Whether it’s gear for international flights, backpacking, or general travel, I have a clear list of favorites. Some of it is clothing, some of it is shoes, and some of it is equipment, but I use all of it religiously.
I’m the type of person that when I find something I love, I will use it until the day I die and rebuy it again and again if needed. My sleeping pad that my cat just popped is listed below and a clear example of something that I ruined, and I need the exact thing again. Every single item on this list I would buy again if it was lost or worn out, and I think that says a lot.
I’ve purchased most of these items myself, although some were gifted to me by brands. Either way, I’m not being paid to make this list by anybody, although some of the links are affiliate links. My main reason for making this article is because I hate wasting my money on shitty gear that doesn’t live up to the hype. And trust me, I’ve done that a lot. Learn from my mistakes, and I hope you find all the gear you need, whether shopping for yourself or for a loved one!
My Favorite Pieces of Travel & Camping Gear in 2024
1. LARQ Water Bottle
I’ve raved about this water bottle on every platform, and if you follow me, you likely know how much I love the LARQ PureVis. The bottle uses UV-C LED lights to purify water. It is my main source of filtering water while backpacking, camping, and traveling. One charge lasts me 4+ days in the backcountry with constant use. I’ve used it all over the world to filter water. It also self-cleaning. I just love technology!
2. REI Puffer Jacket
I bought this jacket during the REI Sale last spring, and it has been on every trip in the mountains with me since. It doesn’t cost $200+ dollars like some other down jackets and keeps me plenty warm in the backcountry. It also is extremely lightweight and takes up virtually no room in my pack.
3. Teva Sandals
I basically live in my Teva Sandals. I have two pairs, and I do everything in them. Travel, hike, casual walks around town, etc. I bring them on backpacking trips to wear around camp, and I bring them internationally because they are comfortable walking/exploring shoes. No matter where I go, I’ll have a pair with me.
4. Jackery Power Station
Having an additional power source on the road has made all the difference! It is a bit of an expense, but I have zero regrets with the purchase. It would easily fit in the car for tent camping and can run Starlink for 16 hours. Better yet – it fully charges in 1 hour! Make a quick stop at a coffee shop and you’ll be good to go again at full charge in no time. In addition, it’s also a great backup source in case you ever lose power at your house. The EcoFlow is a great off-brand alternative to the Jackey. It has similar features with slightly less watt hours, so if you are looking for something similar for a cheaper price, try that! The only reason I didn’t get that one is that it took three weeks to arrive with shipping, and I needed to fix my power issues ASAP.
5. Decathlon Inflatable Pillow
I worked with Decathlon a few years ago and got a gift card to their store as payment. I bought a paddleboard and this inflatable pillow, and I’ve used the pillow religiously ever since! I use it not just for backpacking, but I also bring it on planes for overnight flights. It takes up virtually no space and is WAY more comfortable than any neck pillow I’ve ever owned. 10/10.
6. Packable REI Windbreaker
I bought this at the same time as the down jacket mentioned above, and my thoughts on it are very similar. It packs into a very small, lightweight case that can be brought anywhere. It’s warm, and I love that it has an attached hood. This pullover and the other REI jackets are the only jackets I bring on backpacking trips – and I bring them both!
7. NEMO Insulated Sleeping Pad
I am heartbroken because we went on a backpacking trip with our cat last weekend, which ended in my NEMO sleeping pad being popped. Let’s just say there was an incident with a pine marten coming to say hello and a minor freakout from Mavs, who was sleeping in the tent. Needless to say, I will be purchasing the same sleeping pad again because I loved it so much. Worth every penny!
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