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Hitting the road full-time? Packing light becomes an art form – balancing what you need with the freedom of movement. I've been traveling the world for over 2 years (40+ countries!), experimenting with everything from ultra-minimalist packing to overstuffed backpacks. This guide shares the travel essentials I've honed through experience, helping you pack smart for your full-time adventures.
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Here are my top ten Travel Essentials.
1. Travel Essentials : The Osprey Fairview 40L (Women's) or Osprey Farpoint 40L(Men's)
I will start with the base. The backpack.
The Osprey Fairview 40L (Women's) or Osprey Farpoint 40L(Men's) is by far the best travel backpack.
Suitcase-Style Opening: Ditch the backpack struggle! The Farpoint/Fairview opens like a suitcase, providing easy access to your gear while laying flat for organized packing.
Boarding Breeze: No more frantic strap wrangling. A clever flap neatly conceals the backpack straps, transforming it into a sleek, carry-on friendly package.
Pack Light, Explore More: The 40L capacity is the sweet spot for strategic packing. It's large enough for multi-week trips, yet encourages you to travel light and avoid baggage fees.
Compression Savvy: Don't let bulky items slow you down. External compression straps let you cinch down your pack for a compact silhouette, ideal for navigating busy airports or public transportation.
2. Travel Essentials : The Osprey DayLite Plus
The Perfect Travel Duo: Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L and DayLite Plus
The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L backpack makes an excellent travel companion, but sometimes you need a smaller pack for exploring your destination. Here's where the Osprey DayLite Plus comes in:
Daytime Adventures: This versatile 20L daypack is ideal for day hikes, sightseeing excursions, or carrying essentials while exploring the city.
Tech-Ready Compartment: The DayLite Plus keeps your laptop safe and secure with a dedicated padded sleeve. Which doubles as a water bladder compartment.
Comfortable Carry: The adjustable, breathable straps ensure comfortable wear throughout the day, even when carrying some weight.
Organized Pockets: Multiple pockets keep your smaller essentials like water bottles, snacks, and travel documents conveniently organized and accessible.
The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview 40L, paired with the DayLite Plus, is my perfect travel system. The larger pack handles your travel essentials, while the DayLite Plus keeps you comfortable and prepared for daytime adventures. This dynamic duo allows you to seamlessly transition from exploring a new city to venturing out on a day hike, all without compromising on comfort or organization.
I personally stick with Osprey because of their warranty program.
Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee: Built to Last, Guaranteed
Osprey offers a comprehensive guarantee that goes beyond a typical warranty. The All Mighty Guarantee ensures:
Lifetime Coverage: Osprey repairs or replaces any manufacturing defects in your backpack or luggage, for its entire lifetime, regardless of the original owner.
Accidental Damage: The guarantee even covers accidental damage, although some limitations may apply (check with Osprey for details).
Confidence on the Go: This extensive coverage provides peace of mind, knowing your Osprey gear is built to last adventures, big and small.
You can buy the DayLite Plus Here
3. Travel Essentials : Compression Packing Cubes
Now, let's unlock the secret to staying organized on the go! My travel essentials list wouldn't be complete without compression packing cubes
Compression Power: Packing cubes utilize compression zippers to squeeze out air, allowing you to fit more clothes into your backpack. This is especially helpful for bulky items like sweaters or puffy jackets.
Organization Magic: Packing cubes act like drawers within your luggage, keeping your clothes categorized (shirts, pants, socks) for easy access.
Packing Efficiency: Packing cubes streamline the process. Simply pack each cube by category and toss them into your bag. Unpacking becomes a breeze too – just grab the cube you need, saving you time and frustration.
Travel delays can throw a wrench in your plans, but I've got a trick to stay fresh and comfortable. I always pack a dedicated cube in my carry-on with a complete change of clothes. I also always keep an extra cube empty when I leave for a flight which I use for dirty laundry.
This particular set includes a cube for liquids, which is fantastic for keeping toiletries organized in your carry-on. However, it's important to remember that some airports have specific regulations for liquids. It's always best to double-check the TSA guidelines or the regulations of the airport you're flying through, as you might still need to transfer them to a separate, airport-approved liquids bag.
You can buy the compression bags here
4. Travel Essentials : AeroPress Go
The AeroPress Go: My Secret Weapon for Delicious Travel Coffee
As a die-hard coffee lover, a good cup on the go is a non-negotiable travel essential. After facing one too many questionable coffee makers in Airbnbs, I discovered the AeroPress Go, and it's been a game-changer!
Ultra-Portable and Lightweight:
Compact Design: AeroPress Go folds neatly into a travel mug, making it ideal for fitting into backpacks without adding significant weight. Its light construction (around 0.64 pounds) means minimal impact on your travel weight limit.
Quick and Easy Brewing:
Simple Process: The AeroPress brewing process is straightforward and requires minimal effort. You just add coffee grounds and hot water, stir, press, and enjoy! No complicated settings or long wait times.
