Here's the real meat of the fun stuff! All kinds of goodies to make backpacking easier, more secure, more eco-conscious, and maybe even a bit more luxurious!
Travel goodies are just plain fun. I have become obsessed with anything that can make travel easier, lighter weight, or happier. I've gone through a lot of trial and error to find useful items, and I'd love to share my"finds" with you here!
Any of the light pack towels are great. I do usually go for the largest one just for personal preference. I like to be able to wrap it around me. Some are a bit more chomois-like than others but the technology has improved over the years.
gadgets / stuff, towel
Shop
A recent addition to my travel gear, I use this mostly in hot climates as a, well, a sweat rag. That sounds kind of gross but it's so nice to able to wipe the sweat off your forehead when you're out and about. It's also handy if there are no napkins at the roadside stand where you're grabbing lunch. It's so small that I just keep it in my purse.
gadgets / stuff, towel
ShopI have the LD15R and wow, that little guy packs some power! Everyone is impressed with how bright this light is. It gets hot at highest beam and the red is so dim it's almost worthless but this is otherwise a winner.
gadgets / stuff, baby shampoo
ShopWow, this little guy packs some power! Everyone is impressed with how bright this light is. It gets hot at highest beam and the red is so dim it's almost worthless but this is otherwise a winner.
gadgets / stuff, baby shampoo
Shop
If only this bag had a zipper. BUT I still love it. It's small and strong and I use it everywhere as a day bag if I don't need a daypack.
luggage / organizers, gadgets / stuff, packable sling
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I don't know why the best type of lock is the least seldom sold out there in travel-land. I find that the type of lock that is sort of like a carabiner is best because you can easily leave it clipped onto your zipper pull even when it's unlocked. I really only even lock my locks some of the time and the rest of the time they hang on my zipper pull as a deterrent - the thieves don't know if it's locked or not. Definitely always use a combination lock. The sleeker version seems to have gone away but these models do the trick:
gadgets / stuff, luggage locks
Shop
This falls under "better safe than sorry". These are so slim that there's no reason not to use them.
gadgets / stuff
ShopI have the regular size bad and although there was an initial learning curve, I do like it! Read my full review in my posts section.
gadgets / stuff, laundry bag
Shop
Doing hand-wash is a normal part of budget travel. So how about this bag that touts itself as a portable washing machine for backpackers?
Not all sleeping bag liners are created equal. If you can't stand the thought of being trapped in a narrow fabric sleeve, read on to find the best travel sheet out there.
Taking a bit of food with you when you travel not only saves money, but there are times you'll be so grateful you have something familiar to eat! Here's a list of some easy snacks to pack from home.