After years of trial-and-error packing, I’ve narrowed down the gear I always keep in my travel backpack—no matter the destination. These are the items I trust for flights, road trips, day hikes, or working remotely. Every piece earns its weight by so...
Sections
5
Tech & Power That Keeps Me Connected
Comfort & Health on the Go
Organization & Quick Access Essentials
Emergency & Safety Gear I Always Carry
Extras That Make Travel Smoother
Tech & Power That Keeps Me Connected
Charges multiple devices at once from a single hotel or airport plug. Compact but powerful.
Multiport Charger
Reliable and airline-safe, it charges my phone twice over without taking up much space.
Mini Power Bank 20000mah
Covers nearly every outlet type and includes USB ports. A must-have for international trips.
Travel Adapter, Worldwide All-in-One Universal
Keeps cords, SD cards, and dongles in one spot. No more digging through the backpack.
Best Cable Organizer Bags & Cases
Comfort & Health on the Go
Packs down small and actually supports your neck. Saves me on red-eyes or long drives.
Memory Foam Neck & Cervical Bed Pillows
Blocks out airplane hum or noisy hostels. Helps me focus or unwind.
True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Canceling - Skullcandy
Keeps me hydrated without buying plastic bottles at every stop. Some models clip to my bag.
Hydro Flask: Sustainable & Refillable Water Bottles | Hydro Flask
Toothbrush, sanitizer, wipes, tissues, lip balm, and face mist. I restock it before every trip.
Travel Hygiene Kit
Organization & Quick Access Essentials
Holds passport, ID, cards, and boarding passes. Slim enough for a jacket or front pocket.
RFID Slim Wallets
I use these to separate snacks, chargers, and small items. Makes bag re-packing way faster.
Mesh Bags With Zipper
For jotting down addresses, ideas, or quick to-do lists. Doesn’t require battery or Wi-Fi.
Best Pocket Notebooks - Small Hardcover Notebook & More! - Denik
Useful at customs forms, kiosks, or touchscreens. I clip one inside the pack’s admin panel.
Pen With Stylus Tip
Slides into the seatback pocket or hangs from the tray. Holds phone, earbuds, sanitizing wipes, and snacks within reach.
Airplane Seat Organizer
Saves room in the backpack and keeps clothes wrinkle-free. I keep one just for shirts and another for socks/underwear.
Compression Packing Cubes
Perfect for capturing content, video calls, or watching media hands-free in hotel rooms or airports.
Flexible Phone Holder
Emergency & Safety Gear I Always Carry
Fits in a key pocket and lasts for hours. Useful in hostels, night hikes, or power outages.
LED Mini Compact Flashlight
Covers basics like cuts, headaches, and blisters. I’ve restocked mine dozens of times.
Buy Compact First Aid KIT - Survival Emergency Solutions
For opening packaging, adjusting gear, or small fixes. I keep it in my checked bag or opt for a TSA-safe version.
Tested: The Best TSA-Approved Multi-Tools for Hassle-Free Travel
Adds versatility without weight. Great for quick gear fixes or securing things on the move.
Paracord Crafting Kits
Extras That Make Travel Smoother
Takes up almost no space but expands for groceries, beach gear, or overflow shopping.
Foldable Tote Bag
Lightweight, weatherproof, and compact. Always pays off at least once per trip.
Packable Men's Rain Jackets | REI Co-op
For extra peace of mind in unfamiliar accommodations. Lightweight and easy to install.
Addalock Original Portable Door Lock
Keeps dirty clothes separate from clean, especially useful on multi-stop trips.
Travel Laundry Bags
Compact and effective for on-the-go spills. Saves your favorite shirt from being ruined halfway through the trip.
Portable Stain Remover
Lightweight and surprisingly useful—especially if a button pops off or a strap breaks mid-trip.
