Travel Equipment

A list of things I endorse from personal experiences from use on my own travels

Packing Smart: The Key to Hassle-Free Travel

When traveling the world, the last thing you want is to be unprepared—a small oversight can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a stressful experience. But on the flip side, over-preparation can be just as inconvenient. Dragging around heavy luggage filled with unnecessary items will only slow you down and make your trip feel like a chore.

The best way to travel? Pack light and smart. Bring only the essentials, leaving enough space for souvenirs, snacks, and memories you’ll want to bring back home. Minimalist packing makes your journey more enjoyable, flexible, and stress-free.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-have travel equipment and gear that I personally recommend—items that have proven their worth through my own travels.

First off, kudos to you for taking the initiative to prepare for a smooth and enjoyable journey! Whether you're a first-time traveler or an experienced adventurer, I hope this list introduces you to new, useful travel gear that enhances your next trip. Let’s dive in!

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What we'll be going over

  1. Backpack
  2. Camera
  3. Small backpack or crossbody bag
  4. Wallet
  5. Micro SD
  6. Locks
  7. Earbuds
  8. Portable battery
  9. Toiletries / Laundry Bag
  10. Insoles
  11. Earplugs
  12. VPN

How to roll a t shirt for packing - travel compact

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

Backpack — Your Mobile Closet

Why it matters

Your main pack is home, closet, and safe all in one. Choose a frame that hugs your torso, opens like a suitcase (front‑loading), and holds 40–50 L—big enough for a month, small enough to stay carry‑on.

What to look for:

1. Padded hip belt & ventilated back panel
2. Lockable zippers
3. Waterproof cover or built‑in rain shell
4. Internal laptop sleeve

Recommended Choice: Osprey Farpoint

Light (1.6 kg), lifetime warranty, and flight‑friendly dimensions.A reliable backpack serves as both your wardrobe and secure storage during travels. Opting for a high-quality backpack ensures durability and comfort.

Japan’s major carriers—JAL, ANA, and Jetstar—cap cabin bags at 10 kg, so weigh your packed Farpoint at home to avoid last‑minute luggage Tetris at the check‑in desk.

Camera — Capture More Than Memories

Smartphones crush daylight shots, but a dedicated camera wins on low‑light, zoom, and creative control.

Decision flow:

- Want big bokeh & night power?
Nikon Z6 III). Nikon Z6 III
- Need vlog footage & POV? →
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 DJI Osmo Pocket 3

While smartphones offer convenience, upgrading to a dedicated camera enhances photo quality, especially for those passionate about photography. Mirrorless cameras, such as those from Nikon or Sony, provide superior image stabilization, rapid shooting speeds, and accurate previews on their LCD screens. Their lightweight and compact design make them ideal for travelers. For action shots or vlogs the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is an excellent companion.


Because a full‑frame sensor gathers four‑to‑six times more light than a phone, Shinjuku’s neon signs stay vibrant—not grainy—when you shoot handheld at night, proving why mirrorless still matters

Night‑shoot hack: open aperture to f/2 or lower, use a mini tripod, set 2‑sec timer—sharp long‑exposures without camera shake.

A Daypack or Crossbody Bag — Hands‑Free Exploring

Carrying a smaller bag for daily excursions is practical foressentials like water bottles, maps, and personal items. A compact backpack orcrossbody bag offers convenience and security, keeping valuables within easyreach while exploring.

Must Haves:
- Lockable zippers
- Hidden back panel pocket
- Water-resistant fabric

Recommended Choice: Chrome Industries Kadet Sling Messenger Bag

The Chrome Kadet Sling Messenger Bag is my go-to because it  it guards your gear with cut‑resistant sailcloth, keeps essentials a single zip away in its quick‑access front pocket, and cinches tight with that trademark seat‑belt buckle so it never slips while you’re weaving through crowded streets or hopping on trains.

Secure Wallet — Peace of Mind in Your Pocket

A travel-specific wallet helps organize passports, credit cards, and cash efficiently. Consider options with RFID protection to safeguard against electronic theft and a chain to attach securely to your trousers to protect against pick-pocketing.

Recommended Choice: Pacsafe Wallet

The Pacsafe Wallet offers offers RFID blocking, a full‑length zip that traps loose coins, a SIM‑card slot, and a micro‑chain you can clip inside a front pocket for pick‑pocket‑proof security.

Keep a spare ¥10 000 note inside; Japan is infamous for being a cash society, having a coin purse is highly recommended for this reason.

High‑Capacity Micro SD Cards

Recommended Choice: SanDisk Ultra Micro SDXC

Ample storage is crucial for capturing memories. High-capacity and reliable micro SD cards ensure you have sufficient space for photos, videos, and important documents. It's advisable to carry multiple cards to mitigate the risk of data loss.

