Whether I'm on the lookout for jungle wildlife or the Northern lights, these are the hero products I never fail to bring on my trips around the world. Tried and tested, they have saved the day on countless occasions and I’ve raved about them to everyone I know. From the perfect backpack to a seriously cool watch, this is the travel gear I can’t live without.
Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8x32mm Roof Binoculars, $359.95
The TrailSeeker ED 8x32mm binoculars are packed with optical, mechanical, and ergonomic features that make them comparable to binoculars costing up to five times as much. Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass virtually eliminates chromatic aberration, also known as color fringing, a visual defect common in binoculars. Not all ED lenses are the same though. The difference is especially apparent in low light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk, where Celestron’s high quality ED glass delivers visibly brighter, sharper images. I tested them out in the Antarctic wilderness where an abundance of seabirds and wildlife meant the TrailSeekers were in frequent use, delivering edge-to-edge sharpness with excellent color correction and razor-sharp images. A perfect choice for avid birders, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. celestron.com
Victorinox 32mm I.N.O.X. Small Automatic, $1,500
Continuing the legacy of robust Swiss watchmaking, Victorinox, the makers of the Swiss army knife, has launched a collection of watches that are built to withstand the toughest conditions. Combining strength and style, the I.N.O.X. Quartz and I.N.O.X. Small Automatic watches combine exceptional durability with refined precision, making them ideally suited for travel in rugged terrains. The collection showcases enduring craftsmanship, with items engineered and manufactured in Victorinox’s own Swiss facility. The 32mm Small Automatic style (pictured) features reliable movements – Sellita SW100, with a power reserve of 42 hours. The rigors of everyday – or even extreme environments like Antarctica, where I tested it out – are no match for this watch, offering ISO-certified water resistance of up to 100 meters and anti-shock protection. With its stainless steel construction and bold design, the I.N.O.X. watch seamlessly blends strength with effortless elegance. The three-dimensional dials are crafted with luminescent numerals, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions, with a date function for added practicality. Engineered for flexibility, the watch comes with a tool-free quick-release strap system, allowing you to switch between straps in various materials such as rubber, metal mesh and paracord, customizing your timepiece depending on the occasion or weather conditions. victorinox.com
Vallerret Tinden Photography Glove, $124.95
A big part of traveling is capturing the landscapes and wildlife along the way, but this can be a challenge in cold climates when you want to keep your hands all wrapped up and toasty. That’s where Vallerret’s Tinden photography gloves come in handy. Designed with flip-tech fingertips, they allow you the freedom to expose your thumb and index fingers to adjust camera settings, handle small accessories, and use your phone without the need to take off the entire glove. Crafted in premium goats leather, with a soft merino wool lining and Primaloft Gold insulation, the Tinden gloves will keep your hands warm in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring you can focus on getting the perfect shot for hours on end. Non-slip grip artwork printed across the fingers provides superior camera control even in freezing conditions, while a heat pack pocket, hidden tripod key, and a carabiner clip to attach the gloves to your camera bag, backpack, or belt loop are some of the many thoughtful details that really set these gloves apart. A women’s model, the Saga glove ($94.95), is designed specifically for smaller hands, and the Power Stretch Pro Liner with touch ($34.95) can be worn inside all Vallerret gloves for extra warmth. photographygloves.com
Gregory Maven 58 Backpack, $299.95
I’ve put dozens of backpack brands to the test, and my firm favorite is Gregory. Whether you’re hiking in the Himalayas and backpacking through Europe, there’s a pack to suit your needs. The Maven 58 liters was built light with superior comfort for goal-oriented thru-hikers. Sized and fitted for women, this backpack features the freefloat hip belt that flexes with you independent of the pack frame, so you use less energy while you hike. The air-cushion mesh back panel contains more than 90% air, keeping you cool while you grind it out. Keep your essentials close with the on-the-go pocket, built for your Garmin inReach, sunglasses and snacks. A full-length side-loading zipper keeps you organized while the zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider keeps everything where it should be. Available in Warm Bronze and Ocean Slate. gregory.com
Not all sunglasses are created equal – Ombraz makes theirs armless. The unique design features an adjustable nylon cord for a comfortable and secure fit, making them ideally suited to outdoor activities. They won’t slip or fall off your face, even when you’re wearing a helmet, so you can hike, bike, climb and adventure without fear of losing your sunnies. I especially like the Viale style in the tortoise color, featuring a vintage keyhole nose bridge and elegant circular lenses. Another reason I love Ombraz is that they plant 20 mangrove trees for every pair of sunglasses sold. ombraz.com
Stanley AeroLight Transit Bottle 20oz $22.75
The AeroLight Transit Mug [Bottle] is designed to be lightweight without compromizing your desired liquid temperature, keeping your drinks hot or cold for hours on end. Ideal to take on your travels, it has you covered whatever the weather. It’s also leakproof, with a locking, drink-through lid. This means you don’t have to worry about spills as you throw your bottle in your bag and jump on a train or begin a hike. Best of all, the AeroLight is dishwasher safe and BPA free. stanley1913.com