This page features items that I find very useful or would really like to have myself. It is updated frequently as I obsess about the ideal (minimalist) travel gear.
The only thing you really need in your suitcase
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Travel Packing Essentials
I’ve used several wheeled carry-ons and backpacks over the years and there are trade-offs to both. I don’t love carrying the weight of all my gear around on my back but I have found backpacks make it much easier to hop on and off trains, buses and run (really fast) between airport gates.
This is the latest addition to our luggage – The Osprey Farpoint 40. It is carry-on friendly and gobbles up a whole lotta stuff (even stuff you probably don’t need to take with you).
These folding water bottles are reusable and roll up when empty allowing you to fly through security and fill them while waiting at your gate. Most airports now have water filling stations making it even easier. These have been a standard for me for years. I use them everywhere I need water on the go – at home or abroad.
GoToobs are an easy way to meet the 100ml or less liquid requirement for carry-on luggage and they save you money by allowing you to use shampoo, soap or lotions you already have.
I had not used packing cubes until our New Zealand/Australia trip. I can’t even begin to describe how nice it is knowing you can dig around in your backpack to find things without your unmentionables exploding out. These things keep you organized where you didn’t think you had to be.
WISHLIST ITEM: A travel pillow is something I don’t have, nor have I ever used one. I’m ready to give it a try now after being on several overnight flights and failing to get any sleep. This particular one pictured looks like it will pack away a little flatter.
