Gear 2023
This post is inspired by Tynan’s gear posts. Below are the gear additions I’ve made for this year.
Go here to see ALL of the gear I travel with. Links to purchase each item are included; in full transparency, many links are referral links.
Tech
Chipolo Keyring Item Tracker
Replaces an AirTag on my keychain which now lives inside my check bag.
Buy at Amazon
Chipolo Wallet Item Finder (x2)
One for tracking my passport, one for tacking my wallet.
Buy at Chipolo
Switch Joycon Grip
This replaces the 8bitdo Pro 2 controller I had been using before. I found that the very little time I spend playing pancake games didn’t justify the weight and space of the Pro 2. So I’m now using my two Switch joycons with this for PC gaming. This extra pair of joycons can also be used for two player or four player Switch games like Mario Party.
Buy at Amazon
USB charger for AA and AAA batteries
This is the lightest and smallest AA and AAA battery charger. Works great. Wish it was USB C but I have USB A ports on some of my wall chargers including the MiniX so I’ve compromised on USB A over C here for weight and space gain.
Buy at Amazon
140W PD 3.1 USB-C Charger With Adapters
This replaces the official Apple charger. It is lighter, smaller, and includes three ports. This comes with international adapters which are more secure in wall sockets than using a generic adapter.
Buy at Hyper
MiniX 66W 3-Port Charger
Compact GaN charger that comes with international adapters. This stays in walls more securely than a USA charger with a generic wall socket adapter.
Buy at Amazon
CR2032 Rechargable batteries and Charger
Many of the smaller electronics I have use CR2032 batteries. This lets me recharge them all using the above MiniX charger.
Nebula Capsule 3 Projector
Replaces my previous projector. This is the smallest and lightest true 1080 projector on the market. Charges via USB C and has an HDMI port which I use for playing Switch and PC games. My only complaint is that they don’t offer a version with no built in battery. So much of the weight of this is for battery which I don’t need as I always use it at home.
Buy at Amazon
Projector Lens Protector
This is actually a smartwatch screen protector but I’ve repurposed it as a a projector lens protector. I wrap my projector in my changing towel (mentioned lower in this post) when moving to a new destination. Using this lens protector and towel system I can eliminate the need for a case.
I have found that device-specific cases only used for moving to a new destination add weight and space that are best saved for items I will use at the destination itself. Device cases just sit in my luggage.
Buy at Amazon
MacBook Tre
Replicates the keyboard and trackpad configuration of a MacBook using a magic keyboard and magic trackpad. This is for using with the Roost v3 laptop stand for better ergonomics.
Buy at Etsy
ZAGG Pro Stylus
Lost my Apple Pencil (I have since found it after writing this blog post; but it’s good to have a backup). This was a cheaper replacement. It charges via a built in USB C port; unfortunately it doesn’t charge with the magnetic charging the official Apple Pencil supports. If Apple Pencil came in black I would have paid for the first party product again.
Buy at Amazon
Kindle Screen Cover
This replaced a case I had been using. I switched to this to reduce weight in my bags but it also makes for a more pleasant reading experience.
Buy at Amazon
Alarm Clock
Needed for reliably waking up. I don’t trust my phone; especially for early flight.s This was the smallest and lightest travel alarm clock I could find. Powered by CR2032 batteries
Buy at Amazon
Bathroom
FlatPak Toiletry Bottle
Using one of these to carry sunscreen. These take up much less space (and likely weigh less) than the container sunscreen comes in. They’re easy to refill too.
Buy at Amazon
FlatPak Soap Bar Case
Was originally intending to use this to carry solid soap in use. This was initially the use but in Lisbon I found some solid shampoo in the grocery store to try. The solid shampoo now lives inside this case with the soap. This is made of some kind of black magic as when it lets out water without getting everything else wet and doesn’t cause the contents to smell.
Buy at Amazon
Toothbrush Cap
See title 😅
Buy at Matador
Refillable Toothpaste Tubes
Rather than throwing away unused toothpaste I can take it with me using these refillable tubes. The smaller one is great for taking on side trips.
Buy at Matador
Water Flosser
I’ve never liked traditional flossing. This has been much easier, faster, and more comfortable. I still use traditional floss but it’s less needed with this. Charges via USB C.
