning from, say, walking in the city to settling into a sold-out red-eye flight. It’s worth noting that at the highest level of cancellation, the tester couldn’t hear a single thing so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

These headphones also earned the top spot in our books due to the fact that they’re extremely comfortable and didn’t cause irritation even when wearing them for hours on end but that also means they don't fit as tightly as some others we tried.

Best Wireless Earbuds

Bose quietcomfort earbuds ii.

These earbuds are super fast-charging and easy to connect to all devices.

The size is a bit more bulky than comparable wireless earbuds.

During the testing process, it was clear that the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II were the best option out of all the competing products. The earbuds were extremely quick to charge and had a 16-hour battery life which is more than enough to get you through most flights or the day-to-day. We also found the wireless Bluetooth functionality was very efficient and easy to pair with everything from a smartphone to a Roku TV, plus the noise-canceling capabilities were sufficient for drowning out the subway sounds or city streets while on the go.

The main drawback we noticed with this set is the bulkier size; these earbuds are quite a bit larger than the average earbud and might take some getting used to. The good part is that they come with three different tip sizes so you can adjust the in-ear part of the bud to properly fit your ear.

Travel + Leisure / Lydia Price

Best Sunglasses for Women

Raen keera sunglasses.

They're stylish and well-priced for the quality.

These sunglasses aren’t polarized.

Few things are worse than getting to the airport and realizing you’ve forgotten your sunglasses (except perhaps realizing you’ve forgotten your passport). The Raen Keera Sunglasses are the shades we’re always packing in our carry-on bags. During the testing process, we found these were our favorite pair of sunglasses for women thanks to the comfortable and secure fit that doesn’t loosen or lose its integrity with regular wear. We also found that the oversized fit meant these shades didn’t pinch or rub at any point, and the arms weren’t sticky or hard to open and close. Keep in mind that this option isn’t polarized, which might not be the best choice if you have notably sensitive eyes.

Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Sunglasses for Men

Huckberry weekenders.

They seamlessly block sun and glare.

The paint chips with heavy use.

Looking for a great pair of sunglasses for men that won’t break the bank while still protecting your peepers? The Huckberry Weekenders are our top pick as the best sunglasses for men . The stylish shades are lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear (even for hours at a time) while the polarized lenses do a great job at blocking out all sun and glare so you can spend time in the sun without any discomfort or squinting. It’s worth noting that during the testing process, we found that these sunglasses do chip a bit over time if you don’t care for them gingerly.

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang

Best Compression Socks

Levsox compression socks.

These offer great support in the arches and heels without feeling too tight.

The material is thinner than many other compression socks, which you might not enjoy if you're looking for something thick and sturdy.

Compression socks can help ward away stiffness and swelling during long periods of sitting, making them an essential item for travel in our book. Levsox is our favorite brand to turn to, offering socks that give just enough support without suffocating our feet. Some compression socks are uncomfortably tight, but these are easy to slip on and off, thanks to a lightweight material that feels silky against the skin. And if you're looking for a variety of colors and patterns, Levsox has you covered — you'll find everything from colorful tie dye to animal prints to nurse-themed patterns in each pack.

While the smooth material of these socks is comfortable, it may be a little thin for those used to wearing thicker or more padded socks throughout the day. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference, so we're still excited to slip these on before a flight.

Best Car Phone Mount

Andobil car phone holder mount.

This car phone mount is very sturdy and won’t fall off once properly installed.

The installation process might involve some trial and error at first.

The Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount will be the last phone holder mount you’ll purchase — or at least that’s how we felt after trying this for ourselves. It can be set in any position once installed and it doesn’t wobble around or fall off. It also has space on the bottom for a charging cable and a built-in release button so you don’t have to worry about squeezing your phone in and out each time you leave your car.

The only downside we noticed was that the installation process might involve some trial and error. This phone holder mount has three different options for installation in your vehicle: there’s a suction cup using a 3M pad to stick on the dashboard or directly onto the windshield, or there’s a different attachment to click into the vent instead. This is great for variety’s sake but can mean trying out a few different methods to see what you like best.

Best Travel Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

Its multi-functional design lets you charge six devices at once.

It’s not safe to use with things like hair dryers.

