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Gear Reviews and Recommendations
Dependable gear makes the difference between enjoyment and stressing out while on the road. Everything posted on this page has been vetted and used worldwide in different environments. As time goes on, gear may be changed in or out depending on its performance as we aim to provide you knowledge about products that you can trust when you need them the most.
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Gear Recommendations
by country
Gear Recommendations
for flying
Essential Travel Gear
Click the box below for GuideMie's recommendation
Travel Rucksack/Backpack
Running through an airport and carrying your broken backpack in your hands like an injured child isn't just a PITA (pain in the ass), it keeps you from having your hands free and truly limits your ability to travel. The day after I finished my Peace Corps service, the shoulder straps on my Dakine backpack finally gave out after two years of constant use in the Hong Kong airport. I had to carry it in my hands through two more international airports, then had to pay top dollar to rent a luggage cart once I arrived stateside because I couldn't hold it and my checked bag in my hands at the same time.
The experience sucked, but it would have been MUCH worse if I had I been out hiking or needed a backpack ASAP.
A suddenly broken backpack or rucksack can stop your trip in its tracks until you can repair it or find a replacement. Get a higher quality, comfortable backpack before you go so you can discover more and worry less!
GORUCK GR1
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: 5/5
Price: $335
Maximum function meets minimalist appearance.
Need a dependable travel buddy? GR1 is it. The rucksack is made in the USA out of 1000D Cordura, so can deal with all of the abuse and bad weather you throw at it. The expensive price includes a LIFETIME warranty with fast service (used it in Fall 2023 and it took less than 2 weeks in total).
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
If you are going to travel around the world, you need a dependable bag. GR1 is it!
Pro Tip: Look on eBay for a used one if you have a limited budget. The lifetime warranty is still valid if you are not the original owner.
Travel Bag
A small travel bag can be paired with a backpack/rucksack to carry everything you need for your trip and keep your hands free. You can quickly and swiftly move through crowded areas and get to where you want to go.
GORUCK 32L Kit Bag
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: 5/5
Price: $150
An excellent hand-carry bag that is big enough to hold a week's worth of clothes, fit under your seat, and thrive in any environment.
The GORUCK 32L Kit bag is perfect for one bag travel if you don't have a lot of large electronics. It is made out of 1000D Cordura just like the GR1 and GR2 and comes with the excellent lifetime warranty and service like all other GORUCK products, but at a lower price.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The Kit Bag is a great one-bag solution for shorter trips, going to the gym, or carrying souvenirs and checking them to your final destination. Feel comfortable knowing that the bag will not break or rip--just be careful of what you pack inside.
Pro Tip: Look on eBay for a used one if you have a limited budget. The lifetime warranty is still valid if you are not the original owner.
Travel Charger and Power Converter
Different countries have different power wattages and different outlet plug types.
- The US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Taiwan primarily use 110-120V and have a flat plug.
- Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa primarily use 220-240V and have a round plug.
- The UK and former British colonies use 220-240V and use a funky fat plug.
Most electronic devices today are made to adapt to wattage between 110-240V. That being said, check the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website to verify. Electronic devices that cannot adapt from one wattage will not work/will short out and can cause a fire if they are charged without a wattage converter or are hit by a power surge. There are two primary solutions to getting around the major differences in power wattage. Here is what GuideMie recommends to safely charge your devices.
- Buy a step-down or step-up converter and use a power strip with your outlet type.
- Buy a travel charger and plug adapters with a built-in chip to convert the wattage.
I personally use option 2. I don't want to carry around a big, bulky converter and all of my devices charge + power with USB.
Minix Travel Charger
Quality: 4/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $60 (Approximately)
One charger to rule them all.
The MINIX travel charger is a four-port 100W USB-C (3 ports) and USB (1 port) charger + voltage converter that can charge a laptop, tablet, phone, and other electronic device at the same time. This charger has an internal chip to regulate power flow over multiple wattages (100-240), comes with European and UK adapters, and folds into a compact 2 1/4" x 2 1/4". It is perfectly sized for a small accessory or electronic cable bag.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
This MINIX charger will save you room in your bag and time--and will give you enough battery to get out of a jam!
Pro Tip: This charger also has an adapter for Australia, China, and Argentina that is sold separately.
