Every seasoned traveler has that one bag—the one that’s been slung over their shoulder on countless journeys, filled with both essentials and memories. For me, that backpack was a market find in La Cruz, Mexico. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it carried me through some of the best (and most chaotic) moments of my travels.

I still remember emptying it one last time as we hauled out Avocet, shaking out sand from the beaches of San Blas, sorting through pesos found after wild parties, and sifting through old grocery receipts from Bucerías. Swapping its contents into another bag felt bittersweet. But while backpacks may change, what I carry inside remains the same—my tried-and-true essentials for everyday life and adventure.

Hand Sanitizer

Travel exposes you to countless surfaces, animals, and people, making hygiene a top priority. Whether you’re shaking hands, petting stray cats and dogs, handling money, or grabbing street food, having hand sanitizer ensures that germs don’t linger longer than they should. It’s a simple yet essential tool to keep you healthy on the go, especially in places where soap and water aren’t easily accessible.

Sunscreen

Sun exposure is inevitable when you’re traveling, sailing, or spending long hours outdoors. A good sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Remember when I wrote a sunscreen review for my friend Tess at Quill media? Whether you’re on the water, exploring a new city, or hiking through the mountains, keeping sunscreen in your bag ensures you can reapply as needed and enjoy the day without worrying about burning. We are stoked to carry some ocean safe sunscreen made by our sailing friend Maddie! Check it out HERE!

Pill Box

After fumbling around with various bill bottles I discovered THIS amazing little pill box. A small but mighty addition to your backpack, a pill box keeps essential medications organized and within reach. Travel can sometimes throw unexpected health issues your way—whether it’s an upset stomach from food, a headache from dehydration, or muscle soreness from an adventurous day. I like to carry: 

• Tums for indigestion
• Ibuprofen for pain relief
• DayQuil for sudden colds
• Pepto for stomach issues 
• Digestive enzymes if we have a dairy or carb heavy meal
• Benadryl in case of allergic reaction

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, and being prepared with a small first aid kit can make all the difference. This kit is particularly important because, as you’ve noted, Chris has a knack for getting hurt. Band-Aids take care of cuts and blisters, antiseptic wipes help prevent infections, and Neosporin speeds up healing. Whether it’s a small scrape or an unexpected injury, having these basics on hand means you won’t have to scramble for supplies when you need them most.

Tissues

Keeping tissues in your backpack is a small yet essential habit for any traveler. They come in handy for unexpected messes, public restrooms that lack toilet paper, and sudden allergies or sniffles. Tissues also help with wiping sweat, cleaning smudged glasses, or even dabbing away happy tears during emotional moments. Whether you need a quick napkin or a simple way to stay fresh on the go, having a travel-sized pack ensures you’re always prepared for whatever the day brings. For a more sustainable option, consider carrying a reusable cloth handkerchief!

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, especially in hot or physically demanding environments. Carrying a reusable water bottle ensures you always have access to clean drinking water, helping to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Whether you’re walking through a new city, lounging on the beach, or hiking a remote trail, having water on hand means you can keep going without relying on store-bought plastic bottles.

Toothpicks

There’s nothing worse than enjoying a delicious meal, only to spend the rest of the day trying to dislodge a stubborn piece of food from your teeth. Toothpicks are an often-overlooked essential that can save you from hours of discomfort. Whether it’s taco meat, popcorn, or any other food that loves to get stuck, a quick fix with a toothpick keeps you feeling fresh and ready for your next meal.

Gum

Gum is a small but effective multitasker in your backpack. Not only does it freshen your breath after meals, but it also helps with digestion, relieves dry mouth, and can even prevent ear discomfort when flying or sailing at different altitudes. It’s a simple comfort that comes in handy more often than expected, making it a must-have item for any traveler.

Eye Drops

Originally carried for my friend Reid, eye drops have proven to be an invaluable addition to the backpack. Dry or irritated eyes are common when spending time in windy, salty air or staring at screens for navigation and communication. A few drops can provide instant relief, making them essential for anyone who wears contacts or spends long hours outdoors in the sun and wind.

