Travel Gear

I use and recommend

Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite is one of those rare travel items that overdelivers every time. Lightweight, waterproof, and built to disappear in your hand, it’s become my go-to companion—from long-haul flights to quiet beach mornings in Thailand.

No glare in the sun. No distractions. Just thousands of books in a device that slips into your daypack without a second thought. Whether I’m waiting out a rainstorm or winding down after a jungle hike, this is how I read now.

You don’t realize how clutch it is until you’re off the grid and still turning pages.

Lightweight, Waterproof, Travel-Ready Reading

A Kindle Paperwhite on a beach towel on a Thai Beach with the ocean in the background
A Kindle Paperwhite on a beach towel on a Thai Beach with the ocean in the background

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