Fit 2 Wander
Our Exact Travel Gear
Tested across dozens of trips. No sponsored fluff, no gear we don't actually use.
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An Overview of Tavel Gear and Considerations
Tech - Needs vs Wants
Only bring what you will consistently use
Prioritize charging versatility (all USB-C) over variety of gadgets
Go smaller and lighter than you think
Your phone along with an action camera is more than most people will ever need or use
Clothing - what do you actually need?
What season and environment will you be in?
Access to laundry facilities or primarily sink laundry?
Focus on layers for versatility
Minimum rotation and maximum integration
Hygiene - What can you buy there?
Most disposable toiletries can be purchased at the destination
Will you need "just-in-case" medication and first-aid care?
Go for dry or long-lasting, not liquids or gels
Bags - how do you want to travel?
One bag, two bag, carry-on only, checking luggage, sling pack or fanny pack
Sections, pockets, attachments
Can they integrate or do they have to stay separate
Safe to check if required by a strict airline?
Hudson's Current Travel Gear List
"This is my typical packing baseline for anything from one week to over a year of travel and has come from a long time of trial and error. The ability to layer and mix/match everything together was critical for me. Additionally, I like to be prepared for a multitude of activities and scenarios. Maybe it is from my military background, but I love finding cool gear and absolutely hate being unprepared."
Clothing
I've learned the hard way that less is more. Over time, this has led to a few, carefully selected items that I absolutely love and wear the hell out of. Here are my requirements:
Versatility - multiple use cases (i.e. I should be able to hike, see a temple, and go to dinner)
Breathability and odor-resistant - able to travel in for multiple days without needed to wash.
Mixability - neutral colors and styles that seemlessly go together.
Layerability - adapt to changing climates and weather conditions.
Shirts - I primarily opt for Proof 72-hour polos and crew neck shirts. These are made with merino wool and can go days without any smell. They resist hard wrinkles and feel good for a long time. The potential downside is that they have to be cared for or they can wear quickly, but I don't mind a worn-in look to the fine wool. I have two polos and three crew necks that serve as the every day shirt base - navy polo, black polo, black shirt, stone-black shirt, and dark grey shirt.
Shorts - I have two pairs of the 7-inch Proof Equator Hybrid Short in dune (tan) and balsam green (like a dark turquoise). These shorts are great in extreme heat, they flex well, and they dry quickly. There is a draw string on the inside along with belt loops for a perfect fit. Extra considerations of zip compartments within pockets help me keep keys, currency, and accessories separate and protected.
Pants - I absolutely love the Proof 72-hour merino chinos and 5-pocket pants. I go for black in the chinos (looks like charcoal) and navy for the 5-pocket. This covers me for every occasion and they cover stains well. My favorite color is the 5-pocket merino pant in olive which is the coolest tan-olive color I've ever seen, but it picks up stains too easily and I had to ditch them. I also have a pair of the Proof ARC pants in olive color and the athletic fit. These cover my more aggressive, outdoor activities, as they are very lightweight but durable with reinforced stitching and a DWR finish that keeps moisture and grime off me. The additional pockets are great without looking like cargo pants.
Underwear - I bought a pack of bamboo cool briefs off of Amazon and they've been great. They stay cool, don't cause irritation and dry relatively quickly. A notable mention are the briefs from Exofficio which I have liked but the bamboo cool briefs just feel better to me.
Socks - I've significantly downsized to 3-5 pairs of smart wool lightweight running socks. These cover 95% of everything I do and the lightweight ones don't smell as quick but they dry very quickly. The mid-weight smart wool socks for hiking are way more comfortable but they smell after one wear and take too long to dry in my opinion, especially if you need them the following day.
Jackets - TBD
Shoes - This is the hardest section for me because I want to be able to do so many things. My primary do-everything shoe right now is the Hoka Transport and I got it in a cream color with a map design around the heel. I wasn't worried about the cream color because it has a DWR finish on it. The Hoka Transports have great neutral cushion, balance and stability, some trail-capable soles without feeling "toothy" and overly outdoorsy. And they look smart enough for a dinner somewhere. I also keep a pair of pack-flat shoes for casual occasions and even lifting. I alternate between the Olukai Lae'ahi Lauhala and Olukai Nohea Moku, and the Nohea Moku are the most versatile to me. The Lae'ahis are nicer and better for casual walking and going to dinner, but the Noheas are designed to be boat shoes, so they dry faster and can do larger variety of functions. Lastly, I carry a robust sandal that can pack almost flat; the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport sandal. I like it because they dry quick, they can take a beating, and you can hike miles in them. I have waded through rivers in them, hiked mountainsides, and gone on the boat with them. Very handy.
Bags
My main pack is the Peak Design Travel Pack 45L. I have been using this pack for over two years and it still amazes me how deliberate every handle, pocket, and zipper were made. Peak Design really thought of everything you need. I love that it can compress down to around 30L and then expand way more than I need it to.
My secondary bag, primarily my personal item with tech gear and an emergency change of clothes, is the Aer Flight Pack 3 X-Pac. This is the most perfect, tech-focused, personal item bag that I could find to fit my 15in laptop, a change of clothes, and everything I need for a long flight.
Always packed is a collapsable day bag that serves as my interim for quick gym trips, beach/boat days, or when I just don't feel like unpacking and repacking for some sight seeing. I have tried multiple and am still trying to pick a favorite. (To Be Determined.
My optional addition is the Peak Design Sling 3L. This thing is a beast and is perfect for camera gear, a passport, and headphones, along with some Advil for long days. I add D-rings to it so I can clip it to my Peak Design 45L when I don't want to use the sling. Again, Peak Design always impresses me with how they think of everything you could need in the construction of their bags. This thing is protective of gear, weather resistant, theft resistant, and integrates with other bags.
