- 1. For Carrying Camera Or Laptop Sized Cargo
- 2. For Smaller Cargo
- 3. 21-Inch Carryon Hardside
- 4. 30-Inch Checked Hardside
- 5. Packing Cubes
- 6. Luggage Lock
- 7. RFID Blocking Passport Wallet
- 8. Laptop Bag
- 9. Wireless Mouse
- 10. Camera Pack
- 11. Batteries
- 13. Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler
- 14. WorldwideTravel Plug Adaptor
- 15. Luggage Scale
Amazon Basics — Amazon’s house brand — has become my go-to over the last several years. As the Amazon Basics (AB) selection of products has grown, I’ve found them to be consistent quality materials designed and manufactured at a high standard.
That’s especially true of AB for travel. Travel gear gets lots of use at my house. Most years, I travel enough miles to encircle the globe — twice. Recently, I began to notice more and more of the travel gear I pack, and what I was packing it in, is an AB product.
Quality and cost make AB travel gear budget-friendly for new and seasoned travelers. So, I researched Amazon and found these basics every traveler and traveling photographer should consider adding to their travel gear wardrobe.
Day Packs
These days, a day pack is essential to travel. Whether on foot or in the air, it’s the easiest way to keep your must-have-with-me essentials in one place. I’ve traveled with a day pack for years. Because I’m a photographer, my 35mm camera goes everywhere I go, stashed in my 12-year-old AB day pack.
But cameras aren’t my only cargo. My AB day pack has been a shopping bag, picnic basket, beach tote, laundry bag, and even a water bucket in an emergency.
A day pack leaves you hands-free. They take up very little space and can be used every day. It meets my first rule of practical packing: If an item makes the trip, it must be usable in more than one way.
1. For Carrying Camera Or Laptop Sized Cargo
Buy Now $34.64
If you carry your 35mm camera, up to 15-inch laptop, or an e-pad with you when out and about, check out the Amazon Basics Multi-Compartment Backpack. It’s lightweight, durable, and made to keep you organized.
This black fabric bag has padded shoulder straps that can be joined in the front for shoulder ease. Lots of compartments can be zipped and opened. The hardware is good quality, as are the zippers, and it’s under $40.
2. For Smaller Cargo
Buy Now $21.44The Amazon Basics Ultralight Portable Packable Day Pack is perfect for stashing a few small essentials, a picnic, or the souvenirs you find in the street markets. Adjustable straps work with all types of clothing. There are plenty of compartments you can open and zip. It has a 7.5-gallon capacity, is machine washable, and can be folded into the included small pouch — all under $20.
3. 21-Inch Carryon Hardside
Buy Now $86.46Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner will take you thousands of miles. This little jewel has an interior organizer and dividers that hold your unmentionables in place and keep them private when your suitcase is opened.
In addition to the telescoping handle, there is a top and side handle for easier lifting into the overhead. The durable hardshell is available in four colors, including fluorescent orange. Get it now for under $90.
4. 30-Inch Checked Hardside
Buy Now $129.69Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner, big brother to the 21-inch, is a to-be-checked-sized bag. It has the same features as the 21-inch carry-on hardside spinner, but it’s larger and available for under $115.
5. Packing Cubes
Buy Now $24.02Whether you’re a folder or a roller, packing cubes will keep you organized and stop the black hole search of garments packed loosely into your suitcase.
I use them, even for overnight trips. I’m a hybrid fold/roll packer. But folded and rolled garments go into a packing cube, then into my bag. Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes will help you pack quickly and find your little black dress fast. And it’s under $30.
6. Luggage Lock
Buy Now $13.30Yes, it’s wise to lock your luggage when it’s not in your possession (that includes your hotel room). Amazon Basics TSA-Approved Combination Lock is small, light, and tough. The combination lock has no key, and you set your own combination. This type of lock allows TSA to open the lock, inspect your bag, and then relock. Get it for under $15.