Charging devices while traveling can be a huge pain if you’re not prepared — and sometimes even when you think you are prepared. Seriously, how many times have you found yourself in a hotel room or Airbnb that seems to have one single outlet for the whole place? That’s why the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is our most preferred travel adapter . This handy little cube can charge up to six devices at once thanks to its combination of USB-A and USB-C ports and AC sockets. It’s easy to switch prongs based on the countries you’re in, and it doesn’t require any additional attachments which makes it quick and easy to pack.

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

It pairs seamlessly with iPhone and Android devices at a much lower cost.

The locator sound is a bit quiet.

Everyone talks about the benefits of AirTags while traveling — but we actually tested out a whole bunch of options and found the Eufy Smarttrack Link to be the best overall luggage tracker . This option seamlessly pairs with iPhone and Android devices, and is hassle-free and easy to use right from the get-go. This tracker is also nearly half the price of the leading competitors, which makes it an even sweeter deal. It’s also worth noting that the Eufy Smarttrack Link is equipped with a keyring hole in the upper corner which allows you to easily attach these onto a handbag or set of keys. The only downfall? The locator sound is a bit quiet, especially if it’s stuffed into the middle of a packed suitcase.

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

The Travel + Leisure team tests thousands of different travel accessories, gadgets, and gear both in our New York City lab and in the real world. Any products we test and like, we continue to test for at least another six months to best gauge exactly which items will hold up for the long term while on the road. We evaluate each product category using attributes like comfort, durability, and portability in order to rank which items work best for trips of all types, and our results from various tests lead to this best-of-the-bunch list.

Tips for Buying Travel Accessories

Prioritize usability.

There are a lot of really nifty travel accessories on the market, but when you’re shopping for your next trip you’ll want to really focus on usability over novelty (not to say unique and practical items don't exist). Consider whether or not each item is actually essential for your trip or the destinations you frequent. For example, if you always have to have a drink in hand then a drink caddy for your luggage and stroller could prove indispensable. You’ll also want to reference real-world reviews — like ours — to get an idea of how well a given item works and whether or not it’ll last through the rigors of regular travel. Your carry-on and checked luggage space is precious, so there’s no sense filling it with accessories that won’t streamline your experience.

Consider your trip length and type

Each trip will require a slightly different packing list so to avoid overpacking you’ll want to be sure to think about what each item will actually bring to the table. For example, if you’ve scored an upgrade to business class for your red-eye, you can probably leave your travel pillow at home this time. If you’re jetting off for a quick weekend trip, you likely won’t have to bother with packing cubes the same way you would for a multi-destination trip with different climates to consider.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel accessories based on a series of tests completed by expert product testers in our New York City lab.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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Is This New Travel Watch the Best GMT You Can Buy for the Money?

Longines sure makes a compelling case with its latest Spirit Zulu Time.

By Johnny Brayson

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

Ever since 2018 when Rolex and Tudor simultaneously launched new stainless steel GMT watches at Baselworld, the market for travel watches has been insatiable.

With each passing year, compelling new GMT models are released with overloaded spec sheets at increasingly competitive price points. Last year, Longines was the talk of the town thanks to its shrunken-down Spirit Zulu Time 39 , which matched the specs of Tudor’s Black Bay GMT and Black Bay Pro while coming in considerably slimmer and more wearable (and slightly cheaper).

Then at this year’s Watches and Wonders show back in April, Tudor retook the crown with its new Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT , which upped the ante by sporting a new manufacture movement that allowed it to be more than 2mm thinner than the other Tudor GMTs while also boasting a Master Chronometer certification from METAS and adding the adjustable T-Fit clasp to both bracelet and strap options.

Now, Longines is striking back with a new version of the Zulu Time 39 in lightweight, high-end Grade 5 titanium in place of stainless steel. So is this now pound-for-pound the GMT to beat?

Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium

• $4,275 at Longines

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium

As the Spirit Zulu Time 39 in stainless steel was already a spectacular watch, there was no reason for Longines to throw the baby out with the bathwater for the titanium version . And I’m happy to report that they did not do that at all.

The new Longines GMT has the exact same crowd-pleasing dimensions as the non-titanium version. The case is 39mm across, 13.5mm thick and 46.8mm lug to lug with a lug width of 21mm. The only difference in terms of specs is the weight, as the titanium version weighs just 95.5 grams on the bracelet, down around 50 percent from the 147-gram steel version.

