The "Get Going" Travel Tech & Gear Stack That'll Transform You Into a Packing Ninja (No More "I Wish I Had Brought That" Moments!)
- J Cramer
- Oct 17
- 13 min read
What's up, adventure seekers!
I'm about to drop some serious knowledge that's going to completely revolutionize how you pack, travel, and exist on the road. We're talking game-changing gear that'll make you wonder how you ever survived those trips with wrinkled clothes, dead phones, and that constant feeling of "did I forget something important?"
Spoiler alert: After years of trial and error (and way too many "I should've brought that" moments), I've finally cracked the code on a number of great travel tech and gear stack. This isn't about hauling around 50 pounds of unnecessary equipment—it's about smart, lightweight solutions that solve real travel problems.
Real talk before we dive in: This isn't my complete, exhaustive gear list—think of this as your essential "get going" or shall I say, starter pack. I've chosen these specific items based on different factors: some for incredible value, others for unbeatable quality, a few because they're budget-friendly winners, and all of them with affordability in mind. Because here's the truth—great travel gear shouldn't require a second mortgage.
I'm also putting together a comprehensive travel gear and packing workshop that'll dive way deeper into the complete system I use. We're talking packing strategies, seasonal variations, carry-on mastery, and all the advanced gear that didn't make this starter list. Stay tuned for more details—this is just the beginning!
Ready to pack like a pro and travel like you've been doing this for decades? Let's dive into the gear that's earned permanent residence in my carry-on!
Luggage That Actually Lasts
Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Carry-On (Budget Hero) or Away Carry-On (Splurge Worthy): Your luggage choice matters more than you think. Bad luggage fails at the worst possible moments—wheels breaking mid-trip, zippers splitting, handles snapping off.
This is the perfect example of why I included two very different price points: The Amazon Basics hardside is shockingly durable for the price. Hardshell protection, smooth-rolling wheels, TSA-approved locks, and it handles abuse like a champ. This is perfect if you're testing the carry-on-only lifestyle without dropping serious cash or if affordability is your priority.
The Away carry-on is the upgrade play—better wheels, ejectable battery for charging devices, lifetime warranty, and that premium feel. Worth the splurge if you're traveling frequently and want something that'll last for years.
Real talk: Carry-on only is the way. No checked bag fees, no waiting at baggage claim, no risk of lost luggage. Master the art of packing light and you'll never go back.
Size check: Make sure it meets your airline's carry-on dimensions. International carriers can be stricter than domestic ones.
Hydration Station (Without the Plastic Waste)
Vapur (16oz Roll Flat) and Nefeeko (24oz Silicone Roll Up) Collapsible Water Bottles: These space-saving miracles solve the eternal travel problem—you need water, but you don't want to carry a bulky bottle or buy endless plastic ones.
Different styles for different needs: The Vapur version rolls completely flat when empty—maximum packability! The Nefeeko silicone option rolls up as well and feels a bit more like a traditional water bottle in a softer sense. Nefeeko let's you carry a full 24oz when you need hydration, then shrinks pretty small when you're done.
Travel truth: Staying hydrated on flights and during long walking days isn't optional—it's survival. These bottles let you fill up at water fountains, hotel rooms, and airports without contributing to the plastic bottle apocalypse and again who always wants to lug a bulky, empty water bottle around, not me?!
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw or Grayl Geopress 24oz Bottle: Taking your adventure beyond standard tourist zones? These water purification options are literal lifesavers.
Here's why I included both: LifeStraw is the budget-conscious choice and fits right in your pocket—filters out 99.999% of bacteria and parasites, just stick it in sketchy water and drink safely to your tummy's content!
Need to have that full water bottle feel, not a problem. The Grayl Geopress 24oz Bottle is your go to investment that purifies water in 8 seconds with a simple press action and removes viruses too. Both handle rivers, lakes, questionable tap water, and everything in between. I found that these have been particularly trip saving in parts of Asia but trust me there are dozens of other countries out there with sketchy water as well!
Critical reminder: Check the filter lifespan and know when to replace it. An expired filter is basically useless.
Sleep Like You're Home (Even When You're 30,000 Feet Up)
Keemall Inflatable Travel Pillow: Listen up—this isn't your grandma's neck pillow. This thing is a legitimate game-changer for anyone who's ever arrived at their destination with a stiff neck and regret. The Keemall pillow inflates in seconds, wraps around your neck like a comfortable cloud, and then deflates to roughly the size of your fist.
