Here's the real meat of the fun stuff! All kinds of goodies to make backpacking easier, more secure, more eco-conscious, and maybe even a bit more luxurious!
Travel goodies are just plain fun. I have become obsessed with anything that can make travel easier, lighter weight, or happier. I've gone through a lot of trial and error to find useful items, and I'd love to share my "finds" with you here!
My gear is not always the least expensive. I try to balance cost with quality. It's all about value and I (usually) want my stuff to last!
There are some affiliate links below. If you end up purchasing the item after clicking from my site, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for helping to support the work I put into this. :)
How great is this to keep your crap organized and out of your way when you're flying?! Just make sure to stow it on takeoff and landing. Granted I'm not taking up space with this for long term travel, but for something short - sure, why not!
gadgets / stuff, comfort
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Die hard coffee drinker? This might be your never-leave-home-without-it travel item. Not the prettiest thing in the world, but it collapses flat! All you need is a filter (get a reusable one?), your favorite local grounds, and some hot H20, ... okay and a cup (see my packable flat cups!). Some gals in my travel group can't say enough about this.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking
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Honestly it's not really my thing but I know some people who love them. These are the best reviewed for the price and features. Compact, lightweight, anti-slip, and sturdy. I like them best for drying my clothes if I can't hang my clothes line.
gadgets / stuff, misc
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Let me tell you, they are a game changer for me! They make the flight so much more conformable. There is some controversy over these as to whether or not they bother the person in front of you (they don't if you use them properly) or if they are allowed (I have never had an issue). The ones that are more compact don't have a solid bottom so your feet slide to the middle. Decide which is more important to you.
gadgets / stuff, comfort
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There are individual sleeves you can put each card in, but here is a new technology. Just put these cards in your wallet and your nearby cards are protected! I'm liking this easier technology.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, RFID blockers
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You DO NOT want to travel without one of these! Plain and simple, it will fit any size drain so you can do your laundry in the sink.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, sink stopper
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Everyone has a different style when they travel. Sometimes I go old school and jot down paper notes. Phone numbers, language, directions, all sorts of things. Some standard little notepads come in handy. I always keep one with me.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, notepad
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Everyone has a different style when they travel. Sometimes I go old school and jot down paper notes. Phone numbers, language, directions, all sorts of things. One more notepad option. This is a nice little flip-up hard cover that's pretty small and has refill paper.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, notepad
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Everyone has a different style when they travel. Sometimes I go old school and jot down paper notes. Phone numbers, language, directions, all sorts of things. These might run a little bit on the big side, but they're nice and come in a bunch of colors and are hard bound and so they'll stay solid along your travels.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, notepad
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Any of the light pack towels are great. I do usually go for the largest one just for personal preference. I like to be able to wrap it around me. Some are a bit more chomois-like than others but the technology has improved over the years.
gadgets / stuff, towel, travel towel
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A recent addition to my travel gear, I use this mostly in hot climates as a, well, a sweat rag. That sounds kind of gross but it's so nice to able to wipe the sweat off your forehead when you're out and about. It's also handy if there are no napkins at the roadside stand where you're grabbing lunch. It's so small that I just keep it in my purse.
gadgets / stuff, towel, travel washcloth
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In lieu of a lock on your zippers, just get a couple of these easy little zipper clips to clip your zippers together. It's enough of a deterrent to stop most quick pickpockets and easy enough to get into your bag when you want to.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety
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An easy fun travel game that everyone can enjoy even across different languages! You can play with foreign coins or anything. Small and easy to carry in your backpack.
gadgets / stuff, misc
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Best pool floatie you can bring traveling. It packs small and is great for anyone! You can use it as a seat, a hammock, a noodle, whatever. Trust me on this one.
gadgets / stuff, swim gear
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I have to admit that I've used this quite a few times in very hot and humid climates and it has helped a lot! The Arctic Cool Instant Cooling Towel truly lives up to its name. Just soak the towel with water, and, instantly, the HydroFreeze X Technology snaps into action. Immediately, you’ll feel the invigorating cooling effect.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, towel, cooling towel
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You want some sort of flashlight for sure since you might be somewhere without electricity, or on a night hike. I don't necessarily wear this on my head, but it's nice to have the option. I like having a red light to keep your night vision. The buttons are really difficult to remember how to work them though.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, flashlight, headlamp
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This travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper and a back pillow pocket. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet. 41" wide.