The other difference between the new Zulu Time Titanium and the steel version can be found on the bezel. The new version sticks with a ceramic insert for the bidirectional 24-hour bezel, but for the first time, it boasts two different finishes instead of a single uniform color. The top of the bezel is glossy black, while the bottom is a matte black, which appears gray in some light.

It’s a subtle effect akin to the Rolex GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne” released earlier this year at Watches and Wonders (or the Seiko 5KX GMT released before that), and it looks especially slick here matched with the darker gray titanium metal and the gilt finish on the watch’s hands and bezels.

Inside the watch is the same movement as before: ETA’s exclusive-to-Longines Cal. L844.4 automatic. It’s a “true” GMT with an independently adjustable hour hand and it’s a COSC-certified chronometer with an impressive runtime of 72 hours.

One Minor Gripe

The watch’s bracelet is the same design as before, and there’s no strap option at launch. (You can always buy an additional strap, but it won’t have a matching titanium clasp.) And while the bracelet is nice, it is my only gripe with the watch.

While Longines does utilize a quick-change system on the bracelet to make strap changes easier, the clasp’s micro-adjustment feature still requires a tool to use.

With Tudor adding its T-Fit toolless micro-adjustment system to the clasp on the Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT, I was hoping Longines would update the Zulu Time’s clasp for this new release. After all, the brand already has a tool-free micro-adjustment clasp design in use on its HydroConquest GMT dive watch that launched last year.

But that’s not what happened. Maybe next year.

The Best GMT for the Money?

When you’re looking at the best pound-for-pound GMTs on the market, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Titanium and Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT have to be at the top of your list.

The two are almost exactly the same size, with the Tudor coming in 0.7mm thinner and the Longines 1mm shorter from lug to lug. The Longines bests the Tudor when it comes to premium materials thanks to its Grade 5 titanium case and bracelet and ceramic bezel insert (the Tudor uses stainless steel and aluminum, respectively), while the Tudor movement’s METAS certification goes further than the Longines’ COSC certification.

The Longines has a seven-hour advantage in power reserve, while the Tudor has twice the water resistance and better resistance to magnetic fields. The Tudor has the quick-adjust clasp, while the Longines gets the quick-change bracelet.

It’s a damn close race, one which will probably come down to two factors for most buyers: Looks and price. Both watches are gorgeous, with the Tudor heavily leaning into vintage territory and the Longines appearing more modern. The Longines is cheaper, with an SRP of $4,275. The Tudor costs $4,400 on a rubber strap and $4,600 on the bracelet.

Frankly, it’s too close to call. I love them both and can’t wait to see who takes the next swing in this budding rivalry.

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Travel Essentials: The Best Travel Gear and Travel Accessories for 2024

T ravel can be stressful, but having the right gear can make all the difference. Plus, packing for a trip can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what to bring. That's where I come in! I have been traveling for a LONG time and tried out a lot of gear so I've rounded up the best travel essentials, travel gear, and the best accessories for travelers that will make your trip more comfortable and efficient.

Whether you're doing short trips, going on a long flight, an international trip, or just need essentials for a road trip, a beach trip, or a weekend getaway I've got you covered. Get these items on your travel essentials list!

Travel Essentials for Long Flights

Long flights can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a connecting flight or a long layover. To make the journey more bearable, pack items such as a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a good book.

A neck pillow will support your neck and head, making it easier to sleep on the plane. Noise-canceling headphones will block out the sounds of the plane and other passengers, allowing you to enjoy some peace and quiet. An eye mask will block out any light, creating a dark environment that will make it easier for you to sleep or relax. Lastly, bring a good book, magazine, or tablet to keep you entertained during the flight.

Here are my tried and true picks:

Cabeau Air Evolution Inflatable Travel Pillow

I prefer an inflatable neck pillow as I don't want my travel gear to take up a lot of space. I have had my Cabeau for years and love it because it is washable. Cabeau has another pillow that is not inflatable, the Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow which is well-regarded as well.

Sony Noise Canceling Headphones

I avoided these for years! I preferred something more compact but in reality, the quality sucked. Mr. Misadventures had these and finally convinced me to invest in them and of course, getting them in navy blue was a huge bonus. I do not know why I waited so long to get them!

