GFR Travel Gear Guide
Well-worn. Well-traveled. Worth it.
This isn’t your average influencer gear list. Everything here has been personally used, tested, stuffed under airplane seats, dragged through cobblestone streets, or survived beach sand, ski trips, and toddler chaos.
We don’t recommend gear for the affiliate clicks. We share what we actually pack — the bags, tech, and travel tools that have been with us around the world and still earn a spot on the next trip. If it made this list, it earned it.
Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we personally use and love.
Updated: August 10, 2025
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Luggage We Love
As a former airline pilot, I went through cheap suitcases faster than in-flight pretzels. The Briggs & Riley Baseline has been with me for years now, through airports, taxis, and cobblestone streets, and it’s still rolling strong. Sometimes spending more up front really does pay off in the long run.
Primary Carry-Ons
Briggs & Riley Baseline 22″ Expandable Spinner Best Overall
This is the carry‑on I reach for every time. It’s been tossed in overheads from Belize to Europe and still rolls like new.
- ✅ Lifetime warranty
- ✅ Clean expansion system
- ❌ Heavier than minimalist shells
Briggs & Riley ZDX 22″ Spinner Family Pick
My wife and daughter both use the ZDX. It’s lighter than the Baseline, but still has that smart Briggs layout that keeps us organized.
- ✅ Lighter than Baseline
- ✅ Smart compartments
- ❌ Less rigid frame than Baseline
Other Great Carry-Ons We’ve Used
Eagle Creek Expanse Carry-On
Our longest‑tenured bag. It’s the one we don’t baby—rain, cobblestones, beach runs—and it just keeps going.
- ✅ Rugged and weather‑resistant
- ✅ Easy to maneuver
- ❌ Not the sleekest look
Osprey Transporter Carry-On
Perfect when we mix adventure and city. Lighter, flexible, and fine with rougher roads—just pack smart around the edges.
- ✅ Lightweight and flexible
- ✅ Handles rough conditions
- ❌ Softer shell protection
Checked Bags
Eagle Creek Expanse Checked Bag
This one’s been tossed on baggage carts worldwide and keeps shrugging it off. It’s our “no‑worries” checked bag.
- ✅ Tank‑like build
- ✅ Handles weight and rough handling
- ❌ Two wheels vs. 4‑wheel spinners
Eddie Bauer Expedition 34 Duffel
Our go‑to for ski trips and big hauls. It swallows gear like crazy—watch those airline weight limits.
- ✅ Huge capacity
- ✅ Tough fabric and hardware
- ❌ Easy to overpack and go overweight
Backpacks
Briggs & Riley @Work Medium Cargo Backpack
My go‑to non‑photo backpack: looks boardroom‑ready, but swallows chargers, snacks, and a light jacket without bulging.
- ✅ Sleek for business travel
- ✅ Smart compartments, durable build
- ❌ Not a dedicated camera pack
Camera & Video Equipment
I’ve been a Nikon shooter since the film days. After lugging a heavy SLR on the Inca Trail, I moved to Olympus OMD for a while. More recently I returned to full‑frame with the Nikon Z6ii for its balance of performance and value.
My Core Photo Kit
Nikon Z6ii
Fast, reliable, and great in low light without the bulk. It’s handled everything from night markets to wildlife.
- ✅ Full‑frame mirrorless punch
- ✅ Excellent value/performance
- ❌ Full‑frame glass isn’t cheap
Nikon Z 24–120mm f/4
Lives on my camera. One lens for city walks, landscapes, and portraits — sharp and surprisingly versatile.
- ✅ Wide‑to‑tele travel range
- ✅ Consistent f/4
- ❌ Not as bright as f/2.8 zooms
Nikon Z 14–30mm f/4
When I want to go wide for cityscapes or interiors, this packs flat and travels easy.
- ✅ Travel‑friendly ultra‑wide
- ✅ Lightweight for the coverage
- ❌ Needs careful framing at 14mm
K&F Concept Camera Backpack
Rugged, smart dividers, quick side access. Carries the Z6ii kit plus extras without wrecking my shoulders.
- ✅ Great organization
- ✅ Excellent price for what you get
- ❌ Not as plush as premium brands
Freewell Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
Super lightweight and sturdy. Converts to a monopod and even has a phone mount when I travel ultralight.
- ✅ Packs small, carries big loads
- ✅ Handy phone attachment
- ❌ Carbon fiber price vs. aluminum
Freewell Mini Vlogpod Tripod
Small, sturdy, and super versatile. Perfect for phones or action cams on the go.
