Essential Travel Gear

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REI Waterproof Hiking Boots and Shoes

I love these Vasque hiking shoes from REI. I have the Breeze Lite hiking shoe, and they have become my go-to hiking shoe because they’re waterproof and lightweight.

It’s a nice change from my heavy hiking boots that go above the ankle. It also simplifies my packing list because I can pack just these shoes instead of my big hiking boots and my sneakers. Check them out and a ton of other great outdoor gear at REI here!

Rumpl’s Outdoor Blankets

Rumpl’s blankets are awesome and should be a must-have for all outdoor enthusiasts. They can be used at the park or beach, as a sleeping bag, around a campfire, or as a picnic blanket in the summer. They are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, plus they’re machine washable and water-resistant. They can also be tightly packed into the little sack that comes with your order (roughly the size of a water bottle) so you can easily clip it onto your backpack or toss it in your car. Shop Rumpl blankets here!

Thrifty Traveler Premium

This awesome company is amazing and will save you hundreds of dollars on your flights. The experts at Thrifty Traveler work to find quick flash sales, price drops and mistake fares that other platforms may miss unless you’re searching at the exact right time. Sign up and get all the deals straight to your inbox so you never miss another deal.

They’ll only send you an email for an alert with a $200 savings or greater. So whether it’s a $49 round-trip ticket to Las Vegas or a $238 mistake fare to Croatia, it’s time to start traveling more for less. They’re also a Minneapolis-based company so they’re always keeping an extra eye out for MSP deals. The subscription is just $44.99/year and you can use my code “KRISTEN10” at check out for $10 off your Premium subscription. Learn more here: thriftytraveler.com/premium.

Fitbit Versa Lite

I love wearing a Fitbit to track my steps and heart rate. I also like looking back on my sleep patterns and weight tracking information. It also has the weather and syncs to my text messages. Purple is also my favorite color, which is another reason why I chose this one. I also bought extra bands so I can change out the straps when I want to mix it up.

Apple AirPods Pro with Charging Case

The Apple AirPods Pro are a must-have. They are noise canceling and so compact, they’re great for travel. Music sounds awesome with them, and if someone calls me, it seamlessly transfers over to the phone call and pauses my music or podcast.

AirPods Pro Case Cover

I purchased this case shortly after I got the AirPods. The carabiner clip makes it easy to clip onto your bag. The case is also essential for me since I’m clumsy and have dropped them before. Plus, if a bunch of your friends or family have AirPods, it’s a way to tell them apart since they come in many colors.

Yeti Rambler

We love these ramblers for keeping cold drinks cold in the summer. Especially on hot summer days when we spend hours in the sun or on a boat, this rambler really keeps our beverages cold. They also keep your drink from freezing in the winter!

GoPro HERO10

I love my GoPro. I have an older model, the HERO 10 is the newest model. I’ve brought it horseback riding, snowboarding, rock climbing, and kayaking. GoPro cameras are so much for capturing adventures and making videos.

Vera Bradley Travel Toiletries Bag

I love this little bag for weekend trips or when I just want to bring the essentials. It’s compact and beautiful too!

Waterproof Phone Case

This is one of my favorite purchases ever! I take this waterproof case with me when I kayak, swim, or hang out on a friend’s boat. Not only does it keep my phone dry, but it also takes really great photos underwater.

Bose Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

I love these headphones, especially during long flights. They’re comfortable and won’t start hurting after hours of use. And the noise canceling really works!

Yaktrax Traction Cleats

I finally purchased these Yaktrax Traction Cleats a few winters ago and I don’t know why I hadn’t done it sooner. I walk my dog every day so when the roads are icy or we go hiking in the spring and the trails are covered in ice and slush, these are a must-have.