Video: Tech We ALWAYS Pack (And Why)

We're unpacking our travel tech to talk about what we love, and what we can live without. From a digital nomad to a disconnector, and everyone in between, we're sharing what works for us to help you find the best travel tech and accessories for your next trip.

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What We Pack

Below is a list of what each Pack Hacker team member in Detroit carries daily and on a trip. We’re all in the Apple ecosystem, so we’ve removed the following redundant devices: MacBooks, AirPods, and iPhones.

Each person satisfies a different archetype. For more information on their individual loadouts, check out the full video.

Lauren: The Conditional Packer

I choose my gear based on what’s coming with me on that specific trip. If I don’t bring my Apple Watch, I don’t bring certain chargers. If my trip isn’t a specific length, I don’t bring certain chargers. I leave the baseline charging tech in my tech pouch and add/remove as needed.

Eric: The Pragmatist

I do not care about new bells and whistles. Tech used to make huge strides between models (think iPhone 7 to X or 3GS to 4). Now, the changes are miniature gaps. Instead of upgrading every time and wasting money, I wait for multiple upgrades (multiple miniature gaps) to make a big jump. I went from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 11, from a 2012 Macbook to a new Windows 11 PC, and I'm still using a Fuji X-T3 (2018).

Jacob: The Strategist

I’m a tech enthusiast who always conducts in-depth research on every piece of technology I own or consider buying. It’s crucial that I ensure that my system is optimized with a purposeful balance between performance, footprint, and budget. Sacrifices may sometimes be made to performance or budget, but ONLY when it makes sense for my overall use. I don’t always need the newest tech, but I do have a “gear life-cycle” of 3-5 years for most devices I own and will upgrade when I believe it makes sense.

Kristyne: The Disconnector

I try to bring as little tech on a trip as possible, and I don't use a ton of extra tech beyond what I need for work every day as it is. I stare at a screen all day for work and then watch TV and play a few word games on my phone for entertainment, so when I travel, I want to disconnect. I bring multiple, physical books, use my phone for a camera, and that's about it. The exception is Disney World because I need to use the app to book meals, Lightning Lanes, and check parade, show, and ride times. Those trips are more phone heavy, and that's the only time I require a battery bank.

Tom: The Digital Nomad

My tech loadout is the smallest and lightest gear for one-bag travel. The products work in an optimized system that allows me to bring the fewest items while keeping me efficient since I’m working abroad. I’m always updating my list if something new and better comes out.