As you’ve probably found out by now, the internet is full of endless travel gear recs for every type of traveler. It can be really difficult figuring out what you actually need for an upcoming trip, especially if you’re still newish to international travel. If you’re a frequent traveler or heading out for international travel, this list narrows it down to the tried and tested travel gear that’s really made a difference for us.
We’ve bought and tested way too many products in the past, and only a small handful of them actually make it into our long-term Amazon travel accessories setup. Personally, I’m on a mission to create the perfect full-time travel bag setup. Unrealistic? Maybe. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I love trying new products and if I can make our experiences on the move even a little bit smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable – I will. And to me, that’s worth spending a little money on doing.
Minimalist Packing Approaches vs. Traditional Vacation Packing
We tend to have a more minimalist travel gear setup compared to some. On our first international trip together, we both packed way too much. To be fair, we didn’t know how long we’d be gone from the US, and we had packed in late winter/early spring so expected we’d need way more layers – which was correct – but nowhere near what we actually packed.
We’ve since become a little savvier and have a much better grasp on what we’ll use for 3-6 months living out of one bag. It’s also very easy and inexpensive to just pick up the smaller items you might need when you’re in a new location.
But without further ado, here is our roundup of the best travel gear on Amazon, tried and tested over the last several years.
LifeStraw Go Water Bottle
Every single traveler should absolutely have one of these in their travel kit, as well as in their everyday non-traveling kit. Why? LifeStraw, originally known for their camping and survival gear, has some of the best water filtration technology on the market and all for a very reasonable price. These water bottles allow you to have fresh, clean water anywhere you go – including a river or lake, if you needed to – and protect against 99.999999% of parasites, bacteria, microplastics, and more. They come in a few different sizes and several fun colors. We prefer the 24-oz because it fits into a normal day backpack really easily, however the 1L has been nice to have on occasion, like on longer road trips.
That said, you should absolutely have one of these whenever you travel. Oh, and don’t forget to order a few extra filters if you’re going on an extended trip! They’re cheap and will last you 1-2 months each of very regular use.
CNPOP Cable Organizer
This is one of those smart travel gear 2025 items that solves an annoying problem before it starts – and one of the best purchases I’ve ever made from Amazon, period. Now, for someone who loves organization but sometimes struggles to keep my life as tidy as I’d like, little tools like this really make a difference.
This organizer has space for everything a working nomad needs to keep their cables and electronics in one place. It has several elastic bands for keeping cords and cables, two main zipper compartments, and several mesh pockets. It also packs down to a pretty reasonable size for what it is, and you’ll know where all of your tech accessories are every time.
It’s also only $15 at the time of writing this – surprising for how well-made it is – and well worth the investment.
Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’re regularly on long flights or working in noisy cafes, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is essential. These headphones are one of the top-rated Amazon travel items for long-haul flights and frequent travelers for a reason. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the thousands of 5-star online reviews. I’ve had mine for a few years now and travel with them on every long trip.
The only con I have about these is that they can be a little bulky compared to something like airpods, especially when you’re working on your one-bag travel game. However, you can’t beat the quality, comfort, and battery life and they’re still one of my favorite travel investments.
Remote Work Laptops
When it comes to travel gear for international travel, a reliable lightweight laptop is key – especially if you work remotely like we do.
For Will and I, the Apple versus Android debate has been ongoing in our relationship since day one. However, I think that which system works best for you depends on if you’re more of a creative or more of a techie (respectfully). Apple typically seems to be set up a lot better for creative work such as graphic design, video editing, photography, etc. and from what I’ve heard, Android and Microsoft systems are better for coding or general software jobs.
Kassie’s Laptop: Macbook Air M3 13-inch
This laptop has by far been the best one I’ve used, and I’ve been through my fair share of Apple devices. I had used my Macbook Pro M2 for quite a few years before upgrading to this, however the weight difference really does make quite the difference when you’re packing light. It’s lightweight, lightning fast with the M3 chip, and it has all the best features of the M2 such as the 18-hour battery life. It also seems like this one charges much faster than my previous laptop, but I’m not sure if that’s actually the case.
I’ve traveled with journals that were heavier and bulkier than this before – you can easily toss this laptop into your day backpack and hardly notice it’s there.
Will’s Laptop: Microsoft Surface Go 2
This laptop has been Will’s primary tool for his software development work and he’s had few to no problems with it. It’s also very lightweight, has a solid 13-hour battery life, and does everything it’s supposed to do without any hassles. In the future he’s planning to upgrade to something a little more robust and with more storage, but for the price tag this is a really reliable laptop.
