Essential Gear for a Seasoned Gadget Blogger on the Go

After more than twenty years of traveling for both work and leisure, my packing strategy has transformed from a chaotic mix of gadgets and accessories hastily thrown together to a well-organized checklist refined through experience. I’ve learned that having the right gear can turn a decent trip into an unforgettable one—or at least save me from frantic last-minute runs to the store and give me more time to relax by the pool.

This summer, my family’s vacation will be packed with hiking and outdoor adventures, but we’re not planning to disconnect from our favorite devices. Our focus is on convenience, comfort, and peace of mind.

Here’s a look at the gear I’ll be bringing along this summer to ensure our travels are as smooth and enjoyable as possible. It includes everything we need to keep entertained during long flights and drives, capture memories of unique places, and make sure all our devices are charged and ready to go each morning.

**Travel Gear**

Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones
For flights longer than an hour, I always bring my Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. Even though they’re a few generations behind the latest models, they remain incredibly comfortable and do a fantastic job of blocking out cabin noise. If you can snag them on sale, they’re still a solid choice. Otherwise, the newer WH-1000XM6 addresses some design issues I had with the WH-1000XM5, which didn’t fold.

Shokz OpenFit headphones
I used to always carry AirPods Pro, but I’ve switched to Shokz OpenFit 2. Their open design allows me to hear my surroundings while enjoying music or audiobooks, and they’re much more comfortable for extended wear since they don’t press into my ear canal.

iPhone 16 Pro
I upgraded to the iPhone 16 Pro in late 2024 because my old iPhone 12 Pro was struggling with battery life. While it doesn’t have any travel-specific features, I appreciate the MagSafe compatibility for accessories like the PopSockets Kick-Out Grip, which doubles as a camera stand for family photos. Plus, the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature gives me peace of mind in case of emergencies outside of cell service.

iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard Folio
While I still take a MacBook Air for work, I’ve ditched it for vacations since the release of iPadOS 26. Now, I bring an older iPad Pro with a Smart Keyboard folio and a compact Logitech wireless mouse. It’s a lightweight alternative that’s perfect for cramped airplane seats, allowing me to back up photos, share highlights, plan adventures, stream to hotel TVs, and even play digital board games like Ticket to Ride.

The North Face Surge backpack and Alpaka bags
Over the years, I’ve invested in several bags, but I’ve found a few that I consistently use. I rely on an older version of The North Face Surge backpack, which has a great mix of pockets without crowding its spacious interior. It’s also one of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve owned, with exterior pockets that are handy for quick access. For smaller outings, I switch between Alpaka’s Flight Sling and the 2-liter or 4-liter Flow Satchel, depending on whether I need to carry a water bottle or my camera.

Apple AirTags and Nomad Tracking Card
To increase the chances of our checked luggage arriving at our destination and to prevent leaving bags behind during travel chaos, I keep an Apple AirTag in all our bags. For our passport wallet, I use a Nomad Tracking Card that fits easily into a credit card slot.

Owala FreeSip water bottle
I prefer reusable water bottles over disposables, and the 24oz Owala FreeSip is my favorite. It fits in all the car cup holders and backpack pockets I use, and its cap design allows for both sipping and chugging water. I’ve gifted many Owala bottles to friends and family, and they’ve become a staple in our kitchen.

Nitecore izzCool 10 Pro fan
Traveling in the summer often means dealing with heat while waiting in lines or dining outdoors. The Nitecore izzCool 10 Pro fan features a refillable water reservoir that creates a fine mist for cooling down. You can even swap the reservoir for a larger water bottle to keep the misting mode running all night, which is a lifesaver in dry climates.

**Entertainment Gear**

Your favorite e-reader
Traveling with an e-reader is essential. I dislike reading on my phone, and no one wants to disturb others on a plane with a reading light. The latest Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara BW are both excellent choices—lightweight, with great battery life and access to vast online bookstores. I’m a fan of physical page-turn buttons, and while my Kobo Libra 2 is no longer available, the Libra Colour still offers buttons if you’re willing to pay a premium for its color E Ink screen.

Nintendo Switch 2
For long flights with a 10-year-old, the Switch 2 is a must-have. A few rounds of Mario Kart or MLB The Show 26 can keep boredom at bay. And when we’re stuck in a hotel room, a game of Super Mario Party Jamboree is a fun alternative to local TV.

