Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life. – Jack Kerouac
I'd like to give a huge thanks to both Jeremy Patterson and Jeff Schenker for all of their assistance in putting together the below list for my RTW travels! All of their input from personal experience has been extremely helpful and again I hope to continue to let other travelers know personally what items I might have overlooked or felt were complete lifesavers.
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ITEMS REPLACED OR PURCHASED:
Sport Berkey Water Bottle Filtration System *REPLACED 2015
Macbook Air Early 2014 Model (*necessary to upgrade laptop for both GFX Design, Video Editing, Research, Travelpreneur)
Upgraded from using an iPhone 4 for YEARS upgraded in 2015 to iPhone 6 for professional video (*will not upgrade until absolutely necessary and looking at the Google phone because iOS10 is the worst!*)
PRODUCT REVIEWS:
Please note that I am currently not being sponsored by ANY company, therefore these product review are 100% from personal experience. If you are a vendor or would like more reviews from the other products that I have currently been using after more than 2 years of traveling please contact me directly.
Please note that I am currently not being sponsored by ANY company, therefore these product review are 100% from personal experience. If you are a vendor or would like more reviews from the other products that I have currently been using after more than 2 years of traveling please contact me directly.
 Berkey Filters™
Sport Berkey Water Bottle Filteration System
Rating: 7 out of 10 Cost: $28.00 USD Pros: Huge money saver, works excellent, no bad taste Cons: Prefer more durable container, not easy to wash, I have had two brand bottles and both leak whether upright or not, often soaking the inside of my bag. Therefore I chose to test out the LifeStraw® Go, which I already like more in terms of the more durable casing and strong carabiner. The only downside is that with the Berkey I can drain filtered water by squeezing into another container, while with the LifeStraw® Go this is not possible. Review: This item has both a life saver and a money saver in the ability that I have not had to purchase a single bottle of water, as well as great for the environment. I have filled this container with water from dirty hostel bathrooms, rivers, pools, and other various tap water sources and have had no sickness whatsoever. I highly recommend this item for travel to areas that has questionable drinking water. I also have both water purification tablets and a steripen, neither of which have I had to use. I wish there was an option for a stronger more durable container especially with with the cap, I don't trust the plastic ring with my metal carabiner on the outside of my pack. This item is not easy to wash while traveling and I don't know if this is just my bottle that is defective or if other people that own this have experienced that it leaks quite bad if the bottle is not fully upright. Multiple times I have placed it in my bag upright but as chicken buses reached maximum capacity my bag gets shifted quite a bit and before I know it my bag is soaked from the leaking top. Still this is a item I rave about to every traveler I come across that is concerned about purchasing bottle water constantly. I remind people that even in the areas of the world where water is the cheapest, over time it still becomes a cost and for budget travelers we all know that the name of the game is figuring out smart ways to keep on trucking yo!  Walkabout Travel GearⓇ
The Walkabout Travel Solution Power Voltage Adaptor/Converter & Surge Protector
Rating: 10 out of 10 Cost: $29.95 USD (*now $24.95 USD) Pros: Small & lightweight Cons: Zero Review: Excellent all-in-one power adaptor for international use. I really enjoy the power light since I've plugged in to many outlets and until I start up my laptop I am unsure if there is a current, which occurs often in Central America. Also with numerous rolling blackouts, even experiencing transforming blowing up due to powerful lightning storms, this is a MUST for anyone traveling that wants to insure their electronics from being fried. I HIGHLY recommend this for purchase and in all of my research and extensive trips to REI and other stores back in the States I have not found anything like it both in size, functionality, and price. *Just recently purchased the  © www.bwca.com
Marmot PreClip Rain Jacket
