Travel gear that actually works
Tested on the road. No fluff, no filler. Just the kit worth packing, and the stuff you can safely leave at home.
If it hasn't earned its space in the bag, it isn't here.
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Most gear advice is either a 47-item checklist or "just bring a backpack"
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.
Travel gear guides
From eSIMs to anti-theft bags, here's everything we've tested and recommend.
Not sure what you need?
Pick your trip type and we'll tell you exactly what earns its place in the bag.
Weekend city break
Two or three days, carry-on only, minimal faff.
- Universal adapter with built-in USB-C and USB-A
- Power bank, 10,000mAh is plenty for a short trip
- Good earbuds, noise-cancelling if you can stretch to it
- RFID-blocking wallet for busy tourist areas
- Refillable water bottle, saves a fortune at airports
2-week backpacking trip
Everything above, plus the stuff that keeps a bigger bag under control.
- Everything from the weekend list
- Packing cubes, ideally compression ones
- Dry bag for wet clothes and dodgy weather
- 20,000mAh power bank (keep it under 100Wh for carry-on)
- Microfibre towel, dries in about an hour
- Padlock for hostel lockers, TSA-approved
- eSIM sorted before you fly
Beach holiday
Sand and salt water ruin more gear than anything else. Plan for it.
- Dry bag, non-negotiable near water
- Microfibre towel, packs down to nothing
- Bluetooth tracker in your main bag
- Waterproof phone pouch for boat trips
- Reef-safe sun cream, banned brands are a real thing in some places
Long-haul adventure
Everything above, plus the things that make 14 hours in a seat survivable.
- Everything from the lists above
- Decent neck pillow, the memory foam kind
- Kindle or e-reader, one charge lasts weeks
- Compression socks for the flight
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Slash-proof crossbody bag for transit days
Quick packing tips
Eight rules we follow on every single trip. None of them cost anything.
Roll, don't foldSaves around 30% more space and cuts down on creasing.
Power bank in your personal itemPower banks in checked luggage get confiscated. Every time.
Download offline maps before you leaveGoogle Maps lets you save entire cities. No signal needed.
Use a TSA-approved lockAnything else gets cut off at security and you'll never see it again.
Wear your heaviest shoes on the planeFrees up bag space and keeps you under the weight limit.
Keep medications in your carry-onNever in checked luggage. Ever. No exceptions.
Photograph your passport and insurance docsEmail them to yourself so you can get at them from any device.
The three-trip ruleIf you haven't used it in three trips, it doesn't come on the fourth.
When the gear isn't the problem
The best kit in the world won't stop a flight being cancelled. These hubs cover the rest.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the guidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps and cons you won't see coming. We break down how to avoid every single one.
Protect yourselfTravel Insurance
Your gear is only covered if you've got a policy that covers it. We compare the best options.
Find the right policyPacking Tips
Our free packing list generator plus every packing guide we've written. Build a list that makes sense.
Build your listTravel gear FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered with actual prices.
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 and get one that does both. You'll use it every single trip. Budget around £20-30 / $25-38 / €23-35 for a good one.
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. More detail in our anti-theft gear guide.
How do I keep my electronics safe while travelling?
Three things: a dry bag (protects against water and dust, around £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 versus 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 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". Compare options in our travel insurance hub.
Get your free Travel Starter Kit
Step-by-step planning checklists, free guides, and a stack of money-saving tips to help you plan your trip like an expert. Packing lists included.
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