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Over the last few years we have tried out (and spent way too many hours researching) many different products. From the bags we carry, to water bottles and hand soap paper for my sensitive hands. Some items have become great staples and other have us still searching for the right alternative.
Nomatic Backpacks
We have been carrying these bags since 2019 and I’m still obsessed. Other than some dirt and superficial scuff to the outside these things could be brand new. We wanted carry-on luggage sized backpacks to maximize our time on travel days and make walking a feasible mode of transportation. This meant we needed something with hip straps to help with the extra weight, but I also wanted something easily packable/accessible, unlike a hiking backpack. All of these bags have the perfect details for organization. I’m currently traveling with a roller bag for the first time in 4 years because of a shoulder injury and I’m missing all my special pockets.
Adam carries the original 40L bag. This was originally my Christmas gift since it was the only size available and we learned very quickly this size was too big for me. The length hangs too low on my butt, making the hip straps less effective and I can pack it way too heavy at over 30lbs. For Adam’s tall frame it’s perfect. It did come with a large scuff on it and I filed a claim with the warranty, but forgot to follow back up years ago. Probably too late now lol It doesn’t effect using the bag at all though.
As soon as the 30L was released this became my bag. It is perfect. I can fit enough clothing, shoes and toiletries in it for a 14 day trip using compression packing cubes. It has a separate compartment for shoes so they don’t touch my clothes. I can store snacks in the side pocket, my rain jacket in the top and anything that might still be wet like my contact case in the “water bottle” pocket (mine doesn’t fit). And unless overpacked, this one will fit underneath the airplane seat if absolutely necessary. The one thing I will not recommend is sticking your drivers license in the waist strap pocket. In South Carolina they print your Driver’s License on the spot at the DMV and so it’s much thinner than my Michigan one was. Now that many airports are using the special ID scanners instead of boarding passes at TSA mine doesn’t work anymore because it was bent.
The last bag in our collection is my lockdown splurge of a Travel Backpack. I got it from their scratch and dent sale and it has turned me into a 2 bag gal. If we’re traveling to work, going for 2+ weeks or brining presents for my nephew this is where I store my laptop, all the tech and its chargers, pens, paper, snacks, headphones, anything extra. I use it day to day as my laptop bag. Usually I will tuck the backpack straps in since the 40L is already on my back, and carry it like a briefcase. I also got to try for the first time this trip sliding it over the handle of my roller bag; worked like a charm. I did have an issue with the snaps on the back breaking, but I sent it off to Nomatic and they sent me a whole new bag! 3 years later! Thier warranty policy is top notch.
Tripped Travel Gear
We’re obsessed with all the things we have tried from them. It started with one little packable day pack and turned into the whole inside of my suitcase. I’ve gotten packing cubes for my siblings, backpacks for my in-laws and I’m lucky enough to do product reviews for them occasionally to test new product.
I found Tim, Fin and Tripped on a podcast while entertaining my dream to RV full time in 2017. They turned me on to the idea of selling on Amazon and I love following their travel online. I have neither RV’d full time or created my own product in those 6 years, but I will happily buy their stuff for my own travels.
The Day Pack is just that for us. Adam wears it every time we hike, explore a new city or just need to carry extra snacks for a day out. It’s perfect because only carrying a backpack for multiple weeks of travel means anything extra needs to be light and small. It folds into itself to stuff right into the Nomatic. I love the front felt lined pocket for my phone and the extra deep water bottle side pockets.
The packing cubes are their staple. The key here is that these are COMPRESSION packing cubes. They suck all the air out and smoosh everything as tight as it can go using multiple zippers. This not only keeps you organized, but also saves a ton of space. This is what allows us to use carry ons for 2 weeks of clothing. I am partial to the XL and small sizes, but the large has it’s place in my suitcase depending on what I’m packing. If you check your luggage you can fit the entire system of cubes in one bag. They have so many colors and sizes to pick from and I’m especially loving my new mesh set.
Then there are some speciality packing items. I have the toiletry set and the tech pouch and I could not tell you which I love more. When I don’t bring my Travel Backpack, say we’re going on a pure vacation without computers like we did in Puerto Rico, my small tech items still need space and all their chargers. This pouch has all the right nooks and crannies and I feel like it never runs out of space, or takes up much in my suitcase. I even leave it on my nightstand at home to keep everything organized and within arms reach.
