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Travel Gear I Use & Recommend

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Check Out the Travel Gear I Use

As a full-time digital nomad with no base, I travel with carry-on luggage only and have lived (and run my business) in over 65 countries on 6 continents since 2013. I travel through all different climates, immerse myself in all different cultures, and I have tested out a ton of travel gear over the past decade so that I can travel on live that carry-on life without sacrificing fashion and style. These are my TOP recommendations for the apparel, accessories, and electronics that I’m currently using. I have written a personal review for each item, so just click through each carousel to see each piece and read why I’ve chosen it.

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Luggage

Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Carry On Spinner

I travel the world full time with carry-on luggage only, and this is now the only suitcase I will use. It is made out of Ballistic Nylon, has Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Handles, Hybrid Fiberglass Frame, and a Lifetime Warranty! It's rugged and durable, and if it ever has a problem….I just bring it in and they fix it for free. It’s one of the best travel investments I have made. And the laptop backpack slides right over the handle so I can easily roll it around the airport.

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Briggs and Riley
Baseline Traveler Backpack

This Briggs and Riley Traveler Backpack slides right over the handle of my Briggs and Riley Baseline Essential Carry On Spinner suitcase, so I can easily roll them both around. On the plane, the suitcase goes in the overhead bin and this laptop backpack fits neatly under the seat, so I never check luggage. And, of course, this backpack also has a Lifetime Warranty from Briggs and Riley!

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Peak Design Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are really functional, both for compressing your clothes in the suitcase, and to use as makeshift drawers once you take them out of your suitcase. But Peak Design is unique in terms of how incredibly stylish they look and feel!

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Bee Green Reusable
Shopping Bags

These are reusable, washable, ultra-lightweight shopping bags that fold up super tiny and easily fit in my pocket, but they can hold 50 pounds of stuff (the equivalent of at least 2 standard grocery bags full of items)! I never have to use plastic grocery bags from the store, so it’s environmentally sound, but I also never have to worry about grocery bags breaking as these are made of ripstop polyester cloth and are super sturdy.

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Laundry Bag

You need a laundry bag, of course, so get one that is ultralight, folds up super small, takes up almost no space, but has a cool design when you open it up!

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Dry Bag

I often use a drybag as my day-pack for carrying my laptop and headphones to and from the workspace or coffeeshop, especially if I’m in a rainy season somewhere. It also comes in super hand for boat trips and water adventures. Plus, it compresses entirely flat and takes up almost no space in my luggage.

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Apparel - Tops

Libertad Button Down Shirt

This is my favorite dress shirt of all time, a core staple of my travel wardrobe. The shirts are 100% Merino wool, naturally anti-microbial, temperature regulating and super stylish. They feel amazing and look really nice. I have them in multiple colors and wear them all the time.

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Merino Wool T-Shirts

These are the core base of my wardrobe, I pack at least 4 Merino Wool T-shirts. They’re super soft, odor-resistant and temperature regulating.

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Merino Wool Polo Shirts

Merino wool polo-shirts are an essential part of my wardrobe, I travel with at least two and wear them all the time.

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Merino Wool Long Sleeve Base/Mid Layer

Layering and versatility are key, so I always pack a long sleeve base/mid layer shirt that looks great on its own, for either a casual day or an evening out, but that I can also use for layering in cold weather. The merino wool is temperature regulating, which keeps you warmer when it is cold outside and cooler when it is warm outside.

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Aviator Redeye
Merino Wool Hoodie

Merino wool polo-shirts are an essential part of my wardrobe, I travel with at least two and wear them all the time.

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Marmot GoreTex
Outer Shell

This goretex waterproof, windproof outer shell is an essential piece of my wardrobe. It has a top-of-the-line three-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric for exceptional waterproofing and breathability, a lightweight feel, and bombproof durability. I wear it as the outer layer for skiing and other winter sports, but I also wear it on its own anytime it is raining outside.

