Packing list

Travel Packing List:
The Travel Gadgets I Actually Use

A practical travel packing list based on the gear I used while visiting every country in the world. These are the bags, towels, electronics, health items, mosquito protection, and travel essentials I actually trust on the road.

By Luca Pferdmenges Updated July 2026 Work in progress

Everything on the road feels easier when the backpack is packed properly. Here I am in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Quick Note

Every destination requires slightly different travel gear. However, unless you go into the extremes, the items below worked well for essentially every country for me. I've crossed deserts, climbed volcanoes, explored megacities and national parks, went from +30°C to -30°C in 7 days, all with my backpack.

🎒 Absolute Must-Haves

*Travel adapter: a universal plug to help connect to power in different countries.
*Travel bumbag pouch for valuables, phone, passport, and cash. I have never travelled without one since Brazil, country no. 45.
*40L travel backpack I use: the main bag size I like for travelling light, hand luggage carry-on friendly
*Travel microfiber towel: a small towel that dries faster than a normal one.
*Mini foldable travel backpack for day trips: a small extra bag for walks, beaches, markets, and short hikes.
*Power bank: backup battery for your phone and small electronics.

🦟 Mosquito Protection

For malaria-endemic countries, please use DEET sprays. They are pricier, but not getting malaria is more important than saving a few dollars.

*100ml DEET spray for hand luggage: mosquito spray in a cabin-luggage-friendly size.
*Bigger than 100ml DEET spray: bigger mosquito spray for longer trips. Check-in luggage only.
*Mosquito net: In Malaria countries, NEVER sleep without one. Even if it means using yours AND the hotel one.
*Mosquito head net: useful in areas with intense mosquitoes or other biting insects.
*Mosquito wristband: not sure if it actually works, but I always used it.
*Mosquito electric plug: a plug-in repellent for hotel rooms and guesthouses.

✅ Nice to Have

*Packing compression cubes: simple organizers to separate clothes and save space.

📱 Digital Things You Need While Travelling

Travel health insurance: basic protection in case you get sick, injured, or need medical help abroad. I usually compare *SafetyWing for longer trips and *Heymondo for fixed-date trips.
*Travel eSIMs for internet: use code 195BLOG for 20% off any 195sim eSIM.
*NordVPN: useful for internet-restricted countries, blocked websites, public WiFi, and keeping access to your usual apps while travelling.

🎥 Filming Content

*Insta360 X5 camera: a 360 camera for travel videos and action shots.
*Underwater videos filming starter set: basic gear for filming in water.
*Action camera: a small camera for active travel days, sport, water, and movement.
*Tripod: useful for filming yourself, timelapses, and stable shots.
*MacBook Air: lightweight laptop for editing, writing, and working while travelling.

🧬 Health and Wellbeing

*Blueprint supplements I use: supplements I use for my own health routine.
*WHOOP wearable for tracking sleep, recovery, and strain: try 1 month for free with my referral link.