It’s a new format that I’m inaugurating! The goal is to present to you every Sunday evening selections of pieces based on a single criterion: those that we like in the editorial department and that we want to recommend to you.
It's that simple.
And today, we're not going to talk much about clothes, but more about travel. Last year, I moved around a lot, and I became really obsessive about packing my clothes to go hiking.
Here's what changed my life (just that!) when I'm traveling.
1. My Axiom bag from Triple Aught Design
The backpack I use every day.
In 2018, my big challenge was to find a backpack for every day: take my sports gear (shoes + shorts + tee) and my computer.
Certainly, I am a happy owner of a Goruck GR2 bag , but it is way too big for everyday use.
After having carefully returned Carryology , I finally took an Axiom 18 from Triple Aught Design , the outdoor techwear brand made in the USA.
However, you have to love the technical side and the very particular grid of the material due to X-Pac (a material originally invented for boat sails). Oh, and the crispy side of the X-Pac inside the bag is simply exquisite.
Otherwise, I'm very, very happy with its functionality , pockets everywhere, and I customized the "Goruck-style" zips.
In fact, the zips are YKK AquaGuards, so it’s a bag that can withstand a downpour without any problem.
Fault-wise, it doesn't sit perfectly on the shoulders and the straps can slip a little if I don't put the sternum strap on, but I think that must have since been corrected.
I have the 18 liter version, perfect for everyday use and a bit tight for a weekend (unless you are very minimalist). For that, there is the 24 liter version .
2. My Muji packing cubes
It will revolutionize your travels!
Among “digital nomads”, the packing cube is an essential item . It has a very simple function: to prevent total chaos inside your suitcase. There your shirts are tidy and don't get mixed up with your underwear.
The good thing is that if a packing cube is not correctly filled when you get home, that means you probably forgot something.
The Muji ones are very good , but if you're in hardcore mode, don't hesitate to search for "packing cube Dyneema" or "packing cube X-Pac" in Google...
3. The Hero Clip
It was Valentin who told me about it, it's a kind of super carabiner that I always have in my bag and which I use to hang it up if I don't want to leave it lying around on the ground.
A little accessory that doesn't eat much but is super practical!
4.My APC x Outdoor Voices pants
I'm addicted to these pants, unfortunately not available today.
I've talked about them before, but for me they're simply the ultimate lounge pants, and the most comfortable I've ever worn.
As soon as I sleep away from home for more than one night, I take it without hesitation, because putting it on after a long day relaxes me enormously, without being a shapeless jog.
The only way to get your hands on an equivalent product is to grab the Runningman from Outdoor Voices.
5. My Adidas NMD in Gore-Tex
Well, I am now able to say it: having a pair of totally waterproof sneakers (waterproof, not just "rain resistant") is super practical. And for me, it's even a wardrobe essential.
That's it, it's said.
Obviously it doesn't rain all the time, so I don't wear them all the time. But when it rains, how happy I am to have them!
It's liberating to walk in the rain without thinking "I'm going to destroy the leather of my shoes."
And if you're wondering: yes it really works, the water doesn't come in.
Gore-Tex on a shoe: so ultimate? Not sure…
Be careful, Gore-Tex in a shoe is not without limits: it still keeps the feet a little warm and it's complicated to wear them in summer (that's good, it's not the rainiest period of the year in general).
Another thing, breathable membrane or not, it is still a plastic film that surrounds your foot, which is one of the parts of your body that emits the most perspiration.
So obviously, your perspiration can condense slightly inside, and it's the humidity that is responsible for the bad odors.
Oh, and if water gets inside your shoe, it's ruined, it can't get out by drying on the outside.
This is also why American special forces who are sometimes required to walk in waterways in humid climates do not wear Gore-Tex rangers (they instead wear Lalo with a drainage system). very particular water).
Let's be clear: for urban use, where you are going to wear your Gore-Tex shoes all day and take them off when you get home, wearing another pair the next day, there is absolutely no problem, and that's it. is a pleasure.
On the other hand, if I had to put together an ultra minimalist outfit to travel around the world and go on an adventure with just one pair, I would think twice before putting Gore-Tex around my feet every day , and every week.
For those who want to explore the subject of waterproof shoes in an "outdoor" situation, read the "proudly not waterproof" paragraph on the Goruck shoes presentation page , or the article on cold feet from Wiggy's which is worth its weight in socks in Climashield.
In any case, those who want to keep up to date with Gore-Tex sneakers that are released throughout the year, follow the Gore-Tex Insta account.
And if I had to buy a pair again, I think it would be the Gore-Tex Coverses or another pair of Adidas.
6. The Uniqlo Ultra Warm “base layer”
The Ultra Warm range for men and women. Note that leggings can be a lifesaver in winter.
Is it still useful to present Uniqlo's "Heattech" range? It is a clothing line that prides itself on providing warm and fine base layers. So far, I had been moderately convinced.
So I was curious to try Uniqlo's warmest base layer ("Ultra Warm" range, not the "Extra Warm").
And I'm writing these lines while wearing it next to my skin.
Bottom line: “yeah…”. It's relatively warm, but in terms of thickness, it's closer to a sweatshirt or a thin sweater than a long-sleeved merino tee. There are no miracles.
To be sure of my opinion, I just put on our PowerStretch bomber jacket again next to the skin, and there's no doubt, the warmth of the PowerStretch is more pleasant, softer, more cozy, and it regulates better.
I still recommend this base layer from Uniqlo when traveling, because it's a piece that takes up little space, which is perfect for chilling out in the evening in your Airbnb, and which will provide you with valuable services during the day under a sweatshirt when 'a very cold day.
7. The Dyneema toiletry bag from Zpacks
The ultimate toiletry bag, which can be used for many other things.
When it was time to renew my toiletry bag, I decided to turn to a Dyneema pouch from the Zpacks brand .
What more can be said ? It's light, it's durable, and it's not afraid of water. And the patina of Dyneema is exquisite . It's a great introduction to those interested in techwear at a really low price.
8. Goruck “Cable Organizer”
Little by little, by constantly optimizing our equipment when traveling, we become obsessive about details.
One day, I got so tired of having my cables loose in my suitcase. So I geeked out on the subject, and I use two Goruck accessories, one or the other, it depends on the amount of cables I have to carry.
Yes, this item has really made my life easier while traveling.
The first is the cable organizer , with three compartments: two small ones for USB cables, and one large one for computer chargers and mains cables.
The Goruck “kit” which I also use from time to time.
I also used a Goruck field pocket when I had few magazines to carry.
Yes, Goruck is expensive, but the quality is top notch, and I am addicted to the “feeling” of robustness that emanates from each of their products.
Oh, and for cables, I'm a huge fan of cables from Nomad which I pair with a USB power strip from Anker , extremely practical when traveling with several people, and/or when you have to charge the phone, the external battery, wireless headphones, etc.
This is a serious topic at Carryology, so much so that they made three articles about it: article 1 , article 2 , article 3 .
9. My suitcase Horizn Studio
How much I love these suitcases!
Traveling with a poor quality suitcase is torture, especially when the wheels get stuck and start to "file" to the ground.
So, after intensive "geeking" on suitcases, I came across the Germans from Horizonn Studio , and I am very very satisfied with this product, I made everyone around me buy it.
The wheels come from the Japanese manufacturer Hinomoto, there are 4 of them, they run smoothly, they last over time, and the retractable handle exudes quality. In short, for the price of such a suitcase, go for it. Nothing more to add about this awesome suitcase.
This is my first selection! Have a nice trip 🙂