Here's why I picked this one: Quality meets affordability. You could spend $40+ on fancy travel pillows, but the Keemall delivers 90% of the comfort for a fraction of the price. Worried that the air bladder gets a leak? Ok, pivot and throw a rolled shirt or a couple pair of socks in it until you get home-problem solved. Besides, who wants to lug around a bulky neck pillow for the rest of the trip until the return flight, not me!
Here's the real magic: Unlike those bulky foam pillows that eat up half your backpack, this guy disappears when you don't need it. I'm talking truly packable comfort that doesn't make you choose between "sleep well" and "have room for souvenirs."
Pro tip: Inflate it about 80% full, not 100%. That slight softness makes all the difference between "this is nice" and "holy cow, I actually slept on a plane!"
Travel hack: Pair it with an eye mask and noise-canceling earbuds for the ultimate sleep stack. Your seatmates will wonder how you're sleeping like a baby while they're suffering.
Pack Like a Tetris Champion
Bagail Set of 6 Compression Packing Cubes or Gonex Mesh Compression Cubes: If you're still throwing loose clothes into your suitcase like some kind of travel amateur, we need to talk.
I chose these two specifically because they represent different priorities: Bagail wins on value—you get six cubes for the price most brands charge for three. Gonex offers that see-through mesh design that helps you identify contents without opening every cube. Both compress effectively and hold up to serious travel abuse.
Compression cubes are the difference between "I can barely zip this thing" and "wait, I have room for more?" The Bagail set gives you six different sizes—perfect for organizing everything from underwear to bulky sweaters. The Gonex mesh version lets you see what's inside without opening them.
Here's a system that elevated my travel life: One cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear/socks, one for gym/beach clothes, one for toiletries (if needed, see next section), one for a spare. You're basically turning your suitcase into a filing system. When you need something, you grab the right cube instead of destroying your entire bag.
Pro tip: Pack your cubes slightly under capacity—you'll thank me when you're trying to repack after (if) buying souvenirs.
Critical check: Make sure the zippers are high-quality. Cheap zippers fail mid-trip, and that's a nightmare you don't want.
Toiletries Without the Chaos
Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag: This hanging organizer is pure genius. Multiple compartments, clear pockets so you can actually find things, and a hook that lets you hang it anywhere—shower rod, towel rack, door handle, tree branch if you're camping.
Why Nishel? Solid quality without the luxury brand markup. It does everything the expensive brands do for about half the price.
The real magic happens when you're switching hotels every few days. Instead of unpacking and repacking your toiletries constantly, you just grab the bag, hang it up, and you're done. Everything stays organized, nothing gets lost in the bottom of your suitcase.
What to look for: Some hostels or hotels have limited bathroom counter space, so the hang option works out pretty well, not to mention wet bathroom environments are inevitable.
Packing hack: Use travel-size containers for liquids, but keep your full-size products at home. TSA rules mean 3.4oz (100ml) max per container anyway.
Weather-Proof Your Adventure
33000 ft Packable Rain Jacket (Men's) or Free Soldier Outdoor Soft Shelled Hooded Military Tactical Rain Jacket: Unexpected rain will absolutely happen during your travels. Count on it.
The 33000 ft jacket is crazy lightweight and packs down to the size of a water bottle—perfect for minimalist packers on a budget. I like this one and my similar one from Costco that are nothing more than a compact, waterproof outer layer.
On the other hand, The Free Soldier tactical version is more of a medium weight jacket, with a good number of pockets that offers more durability and better wind resistance without being too bulky and while still being packable—worth the extra investment if you're hitting more challenging climates or doing multi-week trips.
Both keep you dry without making you look like you're wearing a plastic bag. They breathe reasonably well, dry quickly, and can pack fairly compact, especially the 33000 ft jacket.
Women's Options: TCOT Waterproof Windbreaker, Baleaf Rain Jacket, or Lemon Waterproof Lightweight Rain Jacket (Long Length)
Same concept, better fit for women travelers. The TCOT and Baleaf options are shorter and more athletic—great value picks for active travelers. The Lomon jacket offers longer coverage that protects your legs too and hits that sweet spot between quality and affordability. Pick your style.
Weather wisdom: Pack the jacket even if forecasts look perfect. Weather changes, especially in mountain or coastal areas, and staying dry can make or break a travel day.
Never Get Caught in the Dark
LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight 2-Pack (Rechargeable): This is one of those items you don't think you need until you desperately need it.
Why this one made the list: You get TWO rechargeable headlamps for less than most single-headlamp prices. That's a backup or a partner-sharing situation built right in.
