My essential items for Airline Travel

I spend a fair amount of time traveling. Sometimes it’s an Overland trip, other times it’s via boat or aircraft. One thing that remains constant, and that’s my travel loadout. I’ve tried a lot of different luggage, shoes, clothing and accessories over the years. Being a gear tester allows me the unique ability to try many different products in many different environments. And below is a list of some of my top picks for travel.

Clothing:

Finding a pair of pants that are comfortable all day yet versatile enough to be worn from the airplane to the jungle ain’t easy. The Royal Robbins Bug Barrier Active Traveler Stretch Pant hits all the marks to make it my top choice for travel. Made from an Insect Shield treated Nylon Spandex blend, these pants move with you all day. Not only will they protect you from bitting bugs but also the suns harmful rays with a UPF 50 rating. Pockets in all the right places, including what I refer to as the anti pick-pocket pocket. A zippered back pocket hidden just below the waist line seam.

“This pant delivers technical performance with advanced insect protection and a style that moves easily from trail to pub.” -Royal Robbins

Also from the same line is Royal Robbins Bug Barrier Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt. Following the same goals as the Active Traveler Pants, this shirt delivers similar performance and can be worn in a wide variety of conditions.

“Beat the heat with our most technical Expedition Stretch fabric. 40+ UPF protection, wrinkle resistance and TempraTech™ thermo-regulation lets this shirt perform in the very hottest, wettest settings. Plus, with our Bug Barrier™ Tech Jersey fabric, insect resistance is built in to every piece, helping you avoid mosquitoes and ticks and the diseases they carry.” -Royal Robbins

Shoes:

The Margarita from SCARPA has become my one shoe for all occasions. It’s at home paired with khakis in a casual setting, or trekking shorts on the trail. When I’m limited on space and can only bring a single pair of shoes, the Margarita has been my go-to pair for the past year and a half. Read more on the Margaritas here.

Luggage:

Wether by boat or airline, here are my two favorite pieces of short haul luggage.

The Douchebags Aviator 40L is a compartmentalized 40 liter carry-on that always seems to fit everything I need for up to 4-5 days of travel. Easily fits into the overhead compartment, made from durable materials and offers several divided sections within the bag, the Aviator has seen duty all over the world in the past couple of years. Read the full review here.

Deuter offers a variety of travel packs but the one that I’m happiest with is the Transit 40. Like the Douchbags Aviator, it also has a 40 liter volume but in a back pack configuration. I typically use this pack when traveling for 3-4 days. It features a main zippered compartment with two interior straps to secure and compress clothing. A separate bottom compartment for shoes as well as an organizer pocket, water bottle pocket, small items pocket and lap top sleeve. The full review can be found here.

Electronics:

You can’t get by without hauling your electronic devices with you. To protect my iPhone and MacBook, I use cases from UAG (Urban Armor Gear). In a mobile environment, protecting these items is a must. You never know when you may drop a device. Or how the constant abuse of airport and airplane life is on electronics. I always cringe when I see the last guy stroll onto the plane with a big hardshell roller. Fully knowing the overhead compartments are already full. Then to witness him rearrange everyones backpacks so he can smash his obnoxious bag up there. With no regard for the contents of anyones pack.

Finally, a pair of noise canceling wireless Bose headphones is worth every penny. It’s no wonder 50% of the passengers have these. To tune out the other 50%.

Here are a few links to additional items that can make travel more comfortable and efficient:

• MTM Status Smart Watch
• Douchbags Travel Accessories
• Recycled FireFighter EDC Belt
• Electronics Accessory Kit
• The DOPP Kit
• Magpul DAKA Wallet
• Tips for Hotel Security