Hey Johannes From GearUpYourLife here…

And over the last year I bought a lot of travel gear.
Some of it was great. Some of it… let’s just say it didn’t make the cut.

But a few purchases really stood out! So the kind of things I kept using again and again, no matter where I traveled.

So instead of another “new gadgets” list, I wanted to do something different:
the best purchases I made last year so in 2025 and a few that I wouldn’t buy again today.

Important note before we go on:
just because something didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it’s a bad product.
Travel styles, priorities, and routines are different and that’s exactly why this list exists.

🧠 Purchases That Actually Made Sense for My Travel (2025)

🤯 What Surprised Me More Than Expected

Matador Freefly16 Packable Backpack ~$90

I’ve used both this and the Osprey Ultralight Daypack, and they solve the same problem in very different ways.
The Osprey is softer, more forgiving, and feels more “traditional.”
The Matador, on the other hand, feels more structured and more durable — especially when you start carrying heavier items.

If you want something that disappears in your bag and feels ultra-casual, Osprey still makes sense.
But if you want a packable backpack that feels a bit more serious once it’s actually on your back, the Freefly16 surprised me in a good way.

🎧 The Upgrade I Didn’t Plan — But Kept Using

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro ~$120

I didn’t expect these to replace anything, especially not more expensive headphones.
Compared to higher-end earbuds, you obviously don’t get the absolute best ANC but the difference is smaller than I expected.

For travel days, flights, cafés, and editing sessions, they hit a really good balance:
good sound, reliable noise cancellation, and no fear of damaging something super expensive.
That combination is what made me keep them.

🛍️ The Budget Item That Beat More Expensive Options

Nanobag ~$12

I’ve tried bulkier tote bags and nicer-looking ones — and most of them ended up being overkill.
Compared to something like the Peak Design Packable Tote, the Nanobag feels almost too simple… until you actually travel with it.

It’s not about aesthetics here.
It’s about weight, size, and how often you’ll realistically carry it just in case.
For me, that’s where the Nanobag wins.

🧳 The Premium Upgrade That Felt Justified

Level8 Gibraltar Carry-On ~$185

I’ve used cheaper carry-ons as you know and you can feel where the compromises are: wheels, stability, flex.
The Gibraltar doesn’t try to reinvent luggage, it just executes the basics very well.

If you travel once or twice a year, this is probably unnecessary.
If you’re on the road a lot, the smooth rolling and build quality start to matter more than specs on paper.

Quick note:
I’m releasing a full in-depth review of the Gibraltar later this week, because it deserves a proper comparison.

💨 The Cheap Comfort Item That Replaced Bulkier Gear

KeemaL Inflatable Neck Pillow ~$18

I’ve used structured neck pillows and hated how much space they take.
Compared to something like the TRTL, this doesn’t give you the same firm support, but it also doesn’t dominate your carry-on.

For me, this became the better compromise:
less support than rigid options, but way easier to live with when you’re packing light.

✈️ The Flight Gadget That Still Makes the Most Sense

AirFly Adapter ~$40

I’ve tried cheaper Bluetooth transmitters, and they usually work… until they don’t.
Connection drops, pairing issues, random lag.

AirFly is boring in the best way possible.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the one I trust to just work when I’m tired, jet-lagged, and don’t want to troubleshoot anything.

🧼 The Under-$10 Item Where Simplicity Wins

4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel ~$9

I’ve also used towels like the Nomadix, which feel nicer and look better.
But they’re heavier, bulkier, and honestly more towel than I usually need.

The 4Monster isn’t luxurious — it’s practical.
If you care more about fast drying and low weight than how it feels on your skin, this one makes more sense.

🔁 The Item I Replaced With the Same One Again

HeroClip Carabiner (Gear Aid) ~$22

I’ve used normal carabiners, cheap hooks, and random clips.
They all do something, but none of them replace what the HeroClip does.

The rotating hook and built-in hanger make it useful in places where a normal carabiner fails.
When mine disappeared, I didn’t look for an alternative — I bought the same one again.

➕ Two Bonus Purchases I Personally Wouldn’t Buy Again

(Quick reminder: this is based on how I travel. Not a judgment on the products themselves.)

🟤 YETI Lowlands Blanket ~$150+

Great quality, no question.
But for travel, especially flights or hotel trips, it’s simply too thick, too bulky, and very expensive.

For car travel, van life, or beach days, I can see why people love it — that’s also why I featured it before.
For my kind of travel though, and at that price, it ended up being a non-buy.

🧳 Aerotrunk Compression Bags ~$55–$65

I’ll be honest: I just didn’t enjoy using them.
I tested several compression systems for videos, and these didn’t click with my packing style.

That doesn’t mean they’re bad products.
I simply found simpler and better options for the way I pack, so I wouldn’t buy these again.

So yeah, those were the 7 purchases that really stood out for me this year.
But honestly, I bought a lot more in 2025 and many of those items are still in my setup.

That’s why I just published a new video on YouTube where I go much deeper:
My 50 Best Purchases from 2025
👉 Watch it here

Starting next week, we’re going into the new year with a fresh setup and multiple new videos , I’m excited for what’s coming.

Safe travels,
Johannes

P.S.
I also just uploaded a complete One-Backpack Starter Guide on the website,
with a detailed breakdown on how to start traveling with just one bag.
👉 See it here