Vagabond Journey Travel Photos
 

VAGABOND JOURNEY
Travel Around the World with Vagabond Journey.com

10 years of travel through 46 countries on 5 continents.

Home | Travelogue | Photos | Wiki Guide | Travel Help | Stories | Tips | Buy Gear | Travel Guides | Press Kit | Free Blog

Trusted Travel Gear

My name is Wade, and I have been traveling the world for the past ten years - through more than 45 countries on 5 continents - and this is a shop that sells the travel gear that I personally use. I have field tested almost all of the travel gear featured here, and I still use many of these items. Below each item's description are links to other pages on Vagabond Journey.com where I have written detailed reviews of each piece of travel gear. This is intended to be a one stop shop for all your travel equipment needs. If you have any questions about any of the gear being sold here, please email me at Vagabondsong@gmail.com. Thank you. Walk Slow, Wade.

More travel stores on Vagabond Journey.com: How to Travel Books
  

  Olympus Stylus 1050SW Camera - Shock Proof, water proof, virtually indestructible. The perfect camera for traveling. I began using this camera in December of 2008, and it has not let me down since. I have dropped it multiple times, taken it swimming in the Red Sea, and always keep it snug in the breast pocket of my shirt no matter how rough of an activity I am involved in. It has 10.1 mp, can be safely dropped from heights of 5 feet, and is waterproof up to 10 feet underwater.

Vagabond Journey field test results for the Olympus Stylus camera

Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 Camera - Heavier duty version of the Olympus Stylus 1050SW model. This camera is shock proof up to 6.6 feet and is waterproof down to 33 feet. You could go scuba diving with this camera. 12 MP. It is also small enough to fit securely into your pocket, which is good for traveling. 

Vagabond Journey field test results

  Carhartt Work Boots - These are the boots that I have been traveling with for the past two years. In this time, I have traveled through mountains, deserts, and jungles - they have not let me down yet. The uppers are all leather, which makes for easy cleaning and polishing, and they are internally waterproof. They are also not insulated, which is very good for traveling. Having non insulated boots means that you are free to determine how warm you want your feet: in cold climates add socks, in hot climates add nothing. I have found these boots to be perfect for traveling on journeys through very different climates - they can handle almost any environment.

Vagabond Journey field test of Carhartt Work Boots for Travel

  Carhartt Hiking Boots (women) - These are a pair of women's Carhartt hiking boots. I have not tested these boots personally, so I cannot fully recommend them. Thogh from how the men's version has performed, it is my assumption that these boots should be pretty good for traveling. If anyone has tested these boots, please email me and I will publish the results.
  Kelty Redwing Backpack 3100 - A slightly larger version of the Redwing 2650 that I have been using for two years. In addition to myself, Andy the Hobotraveler.com and Craig from Travelvice.com have used Kelty Redwing backpacks for traveling.

More information: What is a good backpack for travel? The Kelty Redwing 2650, My Backpack How to put a locking mechanism on the Kelty Redwing Backpack

  Kelty Redwing Backpack 2500 for Women - I have not tested this particular backpack, but Chaya says that backpacks which are designed to fit the bodies of female travelers are vastly more comfortable than their male counterparts. She always travels with a "women's" backpack, so I take her word for it.  
  Kelty Redwing Backpack 2650 - This is the rucksack that I have used for the past 2 years of world travel. I love it. There are a couple slight design flaws that can be remedied, but, all for all, I say that this is the best backpack on the market. The bag's harness is excellent, it opens like a suitcase, it is comfortable, and is compact enough to carry on an airplane. This size backpack is made for traveling extremely light, the 3100 model above is a little larger.

More information: What is a good backpack for travel? The Kelty Redwing 2650, My Backpack How to put a locking mechanism on the Kelty Redwing Backpack   

  Star Vegetable Peeler- This is the king of all vegetable peelers. You may think that a peeler is a not something to rave about, but this line of peeler is amazing. I picked up one of these Star vegetable peelers from the traveling salesman, Joe Ades in Brooklyn, and have been amazed by it ever since. When traveling, it is often a good idea to peel your vegetables before eating, and this peeler does so quickly and with little mess. An essential piece of travel gear.

More information: Star Vegetable Peeler

  Hennessy Hammock Expedition Tent - These Hennessy Hammock shelters are awesome. I first saw one being used by a long distance bicycle traveler in Eastern Europe, and I just recently got one myself. I tested it out, and it is all that it is hype up to be. They are small, light weight,, and can be stuffed into a snake-like tube for easy transport. If you are bicycling or hiking long distance, then I definitely recommend the Hennessy Hammock tent.