Ensure the card shows both U3 and V30 logos; they guarantee sustained 30 MB/s writes for buttery‑smooth 4K/120 fps footage while you snorkel Okinawa’s reefs

Travel Locks

Recommended Choice: TSA Approved Safety Luggage Locks

Securing your luggage with TSA-approved locks provides peace of mind. These locks allow security personnel to inspect your bags without causing damage, ensuring your belongings remain protected throughout your journey.

Earbuds

Recommended Choice: SHOKZ OpenDots ONE

Investing in comfortable, high-quality earbuds enhances your travel experience, whether for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Noise-canceling features can be particularly beneficial during flights or in noisy environments.

Portable Charger

Airlines cap batteries at 100 Wh (~27 000 mAh), so a 20 000 mAh / 65 W bank is the sweet spot

Recommended Choice: ANKER Power Bank

A reliable portable charger is essential for keeping devices powered,especially during long travel days or in areas with limited access to outlets.Opt for a high-capacity power bank to ensure multiple charges for your devices.

Doing the math: 20 000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1 000 = 74 Wh—well under the 100 Wh airline limit yet still enough to revive a MacBook Air and two phones

Toiletries / Laundry Bag

Recommended Choice: Laundry Bag
Toiletry Bag

Bathroom Necessities:
​- Toothbrush​
- Shaving Razor (if you're not taking checked baggage do not bring shaving cream, just get some at your destination).
​- Small exfoliating loofahs, hotels don't offer this. They're inexpensive and clean a lot better than a towel. Before, I usually had to improvise by using those small towels they provide you. 
​- TSA approved Containers for any bodywashes or shampoos you like from home.
​- Nail clippers cause obviously your nails will continue to grow as you travel.
- To keep dirty clothes separate, a laundry bag is a great addition to your traveling needs.

Can’t forget about the bathroom necessities, which is widely different and is up to you what you choose to bring.You just have to ensure that they are qualified to be brought through the checkpoint should you choose only to bring a carry-on, as for check baggage you should be able to bring whatever size you want but honestly there’s seldom a need for you to bring a full bottle of Head n’ Shoulders with you on your trip.If you are going with only carry-on ensure to secure each bottle of your bathroom wash in a small bag to preventany spillage in your carry-on during the trip.

Insoles

Recommended Choice: Superfeet

Long days of walking and exploration can take a toll on your feet. High-quality insoles provide additional support and comfort, reducing fatigue and enhancing your overall travel experience.

Earplugs

Recommended Choice: Ear Planes

A good night's rest is crucial during travel. Earplugs help block out unfamiliar or disruptive noises, ensuring you can sleep soundly in various environments, from airplanes to bustling city accommodations.

Our recommended choice the Ear Planes equalize pressure on take-off and landing.

VPN Service

Public Wi-Fi can expose logins and payment data. Protecting your digital information is paramount when using public Wi-Fi networks. A reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) service encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding personal data and allowing access to content as if you were in your home country.

Recommended: NordVPN

NordVPN offers:

1. Independently audited no-log policy
2. RAM-only servers (data gone on reboot)
3. MeshNet lets you reach your home PC securely for file grabs
4. Connection to most countries in the world

NordVPN also unlocks region‑blocked gems like Netflix Japan’s anime vault, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN+, so a rainy evening in Hakone never feels wasted.

See our other Guides!

Combating Aerosinusitis

Stop airplane ear (aerosinusitis) with simple pre-flight prep and gentle equalization—swallow/yawn, light Valsalva, and smart timing on descent.

Flight Tips

Fly smarter with seat selection, legroom hacks, turbulence-quiet zones, layover strategies, and comfort tips for ears, sleep, food, and what to wear.

Getting the Cheapest Flights

Slash your airfare with a clear playbook—use Skyscanner and Google Flights like a pro, compare third-party deals wisely, and track prices to buy at the right time.

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Visas

Understand Japan’s visa options—tourist, transit, work, student, highly skilled, cultural, and more—with what documents you need, when a Certificate of Eligibility applies, and how to apply at an embassy.

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Safety

Stay safe  with practical tips on emergencies, disaster readiness, health, transport, nightlife, and avoiding common scams—plus key numbers and how to get help in English.

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Travel Checklist

Pack and prep faster with our traveler’s checklist—passports and visas, money/cards, meds, tech, insurance, and Japan-specific essentials.

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Travel Equipment

Pack smarter with our travel gear essentials—carry-on backpack, daypack/crossbody, secure wallet, locks, earbuds, 20,000 mAh charger, camera + microSD, toiletries kit, insoles, earplugs, and a VPN for safer Wi-Fi.

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Getting the Cheapest Hotels

Save on stays across Japan with smart booking strategies—compare platforms, book early (or pounce on last-minute deals), and pick budget options like hostels, capsule and business hotels, ryokan, or vacation rentals.

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