The writers of this site have been on the road for much of the past two decades now. And as we’ve noted, if experience teaches anything, it’s to pack lighter.
So keep that in mind. These articles and reviews are sorted by date published; you can find our advice for specific items to pack in the menus at top.
But above all, don’t take anything that you think you only “might” need. Things can be acquired on the road, and you can learn to live and travel without. We recommend some really high quality gear here, the things that have held up and served us the best for years. But don’t buy anything unless you know you’ll actually use it and enjoy it. Otherwise you’re likely to just end up discarding it on the road.
Here are our very favorite wheeled travel backpacks and why we like to be able to both roll and shoulder-carry our stuff.
The Best Rolling Backpacks: For the Lightest, Most Comfortable One-Bag Travel Read More »
Options for nomad setups that both pack down small and give you multi-screen working space
Portable Multiple Monitor Setups for Being an Efficient, Lightweight Working Nomad Read More »
Every Fjällräven Kånken compared: Classic 16L, laptop versions, totes, slings, hip packs and larger travel models, and which is best for you.
We’ve tried out oodles of portable Bluetooth speakers over the years and we update this article as new options come out.
Here’s our review of the HeroClip: A simple travel hook for hanging bags, suitcases, and more anywhere in bars, cafés, hotels, etc.
We talked to study abroad students and organizers for packing tips and to pinpoint key frequent mistakes in preparing to study in foreign countries.
The best travel keyboard: why we carry the Logitech Keys-to-Go 2 with its protective cover, plus other ultra-portable keyboards worth considering.
What’s Best for Travel Typing? A Light, Ultra-Packable Keyboard with a Protective Cover Read More »
My Tern Setups review after 9 months of daily work on the road: stability, screen quality, packability, which resolution to choose, and my favorite setups.
My Tern Setups Review: 9 Months Traveling with the Tern Monitor + Stand Read More »
The collapsible water bottles that fold down smallest: Hydaway silicone bottles, cheaper Vapur alternatives, and more.
The Travel Water Bottles that Collapse Down the Smallest—Reviewed Read More »
Why public USB charging points can be risky (juice jacking), and simple ways to charge safely on the road: wall outlets, power banks, data blockers.
The Danger of USB Charge Points — and How to Charge Your Devices in Public Safely Read More »
The best power banks based on our years travelling with them: slim USB-C batteries with built-in cables, high-capacity laptop chargers, and how to never get locked out by a dead phone.
The Best Power Banks for Travel: Avoid the Perils of a Phone’s Dying Battery! Read More »
The Osprey Daylite series compared: daypacks, Daylite Plus, messenger and sling. Which affordable, durable Daylite is right for travel, hiking or daily use.
Older Osprey daypacks that are still great and often still available: Quasar, Questa, Comet, Metron, the Heritage series, Talia and more.
Older Osprey Daypacks that Are Still Great—and Often Still Available Read More »
Wisdom from our trail expert on the differences in Osprey packs for overnight hikes or long hikes in the wilderness, from winter to summer, desert to mountains
How to Choose Among the Top Osprey Backpacks for Trekking Read More »
Osprey slings compared: Daylite, Aeode, Archeon, Nebula and Transporter (5–13L). Specs, key differences, and which sling suits which kind of trip.
A complete guide to the Osprey daypack options so you can choose the right one based on features, weight, comfort, cost, and more
The top backpacks for kids and young adults that have integrated wheels so that they can roll when the load gets heavier
The Most Durable Rolling School Backpacks Read More »
Our experience with the Osprey Nebula Sling while travelling and to go out and about in cities
Osprey Nebula Sling: Reviewed as a Travel, Café, and Urban Transport Bag Read More »
Our favorite tiny corkscrew for keychains for opening wine anywhere while travelling—one that is allowed past TSA and EU airport security
The Best EU- and TSA-Compliant Travel Corkscrew for Opening Wine While Travelling Read More »
A complete comparison of airlines’ size limits (from most to least restrictive) for underseat cabin bags and tips for navigating the rules
An ode to the most essential multipurpose piece of clothing for many minimalist travelers: the neck gaiter, a.k.a., buff
Navigate the rules, pack wisely, and get the correct tickets for travelling with a dog on trains in Europe
Can I Take Fido? Top Tips for Riding European Trains With Dogs Read More »
I’ve tried out various hair trimmers that are suitable for travel and easy to charge; here’s the best one I’ve found.