Snacks

A well-timed snack can turn a stressful or tiring situation into a manageable one. Originally packed with a hangry friend in mind (*cough* Peter *cough*) snacks have become a go-to for keeping energy levels stable during long travel days. Whether it’s a protein bar, nuts, or dried fruit, having something to munch on prevents mood swings and keeps you fueled for whatever the day brings.

Wallet

This might seem like an obvious tip, but keeping a well-organized wallet in your backpack is essential while traveling. It’s more than just a place to store money—it’s your lifeline for getting around, buying food, and accessing important identification. I recommend carrying a reasonable amount of cash, both in USD and the local currency of the country you’re visiting, to ensure you’re prepared for places that don’t accept cards. However, don’t carry your whole life in your wallet. Instead, keep it minimal:

• A photocopy of your passport (not the original)
• Some cash for emergencies
• An ID
• ONE credit card (not all of them)

This way, if your wallet is lost or stolen, you won’t lose everything and can still access backup funds or identification. Staying prepared means peace of mind, no matter where your travels take you!

Power Bank

In today’s digital age, keeping your phone charged is crucial for navigation, communication, and capturing memories. A power bank ensures that you’re never stuck with a dead battery, whether you’re exploring a new city, sailing offshore, or spending a long day away from electrical outlets. It provides peace of mind, knowing you can always reach out for help, check maps, or document your journey without worrying about running out of power.

Camera (Olympus OM1 Film Camera)

Capturing memories is one of the most meaningful parts of any journey, and a dedicated camera allows you to document special moments with greater quality and depth than a phone. While Chris prefers his digital camera, I love the tactile experience of shooting film and always carry my Olympus OM1—a classic, compact film camera that fits easily in my bag. Shooting on film adds an extra layer of nostalgia and artistry to our travel photography. With film, every shot counts, making each frame more intentional and meaningful—a perfect way to preserve the beauty of our adventures. My go-to film stock is Kodak Gold, but lately, I’ve been loving the dreamy tones of Cinestill 400 as well!

If you’re looking for a smaller, low-maintenance alternative, check out some of the new “reusable disposable” cameras—they deliver that retro film aesthetic without the waste of traditional disposables. No matter what you shoot with, the most important thing is to capture the moments that matter and tell your own story, one frame at a time.

Wet Wipes 

Wet wipes are one of those underrated travel essentials that you don’t realize you need—until you do. They’re perfect for freshening up after a hot, sweaty day, wiping off dirt and grime, or even handling unexpected messes like bird poop – it happens! Speaking of poop, if nature calls in a place without proper facilities? You’ll be covered. Trust me on this one. Whether you’re sailing, hiking, or simply exploring a new destination, having wet wipes on hand ensures you can stay clean and comfortable no matter what the adventure throws your way.

Some Other Recommendations…

Now truth be told these might be a little overkill, but if you have room in your backpack why not add them?

• Tide Stick – you never know when you might get a stain!
• Extra hair ties – for yourself or a friend in need! They can also be used in so many other ways.
• Safety pins – these are easy to just pin to your backpack, you never know when you might need to fix a skirt or pin something together.
• Pens – Just in case you need to write something down
• Stickers/Business Cards – I like to carry our boat cards and some Avocet stickers just in case we meet someone we want to stay in touch with!
• Deodorant – they make travel sized deodorant sticks for a reason
• Multitool – My dad gave us a ton of multitools and on days we are out hiking, we definitely keep this on us.

Every item in my backpack has earned its place through experience—lessons learned the hard way, unexpected situations, and the small comforts that make travel smoother. From the sunscreen that’s saved me from brutal burns to the first aid kit that’s patched up more injuries than I can count, each piece tells a story of trial, error, and adventure. Over time, this collection of essentials has become second nature, always ready to go at a moment’s notice. I hope that sharing what’s in my bag inspires you to curate your own go-to adventure kit—one that keeps you prepared, comfortable, and ready to embrace whatever journey lies ahead. After all, the best adventures start with a little preparation and an open mind. So pack up, head out, and see where the world takes you!