Travel Gear

I use and recommend

Herschel Classic Backpack (Camo)

I don’t carry extra gear just to look the part—I carry what works. The Herschel Classic Backpack in Camo is one of the few pieces that’s stayed with me across continents. Lightweight but tough, simple but stylish, it’s the kind of pack that doesn’t need hype.

I’ve thrown it under airplane seats, stashed it in tuk-tuks, hiked with it through Thai rain, and still reached for it the next day. The camo pattern blends in without being boring, and the structure holds up no matter how rough the travel gets.

If you’re looking for one reliable backpack that earns its spot every time you leave the house, this is it.

a Herschel camo backpack sitting on the sand of a beach in Thailand
a Herschel camo backpack sitting on the sand of a beach in Thailand

Lightweight, durable, and stylish

Rick Silvia wearing a camo Herschel backpack on a Thai Beach
Rick Silvia wearing a camo Herschel backpack on a Thai Beach

I’ve been living out of suitcases and tack trunks for most of my life. In my late teens and early twenties, I traveled to Europe with my horses in pursuit of elite training and high-level competition. These days, I’m exploring Southeast Asia full time—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: not all gear is created equal. Items on this list have survived the test of time and travel.

The items on this page aren’t theoretical. I own them, I use them, and I’ve tested them on planes, beaches, jungle treks, and long-haul hauls. If it’s listed here, it’s because it made my life easier, lighter, or more comfortable on the road. These are the real essentials—no fluff, no gimmicks (but they look great), just what works when you live mobile.

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Blogger Rick Silvia looks out at a Sunset in the Thai sky
Blogger Rick Silvia looks out at a Sunset in the Thai sky