Hands-free lighting changes everything. Looking for something in your bag at night? Headlamp. Reading in a hostel without bothering roommates? Headlamp. Walking back from dinner on a dark path? Headlamp. Fixing something that broke? You get it—headlamp. The multiple white and red light settings hit pretty much all situations. Oh, and did you say you might need that motion sensor light alert…yeah, it has it!
The rechargeable battery means you're not constantly buying batteries, and having two means you've got a backup or can share with your travel partner.
Usage scenarios: You’ll use this for everything from nighttime beach walks to finding the bathroom in a dark hostel to exploring those off the beaten path caves.
Power Up Anywhere
Epicka Universal Adapter GaN International Plug (70W): Different countries, different plugs—it's annoying but unavoidable. This single adapter handles outlets in over 150 countries and charges multiple devices simultaneously.
I chose this one specifically for the GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology—it's more efficient and runs cooler than old-school adapters while delivering serious power. The 70W output powers everything from phones to laptops without breaking a sweat. You're getting premium tech at a reasonable price point.
Critical note: This is an ADAPTER, not a converter. It changes the plug shape, but doesn't change voltage. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage and work fine. Check your device specs before plugging in ancient hair dryers or other high-wattage appliances.
INIU Power Bank, 25000mAh 100W USB C Laptop Portable Charger: This is the power solution that changed my travel game completely. We're talking serious juice here—25000mAh capacity with a monster 100W USB-C output that'll charge your laptop, not just your phone.
Here's why this one earned its spot: The 100W fast charging capability means your laptop gets powered up in a fraction of the time. Plus, you can charge multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed. Phone running low while you're working on your laptop? Charge both at once.
The capacity is perfect for travel—powerful enough for multiple full charges across all your devices, but still under the airline-friendly 27000mAh limit so you won't have issues at security. This is the sweet spot between "enough power" and "TSA won't confiscate it."
Long flights, all-day adventures, working from cafes without fighting for outlets, power outages in remote areas—this power bank keeps you connected and productive when electricity is scarce or nonexistent. The value here is exceptional for what you're getting.
Weight consideration: At 25000mAh, this has some heft to it, but it's a reasonable trade-off for the power output. Worth every ounce for long trips or if you're working remotely while traveling.
Airport heads-up: Power banks must go in your carry-on, never checked luggage. At 25000mAh, you're safely under the 27000mAh limit that most airlines allow without special approval. Always have it easily accessible during security screening.
Going to be disconnected from or not sure about your power situation? Maybe your power bank should be the Lumoom Tech Portable Charge Power Bank (60000mAh): This beast is basically a portable power station. Full charges for your phone? We're talking 10+ times. Tablet? Multiple charges. Laptop? Yep, it handles that too.
Why this capacity? Because running out of power in the middle of nowhere isn't an option. Long flights, all-day adventures, places with unreliable electricity—this power bank keeps you connected when outlets are scarce or nonexistent. The price-to-capacity ratio here is exceptional.
Weight consideration: This is a heavy piece of gear. Worth it for long trips or off-grid adventures, but maybe overkill for a quick city weekend.
Airport heads-up: Power banks must go in your carry-on, never checked luggage. Know your airline's mAh limits (usually 27000mAh max without approval).
Cable Chaos? Solved.
FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch: All those charging cables, adapters, earbuds, and random tech accessories create absolute chaos in your bag. This organizer pouch keeps everything separated, protected, and actually findable.
Solid quality at a price that won't make you wince. Elastic loops hold cables in place, mesh pockets organize smaller items, and the whole thing zips shut to keep everything contained. No more fishing through your entire bag for that one specific cable.
Organization strategy: Group items by purpose—charging cables together, earbuds together, adapters together. You'll find things faster and nothing gets damaged.
Security That Actually Works
Venture 4th Travel Money Belt or Hero Neck Wallet: Pickpockets are real, crowded tourist areas are their hunting grounds, and losing your passport/credit cards/cash in a foreign country is a nightmare you absolutely want to avoid.
These hidden security pouches sit under your clothes against your skin. The Venture 4th belt version wraps around your waist and tends to be more comfortable for all-day wear. The Hero neck wallet hangs around your neck under your shirt and keeps documents more accessible.
Both are invisible to thieves and uncomfortable to steal even if someone tries.
What to stash: Passport, backup credit card, emergency cash, and maybe a copy of important documents. Your daily spending money can stay in your regular wallet.
Comfort check: Consider your itinerary, your activities and comfort of how each is worn. You'll be wearing this for hours in all kinds of weather. Personally, I prefer the comfortability of the money belt.