CON: Zipper is one-sided. It's a little heavy at 15.7 oz.
PRO: Zips from both ends, allowing you to stick your feet out. Has a back pillow pocket. Seems good for an inexpensive larger travel sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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Go with the old-school original to keep your glasses on your head where they belong and not off the edge of the boat! ;)
gadgets / stuff, sunglasses
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This is my favorite brand of travel sheet. You get what you pay for and this is quality. The cotton Coupler TravelSheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper and back pillow pocket. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet, and also if you're traveling w/ your mate, you can zip two sheets together. It's a little heavier than the cotton/silk version, though at 14.5 oz. and 8" x 4" packing size.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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This is my favorite brand of travel sheet. You get what you pay for and this is quality. The luxurious-feeling silk/cotton coupler travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around double-sided zipper. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet, and also if you're traveling w/ your mate, you can zip two sheets together. 6" x 3" packing size, and weighs 10.3 oz.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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Super slim version of Chums or the other Costa del Mar classes cord. This one is a really easy one to pack. Good quality from this company. Since I love Costa del Mar's glasses pouch I'll include their popular cord holder, too!
gadgets / stuff, sunglasses
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A slim modern version of Chums. Since I love Costa del Mar's glasses pouch I'll include their popular cord holder, too!
gadgets / stuff, sunglasses
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It's a silly thing but I'm in love with this eyeglasses pouch! It's large so it's easy to get glasses in and out and it makes a great lens cleaner. It's well-made and kind of pretty to boot. I've had one for quite a few years now, using it daily. I think I need to buy another soon!
gadgets / stuff, sunglasses
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Wow, a snorkel fin that will actually fit in your backpack! Hard to say if they're as useful as larger ones, but hey, it's all about compromise. ;) Cressi quality.
gadgets / stuff, swim gear, flippers
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These will JUST fit in a carry-on suitcase. Lightweight and from quality brand Cressi, you can bring fins without taking up all the space in your luggage! I just used them and they were great snorkeling in a current.
gadgets / stuff, swim gear, flippers
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These are great for when you're on a boat, doing water sports, on a bike, etc. Just clip it to your hat, and to your jacket or shirt and when your hat blows off, you might still freak out to grab it, but it's fine. The metal gets a little rusty over time, but mine has lasted me many many years.
gadgets / stuff, misc
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Red flashlights are great for when you are in remote areas and not wanting to either startle wildlife or not ruin your night vision. This one is small, rechargeable, tactical, bright, and even waterproof!
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, flashlight
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I have the LD15R and wow, that little guy packs some power! Everyone is impressed with how bright this light is. It gets hot at highest beam and the red is so dim it's almost worthless but this is otherwise a winner.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, flashlight
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Wow, this little guy packs some power! Everyone is impressed with how bright this light is. It gets hot at highest beam and the red is so dim it's almost worthless but this is otherwise a winner.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, flashlight
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I love my space pen. It works anywhere even if it gets wet. Lying in bed doing crossword puzzles? This is the pen for you! Extra bonus that it's compact.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, pen
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These are so cool to have in your bag. These coupled with your utensils or coffee maker allow you to eat anywhere and save a bunch of money by buying food at the grocery store.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, flat bowl/cup
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Carabiner reinvented! This thing is really cool! In short, you can leave it on your bag and hang it just about anywhere. You can hang your purse on the edge of a restaurant table, hang your backpack on a toilet stall door, or hang your lantern on a tree branch. The hook twists and turns into and S-hook sort of thing but better! Comes in different sizes and colors. I got the small.
gadgets / stuff, misc
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I've done a lot of research as to which devices to use with sketchy drinking water. This one is the best. It removes pathogens, particulates, chemicals, all kinds of baddies, and does it quickly! It's not cheap, and it's not cute, but it's the best to make water safe and drinkable.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, water filter / purifier
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I love these inexpensive, lightweight, full-sized, heat resistant utensils. Great to use when you are buying groceries to eat along the way.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, utensils
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This wicking travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper and a back pillow pocket. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet. 35.4" wide.
