What to Look for in Carry-On Luggage

Before we get into our favorite suitcases, let’s talk about how to pick the best carry-on luggage for you.

Questions to Ask

• What are your favorite airlines? The airlines you frequently travel with determine your bag’s size and weight limitations. Some are stricter than others.
• Do you have physical limitations? Spinners may be easier to move around than two-wheeled suitcases for some.
• Where are you traveling? Size and weight limitations depend on if you’re traveling domestically vs. internationally. It also matters if you’ll be in cities, remote places, or walking through cobblestone streets.
• What is your travel style? Will you stay in one location or move from place to place? If you’re on the go and need to carry everything on you, you may want a backpack instead. If you have a home base or use storage, a suitcase may be easier.
• Do you have specific gear you travel with? We always travel with cameras and sometimes a tripod.

Features to Check

• Dimensions: Most US airlines’ size limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, whereas international airlines’ limit is 12.7 x 15.7 x 9. Since they vary, consider which airlines you fly the most. We always opt for the smaller ones to fit on most planes. Measure your suitcase after you get it since the specs they show may be slightly off.
• Weight: Most US airlines aren’t strict about weight (max is usually 40 lbs), but in Europe, they are more stringent, with a limit of 17 lbs. Remember, the base weight will vary when you select your suitcase. You also want to be able to maneuver the bag and lift it into storage.
• Hard Shell or Soft Shell: We used to love soft-shell luggage but have switched over recently. Softshells are nice because they expand and can be stuffed into tight spots, but we often see people overpack them to the point where they get stuck. Hard-shell luggage is durable and more protective against the elements but is usually heavier.
• Pockets and Organization: Do you want two wheels or spinners? Spinners are much smoother and easier to maneuver, but since wheels are considered in the dimensions, our million miler writer prefers the extra space you get with two-wheel suitcases for long trips.
• Wheel Types: Do you want two wheels or spinners? Spinners are much smoother and easier to maneuver, but they also take up more space in dimensions. Our million-miler writer prefers the extra space you get with two wheels, while we don’t mind sacrificing space for the ease of spinners.
• Color and Design: Jacob prioritizes function over form, while I appreciate the aesthetics. Unique colors and designs are easier to spot in a sea of black and navy luggage.

See More: 17 Best Travel Backpacks You Need to Check Out

Best Carry On Luggage

These are the carry-on luggage we regularly use.

1. Bric’s Bellagio Carry On ($725) – Most Aesthetic

This is currently my favorite carry-on suitcase. It’s so photogenic that I couldn’t stop myself from doing an entire photoshoot with it. I love the Italian craftsmanship. Plus, this carry-on pairs perfectly with the Bellagio legacy bag, which initially caught my interest from the hundreds of bags and luggage I saw at the Travel Goods Show.

Measurements: 15″ x 21″ x 9″
Weight: 7.05 lbs
Capacity: 40L

2. Peak Design Roller Pro Carry On – Best Innovation ($600 but currently $125 off on kickstarter) →

This is Jacob’s current favorite carry-on. We’re big fans of Peak Design. They thoughtfully design and overengineer all their products (Jacob nerds out over it). This carry-on luggage is a hybrid of a hard and soft shell case. Their drawbridge system makes it easy to open without doubling the footprint, and they completely redesigned the handle. It’s refreshing to see this kind of innovation in an industry that doesn’t change much.

Measurements: 21.8″ x 14″ x 9″
Weight: 8.6 lbs

3. Roam Carry-on Front Pocket – Best Customization ($625) →

Roam Luggage does the best job in terms of customization since they build each piece to order. Although they have design inspirations, the fun part is picking colors for each bag element. They have a standard suitcase and one with a front pocket to store a laptop.

Measurements: 22″ x 14.25″ x 9.75″
Weight: 8.3 lbs
Capacity: 37L

Roam Luggage Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for $50 off (min $125 purchase)

4. Samsonite SXK Spinner Underseater – Best Underseater ($251.99) →

Samsonite is a trusted brand among travelers who use high-quality travel bags. They’ve been making suitcases since 1910. They also own Tumi, another brand known for high-end, quality suitcases.

I’m 4’11, so even average carry-ons look gigantic next to me, and there was a period when flight attendants would question the size. I never had issues with the SXK Spinner, though. It’s made to be an under-seater bag if needed. Since my clothes are also generally smaller, I wanted to show that if I can pack into an under-seater, you should be able to pack everything you need in a standard carry-on.

Measurements: 17.3″ x 14.3″ x 8.5″
Weight: 6.8 lbs

Best Carry On Luggage 2 wheels

5. Rollink Flex Aura – Best for Limited Storage ($227.99) →

When we lived in NYC, we had limited storage. The ROLLINK Flex Aura is a fully collapsible suitcase, making it easy to store away whenever you’re not using it. When entirely collapsed, it’s only 2 inches thick. It also has a laptop sleeve on the front, but since it’s not hard-covered, I used it for documents instead. My backpack felt safer.

They also have a four-wheel spinner version.

Measurements: 21.6″ x 15.7″ x 9″
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Capacity: 44.67 L

More Carry-On Suitcases to Check Out

These are more suitcases we’ve used over the years.

• Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X ($645) – standard hardshell with laptop pocket.
• Lojel Voja Small ($260) – great zipperless option.
• MVST Treva Aluminum ($399) – durable, zipperless, but heavy.
• Nomatic Carry On Classic ($399) – scratched too easily.
• Take Off Luggage ($120) – Best for budget airlines. The wheels pop off to store under the seat. Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off

These are some other popular carry-on luggage we still need to check out.

• Samsonite Freeform Hardside ($139.99)
• TUMI Alpha 3 International Carry-On Luggage ($975)
• Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside ($332.99)
• Travelpro Platinum Softside Expandable Carry-On Suitcase ($314.49)
• Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner ($88)

Essential Tips

• Make a list of your travel essentials to look for in a suitcase based on your gear.
• Check the interiors of the suitcases to see if there are any awkward spots to pack. Sometimes, the handles make it difficult to pack around.
• Use packing cubes to help you organize your travels. We always travel with them; our favorites are the clean/dirty ones.
• Different suitcases may suit different types of travel. We use a variety of gear depending on the type of trip and what we’re packing (i.e., laptops, cameras, rock climbing gear, etc.).
• If you’re looking for a backpack as a personal item, these are our favorite travel backpacks and our favorite camera backpacks.

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Best Duffle Bags for Travel in 2025

1. Peak Design Travel Duffel (Editor’s Pick) →

The Peak Design Travel Duffel (We have it in the 65L) is our top pick for its versatility and thoughtful design. They are known for their camera-friendly bags and also delivered a functional and stylish duffle. Check out our full YouTube Review here.

Material: Versa Shell 600D weatherproof, 100% recycled nylon canvas exterior
Available Sizes: 35L, 50L, 65L, 80L
Weather Resistance: Weatherproof outer material and zippers.
Weight: 2 lbs (35L), 2.6 lbs (50L), 2.9 lbs (65L), 3.08 lbs (65L)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a wide-mouth opening

2. Ekster GRID Duffle Bag →

The Ekster GRID Duffel Backpack is packed with features. It has a unique clamshell opening making it easier to organize than other duffels and also has multiple interior pockets. In addition to that, it has a dedicated laptop sleeve and the duffle can turn into a backpack!

Material: rPet + tarpaulin
Available Sizes: 43L
Weather Resistance: 600D
Weight: 2.2kg
Loading Style: Clamshell

3. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel →

Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel has a following; we’ve owned ours for almost a decade. It’s durable as hell and is given its name for its endless capacity to hold gear. Plus, it’s made from recycled materials, showing Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability.

