My Solo Travel & Adventure Gear - What's Actually In My Bag | Choosing Open Roads

The Gear That Gets Me Up Mountains & Across Continents

I've climbed Kilimanjaro, hiked Oman's Jebel Shams, explored Italy's Cinque Terre, and traveled solo across 4 continents. These are the items I actually pack—tested on real adventures, not just wishlist picks.

✓ Battle-Tested on Real Adventures
✓ Solo Travel & Content Creator Approved
✓ TSA Approved Options
✓ Nothing Over $400

🎒 Solo Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

The non-negotiables. These have saved me in airports, on mountain trails, and during 12-hour travel days when nothing goes as planned.

Fast Charging Power Bank for solo travel

Fast Charging Power Bank

This thing has saved me more times than I can count. When I was hiking in Portugal and my phone died mid-trail navigation, this charged it back up in under an hour. I've used it on long hikes and all-day outings on vacation—it simply doesn't quit.

Why I love it: Holds a charge for HOURS. Perfect for those "lost in a good way" solo travel moments.
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Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs

Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs

I don't know why I waited so long to get these. I used to struggle with ear pain after every flight—it would take 2 days of vacation to recover. Now? I pop these in and I'm a happy traveler again. Game. Changer.

Real talk: If you get ear pain on flights, these are non-negotiable. Thank me later.
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International Power Adapter with 4 USB Ports

International Power Adapter (4 USB Ports)

I finally found an adapter that does it all. It has 4 USB ports and works in 150+ countries. From Europe to Africa to the Middle East—this little powerhouse has kept all my devices charged everywhere I've roamed.

Multi-country travels? This is golden. One adapter to rule them all.
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⛰️ My Hiking & Adventure Gear (Kilimanjaro-Approved)

This gear has been rained on, thrown down on trails so I could scale rocks, and pushed to its limits. Still going strong after almost 2 years.

Perfect Hiking Backpack - Seven Hidden Valleys Trail Portugal

The Perfect Hiking Backpack

Let me tell you about this backpack—it's simply the best. Small enough not to feel heavy, but big enough to fit essentials. I've thrown it down on trails in Portugal so I could scale rocks. It's been rained on in the mountains. Nearly 2 years later? Still going strong.

Durability test: Survived Kilimanjaro, Oman's Jebel Shams, and countless day hikes. That's all you need to know.
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High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets

High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets

I own these in 4 different colors. I've hiked in them in all seasons—spring mornings, summer heat, fall chill, winter trails. Almost 2 years of constant use and they're still going strong. The pockets? Perfect for phone, keys, and trail snacks.

The verdict: When you find leggings this good, you buy them in every color. Trust me.
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Packable Rain Jacket for hiking

Packable Rain Jacket

This rain jacket is the one you want on your hikes. It's been a great addition to my hiking gear for two years now. Lightweight, packs down small, but keeps you dry when mountain weather decides to surprise you (which it always does).

Pack it: Takes up almost no space in your bag but saves the day when clouds roll in.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes for travel

Comfortable Walking Shoes

I walked all over the Virgin Islands in these sneakers. They're comfortable enough for all-day exploring but look good enough that you can wear them to dinner. Perfect for those travel days when you're going from adventure to dinner and don't want to change shoes.

Tested miles: Countless hours of walking, zero blisters. That's the dream.
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📹 Content Creation Gear (For Capturing Your Adventures)

As someone building a travel brand through daily Instagram Reels and YouTube videos, I've learned what gear actually delivers vs. what just looks cool in reviews.

Why I Invested in a GoPro

Here's the truth about solo travel content creation: you need gear that works when you're also trying to navigate, hike, or catch a sunset. The GoPro changed my entire content game—now I can capture adventure footage hands-free while actually living the adventure.

GoPro Hero 13 Black for content creation

GoPro Hero 13 Black

This is my newest addition and honestly, I wish I'd gotten it sooner. As a solo traveler creating content for Instagram and YouTube, the GoPro lets me capture incredible footage without needing a camera person. Hands-free hiking videos? Check. Underwater shots? Check. POV adventure content that makes my followers feel like they're there with me? Absolutely.

Content creator reality: You can't hold your phone and climb a mountain. The GoPro solved that problem instantly.
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Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick for solo travel

Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick

My first content creation love! Before the GoPro, this was my secret weapon. As a solo traveler, getting that perfect shot used to mean asking strangers or settling for awkward selfies. This changed everything. Lightweight, fits in my small hiking backpack, and makes me look like I brought a whole photography crew.

Solo traveler pro tip: Set it up, hit the timer, strike a pose. No more "excuse me, can you take my photo?"
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✈️ TSA-Friendly Travel Hacks (Hand Luggage Only)

For those of us who refuse to check bags. These little heroes help you pack light without sacrificing your essentials.

Why I Travel Hand Luggage Only

Lost luggage has never been my problem. No waiting at baggage claim. No extra fees. Just me, my carry-on, and the freedom to hop on my next adventure the minute I land. These products make it possible.

TSA Approved Mini Travel Bottles

TSA-Approved Mini Travel Bottles

These mini travel bottles will make your life better if you're a hand luggage traveler like me. I use them for lotion, coconut oil, face serum, even toothpaste. TSA approved means no anxiety at security checkpoints.

Pro tip: Label them! Trust me, you don't want to brush your teeth with face serum.
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Mini Perfume Refillable Bottles TSA Approved

Mini Perfume Refillable Bottles

Want your favorite perfume on vacation but don't want to carry the whole bottle or risk it breaking in your bag? These TSA-approved refillable bottles are simply perfect. Feel put together even when you're living out of a backpack.

Small luxury: Because smelling good shouldn't be complicated, even at 30,000 feet.
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Carry-On Travel Backpack

Carry-On Travel Backpack

I love this carry-on backpack. It's very roomy—I can fit a week's worth of clothes, my laptop, and all my travel essentials. Best part? It fits in the airplane overhead compartment easily. No fighting for space, no gate-checking your bag at the last minute.

Capacity test: Fits enough for 7-10 day trips. Yes, really. Pack smart, travel light.
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Questions I Get Asked About My Travel Gear

Do you actually use ALL of this stuff?
Yes! Every single item on this page has been on at least one adventure with me. Most have been on dozens. I don't recommend anything I haven't personally tested in real travel situations.
Is the GoPro worth it if I'm not a "serious" content creator?
Honestly? If you're creating Instagram Reels, YouTube videos, or even just want better vacation videos than what your phone can capture, yes. The GoPro lets you capture moments you'd otherwise miss because you're busy holding your phone. Plus, the footage quality is incredible—your followers will definitely notice the upgrade.
What if I'm not hiking mountains—will this gear work for regular travel?
Absolutely. While I test everything on intense adventures, most of this gear shines on regular trips too. The power bank? Perfect for long city days. The tripod? Great for solo dinner photos. The TSA bottles? Essential for any hand-luggage traveler.
Are these Amazon affiliate links?
Yes! I'm an Amazon Associate, which means if you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep traveling and creating content to inspire more solo adventures. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love.
How do you pack all of this in just a carry-on?
It's all about choosing versatile, lightweight gear and packing cubes (which I should probably add to this list!). The key is quality over quantity—each item needs to earn its place in your bag.
What's the one item you'd never travel without?
Tough call, but probably the power bank. Nothing kills the solo travel vibe faster than a dead phone when you're navigating a new city or capturing a perfect sunset moment.
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