Essential Travel Accessories for Every Adventure in 2019

What do you bring on every trip, you know the essential travel accessories you can’t live without? Can your gear withstand water, mud, dirt and whatever else you might run into?

Good gear should be able to take a beating and last a lifetime. Finding the right gear that will last takes time.

Through all my gear testing over the years, these are the items that have become a staple in my bag and should be considered for yours.

Reusable Water Bottle

This is my #1. The Yeti Rambler goes with me everywhere. It is durable (it’s been dropped off a one-story building and is still kickin!) and holds temp for hours (cold or hot).

Pair the Rambler with a portable water filter and you are set for any adventure!

Bonus: Because Yetis are overengineered they are virtually indestructible, I have used mine as a hammer 🔨 for the stakes on my tent 🏕. One less thing you need to carry 😆

Noise Cancelling Headphones

I used to think they were ridiculous … until I tried them, Now I don’t travel without them.

Crying baby… gone. Hum of the jet engine … gone.

All static noise is erased with the flip of a switch.

I’m loving the Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones (last years model). The newer QC35 are cordless if that’s what you prefer.

These are noise canceling… not sound canceling. You can still hear larger sounds, but all the external noise is gone.

Lifeproof Case

I drop my cellphone … a lot. If it wasn’t for Lifeproof I would be buying new ones all the time.

The last thing you want is to break your phone while you are abroad.

Lifeproof is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. Best of all, their warranty will replace the case from wear and tear (within a year).

They make them for virtually any of the major cell phones. I use the FRE Iphone 6S case.

Universal Power Adapter

It’s easy to overlook if you are used to traveling within the states, but if you are going international you this is a necessity.

I use the Epicka Universal Travel One because all of the prongs are contained in one cube, it has 4 usb a + USB-C, and it has surge protection with an extra fuse. For $22 bucks it’s a no brainer.

Headlamp

Functional, powerful and small. Nearly taking up any footprint in your back a head lamp is a no brainer.

I choose the Petzl Reactik + because it’s rechargeable and adjusts the strength of the light based on how far the object it’s lighting up is away from you (pretty neat right!).

Don’t get caught without one, you never know how much you need it until you don’t have it.

Backpack

I have different backpacks for every activity, but this is the one I reach for when I need to be prepared for anything.

The Patagonia Storm Front is a fully waterproof, weather sealed pack (main zipper included) that gives me 100% confidence that my camera gear will remain dry. It’s been through heavy rain, under waterfalls, and on my back when I paddled out to a boat and all my gear (cameras including) stayed dry.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Adding a camera block like the Fstop Small Pro ICU helps keep things organized. For the best back zip adventure pack (for easy access to camera gear) I highly recommend the Fstop Tiolopa.

Camera

You want to remember your adventures right? Investing in a decent DSLR or Mirrorless camera is a great choice (plus they are all pretty cheap now).

I’m still using the first DSLR I purchased, it has served me well over the years.

This is is my main camera kit.

Fountain Pen

Alright, maybe not “essential” but, I love a good pen.

It makes filling out all the customs forms and keeping up with my journal an enjoyable experience. They can need a bit more maintenance, but the experience is well worth it.

The Pilot Metropolitan is inexpensive and beginner friendly. A great place to start.

Kachula Blanket

I picked up the Kachula Adventure Blanket on Kickstarter as a beach blanket when I was living in Cape Hatteras but it quickly became a staple in my travel kit. It’s water resistant, has a built-in pocket, is smooth on one side, with a warmer pattern on the other, and folds into the pocket to double as a pillow. Perfect for the airplane, beach, mountain, camping or any other time you might need a blanket/pillow.

Be sure to check out Coaltree, they make a range of puffy blankets, apparel, and other outdoor gear.

First Aid Kit

Last but certainly not least, the first aid kit. Always be prepared, know the region you are going and what type of health care is offered.

When I go on surf trips we are normally hours away from the hospital and things happen, you slice your foot on the reef, land on your fins or food didn’t sit well with you. Things happen … it’s better to be prepared.

When you pull this out after your friend “forgot” to pack theirs, you will be their hero.

Be smart, be prepared.

Did I miss something??? Is there something that you travel with that people just have to know about, put it in the comments below.

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