CON: Weighs in at a non-impressive 18 oz.
PRO: Zips from both ends, allowing you to stick your feet out. Zips from inside or outside of the bag. Has a back pillow pocket. Comes in a many colors. Inexpensive travel sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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If you are planning on snorkeling, bring a tiny bottle of this along. It's the BEST thing to use for no fog in your mask. Better than spit! ;)
gadgets / stuff, swim gear, anti-fog
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I don't always bring this but it's great to have for in-room coffee. You boil water in minutes. Use the flat cup (also in my links) and some 3-in-1 instant coffee packets and you're all set!
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, tea heater
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This comes in handy from time to time. Sometimes you need to supply your own lock at a hostel or you want to lock your bag to a pole while sleeping on an overnight train, at an airport, or leaving your luggage at a hotel for a few days.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, cable lock
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I have never understood the giant things people tote around with them around their necks or hanging off of their luggage. Such monstrosities! This has been my favorite pillow for many years. It folds down to nothing, is pretty sturdy (I have only gone through 2 or 3 of them in 18 years) and I like the shape the best of all the pillows I've tried. Other than Sea to Summit - now I've upgraded. ;)
gadgets / stuff, comfort, neck pillow
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I've done a lot of research as to which devices to use with sketchy drinking water. This water bottle is great for the money and should keep you safe in most situations cleaning out parasites, bacteria, microplastics, turbidity, and chlorine, but not metals, chemicals, or viruses. It's a little slow to drink out of, the filter takes up a lot of the water space, and make sure to open the bottom first after pressurizing. ;) Also check out the Grayl
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, water filter / purifier
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I've done a lot of research as to which devices to use with sketchy drinking water. This straw is great for the money and should keep you safe in most situations cleaning out parasites, bacteria, microplastics, but not metals, chemicals, or viruses. You'd have to use this in conjunction with a water bottle or something. Also check out the Grayl
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, water filter / purifier
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Thin-lined, water-resistant cover, lightweight and flexible for portability.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, journal
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Get in your quiet bubble anywhere for improved sleep, deep focus, stress-free travel and beyond. An amazing option in between old fashioned earplugs and noise cancelling headphones, these flexible silicone earplugs block out a great amount of sound (24 dB) and are very comfortable.
gadgets / stuff, comfort
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This breathable microfiber travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet. 37.4" wide.
CON: Weighs in at a non-impressive 18 oz. The pillow pocket is in front.
PRO: Zips from both ends, allowing you to stick your feet out. Zips from inside or outside of the bag. It's a little wider than some. Comes in a few colors. Very inexpensive travel sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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I have searched high and low for a filter that will work well in the collapsible coffee maker I have linked on my site. I think this one will do it! The cloth ones take too long to dry, and others are too small or have pointed bottoms.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking
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This off-brand polyester travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet. It's the only one I have found that you can choose right or left opening zipper! But you CANNOT zip two sheets together. 35" wide.
CON: The pillow pocket is in front. The zipper is one-sided.
PRO: Packs down quite small, and weighs in at 12.7 oz. Comes in a few colors. An inexpensive sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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This comes in handy from time to time. Sometimes you need to supply your own lock at a hostel or you want to lock your bag to a pole while sleeping on an overnight train, at an airport, or leaving your luggage at a hotel for a few days.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, cable lock
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This falls under "better safe than sorry". These are so slim that there's no reason not to use them.