Acemining Portable Door Lock: Here's something most travelers don't think about until it's too late—hotel room security can be sketchy, especially in budget accommodations or Airbnbs.
This portable lock wedges between your door and the frame, creating an additional barrier that can't be opened from the outside. It weighs almost nothing, works on any door that opens inward, and gives you peace of mind when you're sleeping in unfamiliar places.
I picked this one for its combination of effectiveness and price point—some brands charge triple for the exact same functionality.
Real scenario: Use this in hostels, budget hotels, and even some questionable Airbnbs. That extra layer of security lets you actually relax and sleep soundly.
Installation tip: Test it when you first arrive during daylight—don't wait until bedtime to figure out how it works.
Never Wear Wrinkled Clothes Again (The Laundry Revolution)
Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets, Arm and Hammer Power Sheets, or Poesie Laundry Detergent Sheets: Forget lugging around liquid detergent bottles that inevitably explode in your bag. These thin sheets dissolve completely in water, weigh nothing, and work in both hot and cold water.
Why three options? Simple—availability and price vary by region. Earth Breeze often has the best eco-credentials, Arm and Hammer brings that trusted brand quality, and Poesie typically offers the most sheets per dollar. Pick whichever one your budget and values align with.
Each sheet handles a full load of laundry, and a pack of 30 sheets takes up less space than a deck of cards. I've hand-washed clothes in hotel sinks, tossed them in hostel machines, and even used them for spot-cleaning—these sheets handle it all.
Real talk: One sheet is usually enough for a sink full of clothes. Don't overthink it.
Hongyutai Portable Clothesline (with clips) or Sea to Summit (beads, no clips): Here's what nobody tells you about extended travel—you'll need to do laundry, and hotel drying racks are either nonexistent or hilariously inadequate.
I included both options because they serve different needs: The Hongyutai is your budget-friendly workhorse with built-in clips that grip your clothes without clothespins. Stretch it across your hotel bathroom, clip your wet clothes, done. The Sea to Summit is the premium option using these clever little beads that grip fabric naturally—zero clips needed, just twist and hang. It's pricier but practically indestructible.
Both versions pack down to nothing and weigh less than a granola bar. This is one of those pieces of gear you don't appreciate until you're standing in a hotel room at 11pm, desperately trying to figure out where to hang your freshly washed underwear.
Check this: Make sure you test the tension before loading it with heavy jeans. Start with lighter items and work your way up.
Your Action Plan (Stop Reading, Start Packing!)
Here's the deal: This gear list isn't about buying everything at once. Pick the items that solve YOUR biggest travel pain points first.
Always losing things in your suitcase? Start with packing cubes. Constantly dealing with dead devices? Grab that power bank and adapter. Worried about safety? Get the door lock and money belt. Hate wrinkled clothes? Clothesline and laundry sheets.
The beauty of smart travel gear is that it pays for itself. Every trip becomes easier, more comfortable, and less stressful. That's worth way more than the initial investment.
Remember—this is your starter pack, not the complete system. I've got way more gear wisdom to share, including seasonal variations, destination-specific recommendations, and advanced packing strategies.
My travel tech and gear list is a living document and as new things come on market and make our traveling life better and easier, they will be added. The same goes for the good ole stuff, the steadfast gear that will stay on the list. It's about staying relevent and useful, right?
My upcoming travel tech, gear and packing workshop will cover everything from carry-on mastery to tech organization systems that'll blow your mind. Stay tuned for details—trust me, you won't want to miss it!
Most importantly? This stuff actually works. This stuff has been tested across dozens of countries, hundreds of hotels, and thousands of miles. This isn't theory—this is battle-tested gear that solves real problems. And yes, I specifically chose items that I feel balance quality with affordability because great travel shouldn't require unlimited funds.
So stop dreaming about your next adventure and start preparing for it. Your future traveling self will thank you when you're sleeping comfortably on that flight, staying dry in unexpected rain, and keeping your devices charged while everyone else is searching desperately for outlets.
Tag me when you're out there crushing it with your new gear! I want to see how this stack transforms your travel game.
Your fellow travel gear obsessed hackster,
J Cramer
P.S. Want more gear reviews, packing strategies, and travel tips that actually work? Follow our blog and social media where we share real experiences and practical solutions. We're building a community of smart travelers who prioritize preparation without overthinking it. And seriously—keep your eyes open for that workshop announcement. It's going to be epic! Join us!
@LaidbackTravelLifestyle
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