Pack | Jin’s Favourite Products
I’ve been travelling since 2006, across continents and time zones, from months-long deep dives to quick weekend getaways. Over the years, I’ve tried, tested, and retired a lot of gear. The list below is made up of brands and products I genuinely love—each helping me travel lighter, reduce waste, and move with ease. Most also give back in some way, whether through regenerative sourcing, social enterprise models, or long-term impact.
We’ve tried everything. Between me and my friends, we’ve tested dozens of options over years of travel. These are the things we consistently go back to and this is how to pack like a pro.
Also: if you’re not a big traveller, you probably don’t need to buy anything at all. Share gear with friends. Borrow what you need. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive—or wasteful.
Use what you have.
The gear you already have at home is the best gear. That’s the most sustainable option. Borrow from your family and friends!
Most people don’t need to buy anything new before a trip—seriously. You already have tote bags, old shirts, small containers, a hoodie you can roll into a pillow. Don’t buy just for the sake of buying.
That said, if you travel often or need to replace something, I recommend investing in gear that lasts, serves multiple purposes, and supports values you believe in. And if you’re going to buy new, please donate your old gear directly to people who need it—don’t let it sit unused in a drawer.
Low-Waste Travel Essentials
Grayl Filter Bottle – The fastest, most reliable filter I’ve used. I can fill 3L of water in under a minute. Do not bother with a gravity filter, storage is impossible; everything gets mouldy. Do not bother with a straw, because when you are thirsty, you do not want to be sucking water through a filter.
Ocean Thermal Bottle - Not all thermal bottles are created equal and there is always a new hype about design. Ocean Bottle is the only one that takes their profits to remove ocean plastics. They also have replaceable parts and different attachments you can use for sipping coffee or using a straw. My favourite feature is that the top separates into two parts for wide mouth drinking and easy cleaning and a narrow mouth so I don’t spill all over myself.
Hydrapak 1L collapsible bottle – Great backup that weighs nothing when you are going on longer treks and you need something light weight. They also sell replacement parts. If you have a thermal bottle, they also make solid cleaning tablets that will make the insides sparkle again.
Hunu Collapsible Cup (with straw) – Packs down flat, fits into your back pocket for takeaway coffees. It is the best design because it is the tiniest and you can actually hold the cup when the drinks are hot.
Pockeat Food Bags – For snacks, takeaway, and anything you want to keep fresh on the go. It is a little bit unconventional but it really works for anything including soup.
Any cotton tote bag you’ve collected over the years – You already have them. Use them.
Low-Waste Toiletries
AVOID anything travel-sized. Save your small bottles and refill them along the way.
Menstrual Cups eliminate period product waste and saves money. Pads and tampons (along with diapers) are bio-hazardous waste that pollute landfills and oceans. I recommend Intimina because it comes with a container. but there are so many brands out there. HelloPeriod, AllMatters
Bonus mention: Freedom Cup – Singaporean brand with a “Buy 1 Give 1” model for underserved communities.
SolidSkinCare Co – My go-to for solid shampoo, conditioner, and facial soap (Singapore-based). We have tried all the trendy brands from US, AUS, UK, and NZ and none of them are as good as this small brand.
Matador refillable toothpaste tubes – Practical and low waste.
Coconut Matter – Insect repellent, deodorant, and powder body wash.
Parakito – Wearable and refillable insect repellent.
Aura Acacia lavender essential oil – Always in my pack because it is relaxing and it keeps the bedbugs away (hot tip: drop them on the four corners of your bed if you’re sleeping somewhere gross). Be mindful about the brand of essential oils because sourcing has become a real social and environmental issue.
Bags/Luggage
Baboon to the Moon Duffels – Easy-to-remove straps for check-in, wide-mouth opening for living out of, waterproof (because rain covers do not really work) and single opening to lock and secure. I prefer duffels because when they are not in use, I can collapse and store them easily, unlike a hardcase luggage And I can pack one into another when I am bringing donation clothes.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (wheeled) - They improved their material but Baboon to the Moon recently released a 55L wheeled duffel that I would replace mine with because it comes with removable and packable straps for check-in.
Cotopaxi Tarak 20L – Made from repurposed materials. My go-to for weekend treks. And when mine breaks I will be replacing it with the Matador FreeRain because it is super lightweight and waterproof and folds up tiny.
GotBag Rolltop – Made from ocean plastic, waterproof, and fits electronics.
Footwear
Earthrunners – Sandals that double as a camp shoe and water shoes. Unlike other “adventure sandals”, these keep you grounded.
Vivobarefoot – These will be my next pair of high tops when my Bangs are completely worn through.
Nisolo – Sleek, supportive boots and one of the most sustainable and transparent brands
Bangs Shoes – Stylish and trek-worthy; supports global entrepreneurs.
Indosole – Flip flops made from recycled tires and from Indonesia
Bombas – Compression socks that support homelessness initiatives. They just launched merino wool socks as well which are anti-bacterial and stink-proof.
Conscious Step – Every pair of socks supports a different cause.
Clothes
For this lap around the sun, I’m not buying any new clothes unless they’re secondhand. I have an excess of t-shirts to get through—and I’d rather donate than accumulate.
Before you buy anything, please:
Support local designers and regional makers
Choose 100% organic cotton and natural fibres
AVOID fast fashion
Consider these brands:
Paka – Hoodies made by women in Peru. Antibacterial and for all weather. They have thermals as well.
Outerknown – Thoughtful design, responsible production
Pact – Affordable basics (undies included!)
Use GoodOnYou to research brands with Great or Good ratings
Miscellaneous
Black Diamond rechargeable headlamp – Never use batteries again.
Matador or Anker global travel adapter – A must-have. This is one of the only things I think everyone should buy.
LMNT electrolytes – Travel can dehydrate you. I always carry a few sachets. And it helps me to avoid fizzy drinks in plastic bottles and cans filled with sugar.
Moment camera lenses – For anyone who wants to shoot content on their phone. I would recommend their tele-lens for anyone going into nature when wildlife is a little bit too far away.
Sunski sunglasses – Replaceable lenses = longevity.
What Do These All Have in Common?
They’re built to last. They’re built with purpose. Some of them come with lifetime repairs and lifetime warranty.
Some support regenerative agriculture. Others donate to causes. All of them are items I’ve chosen with intention—whether for travel, work, or daily life.
You don’t need to buy everything. In fact, you probably don’t need to buy anything. But if and when you do, these are the ones I trust.
