Essential Travel Equipment (My Comprehensive Travel Packing Guide)

In the world of long-term adventure travel, having the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and successful journey. One seasoned travel photographer shares their top recommendations for high-quality, lightweight, durable, and functional travel gear.

For backpacks, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider stands out. Weighing just under 2 lbs, this ultralight pack supports up to 35 lbs comfortably and boasts a 55-liter capacity, making it ideal for extended trips between resupplies. Its Dyneema Composite Fabrics provide extreme durability and are fully waterproof, making it perfect for harsh conditions. The fixed suspension and minimalist design prioritize comfort and longevity without excess weight.

Another excellent option is the Conifer Trekking Packs, known for rugged engineering combined with thoughtful design. They offer excellent load transfer and reinforced stitching for durability. They include hydration-compatible sleeves, gear loops, and effective frame support, making them comfortable for hauling weight without feeling heavy over long distances. They are also weatherproof, with sealed seams and water-repellent fabrics to keep gear dry in harsh weather.

The Rab Protium 20L Day Pack is a versatile daypack, weighing just over 2 lbs. It features adjustable harnesses, multiple external pockets for easy access to essentials, and a built-in rain cover, making it ideal for shorter day-use during longer trips.

For travelers prioritizing speed and minimalism while maintaining comfort and safety, a 6 lb base weight ultralight gear list is recommended. This includes equipment chosen for practicality and functionality in 3-season conditions, allowing you to hike faster and more efficiently without sacrificing warmth or comfort.

When it comes to durability, water resistance, comfort, weight efficiency, capacity, and multi-functionality are key features to prioritize. By combining these characteristics, you get gear that meets the rigorous demands of long-term adventure travel — lightweight enough to keep you moving efficiently, yet durable and feature-rich enough to handle diverse terrain and weather.

The author's favourite lightweight travel suitcase is the Victorinox suitcase, which boasts a tough outer shell, strong locking zipper, and quiet 360-degree wheels. The author's experience shows that the odds are very high that a checked bag will be waiting for them at luggage claim. In the past 10 years of regular travel, the author has only had their checked bag lost 4 times, with the bag showing up the next day in all but one case.

The author currently travels with up to 3 different bags: a rolling suitcase, a hiking backpack, and an airplane carry-on camera daypack. For adventurous travel, the author prefers a travel backpack, while a suitcase or rolling duffel is favoured for city travel or frequent flying. The author's travel clothing consists of essential items like 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 5 t-shirts, 2 dress shirts, 2 sweatshirts/sweaters, 5 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, 1 swimsuit, 1 pair of sandals, 1 pair of shoes, travel blazer, travel pants, travel shorts, boxer briefs, dress shirts, fleece, socks, travel shoes, sandals, and various tech gadgets like a 13" Macbook Air, unlocked iPhone, hard drive, power bank, Kindle, headphones, and a travel photography gear set which includes Sony A7R III, GoPro 9, Mavic Air 2, travel tripod, 16-35mm, 24-70mm, microphone, and camera clip.

If you want help tailoring a complete gear list to your specific adventure, expert blogs and gear reviewers often offer personalized planning services as well.

A traveler who values adaptability in their lifestyle might opt for the Victorinox suitcase, known for its durability and water resistance, making it suitable for diverse travel conditions. In situations where the journey involves long periods of outdoor exploration, a travel backpack like the Conifer Trekking Packs could offer a more fitting choice, with its rugged engineering and thoughtful design, suitable for handling diverse terrain and weather.