The toiletry set replaced the same method I’d been using since high school. One small bag that probably came free with some make-up or in my stocking and a quart ziplock. While I’m not one for make-up or much product of any kind, my intolerances and allergies, and experiencing being sick while traveling, have me carrying all kind of “just in case” items. Eye wipes, thermometer, extra contacts, hair ties, flossers, razor, medications, bandaids and more all fit in the main pouch in ultra organized fashion. I can then snap on the clear zipper bag with all my tiny liquids. Technically this small bag can be for other things, but I decided to give Adam the included 3-1-1 TSA approved liquid bag and get us extra bang for the buck.
Clothes
Cliche or not we have a lot of Columbia. Rain jackets (don’t love), pants, shorts and winter jackets. I find most of mine in the outlet or on clearance. I ended up with a pair of technically fishing pants in a short length and they are perfect for avoiding muddy and wet bottoms. They’re very light for hot SC summers when I still want my legs covered. They are a bit thin for winter hiking. I also grabbed a pair of La Sportiva Patcha leggings this spring and I love them! The waistband never rolls down, the material is not the slippery, stretchy material of a lot of active leggings it has more of a texture. But I’m not sure they’re a whole lot thicker than my hiking pants. Any suggestions on winter hiking leggings/joggers?
Socks! I am very brand loyal to Bombas. They have been so wonderful about exchanges, returns and replacements when something gets damaged. Their happiness guarantee is extremely generous, but also they are not cheap. I wear their ankle socks daily, but LOVE their hiking socks. Padded in the right places and the quarter length are the perfect height for my boots.
Hiking Shoes
My original mid height hiking boots were from Gander Mountain. I bought their cheap store brand after over-researching a pair on Amazon and having them hit too high on my sensitive ankle. I had the Gander Mountains for 4 years and just about wore a hole in the bottoms. They had always pinched may toes and caused blisters so I decided to splurge on some Keen Terradoras now that we were more avid hikers. While I love the look, the solid toe and the quality, I have never gotten to a point where I can stop taping my heel. After breaking them in this just shouldn’t be a thing. So 3 years later I can vouch for the quality, but fit is going to be something personal.
I recently went shopping for a new pair and tried on every brand I could think of: Columbia (no way), Merrell (I was between sizes), Hoka (not worth the price difference) and ended up buying a pair of Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I also have a pair (and a backup pair because B2) of Keen Rose sandals. Perfect for warm weather hikes! I’ve used these around home in SC, Colorado, Rhode Island, in the deserts of Utah and Puerto Rico. I will say that if my feet get wet, sweat a lot or covered in dust they do get slippery. Adam has stuck with a couple pair of Columbia lower cut hiking shoes. On his wishlist for next time are more solid/protected toes and maybe something with more ankle support.
Sidebar Re: Tape – This stuff is like a miracle. I have yet to run out in almost 3 years, just got kinda gooey from all the high and low temperatures in the car and on hikes. Tape your heels, toes, wherever you have a hot spot and you will be spared of blisters. I could never get bandaids to stay. Sometimes I have a hard time taking this stuff off. When it was new I could even shower with it on and it wouldn’t budge. What’s also perfect is you can tear pieces with your hands, no scissors needed. I got a different brand on Prime Day and recently tried it out. It’s not the same. Don’t bother with competitors, this is the real deal.
Water
One of the most important things to bring on a hike is water. We were gifted our Osprey 2.5L and have never looked back. It’s the perfect amount for 2 people with the ~10 miles max we do. We just throw it in our Tripped bag instead of getting a fancy backpack and it’s worked great. It probably shortened the life of our bag since it shredded the laptop pocket but it’s the easiest way to travel with it. It’s easy to fill from the sink, or did you know gyms at a lot of hotels have filtered water/fill stations? I am still learning about the best way to clean all the parts but our BonDry has been FANTASTIC. It’s an absorbent piece of fabric that you just slide into your bladder after you dump any extra water and it sucks up leftover moisture to prevent mildew and mold. Ours is 2 years old and still works like new.
