I remember reading a thread a few years back about people sharing their optimization suggestions, best travel tips and/or favorite multi-purpose items. What are yours? Do you have an all-in-one charging system for electronics? A go-to travel app? Any updates to these in the past few years?

I had been looking for a small packable daypack that I could put in the front pocket of my GR1 and use only when I was going to the beach, on a small daytrip or to the café to work on my laptop.

Unfortunately most of the packable option had really flimsy materials or really thin fragile looking straps that seemed like they would get snagged by a chair corner. Not to mention that most packable daypacks are ugly and have that “sporty”/“hiker” look.

Well I think I found a good solution, there is a pack called the “Deploy” made by a Canadian company called YNOT that finally fit my needs. I got mine in 600D Black Cordura with no branding except for a small tag on the front on one side and a small tag on one of the straps which by the way are made of a seatbelt material meaning they are light but strong and durable. The backpack can pack into itself via the front pocket and has a loop as well as a clippy thing which you can use to attach it to molle or a D ring.

When packed it takes up …

The reason I ask is because in the past I have had reusable bottles but they/the water always starts to smell musty/moldy after a bit of use. I said forget it and started to buy a plastic bottle as needed, and would reuse that until it smelled, then recycle it. I have a stainless steel bottle that I like and recently started to use it again, thinking I just need to wash it thoroughly after each day of use, which I have been doing, but it doesn’t seem to matter. It’s been about 2 weeks of use with daily washing, but the water smells when I go to drink it now a couple hours after being refilled. I’m not sure if it’s the climate/humidity I’m in or what, but I had intestinal upset last night and I’m wondering if it’s from the bottle. I’ve been thinking maybe I need to bleach it?? But that’s not ideal while traveling. I’ve tried white vinegar but it doesn’t seem to matter once it’s in regular use. If I let it dry out for a …

I took a long weekend with the family and although I’m not a minimalist I’ve been trying to cut down on the amount of stuff I have and consequently the amount of stuff I take on my travels. However, everytime I prepare for a trip, packing my backpack is always a huge pain, whether it’s forgetting something or moving stuff from my EDC to my travel pack, I feel that I get more stressed than I should. What are your tips and tricks to more easily pack before you leave, either for travel or between destinations? I’ve been wondering if I should leave some stuff on my travel backpack that I know I will only need when I travel e.g. Locks, sarong as beach towel or the toiletries bag and packing cubes.

Hi all,

I like to use a Fanny but realized it’d be easy to cut or steal. Also, I don’t like the bulge of using pants pockets, or carrying a backpack. Are there any other alternatives?