Buy at Amazon
Travel Razor
This gives me razor redundancy as a backup for my main razor. It plugs into my iPhone battery bank. It doesn’t charge on it’s own and must be plugged into a power source when in use. This is great for weekend side trips where my full razor is too much weight and space if I just want to travel with my shoulder sling bag.
Buy at Amazon
Fulton and Roark Soap
Decided not to bring much of this with me as it was too much weight. Love the scent. If I can cut weight in other items I will consider bringing more of this with me. Not thrilled with solid soap in use though. I want to try finding a solution to this. Please reach out if you have any suggestions.
Buy at Fulton and Roark
Fulton and Roark Deodorant
Same scent as the soap. My intention was to have a consistent scent across toiletries but this so far has proven more impractical than I expected. This deodorant container is metal and far too heavy than necessary. I need to research alternatives.
Buy at Fulton and Roark
Fulton and Roark Solid Cologne
Replaced my liquid cologne with this to reduce weight. The container is also far too heavy for nomad travel. I’ll be researching alternatives. Ideally Fulton and Roark would offer a lighter container for the deodorant and cologne. Or maybe someone will create 3D printer containers.
Buy at Fulton and Roark
Kitchen
Trader Joe’s sponges
Some airbnb sponges are less clean than would be preferred. One Airbnb I couldn’t find the sponge. Hotels don’t have sponges. So these are great to travel with as a single pack contains 12. They come compressed flat, and expand when first used.
Buy at Amazon
Humangear Utensils
Replaces my heavier metal utensils. I’ve used my own utensils regularly during my travel and will never travel long term without my own utensils now. Not fully happy with these though. I will be exploring other options. I’d like to travel with more than just one of each.
Buy at Amazon
Aeropress Metal Coffee Filters
My old metal mesh filter had gotten too discolored. This included three different size hole filters which I hoped might be good for getting better flavour coffee. Need to experiment more with the different filters and pre-ground coffee as I don’t travel with a coffee grinder (if you know of a light and high quality grinder please reach out).
Buy at Amazon
Flat Pasta Strainer
Ravioli is a quick and easy meal to make at home. Not all of my AirBnBs have had a pasta strainer. This packs light and takes up no space in my bag as it’s flat. This was a great purchase.
Buy at Amazon
Collapsible Measuring Cups
I’m used to US measuring cup sizes. These include both US and European sizing. Many airbnb are setup for short term travelers who aren’t doing much cooking. I tried making a dish from scratch in Milan and wished I had these with me. Problem solved.
Buy at Amazon
Nanobag Shopping Bag
Motivated by one of my gear principles (sustainable) I purchased FOUR of these bags and have loved using them so far. They pack down to the size of AirPods Pro. I can take all four of them with me in my jacket pockets and they’re almost unnoticeable.
Buy at Nanobag.net
Clothes
Rip Curl Global Entry Walk Shorts
This is my second pair. These are incredibly versatile. Work as a swimsuit and as shorts. Many pockets for good EDC organization and carrying various items when going out for short trips when I don’t want to take my backpack or should sling.
Buy at Amazon
Arcade Ranger Belt Midnighter
More adjustable than my previous belt. This also has a style that works better for casual wear. My previous belt looked too formal for casual occasions.
Buy at Amazon
Outdoor Research Rain Jacket
Purchased for Portugal as it was supposed to be rainy here. Haven’t used it once since. Wish I had this in Italy last year. Purchased yellow as I liked the look of the yellow rain jacket in Dark and it makes it easy to differentiate from my main black jacket.
Buy at Amazon
Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Shirts (x2)
Converting all of my nomad clothing to merino wool for it’s versatility and warmth to weight ratio.
Buy at Unbound Merino
Unbound Merino Socks (x5)
Converting all of my nomad clothing to merino wool for it’s versatility and warmth to weight ratio.
Buy at Unbound Merino
Merino Wool V-Neck T-Shirt (x3)
Converting all of my nomad clothing to merino wool for it’s versatility and warmth to weight ratio.
Buy at Unbound Merino
Health
Ear Wax Removal Camera Tool
Useful for medical diagnosis to check potential symptoms but primarily used as a safe earwax removal method. I use IEMs and AirPods Pro regularly which combined with genetics results in earwax buildup that I’ve discovered needs to be cleaned every few months.
