Travel gear reviews

Travel photo shoots: Flytographer review (+ flytographer coupon code!)

Want some great travel photos of your next trip that you're actually in as well? Then photo shoot service Flytographer is the solution. Flytographer has photographers all over the world to capture your travel moments. I tried them in Berlin and this is the result.

Airalo review: Why use an eSIM for travel?

Something that has long been the traveler’s nemesis is the dreaded mobile data roaming charge. We’ve all been in that agonizing situation where you have no…

SafetyWing Travel Insurance: Who is it for and is it worth it?

There’s a new kid on the travel insurance block and it’s called SafetyWing. SafetyWing travel insurance offers cover for for short-term and long-term travelers. It provides…

Gifts for Travel Lovers: 46 Ideas Still on Sale in 2026

46 gifts for travel lovers, every one checked against its seller on 11 September 2026 so nothing here sends you to a product nobody stocks. Five discontinued items have been replaced and named.

How to Make International Calls for Free or Cheap

If both you and your loved ones are within the EU, staying in touch isn’t so expensive thanks to the EU removing roaming costs back in…

Keeping your sh*t together with EagleCreek Pack-It cubes

Eagle Creek Packing cubes are great for traveling. They keep your stuff together, so that it's more compact, and offer an easy way to organize your gear and clothes. They can also serve as dirty laundry bags. But are they practical? Here's my review.

Packable K-way rain jacket review: is it truly waterproof?

The K-way packable rain jacket is properly waterproof rather than shower-resistant, and it kept me dry through a full day of heavy rain in Barcelona. Here is how it handles wind, how the sizing runs, and how to fold it back into its own pocket.

Fjallraven Keb Jacket Review – Should You Buy It?

You know that kind of weather that’s just a little too warm for a long winter parka but cold enough to want a proper jacket? That’s…

Compression Socks for Flying: Do Flight Socks Really Work?

Flight socks cut symptomless clots and leg swelling on flights over four hours, and no trial has shown they prevent the clots that cause symptoms. Here is what the evidence supports, who the guidance is aimed at, and how to buy a pair that fits.

Intimina Lily Cup review (It’s better than tampons and pads!)

I tried using a menstrual cup and I'm never going back! Menstrual cups or period cups are better than tampons and sanitary pads in so many ways. They offer 12-hour period protection, are better for the environment and save you a ton of money!

Lush conditioner bar review: does it really work that well?

I first tried Lush many years ago as I always struggled not to pack too many toiletries in my carry-on. I usually travel carry-on only and…

Wise, formerly Transferwise review: cheap international transfers

Sick of paying high fees to transfer money abroad and convert currencies? I've switched to TransferWise because it allows me to convert at a mid-market rate AND lets me receive foreign currencies for free. Click to read my detailed TransferWise review.

Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom with ballhead: a review

Let’s be honest here: I’m not a photographer. I take photos because I need them for the blog and because I love sharing with you guys…

Essential Travel Toiletries Checklist for Your Carry-on

Always pack too many liquid toiletries to travel carry-on only? With this essential travel toiletries list, that's a thing of the past. Read which toiletries I always pack, how I pack them and how I use solid products and travel containers to stick within the carry-on limits.

Long-haul flight essentials: what to wear and what to pack

Dress for a long-haul flight in loose layers you can sleep in, and pack a carry-on that lets you sleep, block out the cabin and clean up before landing. Here are the 6 clothing items and the 15 things in my bag.

The North Face ThermoBall Hybrid Hoodie review

For someone who’s almost always cold, packing isn’t easy. I always pack layers, but then there’s still the question of what jacket to bring. When it’s…

Thule Guidepost review – A great suitcase alternative

I’ve always preferred rolling luggage over big trekking backpacks but there are times at which a backpack is just more practical. This was the case when…

Thule Subterra 75L Review: Discontinued, What Replaced It

Thule has discontinued the Subterra 75L wheeled duffel and replaced it with the Subterra 2. Here is how the 75L held up over two years of checked-bag travel, what changed in the new model, and what the warranty actually covers.

Arc’teryx Patera Parka: review of my favorite winter coat

When Arc’teryx contacted me to see if I wanted to test their Arc’teryx Patera Parka, I was thrilled. Arc’teryx has a reputation for creating high-quality gear…

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Review: Specs, Fit and What Replaced It

The Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 is a 25 litre anti-theft laptop backpack with lockable zips, a steel mesh lining and an RFID pocket, weighing 0.84 kg. Pacsafe has retired it and replaced it with the Pacsafe X 25L at $179.95.

Pacsafe Passport Wallet Review: The Daysafe RFID Wallet

The Pacsafe Daysafe passport wallet is a slim RFID blocking travel wallet with 8 card slots, a passport pocket and a full-length zip, weighing 80 g. Pacsafe has replaced it with the RFIDsafe travel wallet at $89.95.

Salomon Outline GTX review: testing hiking sneakers

While I love the Salomon hiking shoes I have, they’re big boots and a little too warm for summer hikes, so when Salomon asked if I…

Arc’teryx Sabria pants for women: Tested and Reviewed

When I go hiking in summer, I just wear comfortable shorts, but up until last year, hiking in any weather below 22°C posed outfit issues. You…

KeepCalling: International Calls Made Easy

If you’re looking for a one-stop fix to make international communication as easy as a breeze – keep reading! KeepCalling is a cost-effective means of calling…

Havaianas Espadrilles Review: Fit, Washing and Alternatives

Havaianas espadrilles fit true to size, go in the washing machine and sit on the same rubber sole as the flip flops. Havaianas has stopped listing them in its own US and European shops, so what is left is third-party and resale stock.

Havaianas review: sizing, fit and Slim vs regular models

Havaianas run large if you order by your European size, because the number on the label is Brazilian: the Havaianas 35/36 is a European 37/38. Here is how the paired sizing works, how Slim differs from regular, and how the Freedom sandal wears.

Pacsafe review: the Pacsafe anti-theft purse

Whenever I’m packing for a trip I’m faced with the same question: what bag to take? I’m not talking about my main luggage here, but about…

Timberland Earthkeepers Review: Brookton Fit, Sole and Blisters

The Timberland Earthkeepers Brookton 6-inch Classic has an excellent sole and OrthoLite footbed, and a narrow, stiff heel that causes blisters while it is new. Timberland no longer sells it; the Mt. Maddsen is the nearest current boot.