More information: Hammock tent as travel shelter Hennessy Hammock for travel

  Brunton Compass - From doing seven seasons of archaeology field work, I know that Brunton makes the best compasses available. When traveling, I have found the use of a compass indispensable in mostly congested urban areas. An example of a situation of where I would use a compass when traveling is when trying to orient myself with a map in a large city.
  Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle - This is a standard stainless steel water bottle. I have been traveling with a couple of these bottles since December of 2008, and they do the job. There are a couple design aspects that could be improved upon, but I have not yet came across a better water bottle. It is light weight, shuts securely (does not leak), and it is made from stainless steel - which means that it will not leach harmful chemicals like plastic or aluminum bottles. All for all, I recommend this bottle for travel.

More information: Stainless Steel Water Bottles for Travel, Klean Kanteen Water Bottles are Petri Dishes for Bacteria

  Katadin Hiker Pro Water Filter - This is a standard, pump style water filter. I always carry a water filter with me when traveling, as I do not want to pay for bottled water every day. I generally filter tap water with this filter. I used this filter as I traveled through Central America in 2008, and it performed excellently.

More Information: Water Filters for Travel

  Asus Eee PC 900 series - I have used two models of the Asus Eee PC, and they both have left me completely satisfied. They are durable, easy to use, and are built for traveling. Highly recommended.

More Information: Asus Eee PC popular with travelers, Asus Eee PC travel computer, Asus Eee PC initial impressions

  Asus Eee PC 1005 - 10.1 inch screen. 10 hour battery life.

More Information: Asus Eee PC popular with travelers, Asus Eee PC travel computer, Asus Eee PC initial impressions

  Alphasmart Writing Device - In addition to an Asus EeePC laptop, I also carry an Alphasmart word processor. These things have a 900 hour battery life off of 3 AA batteries, and can go anywhere. They were originally made to be used as cheap computer alternatives for elementary school children, but this only means that they are made tough. I have been traveling with one of these for two years, and it has not let me down yet (I also have not yet had to change the batteries!).   Olympus VN-5200PC Digital Voice Recorder - This is the voice recorder that I use to record the conversations, interviews, and random sounds of traveling. The sound files are equipped for being transferred directly to a PC. 
  Spyderco Delica pocket knife - This is the knife that Chaya carries with her while traveling. She said, "I was traveling alone and I wanted a good knife," to justify dropping $50 for it. But I could not argue against this logic: she is correct, when buying travel gear that you intend to have for a long time, it is best to buy the best gear possible.

These Spyderco pocket knives are pretty good.

More information: Should I bring a knife traveling?

  Victorinox Soldier Swiss Army Knife - I picked up a Swiss Army Knife that was very similar to this one in India in '06. I used it everyday for two years before it was lifted from my checked luggage at MEX in 2008. I still miss it.

More information: The Traveler's Swiss Army Knife debate

  Money/ Security Belt - I use a simple money belt, much like this one, as a place to keep my travel document strapped close to my body. These belts are meant to be worn under the clothing with every part of it concealed. I usually keep my money, ATM cards, and travel documents in various places all over my body, and, in addition to hidden pockets sewn into my pants, I have found these money belts to be indispensable.        Waterproof Passport Holder - After a half dozen "accidents" I found that it is best to always keep my passport in a waterproof holder. I first saw the traveler, Loren Everly, using a device similar to this to keep his passport dry. This holder boasts that it is white water resistant. I am sure that it will do the job.
  Petzl Head Lamp- I use a headlamp as my flashlight type of choice. The reason: I can use it with my hands free. I also use the strap to hang it over the bed post in places that are prone to electrical failures.   Mummy style sleeping bag- I use a sleeping bag similar to this. It is light weight, and not excessively warm -- a good all weather sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is an often debated piece of gear amongst travelers, but it is my impression that if you intend to sleep outside of the comfort of hostels or hotels, they are essential. 
  A Vagabond Journey Around the World - This should be the traveler's holy book. If you follow the instructions and spirit that can be found in this narrative, then you, too, will be able to travel endlessly. Much of my approach to traveling was learned from this book.   The Royal Road to Romance - A classic of traveler literature. Makes me want to leave all of my travel gear behind and walk barefoot around the world.

  New Page 1

Home | About | Privacy | Terms of Service | Disclosure | Media Kit | Contact