Travel Essentials Everyone Should Have in Their Bag

Whether you frequently fly to far away places or only get out on the odd weekend away, these travel essentials are key to a smooth journey.

02.07.2024

 

The Wild Earth team have put together a list of essentials they don’t leave home without.

Wild Earth Staff Travel Essentials & Accessories 

• Travel adaptor to keep you powered up whatever the country - OSA Travel Adaptor 
• Comfortable packable day pack - Matador FreeRain 28L Daypack 
• Eye masks for a great night's sleep no matter the lighting - Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travelling Eye Shade
• Multi-use dry bags to hold wet clothing, stinky laundry and whatever else - Sea to Summit 8L Dry Bag
• Power Bank to keep your phone juiced up - Goal Zero Flip 24 Recharger Powerbank
• Cozy socks if the pilot decides to turn the aircon down to 11 - Smartwool Hike Classic Socks
• Waist/hip bag for minimalist day adventures - Pacsafe Vibe 325 Anti-Theft Cross Body Pack
• Refillable toiletry bottles - Human Gear Travel Containers
• Lightweight travel towel - Mont Flora Microfibre Travel Towel 

 

First let's take a look at the most important piece of travel kit, the luggage. This depends on the type of trip you're going on and how much stuff you need to take (think about the state of your back, this is often overlooked and can literally break a trip). Wild Earth favourites include big roller bags, duffel bags and travel packs. We specifically choose gear that’s lightweight, durable and can handle wilder adventures than most.

LUGGAGE

Large and durable roller bags are perfect for long adventures across multiple seasons. For shorter trips, we’re loving weekend duffels and travel backpacks made from lightweight, water-resistant materials with comfort front of mind. 

OSPREY TRANSPORTER 120L WHEELED DUFFEL

For the biggest trips, the heaviest gear and the wildest locations, the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 120 can handle anything you throw at it. The HighRoad Chassis design and extendable handle allow for a smooth roll over any surface from gravel roads to carpeted airport terminals. It’s made from a water-resistant fabric with overlapping rain flaps which combine to keep contents dry. Multiple handles and 6 additional lash points provide easy loading and the ability to strap the bag to roof racks and trailers when you head off-road.

Weight: 3.69 KG

Dimensions: 96.5H X 57W X 38D cm

Why we like it: This bag is a real workhorse that’s built to last.

 

EAGLE CREEK EXPANSE 4 WHEELED 38L/22" ROLLING LUGGAGE

The Expanse™ 4-Wheel CARRY ON is loaded with features including an expansion zipper for added storage, built-in attachments for your favourite Pack-It™ organisers, and self-repairing lockable zippers. Constructed using bluesign® certified ripstop and 100% recycled fabrics, you can purchase this bag knowing it’s a sustainable choice.

Weight: 2.89 KG

Dimensions: 56H x 35W x 23D cm

Why we like it: It has a super functional design with lockable zippers and internal organisers. Not to mention it's a more sustainable choice.

 

COTOPAXI ALLPA 35L TRAVEL PACK

The Allpa Del Dia Travel Pack is a rugged, 35-litre backpack system built for both close-to-home and international adventures. This pack is perfectly sized for carry-on convenience, loaded with well-designed features, and tough enough to handle years of use. The Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack is made from high-quality, leftover synthetic fabrics from other companies' large production runs, making each pack one of a kind and uniquely sustainable.

Weight 1.58 KG

Dimensions: 51H x 30W x 20D cm

Why we like it: This pack is a sustainable choice made from leftover fabrics, it’s super comfy and comes in fun colours.

 

PACKING CUBES

Packing cells and cubes are a game changer when it comes to travel luggage organisation. Use the smaller ones for underwear, the medium size for tops and the large size for trousers, long sleeves and sweaters.

EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT REVEAL PACKING CUBE SET

This set of three Pack-It Reveal Cubes will help keep your gear organised inside any piece of luggage. Offering some material structure for optimal packing access (particularly if you're a folder and stacker). Store clothing and other essentials in these and you'll be surprised at how much easier it is to fit stuff in and locate it when you need it. Made with a durable 300D Poly fabric that is both washable and water-resistant they’re made to last

Why we like it: The Eagle Creek packing cubes make organising your travel bag a breeze.

 

PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE PACKING CUBE

This 6-litre Patagonia Black Hole Packing Cube with a cool clamshell design has zippered mesh dividers for organising travel accessories in your pack or clothing in your duffel. Made using 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and now a pioneering recycled TPU-film laminate with a sleek matte finish. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.

Why we like it: Its unique and retro clam design looks epic in any travel bag.

 

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

Ensuring you’ve got breathable and comfortable travel clothing that can handle your chosen adventures is important. Whether it’s hiking or a trip to the snow, be sure to select the correct travel clothing for the activities you’ll be doing. Hot tip, most running focused clothing is perfect for travel, it’s lightweight, durable and breathable by nature.

 

XTM BASECAMP SHERPA FLEECE JACKET

The Basecamp jacket fits right in at the snow, on a winter's surf day, or even at the heights of a Nepal trek. The soft Sherpa fleece will feel like a hug all day long whilst the water-resistant PFC-free DWR-coated yoke detail will help keep you dry when surprise rain begins to fall, making the Basecamp your new winter wardrobe favourite.