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

I love  my Lunya silk sleep mask  for home (and hotels) but it is a little too bulky for my taste when it comes to the plane. My choice for my carry-on bag is still silk. I have the Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask. It feels super soft and is also machine washable which is a big bonus in my book.

Bucky Comfort Travel Blanket Scarf

I love to travel with scarves. On a plane, I want something soft and compact. This jersey blanket scarf does the job and comes in its own bag for transport and packing in my carry-on bag. They also have a  matching neck pillow  you can buy too although it is not inflatable.

More flight essentials

• Bombas Compression socks
• J&L Naturals Sustainable Lip Balm
• Tech Organizer
• Hydro Flask Reusable Water Bottle
• Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets
• EO Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray

I carry this all in my MZ Wallace Medium Tote Bag

The Best Travel Gear: Tech

When it comes to traveling, having the right tech accessories can make all the difference in making your trip a smooth and enjoyable one. There are a variety of travel items to choose from to enhance your traveling experiences.

Power banks are one of the most important travel essentials to keep your devices charged while on the go. A smaller portable power bank is perfect for ensuring battery life during a day out.

Additionally, accessories with built-in tracking capabilities can provide added peace of mind when navigating unfamiliar airports and train stations. With so many travel necessities and accessories available, it's easy to customize your travel kit to fit your specific needs and preferences.

These should definitely be on your tech travel checklist:

Anker USB C Outlet Extender

A lifesaver when you have a lot of items to charge! It's a single wall outlet with 2 USB ports, 1 USB-C port, and 3 AC outlets to power up to 6 devices.

Anker USB C Charger (Nano)

A portable charger that has the power to quickly charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook. Perfect when you need your device ASAP!

Apple AirTag 4 Pack + Case Holders

This has freed my mind of worry when it comes to the stress of knowing where the heck my suitcases are! I also use them for bags, purses, and my hubby!

SAMSUNG T7 1TB, Portable SSD

If you take a lot of photos while traveling or you want to carry some documents with you this slim but mighty external hard disk should be in your tech kit!

I carry all of these items in my CALPAK Tech Organizer

FEATURED PRODUCT

Wander and perch wander wet bag.

Eileen, the founder and creator of Wander & Perch shares her philosophy on carrying around a bag for your summer suits: “Life is too short for ugly plastic bags. Travel life beautifully.”

I could not agree with her more! I love my  Wander Wet Bag Nomad in Indigo  blue! I only wish I had it when I was visiting all the thermal spas in the Azores last year, much prettier than my plastic shopping bags! The water resistant interior is awesome!

Bonus: these bags are designed in Encinitas, California and proudly Made in the USA.

International Travel

International travel requires some additional preparation. Also, consider bringing a  universal power adapter , which will allow you to charge your devices in any country. These are really the key international travel essentials.

A travel-friendly travel backpack or tote bag will also come in handy for carrying all your essentials while exploring a new city. And if you are going to be in Europe or any other region where the money is predominantly coins, do not forget  a dual-sided coin purse it is a lifesaver!

International Power Adapter

The Anker European Power Adapter has 2 USB ports besides the outlet plug. I am fond of the whole Anker line, they are lightweight and compact.

Orange SIM Card for Europe

If you own your phone and want an internet connection when you can't access free WiFi, then think about buying a sim card for Europe.

Conair Travel Hair Dryer

This dryer has a folding handle for compact packing in a suitcase or carry-on bag. Dual voltage, it's perfect for worldwide travel.

Portable Digital Luggage Scale

International airports are pickier about the size, weight, and shape of your luggage and in particular your carry-on. Don't risk it, carry this scale!

LEVEL8 Luggage

I put all my gear, shoes, and clothes into my LEVEL8 cases. I have the Road Runner carry-on and the Voyageur Check-in and love them!

More travel products to pack

I do not leave home without these travel essentials!

Travel Pillbox

Say goodbye to the inconvenience of carrying multiple pill bottles. MyPillyPal offers the comfort of having all your pills in one place, making medication management hassle-free and convenient. Upgrade your daily routine with MyPillyPal today!

Mr. Misadventures loves bar soap and this case has been a savior. It is waterproof and leakproof so it goes inside your toiletry kit without fear! Plus with their Dry-Through Technology, you no longer have to deal with mushy bars!

Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes

Also from Matador, don't pay for expensive travel-sized toothpaste, buy your favorite full-sized version and squeeze it into Matador's refillable toothpaste tubes. Clean in the dishwasher, it's safe! Two tubes are included, for 1 week or 2.

Quince Leather Jewelry Travel Case

Elegant and practical, this travel case is ideal for transporting your cherished jewelry pieces with ease, ensuring they remain free from tangles. For your weekend getaway or when you only wish to bring along your most adored items.

TRAVEL ACCESSORY

Flipbelt running belt.

This accessory is marketed to athletes and fitness buffs, BUT I think it is AWESOME for travel! A more modern version of the old money belt that our parents or grandparents used when they traveled, the FlipBelt is light and moisture-wicking. You can wash it too! Fit money and credit cards, your cell phone or passport, your important docs on a USB key, or just your room key and some spare taxi money. It comes in multiple sizes so you can get one that really fits you! Love this thing!

Travalo Classic HD Perfume Atomizer

I have been using these for years. I have tried other brands and always come back to Travalo. It is easy to use and durable, I still have my first one and it is more than 10 years old! I take 2 for a month away.

Kitsch 11pc Travel Size Bottles

I like this set because I often buy beauty products in France (and Portugal) when I visit and these travel bottles are lighter than the original bottles which are often glass and heavy!

Nori Press Iron and Steamer

I don't know about you but I often have to eliminate some of my wardrobe items because they wrinkle when I travel. This is revolutionary! Now I can bring my favorite white shirt!

Stasher TSA-Friendly Travel Bags

These bags come in all shapes and sizes. I use them for everything. From daily vitamins and powders to snacks! They are reusable and eco-friendly made with food-grade silicone.

LEVEL8 Packing Cubes

I am a packing cube believer! I have been using them for decades and can't imagine packing for a trip without them. But not all packing cubes are equal and quality matters! I just tried the packing cubes from LEVEL8 (the suitcase brand I recommend) for the first time and they are perfectly sized for multiple needs, whether clothing or accessories!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

If you aren't sick of me writing about Jambu yet, I will remind you again that I think that  Jambu shoes  are the best travel shoes around! Plus they also come with their own shoe bags!

The Right Travel Bag

Finding the right bag is like finding that perfect shade of lipstick. It is a lifelong search and through my many years of traveling, I have decided there isn't just one! It depends on the trip. Short trip, long trip, business trip, the bag you will need will differ.

And in my case, within a single trip, I will bring many of all different sizes. It starts with the plane or car with a carry-on backpack or small suitcase and moves into the trip with maybe a tote bag, fanny pack, or crossbody bag.

I have dedicated an entire article about what I think the best travel bags are and why.

Taking the time to plan your travel gear can make your trip more comfortable and efficient. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, having the right travel gear can make all the difference.

By packing the right, you can avoid overpacking and save space in your luggage. Additionally, having the necessary gear and the best travel accessories will reduce stress and help you feel more prepared for your trip. I hope my gear choices and list of travel essentials help you for your next trip!

CLICK to find all of these products in my Amazon store!

How about you? Do you have a favorite brand or product you always have on your packing list that would like to share? Do tell!

Author Bio: Andi Fisher

I grew up a military brat and then a young adult with a gypsy spirit. I settled into my career in marketing at many international companies where I traveled a lot. When I was not traveling for work, I was doing it for fun…so I have tested A LOT of gear!

Don't forget to pin this for later!

The post Travel Essentials: The Best Travel Gear and Travel Accessories for 2024 appeared first on Misadventures with Andi .

40 Long Flight Essentials, Tested by Travel Editors

Stay cool, calm, and collected on your next getaway.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

There’s no denying that travel is fun, amazing, even life-changing. But it can also be tiring, stressful, and downright hard . Missed connections, delayed flights, screaming babies, and sockless passengers looking to “share” your armrest—it’s enough to drive a grown man mad. And long flights can be especially difficult without the right tools to keep you sane.

But packing the right gear can make all the difference. It can turn a torturous 10-hour red-eye into a relatively calm, relaxing travel experience complete with good cocktails, a toddler-sized nap, and hours of enjoying all your favorite books, movies, and music in noise-canceled bliss.

