Travel Gear That Actually Works
Tested on the road. No fluff, no filler. Just the kit worth packing.
Most travel gear advice falls into two categories: “buy everything on this 47-item checklist” or “just bring a backpack and figure it out.” Neither is helpful. We’ve spent years testing gear across dozens of countries and narrowed it down to the stuff that genuinely makes a difference. The right adapter plug, the right power bank, the right eSIM. Small things that save you from big headaches. This page covers all of it, plus our honest takes on travel tech, anti-theft gear, and the apps actually worth downloading.
6+ Gear Guides
Tested & reviewed
eSIM Comparison
Stay connected anywhere
Anti-Theft Picks
Protect your stuff
Best Travel Apps
Free & paid picks
Gift Ideas
For travel lovers
Travel Gear Guides
From eSIMs to anti-theft bags, here’s everything we’ve tested and recommend.
Tech & Apps
Connectivity
Security & Safety
Gift Guides & Essentials
Not Sure What You Need?
Roll, don't fold
Adapter, power bank, good earbuds
2-week backpacking trip
All the essentials + packing cubes + dry bag
Beach holiday
Dry bag, microfibre towel, Bluetooth tracker
Long-haul adventure
Everything above + neck pillow + Kindle
Quick Packing Tips
- 🎒 Roll, don’t fold — saves 30% more space and reduces creasing
- ⚡ Always carry a power bank in your personal item — checked luggage power banks get confiscated
- 📱 Download offline maps before you leave — Google Maps lets you save entire citie.
- 🔒 Use a TSA-approved lock — anything else gets cut off at security
5. 👟 Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane — frees up bag space and saves weight
6. 💊 Keep medications in your carry-on — never in checked luggage, ever
7. 📋 Photo your passport and insurance docs — store in your email so you can access them anywhere
8. 🧳 One bag, one rule: if you haven’t used it in 3 trips, it doesn’t come next time
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I really need a universal travel adapter?
Yes. And not just any adapter. Get one with USB-C and USB-A ports built in so you’re not carrying separate charging cables for every device. Most budget adapters only handle plug shape, not voltage. Spend the extra few pounds/dollars and get one that does both. You’ll use it every single trip.
What's the best power bank for travel?
Anything 20,000mAh or above gives you 4+ full phone charges, which is enough for a long travel day even if you’re navigating with GPS the whole time. Make sure it’s under 100Wh (most 20,000mAh banks are) because anything over that limit can’t go in carry-on luggage. Budget around £20 / $25 / €23 for a reliable one.
Are packing cubes worth it?
Genuinely, yes. They sound like one of those things travel bloggers push for no reason, but they change how you pack. Everything has a place. You’re not rummaging through a bag of tangled clothes at 6am trying to find socks. Compression cubes save even more space. A decent set costs about £15 / $18 / €17.
Should I get an eSIM or a local SIM card?
eSIMs are the easier option for most travellers now. No swapping tiny cards, no finding a phone shop when you land. You set it up before you leave and it activates the second you arrive. The coverage and price depend on the provider and destination. We’ve compared the best options in our full eSIM guide.
What anti-theft gear is actually useful?
A slash-proof crossbody bag and an RFID-blocking wallet are the two that genuinely pull their weight. The bag protects against the most common tourist theft (bag slashing in crowds), and the RFID wallet stops contactless skimming. Skip the money belts. Nobody has ever looked natural reaching into their waistband at a cafe.
How do I keep my electronics safe while travelling?
Three things: a dry bag (protects against water and dust, £8 / $10 / €9), a Bluetooth tracker clipped to your main bag (so you know where it is even when the airline doesn’t), and offline backups of important documents stored in your email. If your phone gets stolen, you can still access everything from any device.
What should I pack in my carry-on vs checked luggage?
Carry-on: all electronics, medications, valuables, one change of clothes, travel documents, power bank (power banks cannot go in the hold). Checked luggage: everything else. The mindset is this: if the airline loses your checked bag for 48 hours, can you survive on what’s in your carry-on? If yes, you’ve packed it right.
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes. Every single trip. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a weekend in Paris or a month in Southeast Asia. One medical emergency abroad without insurance and you’re looking at bills that could financially set you back for years. A decent annual policy costs less than a single night in a hotel. It’s the most important thing you “pack.”
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and services I genuinely think are useful for travellers, and your support helps keep The Travel Tinker running (and lets me keep making free planning tools and guides).
Get Your Free Travel Starter Kit!