We also always travel with water bottles to fill in the airport, at the hotel and while out and about. That’s the best hack for the airport, some sporting events like golf, etc: bring an empty water bottle and fill it once you’re inside.
In 2015 I kickstarted a smart water bottle. It took forever to receive, the app was clunky, I didn’t see the reminders, the lid had to be removed to drink and it broke after about a year. But I still struggled to hit my daily water goals and I missed the concept. New brands emerged in the market and I got a Hidrate Spark 2 in 2019. It made a huge difference in my water consumption and I was consistent until.. well 2020. The bottle started to grow something in the rubber sleeve, on the mouthpieces and it couldn’t hold hot or cold beverages. In 2021 I tracked down a new Hidrate Spark Pro (stainless steel) with a straw lid on Facebook marketplace and I used that thing for a solid year. I have such an easier time keeping up on my water without too much thought. My only complaint is taking it on a plane often messes up the sensor and I started reacting to the stainless steel. So now I’m looking at buying a new Lite body for my current sensor. I love that I can change out lids and bodies with the same expensive sensor. If you struggle to drink enough water daily it definitely helps!
Microfiber Towel
In 2015 I got a facebook ad to get a packable microfiber towel for $1. It’s been the perfect companion since. We keep it in the car when we’re home and in our suitcase when we travel. It came with a full size towel and a washcloth. Perfect for drying off the paddle boards before deflating them. They dry quickly, take up very little space and have their own bag. Plus they have little details like a hook for hanging on your bag to dry and a pocket to stash valuables. Unfortunately in 2020 the company I bought these and my dry bag from went out of business. Lucky for you there are a lot of choices now for those types of products on Amazon. This one looks most similar. I did recently buy a pretty, full size microfiber towel from Costco and I’m not impressed. The size is nice, but it shed blue fuzzies all over my bathing suit and I don’t love the texture.
Dry Bag
Like I said, the bag I use has been discontinued. I find myself using it more and more. It was awesome for all our beach hikes in Puerto Rico. The features that I love that I would look for in a different one would be:
- Keeps things dry
- Has a front water proof zipper pocket for quick access
- Strap has a padded section and can be worn cross body or as a backpack
Here is one that I can find in a similar price range that has most of my favorite features; and I’m in love with the patterns. Or this one looks good if you don’t need quick access for your phone.
Hotspot & VPN
Adam works remotely and his work servers require that we’re always on a private network. A lot of hotels lately have made a move to open networks. To protect from getting somewhere and not being able to access the internet, or giving flexibility to work from public places, we bought a mobile hotspot. I wanted one that didn’t need a monthly plan because we’re not always traveling and we pay a fair amount already for home internet. And one that would work in the US and internationally. We ended up going with the Solis Lite 4G hotspot. I bought it sealed in the package from Facebook Marketplace for half off, but it looks like new ones directly from the manufacturer come with limited lifetime international data included (1 GB per month) so that’s definitely a benefit. You can buy data by the region, GB, day or month, which gives a lot of flexibility. If Adam needs to get a full day of work done, we buy an unlimited day pass. For the cruise I bought 1GB of international data just incase we needed to check emails, use Whatsapp or translate things (or post to social media) and there was no public WiFi.
In the US we have no problems connecting it at home or we’ve also tried Atlantic City from a high floor of the hotel. On the cruise we were not able to get it to work on the French islands, Martinique & Guadeloupe, or in St Lucia. We did get it to work great in Barbados, St. Vincent and Grenada. 1 GB was perfect for light activity for those 3 days.
We also recently signed up for SurfShark VPN. Were we influenced on this one? Yes. But also we got it to watch Lions’ games in South Carolina and they were one of the most recommend for the Detroit market. We only got a couple weeks out of it for that and have been unsuccessful in tricking Xfinity in November, but we also started using it on our phones to protect ourselves on all the public WiFi we used on the cruise. After switching to unlimited data with AT&T it wasn’t something I thought about much anymore but was very glad to have on the islands.