Material: Weather & abrasion resistant 100% postconsumer recycled polyester ripstop with recycled TPU-film laminate
Available Sizes: 40L, 55L, 70L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant
Weight: 1.06 lbs (40L), 2.63 lbs (55L), 3 lbs (70L), 3.5 lbs (100L)
Loading Style: U-shaped top-loading with zipper

4. Troubadour Embark Duffle →

The Embark Duffle is a stylish yet practical duffle that is great for a weekend getaway or day-to-day use. The duffel has lightweight & waterproof fabric, a waterproof-lined pocket for shoes, and a padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop.

Material: Recycled polyester fabric, recycled polyester lining, vegan leather trim
Available Sizes: 30L
Weather Resistance: Waterproof fabric
Weight: 3.1 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure

5. Kovered Humber Duffel (Best Stylish) →

The Kovered Humber Duffel blends style with functionality and is made from sustainable materials.

Material: Recycled canvas with leather accents
Available Sizes: 42L
Weather Resistance: Water-resistant
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Loading Style: Top-loading with zipper closure

Arc’teryx makes quality outdoor gear, and we’re fans of almost everything they make. We have the 40L Arc’teryx Carrier Duffle (we have the 40L), which is built for the rugged outdoors but with a minimalist design.

Material: N690d N66 nylon ripstop fabric 
Available Sizes: 40L, 75L, 100L
Weather Resistance: Highly weather-resistant with taped seams
Weight: 1.6 lbs (40L), 2 lbs (75L), 2.6 lbs (100)
Loading Style: Top-loading with a weather-resistant zipper

What to Look for in a Travel Duffel

The best bag for you depends on your travel style, packing habits, and preferences.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a travel duffel. These are the key features we look at:

Size

Size matters. You want a bag that can fit all your essentials without being overly bulky. Here’s a quick guide:

• 30-40 L – Ideal for weekend trips. This size can comfortably fit a few days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and personal items without being too bulky.
• 40-60 L – Perfect for week-long trips. This allows extra space for additional clothing, shoes, and accessories.
• 60+ L – Great for extended travel or if you pack a lot. These larger bags can handle more gear and are great for travelers who need to pack extra gear or equipment.

Weight

Opt for duffel bags made from lightweight yet durable materials. This ensures the bag doesn’t add unnecessary weight, making it easier to carry.

Pack it fully to know you can comfortably carry the weight.

Durability + Weather Resistance

Choose bags made from robust materials like ballistic nylon, polyester, or canvas. These materials can withstand rough handling and wear over time. Duffels with water-resistant or waterproof features also help, especially when traveling to unpredictable weather areas. Some bags come with a rain cover for added protection.

Design + Access

There are top-loading duffels and ones with clamshell openings. Top-loading duffels, or traditional duffel bags, are great for packing large items. Clamshell designs open like a suitcase, making packing and unpacking more efficient.

Compartments

Most duffels have a few pockets and compartments but, overall, lack organization.

Straps and Handles

Duffels will come with different types of straps and, oftentimes, multiple ways to carry them. Here are some of the standard straps/handles.

• Shoulder Straps: Padded and adjustable shoulder straps make carrying the duffel more comfortable on one shoulder.
• Handles: Look for sturdy grab handles for easy lifting.
• Backpack Straps: Some duffels come with backpack-style straps for versatile carrying options.

Additional Features

Extra features like lockable zippers, compression straps, and removable shoulder straps can enhance the functionality of your duffel.

• Packability: Some duffels can be packed into its pocket. This is great for travelers who need a backup bag.
• Wheels: Consider duffel bags with wheels for heavier loads, reducing the strain on your shoulders and back.
• Lockable Zippers: For added security, choose a duffel with lockable zippers. This is particularly important if you check your bag or leave it in shared accommodations.
• Hidden Pockets: Some duffels feature hidden or secret pockets for storing valuables like passports, money, and other essential items.
• Color and Design: While functionality is key, you’ll want to find one that matches your aesthetic and travel style. Remember that brighter colors may make your bag stand out in a crowd.
• Compression Straps: Compression straps help compact your load, making your bag more manageable when it’s less full. They also prevent your items from shifting during travel.
• Expandability: Some duffels have expandable sections, allowing you to increase the bag’s capacity when needed.
• Ventilation: If you carry gear like shoes or wet clothing, look for duffels with ventilated compartments to keep odors at bay.

Is it Duffel or Duffle?

Did you know the word originated from the Belgian town of Duffel? It’s where the thick cloth used for duffel bags was initially made. Both spellings are correct, but “duffel” became more popular after World War II.

What to Look for in a Climbing Chalk Bag

We started with an essential list of requirements, and here are some things you should consider when looking for your bag (click on each link to read more about each or scroll to the bottom of the post).

• Size
• Shape
• Other Features (like closure mechanism to prevent spills)

1. Kinetik KiloJoule Spill Proof Chalk Bucket (Editor’s Pick) →

If you’re tired of chalk spills, the Kinetik KiloJoule Spill Proof Chalk Bucket is a game changer. We first saw our friend carry this and liked it so much we had to get our own. This bucket is designed to keep your chalk secure no matter how much you move around. I love how heavy duty it feels and the way it fully zips up into the banana shape.

2. Topo Design Chalk Bucket →

The Topo Design Chalk Bucket isn’t currently available this season, but they continue to release different color combinations and collaborations (we have the Topo x So Ill collab). This chalk bucket combines functionality with style. It’s perfect for bouldering sessions where you need a bit more chalk and extra storage. The shoulder strap makes it easy to carry everything we need for the gym. We use a carabiner to attach our shoes and have everything else we need in the pockets.

3. 8BPlus Chalk Buckets →

If you want your chalk bags to also be an accessory, these come in a bunch of cute characters to choose from (we have the Louie).

4. ZigZag Vessel (Editor’s Choice) →

The ZigZag Vessel is a versatile chalk bag that works great for both indoor and outdoor climbing. We haven’t seen much innovation in chalk bags, but it’s nice to see the premium eco-construction and new features that set this one apart. The bottom unzips for extra space and storage that most chalk bags don’t have.

5. Monopkt Chalk Bags →

Our friends at Monopkt make the cutest climbing gear. The Monopkt Chalk Bags has a minimalist design and are perfect for climbers who want a reliable bag without any unnecessary frills.

6. Arc’teryx Ion Chalk Bag →

The Arc’teryx Ion Chalk Bag is known for its secure closure, ensuring no chalk spills even during the most intense climbs. We have an old version of the Arc’teryx that had a unique twist design but also packed really small, but gusts of wind or a fall would cause chalk to spew out. The new design is much more secure!

7. 8BPlus Chalk Bags →

Just like their buckets, 8BPlus Chalk Bags bring a touch of personality to your climbing gear. They’re fun, functional, and durable.

How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle – What to Look for

One of the best things about pickleball is that it’s easy to pick up! You can start playing games with friends, or if none of your friends play, by joining pick-up games. Since there are so many public courts, you only need a paddle and a ball.

You can buy cheap paddles online (which we don’t recommend. Here’s why, but you’ll want to upgrade if you play regularly. Paddles have various prices, but with anything I do, I prefer investing in something that I can get long-term use out of. Plus, many people have a few paddles, whether they play competitively or with friends. It’s always nice to have a few so you can introduce the game to your friends.

