Our Gear

The Beryl is small, lightweight & slips easily into travel bags. We name our Beryl the same as our home network to avoid reconfiguring phones, cameras & laptops to use the hotel or Airbnb Wi-Fi. It’s perfect for hotel & Airbnb internet connections, while its built-in VPN securely tunnels all traffic for peace of mind.

The Eufy C120 camera offers subscription-free peace of mind while traveling, recording directly to a local micro SD card. Enhanced motion detection ensures security, while two-way audio allows communication with our pets at our travel accommodation while we visit National Parks. It’s a reliable way to stay connected and in the loop.

After fully embracing bidets at home, we didn’t want to give them up while traveling. The VIKKEN Go+ is compact, portable, battery-powered (charged via USB-C), and comes with its own 200ml (6.75oz) water reservoir (though it can also connect to soda bottles if more water is needed). Our butts have never been cleaner while on the road!

The GoPro MAX is our most versatile camera since it’s like having three cameras in one. It shoots 360-degree footage, GoPro HERO-style video, and photos all in one compact device. When we’re hiking, the views can be so stunning that it’s hard to know where to aim the camera. The GoPro MAX captures everything around us!

A photography drone opens up a whole new world of perspectives, and the DJI Mini 2 is perfect for the job. Its compact design and lightweight build (under 250 grams!) make it easy to bring along, and the extra batteries and propellers in the bundle mean more flight time to capture those incredible moments. While we can’t fly drones in National Parks, the Mini 2 is a great addition to our photography gear as we explore the country.

The Sony Alpha a6000 is a fantastic travel camera as it’s small, lightweight, and perfect for capturing stunning landscapes. Its interchangeable lenses make it super versatile, and an extra battery is a must for those long shooting days. Even though it came out in 2014, it’s still a solid choice, and you can often find it (or newer models) for around $500.

We’re coffee enthusiasts who need our fix even while hiking or staying in campers and yurts. The AeroPress Go travel coffee press is perfect for us. It makes smooth cold brew on the trail and hot coffee when we have access to a kettle or fire. We use five filters so the water doesn’t seep through while steeping, but the result is always a delicious cup of coffee. Plus, it packs away into a compact container, making it easy to toss into our hiking packs!

The Cascade Mountain Tech hiking poles are Sam’s favorites. They’re lightweight, made from carbon fiber, and adjustable, making them versatile for tackling everything from flat surfaces to steep inclines and descents. Their durability has been outstanding; we’ve used them in muddy conditions, climbed Half Dome, hike along the Grand Canyon, and explored Olympic National Park.

The Altra Lone Peak 7 trail shoes are Sam’s go-to for hiking. With a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, they’re perfect for tackling rugged trails. Despite weighing just over 1 lb, they provide great support. The only downside is they aren’t water-resistant, so his feet get wet when crossing streams or hiking in snow.

As a redhead, Sam sunburns easily, so we spent a lot of time finding a hat that provides full sun protection for both his head and neck. The Sunday Afternoons Sport Hat offers exactly that, with a 4″ wide brim, a 5″ neck cape, and UPF 50+ protection. It also features ventilation, a chinstrap, and an adjustable fit. Plus, it has a wicking sweatband, is water-repellent, and is even ponytail-friendly.

At higher elevations, temperatures tend to drop. For day hikes like ours, our backpacks don’t have room for thick blankets. We use thin mylar thermal blankets because they’re lightweight, durable, waterproof, windproof, and they retain up to 90% of body heat. Plus, they are inexpensive and typically come in packs of 4 or more.

Although it’s no longer available, Sam still loves his Deuter Speed Lite 24L day pack. It’s incredibly lightweight (under 2 lbs) and includes features like a padded hipbelt and adjustable load-lifter straps, which help make the load feel lighter. We typically pair it with a 3L bladder, and there’s more than enough room for a full day, such as our 16.5-mile hike and climb of Half Dome. The Speed Lite CV25 looks like a solid comparable option.

Though it’s no longer available, we love our Black Diamond Revolt 350 headlamps. They’re perfect for early morning starts or day hikes that stretch into dusk. With up to 350 lumens, they provide bright, reliable light with multiple modes, including proximity, distance, and strobe. They’re USB rechargeable, weather-resistant, and durable. For a comparable modern option, check out the Black Diamond Spot 400-R.

We’ve been using the Pixel Watch (versions 1 and 2) for a while now, and they’ve been solid. They are comfortable enough for everyday use and great for tracking our hikes with the built-in Fitbit features. That said, most fitness trackers offer similar functionality, so whether you prefer an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or another option, they all get the job done.

Hat and gloves are great when exploring in cold weather, but sometimes you need extra warmth (especially when taking pictures). Our OCOOPA USB-C rechargeable hand warmers keep ours not just warm, but toasty with three warming modes. It also functions as a 10,000 mAh power bank, so it can charge your devices, too.