Durable and Built to Last:
Travel-Ready Construction: Made from BPA-free, food-safe plastic, the AeroPress Go is built to withstand the rigors of travel. It can handle bumps and jostles without breaking, ensuring you can enjoy your coffee ritual even on the road.
Easy Cleanup:
Simple Design: The AeroPress Go is known for its effortless cleaning process. Simply remove the used filter and rinse the remaining components under running water.
You can buy the AeroPress Go here
Bonus Travel Essentials : AeroPress Go Stainless Steel Filter
We bought the reusable metal filter for our AeroPress to limit waste and to avoid carrying 100s of paper filters.
You can buy it here
5. Travel Essentials : Folding Yoga Mat
This next item might not be for everyone, but it's a travel essential for me and Miles – our folding yoga mat! We discovered this gem on Amazon, and it's been a lifesaver for maintaining our yoga practice on the road.
Here's why a folding yoga mat makes the cut for us:
Packable Portability: Unlike traditional yoga mats, this one folds up neatly, taking minimal space in our backpacks. We can easily fit it alongside our other essentials without feeling weighed down.
Maintaining the Routine: Having our yoga mat allows us to maintain our yoga practice, no matter where our travels take us. It's a fantastic way to stay centered, improve flexibility, and unwind after a day of exploration.
While a yoga mat might not be on everyone's travel list, for us, it's a small but mighty essential that keeps our minds and bodies balanced on the go. It doubles as Miles' workout mat!
You can buy it here
6. Travel Essentials : Anti Theft Travelon Crossbody Bag
In addition to my backpacks I have my Anti-Theft Crossbody Clutch. It's simple, and small but fits everything I need.
Peace of Mind Built-In: Stop worrying about your belongings! The 5-point anti-theft system, including slash-resistant materials and locking compartments, protects your valuables from pickpockets and thieves.
You can buy it here
7. Travel Essentials : Portable Charger (Anker)
I think a portable charger is a necessity for anyone these days but particularly if you are a traveller.
Power for Capturing Memories: You never want your phone to die when you're about to capture that perfect travel photo or video. A portable charger keeps your phone powered for longer, ensuring you don't miss any precious moments.
Staying Connected on the Go: Many travel activities, like using maps or translation apps, rely on your phone's battery. A portable charger ensures you can stay connected, navigate unfamiliar places, and access important information throughout your trip.
This is the portable charger we use and you can buy it here
8. Travel Essentials : Bluetooth Earbuds/Headphones (JBL)
The JBL earbuds are the ones I am currently travelling with and I love them. They are incredibly comfortable on long flights and the block out Miles completely!
Uninterrupted Audio: Block out airplane noise, chatty neighbors on trains, or the general hustle and bustle of travel with your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Bluetooth headphones provide a personal audio bubble for uninterrupted entertainment.
Hands-Free Convenience: Unlike wired headphones, Bluetooth allows for hands-free mobility. Move around freely on planes or explore a new city without getting tangled in cords.
You can buy them here
9. Travel Essentials : Sleep Headphones
Okay, you might be looking at my travel essentials list and wondering, "Kristi, two headphones? Seriously?" Well, there's a method to my madness. These Bluetooth sleep headphones are a total game-changer for two key reasons:
Silence the Snoring (and Everything Else): Let's be honest, hostels aren't exactly known for their zen-like tranquility. These headphones are my secret weapon for drowning out Miles' snoring, late-night chatter, or any other hostel noises that might disrupt my precious sleep. Tuning in to a sleep podcast helps me drift off and stay asleep.
Snooze in Comfort: Unlike bulky traditional headphones, these have flat earpieces designed for ultimate comfort. No more waking up with sore ears after a long flight or a restless night at a hostel – just pure, uninterrupted sleep bliss. They also double as a eye mask to block out light.
So yes, two headphones might seem excessive, but trust me, these sleep saviors are an essential for any travel adventurer (especially one who appreciates a good night's rest, even on the go!).
You can buy them here
10. Travel Essentials : Airplane Foot Hammock
Sure, Business Class sounds amazing, but for us regular folks, coach is the best we've got. That's where my airplane foot hammock comes in. This little luxury (well, okay, maybe not essential for everyone) is a lifesaver on long flights. It's lightweight and packs down small, and allows me to keep my feet up which is much more comfortable for me.
Lightweight and Compact: Most airplane foot hammocks are lightweight and fold up into a small pouch. They easily fit in your carry-on luggage without taking up much space, making them a convenient travel companion.
Easy to Install and Use: Foot hammocks typically attach to the tray table with adjustable straps, making them easy to set up and remove without bothering anyone around you.
So, while a foot hammock might not be for everyone, it's a small investment in a much more enjoyable travel experience, especially for those of us who crave a little extra airplane comfort.
You buy this here
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