Here are some key performance features to keep in mind when selecting your ideal pickleball paddle

• Core Material: The core is the paddle’s internal structure and affects feel, control, and power. Common cores include polymer (poly) honeycomb for balanced control and quiet play, aluminum for lightweight touch and precision, and nomex for a harder, louder, and more power-driven response.
• Face Material: The paddle’s face impacts spin, touch, and durability. Fiberglass (composite) faces provide great pop and power, carbon fiber offers a softer, more controlled feel with consistent responsiveness, and graphite blends lightweight handling with precise shot placement.
• Weight: Weight plays a huge role in your swing speed and endurance. Light paddles (7.0–7.5 oz) are quicker for control and finesse, midweight paddles (7.6–8.4 oz) strike a balance for all-around play, and heavy paddles (8.5+ oz) deliver more power but can fatigue the arm faster.
• Grip Size: Grip circumference affects comfort and control. A smaller grip (around 4″–4.125″) allows for more wrist action and spin, while a larger grip (4.5″+) offers stability and is ideal for players with bigger hands or tennis backgrounds.
• Surface Texture: Texture helps generate spin on the ball. Rougher surfaces grip the ball more for topspin and slice, while smoother surfaces offer cleaner contact and more control-oriented play, especially in dinking and soft shots.
• Shape: Shape affects reach, sweet spot, and balance. Elongated paddles offer extra reach and power but have a smaller sweet spot, widebody shapes maximize forgiveness and control, and hybrid shapes aim to balance power, reach, and feel.

How We Reviewed and Selected the Best Pickleball Paddle

Update: Read below to see how we first reviewed the paddles, but new paddles are coming out all the time so to keep this post updated, I will be adding any paddles I find notable onto this list. I still try new paddles often and we all have friends who are super obsessed with trying the newest ones.

There are some great resources for pickleball paddles that test RPMs, speed, swing weight, technical aspects, and more. We’ve read and watched many reviews but saw that it doesn’t always translate for the average player. This could be a difference in play style since pros or higher-level players often review them.

We decided to take a different approach. We had seven players between 3.0 and 4.0 try all the paddles by using a ball machine to feel how the strokes were and dinking with each other to get a feel for the control. After using the paddle, we rated power, spin, control, overall feel, and look. Then we averaged the scores. In addition, each player picked their favorite five paddles.

The goal was to give you paddle reviews from someone who plays at a similar level or has a similar play style. We’ve also profiled each player below so you can look at their specific ratings.

Best Overall Pickleball Paddles – Best Pickleball Paddles 2025

Paddles are such a personal thing based on your play style and preferences. Once you’ve been playing for a bit, you probably have an idea of the play style you prefer. I focus mostly on control, placement, and defense. I like a lighter paddle so I don’t sacrifice hand speed at the net. I typically put away at angles, and don’t focus much on power (although I want a paddle to help me a bit with the power).

The paddles below are in no particular order. If you’re able to try them out before buying, I recommend doing that to see how it feels for you!

1. Paddletek Bantam Series ($250)

I currently play with the Bantam ESQ-C 14.3 paddle. When I was looking for a new paddle, I tried my friends set up and really liked it! Switching to a lighter paddle immediately helped my game at the kitchen – I was much faster. It also took me a bit of adjustment to switch from elongated paddles to a widebody, but it’s been great for doubles and has taught me to to have better footwork.

The downside to this paddle is that there is smaller sweet spot so you need to be accurate with your shots.

Greg (the other half of Pickleball Friends Club) plays with the TKO-C 14.3 and. Ireally want. totry their new hybrid-shaped paddles the GTO-Cs.

2. Selkirk Era Power ($200) →

I’ve played with a lot of Selkirk paddles, and I can easily say that the SLK ERA Power is the best one they currently have. It comes in an elongated or widebody shape and has an extra long handle great for twoies. It gives good power without sacrificing touch, and helps give lots of spin to your shots.

I’ll need a few more sessions with. the paddle to figure out what I dislike about it.

Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases

3. 11SIX24 Vapor Power ($170) →

It sometimes feels like the market is dominated by the same major paddle companies, so I’m always excited to discover smaller companies to support. I’ve been seeing 11Six24 paddles all over Vegas. I know multiple people who use the Vapor Power Paddle as his main paddle.

They have three main shapes: Pegasus (widebody), Hurache-X (elongated), and Vapor (hybrid). I mostly see people with Vapors or Hurache-Xs. They also have different types of paddles: Jelly Bean (soft/control), All Court (all-around), and Power. After playing with all three, I prefer the power paddle although it is still softer than other power paddles, giving you plenty of control.

They are releasing new Alpha Pro paddles this month that are supposed to be amazing! I’ll report back when I can get my hands on them.

11Six24 Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off

4. Six Zero Double Black Diamond ($180) →

When I first played with this Six Zero pickleball paddle, I was surprised at how well I played with it. It took very little adjustment time. I played with it for over a year and still recommend this paddle to people.

It comes in 14mm, 15mm Elongated, or 16mm. I prefered the 16mm when I played with it a lot focusing on control.

Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off

5. Bread & Butter Filth ($165) →

The Filth is a great all-around paddle. I used to play with The Loco, but it’s been retired. In the newest version, it comes in elongated, hybrid, or standard. It has just enough pop and good control.

Bread & Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off

Bonus: SLK Halo ($150) – A Great First Paddle →

The SLK Halo 16mm was my paddle, and I still love it. It now comes in a few variations: Control, Power, and Pro (and each comes in different handle lengths). Since there are so many versions, you can hone in what works best for your game or have different versions for how you’re playing that day. It’s a solid paddle that even some pros play with and the price is great.

Coupon Codes: ADV-JACOBF to receive a gift card for future purchases

How the Original Paddles Ranked

Here is how our original list of paddles ranked:

1. Six Zero Double Black Diamond Infinity – Overall Rating: 4.43/5
   Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
2. Selkirk Luxx – Overall Rating: 4.07/5
   Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
3. Six Zero Double Black Diamond 16 – Overall Rating: 4.04/5
   Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
4. Bread & Butter Filth – Overall Rating: 4.04/5
   Bread & Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off
5. Selkirk Project 006 – Overall Rating: 3.92/5
   Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
6. SLK Halo 16 and Halo 13 – Overall Rating: 3.86/5 3.61/5
   Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
7. Pickleball Apes Pro Line Energy and Pro Line Energy S – Overall Rating: 3.82/5 3.79/5
8. Ronbus R1 Nova – Overall Rating: 3.76/5
9. Vatic Prism Flash – Overall Rating: 3.7/5
   Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off
10. Vatic V7 – Overall Rating: 3.5/5
    Coupon Codes: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off
11. Selkirk Vanguard 2.0 – Now the Vanguard Control – Overall Rating: 3.36/5
    Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
12. Selkirk Power Air Invikta & Epic – Overall Rating: 3.04/5 2.89/5
    Coupon Codes: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
13. ProXR Zane Navratil Signature – Overall Rating: 2.82/5

See our details ratings here or in the chart below.

Paddle Coupon Codes: If you want coupon codes, click to skip to them here.

Coupon Codes and Links for Pickleball Paddles and Accessories

If you’re looking for discount codes on Pickleball Paddles, use the ones below:

• 11SIX24 Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off
• Bread and Butter Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 15% off
• Brioti Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer for 10%
• CRBN Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
• Dink Net Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off
• Flickweight Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off
• Hesacore Grips Coupon Code: LocalAdventurer
• Pickleball Apes [Shop on Amazon]
• ProXR
• Ronbus
• Selkirk Coupon Code: INF-localadventurer to receive a gift card for future purchases
• Six Zero Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER10 for 10% off
• Top Spin Pro Coupon Code: DM on Instagram for a Coupon Code
• Vatic Coupon Code: LOCALADVENTURER for $10 off [Shop on Amazon]

See More: The Best Places to Play Pickleball in Las Vegas

Tips on How to Choose a Pickleball Paddle

Now that we’ve covered the key features, here are some practical tips on selecting your pickleball paddle.

• Demo Paddles: If possible, try out different paddles before buying. Many sporting goods stores and pickleball facilities offer demo programs, giving you a feel for how different paddles perform. You can also ask other players to try their paddles.
• Consider Your Playing Style: Are you a power player who enjoys aggressive shots, or do you prefer finesse and control? Pick a paddle that matches your playing style. Go heavier for power or lighter to prioritize control.
• Budget: Pickleball paddles come in varying price points. While it can be tempting to go for the most expensive option, you can find quality paddles at each price range. Set a budget and find the best value for your money.
• Read Reviews: Take advantage of online resources and read reviews from other pickleball players. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into a paddle’s performance, durability, and overall satisfaction. Also, see what people play similarly to you. As much as we trust advice from the pros, they are at a different level.