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Mountain Hardware Compressible Down Jacket

This is an 800 fill goose-down jacket so it’s warm, but it’s also very stylish at the same time. Best of all, it’s ultralight (8.3 oz) and it compresses down into its own pocket, so I can either pack in my suitcase, carabine it on the outside of my backpack, or use it as a pillow on the plane.

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Accessories

Wacaco Picopresso
Travel Espresso Maker

This is the highest quality, most professional travel espresso maker on the market. I use it multiple times a day, all over the world. It does not require electricity and uses a handpump technology to create16 bars of pressure for real espresso with premium crema. You can use freshly ground espresso beans and make espresso anywhere you can get boiling water (at a campfire, on an airplane, in a hotel room, etc). I never travel without it.

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Thin Optics Reading Glasses
(and Sunglasses)

These reading glasses have been a game changer for me. They are stylish but also ultra-thin and they fit into a completely flat case that is 4mm thick (about the width of two credit cards)! They come in a number of different styles (one even fits into a keychain case!), and they offer Sunglasses as well!

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Rayban Chromance Sunglasses

I have found these to the perfect sunglasses because of their versatility–they go great with a suit and also with swim trunks when playing beach volleyball. Crucially important, these special polarized lenses calibrate the light to make the color spectrum brighter and clearer and really enhance the vision, plus the UV protection is top notch.

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Hugo Boss Belt

This belt is incredibly stylish, durable and very high quality. It goes great with a suit, but also looks appropriate and fashionable with jeans or khakis, or even shorts! I’ve worn it almost every day for years.

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Merino Wool Glove Liners

These are super thin and lightweight, but they are merino wool so they keep my hands warm. I permanently store them in the pocket of my compressible jacket so they take up no additional space. They work perfectly as gloves in moderately cold climates. If I’m in an extremely cold climate (like when I ski all day, or when I hiked to the glacial summit of Mount Kilimanjaro), I just rent a larger pair of ultra-warm gloves to wear over them.

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Merino Wool Beanie

This beanie is super thin and lightweight, but it’s merino wool so it keeps my head warm. I permanently store it in the pocket of my compressible jacket so it takes up no additional space. It works perfectly as a winter hat in moderately cold climates. If I’m in an extremely cold climate (like when I ski all day, or when I hiked to the glacial summit of Mount Kilimanjaro), I just rent a thicker ultra-warm hat to wear over the top of this beanie and use two layers.

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Vinturi Wine Aerator

I love trying different wines as I travel the world. This aerator enhances the flavor, bouquet and finish of any wine. It weighs less than ½ a pound and you it allows you to achieve the effect of extended decanting in about 10 seconds.

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Quip Electric Toothbrush

Most electric toothbrush are super big and bulky, especially when you put them in their case, but Quip has produced an ultra-slim and stylish electric toothbrush for travel.

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Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet

This wallet is just gangster. It looks and feels incredible to hold (entirely distinct from the cheaper knock offs). It is ultra slim, holds up to 12 credit cards, and is made from military-grade carbonfiber with RFID blocking technology. I also use an add-on that allows you to install an apple airtag so you can track it if it ever gets stolen.

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Platypus Clear Flat Water Bottle

This is an incredibly durable water bottle, I use it everyday. It stands up on it’s own when there is water in it, but it compresses entirely flat when empty and takes up almost no space in my luggage.

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Platypus Collapsible
Blue Water Bottle

This is the perfect bottle for making any kind of drink or shake that need to have the amount of liquid measured, as it has the ounces demarcated on the bottle. But when it’s empty, the bottle folds up into the top part and takes up very little space when you pack it.

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Waterproof Pill Bottles

I use these waterproof, air tight, ultralight pill bottles that are made out of military-grade, indestructible aluminum alloy. These not only protect your pills better than the plastic prescription bottles, but they also protect your privacy when people are searching your bags at airports.

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Apparel - Bottoms

Aviator Travel Jeans/Pants

These are the best travel pants I’ve ever worn. They are incredibly stylish and comfortable, plus they are specifically designed for travel safety and actually have 3 hidden zipper pockets so I can protect my wallet from pickpockets (or simply avoid losing my keys.

