As nomads, choosing the right clothing & gear is important, as you’re carrying everything (mostly) that you expect to need in your travels.
In our case, our route has taken us to extremes in climate, so besides carrying all the electronic gear one expects, we are prepared for -20C to 45C. Oh, and we’ve been hauling around our own snorkels & masks, because we both use prescription masks, and using the snorkels at most beachside shops is…. uh.. yuck.
Eventually, we’ll build this out to a proper site of its own, with reviews. Until then, here’s a partial list of what we carry and recommend:
Note: as you might expect, the following list contains affiliate links. If you purchase any of these items, or from the sites listed, we may earn (we hope) a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’d really help us continue our reporting, so … please do!
Clothing: His (Men’s)
ExOfficio Underwear
I swear by these! I have regular and lightweight sets(and yes, in really hot climates, it makes a difference). I’ve had a few pair last more than 10 years before waistband gives in. So, expensive up front, but a great value. You’ll do a LOT of sink/by-hand laundry; these dry fast, and don’t lost shape with hand-wringing.
32 Degrees baselayer
Just great, also the *cool* tshirts for summer sport/hiking.
Mountain Wearhouse 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket / Puffycoat system
Sadly, the one I have is nowhere near as packable as Ms. Nomads’. It’s actually been kind of a pain to haul around. That said, when I have had to wear both, like climbing Mt. Meru and hiking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, it’s been amazing. Not “currently available”, but see if there’s a different MW product that suits you!
Convertible Zip hiking pant/short
*I’m currently using some with NordicTrack branding, but really like these Columbia zip pants too.
Brooks (Adrenaline) Running Shoe:
Brooks makes a variety of pretty well-reviewed running & walking shoes. I like the Adrenaline model because of the “Guiderail” technology, which offers a really stable platform. I’ve got some fairly serious knee & ankle problems, and these are the best, most comfortable shoes I’ve tried. So far.
Smartwool (Men’s) Socks:
I have a couple pairs of hikers and one thermal liners. Best I’ve found for wicking moisture away. Also really durable, and comfy in almost all temps.
Mine is 28L, but… not offered anymore. I’ve had this thing more than 10 years and it only now shows signs of serious wear. Will replace this winter. Only downside we’ve found while nomadic is the weight and it’s not packable. Which actually protects the laptop, so maybe NOT a drawback…
Nomadix Towel:
Honestly not in love with this, but it does the job. Importantly, on a beach, it doesn’t pick up/retain sand.
Clothing: Hers (Women’s)
Mountain Warehouse 3-in-1 Rain/Puffy Coat System:
Keen Targhee waterproof hiking boot:
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof hikers:
32 Degrees Baselayer (top & bottoms):
Silicone toiletry bottles:
squeezy, refillable, washable
NACHILA Pajamas for Women-Viscose Made from Bamboo:
Women’s Slides | Sport Sandals & Slides :
SANTINY 18″ Skort for Women, 3 Pockets:
Kalon Women’s 4 Pack Demi Padded Bralette, Wireless:
Little Donkey Women’s Lightweight Convertible Zip-Off Pants Quick Dry UPF 50:
* Rab Wicking sport T:
Mrs. likes this for wicking, cool and bright color so boats (and I) can see her when snorkeling! It held up really well for 2+ years, but finally got a little “permadirt” from backpack.
Health & Beauty
Glass Nail File
What’s more irritating than having airport security take away your scissors, nailfiles and the like? Here’s the (partial) answer!
Electronics
Universal plug adapter
Note: NOT a voltage converter, so won’t help with hairdryers etc. But a necessity to simultaneously charge multiple usb items. We have 2, plus a voltage converter, rarely use either spare.
Power Bank:
Get one or more 10,000mah. Many airlines are not allowing larger or, Li Ion on board any more… it’s getting weird.
Other
Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 6-Pack :
Ziploc bags are NOT common elsewhere, and these are touch enough to stand up to most wear, (except rodents, who *will* chew thru them 🙁
LeanTravel Compression cubes (Hers):
Packing Cube (set): His
Was skeptical, Now I’m not. Although, secondary zipper on one failed after about a year, so it doesn’t really compress much. May try a different brand.
CLIF Bars & Blocks (love Margarita flavor!):
You’d be surprised at the lack of supplements like these in hike-central destinations like Nepal. You can get ORS almost anywhere, but we’ve found very little in way of candies etc.
Backpacks / Luggage
In transit, we each carry two bags, a 45L carryon/checked bag and a smaller (for now) 28L daypack. We each currently also have a smaller packable city/daypack. Not sure this system will continue in 2026 and beyond; there’s just too much bs involved with unpacking/repacking the smaller bags. Stay Tuned.
Her Hiking / Mid pack: Deuter Backpack:
As seen in the top image, a kind of grey/green color (they call it teal/tin). It’s held up well, and has enough compartments (it’s amazing what Ms. Nomad is able to cram in there) , but she actually wants something a bit smaller for the next legs of our travel.
His Hiking / Midpack:
Columbia 28L. No longer available, which is too bad, because it’s held up pretty well for a *decade* worth of dayhikes in the American West, followed by two full years traveling the globe.
Her Main 45L “luggage” backpack: Samsonite Mother Lode
Originally E-Bags brand, since acquired by Samsonite, and curiously not available on their site. Hmmm. Amazon it is. It’s been pretty durable, with only one compression strapped torn off in airline handling. Lots of compartments (I’m actually a bit jealous about these). BUT… Ms. Nomads is probably shopping for something different now because it does not have hip belts, and when thoroughly packed, it hurts her back.