Must-Have Pickleball Accessories

In addition to your paddle, these accessories can enhance your pickleball experience.

• Pickleball Balls: Invest in a set of high-quality pickleball balls. Different balls vary in bounce and durability, so find the ones that suit your playing conditions. The Franklin X40s are the most popular, but we also love the Selkirk Pro S1 balls.
• Pickleball Bag: A dedicated pickleball bag keeps your equipment organized and protected. Look for a bag with compartments for paddles, balls, and additional gear. I prefer one that has a shoe compartment.
• Court Shoes: Proper footwear is crucial for quick lateral movements. Choose shoes with good traction and ankle support to reduce the risk of injuries. I love the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 11s.
• Sunglasses: I love these Sunglasses from Brioti. They have interchangeable lenses for day vs night play and protect my face and eyes. (I’ve been hit in the face by a pro player with these glasses on and they really saved me!)
  • Prescription Glasses: If you’re looking for a prescription option, I just picked up these Vero Prescription Glasses from Tifosi, which helps me a lot at night when my vision is worse. Excited to see how it improved my game. They also have very budget-friendly non-prescription glasses.
• Pickleball Hat or Visor: Protect yourself from the sun during outdoor play with a comfortable hat or visor.
• Well-Designed Pickleball Shirts: I’m a bit biased to this since they are our shirts, but we love how they turned out.

Pickleball Accessories to Improve Your Paddle

• Paddle Weight: Lead weights or tungsten tape add weight to your paddle and can impact your game by providing more power and stability. I also started using a Flickweight to add weight to the bottom of the paddle to balance it out (use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off)
• Overgrip: Overgrips are essential for maintaining a good grip on your paddle, especially during longer play sessions. Some of the best ones offer a comfortable feel, moisture absorption, and durability.
• Hesacore: Hesacore is a specialized grip that can enhance your control and comfort while playing. It’s designed to reduce vibrations and improve your overall grip on the paddle. Use code LocalAdventurer when buying your grips!
• Edge Guard or Edge Tape: An edge guard is a protective strip that goes around the edge of your paddle, helping prevent dings, chips, and other damage during play.

Pickleball Training Tools

• Dink Net: Great for practicing and improving your dinking skills, especially in a limited space. It’s also great for warming up if the courts are busy or waits are long. Use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10% off.
• Drill Pickle: Drill Pickle makes decals and targets to help you work on your game. They also have Soft Practice Balls that feel like real pickleballs but are made of foam.
• Top Spin Pro: An excellent tool for honing your topspin and overall shot technique. It provides a consistent and controlled environment for practice. DM me on Instagram if you want a coupon code.

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What to Look for in a Language App for Travel

The best language app for travel can depend on your learning style (audio, visual, etc.), goals, and the language you want to learn. Some are better if you’re already somewhat proficient, while others are better at teaching you the basics. Despite different learning styles or goals, here are some basic things to look for in a language app.

1. Proven Language Learning Methods: Does the app use proven language learning methods, such as spaced repetition, immersive content, and gamification?
2. Is it fun to use? At the end of the day, even if the app is proven to work, you have to find it enjoyable if you’re going to stick with it.
3. Quality of Content: The app should offer a variety of content and cover all aspects of language learning, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening comprehension, and cultural context.
4. Vocabulary: Does it have a wide range of vocabulary words and phrases, including colloquialisms and slang?
5. Progress Tracking: Does it track your progress and offer feedback and suggestions to help you improve? 
6. Personalization: The app should offer personalized learning paths based on your level and goals.
7. User Interface: The app should be user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
8. Social Features: Does the app provide a community of other language learners or a way to connect with friends? Accountability can be so helpful when trying to build a habit.
9. Value to Cost: The app should be reasonably priced for what it offers.
10. Do you need Wi-Fi or a cell signal to use the app? Can you learn offline (e.g., on a plane or road trip without a signal)?

In a rush? Try These Translator Tools

• Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator – real-time translator for up to 82 languages and dialects with a text-to-translate camera. According to PCMag, the translation software is superior to Google Translate and Microsoft Bing. We can’t wait to take it on our next international trip.
• Google Translate – free on iOS + Android
• iTranslate – free with ads. Pro has over 100 language options. Their best features, like voice recognition, are blocked unless you pay a fee.

The Best Language Apps for Travel

I tested out all the most popular and best language apps for travel to see what worked best. I’m currently learning Spanish, French, Japanese, and Korean. It’s been so easy to open a language app whenever I have downtime to learn bite-sized lessons daily. These are the ones I enjoyed using the most.

1. Duolingo – Most Fun to Use

Why get Duolingo? The Duolingo app is one of the best language apps for travel because it’s so addictive. Sure, it has flaws, but the best language app is the one you will continue to use.

They have the gamification aspect down to a science, and once you add friends for accountability, you’ll keep coming back. I also love that they recently added music and math. Because of the slow-paced nature of the app, I prefer this for Category 5 languages (jump to the different categories).

Cost: Free or $7.99/mo for Super Duolingo ($47.99/yr), No Lifetime Subscription.

Super Duolingo – Unlimited hearts, Unlimited Skips, Progress Tracker, Streak Repair, Mistakes Review, Listening Practice, Speaking Practice, Unlimited Attempts for Legendary Levels.

Current Status: 449 Day Streak, 177583 Total XP, Spanish Section 4 Unit 5, Japanese

2. Teuida – Best for Speaking →

Why get TEUIDA? A friend who had been using Duolingo for years switched to TEUIDA because she found herself typing conversations on her phone while in Japan. TEUIDA is one of the best language apps for travel for those wanting to speak. Most other apps focus on reading and writing comprehension, while TEUIDA jumps right into speaking exercises.

Their most unique feature is the Stories tab for Korean, where you learn through POV video scenarios, whether you’re exploring Korea, breaking up with someone, going on dates, being a new intern, etc. I can’t wait to see how they build this out for their other languages.

Method: This app uses first-person virtual conversations in everyday scenarios and AI to verify your pronunciation.

Cost: Free daily lesson or $9.99/mo for Teuida Premium ($20.99 for 3 months or $59.99/yr), No Lifetime Subscription.

Current Status: 43 Day Streak, 59 Learned Expressions, 2668 Times Spoken.

3. Drops – Best for Building Vocabulary →

Why get Drops? The Drops language app is like a gamified flashcard app. I like that they give you the option to use your native language for translation or match words to illustrations, which is what I prefer. It’s best for intermediate learners who want to expand or brush up on their vocabulary not complete beginners.

Method: Drops teaches core vocabulary, new alphabets, and common phrases and combines visual mnemonics, spaced repetition algorithms, and game theory. They use various types of matching and fill-in-the-blank exercises and recently added a quiz feature.

Cost: $13/mo, $69.99/year ($5.83/mo), $159.99/lifetime for all languages. They sometimes have 40% or 50% off sales on the lifetime, which is when I bought. Check during Black Friday!

I first got Drops to brush up on my Korean vocabulary and bought the premium to learn multiple languages. I list the most cons for this app because I use it the most and notice all the glitches, but I find it fun to use.

See More: 25 Greatest Useful Gifts for Travelers

4. Pimsleur – Best for Conversations →

Why get Pimsleur? So far Pimsleur is one of the best language apps for travel because it’s focused on listening comprehension and speaking. I like Teuida’s short-format lessons better, but Pimsleur would be my go-to for languages not offered on Teuida. You may not get much reading and writing practice compared to other apps, but the other apps do not prepare you for real-life conversation scenarios until you’re far into the program. With Pimsleur, you dive right in from the beginning.

Both Duolingo and Drops apps aren’t great for conversations. I was dumbfounded when my friend from Mexico asked me something, and all I could do was cycle through random, useless vocabulary. With Pimsleur, I felt confident enough to say a few phrases right away.