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Merino Wool Boxers

These are the ultimate merino wool travel boxers. Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, comfortable, biodegradable, and temperature regulating. I have 6 pairs and they are the only underwear I will ever use.

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Merino Wool Winter Leggings

These are super warm, comfortable Merino Wool leggings for ski trips and other winter fun when it’s super cold outside. I also used these to hike Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Aviator Non Stop Travel Shorts

These shorts are absolutely next level. I literally use them as dress shorts, casual shorts, hiking shorts AND swim trunks. The versatility is insane and these are really the only pair of shorts I need! Plus they are quick-drying and have two hidden zipper pockets for valuables.

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Western Rise Khaki
"Evolution" Pants

I always like to have a versatile pair of khaki pants with me that I can use for both hiking and a dressy dinner. The Evolution pants are ultra-lightweight. They are highly breathable and perfect for wearing in warm climates, especially where it is not culturally appropriate to wear shorts. Plus, they are water and stain-resistant, and they come in many colors!

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Nike Running Shorts

These are super lightweight, compressible, quick-drying running shorts. I try to jog about 5 times a week, and these shorts have been fantastic.

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Electronics

AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

I use the AirFly Pro everytime I watch movies on the plane because it allows me to wirelessly transmit the audio from the in-flight entertainment (that often has a single 3.5 audio jack) into my wireless headphones. So, I can watch movies during the flight using my Bose Noise Cancelling headphones, so the audio quality is pristine, and I never have to worry about cords.

AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter/ Receiver for up to 2 AirPods /Wireless Headphones; Use with any 3.5 mm Jack on Airplanes

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Zendure Universal
Travel Adaptor

This is the ultimate all-in-one world-wide travel adaptor. It works in over 190 countries and can fast-charge 6 of your devices at the same time (using AC, USB-C, and/or USB-A). It even has a patented auto-resetting fuse. This is more expensive than other travel adaptors for a reason, and it’s worth every penny.

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iPhone Case

My phone serves so many functions when I travel (it’s my camera, my map, my translator, and the list goes on) so it’s imperative to protect it with a really great case. This is the one I use!

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Zagg Screen Protector
for iPhone

Before I got this screen protector, I dropped my phone and shattered the screen on numerous occasions, which is a massive challenge to deal with in a foreign country. I still drop my phone all the time but, since I started using this screen protector, my screen hasn’t been damaged once.

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JBL Flip Waterproof Speaker

Having a great speaker when you travel is fantastic. I can play music loud enough for a house party on this, or stream a movie and have premium quality sound. And, this speaker is 100% waterproof and literally floats in the pool, so you can toss it in the water and take a pool party to the next level!

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Apple Air Tags

Apple air tags allow you to track and find your items! I bought a four-pack and put one in my suitcase, one in my laptop backpack, one in my Ridge wallet, and one on my keychain. That way, if anything gets lost or stolen, I can track it through my phone and find it immediately.

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Laptop Cover

You definitely need a laptop cover to protect your computer, so you might as well get one with a cool image on it!

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Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

I’ve been using Bose Noise Cancelling headphones for over 15 years, continually buying the latest version, and I have still not found anything better on the market. This is a core staple of my travel gear. I use them on the plane, in the workspace, at the coffee shop. They’re an absolute nomad-essential.

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Lume Cube Broadcast
Lighting Kit

When I am conducting video calls, hosting webinars, or doing virtual podcast interviews, I always want to have professional studio lighting, so I travel with the Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit (2 Pack). This provides two very portable video conference lights with collapsible tripods and adjustable brightness and color. They easily fit in my laptop backpack and make me look great on video!.

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Rechargeable Batteries

I have been using one set of 4 rechargeable batteries for years. It’s environmentally sound, but also saves me tons of money buying new batteries all the time!

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Avantree Reusable
Velcro Cord Ties

Whether for my laptop cords, chargers, headphones or other cables, these reusable velcro cord ties come in a variety of sizes and colors, so I can keep all my cords neat and organized. They are durable, and designed to last through many uses.

