GoKawiilis a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid.
Through more than two decades of travel for both work and leisure, my packing list has evolved from a random assortment of gadgets and accessories thrown together at the last minute into a refined checklist of gear honed by trial and error. The right packing list, I’ve found, can be the difference between a good trip and a great one. Or at least the difference between hectic trips to the local Best Buy and some extra time by the pool.
My family’s summer vacation this year will involve lots of hiking and exploring the great outdoors, but it will by no means be an attempt to disconnect from our favorite devices. Convenience, comfort, and peace of mind are our priorities.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of all the gear I’ll be packing this summer to ensure our travels will be as smooth and comfortable as we want them to be. It includes everything we need to help pass the time on long flights and drives, capture memories of exotic locales we may never see again, and ensure all our gear is charged up and ready to use every morning.
Travel
Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones
If I’m flying for more than an hour, I always pack a pair of Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones. They’re now nearly six years old and a couple of generations behind Sony’s latest ANC tech, but the XM4 remains one of the most comfortable pairs of headphones I’ve ever worn and still do an admirable job at quieting a plane cabin. If you can find them on sale, I still recommend the WH-1000XM4. Otherwise, the newer WH-1000XM6 fix some of the design flaws I didn’t like on the WH-1000XM5, which lacked folding earcups.
Shokz OpenFit headphones
For many years it was a given that somewhere in my backpack would be a pair of AirPods Pro, but I’ve since switched to the Shokz OpenFit 2. They have an open design that lets me clearly hear what’s going on around me when I’m out exploring, even while listening to music or audiobooks, and I find them more comfortable to wear for long periods since they’re not squeezed into my ear canal.
iPhone 16 Pro
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