So what to pack is the question? Our travel-obsessed editors and writers regularly test luggage , wellness products, and travel gadgets . We ditch what doesn’t work and share the rest with you. If you’re getting ready to head off on a long-haul international flight, first off: Congrats! But, also, you might want to pack some or all of these recommendations below. These are the best long-flight essentials to keep you cool, calm, and collected on your next getaway.

Bags & Luggage

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Keeping your long flight gear game tight starts with the right carry-on luggage. Monos’ flagship Carry-On Pro Plus is among the best we’ve seen, plus a built-in front compartment provides instant access to your essentials.

Filson Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag

If a classic duffel bag is more your speed, we love Filson’s field- and time-tested Rugged Twill Duffle. The industrial-strength fabric is built for travel, and the 43-liter capacity is more than enough to hold days worth of essentials.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L

Few companies know how to wrangle your long-flight essentials like Peak Design. Its Travel Backpack 30L is sleek, handsome, and even expands with plenty of storage, pouches, and pockets to organize all your gear.

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes

Few things make packing easier than packing cubes . Nomatic’s are highly compressible, so your soft goods take up a lot less space in your luggage (leaving more room for important things, like Toblerones and duty-free booze).

Matador FlatPak Waterproof Toiletry Case

Nothing can ruin a good vacation like leaky toiletries spilling all over your clothes, gadgets, and gear. Keep your liquids quarantined with this leakproof roll-top toiletry bag .

Timbuk2 Vapor Sling Crossbody Bag

Keep all the essentials for your next long flight close at hand with this next-level crossbody bag . With four pockets and a dedicated laptop sleeve, it’s perfect for keeping everything organized under your seat.

Nomad 65W Power Adapter

If you’re lucky, you might have access to one electrical outlet on your next long flight. Double your power-up potential to keep all your gadgets humming with this dual USB-C fast charger.

Going Premium Membership

This “ pre -long-flight” essential is really an airfare watchdog service that keeps an eye on your preferred airports and alerts you when prices drop. Subscribers save an average of $200 on domestic flights and a whopping $500 on international airfare—all for as little as $49/year.

Ugreen 145W Portable Power Bank

Most of us would rather forget to pack our underwear than our smartphone and other gadgets. Make sure you’re equipped with the portable power you need for all your essential gadgets on a long flight with this beefy power bank.

Rakuten Kobo Sage eReader

Take all your favorite audiobooks and book books along on your next long flight. The zero-glare e-ink touchscreen makes for a paper-like reading experience, and the entire device is waterproof to protect against clumsy seatmates and sticky-fingered kids.

Technics True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds II (EAH-AZ40M2)

These all-new, low-profile earbuds from Technics are our new go-to for long flights. They’re designed with next-gen active noise-cancellation tech and run for up to 12 hours with the included charging case.

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

If noise-canceling audioware is the only thing keeping you sane while traveling, but earbuds aren’t your jam, splurge on these best of the best travel headphones . The 30-hour battery life is enough to take you around the world— literally .

Apple AirTag

If the last year (of stolen luggage news) has taught us anything, it’s that Bluetooth trackers are worth their weight in gold. Keep tabs on all your luggage—even your carry-ons—with a cheap, dead-simple AirTag.

Perilogics In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

For those marathon in-flight movie seshes, you want to know you can stare at your smartphone screen for hours comfortably. This 360-degree tray-table mount allows you to twist and angle it anyway you want.

Houdini Power Houdi

Soft, warm, and ridiculously comfy—the only three things we look for in the perfect fleece. Houdini’s Power Houdi ticks all those boxes, is available in a dozen colors, and is made with Bluesign-approved fabric, too.

Paka Apparel Men's Tee

Alpaca is looking to overthrow Merino wool as the go-to natural performance fiber. Case in point: Paka’s T-Shirt . It’s soft, lightweight, and wicks away sweat like a champ. Plus, it doesn’t hold onto odors (unlike you after a 12-hour red eye).

Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger

Upgrade your next all-day (and maybe all- night ) flight with the right travel pants . Vuori’s Sunday Performance Jogger is buttery soft, lightweight, and the sweat-wicking knit fabric keeps you dry and comfortable.

Reef Swellsole Neptune

If wearing slippers on a plane isn’t your thing, we get it. These slip-on travel shoes are the next best thing. They slide on and off easily for your next long flight, then the back support pops back up to wear like a “regular” sneaker once you land.