- ✅ Packs in any day bag
- ✅ Fast setup for vlogging
- ❌ Not tall enough for every shot
Action & 360 Video
GoPro Hero
The original action cam we keep coming back to. With the Supersuit, it’s a favorite for underwater days.
- ✅ Excellent stabilization
- ✅ Huge accessory ecosystem
- ❌ Battery life drops in cold
Insta360
The newest addition, buttery stabilization and fun 360 shots with the invisible selfie stick make it a travel favorite.
- ✅ Creative 360 capture
- ✅ Excellent stabilization
- ❌ More editing time vs. standard video
In‑Flight Essentials
Flights are easier (and a lot more pleasant) with the right kit. Here’s what we actually bring to stay comfortable, connected, and entertained.
iPhone
My #1 must‑have. It’s my entertainment, boarding passes, offline maps, and camera backup — all in one pocket.
- ✅ Great for movies & games
- ✅ Offline maps save data
- ❌ Battery can drop on long hauls
AirPods Pro
My airport/short‑haul staple. Tiny, comfy, and the ANC takes the edge off gate noise.
- ✅ Strong noise cancellation
- ✅ Easy to stash & charge
- ❌ Not as isolating as over‑ears
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Best Overall
My long‑haul MVP. I arrive less drained when the cabin din disappears.
- ✅ Best‑in‑class ANC
- ✅ Comfortable for 10+ hours
- ❌ Bulky compared to buds
Beats Studio Pro Family Pick
The girls’ go‑to. Punchy sound and battery for binge‑watching a full transcon.
- ✅ Big, immersive sound
- ✅ Long battery life
- ❌ Larger case in a day bag
iPad
Our backup entertainment when the IFE is broken or the selection’s tapped out. Also perfect for kids’ shows.
- ✅ Big screen for movies
- ✅ Great battery life
- ❌ Heavier than a phone for reading
Bluetooth Transmitter
Skip the cord. I plug this into the plane’s IFE and get wireless audio even when the aircraft doesn’t support it.
- ✅ Works with buds & headphones
- ✅ Simple 3.5mm plug‑in
- ❌ Needs charging between flights
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Snaps to the back of my phone and keeps it topped up while we’re moving through the airport.
- ✅ MagSafe convenience
- ✅ Pocket‑friendly size
- ❌ Slower than wired fast charging
Anker Prime Power Bank
My work‑trip battery: fast charging and enough juice to top up a MacBook between meetings.
- ✅ High output, multiple ports
- ✅ Can charge a laptop
- ❌ Heavier than a phone-only bank
Hotel & Packing Accessories
These little extras make hotel stays smoother and packing/unpacking a breeze.
UE Wonderboom Bluetooth Speaker
Small enough to stash in a carry‑on, powerful enough to fill a hotel room with music.
- ✅ Big sound for the size
- ✅ Waterproof & pool‑friendly
- ❌ No 3.5mm input
Digital Luggage Scale
Clutch before the flight home with souvenirs or ski gear. Avoids those surprise overweight fees.
- ✅ Accurate and quick
- ✅ Tiny & travel‑friendly
- ❌ Easy to forget in a drawer—pack it first
Anker Nano Travel Adapter
Compact, versatile, and the built‑in USB ports mean fewer bricks in the bag.
- ✅ Works across regions
- ✅ USB ports built in
- ❌ Adapter only — not a voltage converter
Power Cords & Chargers
We never leave without backups for phones, watches, tablets, laptops, power banks, and camera gear.
- ✅ Spare USB‑C & Lightning
- ✅ Extra wall charger in the tech pouch
- ❌ Easy to forget one — make a checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you personally use all of this gear?
Yes. Everything here has been on real trips with us. If it didn’t hold up, it didn’t make the list.
Are these affiliate links?
Some are. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site running. Thank you!
How often is this page updated?
Whenever we find something better or a favorite finally wears out. Check the “Updated” date near the top of the page.
What if an item is out of stock or discontinued?
We link the closest current model and note any differences. If there’s a big change, we’ll add an alternative pick.
Will these carry‑ons fit international overhead bins?
Most do, but size rules vary. If you fly strict airlines often, aim for 21–22″ and pack light to meet weight limits.
Do you prioritize durability or price?
Durability first. We’ll note budget options, but long‑lasting gear usually saves money (and headaches) over time.