Rating: 8 out of 10 Cost: $66–$120 plus USD Pros: Lightweight, deep zipper pockets, can double as a rain cover Cons: None really. I know it can be more expensive for a rain jacket but again it's come in extremely useful for long-term travel. Review: Excellent item overall, not only as a rain jacket, but can be used in a diverse range from a rain cover for a smaller backpack, easy access to store slightly larger items because of the deep pockets, and this has held up extremely well over more than 3-years of continuous global travel.  © Salomon
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 Gore-Tex Shoes
Rating: 4.5 out of 10 Cost: $155.00 USD Pros: Waterproof, comfortable, rugged Cons: Bad traction on wet surfaces Review: Fortunately I have not had any bad experiences with the laces breaking (knock on wood) but I have also not worn them very often while traveling through most of Central America. I did add a pair of the Dr. Scholl Massaging Gel Work Insoles for an additional $9.49 USD since I knew I would be carrying a 40+lb backpack over various terrain and this has been an excellent purchase to add to the comfort. Overall I would recommend a different shoe since the traction on wet surfaces poses a very large hazard from climbing aboard chicken buses, to wet rocks, and even damp trails in Tikal.  Master Lock Ⓡ
Master LockⓇ Combination Lock
Rating: 10 out of 10 Cost: $6.34 USD Pros: Durable, keyless, thick 1-7/8" metal gauge Cons: If you forget the combination you need bolt cutters Review: This is a MUST for travelers! Forget the thinner gauge metal locks these can be snapped incredibly fast and while working at several hostels unfortunately I have both seen thieves do this as well as having to break the thinner gauge locks for guests that have either lost their key or forgot their combination. A great way to protect yourself if you fear forgetting the combination is to email yourself the numbers and store safely via email or leave with a trusted friend or family member back home.  © httpecx.images-amazon.com
MarmotⓇ DriClime Windshirt
Rating: 9 out of 10 Cost: $95 USD Pros: Lightweight, moister wicking lining material, durable, front zipper pocket Cons: I wish it had side zipper pockets and while it is not waterproof it is excellent for trapping body heat in windy and winter conditions. I've learned that layering works the best as a backpacker, and when I combine my Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm along with this jacket, the other Marmot rain jacket (if it's raining) and my North Face Windwall® Fleece it almost creates the warmth of a winter coat, plus the added benefit of reducing layers is a huge plus of course. Review: Do not splurge and go cheap on a quality lightweight and moister wicking materials. This has come in numerous times, even when the temperature appears warm the wind chill can become a concern for discomfort quickly!  LeathermanⓇ
LeathermanⓇ WingmanⓇ
Rating: 10 out of 10 Cost: $39.85 USD Pros: Excellent multi-tool Cons: Slight additional weight and typically cannot fly as a carry-on item Review: When it comes to a compact multi-tool for travel, you can't beat this price and functionality. If you have to ask why you might need a tool for travel, maybe you aren't ready for long-term solo travel. *Personal recommendation: if you are trying to be an ultralight backpacker such as myself, avoid purchasing this since you cannot fly with it and to be honest most places around the world will have some type of general hardware store if you are in need.* 
Black DiamondⓇ Spot Headlamp
Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Cost: $24.95 USD (*purchased ON SALE at #REI) Pros: Waterproof and excellent sale price Cons: Uses 3 AAA batteries, would prefer fewer and a case but overall great! Review: While my model is nearly 5-years-old this is the closest one I could find to my current one. In my personal opinion going with a headlamp all depends upon your travel destination, duration, etc. however having a headlamp with multiple brightness settings comes in very handy when you have to wake up early in the dorms not to disturb people, midnight volcano hikes, or trekking through underground rivers. Waterproof is key in my opinion and of course as products get better try and find one that uses maybe two AAA batteries or lithium, but I preferred to go cheap on my headlamp and I feel it was a great choice. ITEMS UNNECESSARY OR COULD BE PURCHASED CHEAPER:There have been several items that I have realized that I could have avoided purchasing or spent far less on and could have still found to be useful. I will continue to update this list as I find myself in more situations and experiences that warrant an update to this portion.