For the price we are very happy and right now it’s even cheaper. Check your Rakuten (today 12/8/23 they have 90% cash back making 2 years of SurfShark One $7.50). Or if that’s over and you have a CapitalOne credit card, check your account for cash back options like we used. There are always a lot of great deals.
Paddle Boards
Last year I had to foray into the inflatable paddle board market for the first time in 7 years. Man has it changed a lot. Adam is still rocking a 2015 Tower Paddleboard. My original Teva board exploded last spring. It had a good life but got it’s first taste of salt in Florida last March and I didn’t fully realized I needed to hose it off afterwards. The salt must have ate away at the glue and the next time I inflated it, BAM! The seam pulled apart.
While technology had come a long way, prices for the same quality I had before dropped dramatically (about 75%). Plus, now most boards come with all the accessories like bags, pumps and dry bags. I decided to go with a Soopotay. I wanted d-rings on the sides for paddle hooks or to add a kayak back, an extra handle on the front, more bungee storage, a double action pump, similar deck padding and size to what I had and the best walled construction I could get for the cheapest. So far the extra length has been a little challenging, the dual action pump didn’t work, and I almost got my phone stuck in the waterproof case. But I’ve gone on 3 nice rides and the quality seems comparable to what I bought 7 years before for 4X the price. Hopefully I’ll get another handful of years out of it.
We do not use the original paddles that came with our boards. I upgraded to a 2 piece carbon fiber in 2017. I love it, it’s so light and still in great shape. Nice and light, but can be a pain to transport, especially in a car. Adam snapped his original paddle during the pandemic and replaced it with a 3 piece carbon fiber which didn’t exist a few years before. I would recommend his over mine, especially if traveling by car, since it packs smaller. It is also half the price and not that incredibly different in weight. We also bought our own bags over the years. Adam’s is in the matching Tower branded bag. My only complaint is spiders can climb in the holes in the garage and since we have widows I’m always uncomfortable putting it in the car. Mine is way nicer for the price. I could go on a hike with this one with the hip straps and still be comfortable.
First Aid Kit
After getting sick while away in 2020 and then the whole pandemic thing, we thought we should be a little more prepared while on hikes or far from home. We purchased a small first aid kit that I felt had most things we could need without taking up too much space or adding weight. I did add a few more things like ibuprofen and Benadryl and we’re sure to take the multi-tool out when flying. I recently cracked the lid packing it and I’m eye this one for something less ridged.
Pill Case
Does this make me feel old? Yes, yes it does. But I am very fond of my pill case. It allows me to pack my supplements for 2 weeks without bringing along large pill bottles or confusing pills that all look the same. And at home it keeps me from accidentally taking 2 doses (or none at all since I can’t remember).
Kindle + Case
Lately I love posting on instagram about my new Kindle case. I’m a little obsessed. It has a kick stand, hand strap and a slot for cards (perfect for your room key!). But I have had zero regrets about switching to a Kindle Paperwhite for our trip to New Zealand. I was staunchly on team physical book until we could only take 15 lbs each for 2 weeks. Now I’m a big advocate for having unlimited book options no matter where I am or how long I’m gone. If you don’t already know, Prime members get a free book every month from Prime First Reads. I’ve been working off these books + those from my library Libby for years now. If you don’t have one, why??
Headphones
I’m not a good flyer. I’ve gotten better, but one thing that I love to make things easier is my over-ear noise cancelling headphones. For some reason getting rid of all the noise of the plane and cabin calms me down. I’ve even discovered that listening to audiobooks is my new favorite in-flight activity. Mine are Utaxo, but it looks like they no longer exist. I’m a big fan of all things Anker so these look pretty comparable and a little cheaper than what I paid or my sister is a big fan of JBL.
Wild Card
Find a local bin store! I have a collection of things I probably never would have bought if they weren’t $1-$5. Hiking poles have been a game changer! We’ve found a single pole and a set at the bin stores and now all are missing their feet; dang muddy trails! I have some snow traction spikes (not full blown crampons, but helpful), a full face snorkel mask (cool but overrated), extra bladders, handfuls of bathing suits, slip on tennis shoes, sports bras, a heart rate strap, or less related things for home like faucets, light fixtures and laser levels.