Why we like it: The XTM Basecamp is stylish, warm and lightweight making it perfect for travel. Added bonus is it’s certified carbon-neutral.

 

RAB INCLINE AS WOMENS SOFTSHELL PANTS 

The new Incline AS Pants can handle any outdoor adventures. They are built with a midweight Matrix™ double weave fabric, providing wind and weather resistance. The fleece-lined waistband and a brushed inner is designed for warmth and softness next to skin. The tough and durable Matrix™ fabric copes well with rugged, mountainous terrain, and it’s breathable too. This keeps you comfortable on more demanding adventures, regulating your temperature as intensity increases and maintaining warmth when static.

Why we like it: Versatile and comfortable pants and with inclusive sizing.

 

PATAGONIA CAPILENE COOL TRAIL MEN'S LONG SLEEVE SHIRT

Stretchy, quick-drying and moisture-wicking performance top that will keep you comfortable when you're working hard. Made using Naia' Renew, the fabric has an ultrasoft, cotton-like natural feel, giving you a versatile look and all-day performance. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.  

Why we like it: A versatile piece of clothing that feels great!

 

FOOTWEAR

 

A comfortable, lightweight and versatile piece of footwear is essential for enjoyable adventures. From hitting the trails to days spent sightseeing around new cities, the wrong footwear can ruin your trip.

 

NEW BALANCE HIERRO V8 

The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 stands out as a versatile all-rounder, making it the perfect choice for the gym, road running, sightseeing and - not to mention it’s trendy enough to wear out on the town. Equipped with features that make it a dependable option for various terrains and distances and its Vibram® Megagrip outsole offers unparalleled grip on dry and wet surfaces.

Why we like it: They’re a very stylish and lightweight pair of trail runners that can handle any terrain with ease and comfort.

 

HOKA CLIFTON 9 ROAD RUNNING SHOES

The ninth iteration of Hook’s award-winning Clifton range offers a lighter, breathable and more cushioned wear. Eliminating weight while adding 3mm in stack height, the new Clifton 9 delivers a revitalised underfoot experience with a responsive new foam and improved outsole design that’s perfect for travel.

Why we like it: Versatile and comfortable shoe that can easily handle long days pounding pavement while sightseeing.

 

TEVA ORIGINAL UNIVERSAL SANDALS

From a Grand Canyon raft in 1984 to docks, stoops, and sidewalks around the world, one of Teva's very first sandal stands as a testament to timeless comfort and utilitarian style. 

Why we like it: These lightweight sandals are super comfortable, lightweight and are built to last.

 

HYDRATION

Stay safe and hydrated while on adventures with water filtration that you can trust. Filling up from streams and dodgy hotel taps has its risks but these are minimised with a water filter. Not to mention it’s more sustainable than buying single-use plastic bottles.

 

AMK RAPIDPURE PURIFIER AND WATER BOTTLE

The RapidPure Purifier+ Bottle allows for fast, effective water purification as you drink - no pressing, squeezing, priming, or backflushing required. Protecting against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and more.

Why we like it: It’s super easy to use, fast to filter and effective.

LIFESAVER WAYFARER WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM

The LifeSaver Wayfarer™ is compact and robust, making dirty, microbiologically contaminated water safe to drink. Perfect for all types of travel, this pocket-sized purifier is capable of purifying up to 5,000 litres of clean, safe drinking water.

Why we like it: It’s pocket-sized, reliable and ultralight.

 

 

SECURITY

 

Small travel security essentials can offer peace of mind and safeguard your belongings during your trip. Passport wallets reduce the risk of misplacing items at airports while protecting valuables and carrying mini locks can easily add an extra layer of security to your bag zippers when needed.

 

EAGLE CREEK TRAVEL SAFE TSA COMBINATION LOCK

This Eagle Creek 3-dial combination lock is a great addition to any travel kit. It weighs only 63 grams and can add an extra layer of security to your luggage. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) baggage screeners have a secured set of codes and tools to open the locks when necessary for inspection…to prevent damage to the lock.

Why we like it: It’s an easy way to add some security to your check-in luggage or locker.

 

SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL NECK WALLET RFID

This Sea To Summit RFID Passport Wallet features a number of pockets including two that are zipped for passports, credit cards and spare coins. Constructed from Ultra-Sil fabric for lightweight durability and lined with RFID-proof fabric for digital credit card and passport protection, it's also backed with 3D air mesh so that it's comfortable against your skin.

Why we like it: This travel wallet is great for easy access to your passport at the airport with an added layer of security

 

 

Not sure what gear you need for your adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.

 

About the contributor:

Lauren Clark is the social media manager for Wild Earth. An obsessive gram counter who's always on the hunt for the lightest and most compact gear for hiking and travel. You'll find her overseas in one country or another attempting digital nomad life. When she's not working she's taking in as much culture as she can, eating all of the foods, hiking all of the trails and trying to find people to belay for her. Follow her adventures on Instagram.