Method: Audio learning with spaced repetition.

Cost: $19.95/mo for one language, $20.95/mo for 51 languages. Purchase Cost: $150/level/language or $575 for levels 1-5 for one language.

I’m currently on Lesson 27 in Spanish Level 1.

See More: What Type of Traveler Are You? | My Travel Personality

5. Babbel →

Why get Babbel? Babbel is more comprehensive than most language apps on this list. They incorporate grammar, cultural context, and slang throughout their lessons, giving you a better understanding of the language you’re learning. I was surprised they even have tips on using inclusive, gender-neutral language in Spanish. Other apps seem old-school in comparison.

Method: Babbel teaches common phrases and vocabulary with exercises (matching pair, listening, fill-in-the-blank, voice recognition, and mock conversation). There is a heavy focus on simulated conversations.

Cost: $14.95/month, $8.95/mo with an annual subscription, $349 for a lifetime subscription (you can often find deals for the Babbel lifetime. I get periodic emails).

So far, I’ve completed 41 lessons in the Newcomer/A1 category.

6. Memrise →

Why get Memrise? Memrise uses flashcards and games to help you learn new vocab and grammar. They use videos of native speakers, so you can hear and see how they speak. Compared to other apps, they speak more naturally and don’t enunciate everything in a robotic voice.

Method: Vocabulary focused using flashcards, games, and videos with spaced repetition.

Cost: $22.99/mo for all languages, $130.99/yr ($10.92/mo), $249.99/lifetime.

Premium membership features – Audio review, Difficult Words (anything you get wrong gets added to it for review), learning statistics, grammar bots, chatbots. (The free version has the Membot communicate chatbot feature where you can reply to 5 messages)

Currently, I’m learning Korean 2, Spanish (Mexico) 2, Japanese 0, and French 1.

7. Busuu →

Why Get Busuu? Busuu is one of the best language apps for travel, and their biggest strength is its community, where you get direct feedback from other Busuu users who are native speakers. You get a sense that the community is there to help each other learn. Of all the apps here, their grammar lessons and context insight are the best, making you more well-rounded.

Cost: Free with ads or 83.40/yr (6.95/mo), 50.70/6 months ($8.45/mo), $13.90/mo for one month. Premium Plus Cost – $13.90/mo for 12 languages.

I’m learning Korean and Spanish on this app, and I love the community aspect of Busuu. Let’s be friends!

8. Lingopie →

Why Use Lingopie? It’s a fun way to learn a language while watching popular shows and movies. Read the subtitles and click on a word or phrase to learn the meaning. You can’t learn a language with this app only, but this is a great supplemental tool for those who want more listening and comprehension practice.

Languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and English.

Cost: $199/lifetime subscription with nine languages, $71.88/yr ($5.99/mo), $36/3 months ($12/mo) with one language.

9. Mosalingua →

Why get Mosalingua? Mosalingua is a flash-card app that is very robust. It has all the content you could possibly want to learn. My favorite feature is adding your own words and phrases I come across from shows, books, or other content I consume.

Method: Spaced repetition to help you remember new words and phrases at gradually increasing intervals to help you reinforce knowledge over time. They teach you to retain information in your long-term memory by spending the least time.

Cost: $9.49/mo, $59.90/yr ($4.99/mo)

10. Rosetta Stone →

Why Get Rosetta Stone? Rosetta Stone is OG and still makes our list of best language apps for travel because of its unique immersive approach, pairing words with images. It’s how kids first learn a language and can feel much more natural and intuitive than using translations. I end up speaking much slower when I’m translating into English first.

Cost: $47.97/three months (15.99/mo) or $127/year ($10.50/mo) for one language, $199 for a lifetime single language, $399.00 lifetime with 25 languages.

See More: 25 Greatest Useful Gifts for Travelers

Price Comparison for Best Language Apps for Travel

All Language Apps We Tested

• AnkiApp
• Babbel
• Busuu
• Chatterbug
• Drops
• Duolingo
• Lingodeer
• Lingopie
• LingQ
• Mango
• Mondly
• Memrise
• Mosalingua
• Pimsleur
• Rosetta Stone
• Teuida

Language Categories and Difficulty Rankings

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) put together a list to show English speakers approximate times to reach S3 (Speaking 3) and R3 (Reading 3) proficiency levels in other languages. They start with Category I languages, which are most similar to English, and end with Category V, where you see the most linguistic and cultural differences in languages.

• Category I (23-24 weeks/575-600 hrs) – Afrikaans, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Swedish.
• Category II (30 weeks/750 hrs) – German
• Category III (36 weeks/900 hrs) – Indonesian, Malaysian, Swahili
• Category IV (44 weeks/1100 hrs) – Albanian, Amharic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bengali, Bulgarian, Burmese, Croatian, Czech, Estonian, Finnish, Georgian, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Khmer, Lao, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Zulu
• Category V (88 weeks/2200 hours) – Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean

Free Language Resources

• Project Gutenberg – free classic ebooks and audiobooks. They are mostly English but have other languages.
• Earbrookers on Spotify – learn Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish while sleeping.
• Japanese Everyday – Learn Japanese while you sleep.
• Nihongo Con Teppei Way – Another podcast where you learn Japanese while you sleep.
• Learn in Your Car – Has Spanish, Italian, German, French, and English
• JM Gardner – Has some albums with 1000 basic word translations between various languages (not just English to a different language). The most popular one is Korean to English.

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Road Trip Travel Hacks

1. Create a Playlist or Download Audiobooks

I take my road trip music seriously. The first time we went on a cross-country road trip over ten years ago, I worked on a playlist where no song would repeat for over 24 hours. Even today, I’m still adding and modifying my playlist only to include songs with a good driving beat. You don’t need one that long, but a road trip playlist can help you power through a long drive.

We like switching between music and audiobooks. Just download them so you can still listen to them without cell service.

Pro Tip: We recently discovered Libby, where you can download free audiobooks from your local library and listen to them offline. If you want to listen to classics without waiting through the online library queue, check out Project Gutenberg. However, I’ve only seen popular new books have long waits on Libby.

2. Download Travel Apps

Apps can come in handy when you’re on the road. Here are a few of our favorites.

• myRewards Plus App – We’ve managed long stints on the road (we did Atlanta to LA in 36 hours straight). Regardless of whether we do any overnights, we always make stops for gas, stretch our legs, and pick up snacks. Pilot Flying J gas stations are our top choice on road trips. Not only do they have reasonable gas prices, but the convenience stores are more extensive and facilities clean and spacious (bye-bye dingy gas station bathrooms). Their free app makes it even better because it gives you 10¢ off every gallon of gas and deals to help you save money on snacks.
• Google Maps – This is our go-to map app, and I typically download offline versions of the areas we’ll be in, especially when I know service might be spotty. It helps to be able to search and navigate without cell service.
• GasBuddy – When I forget to watch the meter and need gas immediately, we use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas near us. It’s straightforward to use. They recently added a gas card, which helps you save money.
• Spotify – As I mentioned above, I take my road trip music seriously.
• Yelp – We love finding random gems for both food and roadside attractions. Since we primarily travel within the states, we use Yelp to find food. Instead of looking at the overall reviews, we also consider the reviewers’ demographics, town size, and specific complaints. I’m a maximizer, so I must see everything before making my ideal choice.

Pro Tip: The myRewards Plus App also has a Plan Your Trip feature to plan stops and export them to Waze or Apple Maps.

3. Be Ready for Emergencies

No one plans to have an emergency on the road, but it’s always wise to prep ahead. We always have a few things in our car ready for them.