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Footwear

Merino Wool
Running Socks

I try to run at least 5 days a week, so I carry 3 pairs of merino wool running socks. Remarkably, when you let them all dry after a jog, the Merino wool is anti-microbial and does not retain odor so you can re-use them multiple times between washes if you choose!

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Merino Wool
Dress Socks

I wear these as my dress socks, and they are made out of 100% merino wool, so they are extremely comfortable, plus they are anti-microbial and do not retain odor, so you can re-use them multiple times between washes if you choose!

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Merino Wool
Thermal Socks

I carry one pair of merino wool thermal socks with me that I wear in very cold climates, such as when I go skiing or when I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Keen Sandals

I always bring a pair of super comfortable, waterproof sandals with me, and my favorite brand is Keen. I wear these to the beach, and around town, and they are just super durable, versatile and comfy.

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Some of My Favorite Travel Brands

Anatomie travel brand logo
Aviator travel brand logo
Libertad travel brand logo
Western Rise travel brand logo

Women's Travel Gear

Merino Wool for Women:

No matter what gender you are, I suggest all travel wardrobes start with merino wool. It is super soft, temperature regulating, bio-degradable, anti-microbial, and does not retain odor—thus producing the ultimate travel gear! Merino wool is the base of my travel wardrobe, and is available for women as well…

T-Shirts

For women’s merino wool t-shirts and women’s merino wool hoodies, I recommend Aviator.

Pants

For women’s super-comfortable travel jeans/pants with anti-theft pockets, I recommend Aviator.

Socks

For women’s merino wool running socks and women’s merino wool all around socks as well as women’s merino wool thermal socks, I recommend Icebreaker.

Base Layers

For women’s long sleeve merino wool base layers as well women’s merino wool leggings, I recommend Icebreaker.

Jackets

For a highly compressible women’s down jacket, I recommend the Ghost Whisperer by Mountain Hardware. And for a women’s waterproof GoreTex outer shell that doubles as a lightweight rain coat, I recommend Marmot.

Intimate Apparel

I also suggest you check out icebreaker for women’s merino wool sports bras and women’s merino wool underwear which also comes in merino wool boyshorts or merino wool bikini style as well. I also suggest checking out women’s merino wool underwear by Smartwool to see what style/fit is best for you.

Accessories

The Merino wool beanie and Merino wool glove liners that I use are by Icebreaker, and they are unisex, so I recommend them for women as well.

The Flex|Bag is the premiere anti-theft fashionable travel pack. I interviewed the Flex|Bag founder/CEO Youmie Jean Francois on The Maverick Show (you can listen here), who is a stylish minimalist world traveler on #TeamCarryOn herself.

Luxury Travel Fashion

I recommend Anatomie for high-end women’s travel fashion. Anatomie started as an all-women’s luxury travel brand, focused on the stylish-minimalist traveler. I’ve interviewed Anatomie CEO Kate Boyer The Maverick Show (listen to her interview here), who is a stylsh minimalist world traveler on #TeamCarryOn herself. You can check out Anatomie women’s travel apparel here.

Anatomie travel brand logo

Shop Some of My
Favorite Travel
Brands for Women

Aviator travel brand logo
  • Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click through any links and make a purchase, you should assume that Maverick will receive financial compensation (at no additional cost to you). We greatly appreciate you using our affiliate links because it helps to support the show and cover production costs of the podcast.

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In-depth conversations with today’s most interesting world travelers, location-independent entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.  Matt Bowles travels the world full time to find the most fascinating people on the planet, draw out stories of their most epic adventures, and unpack the skills, tactics, and strategies they use to build their remote businesses and design their lifestyles.  Ranked the #1 Digital Nomad Podcast by Web Work Travel and the Top 1% of all podcasts by Listen Notes, each episode pulls out actionable tips and advice you can implement in your own life each week.  You’ll meet diverse travelers from every continent who share their personal journey to location-independence as well as their reflections on identity, the power dynamics that shape our world, and how we can be more thoughtful, conscious travelers as we move through it. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PODCAST AND THE HOST.

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