Update: The winner of the $25 Amazon gift card is Esha! Congratulations Esha and thanks everyone for participating! I loved hearing your favorite travel products and I think I might be adding a few to my own list. Happy shopping!
I love to travel, and I love to shop. When these two activities combine, I get pretty excited about it. So I decided to compile a list of my favorite travel gadgets and gear for your Black Friday shopping sprees and holiday wish lists.
But I also want to hear your favorite travel products to give me some inspiration. If you participate, you just might win a $25 Amazon gift card!
So, how do I win?
- Once you’ve checked out the list of my favorite travel gear, use the links below to go to Amazon, and find your own favorite travel product. It can be one I recommend, or a completely different item, as long as it’s travel related.
- Come back to this post and leave a comment telling me what that product is and why you like it.
- Everyone who participates will be entered into a random drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card, announced one week from today on the blog. Subscribe here to make sure you don’t miss it!
My Travel Gear Favorites
Everything on this list is something I highly recommend. While I’m not being paid to mention any of these products, I will receive a percentage of any Amazon purchases if you use the links below, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep this site up and running. Thank you for your support!
1. Canon Powershot S95
My Canon Powershot S95 is an impressive little shooter that takes quality images and fits in my pocket. It’s been a great camera for getting started experimenting with manual settings. With an aperture that gets as wide as f/2.0, it takes great shots even in low light and allows you to get creative with depth of field (to get that blurry background and sharp foreground). It has the full range of shooting modes from automatic, scenes, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual mode, and shoots JPGS as well as RAW files. There’s a newer model out with enhanced features and performance, called the Canon S120. It even has Wifi!
Canon PowerShot S95 | Canon PowerShot S120 | Spare Batteries |
If you want to see examples of what this baby can do, just peruse the blog. Some photo heavy posts are here, here, and here. Almost all the photos were taken by my Canon S95 with the exception of a few iPhone photos. The S95 is my favorite travel camera I’ve owned.
2. Joby GorrillaPod Travel Tripod
I got this as a gift from Garren for Christmas last year and I have gotten so many great shots that would have been impossible without it! Like this one. And this one. Oh, and this one, too.
If you want to take low light photos (think sunsets) or blur movement (think waterfalls) then having a tripod is essential. No one wants to carry a big, bulky tripod everywhere they go, but the Joby GorillaPod fits in a medium-sized purse, or can be plopped in a backpack without taking up too much space. Plus, its flexible legs can wrap around light poles, hang from tree branches, and cling to corners. How cool is that? I’ve never regretted bringing this along.
Joby GP3 GorillaPod |
3. Asus Zenbook UPDATE: No Longer Recommended!
I love my Asus UX31E Zenbook and it has served me well for three years of intense use. Read the update here. Since my laptop travels with me everywhere, it has to be extremely thin and lightweight and also be able to take a beating. Asus Zenbooks come with solid state hard drives to protect your data from bumps in the road, and are so incredibly thin, the case is literally an envelope. This laptop is essentially a Windows version of the Macbook Air without the Apple price tag.
Bonus: I still get over 3 hours of battery life after 3 years of intense use.
My laptop is a few years old, so here is a newer version. It even has a touchscreen!
ASUS Zenbook 13.3″ Touchscreen Laptop |
4. North Face Thermoball Jacket
This is a fantastic jacket for travel if you’re spending any time in cold climates. The Thermoball insulation is incredibly warm and it scrunches down to fit inside its own pocket. Great from 40°F all the way down below 0°F if you have a shell and other essential cold-weather layers. For those of you not from the frigid climate of Minnesota, that means a hat, gloves, scarf, sweater, and leggings (to go under your pants, not instead of pants).
Believe it or not, I brought my thermoball jacket to Hawaii to stay warm on the Mauna Kea Summit, and tucked it in my suitcase the rest of the trip. I was so glad I had it!
The North Face ThermoBall Women’s Jacket | The North Face Thermoball Men’s Jacket |
5. North Face Venture Jacket
The Venture jacket is a lightweight waterproof rain shell that I wear as a light jacket, rain jacket, or cold-weather shell (to go over a warm coat like the thermoball). I’ve had it for a year and it still keeps me dry even in heavy rain. In warm, tropical climates, you can unzip the armpits to let those babies breathe.
The North Face Women’s Venture Jacket | The North Face Men’s Venture Jacket |
6. Universal Power Adaptor/Surge Protector
I couldn’t be happier with this universal plug adaptor and surge protector. It’s nice knowing my electronics aren’t going to get blasted by power surges, and its small size makes it easy to bring anywhere. This adaptor doesn’t convert voltage, but all of my electronics (and probably most of yours) have built-in converters in their charger. Just be sure to double check that your charger accepts 110V – 220V before plugging in abroad.