• First Aid Kit – in case anyone gets hurt.
• Essential Tools – we have a multitool in our car.
• Meds – we carry some basic meds, like Dramamine, Immodium, and Lactaid
• Portable Air Compressor – you never know when you need air in your tires.
• Jump Starter – This has come in clutch when our battery died with no one around to jump the car.
• Wet Wipes / Paper Towels – or all those unexpected spills
• TravelJohn – Ever since we discovered these, we always have a couple in the car in case we’re stuck in traffic or if you can’t find a bathroom for miles. They turn your pee into an odorless gel. It’s wild.

4. Use Home Items in Creative Ways

We’ve found a few home items that we use in the car to make our ride more comfortable.

• Tumblers for Snacks – Pack snacks in food tumblers for easy snack access and fewer spills. Plus, they stay in your cup holder. We’ve heard people use coffee creamer bottles, too!
• Cereal Containers for Trash Cans – We picked up this hack from Pinterest. They keep your trash contained in one spot and make it easy to dump at a stop. It helps to keep a few extra trash bags in the car.
• Dryer Sheets for Air Freshers – Dryer sheets can freshen the air without being too strong (regular car air fresheners can make me dizzy). You can also throw one in your suitcase to keep your bag and clothes smelling fresh. If you want a more sustainable option, use these reusable charcoal bags as a deodorizer. Refill with activated charcoal that you buy in bulk for fish tanks.
• Suction Cup Shower Caddies are great for holding smaller items or snacks on windows. For people with kids, you can keep art supplies or toys in them. Shoe holders strapped to the back of the seat are another great storage option.

If you forget anything or need to make a last-minute stop, Pilot Flying J has you covered!

5. Set Up Your Car for Camping

Even if you don’t like camping, having a car camping setup is handy in case you need a nap or want to make an overnight stop in the middle of nowhere. We use this foam mattress, and it fits nicely in the trunk with our seats down. Finally, we have the perfect car setup with our foam mattress, solar generator, and rooftop storage!

See More: 21 Car Camping Essentials

International Travel Hacks

6. Scan and Email Yourself a Passport

You’ll have your passport, but having a hard copy and a digital copy (either photo or email) of your passport is wise in case it gets lost or stolen. We do this with tickets, confirmations, and other essential documents we may need.

7. Always Pack a Travel Adapter →

We love this travel adapter. It allows us to charge multiple devices simultaneously to keep them all alive! If you’re a light sleeper, keep it away from your bed since the fan can get noisy while charging many items.

8. Download Google Translate

Did you know that Google Translate can use your camera to translate signs, menus, or anything else you scan? Technology is crazy. Also, if you have a newer iPhone, you can program your action button to jump straight to Google Translate. It came in really handy when we were in Japan.

9. Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport

It’s tempting to exchange money at your destination airport, but you usually get the worst rates. Having a credit card with no exchange fees or going to local ATMs to withdraw cash is better. Just notify your credit card and bank you are traveling to so the transactions don’t get flagged.

10. Choose Long Layovers to Explore Cities

Sometimes, a long layover is a perfect way to break up flights. Plus, it allows you to explore the layover city without making an extra trip.

Packing Hacks

11. Roll Your Clothes and Use Compression Bags

Rolling your clothes helps you pack more in the same amount of space. I do this for the clothes in my closet, making them ready to go. When your clothes are dirty, keep them rolled up, too!

Pro Tip: If you need more space, compression bags or packing cubes will compress them even more.

12. Get Double-Sided Packing Cubes →

Packing cubes are great to help you organize your suitcase. I love the ones with a clean and dirty side to keep my clothes separate but still organized.

13. Create a Packing Check List

Even though we travel a ton, I still get anxious about forgetting to pack something on a trip. Because of that, I’ve created a packing checklist spreadsheet that I look over each trip. 

14. Pack Essentials in a Carry On →

We travel light and never check a bag, but sometimes they will take them from you if the flight is full! I get paranoid because they’ve lost our bags for months before in this scenario. If you check your bag, have all your essentials in your personal carry item, including meds, toiletries, and an extra set of clothes. That way, if anything happens to your luggage, you at least have the basics. 

Pro Tip: Be familiar with your credit card benefits. Many travel cards will give you a stipend to replace items if your luggage is lost.

See More: 15 Carry-On Essentials You Need for Every Flight

15. Get Reusable Travel Bottles for Toiletries →

Rather than buying miniature versions of your toiletries or trying to pack the large products, get some reusable travel bottles that you can fill with your favorite items that keep you under the 3 oz requirement. I even picked up a spray bottle for my toner and tubs for makeup.

General Travel Hacks + Tips

16. Download Offline Maps

We use this rule locally and abroad. Before heading anywhere where we think we might have spotty service, we download Google Maps offline to help us navigate the area. It has been a lifesaver!

17. Talk to Locals

As much research as you can do online, locals always know the best under-the-radar spots. They can tell you about great deals, happy hours, unique experiences, and more. Even if you’re talking to your servers while eating out, find out what spots they like to frequent.

18. Pack Snacks

Being hangry is the worst! We always keep snacks handy on outdoor adventures, flights, and road trips. Our favorite snack on the go is currently Built Bars. I still can’t believe they made protein bars taste like actual candy (Use the Built Bar discount code “LOCALADVENTURER” for 10% off your order).

Anytime we’re on a road trip, we’ll pick up extra snacks when we stop at Pilot Flying J. Their free app even has deals on food and drinks.

See More: Genius In Flight Hacks to Elevate Your Dining Experience

19. Travel During Off Season

Do some research ahead of time and try visiting spots during shoulder season. Not only will hotels and flights be cheaper, but it’s less crowded too!

Pro Tip: Depending on the location, check to see what’s open during the shoulder and off-season. Some smaller towns will shut down a lot of businesses during this time.

20. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle →

A refillable water bottle (click to see our favorites) is essential for traveling. I used to always feel dehydrated during trips. Now we use them on flights by filling up after TSA, so we have water before the beverage service. Many hotels have water bottle stations in the gym, so we have water in the room anytime we need it. Plus, it’s just better for the environment. We use one of three types of bottles when we travel.

See More: 7 Best Travel Water Bottles Tested on the Road

Travel Hacks for Flight Bookings

21. Delete Your Browser Cookies

Airline companies use cookies to track your searches, and flight prices can change depending on the demand and conditions. To avoid this, use an incognito tab or delete your browser cookies.

22. Book Flights on Cheaper Days

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. Of the three days, Tuesday is the best. If you have the flexibility, travel on those days to save money on your flight.

23. Avoid Peak Hours

Similar to the example above, flying during the day can affect the price too! Flights are usually cheaper if you fly between 5-7 am or after 8 pm.

24. Get the Full Row

When traveling with a companion, choose an aisle and window seat in the same row. On emptier flights, you might get the whole row to yourselves. If it’s fully booked, one of us moves to the middle seat since most prefer an aisle or window. But I’m waiting for the day someone wants to sit between us!

25. Spoof Your Location

Regional prices are also a factor when it comes to booking. This trick only works for international flights, but if you have a VPN and a credit card that doesn’t have a high foreign transaction fee, check the flight prices from multiple locations. Often you’ll find different prices from different countries.

Recap

That’s our list! What other travel hacks do you use? We love learning more about how you travel so we can all travel smarter.

Special thanks to Pilot Flying J for sponsoring this post. When it comes to road trips, they are our go-to pit stop. They are North America’s largest network of travel centers, so we can reliably find them throughout the US. We also love that we know what we’re getting: reasonable prices on gas, clean and spacious bathrooms, and a great selection of food and snacks.

If you download their free app, you can get 10¢ off every gallon of gas and deals on food and drink. They are investing $1 billion over the next three years to improve their stores.

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For Day Hiking

1. Day Pack →

A reliable and comfortable day pack helps you bring everything you need. We have a few different day packs we rotate through depending on the length of the hike or whether we need our camera equipment. 