Buy at Amazon
Pocket CPR Masks
Replaces my bulky mask which I never carried with me. Now I have one of these in each of my bags. You never know when you might need to save someone’s life.
Buy at Amazon
Wellue BP2A Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor
Part of my suite of medical tracking/analysis devices to measure health and diagnose potential problems.
Buy at Amazon
Kinsa Quickcare Smart Bluetooth Thermometer
My old Kinsa thermometer (which worked through plugging it in with the headphone to lighting adapter) stopped working. This is powered by a CR2032 battery which I’ve replaced with a rechargeable one. I hope Apple Watch adds a body temp sensor so I can get rid of this.
Buy at Amazon
Fitness
Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack
My Matador packable daypack is great for walking around but for an adventurous hike I wanted something with more pockets, structure, and functionality. I haven’t had a chance to use this yet on a hike but it packs very flat and should hold all of my Via Ferrata gear plus any additional hiking gear, food, and water. Excited to use this in Switzerland.
Buy at Matador
Flatpak Dry Bag
When out on boats and kayaks there are items you want to bring with you for shore excursions or to have with you for an onward journey. This keeps those dry.
Buy at Matador
Packable Towel Poncho
When I visited Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia there was a single changing station easily accessible. I decided then that I needed a way to change in and out of a bathing suit without waiting in a line for a changing station. This achieves that while also doubling as a towel.
Buy at Matador
Swim Goggles
For water activities. Planning to buy an advanced snorkel system to pair with this.
Buy at Amazon
Water Shoes
Haven’t used these yet but I was very unhappy with the water shoes being sold at tourist shops in Dubrovnik so I picked these up which pack down very small and hopefully perform better.
Buy at Amazon
Loop Resistance Bands
I’ve been using these with FitBod and bodyweight to get back into a workout routine.
Buy at Amazon
Bike Helmet
Purchase white or yellow as they’re the safest based on research studies.
Buy at Amazon
Climbing
PETZL Sitta Harness
Climbing harness that is ridiculously lightweight and compact. Compresses down into a bag about the size of a small water bottle. I don’t plan on doing much, if any, rock climbing — this is for hiking Via Ferrata trails.
Buy at Amazon
Via Ferrata Kit
Safety system for climbing Via Ferrata trails.
Buy at Amazon
PETZL Tandem Speed Pulley
For zip lines on Via Ferrata.
Buy at Amazon
Screwgate Carabiner
Backup
Buy at Amazon
Nylon Sling Runner 48”
Used as a resting system or as a backup safety system.
Buy at Amazon
Nylon Sling Runner 24”
Used as a resting system or as a backup safety system.
Buy at Amazon
PETZL, EASHOOK Open Carabiner
Combined with the sling runner to make a resting system.
Buy at Amazon
Other
Elephant Card
Mount your iPhone to your MacBook to use macOS Ventura’s Continuity Camera feature which turns your iPhone’s superior camera system into a webcam for a Mac.
Buy at Amazon
Vapur Water Bottles (x4)
I now have four of these. One for taking outside and using at airports. Three are for using at home as an easy way to portion out daily water; with the goal being to drink all three bottles per day to consume the daily recommended water intake.
Buy at Amazon
Flashlight
For safety, self defense, sanitizing door handles, and checking for unwanted sheet stains.
Buy at Amazon
Sleeping Bag Liner
For when I find unclean sheets using the blacklight feature of the above flashlight.
Buy at Amazon
Laundry Sheets
Great for laundry on the go without the weight of liquid detergent. I’ve found that for cold washes I need to mix this up with a small amount of hot water before putting it in with the clothes.
Buy at Amazon
Mini Thank You Cards
To leave a thank you to airbnb hosts at the end of each stay.
Buy at Amazon
Flight Flap
I use this at home as a table stand for reading my Kindle while eating a meal. When traveling it can be placed on the seatback table or in the folded up seatback table to mount my Kindle, Nintendo Switch, or iPad mini on back of the seat in front of me for watching/reading. Super lightweight. Takes up no space. EVERY traveller should have one of these for their phone or tablet.
Buy at Amazon
