Best Solo Travel Gear (2025 Edition)

My recommended travel packing list for solo travelers is broken down into:

1. 1. The Essentials
   2. General Travel Gear
   3. Specialized Travel Gear
   4. Choosing a Travel Backpack

(Click on any of the above to jump to the relevant section)

The Essentials

These are the must-haves — don’t leave home without them.

• Passport (for international travel). Double-check that it’s valid for at least 6 months after your planned return. Research visa requirements early (try Sherpa or your government’s travel site).

• Government-issued ID (e.g. driver’s license). Useful for domestic travel and identity checks. Show this before handing over your passport.

• Copies and digital backups. Print AND store scanned copies of your passport, ID, and any key documents in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox).

• Debit & credit card. Bring at least one of each, ideally with no foreign transaction fees. Inform your bank before traveling to avoid blocks.

• Prescriptions & personal care items. Include medications, menstrual supplies, glasses/contacts, and anything tough to replace abroad. Don’t rely on finding what you need at your destination.

• Cash. Bring around $200 USD equivalent in local currency. ATMs still give the best exchange rate, but carry some bills in case of emergencies.

• Don’t lose your passport. Seriously. That tiny book is your golden ticket.

General Travel Gear

These are items most travelers will want regardless of destination.

• Main travel bag (backpack or suitcase). Durable, comfortable, and easy to carry — more on that below.

• Comfortable walking shoes. Wear-tested and supportive. Add quality insoles like Superfeet or Dr. Scholl’s.

• Quick-dry shorts. Ideal for hot or humid places. Look for hybrids that work as swimwear too (e.g. Myles Everyday Short 2.0).

• Packing cubes. Help keep gear neat and dirty laundry separate. Tripped Travel Gear or Amazon Basics are both solid.

• Unlocked smartphone. Your Swiss Army knife: camera, GPS, translator, and lifeline. Use eSIM apps like Airalo or Holafly to stay connected.

• Digital vaccination/medical records. Some countries still require proof. Keep a PDF copy on your phone.

• Travel insurance. Required by some countries, essential for peace of mind. Look for $100,000+ coverage including emergency evacuation. Try SafetyWing or Faye.

• Universal travel adapter with USB-C ports. Ensure it supports 100V–240V and fast charging.

• E-reader or tablet. For downtime reads. The Kindle Paperwhite remains the best choice — waterproof and glare-free.

• Earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds. For planes, hostels, and loud cities. Try Loop Quiet or Anker Soundcore noise-canceling buds.

• Quick-dry, odor-resistant underwear & socks. Merino wool is king. Look for Darn Tough (socks) and Icebreaker (underwear).

• Something nice to wear. One collared shirt or formal top. Just enough to not look like a backpacker at a dinner invite.

Pro tip: If it’s not essential, don’t pack it. You can almost always buy it locally.

Specialized Travel Gear

Not vital, but really useful depending on where and how you travel.

• Laptop. Digital nomads or remote workers, bring something light. The MacBook Air M2 (or refurb M1) is unbeatable for portability.

• Camera.

  • Most travelers: your smartphone is enough (modern phones shoot amazing 4K and RAW).

  • Hobbyists: Try Fujifilm X-T50 or Nikon Z fc — retro, compact, and great for street photography.

  • Serious trips: Go full-frame mirrorless (e.g. Sony A7 IV, Canon R6 Mark II). Pack a zoom and a fast prime.

• Base layers (tops and bottoms). Especially important in colder regions. Merino wool is breathable, odor-resistant, and durable.

• Travel pants. Choose lightweight, stretchable, quick-dry pants. Avoid jeans – they’re too bulky and slow to dry.

• Flip-flops. For showers, beach, or relaxing. Durable options include Havaianas or Teva Mush II.

• Packable towel. Microfiber or linen towels save space and dry quickly. Try Sea to Summit DryLite.

• Daypack. A small, foldable backpack or sling bag for daily outings. Consider Matador Freefly16 or REI Flash 18.

• Layered cold-weather gear:

  • Base: Merino long sleeve

  • Mid: Fleece or synthetic hoodie

  • Outer: Ultralight down or synthetic jacket (e.g. Montbell, Uniqlo)

• Rain jacket. A lightweight shell will do. Or buy one locally if needed.

• TSA-approved travel locks. Great for hostel lockers or backpack zippers.

• Headlamp. Better than a phone flashlight for camping, hiking, or blackouts. Petzl Tikkina is reliable and compact.

• Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Good for focus or long transit. Sony WH-1000XM5 or Earfun Air Pro 3 for budget pick.

• Conversation starter (icebreaker). Deck of cards, country patch, foldable game — anything to get people talking.

• Reusable liquid containers. GoToob+ or similar travel bottles (3.4 oz max for carry-on). Use for toiletries or sneaky storage.

• Merino buff. A neck gaiter, sweatband, sleep mask, or sun cover all in one. Look for 100% merino options.

Choosing a Travel Backpack

Your backpack is your home on the road, so choose wisely.

Top Picks (2025):

• Osprey Farpoint 40 (Unisex / Men’s fit)

• Osprey Fairview 40 (Women’s fit)

• Decathlon Forclaz 40L – amazing value (just like many other items from Decathlon)

What to Look For:

• Backpack, not a roller or duffel. You need both hands free and the ability to walk comfortably, even on rough terrain.

• Lightweight. Aim for <1kg (2.2 lbs) empty. Heavy packs = sore shoulders.

• Good organization. Multiple compartments, top and side access, and a hidden pocket for your passport and valuables.

• Weather resistance. Water-resistant fabric or a rain cover is a must.

• Carry-on compliant. Target <45L to avoid checking bags (and the headaches that come with it).

• Comfortable fit. Adjustable chest straps, padded waist belt, and ventilated back panel.

• Low-profile look. Avoid tactical or flashy bags. Stick with neutral colors to blend in and stay safe.

🧠 Final thought: You don’t need the “perfect” backpack. You need one that’s good enough, fits you well, and doesn’t slow you down.

Traveling light isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about freedom. Bring only what you need, and remember:

• Prioritize versatility and portability

• Avoid expensive “travel gear” hype — real value lies in the experiences

• Every item should earn its place in your bag by being essential, multi-use, or irreplaceable

Save your money for what matters most: the journey itself.

Happy travels, and see you out there. 🌍✈️