• REI Flashpack – lightweight and a great all-around choice
• Wandrd Prvke – when we need to carry camera gear with us
• Topo Designs Rover Pack – cuter for photos but not as many pockets or compartments as I would like

See More: The Best Travel Backpacks

2. Hiking Boots →

Hiking boots can make or break a trip. Ever since we discovered Danners, they’ve been our go-to! We each have a pair of Mountain 600s and an insulated version for colder weather.

See More: 25 Gifts Your Outdoor Adventurers Will Actually Love

3. National Park Annual Pass →

This is one of the most practical and best gifts for hikers. We buy an America the Beautiful Pass every year, which gives us access to 2,000+ federal recreation sites, including all of the National Parks. National monuments, and more. If the hiker in your life likes exploring state parks instead, you can get the annual state park pass.

Pro Tip: This covers park entrance fees, but some still require a separate reservation fee.

See More: Your Complete List of All National Parks in the US

4. Headlamps →

Even if you don’t plan on hiking at night, sometimes we get lost, and hikes can take longer than anticipated. Headlamps are always helpful; we like to leave one in each bag just in case. 

Pro Tip:  If you’re buying for someone who camps or does astrophotography, get one with a red light feature.

5. Mid-Layer / Insulated Layer →

A mid-layer is what goes between a base layer and an outer layer. You can use it as a primary layer when it’s not that cold. We use a fleece, insulated jacket, or stack both, depending on the weather.

Our favorite fleeces or performance fabric layers are the Patagonia Better Sweater and Arcteryx Fleece. We’ve had both for a long time.

The Arcteryx Down Jacket and Patagonia Nano Puff are our insulated layers and have kept us warm over the years. These are also great when space is limited since they pack small.

See More: 25 Best Hikes in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

6. Outer Layer →

Although you can get jackets that do it all, we’ve found that having a separate outer layer works better for us. You can have an outer layer that performs well in keeping out wind and water but not worry about sacrificing breathability when you don’t need it. We have the Arcteryx Rain Coat.

See More: 15+ Best Jackets for Travel for Any Weather

7. Hiking Pants →

When we first started hiking, we used to wear hiking-specific pants, but over the years, we’ve found plenty of travel pants and even climbing pants that perform well for urban and outdoor exploration.

Pro Tip:  Down pants keep you warmer and are great for cold-weather camping.

See More: 12 Best Travel Pants For Both Comfort and Style

8. Trekking Poles →

I remember the first time I brought trekking poles on a hike. It made such a huge difference, and I appreciate them more the older I get. Trekking poles help stabilize you and take some of the weight off your legs and knees. 

We’ve had these REI Trekking Poles for years, and we bring them with us on longer hikes (6+ miles for us) or if we’re carrying a heavy pack.

See More: 15 Best Day Hikes in the US to Put On Your Bucket List

9. Water Bottle or Water Reservoir →

We carry our water one of three ways.

• Insulated Water Bottle – we use Hyrdroflask bottles to keep our drinks cool/warm.
• Filtering Bottle – when we need to refill in natural sources
• Water Bladder – for backpacking and when we need to carry larger quantities 

Stay hydrated!

You’ll Also Love: Best Travel Water Bottle Tested On The Road

10. Hiking Socks →

Socks always get a bad rap as boring, unromantic gifts, but we love them. Hiking socks can save you from blisters, and we appreciate them more in hindsight. I have a few pairs of REI Hiking Socks and a few pairs of Balega socks.

11. Crampons →

Crampons are a good gift if you’re hiking on icy trails. They help give you extra grip where it would typically be slippery. Unless they go on seriously icy trails, they may not need crampons with crazy spikes. The chain or small ones work best for us and are more travel-friendly.

12. Gaiters →

Gaiters are great to help keep things out of your boots. You can either go with a cold weather gaiter to help with winter hiking or warm weather gaiters to keep rocks out of your shoes, which we use more in the desert.

We’ve been on multiple snow adventures like snowshoeing and were always jealous of our friends who were more prepared with gaiters and never got snow in their shoes.

13. Rechargeable Hand Warmer →

We used to carry hot hands on cold weather hikes, but ever since we discovered rechargeable hand warmers, we have used these to avoid creating more waste. They’ve been great to warm up our hands when we’re shooting photos at night or climbing through send temps too! 

14. Hiking Books →

Although you can find a lot of trails online (we like to use the AllTrails app – the plus lets you access trails offlline), if your friend likes the tangible feeling of books, you can also pick up a local hiking book.

15. Warm Gloves →

A nice pair of gloves is another great gift for hikers in colder weather. We have thinner gloves for mobility and super thick gloves to prioritize staying warm. 

For Backpacking

16. Backpacking Backpack →

When we were looking for bags for our first backpacking trip, the folks at REI taught us so much about how they should fit and how you should distribute the weight. We tried them all on and settled on Osprey bags (I use a kid’s one since I’m petite).

Pro Tip:  REI has weights you can use to test the backpacks.

See More: We Found the Best Camera Backpack of All Time

17. Camp Shoes →

After a long hike, it feels good to get out of your boots. We bring flip-flops when we’re going as light as possible or Danner Jag Lofts if it’s cold. The heel also steps down, so slipping them on and off is easy.

18. Sleeping Bag →

A lightweight but warm sleeping bag is an excellent option if you’re going for a splurge or if you’re splitting a gift with multiple people. We both have REI sleeping bags that have been amazing for the price. They are lightweight and keep us warm.

Pro Tip:  If you run colder, consider getting a women’s bag, which has more insulation, or down booties.

19. Jetboil →

We aren’t big camp cooks and prefer easy meals. When we’re backpacking, we bring our trusty Jetboil. It makes warm drinks and boils water for our Mountain House meals or ramen.

We also just got the Jetboil Genesis for us to cook larger meals when we’re car camping!

20. Dry Sack →

We carry a dry sack with us anytime when we travel. I keep one in my suitcase and usually have a small one in my backpack. You never know when you’ll need to keep your gear dry.

21. Leatherman Multi-Tool →

A multi-tool is a backpacker’s best friend. It’s one of those things you may only realize you need once you do. And when you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

22. Pack Towel →

We use our Pack Towels for backpacking, traveling, and even at home.

23. Buff →

A buff is a great lightweight item to have with you when hiking, whether you want to use it as protection from the sun, keep your sweat out of your eyes, or stay warmer. We have some made for warm weather and a couple for colder temps!

See More: 17 Practical Gifts for Rock Climbers They’ll Love and Use

24. Dr. Bronners →

We love Dr. Bronners at home and when we travel because of its many uses. You only need one soap to do it all, although I don’t recommend it as toothpaste!

25. First Aid Kit →

We recently learned that bandages, sterile supplies, medication, and protective equipment all have expiration dates. Since first aid kits come in all shapes and sizes, it’s an easy gift. We carry a small one with us on day hikes and a larger one for longer outings.

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11 In-Flight Essentials

1. Backpack →

We don’t want to become hoarders, but if there’s one thing we love to buy and compare, they are backpacks (see our favorites here)! How else are you going to carry your carry-on essentials? For the most part, Jacob takes the Wandrd Prvke to bring the camera gear, and my favorite is this Solo Backpack Tote. It’s great for city travel, lightweight, and has just enough space and organization for my essentials.

See More: Best Travel Backpacks

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones →

Getting on a flight is a gamble. Noise-canceling headphones are essential for listening to music, watching movies, or drowning out the noise around you. Even though we’re seasoned travelers, I still worry about seating arrangements. Will it be a screaming baby or a kid who kicks my chair? (All my friends have kids, so I’m trying to learn to be patient, but it’s hard.)

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are incredible and much better than earplugs! They are compact, have 6 hours of battery life, and have the best noise-canceling technology. Not only are there different noise-canceling modes, but every time you put them on, it chimes to learn the shape of your ear canal. It uses this data to optimize the sound performance just for you. 

It’s perfect for flights, but we also use them when we’re adventuring locally, working out, or want to listen to different music while working.