 © Pacsafe
©Pacsafe Coversafe™ 100 Secret Travel Waist Wallet
Rating: 3 out of 10 Cost: Retail $27.00 USD (similar item retails less than $15.00 USD) Pros: Dual zipper pocket and small credit card size pocket Con: Uncomfortable, waist band is too thick, heavier because of the material. Review: In my opinion, how this item is concealed is rests closely to your body I would suggest a lighter waist wallet, but still with two zipper pockets. 
Tek Gear 4-in-1 Microfleece Hood
Rating: 3 out of 5 Cost: $15 USD Pros: All-In-One covering ears, front and back of your neck, and lower front of face Cons: Relatively thick taking up space, really haven't used this. Review: A beanie works better in my opinion and takes up less space in your pack. ITEMS I WISH I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED:This is a list of items I did NOT bring but ended up purchasing while on my travels and found to be extremely useful. I know some may appear to be more outdated due to technology advances, therefore again these are items I WISH I would have brought with me back in 2012. While the prices listed are the suggested retail, I will say that these items can not only be found cheaper, but typically at a lower quality. The rule of thumb is, "when everything you own can fit into a 65 liter pack you want quality items, and therefore you often get what you pay for."
 © CHUMS
Wrist Wallet with Zipper
Rating of Importance to Purchase: 8 out of 10 Cost: $7.99 USD Reason: While, this specific brand in the photo is ©CHUMS, ideally it would be best to find a waterproof wrist wallet with a zipper. Do NOT purchase one without a zipper and/or a sweatband style wrist wallet. In areas of high heat or humidity this will begin to both smell and become extremely uncomfortable. I have found this to be most useful when going to the beach and being active, such as surfing or other activities. The size is both small and portable for minimal items such as a room key and spare cash, but not much else. It's also great for going out at night where pickpockets are a higher risk. The con of course with this is when making purchases you expose how much cash you have and there is the possibility of dropping loose cash or a room key, but if you are very cognizant of this fact this is a HIGHLY important item to add to your packing list for travel, whether that is short or long term.  © Billabong
Quality Board Shorts with Zipper
Rating of Importance to Purchase: 10 out of 10 Cost: $25 USD and up Reason: The reason purchasing quality board shorts with a zipper pocket is so necessary is the numerous people I have seen lose money at the beach, surfing, or even just walking around-myself included. First priority will be use for storing money securely, but it's also helpful for room keys or if large enough even a camera or phone (of course not in the water) but you will be surprised how many times you wish you had more storage space in the pockets. Another suggestion is to purchase quick-drying shorts. I chose to go cheap thinking I already have a good pair, but I should have spent the extra money to upgrade to a utility pair.  © www.itespresso.fr
MacBook Air 13"
Rating of Importance to Purchase: 10 out of 10 Cost: $899 USD and up Reason: As I mentioned before about understanding technology and how to make it work FOR YOU, I should have taken the same advice from Jeff about purchasing good quality items, even those more expensive, because they WILL serve a purpose, and for me personally, a MacBook Air or at the very least a MacBook Pro, instead of taking a Dell Inspiron Mini 10" Netbook that had been hacked (aka Hackintoshed) to run iOS.  © Kingston
USB (Thumb) Flash Drive
Rating of Importance to Purchase: 7 out of 10 Cost: $25 USD and up Reason: Necessary for backing up documents, sharing music or video files, etc. You want something durable, I like this design specifically because you can tether together using a carabiner or keychain and if you are concerned about saving on cost by choosing a smaller GB amount they are still small enough in size and weight. However, go with a USB 3.0 as transfer time on older USB flash drives take too long when you are in a hurry to back important items up, such as boarding a flight, getting on a bus, etc. *While many people rely on Cloud-based backup services, I still find USB drives to be excellent, especially when I've been in countries with limited Wifi. I know at some point these devices will become obsolete, however, for now I find them useful as they are light, portable, and continue to grow in memory strorage. |
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