Travel Gear We Would Actually Buy
A short list, because most travel gear content exists to sell you a second bag you do not need.
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One carry-on that fits every major airline sizer, and nothing else you have not already got. That is the honest gear list.
Carry-on bags under 40 litres
Under-40-litre is the sweet spot: it clears almost every European budget-airline sizer, it fits overhead without a fight, and it forces you to pack less. Above 40 litres you are gambling on the gate agent.
| Bag type | Volume | Fits Ryanair sizer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clamshell 35LOpens flat, best for packing cubes | 35L | Yes, with the compression straps pulled | Browse these |
| Roller 38LHard shell, better for cobbles than it looks | 38L | Yes | Browse these |
| Expandable 40L+Expands past the limit, which is the problem | 40–48L | Not when expanded | Not recommended |
What we would not buy
Travel-specific clothing. Merino wool is genuinely useful; zip-off trousers are not.
Universal adaptors with USB built in. They are bulky and the USB output is usually too weak to charge a laptop. A plain plug adaptor plus your own charger is smaller and faster.
A second daypack. If your carry-on has a front compartment, you already have one.