Mobile Phone or communications device
Using your phone abroad can be a bucket of worms if it is locked to a carrier. Having to set up roaming is a pain, and forgetting to can be incredibly expensive. Also, a brand new phone can also make you a target for criminals if you leave it out in the open or walk around like a phone zombie.
Using an older, unlocked secondary phone or a tablet + a local SIM card, instead of my main phone, lowers the risk to me finding trouble when I don't need it.
Older, unlocked phone
(2-3 generations back)
Quality: 4/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $150-$200
Does everything you need + lowers your risk.
Older or used unlocked phones are great for international travel. Use the same apps (iMessage, Whatsapp, IG, facebook) you use on a daily basis to keep in touch, but don't worry about bloatware or tracking software on your main phone. People in some countries use other apps for primary communication (Wechat, Kakaotalk, LINE, Telegram, Viber), and Navigation (maps.me, 2GIS, Baidu Maps, Kakao Maps) and if you do not want them to access data on your phone, buying a cheap, older phone is a great workaround.
I personally use an unlocked iPhone 6S when travelling and recommend it as a travel phone. The iPhone SE2 is also a good choice as it is dual sim and 5G capable.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Using an older, unlocked phone abroad will protect you and your data and limit your risks abroad.
Pro Tip: Amazon certified refurbished phones have an extended warranty.
Travel Map
Prior to my my study abroad in Japan in 2010, I wandered around Osaka with a paper map for hours looking for my capsule hotel. I had no smartphone and couldn't ask for directions. Those days are over.
Now, if you are going abroad, be sure to have Google Maps (even an older version is fine) on your phone.
Google Maps
Quality: 4.5
After Service: N/A
Price: Free
Helpful and all-inclusive map app to get around + find transportation.
Google Maps is very easy to use, works in multiple languages, and covers most of the globe. You can save places you want to visit, restaurants, bus stops, and virtually everything you need in addition to offline maps if you run out of/lose access to data. It is always a good idea to have a backup map and not depend on your phone in case it runs out of battery.
Google Maps does not work well in some countries. Alternatives:
Former USSR/Central Asia and the UAE: South Korea:Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Google Maps will (usually) help you get to where you want to go; though it is not 100% accurate.
Pro Tip: If you are going near an international border region, always confirm your route with another map app and with locals before setting off to make sure you don't cross illegally.
Language Guide
Gone are the days of carrying around a Lonely Planet phrasebook, butchering the pronunciation, then pointing to the phrase you want the other person to understand....or are they? If you want to build rapport or travel like an old-timer, Wikivoyage has TONS of basic language guides available.
Note: GuideMie is also developing language guides 🙂 so those will likely get a recommendation too when they're done! (and maybe even a coupon code here)
Wikivoyage Phrasebooks
Quality: 4.5
After Service: N/A
Price: Free
FREE, quite comprehensive, and downloadable, with have plenty of phrases that can help you get out of a jam.
These guides are great for the investment, especially for more obscure or harder to find languages. You will not become fluent by any means, but you will have some key phrases at your fingertips, including:
- Introducing the writing system + pronunciation
- Asking for help (basic directions, police, medical language)
- Basic transactions (ordering food, checking into a hotel, buying tickets)
- Cultural notes
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Wikivoyage language guides are excellent resources that will get you through--and they are FREE.
Pro Tip: If you are going to learn any parts of a foreign language, learn to read first. Then, learn basic vocabulary (greetings, numbers, please, thank you, etc). You will pick up words in country and will improve your language skills everyday as long you can read!
Travel Sandals
I lived in sandals for my two years of Peace Corps service in Indonesia. I wore them every day for two years, climbed small hills with them, took them to the beach, and used them when biking around my village. A lot of other volunteers used Tevas, but I brought a pair of heavy-duty Keen H2 sandals. Despite being heavy and expensive, if you need a heavy-duty sandal, these will answer your call. An excellent value if you can find them on sale--at full price, you may want to look elsewhere.
Keen H2 Newport Sandals
Quality: 4/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $75-$125 (Approximately)
Heavy-duty sandals that can go anywhere and do almost anything, and can even tackle mountains.
Keen's Newport H2 Sandals are excellent for water, wet environments, and slippery paths. The bottom is incredibly grippy--even when wet--on different types of rock surfaces, wood, and dirt. The footbed is very comfortable and dries quickly, but should be cleaned after a day of heavy use.
These are excellent for walking around, but are not recommended for running as they will give you blisters (in my experience).
