Travel Gear

What’s in my backpack?

The more you travel, the easier it becomes to pack your travel gear and the more you realise you don’t really need that much. Travel as light as possible is always the best advice. The least you carry, the more comfortable your travels will be. Ideally, travel with 1 carry-on bag of 7kg only. If you’re able to do that, life gets a lot easier on the road. Imagine don’t having to wait for your bag at airports anymore, or having to worry to about your bag which is stowed away on some roof in some bus compartment. I can only dream about that. Being the photographer than I am, I carry more weight than anyone else. And, I’m the type of person that likes to be prepared, so I might carry items others may consider leaving at home. 

This page contains all the travel related items I carry with me on my trips that have been to warmer climates mostly. I like to get value for my money, so I usually do a lot of research before I buy something. I can recommend each item from my own experience, but when I feel another product is better I will mention that. I’m not trying to make you buy the same type of items, but I’m more trying to give you insight into the type of product and make you understand what element I feel are important. 

PLEASE NOTE:

  • This page uses  affiliate links. If you order anything by using these links, I may get a small commission.
  • These reviews are honest reviews. If something is not good about a product, I mention it as well.
  • I’m not paid by anyone to promote these products and have bought all of them from my own money.

 

Travel Gear: TimeScape

 

Travel gear listed (scroll down for more info):

GEAR

CLOTHING

  • Shoes and slippers
  • Socks & underwear
  • Shirts & shorts
  • Thermo pants + sleeveless or t-shirt
  • Pants & fleece sweater
  • Swimming gear + sarong 
  • Rain jacket & pants
  • Pet + belt

HEALTHCARE

MEDICINES

Of course bring the medicines you need. Other things to bring:

  • Paracetamol
  • Darrhoea tablets
  • Bandages
  • Band aids
  • Wound treatment to prevent infection
  • Alternatively get a first aid kit, which should include most items. 

OTHER

  • Passport / passport photographs / copies of your passport
  • Drivers license / international drivers license
  • Bank card / creditcard
  • E-reader / games

 

Check out the other travel and photography tools I use:

Photography-Gear-1 Photography apps & software Travel gear Travel apps & services

 

Travel gear reviews

Backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP 65   

Pacsafe EXP65 65L backpack

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP 65 is a 65L anti-theft backpacking bag. This bag is simply fantastic. I have become a huge fan of Pacsafe and own 3 of their bags thanks to their anti-theft properties. This takes a lot of my worries away and I feel much safer, especially when I leave my bags and stuff unattended. I can store my laptop safely, which I really don’t want to store in any safe. The secured zippers are closed with a proper lock and the bag can even be attached to bed or whatever with a steel wire. Exomesh is used so the bag can’t be sliced.

 

Wheeled Bag: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP 29

Pacsafe EXP29 wheeled bag

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP 29 is a 80L anti-theft wheeled bag. To save my back and sweat I now use this bag. It has all the properties of the EXP65 and is the best bag I can wish for. 

If comfort is more important to you than anti-theft, for example when you’re planning on doing hikes with your backpack, I recommend to look at Osprey. They have a great line up of quality, comfortable bags. I’d go for the Atmos AG 65.

 

Smartphone

A smartphone is a no brainer ofcourse, we couldn’t live a day without it, imagine traveling the world without it! Well, back in the days, during my first trip, I had a cellphone only to send call and send messages. There were internet café’s to get your bookings done and do your email. Lonely Planet was many travellers’ religion. Things have changed a lot.

I don’t need to explain why you need a smartphone, but I’ll advise you to bring an extra cable or two. And don’t forget your earpods or headphones. 

 

Headphones

V-Moda Crossfade headphone

I bought the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 a few years ago after scouring the internet for the best possible headphone a few hundred bucks would buy. It is exceptionally good, I hear subtle effect I’ve never heard before. I really love traveling with headphones, especially when you’re sitting on endless busrides and flights. It lets you zone out and forget where you are at that moment. Especially welcome when you’re on the plane sitting close to crying kids. Unfortunately I now have chosen to travel without due to space limitation and I prefer the Bose speaker, since I’ll be using that more than the headphones.

 

Music speaker

Bose Soundlink bluetooth speaker

The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker is one incredible little bluetooth speaker. It’s more expensive than most other small speakers, but when you hear it, you will understand why. Even at a really low volume it still has a rich sound. If you’re not such a sucker for sound quality and bass you’ll be fine with any cheap speaker. However, a speaker really is great to have when traveling or for when you’re out taking photos. The strap on the back allows this speaker to be attached to the shoulder strap of your backpack (or whatever), so I can play it while driving a motorbike. Awesome! 

 

USB drive

An USB-drive is necessary sometimes for when you need to have certain documents printed at copyshops. They’re also good to have for when you want to exchange movies or other files. 

 

Sunglasses

Do your eyes a favour and get some sunglasses with UV protection. Keep in mind that scratched sunglass lose their protection. I wouldn’t get any really expensive glasses when you travel, they’re bound to break or get lost. 

 

Money Belt 

Travelambo Moneybelt

I use a Money Belt to store my things like my passport, foreign currencies, dollars for backup, passport photos and whatever other travel documents I need to keep. It’s usually in my locked bag when I’m away, or when I travel in my backpack, but you can wear it under your clothes if you want.

