13 Best Backcountry Gear for Travel

As seasoned travelers, exploring every corner of the world is essential to our lives. However, it’s not possible without the right gear. Trust us; having proper gear can make all the difference. Of course, different people have different needs and preferences. Thus, with so many travel essentials to choose from, which one should you pay attention to? Well, that’s why we’re here! Today, we’re going to show you our best Backcountry gear review. From keeping you cozy to helping you organize your stuff, the following items will make your upcoming journey more enjoyable. Keep reading and see which one you need!

Stoic Basecamp Bivy Quilt Double

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One of the ways to make your adventure more comfortable and enjoyable is to bring a comfortable quilt with you. Recently, we had the pleasure to test out the Stoic Basecamp Bivy Quilt Double, and we were thoroughly impressed. Offering us synthetic insulation, we were able to stay warm even when the quilt was wet. Drying it was also a breeze because of the hanging loops.

This versatile quilt is perfect for traveling, backpacking, and camping. It’s light and compact, so it’s easy to pack up and take with you wherever you go. Even better, it’s available in several different designs. As you can see below, the Oriole is the most striking one. But if you want, you can also opt for the other designs!

Fjallraven High Coast Pocket

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Travelers who need versatile gear that can keep up with their active lifestyle may want to check out the Fjallraven High Coast Pocket, a great addition to this Backcountry gear list. It immediately impressed us with its sleek and minimalist design. The bag is crafted from durable recycled nylon, a testament to Fjallraven’s commitment to sustainability. The stitching is also impeccable. When we first tested it, we could also tell the overall construction was sturdy.

Moreover, we also loved the attention to detail, such as the reinforced attachment points for the shoulder strap and the well-crafted zippers. Despite its compact size, this bag has surprisingly ample space. With a big main compartment with a mesh divider and an outer zipped pocket, we were able to carry everything we needed without feeling weighed down. For the full specs, check out the official product page.

Goodr OG Sunglasses

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Who says you can’t have cheap yet high-quality sunglasses? Enter the Goodr OG Sunglasses, a stylish and budget-friendly option for travel and everyday wear. When we first saw these sunnies, we instantly loved their Wayfarer-style design. We were even more surprised when we found out they were available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Thus, you can find a pair that matches your taste.

Yes, these sunglasses come with polarized lenses. Based on our experience, we can confidently say that the lenses greatly reduce glare and improve visibility. Not to mention, they also have UV400 protection. Even though we were walking around, these shades also didn’t slip easily during testing. They’re such a good deal! For more affordable sunnies, check out our favorite sunglasses on a budget.

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Herschel Chapter Travel-Kit Carry-On Bag

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Are you searching for a compact and stylish travel kit bag? Today must be your lucky day! Introducing you to the Herschel Chapter Travel-Kit Carry-On Bag, a travel organizer perfect for keeping your in-flight essentials neatly organized. Available in a wide array of colors and designs, we enjoyed picking which variant we wanted. In the end, we chose the Woodland Camo bag since it was the most eye-catching one.

This bag isn’t just about the aesthetics, though. It has a ton of compartments and pockets to make it easy to find what you need when you need it. During testing, we tried dropping the bag a few times. Our stuff was well-protected, thanks to the thick padding. Speaking of which, the polyester canvas material is insanely durable, too.

Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag

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Do you want to add a new item to your collection of travel duffel bags? The Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel Bag may be what you’re after. With its exceptional durability, this is one of our favorites. This bag is constructed from recycled ripstop fabric, making it durable and weather-resistant. During testing, it was able to withstand all the abuse. Your gear will always be protected no matter where you’re going and doing.

Of course, we’re huge fans of its space. With a spacious 55L capacity, we were able to pack not only our clothes but also toiletries and other travel essentials. And if this one is too big for you, you can also look at the other sizes. Best of all, we were able to use it as a backpack thanks to the padded straps.

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Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 20oz Tumbler

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If you’re looking for a new tumbler for your upcoming trip, you may want to consider the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw 20oz Tumbler. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, leak-proof, and well-insulated tumbler. Unlike some cookie-cutter tumblers, this one did what it was supposed to do during testing. It was able to keep our coffee cold for up to 24 hours. Even some of the ice cubes were still there. A separate test could keep our water hot for 12 hours.

The MVP of this bottle has to be the flip straw, though. For active people like us, it’s a great addition. Thanks to the flip straw, we were able to sip our Americano easily when we were on the go. Not to mention, the rotating handle made it super easy to carry, and it was super comfortable to hold. Oh, by the way, there are so many colors to choose from.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set

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We have the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set, a must-have for any traveler looking to stay organized and odor-free on their next adventure. These packing cubes are made from a lightweight, water-resistant fabric. On our latest trip, we used these cubes to keep our laundry organized. That said, we were genuinely surprised by how they could fight odors, as there are so many similar products out there that claim to have odor-free materials but actually don’t.

On top of that, we were also impressed by the self-repairing zipper. Of course, we also tried overpacking the cubes to the point that they looked like they were going to explode. And it was true; the zipper could fix the gaps automatically. For more similar products, check out our special lists of the best compression cubes for travel and the best packing cubes for travel.

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Fjallraven Zip Wallet

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Apart from making down jackets for winter and cargo shorts for hiking, Fjallraven also makes wallets! Enter the Fjallraven Zip Wallet, a compact and durable wallet perfect for everyday use. One of the things that stole our attention when we first learned about this wallet was its G-1000 Eco fabric. Unlike other regular wallets, thanks to this special fabric, the wallet is water-repellent and exceptionally durable. We’ve tried pouring a few drops of water into the wallet, but it didn’t absorb the water.

