Rupert Parker Posts His Travel Gear Review 2025 – Packs, Pants And Tops.
Gear manufacturers are an inventive lot, constantly refining old favourites but also coming up with ideas. Fabrics are also evolving, with recycled materials often incorporated into the latest designs. What I also like is that weight is coming down, something particularly important if you only take hand luggage on flights. Enjoy my travel gear review 2025.
Tatonka Flightcase
I’ve used different versions of the Tatonka Flightcase in my travel gear reviews over the years and here’s the latest. I like that it works both as a backpack with a comfortable harness, but also a travel bag – a nifty cover unfolds to cover the straps, particularly useful for stowing in the hold. There are two carry handles and an option for attaching a shoulder strap. In addition the adjustable sternum strap keeps the pack secure on your back.
The main space opens up completely for easy packing and with a separate mesh compartment in the lid. At the back, there’s a dedicated zipped 15 inch laptop compartment and travel documents can be stored in the front pocket complete with organizer and key holder. Add an elastic side pocket for a water bottle, and you have the perfect travel pack. This version is also lighter than previous incarnations.
Tatonka Flightcase Weight 1.3kg Dimensions 54 x 33 x 18 cm Capacity 40l
£106
Osprey Archeon 30 Travel Pack
The Archeon 30 is one of a new range of Osprey packs which are designed to piggy-back with each other – so, depending on your needs, you can expand or diminish your luggage with clever, quick-release accessory straps. It’s not the largest in the range but meets airline hand luggage specs. Straps and hip belt can be stowed for travel.
These are tough packs, built like tanks, able to withstand weather and abuse. The main compartment opens up fully with an additional zip providing quick access from the outside. Two zipped side pockets are useful for stowing your tech gear and there’s an additional padded compartment for 16 inch laptops. Add a front pocket for travel documents and, like all Osprey packs, there are plenty of detailed dividers.
Osprey Archeon 30 Travel Pack Weight 1.36kg Dimensions 52 x 33 x 29 cm Capacity 40l
£225
Sprayway Compass Pro Pant
The Sprayway Compass Pro are stretchy trousers that are comfortable on long journeys with their TecWEAVE™ 135 fabric which keeps the water off and also protects against UV. The waist is semi-elasticated with a wicking tricot lining, and belt loops are standard There are two zipped pockets and a zipped bellowed thigh pocket, all with mesh ventilation.
I liked the relaxed fit of these trousers and the adjustable Velcro tabs on the cuffs kept them the right length. Able to resist light rain and brilliant sun, they’re ready for almost all weathers. And, they’re smart enough to not look out of place in those semi-formal situations. Even better they are extremely light weight and pack down small.
Sprayway Compass Pro Pant Weight 300g
£75
Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie
Trust those good folks at Patagonia to come up a new idea – a fleece that’s warm stretchy and breathable but can also withstand light rain. It’s what they call a cross layer, designed for shifting mountain conditions, but equally suited for general travel. You can use it as an outdoor jacket in spring, summer or autumn, or as a mid-layer in winter.
Features include an adjustable hood with laminated visor, sleek, low-bulk, snag-resistant cuffs and two secure hand warmer pockets with ventilating mesh backers. There’s also a chest zipped pocket, useful for stowing documents and the garment is fair trade certified. It really combines fleece and waterproof into one, with the benefit of also being light.
Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoodie Weight 391g
£200
Tell Me More About my Travel Gear Review 2025. Best Outdoor Essentials
It’s always better to try travel gear before you buy, as sizing can vary. Better to feel comfortable on those long journeys. In the UK Cotswold Outdoor offers free bookable appointments in store for expert fitting advice.