The Best Head/Body Hair Trimmer I’ve Found for Travel Read More »
Don’t pack very much. And make sure that the few things you do pack are excellent and will serve your needs—here’s what we suggest.
An overview of the top underseat carry-on bags that we’ve reviewed for cheap, light, one-bag travel
We reviewed a large packing cube set that is dirt-cheap on Amazon, and also rather unpleasant.
A review of the Osprey Ozone Laptop Backpack 28L for one-bag world travel
Recommendations for lubes that are packable (and won’t leak!), whether in packets or travel-friendly tubes, as well as a chart to ensure lubes that are compatible with toys and healthy bodies
How to Travel with Lube—and Our Guide to the Best Packable Personal Lubricants Read More »
A guide to electric toothbrushes with long battery life and that pack down well for travel
Recommendations for Finding the Right Electric Travel Toothbrush Read More »
A review of the Edifier NeoBuds S, which sound great but are pretty hard to control
A review of the money-saving Cabin Zero Classic 28L—our experiences and how it has held up over two years of travel use.
The Best Cheap Underseat Cabin Bag: Our Review Flying with the Cabin Zero Classic 28L Read More »
We tested out a carry-on that is built for long, rough, wet travel while keeping stuff organized: The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Carry-On 38L.
The Gonex packing cubes tick all the boxes: light, durable, breathable, and with hang loops
Our Practical Packing Cube Choice as Minimalists: Gonex Extensible Set, Reviewed Read More »
Our current favorite adapter for charging USB-C phones, laptops, and more with any strange outlets and plugs we meet while traveling.
The Best Universal Power Plug Adapter for Travel with Fast-Charging USB-C Read More »
Our review of the Osprey Transporter Boarding Bag 20L — it’s an organized, durable all-weather shoulder bag for use as an underseat carry-on
Our top-pick toiletry bags for travel in various styles and sizes with links to full reviews
Our Top Choices in Minimalist Toiletry Bags—Simple, No-Frills, and Ultra-Lightweight Read More »
How much fits in the (now discontinued) Osprey Meridian daypack? Laptop, second screen and a digital nomad’s office, measured, plus newer options.
How much stuff fits in the Osprey Meridian daypacks? Read More »
My review of the Mobile Pixels Duex Pro, an attachable second laptop screen that is good for travel productivity
An Attachable Second Screen for Travel: Review of the Mobile Pixels Duex Pro Read More »
A full comparison of the Osprey Ozone Wheeled and Ozone Convertible series, which have unfortunately been discontinued but are still sometimes available
Osprey Ozone Wheeled Series vs Osprey Ozone Convertible Rolling Bags Read More »
The discontinued Osprey Meridian 75L/28 and other older wheeled backpacks reviewed, with cheaper alternatives and our current recommendations.
Reviews of Older Wheeled Backpacks and Our Recommendation of the Osprey Meridian 75L/28 Read More »
Osprey Ozone Convertible 50L vs. Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International carry-on, compared. The Ozone is discontinued; see current picks.
Osprey Meridian 60 vs. Ozone Convertible 50 vs. Sojourn 45 carry-on wheeled backpacks compared. Now mostly discontinued; links to current picks.
Large Osprey wheeled backpacks compared: Meridian 75L vs. Ozone Convertible vs. Sojourn 28-inch. Mostly discontinued now; see our current picks.
The best foldable luggage carts compared on price, weight, size and capacity: our top compact cart for travel, plus sturdier options for heavy loads.
Top Foldable Luggage Carts Compared Read More »
Foldable luggage carts vs. wheeled backpacks: the advantages of each for rolling your stuff around, and an integrated cart-and-bag alternative.
