All of the items and resources listed below are things/websites we’ve used while traveling the world full-time! Many of the links below are affiliate links, which means that we’ll get a small commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. We’re hoping that you’ll use you these links anytime you need to make a purchase! These small commissions help us stay on the road longer, which means we’ll be able to upload more vlogs 🙂 We would never recommend anything we don’t personally use and think is valuable!
1. Away Bigger Carry-On”
We originally started our travels using theOsprey Meridian 22″. It was a great bag, and we loved the idea that it could be a rolling bag or a backpack! However, we found ourselves never using the backpack functionality. So, after a year we switch to a proper rolling bag, the Away Bigger Carry-On. We both LOVE this bag, and even though it’s technically a carry-on bag, we feel like we have so much more space than we did in our Osprey bag. Plus, 4 wheels are much better than 2!
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We have been carrying these backpacks for almost 2 years. They look great, carry a ton of gear, and are super durable. We’d highly recommend this bag if you’re looking for a backpack to hold camera gear as well as other essentials.
2. CamelBak UV Water Purifier
The CamelBak UV water purifier is a new addition to our packing list, but now they we have it, we have no clue how we ever lived without it! We’ve used this bottle to purify tap water in five different counties with no problems! It’s saving us both money and headaches, and much better than wasteful plastic bottles!
3. Packing Cubes
These little guys make packing and unpacking 10x easier. When we get to a hotel we just lay out our packing cubes, and basically use them like you would a set of drawers. Then, when we’re ready to leave, we just throw the packing cubes back into our bags and we’re ready to go. We pack and unpack a lot, so these are a lifesaver. Plus, they keep everything nice and neat inside of your bag while you’re traveling. Everything doesn’t doesn’t end up at the bottom of your suitcase in one big wadded up mess.
4. Goo Toobs
You could probably get by with cheap plastic tubes for your toiletries, but little splurges like these are what keep us from getting burnout while constantly traveling. The soft silicone tubes allow you to easily squeeze out every last drop of (soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), and they are easily refillable using the wide mouth screw top.
5. PackTowl
We always prefer to use real towels when the option is available, but unfortunately there have been many times when we’ve needed our pack towels. These towels are both small and absorbent, making them the perfect towel for our carry-on travel style.
6. Dynex Poweradapter
This is the power adapter Nate uses. There’s not anything special about it, except that we’ve used it in 20+ countries, and never had any trouble! I’m sure there are other adapters out there that are just as good, but we’ve field tested this one many times, and it does the trick.
7. Monster 4 Plus Adapter
This is another item that I can’t imagine traveling without! This plugs straight into our travel adapter, and gives us four plugs instead of one. We travel with a lot of electronics, and without this adapter there’s no way we’d be able to keep them all charged. [Update: The Monster adapter is no longer available. It looks like this BELKIN 3-Outlet strip is the next best option.]
8. Chacos
Shoes take up a TON of real estate inside of your carry-on, so it’s very important that you choose shoes that are versatile. Chacos are great because they can be worn in so many different situations. Plus, the sole is made like a hiking boot (with great support), so you can walk around in them all day without your feet getting tired.
9. All Birds
Kara and I both choose to travel with All Birds for two main reasons. First, they collapse flat which means they take up minimal space inside of your bag. Second, they’re super light and comfortable!
10. Aqua Quest Dry Bag
We threw in this dry bag at the last minute and we’re so glad we did! We’ve used this bag so many times since we started traveling. It’s kept our stuff from getting ruined multiple times. Plus, it makes a great day pack!