You can read more about the work gear and electronics we carry in our blog, What’s in Our FT Travel Tech Bag. If you’re building out your Amazon travel accessories kit for remote work, don’t skip this.
Refillable Toiletries Bottles
I’d recommend these bottles as part of your Amazon travel essentials – especially if you’re curating a minimalist travel gear setup, or want to take your clean beauty travel products with you.
If you’re like me, you try to minimize the chemicals in the personal care products you use (a topic for another day) and travel with products you trust. This isn’t necessarily the practical option, as you can easily and cheaply buy the toiletries you need anywhere for a few bucks, but for those who are more health-conscious this is a good option.
These minimalist travel bottles are aesthetically pleasing with pretty colors (which is obviously important), come in their own convenient travel pouch, are leak-proof, and very lightweight.
If you want to ditch the bottles, you can read my other blog about the Travel-Friendly Skincare Products I Swear By.
Samsonite Foldable Shoppers Tote Bag
Compact, reusable tote bags are by far one of the most versatile items any traveler can carry. You can use them to haul your groceries, keep your dirty laundry separated, take along to the beach, use it as a personal item on flights, and more. A good foldable tote bag is also a great way to reduce plastic waste.
Samsonite is known for their quality in everything they make (I highly recommend their luggage if that’s your travel style), and these are very durable, have fun patterns, and fold down into almost nothing. They’re really convenient and you’ll be really glad you have one or two of these tote bags because, rest assured, you’ll find you use them constantly.
Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB
If you’re trying to streamline your packing with lightweight travel gear, a Kindle is a must. Admittedly, we’re also guilty of regularly having 1-3 physical books while we travel. However, one thing we will never travel without – let alone leave the house without – is a Kindle paperwhite.
If you’re a regular reader like us, this tiny, lightweight device is the best way to carry your library with you anywhere in the world.
The battery lasts for weeks, there’s no glare, and it doesn’t strain your eyes like most other electronic devices. Take it to the beach, on a plane, on your multi-day hike out of service, anywhere. This kindle is also waterproof which is very handy for adventurers, and you’ll probably never run out of space for all the books you plan to read unless you’re a maniac.
Liquid IV Electrolyte Packets
Anyone who knows us knows how much we love Liquid IV, or any other fun, healthy snack for that matter. But having good electrolytes like these saves us on long flights and extended travel days. It’s a simple way to stay energized when you’re running on your frequent traveler gear Amazon kit. We try to travel with them as much as possible and have a stash for when we need them.
Also, staying hydrated and feeling your best just makes for better travel. (You can thank us later.)
In addition to electrolytes, you can check out My Go-To Carry-on Kit for Overseas Flights to make your travel days much more enjoyable.
Adidas 3-Stripe Classic Backpack
My husband has been using this backpack since before we even met nearly 7 years ago. I’ve given him a lot of grief over it because he always has it with him, to the point of annoyance that he’s wearing it in practically every travel photo I have of him. That is, until one time I borrowed and realized that this thing was, in fact, next level for a daypack and I realized why he always had it everywhere he went.
For anyone looking for the best travel backpack from Amazon that’s both practical and affordable, this one is super impressive. This simple, affordable backpack can carry a shocking amount while being no bigger than your average school backpack – especially in the main, middle compartment. If you were an ultra-minimalist who didn’t want to spend much on your single round the world travel backpack, I’d give this one a try. I’m not sure how many liters it is – maybe 28? But it’s held up incredibly well, is well-built, can comfortably carry a 15” laptop, a strategic week’s worth of clothes, and can flatten when empty and be packed easily.
Knowing him he’ll probably be using this same bag for another 10 years, and I’m sure I’ll have one of them myself soon.
Sea to Summit Dry Bag
If your travelers regularly lead you outdoors into the elements, having a good dry bag is the best way to ensure your electronics and other important items stay dry and protected. It’s one of those Amazon travel accessories that adds serious peace of mind if you carry electronics.
I’ve had my Sea to Summit bag for years and it’s held up amazingly well. If you’re going to the beach, paddleboarding on a lake, hiking in the rain, or any other number of scenarios – especially with gear – this affordable little bag can add some serious insurance to your electronics.
Since I nearly always have my camera on me, even near water, I always carry it in this as a precaution.
