travel gear list
I feel very blessed to be able to do a little bit of traveling every year. Most of my traveling comes as a part of our church’s two-week youth choir tour, which is one of my very favorite things to do. I thought it would be fun to compile (and hopefully update) a list of my favorite travel gear. I’m going to base these recommendations on what I take on the two-week trip, but of course I tweak what I take depending on the trip.
I do realize that it is a luxury to travel at all, and the same can be said for this gear. Most of it is not super expensive, but what is expensive is relative, and there is definitely cheaper stuff. I’m thankful for the chances I have to hit the road, and for the fact that I’ve been able to get this stuff, but you don’t have to have a certain level of gear to travel!
Backpack: North Face Router Daypack (zinc grey heather/asphalt)
North Face Router Backpack, $149
I really love this backpack. I had previously traveled with a North Face Hot Shot backpack, which I really liked (and which remains my everyday bag), but which didn’t have as many pockets as I like for traveling. The router is a BIG backpack, as you could imagine you might need for a longer trip. It also features many different pockets. It feels great–very comfortable on my large frame. The pocket built for a water bottle is the only one I have ever used that actually holds a large bottle in successfully.
I believe that the Router that is for sale now is a slightly updated version of the bag that I have.
As an aside, I currently have two decorative things on my pack. My dad was kind enough to sew on a Tampa Bay Rays patch, and I also have a button version of a Jerrod Maruyama Disney Wonderground print that hangs in our daughter’s bedroom. I would love to add an official National Parks Service patch, but have no way of getting one as I am not in the employ of the National Parks Service.
Sunglasses: Warby Parker Spencer (brown)
Warby Parker Sunglasses
I have very poor vision, and prior to getting these prescription sunglasses from Warby Parker, I had not bothered with prescription sunglasses, instead buying cheap gas station sunglasses and wearing them over my glasses when I drove (like a dork.) Having any prescription sunglasses at all has been a revelation for me, and I do particularly like these from Warby Parker. This model (Spencer) is no longer for sale, but Warby Parker does offer similar frames.
Water Bottle: Liberty Bottleworks Straight Up (saffron)
Liberty Bottleworks Straight Up Bottle with Sport Cap, $27
I find that one of the most important (and oftentimes most difficult) things to do while traveling is to keep hydrated. I have very much enjoyed this bottle from Liberty Bottleworks. My only complaint is that the shipping is very expensive and not particularly prompt.
NOTE: The Sport cap (which I prefer) oftentimes makes an uncanny dolphin noise when you drink from the bottle. I consider that to be a feature, but you can decide if you think it is a feature or a bug.
Towel: MSR Packtowl Personal (indigo, x-large)
MSR Packtowl Personal, $24.95
A towel is one of the biggest challenges for a two-week trip with likely no access to laundry. I used to bring two regular towels on the trip and try to use each for a week, hanging them wherever I could to help them to dry out, keeping them away from my suitcase as much as possible.
The MSR Packtowl has made things much easier. The towel wrings out very easily, and dries quickly. Once dry, it folds neatly into the provided mesh stuff sack. The extra large size has been plenty big, and though the towel is very lightweight, I never feel like I don’t have enough towel.
Rain Jacket: North Face Men’s Venture Jacket
North Face Men’s Venture Jacket, $99.00
I’m never quite sure whether to bring my rain jacket or not, but I usually regret it when I leave it at home. This is the jacket that I have; I mostly bought the North Face one because I liked my North Face backpack so much. It keeps me dry, but I’m not necessarily in love with it.
Cap: New Era Low Crown 59FIFTY
New Era Low Crown 59FIFTY, $34.99
I wear a lot of caps, whether I am traveling or not. When I am on choir tour, a cap is a necessity for me when a morning shower is far from guaranteed. I have many different caps, but the New Era 59FIFTY is my absolute favorite, and I have been excited at the uptick in availability of their low crown model recently. The normal 59FIFTY sits up on my head a little more than I would like, but the low crown fits just right for me.
Watch: Pebble Time
Pebble Time, $199
I recently bought this watch, though I was unsure what to expect from a smartwatch. I’m still figuring out exactly what it can do, but the notifications from your phone alone are useful on the road. I have seen this advertised as having up to seven days of battery life. My experience has been that it doesn’t quite last that long (at least how I have been regularly using it), but it does have a good, long battery life.
Notebook: Field Notes
Field Notes, $9.95
I have long been an admirer of the work of Coudal Partners, and Field Notes, their collaboration with Draplin Design, has become the gold standard for on-the-go memo books. A no-brainer. Their standard editions are wonderful, and they make really cool seasonal limited editions as well.
Passport To Your National Parks
Passport To Your National Parks, $8.95
I picked up one of these National Parks passport books at the Hubbell Trading Post in Arizona in 2007, but it wasn’t until recently that I became more serious about collecting the stamp cancellations that go in the book. Virtually all of the Naitonal Park-related sites in the United States have the stamps, which are available to add to your book for free. I’ve really enjoyed collecting the cancellations, and they have led me to visit sites that I may not have otherwise seen.
If you decide to start collecting the stamps, I also recommend that you consider joining the National Park Travelers Club, which is $10 for the first year and $5/year thereafter. The club has an active forum where members share a wealth of great information, and perhaps most importantly, maintains a master database of all available stamps that provides locations and details about the stamps you can get. I have found this resource to be invaluable.
The Adventure Log (yellow)
The Adventure Log, $12 3-pack
A friend recently introduced me to these cool little notebooks which include spaces to include the details of your adventures. Simply done and well done.