My favorite. A great option for all-day hikes. It offers excellent back support and works well within the 25L size limit for Machu Picchu. It’s a bit small for full treks where you need to carry extra layers, but ideal for longer day hikes and active travel.. ​​

​A great daypack for travel and light day hikes. I love the size and feel of this pack and took it to Tanzania. It has only a thin hip belt, so I wouldn’t choose it for longer or more strenuous hikes.

An ultra-lightweight, packable daypack that folds down easily into your luggage. It has minimal support, so it’s not ideal for longer hikes like those in Peru or Morocco, but it’s a great option for short, easy hikes or travel days when you want something small that doesn’t take up space. Also available in an 18L size.

This is my favorite travel bag for toiletries and more.

Going above and beyond the average toiletry kit, the large REI Co-op large travel kit has an adjustable volume and a carry strap to attach around a shower rod, car's side mirror or even a tree branch.

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Garmin 010-02863-20 Forerunner 165 Smart Sport Watch,
A lightweight wearable with reliable GPS and heart-rate tracking — one of my go-to pieces of gear for hiking and training. I especially like that I can see how much altitude I have gained on a hike, and how much more to go. Good battery life and good price point. 

THE NORTH FACE Horizon Breeze Brimmer Hat

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This one is light weight, easy to pack, breathable and looks great. Comes in many colors. 

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VEGER Portable Charger with Built-in AC Plug and Cables, Weighs 8 ounces and have 10,000 mAh. This is very light weigth for the amount of energy it holds.

All in One 10000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank Travel Essentials, 15W Fast Charging Battery Pack Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, Android​

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This was great! Lighter than most and love the plugs.

This lightweight, compact Tessan travel adapter works in over 150 countries and covers plug types A, C, G, and I. It includes USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge multiple devices at once — perfect for travel days, hotels, and lodges.

I love this one. Lighter than most. ​

Note: This is not a voltage converter. Most phones, tablets, and laptops are dual voltage and only need an adapter. Hair dryers usually require special consideration — check before using.

Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x42 Binoculars - HD Optical System, Non-slip Grip, Waterproof, Fogproof, Shockproof, Unconditional Warranty

8 x 42 (broader field of view, lighter) or 10 x 42 (more magnification, better in low light, but more sensitive to hand shake). I tried out both on safari and didn't notice a difference-glad I got the 8 x 42.

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For a slightly better price point, my local contacts also suggested the Nikon PROSTAFF P3 8x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, rubber-armored Full-Size Binocular, wide field of view & long eye relief

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Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

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Comes in many colors. Has safety locks and a "no cut" strap. Great for secure travel. I like the mini cross body, but it comes in many styles. 

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The Sherpani Prima, Small Anti Theft Crossbody Bag is so comfortabel and comes in great styles and colors. The anti-theft features are not as robust and Travelon and Pacasfe-they have straps from the zippers that fold into a little sleeve rather than locks. 

I have a smaller cross body that I use when I am active and not in a main city. 

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Pacsafe  is another travel safety bag recommended by women travelers. It has great safety reviews although may be a bit heavier and slightly wider than the Travelon bag, depending which model. .

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Travelon Anti-Theft The Voyages Waist Pack.

Any waste pack (fanny pack) is great for hands free carrying your essentials. ​

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I brought this on my Tanzania trip and it saved me from inhaling dust and still kept me cool.

Lightweight and breathable, it works as a headband, face cover for dust and sun, or an easy trail-to-town accessory.

The half neck didnt' stay above my nose as easily as the full buff did though. 

CoolNet UV+ Multifunctional Headband. 
A buff is a lifesaver on safari to keep the dust our of your face during game drives.

Stay outside longer with the Buff CoolNet UV+ Multifunctional headband. Made from recycled fabric with moisture-management and sun-protective tech, it lifts sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.

