I’ve been traveling light and using packing lists for years, and I’ll never take for granted how good it feels to travel carry-on only. Because I’ve seen how exhausting traveling with excess can be. That’s why I’m going to give you an up-close look at my do-everything, all-season travel setup. I want to show you … Read more
Searching for your next travel backpack? Read our in-depth review of the TOM BIHN Techonaut 30, which covers its materials, design, durability, and more. I’m a bit of a backpack nerd if you haven’t figured it out by now. I’ve spent more hours (days?) of my life geeking out over bags than I’d like to … Read more
Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the different backpack fabrics and materials that make up modern-day bags. We’ll start by looking at the most popular synthetic fabrics on the market: nylon (Ripstop, Ballistic, Cordura, and Robic), polyester, neoprene, Dyneema/DCF, ULTRA, X-Pac, and ECOPAK. After that, we’ll look at tried-and-true traditional fabrics, like cotton canvas … Read more
The term “travel jeans” might feel like an oxymoron. Traditional denim is stiff, adds considerable weight to your bag, and doesn’t pack well. However, our list of the best travel jeans turns these old-school notions upside-down. With eight stretchy, lightweight, and well-fitting jeans at your fingertips, you can now wave goodbye to old-fashioned denim that … Read more
Hiding your booze from Johnny Law like a 1920s Prohibition-era rascal just got much easier with one of these best titanium flasks for camping, travel, and hiking. And while Prohibition is over, the devices’ usefulness continues. Unlike those old-timey flasks made from questionable metals, these ultralight, leakproof, durable, and discreet vessels won’t leach chemicals into … Read more
My beloved 2005 Chevy Astro camper van has taken me through desolate deserts, breathtaking mountain ranges, chaotic city streets, and everywhere in between. I know a thing or two about what’s essential for van life. That’s why I’ve compiled an extensive list of safety and security items, tech gadgets, kitchen staples, and other must-haves that … Read more
Ever hiked in the pouring rain, eager to change into the dry clothes inside your pack, only to find out they were soaking wet when you finished? We sure have, which is why we created this list of the 13 best waterproof backpacks of 2025. These weatherproof packs will keep you and your gear dry … Read more
Whether you’re headed out for a quick business trip, a monthslong world tour, or a laid-back weekend at the beach, our list of 2025’s best travel essentials has you covered. Sure, some necessities are obvious — toiletries, medications, snacks, phones — we know you’ll pack those. We’re here to cover the game-changing items you may … Read more
Careful packing and storage planning is a big part of travel and backpacking, so check out the best ditty bags on the market today. I have a whole bunch of little peripherals I like to bring with me while out on an adventure, and I’m sure you do too. So, why go digging for toiletries … Read more
Creating your own minimalist travel packing list is quite simple, actually: Choose a suitable bag that you can carry onto an airplane Fill it with clothing, gear, and other travel essentials Leave everything else behind By doing so, you’ll experience the world feeling light as a feather, unbothered by the burden of unnecessary stuff. I’ve … Read more