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Great sandals if you can find them on sale. They can do almost anything you are up for.
Pro Tip: Hang them on a carabiner so they can get some sun when you travel. Airing them out + sunlight will dry them quickly and will neutralize the smell of wet feet.
Travel Shoes
Disclaimer: These are minimalist trail running shoes. If you have ample time (2+ weeks) to break them in before a big trip, I highly recommend them; if you do not, your feet, shins, and calves may get sore during the break in time.
Xero Mesa Trail II
Quality: 3.5/5
After Service: 5/5
Price: $120 (Approximately)
Go anywhere, do anything shoes that thrive in town, the outdoors, and on the beach. AND fold up into very little space in your luggage.
Xero Shoes are perfect for travelling. They are incredibly lightweight, comfortable, grippy, and have soles that are guaranteed to last over 5,000 miles. That's running or walking nearly a half marathon a day for a year!
If they don't last (as my first pair did) Xero has an excellent return program. After using mine for about 4 months of heavy use (about 1,100 miles of walking on all types of terrain) the sole and upper started to come apart. I sent photos to Xero, described the problem, and received a free replacement pair. So far, (end of 2023) the replacement pair looks brand new after a couple of months of normal use.
These shoes are available in men's and women's sizes.
As of now, I will take Xero's word for it (they were defective, so they get a ding on the quality). Depending on how this second pair works, this shoe MAY get knocked off of the board, or it may get a higher score... More to come!
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Xero shoes have an excellent warranty. The quality seems to be there, but rest assured if not, Xero will take care of you.
Pro Tip: Xero Shoes can scrunch up into the size of a large orange and fit in a small dry bag if you are not wearing them.
Water Bottle
Pre hydrate, or dehydrate (and ruin your trip---or WORSE)!
I travel with 2 water bottles, a 33.1 oz (1L) Nalgene, and a 24 oz. (800ml) Vapour collapsible water bottle as a back-up.
Why?
Having two water bottles when traveling = greater flexibility and comfort (can have tea/ORS/Gatorate + water) and are ready for an emergency where you need water (car overheated, someone has heat stroke, thirsty animal, etc.)
I use my Nalgene for water and mixing Gatorade/ORS/tea. I use the Vapour bottle for water only.
Nalgene 1L bottle
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $15 (Approximately)
A classic water bottle that can survive big drops, is easy to clean, and won't open in your bag (and soak/ruin all of your gear)!
My Nalgene bottle is probably second to my GR1 in terms of gear I use daily. I take it virtually everywhere I go and always have water with me (a habit I've carried over from Peace Corps). I have dropped it hundreds of times and it has never cracked, dented, or broken.
Nalgene bottles now are made from Tritan plastic, which is BPA free. It is safer than other no-name brands of cheap plastic water bottles from countries which have less regulation enforcement. The water bottle has a measuring guide on the side to measure water for cooking/mixing a supplement and does not retain the aftertaste of contents put inside.
Vapur 800ml collapsible bottle
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $10 (Approximately)
A water bottle that can fold up and fit almost anywhere in your bag--or even in a jeans, shorts, or hoodie pocket!
I carry a secondary water bottle for incase II lose my Nalgene, or I, or someone else needs water in an emergency. So far, I haven't had to use this bottle in that capacity, but I want to be ready just in case.
In Peace Corps, most volunteers have a 'Mid Service Crisis.' Mine was when I left my Nalgene water bottle on a plane after arriving back in Indonesia, realized that I left it 30 minutes in my seatback pocket after leaving the airport , and had to go without my water bottle for a few weeks. (I ended up getting it back, which was a crazy story--will publish it soon.) Since that moment, I've always carried two bottles when I travel.
I do not trust the cheaper, single-use disposable bottles, even though they can be scrunched down and stuffed into a bag. I've had one open on me and soak the inside of my backpack, and I've had a friend lose his computer because a cheap, disposable water bottle did the same.
Metal bottles may keep your water hot/cold for a longer period of time, but they are heavy/bulky and make it hard to see the contents. I'd rather know (and see) what I am drinking before each sip, and I can personally deal with room/outdoor temperature drinks.
Pros of using a Nalgene
Pros of using a Vapur
Cons of using a Nalgene
Cons of using a Vapur
Conclusion:
A water bottle (or two) is an essential piece of equipment for travel. Don't leave home (or your accommodation) without one!
