Essential Travel Equipment (My Comprehensive List for Travel Packing)
In the realm of long-term adventure travel, choosing the right gear is paramount. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top-recommended travel essentials for 2023 and beyond, based on testing and reviews from ultralight hiking and adventure travel experts.
Suitcases & Backpacks
For ultralight travel and backpacking, the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 (20.4 oz) is highly recommended. Its durable recycled materials and improved stretch mesh make it versatile for various outdoor uses. On the other hand, the Zpacks Nero 38 DCF backpack (10.9 oz) stands out for its full waterproofness, comfort, and durability in carrying multi-day supplies. For urban travel with tech needs, the Able Carry Daily Plus backpack is a great choice, offering water resistance, smart pocket organization, and laptop protection.
Basic Travel Gear & Essentials
Ultralight trekking poles like the Leki Skytera FX.Carbon SL (12.6 oz) provide lightweight, adjustable, and robust support for varied terrain. A reliable headlamp such as the Nitecore NU25 (28 grams) offers vital hands-free illumination for camping and night travel. A titanium spork (e.g., Sea to Summit Alpha Light Long, 11 grams) is recommended for lightweight, practical eating utensils on the trail.
Backpacking & Camping Gear
The Triplex ultralight tent, supported by trekking poles, is highly durable under extreme weather like wind, rain, snow, and dust, making it a favourite among backpackers. Sleep systems should be lightweight and efficient; the use of ultralight sleeping pads and compact pillowcases is advised for comfort and minimal pack weight. Food storage solutions such as the waterproof UltraLite Sacks DCF Bear/Food Bag help protect supplies and reduce odor exposure to wildlife on multi-day trips.
Travel Clothing
Ultralight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics and layered clothing systems are standard best practices recommended by outdoor enthusiasts.
Tech Gadgets
Lightweight, durable tech gear such as compact headlamps, portable power banks, and weather-resistant backpacks with organized compartments are essential.
Photography Equipment
Adventure travelers typically seek compact, rugged, and versatile cameras (e.g., mirrorless or quality action cams) paired with lightweight tripods or mounts for stability without extra bulk.
When it comes to personal travel, one frequent adventurer shares their gear choices. This traveler carries a Victorinox suitcase as their main bag, a backpack for trips involving hiking or trekking, and an airplane carry-on camera daypack. Their favourite lightweight travel suitcase boasts a strong locking zipper, a tough outer shell, quiet 360-degree wheels, and plenty of room.
In addition to high-end, specialized outdoor gear for overnight backpacking, trekking, and camping, this traveler also uses a Sony A7R III, GoPro 9, Mavic Air 2, a travel tripod, 16-35mm, 24-70mm, a microphone, and a camera clip for travel photography.
The traveler's basic, standard travel gear includes a filtered bottle, packing cubes, a multi-tool, a travel pillow, a travel scarf, earplugs, a toiletry kit, flatpak bottles, a passport wallet, a travel scale, a folding duffel, and a headlamp.
In ten years of regular travel, this traveler's checked-bag has been lost only 4 times, with the bag showing up the next day in all but one case. The traveler does not consider checking a bag to be the end of the world, as the odds are very high it will be waiting for them at luggage claim.
This article provides a travel gear list for 2023, demonstrating that prioritizing lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, and multifunctional gear strikes the balance between comfort and packability.
In the context of the long-term adventure traveler's lifestyle, the Able Carry Daily Plus backpack is a suitable choice for urban travel with its water resistance and smart pocket organization, catering to tech needs on the go. When embarking on hiking trips or treks, the Gossamer Gear Skala 38, with its recycled materials and stretch mesh, offers versatility while maintaining an ultralight footprint. This traveler, who frequents various adventures, blends both lifestyles seamlessly by combining a Victorinox suitcase, backpack, and camera daypack in their gear.
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