My Travel Gear (Updated 2026)

What is my travel gear and other essentials right now - and what has changed since 2018?

Instead of updating my old travel gear blog post from 2018, I decided to create a new one since most of my gear has been updated since. But I will keep the old one online as it’s fun to see how my behavior has changed and which products are proven to work.

Every product shown below is essential to my travels in one way or another. I can still wholeheartedly recommend every one of them.

Last updates:

• August 1st, 2022 - Fresh start

Disclaimer: I am not sponsored or paid by any of the brands mentioned below. I have bought everything with my own money.

Which 2018 travel gear I am still using?

If we talk about the exact same products, there are four of them - Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens, Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones, Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro 2TB, and Joby GorillaPod.

But if we also take into consideration the newer versions of the 2018 products, I should add Olympus/OM-D cameras, Google Pixel phones, Aer bags, Kindle e-readers, and Fitbit watches to the list.

Note, all new product photos in this post have been taken with my Google Pixel 5 mobile phone, without any external lens.

Which 2018 travel gear or brands I have stopped using?

The list of products I have abandoned is much shorter. I have replaced my Samyang wide-angle lens with an Olympus alternative, I stopped using Moment mobile phone lenses (as Google Pixel 5 camera is more than good enough), I replaced my GoPro products with a DJI action camera, and lastly - I am going to replace my iPad with an Android alternative soon.

Photos and videos

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III

This mirrorless Micro Four Thirds (MFT) digital camera is my primary device for photography. It’s small, and light (an important factor for travelers), weather-proof (suitable for outdoor enthusiasts) and on top of that the image quality is excellent. On many photography blogs, Olympus OM-D E-M5 II has been ranked as one of the best travel and street photography cameras available.

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens

This lens has 12-40 mm focal range with the constant f/2.8 aperture. So it should work relatively well in low-light situations. It’s also dust-, splash- and freeze-proof, suitable for all kinds of conditions - like my camera.

Google Pixel 5

I still think that Google makes the best smartphones in the world. For me the main reason to choose the Google phone is the excellent camera, but also on other aspects the phone is top notch. I have decided to update my Pixel 5 to Google Pixel 7, as soon it will be released in late 2022.

There are also few other good Android options which I could consider - for example Sony Xperia 1 IV or upcoming Oneplus 11 Pro.

DJI Osmo Action

The newer model, GoPro Session, is my main action camera. It’s super-small, lightweight and easy to use - even in extreme conditions. My old workhorse, GoPro Hero 2, is mostly used as a secondary camera on backcountry snowboarding trips.

Joby GorillaPod

This extremely lightweight and flexible tripod has been really helpful in situations where extra stability has been needed.

Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro 2TB

Wireless storage for your photos and videos. WD My Passport also has an SD card reader, so backing up your digital camera photos is possible whenever needed.

Entertainment

Apple iPad Pro 11” (1st gen)

I upgraded my iPad Air to iPad Pro in late 2019, but since iOS is not my favorite ecosystem, I’m currently looking for a new Android alternative. Upcoming Google Pixel tablet is one option and would fit into my device portfolio quite nicely.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2022)

I am still using the Kinde, although the new 2022 variant of the device. Hardcore readers’ choice. Usually, I prefer to have a separate device for books, because of the e-Ink screen and super long lasting battery. Only if I need to travel with absolutely minimal gear, Kindle stays home, and I use iPad’s Kindle app instead.

Bose QuietComfort 25 headphones

Although most airlines provide a noise canceling headphones while flying in business class, I’ve found the quality of the most of them really bad (for example on British Airways). American Airlines is using Bose headphones on their long-distance flights and Finnair as well, but only on some of their aircraft.

Since the Bose headphones box takes some amount of space from my travel bag, I have considered replacing them with Google Pixel Buds Pro in-ear headphones.

Other travel essentials

AER Travel Pack II

As I anticipated in 2018, I ended up buying another Aer pack for my travels. I have been considering an upgrade to the 33-liter AER Travel Pack model.

Fitbit Sense

You might need to walk a mile or more to get to the gate (or first class lounge). Fitbit Sense helps you to track your daily steps - and it can be used as a watch also.

Cards

There have been some changes in my card inventory as well. During the pandemic I decided to cancel my American Express Platinum and have just recently re-activated a Gold version of the same card. I still have the FoundersCard, but unfortunately I don’t see much use for it at the moment - so I’m going to cancel the card in 2023.

American Express Platinum

An essential tool for all travelers. Among the perks of this credit card are unlimited Priority Pass, extensive travel insurance and an automatic mid-tier status on for example Hilton Honors and Marriott Rewards.

FoundersCard

Another travel card option, almost a must if you are a US-based traveling entrepreneur. Read our FoundersCard review for detailed information.

Your travel gear?

What are your most trusted travel essentials on your international trips - please let me know on comments below.