Foldable Luggage Carts vs. Wheeled Backpacks Read More »
Eagle Creek Switchback International vs. Osprey Ozone Convertible 22, compared. Both are now hard to find; see our current rolling backpack picks.
Eagle Creek DoubleBack vs. Switchback International carry-ons: which suited day hikers vs. city travelers. Newer Eagle Creek models are covered too.
Eagle Creek DoubleBack vs. Switchback International Carry-Ons: Which Is Better? Read More »
My current favorite daypack for everyday travel use in most situations
Osprey Farpoint Fairview Travel Daypack Review: My Tests in European City Use Read More »
The essential travel trade-off: every extra thing you pack costs you flexibility, spontaneity and adventure. Why less luggage means a better trip.
The Essential Travel Trade-Off: Less Luggage = More & Greater Adventures Read More »
Our review of the Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer after years of travel use for carrying toiletries on the go and hanging them anywhere.
Review of the Osprey UltraLight Zip Organizer—After Years of Constant Travel Use Read More »
What to pack for Brazil: a minimalist’s checklist with the right luggage, hanging toiletry bag, laptop and backup advice, and what to leave home.
Essentials to Pack for Brazil: The Minimalist’s Checklist for Smoother Travel Read More »
A guide to durable school backpacks that have wilder designs for girls—and wheels, so they can be rolled
Wheeled Backpacks for Girls: Cute Designs that Will Roll Through the School Year Read More »
The best rolling laptop bags, and which ones are junk: what to look for in a wheeled laptop case, our Kensington picks, and backpack-style options.
Rolling Laptop Bags: What’s Great, and What’s Junk Read More »
Our complete guide to laptop bags with wheels and the look of large purses for women
The Best of Rolling Women’s Laptop Bags, Purses and Carry-Ons Read More »
Our top-pick large backpacker packs that also have wheels, to be rolled when you hit the city streets.
Recommendations for Larger (Checked Luggage) Rolling Backpacks Read More »
The original collapsible travel water/wine vessel is from Spain: the bota.
The Coolest Flask/Wineskin/Road-Drinking Companion/Picnic Wine Vessel: The Bota! Read More »
Travel gear we’re testing right now: health kit, luggage, clothing, electronics and long-stay gear. What we love, what we hate, and what’s undecided.
Stuff we’re currently testing—the good, the bad, and the we dunno yet Read More »
How I created a dual-screen standing desk for travel on a budget
How I Set Up a Dual-Screen Standing Desk That’s Actually Portable Read More »
The best portable gear for making great coffee in foreign lands is a horror show and you are wrong for even thinking of doing such a thing.
On the Snobbish, Obtuse Evil of Travelling with Portable Coffee Gear Read More »
We’ve tested dozens of small bags for travel toiletries and selected the best options for one-baggers and other travel minimalists
The Best Small Toiletry Bags for Travel—for Those Who Can Pack Light Read More »
How to choose between the Eagle Creek rolling backpack options in terms of the features they offer—the Caldera International versus the Gear Warrior
A more exact measuring and weighing of the Osprey Sojourn 80 for your reference and packing planning; this is checked luggage but not overly large.
I Actually Measured the Osprey Sojourn 80: Here Are the Real Dimensions Read More »
The best large toiletry bags for long-term travel and digital nomads: Eagle Creek Wallaby, L.L. Bean, Victorinox, Osprey and a budget option compared.
The Best Larger, All-in-One Toiletry Bag for Digital Nomadism and Long-Term Travel Read More »
The more experienced travelers get, the less they carry. Why seasoned travelers inevitably go minimalist, and what they leave behind.
Experienced Travellers Inevitably Go Minimalist Read More »
Trains often have outlets but can your device plug in? Check out our recommendations for universal travel adapters.
Hang any bag anywhere with a carabiner/travel hook.
Using e-tickets? Carry a backup phone battery in a wallet to ensure you can access them.
Using train WiFi? We strongly recommend a good, travel-ready VPN.
