We Don't Just Write About Travel.
We Live It.
TravelKit is run by a collective of friends and family who have sailed open water, biked mountain passes, backpacked through dozens of countries, and spent a decade running a hostel in Nicaragua. We write about gear because we actually use it — and because we believe the right kit opens doors to experiences you can't plan for.
Our Story
We are a mixed crew — friends, siblings, cousins, partners — who found each other through a shared obsession with getting out into the world. Over the years we've crossed oceans under sail, cycled through landscapes that had no business being as beautiful as they were, and shouldered backpacks across six continents. Our trips range from weekend domestic adventures to months-long international expeditions, and the group keeps growing as new people fall into the orbit.
For ten years, a branch of our family owned and operated a hostel in Nicaragua. That place became something more than a business — it was a hub. Travelers from every corner of the world passed through, swapped stories over hammocks and cold drinks, and left with friendships that outlasted the trip. We learned firsthand that the best travel experiences aren't the ones you plan — they're the ones that happen when you're open to whoever walks through the door next.
The hostel is no longer in the family, but the spirit it created lives on in everything we do. TravelKit is our way of keeping that energy alive — sharing what we know about gear, destinations, and the mindset that makes travel transformative rather than just transactional.
What We Believe
Infinite Possibilities
Every trip holds encounters you can't anticipate. The person you sit next to on a bus, the family who invites you in for a meal, the fellow traveler who becomes a lifelong friend — travel is full of gifts that only arrive if you show up open.
Connection Over Comfort
The hostel taught us that the most meaningful moments happen when you step out of your comfort zone and into shared spaces. You may find friends, adventure, wisdom, and love while traveling. We encourage you to get out there and live it.
Gear That Gets Out of the Way
The best travel gear is the stuff you stop thinking about. It fits, it holds up, it doesn't slow you down. We review products through that lens — not spec sheets, but real use on real trips.
Every Kind of Adventure
Our team has experience across sailing, cycling, backpacking, and everything in between. That range means our recommendations aren't one-size-fits-all — we understand that a week on a sailboat demands completely different gear than a month on the Camino.
How We Review Gear
Every article on TravelKit is written by someone who has actually traveled with the type of gear being discussed. We draw on our collective experience across different travel styles — long-haul backpacking, sailing passages, multi-day bike tours, family trips, and everything in between — to give recommendations that reflect real use, not just spec comparisons.
When we compare products, we include the trade-offs honestly. A lighter bag might be the right call for a solo backpacker even if a more expensive option scores higher on durability. Context matters, and we try to give you enough of it to make the right decision for your trip — not ours.
Brands cannot pay to be featured or to improve their ranking in our guides. Our editorial decisions are made independently. If a product earns a spot, it earned it.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on TravelKit are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate networks. Commissions help fund the research and writing that keeps this site free. They do not influence which products we recommend or how we rank them.
Ready to Get Out There?
Browse our gear guides and reviews — written by travelers, for travelers. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll discover. Pack well and go.