Pro Tip: If you easily get cold, you can turn your Nalgene bottle into a multi-hour hand warmer with hot water.
Travel Wallet
A travel wallet should be simple, hold the essentials, and not break the bank. It shouldn't attract a lot of attention nor cost a lot of money. Ideally, it should be somewhat waterproof/water resistant and easy to use as well. Here, ladies and gentlemen, is the ideal travel wallet.
Chums Surfshorts Wallet
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $12 (Approximately)
A tiny investment buys you a ton of convenience and a reliable piece of gear. This wallet has everything you need for a day/night out, is small enough to easily conceal, and has a lifetime warranty.
Chums is a small accessory company from outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. I actually first heard of them when I was in Japan-and (surprisingly) not at the U! When I needed a travel wallet a few years ago, I remembered them and found this product--and am incredibly glad I did.
The surfshorts wallet is water resistant, has 3 pockets: one zippered pocket with a divider and an ID window another zipper pocket on the back, and a pocket for a keyring. The wallet holds an ID, folded cash, 3-4 cards (metro, credit, business), a small pen, receipts, and a USB charger. It's everything you need and will not attract a lot of attention in markets, bars, or shops.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
An awesome wallet for travel, holding gift cards/metro cards, or receipts.
Pro Tip: You can attach the wallet to a lanyard or a carabiner via the key ring AND you can also put a small power bank + cable in the outside pocket.
Medical/First Aid Kit
Whether you are going camping for a night just out of town, or to a different country, a small, a high quality, easy to see, easy to organize, and easy to use medical kit is an essential piece of gear. I can't tell you how many times I've had a headache or stomachache, bear clawed myself while biking, or cut myself and needed band aids + Bacitracin. Carrying a small med kit in your bag can help prevent infection (and expensive medical bills) and keep you and others safe and healthy!
Adventure Medical Kit
Quality: 4/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $23 (Approximately)
Holds all of your essential medical gear in a weatherproof and easy to access pouch.
Before my Peace Corps service, I bought a small Adventure Medical Kit to take with me. When I ran out of basic medicine or medical equipment (band aids, triple antibiotic, antihistamine) from Peace Corps, this always filled in for me.
This med kit comes in a weatherproof pouch that can be attached to your backpack or travel bag for easy access when you need it quick.
When I got this in 2015, all of the medicines had at least 2 years of shelf-life (from memory) so the kit would last through service. Check the contents when you get it. It loses a star because you have no way to know what the dates are before you buy.
It comes with all of the basics that you need (ibuprofen, bandages, acetaminophen, triple antibiotic, tweezers, a very basic splint) but is not set up for a critical emergency. I added a thermometer, cortisone, and a pair of scissors.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
Has all of the BASICS you need for travel, but don't forget a thermometer, or other personal items you need.
Pro Tip: The case can also function as a dry bag and protect your phone, passport, or small, important document that can't get wet from weather.
Emergency Tools
In a developing country, good luck getting the police/firefighters/EMS to quickly come to your rescue in a major car accident or situation where you are trapped in a vehicle (perhaps off to your own unplanned wedding!)
I had this Olixar Pen until I transited in Shanghai in 2020 just before COVID; Chinese airport security thought something about it was fishy and they confiscated it. It was a great pen, stylus, and glass breaker (spring-loaded and relatively safe, where you don't have to punch through glass and risk cutting yourself) and would recommend it as a discrete emergency tool if you can find it.
Soon after I returned to Korea, I found resqme in EMART (Korean Walmart) and bought one to keep in case of emergency. So far, I have not had to use it (I hope I don't) but I keep one in my car and in my rucksack in case of emergency.
resqme (Rescue me)
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $10 (Approximately)
Essential emergency tool to keep you or someone else alive in case of a horrible car accident or kidnapping.
resqme is very small, compact, and TSA approved for carry-on travel in the US. The tool has a small blade to cut through a seatbelt, a punch to break glass, and a keyring to keep handy. The blade is covered with a plastic cover, making it very hard to cut yourself and is comfortable and easy to use.
It is not carry-on friendly in many countries outside of the US. Put it in your checked baggage if you are going abroad--and if the customs declaration asks for knives/bladed objects, declare it to be safe.