Pro Tip: If you plan on watching any of the plane movies, have a pair of wired headphones with you too. You can make a DIY Cord Taco holder to keep them organized.

See More: How to Make the Cutest Cord Tacos

3. WIpes + Hand Sanitizer →

Even pre-pandemic, I always brought wipes with me. As much as the staff does their best to clean the planes between each flight, I like to have the peace of mind of wiping down my personal space. I try not to think about it, but airplanes can still be gross.

4. Phone / Wallet →

It might be a no-brainer since most of us live connected to our phones more than we should, but here are a few things we prep on our phones before a trip.

• Back Up Your Phone – especially your photos and videos, just in case anything happens.
• Tickets and Itinerary – Make sure your tickets and itinerary are easily accessible. Sometimes the airline apps can be glitchy, so I take a screenshot too.
• Download Music – We use Spotify to download my playlists to have offline. When we were on a tighter budget, I only activated our subscription before big trips. 
• Libby for Audiobooks – Since I usually don’t get on wifi, I get a lot of reading done on a plane. I never know what I’ll be in the mood for, so having this ensures I have many options. Even though it’s nice to flip through pages of a physical book from time to time, I love that it keeps me lightweight, and you can carry as many books as you want.
• Download Shows + Movies – If you have any shows or movies you’ve wanted to watch, remember to download them so you can watch them offline.
• Google Maps – We download offline maps when traveling anywhere with limited service.
• Google Translate – If you’re going overseas.

I also clump my wallet with my phone since I use a wallet phone case. We both use the Peak Design Mobile System and we love it. There’s a wallet accessory and a small tripod to prop the phone and watch shows on the plane. Plus the tripod mount for it is so easy to use and very secure.

5. Water Bottle →

Did you know you can get through security with an empty water bottle? We typically bring this insulated water bottle, and after getting through TSA, we fill it with water to stay hydrated on the plane. Then you won’t have to wait for the first beverage service to get a drink. It’s also helpful during our stay since many hotels don’t provide free water. 

If you’re looking to save space, we used these roll-up soft bottles in the past. When we travel overseas and don’t know the water condition, we bring this bottle that cleans the water.

Pro Tip: Pack some hydration drink mix or immune boosters with your water!

See More: 7 Best Travel Water Bottles Tested On the Road

6. Light Jacket + Travel Pillow →

We bring our trusty packable jackets to keep us warm on the plane. You never know what the temperatures will be on a plane, but I tend to run cold. It also packs nicely into a pocket to double as a travel pillow. Not the intended use, but I like to make things multi-use.

For long flights where we need to sleep, Jacob brings the Sleeper Hold. He’s a notorious head nodder, and this keeps his head in place so it doesn’t look like he’s going to break his neck every few seconds. And since we’re all about traveling light, he doesn’t even bring the pillow portion, just the eyemask/strap part.

See More: The Best Travel Jackets

7. Portable Charger →

I know I’m not the only one who gets paranoid about their phone battery dying. Although most newer planes have USB plugins to charge your phone, they tend to be very slow and sometimes can’t keep up if you’re using your phone simultaneously. We travel with this portable charger for both of us to plug into – no more bickering over who charges first.

8. Warm Socks or Compression Socks →

Countless times I regretted traveling in flip-flops/sandals without having an extra pair of socks. It took me a long time to learn my lesson until Jacob made me write a note to myself. I tend to run cold, so even if I’m wearing regular socks and shoes, I have to bring thicker socks or double up for the plane. 

As a bonus, sometimes I have compression socks on long flights to minimize ankle, leg, and foot swelling. I usually don’t wear them the whole time, but I like having the option, especially on extra long flights.

9. Snacks

Everyone snacks a little bit differently, but on domestic flights, we try to carry something to munch on when we get hungry since pretzels and peanuts don’t always do it for us. Whether we’re dealing with delays or getting peckish on the plane, we like having snacks handy. Esther gets hangry, so we have to keep her fed. Our favorite on-the-go snacks are Kind Bars and Built Bars, protein bars that taste like candy bars).

Built Bar Coupon Code: Use code LOCALADVENTURER for 10%.

10. Toiletries

Even if we check a bag, I prefer carrying my toiletries in my carry-on if they lose my luggage. I keep hand cream in my toiletry bag because my skin gets dry on the plane. We use this toiletry bag, which is both reusable and affordable. I’ve had nicer and cuter ones, but I always come back to this one. It’s also better for the planet and doesn’t bust like the annoying disposable ones.

Remember to include any prescription meds, sleep aids, Immodium for upset stomachs, and Vitamin C to boost your immune system when you’re trapped on a plane with tons of germs floating around. I dislike taking meds and try toughing it out more often than I should. However, it’s good to be prepared. I don’t want to be the person that’s constantly relying on other people’s preparedness.

Here are a few of our favorite toiletry accessories too:

• Reusable Toothpaste Tubes: Now we can refill our travel toothpaste with our big home one!
• Toothbrush Caps: To keep our toothbrushes clean when in our bag.
• FlatPak Soap Bar Case: We use this to take home any unused bar soaps from the hotel so they don’t go to waste.

See More: The Best Carry On Luggage + How to Pick the Best Suitcase for You

11. Extra Set of Clothes

Whether you want to change into something more comfortable or have an extra set on hand in case your checked luggage gets lost, an extra set of clothes is good to have with you. We tend to wear comfortable clothes on travel days.

More In-Flight Essentials

Here are other items that we sometimes bring with us or liked having in the past. Plus, since everyone has a different travel style, there may be things you’re willing to sacrifice space for. 

• E-Reader / Book – We used to bring a Kindle on trips, but now I carry a Remarkable 2. I can use it as a reader, but also sketch, draw, take notes, and more!
• Scarf / Pashmina (doubles as a blanket) – I usually get cold on a plane, and unless you’re on a long flight, they may not have blankets for you. It’s nice to have something that can double as a blanket.
• Camera – We travel with our camera 95% of the time and feel more secure having it with us. We use our phones for vlogging, but this is our go-to mirrorless camera for work trips. If you’re looking for a new camera, check out our camera gear guide for bloggers.
• Laptop – Our laptop comes with us if we need to get work done on the plane or during our trip.
• Sriracha To Go – I’m always craving something spicy.
• Neck Pillow – We don’t bother with one since we use our jacket as a travel pillow, but we know people who like having a neck pillow with them. Jacob carries the eyemask and strap of the Sleeper Hold on flights when he needs to sleep.
• Hand Sanitizer – Never bad to have!
• Chewing Gum – If you have trouble popping your ears, the gum is nice to have on take-off and landing.
• Pen – If you’re traveling overseas, you most likely fill out customs forms. Having a pen handy is essential.
• Eye Mask – If you’re light-sensitive, an eye mask will help block out the light.

Tips for In-Flight Essentials

• Don’t overpack. We try not to overpack and have found that even if we forget anything, we can usually find a replacement at our destination. On the flip side, overpacking leaves you with burdensome luggage.
• Pack Smart. I like to have items I regularly use easily accessible. The worst is realizing you need something in the overhead bin, but you can’t stand to get it.
• Know the Rules. Be familiar with the carry-on regulations of your airline and/or destination to ensure you pack everything correctly.
• Bigger Isn’t Always Better. A big screen is great, but a smaller laptop might be better if your seat is small, so you’re not as squished.
• Create a Checklist. A checklist helps you ensure you don’t forget anything. I have one in a spreadsheet I use every time I pack.
• Don’t Use Public USBs. You can get hacked through public USBs, so we try not to use them. If we plug into a public outlet, we use our own box, and even better, just try to use our own portable charger.
• Take Meds on Time. Whether they are your own meds or motion sickness meds, take them at the right time. It can be tricky since your time is all off when traveling but setting an alarm helps.
• Dress in Layers. Layers are always a smart way to dress for the plane so you can adjust accordingly.