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety, RFID blockers
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It's like having a little manual washing basin along with you. Sink 2.0. Although there was an initial learning curve, I do like it! Read my full review in my posts section. Weight 5.3 ounces and is available in 4 colors.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, wash bag
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I have the regular size laundry bag and although there was an initial learning curve, I do like it! Read my full review in my posts section.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, wash bag
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With the beaded cord, you don't need clothespins, but are a bit limited to how many items you can secure. You can almost always find a place to hang this either in your room our outside. Stores so compact!
gadgets / stuff, laundry, clothes line
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This is the best pillow! It packs down to almost nothing (2 x 2.75 inches in included case) and weighs just 2.4 ounces. It blows up on only 3 breaths, and has a good design as far as being slim in the back and it snaps together in the front. I won't use any other pillow. Well, almost. ;)
gadgets / stuff, comfort, neck pillow
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I love that this is small, lightweight, and not liquid but I found it was just not soapy enough for me. I needed a lot of sheets to wash anything of substance. But it's not bad for a short trip.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, laundry soap
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This stuff is concentrated and biodegradable laundry detergent! Budget travelers know we (almost all) do our laundry in the hotel sink. Having some of this along makes it easier, plus since it's biodegradable, you have the option to wash in a stream or where you might not want your soap running into nature.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, laundry soap
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Next on my list to try. If a whole sheet is for a full load, you can cut them up for sink wash. Pack a few in a zip-loc and you've got easy laundry taken care of. I looked at a lot of reviews and this brand seems good overall.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, laundry soap
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I used this all the time in SE Asia. A few shop owners even asked me where I got it.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, reusable straw
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These slim journals are all you need. Perfect for backpacking.
gadgets / stuff, Writing, journal
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This is not quite as good as Grayl , but it's small, lightweight and rechargeable. It sterilizes the water, cleaning out bacteria, viruses and protozoa, but does not filter out any turbidity so it's fine for hotels, but maybe not streams. It also needs a glass or a wide mouth bottle.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking, water filter / purifier
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This travel sheet comes in polyester (ultralight) or microfiber depending on what type of feel you want. It DOES NOT fit my criteria of having an all-around zipper, but it does have a full-length zipper. 41" wide, 47" wide XL
CON: The pillow pocket is in front. Not full zip.
PRO: Zips from inside or outside of the bag. It gets good reviews, comes in regular or XL, packs down pretty small, and weighs in at only 9.17oz. Good for an inexpensive travel sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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With the braided laundry line, you don't need clothespins. You just stuff a corner of your garment in the braid. I don't use the suction cups (just leave those at home). You can almost always find a place to hang this either in your room our outside. I just loop the hook back onto the clothesline to attach it to something.
gadgets / stuff, laundry, clothes line
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Okay maybe you don't have to get this absolutely adorable one. Any simple rubber door stopper can act as great security while you're inside your hotel room to keep people from opening your door inward. But why wouldn't you want this one?!
gadgets / stuff, lights & safety
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I have searched high and low for a filter that will work well in the collapsible coffee maker I have linked on my site. Quite honestly, this one is close but it's TOO SMALL. It will work in a pinch but I do have a better one linked on my site. The cloth ones take too long to dry, and others are too small or have pointed bottoms.
gadgets / stuff, Eating & Drinking
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This lightweight, breathable, polyester travel sheet fits my criteria of having an all-around zipper. I like being able to open it up all the way to make a flat sheet. 33" wide.
CON: The pillow pocket is in front.
PRO: Zips from inside or outside of the bag. Packs to 7.5" x 2.5" and weighs only 11.5 oz. Comes in a few colors. Good for an inexpensive travel sheet.
gadgets / stuff, comfort, travel sheet
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Absorbent, soft, easy to pack, and comes in nice colors. ;) They're large, too, unlike some expensive high-tech travel towels. Great for the beach!
gadgets / stuff, towel, beach towel, travel towel
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I'm a hammock junkie. I take one with me traveling when I can spare the extra room and weight, so having a strong but lightweight one is so important. I've learned to tie a good knot around a tree, but I sure do love having these easy straps, too! And yep, I like having the fun colors to choose from!
gadgets / stuff, comfort, hammock
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Not all sleeping bag liners are created equal. If you can't stand the thought of being trapped in a narrow fabric sleeve, read on to find the best travel sheet out there.
Frequent travelers, backpackers in particular, are very choosy about their gear! From high quality equipment, to easy gadgets. here are some great gift ideas for budget travelers, frequent flyers, or just those simply wanting more comfort when they travel!
Doing hand-wash is a normal part of budget travel. So how about this bag that touts itself as a portable washing machine for backpackers?