All in One Surge Protector Universal Plug Adaptor |
7. Osprey Backpack
I’ve used my Osprey Ariel 65L backpack on two trips now: once on a canoeing backpacking trip through the Boundary Waters and again for the Inca Trail Trek in Peru. After putting it to the test – I seriously LOVE it! First and foremost, it makes very heavy loads feel like nothing thanks to the even weight distribution and the ability to scrunch the top over your shoulders (super helpful if you are short). Osprey packs have a tensioned mesh back panel that allows air to flow freely between you and the pack, preventing nasty backsweat on long, hot hikes. The Ariel can be loaded from the top or the front and also has bottom-access to pull out your sleeping bag without unpacking everything else. My favorite feature? The little pockets on the hip belt. One held my camera, the other held my snacks. What more does a trekker need?
Garren has the same basic pack but the men’s version: Osprey Aether 70L. His review: “It’s a good pack.”
Osprey Women’s Ariel 65 Backpack | Osprey Men’s Aether 70 Backpack |
8. Leather Messenger Bag
I have gotten so many compliments on this bag! I use it every day for work, and as my second small carry-on bag when I travel. It fits my laptop perfectly, plus room for plenty more. The leather is gorgeous and has worn really well over the past year. This makes a great book/messenger/laptop bag that is incredibly functional with a unique vintage style I haven’t seen anywhere else. Each one is hand made in India from soft goat leather, and available in a few sizes. Mine is a 14″ version.
15″ Leather Messenger Bag | 13″ Leather Messenger Bag |
You can find these on Ebay as well. Here’s a link to a 14.5″ leather messenger bag that’s closest to my 14″ bag.
9. Ful Convertible Carry-On Luggage
I got this bag before a trip to Spain a few years ago when I flew an airline with smaller-than-normal carry-on limits. This suitcase is small and sleek without big handles or bulges to stick out and prevent you from fitting it into tight spaces. An added bonus is the extra bag that zips onto the front of the suitcase, or can be removed and worn as a backpack (even if it is a super dorky backpack).
Ful Double Time 21″ Upright Carry-On |
10. Lush Solid Shampoo
When I fly, I always have trouble fitting all of my travel-sized liquids into that quart-sized bag. Recently, I found a way to ditch one of those bottles. Solid shampoo bars, from Lush, are like bar soap for your hair, and they will suds up as well as normal liquid shampoo. Plus, they smell amazing. Now I have one less thing to worry about when it comes to the liquids rule, and it won’t spill all over my suitcase.
Not sold? Alex Baackes from Alex in Wanderland swears by this stuff, and doesn’t her hair look amazing?
Don’t buy this on Amazon – you will pay double. Here’s a link to the Lush website instead: Lush Solid Shampoo. I like the jumping juniper.
Wrap it Up!
That wraps up my list of travel gear favorites. Now it’s your turn! Peruse Amazon and find your favorite travel product, then tell me what it is and why it’s great in the comments below. Participate and you’ll be entered into my random drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card.
Esha says
I like the idea of the completely universal power adapter that you posted. A lot of the ones I have seen accept all plug types but only plug into one (so I could use an American, Asian, European or Australian cord but only plug it into say Asian). Although those are useful to a point, I pretty much only have American plugs and I would need a separate adapter for every continent. It’s easier to just keep track of one that works in any country, especially one that retails at a low price. Thanks for the tip!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Yes! It is surprising how hard it is to find a good universal adaptor. I like that this one is so lightweight and fairly small for having a surge protector. Thanks for the comment!
Don says
I can really see the benefits of the Thermoball jackets you mentioned. I don’t usually pick cool climates for my travel 🙂 but if I did then I would want to have something that takes up as little space as possible. Thanks for the tip!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Yeah I seriously love that jacket. Plus, its nice to be able to wear something in the MN winters that doesn’t make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story!
Nathan says
I’m a big supporter of the Amazon Kindle (or any other e-reader) with a black and white display. I can carry my entire library with me for less than the weight of one paperback. My eyes don’t get tired and the battery lasts for a month. It’s nice to always have something to read on the plane or while waiting for the train.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
I really should try the Kindle, I’ve heard lots of great things. Great suggestion! Thanks, Nathan!
Richelle says
I really want to get a Go Pro before my trip to Thailand this winter, but they’re so expensive! Not only do I want the camera, I also want a stick to hold it and a waterproof case. In terms of the ones you posted, the travel adaptor looks great, I could really use one of those.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Oh my gosh, yes. Someone had a Go Pro on our Inca Trail trek and they got some really cool shots with the extension stick. So many cool things you can do with those. I saw an awesome video someone made shooting big waves in Hawaii with their GoPro and the waterproof case. Here’s the link if you’re curious: Kua Bay, Big Island Hawaii
Austin says
Like the jacket, and the thurmoball, but I’m kinda like a chick when it comes to bag, esp a leather one. Throw my name in the hat. Thanks!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Haha! Yep, hard to resist a nice leather bag. You’re in the hat!