I like the 32 ounce hydroflask if I am not briniging a camel back. There are many sizes, types and colors. this one will not fit in the side pocket of my daypack-I have to keep it inside the pack. You can get a thinner one if you want access from your side pocket of your pack. ​​

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This is the water reservoir that fits nicely with the daypack. Osprey Hydraulics Backpack Water Reservoir with Bite Valve - BPA-Free, Leakproof Hydration Bladder with QuickConnect and Slide-Seal - Compatible with Most Hiking and Biking Packs

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Perfect when you want a light weight water bottle. 

Made from Tritan Renew™ copolyester—using 50% waste plastic (using ISCC certified mass balance)—the 32 fl. oz. Nalgene Sustain wide-mouth water bottle helps you lessen your impact on the environment.

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When I hike with a CamelBak, I always bring a small water reserve. It’s hard to tell how much is left, and carrying an extra two cups gives me peace of mind. This REI bottle holds 2 cups.

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If you like collapsable water bottles, one guest swears by this one. 

TakeToday Collapsible Water Bottles 20oz, Leak Proof, BPA-Free, Foldable Silicone Travel Water Bottle with Straw Strap for Cycling, Hiking, Outdoors

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Amazon Basics 26" Hardside Medium Checked Luggage, Hardshell Suitcase With Wheels, Expandable 
This says 26 inches, but the packing space is 24 inches. This size works well when you want a  checked bag at a reasonable price. It wont' be the most durable, in the long run, but it will do the job well at a reasonable price. ​

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The Base Camp Voyager duffel by Northface is rugged, and durable soft luggage. I love that is has a separate section for shoes. The backpack straps are comfortable, or you can carry it by the handles. 

I got this one for Tanzania as my main luggage that I can carry on the plane and I loved it. If you want to check a bag, it comes in larger sizes.​​​​​

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Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Unisex Adult Sports Bag, 40 L, One Size, Blue. There is one large main compartment.

These bags are rugged and last. They come with straps to wear it like a backpack. They come in many sizes and colors-40L.​

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REI Road Tripper Duggel

This is a very soft duffle and light weight duffel for easy travel. It can serve as a fold up bag as well if you plan on bringing back many gifts. This would not be sturdy enough for the main safari bag. There is a more rugged version called the Big Haul that would work for more rugged travel. 

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18x14x8 Foldable Travel Duffel Bag Tote Carry on Luggage Duffle Overnight
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This is waterproof and very light weight..Packs away for easy transport. 

I have not tried this yet so can't vouch for it personally, but the price is low and the size is right. It's on amazon so returns for any reason are easy. 

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These inexpensive packing cubes are my go-to. I like that I can see what’s in each bag, the colors make organizing easy, and the laundry bag is a great bonus. ​

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These ultralight compression bags by TRIPPED are excellent for saving space. I took them to Nepal and was able to fit everything I needed into a small trekking bag. Even though they come in different sizes, I added a different color tag to each one so I could quickly remember what I’d packed where.

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Cotopaxi is great quality, an ethical company and fun colors. These will probably hold up well, although the price point is higher. 

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Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Inflatable Neck Pillow,
It's a bit pricey, but for internal flights with weight limits or if I am just taking a carry on, this is best I found for comfort and space saving.

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These are my favorite TSA approved luggage locks by Forge. You set the 3 digit code. 

TSA Approved Cable Luggage Locks, Re-settable Combination with Alloy Body, Black 2 Locks​

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This little light weight battery operated luggage scale by Travel Inspira is great if you tend to shop while traveling. I use it to check my bag weight before heading to the airport and move items to my carry-on as needed — it’s saved me from repacking and paying extra baggage fees.

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One guest swore by the Mack's earplugs and she gave me a pair one night. Silicon was definitely different from what I was used to,, but they worked really well and were comfortable. Worth a try if standard don't work for you since they mold to the shape of your ear. 

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Sea To Summit Trek & Travel Pocket Laundry Wash. This compact case holds 50 thin leaves of soap that dissolve in water for washing.

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I love this small, light weight portable pack of laundry sheets to wash clothes in the sink. 

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