Buff Multifunctional Headwear/Neckwear

This might be the most versatile travel headwear you’ll ever own. It’s a neck gaiter, a hat, or even an eye mask in a pinch.

Bombas Solids Ankle Socks

Bombas' extra-durable cotton fabric that's also insanely comfortable makes them ideal for long haul journeys.

Yeti Yonder Water Bottle

Staying well-hydrated might be the second most important thing for travelers (after packing your phone, of course). This new water bottle from Yeti is ultra-lightweight, and the wide mouth makes it easy to fill at the airport.

Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Blanket

Tuft & Needle packs all the same comfort and cleverness of its best mattresses into this simple quilted travel blanket. It’s soft, lightweight, and packs down small into its own sewn-on pouch.

Distil Union Passport Cover+

This minimalist passport cover from Distil Union is everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s simple, handsome, and boasts a surprising amount of storage for cards, a notebook, a pen, a SIM card, and, of course, a passport. Bonus: It’s an RFID wallet too.

Nemo Fillo Elite Luxury Pillow

If curvy neck pillows aren’t your thing, Nemo's more traditional, ultra-packable inflatable travel pillow is the perfect alternative. It’s machine-washable, packs down small, and feels just as soft and comfy as your pillow at home.

Maliton Inflatable Travel Footrest Pillow

It’s no secret that Economy airplane seats suck . Upgrade your next cattle class experience with this adjustable inflatable footrest to make your seat feel more like a lounger—almost.

Verve Coffee Roasters Craft Instant Coffee (Bronson Blend)

They might have great coffee where you’re headed, but you won’t find any on a long flight. Pack a couple of these instant coffee satchets from Verve Coffee to level-up your inflight java experience.

W&P Craft Cocktail Kit

We’re hard-pressed to find a decent cocktail on most flights, too, especially in Economy. W&P’s Craft Cocktail Kit packs everything (but the booze) you need to make your favorite tipple into a compact, flight-ready tin.

Moleskine Passion Journal (Travel)

Reminisce about the places you just left or the places you’ve never been before. It’s your call with this handsome passion journal purpose-designed to chronicle your personal adventures.

Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs

Soft, moldable, and extremely effective, these silicone earplugs are our go-to tool for blocking out the world on a long flight.

Travelon Micro Travel Scale

Travel long enough, and you’ll eventually find yourself the victim of an “over-the-weight-limit” carry-on bag. Sidestep any such surprises with this ultra-packable luggage scale.

Goodonya Hydrate Organic Electrolyte Powder

It’s not enough to only hydrate en route. You also need plenty of salt and other electrolytes. This organic, low-sugar powder is packed with all of the above and tastes great too.

Wilde Chips Thin and Crispy Chicken Chips

Finding healthy food is tough, especially on long travel days. Fuel your hunger and your cravings with these tasty chicken-based protein chips.

EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46

High-flying travelers are subjected to a surprising amount of unfiltered sunlight on every flight. Protect your precious mug with this dermatologist-recommended face sunscreen .

Ostrichpillow Eye Mask

Long flights are a sea of humanity. When you’re ready to block it all out and settle in for an in-flight nap, this simple eye mask from Ostrichpillow is buttery soft and completely blacks out all light.

Youth To The People Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist

Long flights can leave your face feeling dry, irritated, and just plain gross . This travel-sized facial spray hydrates your skin, calms redness, and leaves you looking and feeling ready for landing.

Duke Cannon Supply Co. Balm 140 Tactical Lip Protectant

Don’t forget to protect your lips, too (they are a part of your face, after all)! This “offensively large” lip protectant is vegan, veteran-approved, and has a delicious blood orange mint taste.

Philips Norelco Travel Men's Shaver

Nothing makes you feel human again like brushing your teeth and a good shave. This electric razor from Philips Norelco helps you tackle the latter, and it’s packable enough to stash in your carry-on for mid-flight touch-ups before landing.

Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash

Leave the dollar-store hand sanitizer at home. Upgrade to this rinse-free foaming hand wash that smells amazing and leaves your hands feeling properly hydrated too.

hello Fresh Mint Mouthwash Concentrate

Packing a jumbo-sized bottle of mouthwash isn’t an option for carry-on travelers. Each bottle of this travel-friendly concentrate is TSA-friendly. Just mix with water, swish for 30 seconds, and “carry on” (get it?).