Yomeie Electronic Sweater Depiller
This might not be the first thing on your travel essentials Amazon list, but once you have it – you’ll never go without it again. While it’s probably the least practical item on this list, for winter travel and cozy sweater weather, it’s absolutely worth it.
In colder weather my main layers are typically all wool: merino wool base layer, wool/cashmere mid-layer, then 1-2 of my nicer, versatile wool sweaters. But, as anyone knows who also loves wool, it can pill pretty regularly with consistent use. If you’re only traveling with a couple of key, quality pieces of clothing, having them look their best is worth the little bit of extra effort.
This electronic sweater depiller is lightweight, easy to pack, and oddly fun to use (don’t judge me, okay – just wait until you try it). Also, for less than $10 it’s worth at least trying it out and if you don’t use it as often as you thought, no harm done. You’ll return to it sooner or later though, trust me.
General Medi Travel First Aid Kit
This is one of those Amazon travel essentials you hope you won’t need, but will absolutely be glad you packed if the moment ever comes. We keep this first aid kit tucked into our main bag or car setup at all times. It’s compact, lightweight, and stocked with just enough practical supplies to handle minor scrapes, headaches, allergies, or travel-related discomforts.
If you’re looking for tested travel gear that covers your bases, this is one of those ‘smart travel gear 2025’ items that’s easy to overlook – but genuinely useful. It’s also a perfect addition to your wellness kit, especially if you’re heading off-grid.
You can read more about our wellness tips in our blog Our Wellness Kit for Long-Term Travel.
VYLEE Universal Power Adapter
If you’re heading overseas, a reliable universal adapter is hands down one of the best travel accessories on Amazon. This little powerhouse works in over 150 countries and includes multiple USB ports, meaning you can charge your phone, laptop, and power bank at the same time no matter where you are.
We’ve used this in multiple countries without a single issue. It’s one of those carry-on essentials Amazon shoppers love for a reason.
Miady Portable Power Bank
There are a million power banks out there, but this two-pack from Miady is the one we actually travel with. They’re slim, affordable, and hold enough juice to recharge your phone 1–2 times—ideal for long flights, road trips, or navigating new cities when you don’t want to be tethered to a wall.
These are definitely must-have travel items Amazon gets right. Keep one in your daypack and stash the other in your carry-on just in case.
This is one of my most important items I carry in My Go-To Carry-On Kit for Overseas Flights.
Energizer LED Headlamp
Of all the practical travel gear we bring, this little headlamp might be the most underrated. It’s not likely to be one you use every day, nor is it just for camping trips – though it’s fantastic for those too.You can use this for sunrise (or sunset) hikes, navigating pitch-black streets in remote villages, when the power goes out, finding things in deep backpacks at night, and even reading in a dark hostel room without waking anyone. It frees up your hands, lasts forever on a single set of batteries, and takes up practically no space in your bag.
I especially love a headlamp like this for early travel mornings when I’m digging through bags before the sun’s up, or when I need to walk to a shared bathroom in the dark. It’s way more functional than using your phone flashlight, and the beam is impressively strong. It’s the kind of tested travel gear you forget about until the moment you need it, then wonder how you traveled without it.
It’s a great item for international travel gear kits, one of the best gifts for travelers, or even if you don’t think of yourself as an outdoorsy traveler.
MERIWOOL Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
If you’re traveling through changing climates or just want a piece of lightweight travel gear that earns its keep, this neck gaiter is an MVP. A good neck gaiter is one of the most versatile items to travel with – it can be a scarf, a face covering, a headband, or an eye mask on flights. Since it’s made from soft, insulating merino wool, it packs small and works in every season.
I wear this almost daily in colder regions. it’s easily one of my favorite Amazon travel must-haves for layering without bulk.
Curious to know about how we pack for colder climates? Check out our blog What We Packed for 2 Months in Winthrop, WA (Winter) for the full list.
Final Thoughts
This list has evolved from years of trial and error with affordable travel gear from Amazon, with our personal focus on minimalist travel gear that keeps things simple, light, and functional.
While there’s no “perfect” list of travel gear that works for everyone, these are the Amazon travel gear items we actually use – and keep repurchasing, time and time again. If you’re trying to curate your own setup of minimalist travel gear or streamline your next long trip, I hope this list helps you zero in on the practical travel gear that will make the biggest difference.
Let us know if there are other products you’d love reviewed, or what your must-haves are for international travel in 2025. We’re always experimenting and refining our kit.
