Recommended Travel Essentials
We've tested a variety of products to bring you our best recommendations for items listed on our Suggested Packing lists.
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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Nalgene Sustain Tritan
An overwhelmingly popular brand, Nalgene bottles have durability, capacity, and reputation behind them. We like the wide mouth for using with ice and this particular model is made of 50% plastic waste. Although we have a different recommendation for our backpacking trips, this is our go to for general travel.
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Doulove Passport Holder
Simple and affordable, this passport holder from Doulove does the trick to keep your passport in good condition throughout your travels. We like the additional slot to keep your vaccination card or any other visa documents.
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Plug Adapter
An all in one plug adapter is the best option when traveling. They are all quite similar, but we particularly like this one because of the 2 built in USB ports. Like all plug adapters, this does not convert voltage and should only be used with smaller electronics.
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Loop Quiet Earplugs
Earplugs are a traveling must for light sleepers. You never know what you'll find in a new location from busy roads to animals, we recommend everyone throw a pair of earplugs in their bag. We've been very happy with this reusable set made out of quality material and comes with multiple sized buds to find the right fit for you.
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Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch
We've selected the Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch as the best value waterproof phone pouch. This universal pouch can fit most phones and is rated to 100 feet IPX8. The clear cover on both sides allows for touchscreen usage and taking photos. The design of this pouch makes us confident to even use it during dives.
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Kindle Paperwhite
From plane rides to relaxing at the end of the day, there are plenty of opportunities while traveling to catch up on your reading. We definitely like the real book feel, but there is no questioning the convenience of an eBook reader, and the Kindle Paperwhite is the overwhelming favorite. With a screen that doesn't hurt your eyes, the kindle will free up space and weight in your luggage.
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INIU Battery Pack
The INIU portable charger battery pack has a capacity of 20000mah capable of charging your phone 4+ times. Besides the larger capacity, the features we like on this battery pack versus others is the c port input/output instead of just input and the battery readout. The capacity of this pack still falls within the permitted range to carry on an airplane. INIU also offers a slimmer 10000mah model.
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Black Diamond Spot 350
The Black Diamond Spot 350 headlamp is a simple easy to use headlamp that does everything we need it to. The standard modes of varying brightness, strobe, and red light are easy to cycle through with the touch of a button. We also like the 3 light batter meter to help determine if it's time to change the 3 AAA batteries yet.
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TOZO Wireless Earbuds
These Bluetooth wireless earbuds by TOZO can't be beat for the price. The charging carrying case is very convenient and the IPX8 waterproof rating means you can be worry free while in the rain. We've had our set run for close to 10 hours on a single charge and the case holds enough capacity for 4 recharges.
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Sohospark Refillable Journal
Sohospark makes beautiful journals with refillable notepads. With numerous cover designs, this well made journal is perfect for traveling and using over and over again.
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Sharpie Fine Tip Pen
From journaling to dive logbooks to sketching, the Sharpie fine tip pen is our go to pen. Unlike a traditional ballpoint pen, the ink laid down by this pen is smooth and uninterrupted. We've had no issues with smearing, bleeding or running. Affordable and reliable, we always have a couple of these in our bag.
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Yongsenina Charcoal Bags
Charcoal bags are a great way to keep odors under control. We recommend keeping a small one in your bag while traveling and if space allows for it, a couple to place in your shoes after a long day. Odors can build up, especially in small quarters with several people such as a sailboat. These bags are a great way to keep things in check and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
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Stream 2 Sea Mask Defog
Another reef friendly product for you next SCUBA adventure. This defogger works better than others we've tried. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after applying as it can sting the eyes.
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Shearwater Dive Computer
The Shearwater Peregrine dive computer is the best investment for an entry dive computer. This is because of its simple easy to read interface perfect for not overwhelming new divers, but also its capabilities for far more advanced diving meaning this computer will grow with you on your SCUBA journey.
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Goodr Sunglasses
Goodr provides affordable sunglasses for an active lifestyle. They sit comfortably on your head through the sweat, wind, and rain and can't be beat for the price. There are numerous styles available to suit every style. Our only complaint is that the lenses scratch easily, so be sure to store them in the provided bag. If they do scratch on you, we have nothing but good things to say about their customer service/warranty.
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Garmin Instinct Solar
A great watch for those of us looking for a few more key features than simply telling time, but not looking to connect to texts or calls. We were initially drawn to this watch because of its stated battery life of 26 days plus solar charging, and we are not disappointed. During particularly sunny trips, we've had the initial charge last for over 40 days. The watch has the main features we wanted such as compass, barometer, altimeter, and sunrise/sunset times. There are many more features built in with sport modes for various activities.
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Sandcloud Towel
This full-sized towel is perfect for travel and the beach. It rolls up into a compact size leaving you with more space in your bag. The 100% Turkish cotton is super absorbent, soft and dries quickly. One of our favorite features is that sand doesn't stick to the towel. Simply shake it off after use on the beach and you're good to go. And of course, we like supporting companies that give back and Sand Cloud donates a part of their profits to marine life preservation.
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Bcozzy Neck Pillow
This versatile neck pillow can be setup in three different configurations for different sleeping styles. Make those long flights or car rides much more comfortable by bringing this compact pillow along.
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Spyderco Knife
Spyderco is a brand from the commercial diving world and is the industry standard. Be sure to select a model with H1 steel which doesn't rust when exposed to salt water. For general travel and backpacking, we recommend a non serrated blade. For dive trips we recommend a serrated blade as most situations under the surface involve cutting through lines. Connect a carabiner to the knife to easily attach it to your BC.
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Permethrin
Treating your clothing with Permethrin before your next adventure will help keeps the bugs at bay. Unlike bug spray, Permethrin has no odor and only needs to be reapplied every 6 weeks or 6 washes. We recommend still packing bug spray for exposed skin. Be sure to follow directions closely when applying Permethrin.
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BIC Lighter
Lighters are a crucial item on backpacking trips, but they're a good thing to have on any of your travels. We recommend using the simple yet reliable BIC lighter. Remember when packing that these lighters are permitted on your carry on but not in your checked luggage.
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Be sure to check back often as we continue adding more recommended products!