 

Headlamp / Flash Light 

HeadlampA headlamp is really great to have, as you’ve got your hands free. When you need to pack your bag in the dark, that’s very convenient. Alternatively, get a flashlight. Your phone will get you a long way. And if you want to travel light, you might skip this entirely. But the more you’ll travel, the more you’ll miss it.

 

Rechargeable batteries

Eneloop Pro AA rechargeable batteries

I use rechargeable Eneloop Pro AA and AAA batteries, which are among the best you can buy. For my cameras I always buy original batteries. They are worth the extra money. I don’t have any good experience with cheap batteries, regular or camera type batteries. It simply is better to have 1 good battery vs 2 mediocre. 

Power 

Powercube

I use a Powercube and a Skross USB Hub to charge my gadgets, as I often only have 1 outlet available in the rooms I stay at. The Skross World Travel Adaptor is great thanks it’s extra 2xUSB charger, but mine actually ‘blew up’ at some point. It made a bang and died. I then got the USB Hub with 4xUSB. There are many versions of the Skross adapters, look around to see what suits you best.

 

Powerbank

You can’t live without a powerbank anymore these days, especially when traveling. It’s not just for charging your phone, but any USB device. 

 

Earplugs for sleeping

Mack's Earplugs

These Marck’s Foam Earplugs are the one thing I wish I bought long before. I never really saw the need from them, but when you have them, man they are great. They let me sleep wonderfully in noisy environments, when you have a snorer in the room or when you’re on a bus or plane. There is no reason not to buy them, they are the lightest, smallest thing in your backpack. And they are priceless. I do suggest these soft ones in particular, they always fit comfortably and you can sleep in any position without problems.

 

Multi tool

Victorinox multi tool knife

You can live without a multi tool knife and you surely don’t need a big one. But there are few things that you will likely need along the way: a knife, scissors, a bottle opener, a wine bottle opener, a pin or needle, a pen and maybe a toothpick. This Victorinox Compact Pocket Knife has exactly these things and a few more. Having all these tools doesn’t come any compacter than this. 

 

Packing cubes 

Pro Packing Cubes

Everyone is raving about Packing cubes, but it wasn’t until I tried them myself that I understood it. These things really help you stay organised and speed up your unpacking/packing like nothing else. One of the best pieces of travel gear you can buy.

 

CLOTHING

They have shops wherever you go and you’re likely to buy things cheaper there. You might want to consider leaving some of your expensive clothing at home and just buy some new ones locally. If Nepal is on your list, Kathmandu is one of the best places to buy clothing, but beware of fakes.

Clothing packing list suggestion:

  • Shirts & shorts: Sleeveless are great in warm weather, but longsleeves are useful when you’re out in the sun all day and want to protect your skin
  • Pants & fleece sweater: Zipper pants are ideal for times when you’re dealing with high temperature differences and much cooler than jeans. Leave your hoody at home, but bring something like a fleece jacket. It’s much lighter, smaller and warmer. In colder areas you’ll want a windproof jacket.
  • Socks & underwear: Makes sense, but you might want to consider extra comfortable ones if you’re doing hikes to prevent blisters and friction. Toe socks are actually great to prevent blisters. Merino wool products are best.
  • Swimming gear + sarong: A sarong is the most multifunctional piece you can carry, ideal to lay on, use as a towel or a blanket for when it’s cold and girls can wear it as a dress. Buy one locally. Bring whatever you wear for swimming and don’t forget your goggles or snorkelling gear.
  • Rain jacket & pants: Priceless when you need it. I usually don’t carry rain pants, but if you’re doing multi day hikes you’ll want to bring them.
  • Shoes & socks & slippers: Bring comfortable walking shoes, you’re likely to end up doing some long walks. Slippers are easily bought locally and probably much cheaper too. They always outlast the ones I bring from home, somehow.
  • Cap or Hat
  • Thermo pants + sleeveless or t-shirt: If you’re heading into colder areas or just want to be prepared for cold nights, thermo clothing is ideal. One pair of long thermo pants and a longsleeve will help and don’t take up much space.
  • Gloves + hat + scarf: if you’re going really cold. You can buy these on the way as well.

 

HEALTHCARE

I use the lightweight Sea to Summit Travelling Light Toiletry Bag to keep my bathroom items in one place. It comes with a mirror, 2 pockets and 2 zipper pockets. It also has a hook, so you can hang it, which is actually quite handy.

Healthcare items to bring:

I highly recommend bringing a thermometer, tick pliers and especially good insect repellant with DEET.

 

MEDICINES

Of course bring the medicines you need. Other things to bring:

  • Paracetamol
  • Diarrhoea tablets
  • Bandages
  • Band aids
  • Wound treatment to prevent infection
  • Alternatively get a first aid kit, which should include most items. 

Keep meds in their package with their description!

 

OTHER

  • Bring plenty of passport photographs and some copies of your passport. You are likely to need them along the way, especially then extending visas. 
  • Bring a bank card and creditcard. Even better to have 2 bank accounts, so you have a double set in case you run into trouble or a card doesn’t work.
  • If you have a drivers license, you might want to bring it, depending on where you’re going. If you plan on driving abroad, arrange your international drivers license.
  • An E-reader is great to have for obvious reasons: much smaller and lighter than a book and you can ‘carry’ countless books. It’s great to kill time when bored, especially when on long rides. 
  • Bring some small games like a deck of cards, some dice or whatever to play games with other travellers (or yourself) when you’re bored. 

 

Check out the other travel and photography tools I use:

Photography-Gear-1 Photography apps & software Travel gear Travel apps & services