In addition to that, we were also impressed by the overall design. The cash slot was big enough for us, and we loved the addition of the zippered coin pocket. Not to mention, there are so many different colors to choose from. We received the Acorn variant, which reminded us of vintage wallets. Aside from that, it’s available in Deep Patina, Dark Grey, and Navy.

Rumpl The Merino SoftWool Blanket

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Nothing screams comfort quite like the Rumpl The Merino SoftWool Blanket, a luxurious and versatile wool blanket perfect for any occasion. This blanket is one of the softest blankets we’ve ever used. The merino wool was incredibly soft and plush, and the organic cotton blend allowed us to use it comfortably when we were on the plane. Don’t worry; it’s highly breathable, too.

Despite its lightweight construction, this blanket is warm. This is, again, thanks to the merino wool, which is naturally insulating. Everyone knows how cold things can be on the plane, but this blanket kept us cozy and toasty. Also, have we told you that this blanket is odor-resistant? No wonder it’s on the more expensive side.

NEMO Equipment Inc. Fillo Pillow

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Whether it’s traveling or camping, we always have the NEMO Equipment Inc. Fillo Pillow with us. This is an inflatable pillow specifically designed to provide comfort and support. During testing, we were amazed by the baffled air cell, which did an amazing job of maintaining the pillow’s shape. Keeping the pillow clean was also a breeze; all we had to do was remove and wash the microsuede cover.

Perfect for those on the go, this pillow is exceptionally light. It weighs under a pound, which basically means you won’t realize it’s in your bag. Also, we were surprised when we knew it could pack down to the size of a potato. Yes, it can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth the investment for its quality and comfort. For its full specifications, visit its official product page.

Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle

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We’re loyal fans of everything Hydro Flask, and we think the most iconic product from the brand is perhaps the Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Water Bottle. We’ve used this bottle for years, and it is still one of our best purchases. This bottle has kept our drinks cold for the whole day. Going somewhere cold? It can keep your beverage hot for up to 12 hours. Pretty cool, isn’t it? Also, with a Backcountry gear promo, you can get this premium bottle at a more affordable price.

“As an avid hiker and traveler, this has been my go-to water bottle for years. Leakproof, stylish, and durable, it’s hands down the best bottle on the planet.”

WOW Travel

On top of that, this bottle is exceptionally durable. We’ve dropped this bottle a few times (intentionally for the sake of testing it), and it has never been dented or scratched. The powder coat finish is also worth raising, as it hasn’t peeled even after years. Is it leakproof, though? You bet! We’ve thrown it in our backpack without worrying about it leaking, and it has never let us down. For more water bottles, check out these water bottles for biking and hiking.

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Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds

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With over 900 glowing reviews on Backcountry, you don’t need to question the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds‘ quality. Perfect for travelers with active lifestyles, there are so many things to love about these earbuds. For one, they’re sweat and water-resistant. We once tried using them outside when it was slightly raining and they worked perfectly fine. We also loved how they didn’t fall out even when we were running.

Of course, the sound quality is nothing you should underestimate. These earbuds produced a rich, full sound with tons of bass during testing. They were clear, and we were able to hear all of the details in our music. Also, with an amazing battery life of 44 hours, you can listen to your favorite playlist no matter how long your flight is. While we’re are it, make sure to take a look at these best earphones for airplane travel.

Peak Design Travel 45L Backpack

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Are you looking for a versatile carry-on for your upcoming trip? Look no further than the Peak Design Travel 45L Backpack! We’re always on the lookout for the next best-carrying solution for travel gear, and this may be it. One of the bag’s biggest selling points is its material. The 400D nylon shell isn’t only weatherproof but also abrasion-resistant. We’ve used it for hiking and camping, and it showed no signs of wear and tear despite being thrown multiple times and handled roughly. Psst! Have you checked out these best hiking backpacks for women and men?

Another highlight of this backpack is its expandable capacity. It can shrink down to a compact 35L backpack, making it ideal for carry-on travel. However, when you need more space, it can expand to a generous 45L, accommodating enough gear for a week-long trip. It’s like magic! We also found the expansion mechanism simple and secure, so we could adjust the size effortlessly. Learn more about this backpack by watching this setup and tips video from Peak Design!

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How To Choose The Best Backcountry Gear for Travel

When choosing travel gear, there are some key considerations to keep in mind, including:

Durability

Whether it’s a set of packing cubes or a backpack, travel gear gets a lot of use. So, choosing items that are well-made and can withstand wear and tear is important. Look for materials like ripstop nylon, reinforced stitching, and durable zippers.

Weight and size

Chances are you’ll be carrying your travel gear around, so choosing lightweight and compact items is important. This will help you avoid baggage fees and make navigating through airports and crowded destinations easier.

Versatility

In addition, you’ll want to choose travel gear that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a convertible backpack can be used as both a daypack and a carry-on suitcase. This way, you’ll be able to bring less stuff and travel more efficiently.

What things are essential for traveling?

Your travel essentials can vary depending on the length of your trip, the destination, and your personal needs. Aside from your passport, travel insurance, travel documents, and clothes, you may want to consider the gear above.

What is the 54321 packing rule?

The 54321 packing rule is a simple and effective way to pack light for a trip. It recommends you pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 swimsuit.

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