Dude I’m literally typing this at 2:42 a.m. mountain time because I just got home from Phoenix an hour ago, my flight was delayed 90 minutes for “weather” even though it was 78° and clear, and now I’m wide awake with heartburn from airport chili fries. Backpack’s still in the entryway judging me. So yeah—best travel gear right now means anything that keeps me from straight-up crying in public.
I used to be the king of minimalist packing. “One backpack, three shirts, figure it out.” That worked until I was stuck overnight in Charlotte with no clean underwear, a dead phone, and zero neck support. I looked like a zombie the next day. Learned the hard way.
Headphones That Make the Plane Bearable (Finally)
Sony WH-1000XM5. I fought buying them forever because who spends that much? Me, apparently, after one too many screaming toddlers on a Denver-to-Austin run. These things are magic. ANC so good I can’t hear the engines or the guy next to me FaceTiming his mom about grocery lists. I’ve fallen asleep drooling on myself more times than I’ll admit. Dropped them in a puddle at LAX, left them on a bar in Nashville, spilled beer on them once—still kick ass. If you’re not ready to drop four bills, the Anker Soundcore Space One are surprisingly decent. Not quite the same clarity but they block enough noise that I don’t want to strangle someone.
Adapter That Actually Charges Shit
Epicka universal one. I’ve murdered like eight others—ones that sparked, ones that only gave 5 watts, ones that just melted. This guy has fast USB-C, regular ports, and every plug shape I’ve needed so far. Used it in a janky Airbnb in Miami and a fancy Hilton in Chicago—no difference. It’s fat but I don’t care.
Bring a short braided 100W cable too. The long floppy ones get stepped on or caught in wheels. Short ones stay where you put them.
Packing Cubes So I Don’t Look Homeless
Gonex compression ones. I was skeptical until I saw how much smaller my stupidly big hoodie got. Now I can cram way too many t-shirts, a pair of chucks, and actual pants without the bag exploding.
I once zipped a cube so tight the fabric ripped a little seam. Still use it. Battle scar.
Charger I’d Fight For
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000. Skinny enough for my sling, charges my phone twice plus some, doesn’t feel like carrying a textbook. I’ve straight-up given it to strangers at gates more than once. Lady in Minneapolis last month hugged me. Felt weirdly wholesome.
Random Stuff I’d Be Lost Without
- Trtl pillow — dumb-looking but my neck doesn’t hurt after six hours anymore
- AirTags — because Delta lost my bag in 2024 and I almost had a breakdown in baggage claim
- Darn Tough socks — seriously, no blisters, no smell, I wear them for days straight like a gremlin
- Collapsible 20oz bottle — fill it after security, stay hydrated, don’t pay $7 for water
- Tiny carabiner clip thing — hooks my keys, AirPods case, hotel key card, whatever so I don’t lose shit
This list is messy and imperfect. My Best Travel Gear scratched, stained, smells faintly of old coffee and pretzels. I still forget earplugs half the time and buy $12 ones at the gate. But this best travel gear setup is what’s keeping me from completely losing my mind while I keep saying yes to trips I probably shouldn’t.
Outbound links
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones: https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm5
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 / Life Q30 / Space One: https://us.soundcore.com/
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/EPICKA-Universal-Travel-Adapter-International/dp/B078S3M2NX
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes: https://www.amazon.com/Gonex-Compression-Packing-Cubes-Travel/dp/B07D8R7Z6K
Amazon Basics Compression Packing Cubes: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Compression-Travel-Organizer-Cubes/dp/B07D8R7Z6K (similar sets)