7. RFID Blocking Passport Wallet
Buy Now $18.36Unfortunately, protecting your passport and credit cards from scanners is necessary today. An Amazon Basics RFID Blocking Passport Wallet protects you from unscrupulous identity thieves. The leather folder has room for a passport, ID, and credit cards. Buy it now for under $20.
Traveling With A Laptop
Many of us travel with a laptop these days. I have for years. Today, I travel with a 17-inch, 6-pound behemoth that allows me to write and edit photos and videos no matter where I might be. The laptop goes into my day pack if I’m flying or on a train or bus. The computer and its accessories go into my laptop bag when I travel by car.
8. Laptop Bag
Buy Now $19.78Amazon Basics Laptop Bag is one of my oldest AB purchases. It’s been on some long road trips. Mine is the largest at 17 inches, but it’s also available in sizes of 10, 14, and 15 inches, with an adjustable, padded shoulder strap. There are two large zipped compartments and a smaller zipped pouch on the outside.
The soft gray lining keeps it from being a black hole when looking for your thumb drive in one of the interior open-pouch pockets. I love the strap on the back. It slips over the telescoping handle on your wheeled luggage — very handy and under $25.
9. Wireless Mouse
Buy Now $10.99My Amazon Basics Wireless Computer Mouse is also well traveled and well used. It’s even been the victim of more than one beverage spill. Its tiny receiver plugs into a USB port on your computer. When traveling, the receiver can be stored inside the optical mouse. Get this handy item for under $15.
Traveling With Camera Gear
When traveling with your 35mm or video cameras, lenses, and gadgets, there are many options for keeping things safe in transit. Lenses and camera bodies are delicate and need protection from impact. A camera backpack is my preferred way of getting all my gear into one padded bag that will fit in any overhead.
10. Camera Pack
Buy Now $38.89The Amazon Basics Large Camera Backpack is versatile. Removable padded dividers inside the main compartment allow you to configure the pack to fit your gear. In addition, there is a quick access compartment on the side and an interior pouch for a laptop. A small tripod or monopod can be attached to the outside. There’s a handy rain cover included as well.
This bag worked well for Kevin and me. Each of us got all of our camera gear securely stored in one bag and safely stashed in an overhead compartment. It was heavy with two bodies, four lenses, four batteries, a charger, a mini-pod, a monopod, cards, cleaning gear, and other assorted gadgets. But, having everything in one place while in transit was worth the weight. And, you can get it for under $80.
Other Handy Amazon Basics For Travelers
13. Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler
Buy Now $13.79Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Tumbler is a reusable hot or cold 30-ounce beverage bottle. This highly-rated container has a flip lid to keep beverages in and other stuff out. The double steel walls will keep things hot for 6 hours or cold for 12 hours. They come in sets of two, so you can have your morning tea in one and your smoothie in the other. Two silver-color bottles are under $25.
14. WorldwideTravel Plug Adaptor
Buy Now $17.37When traveling internationally, you may discover electrical outlets aren’t made for your small electrical devices. No worries. Keeping an Amazon Basics World Travel Plug Adapter Set in your bag will keep you plugged in and charging.
Six adaptors convert American-style, two- or three-prong plugs into Type C, Type G, Type L, Type E/F, Type I, and Type H. This set it under $20.
15. Luggage Scale
Buy Now $11.86While not essential, this inexpensive device can save you time and money. Weigh your bags when you pack so you have no surprises when you check-in. The Amazon Basics Portable Luggage Scale is digital, compact, and has a flexible strap for attaching the bag to be weighed. The maximum weight is 110 pounds and the scale is under $15.
Why Amazon Basics?
Amazon Basics is Amazon’s private label brand. Amazon works with manufacturers of highly-rated products to produce, label, and package goods of all kinds. The design, materials, and quality are excellent, and the prices are a thrifty shopper’s delight.
All AB products have very high consumer ratings, with thousands of units sold. I haven’t been disappointed with any AB product I’ve purchased.
See all Amazon Basics for Travel.
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