Michelle says
My boyfriend’s thermoball is so warm and cozy, I added one to my shopping list in my head months ago, but with Christmas approaching I might just need to treat myself.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Or you can steal his and with any luck he’ll get the hint!
Jeremy S says
I really like the REI Flex Lite Chair. I know it’s not from Amazon, but this is one item that I would not go camping without and I also get a lot of use out of when not camping (fireworks, movies in the park, sporting event sidelines, etc). It’s incredibly lightweight and collapses down so it doesn’t take up a lot of room in a backpack or duffle bag. If you want a version from Amazon, the Helinox Chair One Camp Chair looks identical but with a larger price tag.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Thanks for the tip! I have totally tried that chair out in REI before. It is pretty awesome. Garren and I ended up getting some folding seat pads for canoeing and they double as camp chairs, but they aren’t as comfortable as the flex lite one. I did manage to make a pretty sweet pool floaty out of mine by strapping some life jackets on it, though!
Judy Osborn says
Hi Sonja–I love reading about your adventures and after thinking about your travel gear guide, I’m struck at how different travel at your age (I’m guessing at 25-30) is from when I traveled at your age. No computers, slick cameras, lightweight warm jackets, dry shampoo, luggage on wheels, etc. I still think my Brownie Hawkeye was the best camera I ever had. Anyway, now when I travel at age 77, my gear is simple; good sneakers (love Rykas), my pill box, rolling luggage, and all my cards (Medicare, Blue Cross, Humana, Visa, check/ATM card, and cataract replacement card). Except for the cards, the rest is available on Amazon. The most important thing to pack, though, is a good attitude, a sense of adventure, and a desire to learn about our world. Even a trip to the next state over can be an adventure. I’m looking forward to reading about your next adventure. Hope I’m in the hat!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog! You are right, even with all the best gear and products, they won’t get you anywhere if you don’t have a good attitude. Glad you’re still traveling and exploring! You’re in the hat!
Isabelle L. says
I love North Face jackets. I got one similar to that when I went hiking in Costa Rica. It’s perfect and the pink color is beautiful.
And nothing beats the Lush solid shampoo. It’s the best!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Aren’t they great? One of the reasons I love my Venture jacket is the color. It’s a really intense ocean blue. And yeah, the solid shampoo is something I thought was crazy at first, but now I love it! I swear it works better than my regular shampoo. Thanks for the comment!
shaunie says
Easy and light to take with you on the road when you need power for your electronics – RAVPower 3rd Gen
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Cool! Now if only I had something like that for my camera, I might not have had to take five batteries with me! Thanks for the tip!
Andrea Belgrade says
Hey Sonja! Thanks for all your travel tricks and tips! that is interesting to hear about the solid soap. I just hate when crappy hotel shampoo makes my hair all gummy- or a lot of places don’t have any shampoo at all! This isn’t really an item, but the most important thing i ever bought was travel health insurance. You have no idea when you are going to need it, but when you do, it can be a huge lifesaver. This saved me literally thousands of dollars once and the insurance company paid it without any trouble at all! As for an actual item, I think it can be good to bring a really tiny pocket sized notebook. there are all kinds of fun things you forget if you don’t write it down, and even just writing things down help you remember them. Also, if you want to go back and remember a name or a place, it can be a useful tool. I also think on longer trips it’s interesting how your perspective changes and the journal can document that a lot better than your memory!
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Good call on the travel health insurance! That reminds me, I need to get that for our trip to India! And yeah, a small notebook is great for remembering the little details. How do you think I write all these blog posts? Definitely a necessity for a blogger. Thanks, Andrea!
Maria says
I have a similar canon for traveling but recently (a bit over two years now) fell in love with my Olympus Tough camera. It has good quality is compact and most importantly is shock and water proof. I can be a complete klutz and don’t have to worry about taking this camera into any “risky” situations. It was also great for underwater and family photos while we were in Aruba. (I was able to take it wind surfing and jet skiing and get some great photos of my dad and brother while we were put on the water.)
Also just a side note: I second the kindle suggestion. I wouldn’t have survived my year in Greece without it and it is way nicer/easier to use than my iPad for reading books.
Sonja Riemenschneider says
Hey is it the Olympus Tough TG-3? I recommended that camera for my sister, Andrea, and I think she likes it so far! She has always been the underwater photographer of the family so I’m excited to see what she does with it! Thanks for the tips!