Jsaux OmniCentro Dock
If you’re traveling with the Switch, a compact USB-C dock is a better option than Nintendo’s bulky dock for connecting to a TV. Jsaux’s dock is nearly the same size and functionality but costs over $20 less.

Anbernic RG28XX handheld
In addition to the Switch 2, which my son usually claims, I always pack a smaller handheld emulator for quick gaming sessions. My current favorite is the Anbernic RG28XX. It’s compact, but its 2.83-inch screen feels just right, and it has enough power to emulate Game Boy Advance and Super Nintendo titles I still enjoy.

Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter
I’ve finally ditched the bulky HDMI cable and USB-C-to-HDMI adapter. Belkin’s wireless HDMI adapter is a lighter, easier way to connect our devices to hotel TVs, eliminating a tripping hazard. After a long day, we like to browse our photos and videos or watch movies without logging into someone else’s TV.

**Charging Gear**

A 6-foot extension cord with multiple outlets
I prefer to charge all our gadgets in one organized spot each night, but often the outlet isn’t close enough. A power strip with a long cord solves this problem. I look for one that’s at least 6 feet long, has a flat and angled plug to fit behind furniture, and offers at least three outlets. Finding one with built-in cable management is a bonus.

Multi-port USB chargers
Having wall chargers that can power multiple devices is essential. Our family travels with three Anker chargers, each with three USB ports for charging smartphones, tablets, headphones, watches, and consoles. I prioritize a design that won’t easily slip out of an outlet, which Anker has improved in recent models.

Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch
A tangled mess of USB cables is inevitable while traveling, so I try to minimize the number I pack. Nomad’s 2-in-1 USB-C cable can charge any device and an Apple Watch simultaneously, allowing us to free up USB-C ports for other devices.

Multi-port power bank
While I don’t often stray far from power outlets, I always carry a power bank. Constantly messaging photos and searching for dining options can drain a phone quickly. I use a compact 10,000mAh power bank from Anker with three USB ports to charge both my phones. While smaller power banks are cheaper, a 10,000mAh model is ideal for fully recharging multiple devices.

Baseus Retractable Car Charger
I see every car ride as a chance to charge devices, but since I can’t predict what rental car I’ll get, Baseus’ car charger is a reliable backup. It plugs into the auxiliary power outlet and features two pivoting 31-inch retractable USB-C cables plus an additional USB port.

**Photography Gear**

OnePlus 12
An underrated photography option is bringing a second phone. Even with my iPhone 16 Pro, I carry a OnePlus 12 for outings when I want a lightweight camera. Its zoom capabilities surpass my iPhone, and I prefer its portrait mode and low-light performance.

Sony A6700
For the first time in over six years, I’m traveling with a dedicated camera. While I’ve enjoyed the convenience of smartphone photography, this summer I’ll be capturing family adventures with the Sony A6700. It’s a significant upgrade from my old A6500, and I’m excited to see what I can capture with a 200mm zoom lens after struggling to photograph whales with my smartphone last summer.

USB-C camera batteries
The best camera is the one that’s charged. Modern cameras can drain batteries quickly, especially with their advanced autofocus and tracking features. I pack extra Nitecore camera batteries that have a similar capacity to Sony’s NP-FZ100 but include a built-in USB-C port for easy charging without a separate dock. While Nitecore’s USB-C battery line seems discontinued, alternatives are available for various brands—just check reviews before trying a new one.

Flexible camera wrap
I’ve never found a camera bag I want to carry all day, but I also don’t want my camera getting scratched in my shoulder bag. I use Stickit Wrappers from Nitecore, which work like a flexible sheet of Velcro to protect my camera without scratching it. While Nitecore’s version may be unavailable, other brands offer similar products.

Insta360 Go 3S
I still appreciate the DJI Action 2, but I’ve replaced it with the Insta360 Go 3S. It’s not my primary camera, but its compact size and versatile mounting options make it perfect for capturing spontaneous adventures or time-lapses during long drives.

Crucial 2TB SSD drive
Photos and videos are the only souvenirs I care about, and losing them before I can back them up is a nightmare. I carry spare SD cards to avoid putting all my travel photos on one card, and I back everything up to my iPad Pro and an external SSD each night. I rely on a 2TB Crucial SSD that’s about the size of a matchbook. While it may not be the fastest SSD, its compact size makes it a great choice for travel.