Packing
Stuff we’re currently testing—the good, the bad, and the we dunno yet
Not everything that we test we find interesting enough or useful enough to include in our main packing lists, or review. This article details some of the things we love (but that don’t merit inclusion on a minimalist’s packing list), we hate (and didn’t even want to bother reviewing), or that we’re just not sure …
We Listened to the Best Travel Speakers — Here’s the One We’d Take
I’ve been travelling the world for a decade and a half, and no matter how much I whittle down my luggage to the bare essentials, I always have room for a small speaker. I love to follow my podcasts, to share and discover music with people from all over the world, and to improvise occasional …
Rolling Carry-On Backpacks: We Love the Osprey Meridian 60L, But There Are Alternatives
It rolls! But it’s a backpackers’ pack! And it’s also small enough to be a carry-on! This combination of features is what I’ve found absolutely ideal for my nomadism; I’ve travelled constantly with one small rolling backpack or another for the past decade. I have also been updating this article for several years as we …
Eagle Creek DoubleBack vs. Switchback International Carry-Ons: Which Is Better?
We’ve looked at every option out there for wheeled carry-on backpacks, and Eagle Creek pieces were close to the top, but not our top pick for most people. However, Eagle Creek has excellent, durable luggage and high brand satisfaction, and for some people, the Eagle Creek DoubleBack or the Eagle Creek Switchback International Carry-Ons could be …
Osprey Ozone Convertible 22″/50L vs Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carry-On
We’ve been reviewing rolling travel backpacks for years, and so we were jazzed about the release of the Eagle Creek Expanse Convertible International Carry-On, and about comparing it to our favorite similar offering from Osprey, the Ozone Convertible 22″/50L. Eagle Creek is a trusted and reliable manufacturer of quality gear, and is known for its great …
How to Choose Between Eagle Creek Convertible Carry-Ons: The Caldera International, Gear Warrior, and Expanse International
As someone who for for more than a decade has basically lived out of various convertible rolling backpack carry-ons, I feel like I know what to look for when comparing them. So I recently took an interest in the Eagle Creek lineup of bags with both backpack straps and wheels that are small enough to …
The Differences in the Top Eleven Osprey Daypacks — And How to Choose the Perfect Daytime Backpack
I’m obsessed with lightweight travel and have been using Osprey packs and daypacks for years. I also think they’re very much worth recommending for school, hiking, outdoor sports, shopping, carrying gear for work, and more. I’m now here with my tiny team of researchers and adventurers to help you decide which of the wide range …
Our Recommended Larger (Checked) Rolling Backpack: The Osprey Meridian 75L/28
What is the best full-sized luggage with both wheels and backpack straps? We’ve analyzed all available options as well as the reviews put out by consumer testing organizations, travel bloggers, and professional critics. This is more than just an obsessive research exercise; after 20-plus combined years of living around the world out of suitcases and …
The Best EU- and TSA-Compliant Travel Corkscrew for Opening Wine While Travelling
At this point we’ve spent decades on the road — as well as decades uncorking wine. It was finally time to take a good hard look at our road uncorking options. All too often we have wound up in some cheap tourist apartment, hostel, or campsite sans that most basic of basic necessities: the corkscrew. …
How I Set Up a Dual-Screen Standing Desk That’s Actually Portable
After a bit of failure, here’s the portable standing desk setup that I’ve finally arrived on, designed to go anywhere and still work while standing up with good posture: the monitor at eye height and the keyboard just below elbow height. My requirements for a portable standing desk were: Two monitors (for vastly improved productivity)As …