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The Top Travel Gear Matador’s Editors are Actually Using
Our tried-and-true favorites
Tim Wenger
August 29th, 2025
The Top Travel Gear Matador’s Editors Actually Use on Their Trips
If you’ve stepped into an REI or perused Amazon listings lately, you’ve likely noticed that we’re currently inundated with options for travel gear. There’s so much out there – for every possible activity – that it can cause shopping paralysis (what makes a pair of trousers, “travel pants,” other than the fact that the wearer is traveling?).
As a commerce editor who frequently reviews travel gear for Matador, the best advice I can give you is to find a few brands that you like and trust, and stick with their catalog to build your travel kit. Both outfits and gear setups tend to work better when they’re designed to function top-to-bottom. And, brand loyalty reduces the anxiety of not knowing how something new will perform in the wild. For example, after a particularly rough hut trip in which I struggled to access gear in my new backpack when I needed it most, I came to believe that there are too many backpacks – the perfect options already exist, even for niche activities like splitboarding. That’s because legacy brands like Patagonia and Osprey have homed their products so intensely for long enough that there just isn’t a good reason to go with a company you’ve never heard of.
In other areas, though, there’s plenty of room for innovation – and travel brands are stepping up to fill it. Matador editors recently compiled a list of the stuff we’re carrying with us this summer and fall. These aren’t necessarily new items – in many cases, they’re tried-and-true pieces that have been in our outdoor or professional travel kits for years, and that we replace (when necessary) with the same. A few notables below.
I’m curious, also, which gear you trust with your style, your experience, or even your life when you travel. What should be on our radar?
Cheers,
Tim Wenger, commerce editor
E S S E N T I A L S
 Stay WarmAlpaca wool is soft, sustainable, and versatile, as demonstrated by the increasing popularity of the wool and the extensive list of clothing it now forms. Peru-based PAKA has led this charge, pioneering sweaters that can be worn all year and underwear that performs well even on long treks. |  Wake UpWhen it comes to my morning buzz, few things frustrate me more than a hotel room with disposable single-use trash waiting in the coffee station. Lifestyle editor Katie Gavin stands by the ESPRO Ultralight Travel Coffee Press, which fits in a small pack and makes cafe-quality coffee anywhere. |
 Work AnywhereSomehow, managing editor Nicholaus Hines manages to remain productive on the go, working primarily from his phone. While I’d like to think that means the team submits flawless work and all he’s doing is ticking boxes, I doubt that’s the case, and he relies on the Samsers Portable Keyboard to keep the show going. |  Pack SmartI rarely leave home without the Patagonia Refugio on my back. The detachable laptop sleeve and its compartment hold all my work stuff, while gear, clothing, and food go in the main compartment. Important must-haves like a spork and pen live in the small front pouch. It’s the perfect backpack for the traveling remote worker. |
S A L E
REI’s Labor Day Sale
With 25–50% off travel and outdoor essentials, now’s the time to stock up for your fall and winter adventures.
T R A V E L
The Best Travel Clothes
Photo: Roark
I travel for a living, and this company's shirts and pants go everywhere I do.
O U T D O O R
Luxury Camping Gear
Hate camping? This game-changing gear might convert you.
O U T D O O R
The Best Sunglasses
Photo: Burton
Our editors tested these sunglasses on epic outdoor adventures to make sure they stay put, and, of course, also protect your line of sight.
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team
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