I have had two confiscated by airport security (one in Taiwan and one in South Korea). Both times I was carrying it in my GR1 (carry-on bag) and was told I could put resqume in my checked luggage, but it was not allowed in carry-on luggage.
Nite Ize Fish doohickey
Quality: 5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $4 (Approximately)
Essential tool for opening packages, tightening screws, opening bottles, and scratching/whittling twigs.
Nite Ize made an awesome tool that every traveler needs or should carry on them--if nothing else to start a conversation and make opening a bottle easier! The key chain is about 4 inches long, clips onto a normal key ring, and is very easy to use.
It is TSA approved for carry-on travel in the US and has been with me to over twenty countries. It is carry-on friendly in many countries outside of the US, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Turkey, and Singapore.
Pros of resqme
Pros of Nite Ize Doohickey
Cons of resqme
Cons of Nite Ize Doohickey
Conclusion:
Both are excellent tools to keep in your car, keychain, or in your suitcase. Just be careful taking resqme abroad!
Pro Tip: Attach resqme to a keyring or internal zipper pull so it is easy to access in an emergency. A few seconds can make a difference between life and death.
Accessory Pouch / Passport Case
I own several of these cases, and have had one for several years. I bought one for my passport in Japan many years ago, and when I found them on Amazon, I bought more. I'm very glad I did as the CORDURA cases have likely been discontinued.
- I use one for electronics. It perfectly holds the MINIX travel charger, adapters, and USB cables and keeps everything organized.
- I use one for travel documents. It perfectly holds a boarding pass, passport, pen, and notepad.
- I use one for travel money and receipts.
Lihit Labs Accessory Case
Quality: 5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $10 (Approximately)
Incredible quality and value for a steal. Ideal water-resistant travel pouches for anything flat or small electronics.
Lihit Labs is an accessory company based in Osaka, Japan.
The cases vary in size for a variety of uses (cards, travel documents, tickets, electronics, etc.) Each pouch--regardless of size--is made of tough CORDURA fabric, has two zippered pockets, and a plastic window to see the contents inside. These can be clipped into a key holder in a backpack to keep them handy.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The best travel + accessory pouch available for the price.
Pro Tip: These pair well with a small #1 sized Nite Ize S biner, and can clip into virtually anything.
Travel Flashlight
A great travel flashlight is bright, reliable, sturdy, easy to find in your bag, and easy to use. An ideal one can even charge your phone in an emergency!
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flashlight
Quality: 4.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $30 (Approximately)
Incredible flashlight that can help you find your way out a jam and call for help when you need it. A power bank + flashlight all in one
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro flashlight is incredibly easy to use, has multiple levels of brightness, can charge your phone in an emergency, and fits in almost any pocket. The flashlight has a rechargeable LG Chem/ Samsung battery, charges and provides power via normal USB (not USB-C), and holds a multi-month long charge. The flashlight has a 2 year warranty covering defects.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The best travel + accessory pouch available for the price.
Pro Tip: This flashlight pairs well with a small #1 sized Nite Ize S biner, and can clip onto virtually anything.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are a great addition to your travel kit. They work great for laundry, groceries, keeping wet gear wet, and important items dry. They are an excellent, multi-use insurance plan to protect your gear so you can spend less replacing broken gear!
These Outdoor Products dry bags are not the best quality, but they are waterproof and keep your things dry. For the price, they are a good value and can be filled with clothes + used as a either portable washing machine, instead of a hotel sink or a pillow--in a pinch.
Outdoor Products Dry Bags
Quality: 3.5/5
After Service: N/A
Price: $10 (Approximately)
The low price leader. These do their job well enough to justify the price--and you get 3 bags (2L, 4L, 8L) for the price of one of other brands.
Outdoor Products Dry Bags are thick enough to separate wet items, laundry, and protect your phone, travel documents, and other electronics. The bags have no form and will take on the shape of whatever is put inside.
These bags are an excellent value. They are not super thick, but they will last a long time if you take care of them.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The best set of dry bags on the market for the price.
Pro Tip: You can use these to wash clothes! For one set of clothes (shirt, shorts/pants, underwear, socks), fill the large 8L bag with about a gallon of water. Add laundry soap, seal the bag, and rub the dry bag on the ground (not on concrete!) for about 5-10 minutes, flipping it over a few times to shake up the clothes. Dump the dirty water, and refill with clean water to rinse. Rinse 2 times to get all of the soap out and hang everything to dry.
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