CBDistillery Deep Sleep Synergy+ Gummies

When melatonin isn’t enough to help you sleep on a long flight, but prescription meds like Ambien are too much, look to these THC- and CBD -infused gummies for a deep, restful, in-flight snooze.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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Marie-Pierre Savard’s 2024 SRMR Rig Check Video

Marie-Pierre Savard is taking on the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race this year, and she put together a detailed video breakdown of the bike and gear she’ll be using during her 1,900-kilometer journey. Watch the video and find her complete bike and gear list here…

PUBLISHED Aug 16, 2024

Photos by Nicolas Bourdeau

There are close to 200 riders lining up in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for this year’s Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR), with 35 nationalities represented. Among them is 39-year-old Marie-Pierre Savard from Quebec, Canada, a Panorama Cycles ambassador and co-founder of Les Fines Garnottes, a gravel and adventure cycling community for women, trans, and non-binary folks.

Just in time for today’s grand depart, Marie-Pierre put together a detailed rig check video that outlines the bike and gear she’ll be relying on during her off-road ride through the rugged mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Watch the video below and then scroll down for details on the Panorama Taiga she’s riding and her complete gear list.

• Frame: Panorama Cycle Taïga (REYNOLDS 725 STEEL FRAME)
• Drivetrain: Shimano 1×12, 32T chainring (10-51)
• Shifter: Shimano SLX
• Brakes: SRAM LEVEL hydraulic brakes
• Fork: Fox 34 SC front suspension
• Handlebar: Jones H-Loop
• Grips: Ergon GP1
• Seatpost: Rigid
• Saddle: Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow
• Pedals: SHIMANO PD-EH500
• Rims: Astral Serpentine
• Hubs: SON dynamo (front), HOPE Pro5 (rear)
• Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray
• Lights: Klite lighting and charging system
• Tires: Rene Herse Fleecer Ridge 700×55 endurance tires
• Extra: Old Mountain Fork Axle Pack

• Custom Atwater Atelier Frame Bag
• 2x DOM 5 L dry bag
• 15L Arkel Seatpacker
• 15L Arkel Rollerpack handlebar bag, with the Memento Cycles decaleur
• Atwater Atelier top tube bag
• 2 stem bags
• Decathlon 10L running vest
• Gore-Tex rain jacket
• 7 Mesh Thunder Rain Pants
• 7 Mesh Chilco Anorak
• Brava Endurance lightweight jersey
• Brava Endurance merino tee
• Brava Endurance merino long sleeve
• 2x Brava Endurance Bibs
• Mountain Hardware down puffer
• 7 Mesh Colorado legs warmer
• Lolë Lightweight pants
• 2x merino wool socks
• 1 waterproof socks
• Riding gloves
• Decathlon waterproof gloves
• Decathlon thin merino gloves
• Castelli Entrata thermal gloves
• merino neck warmer and toque
• Fizik Terra Clima X2 Shoes
• Smith Network Helmet
• Julbo Edge sunglasses (with Reactiv 1-3 lens)

• Sea to Summit foldable cup
• Snow Peak titanium Spork
• MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit
• 40 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle
• Naturehike Cloud up 1 tent
• Decathlon MT500 mattress
• MEC Delphinus 0c sleeping bag
• Merino pants, socks and shirt

Tools/Spares

• CrankBrothers M20 multitool
• 140 ml sealant
• 2x extra tubes + patches
• Topeak Mini Morph handpump
• Bacon strips
• 2 brake pads
• 2 quick release link
• derailleur hanger
• various screws
• 1 gear cable
• 2 spokes and spoke wrench
• needle and nylon thread
• Leatherman Multi-tool
• ties-raps and Gorilla tape
• 2 x Voile strap

Electronics

• Garmin 530 GPS
• Garmin Inreach Mini
• Nitecore NU21 Headlamp
• 20,000mah charging block
• sun lip balm
• all-purpose soap
• toothpaste and toothbrush
• first aid kit
• survival blanket

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

Panorama Taiga Review: A Case for the Semi-Rad Steel Hardtail

Panorama Cycles Taiga EXP Announced

Rigs of the 2019 Silk Road Mountain Race

Rigs of the 2022 Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR)

Rigs of the 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR)

Sofiane Sehili’s SRMR Gear List: 2022 Winning Set-up (video)

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