Hello Reader,
Today, I am not covering Amtrak travel per se, but instead discussing the gear I use for Amtrak and other travel.
Plus, learn about a new direction for Travels with Kev, and no, I am not covering flying.
What Does Kev Use?
After 800+ trips on Amtrak, I've figured out what actually earns space in my luggage. I have to say, it took me a while to figure this out, and both my packing and gear are a perpetual work in progress.
Everyone's needs are different, and the best gear for you is what works for you. That said, these are the items I've relied on for years. If you're looking for suggestions or wondering what's worth the investment, here's what I use.
Note: These are not affiliate links; they are products I use.
Luggage
If I want to be more mobile: I use my Tortuga Travel Backpacks. They allow me to travel hands-free. I have two, a larger and a smaller one, though both are discontinued models. These bags work well for those of us who work on the rails, and they have a place for my computer. The newer models work better for the working traveler.
For traditional travel: When I'm getting picked up or not using a backpack, I use the TravelPro Bold series. I have the 22" and the 25", both two-wheeled. I prefer those to the spinner version because on buses and in parking garages, they tip over instead of rolling away, which I have seen happen. I use the 22" most of the time if I go that route. I also pair the rolling bag with a commuter backpack for my computer and other gear.
I like this line because it comes in colors, not everyone has them, and for luggage, it’s great quality for the price.
Organization & Packing
Packing cubes: Within the travel community, there’s debate about whether packing cubes are worth it. I’ve traveled with and without them and find them handy. They help me stay organized and pack a little more, but if you don’t have them, you’ll be fine. I also use them in my commuter bag to store all my cords and chargers. That makes it easier to pull them out and grab what I need instead of digging through my bag.
Travel folder: I keep a folder with hard copies of my travel tickets and destination details, along with emails with lodging information. If my phone dies or I can’t get service, I’ve got everything I need.
Clothing strategy: When I pack, I usually pack for 2-4 days, depending on the trip, and then plan to do laundry. I love quick-dry clothing for travel because I can wash it in a sink if needed, and it dries by morning. Merino wool is also a good option, but it’s expensive. You don’t need travel clothing to start. Take a few trips to identify your pain points, then work on fixing them. At least that’s how I do things.
In-Transit Essentials
Water bottle: I always travel with a metal water bottle. I get thirsty often, and you don’t always know when or where water is available on the train or at stations. There are some great silicone options that collapse into your bag when you don’t need them.
Extension cord: The best advice I can give you is to pack one. I found one on Amazon that worked great on my last trip and has a few features I really like. It has a rotating plug, is grounded, and lets me plug in my computer and two chargers at once. I have the 6-foot version. While it weighs a little more than a cheap one, it suits my needs better, so in my eyes it’s worth it. This is especially useful in sleeper roomettes, where outlets aren’t always conveniently located.
Battery pack: A battery pack can be helpful if you’re at a station without outlets, especially at a platform station. Your phone is great if it’s charged, but it’s useless if it dies, especially if that’s where your tickets are stored. It also gives you the flexibility to leave your room or seat. I don’t use them much on the train, but they come in handy when you’re out walking around and exploring once you arrive.
Blanket: My travel blanket came from an Amtrak Comfort Kit and serves multiple purposes. The obvious one is staying warm, but I also use it to secure my luggage. After I’m done packing, I lay my blanket over everything, tuck it in at the top and bottom, and then strap it down. In theory, if a zipper opens, my stuff should stay in. If I need a little extra cushion on a seat, I fold it and sit on it. Even in a sleeper, having your own blanket is nice.
Blow-up pillow: Handy even in a sleeper. It gives me a little more height when I sleep on my side, which helps on those long overnight trips.
Headphones: Whether you’re in the Quiet Car, trying to sleep in coach, or just want to watch something without disturbing your neighbors, quality headphones are essential. Remember, if you want to listen to something in a public space, you must have and use headphones.
Comfort & Convenience Items
First-aid kit: A small first-aid kit is handy to have. You never know when you might need a bandage for a surprise blister after walking around a new city. (That reminds me, I should check to make sure mine is up to date and fully stocked.)
Hand sanitizer and wipes: These have become staples, especially for cleaning seat trays or freshening up in coach class.
Toiletries: For overnight trips, I keep a small toiletry bag with reusable tubes that I can put my favorite essentials in without the price gouging.
Comfortable footwear: These days, I mainly wear slip-on shoes for walking around the train and at my destination. You’ll be on your feet more than you think, and your feet will thank you. Many people bring shower shoes or sandals for the shower.
Eye mask and earplugs: These are lifesavers for sleeping in coach, for dealing with a noisy neighbor in a sleeper, for that one curtain that does not want to stay shut, or for being hyper-sensitive to light at night.
Snacks: I usually bring a few snacks, especially on longer trips. The cafe car is great, but it’s nice to have something on hand if you get hungry between stops or if the selection doesn’t appeal to you.
Small Items That Punch Above Their Weight
Bottle opener: I also carry one, and it has come in handy more than I expected. On one trip, a buddy gave me a couple of bottles of beer to keep in my room, and I did not have one, so I had to be creative.
Silverware set: Thanks to a follower who use my Amazon Wishlist, I now carry a reusable silverware set. If I fly, I take the set without the metal knife. It’s useful for eating takeout in my room or making a meal from cafe car snacks.
Start with the basics, take a few trips, then fine-tune your kit based on what you actually missed. What about you? What's your must-have travel item I didn't mention? If there's interest, I can dive deeper into specific gear, packing strategies, or budget-friendly alternatives. Let me know what would be helpful—I'm always looking for new ideas.
What is Kev Up To?
Thankfully, things have warmed up a bit. We're in the 20s and 30s now, which sounds cold (and it is), but it's much warmer than the negative temps we've been dealing with.
On Tuesday, I had to help move another organ. I was thankful it was "warm" out, the organ was smaller and lighter than I normally help move, and there were no external speakers. That made the setup easy.
I received an email last week asking me to do my thing with VIA Rail, the Canadian equivalent of Amtrak. This is something I've wanted to do and have been looking into over the past few weeks. I'm going to start with research-based articles and hope to turn them into experience-based articles with my own photos later. I will have a new post out soon!
I'll tell you this: for those who find Amtrak difficult to understand and navigate, check out VIA. Oh my. I'm working my way through the site, digging deep to pull out those hard-to-find pages that are actually useful and make them accessible. I have my passport and the willingness—I need to work on the finances. I'm thinking about starting with the Ocean and maybe a regional train or two. If you want to help with this, let me know!
Bringing things to a close
I want to give special thanks to Frederick O. for his generosity when he hit the green button below.
Special thanks to my Patreon supporters. Did you know Patreon members receive a monthly postcard from my travels? If you'd like the full trip reports, extra photos, and those postcards, you can join the Patreon community today! Starting at $5 a month. This program helps me to do more research.
Click the green button below to contribute directly, or visit our support page for more options.
Can't contribute financially? No problem. Sharing this newsletter with fellow travelers helps more than you know.
Until Next Week!
Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith
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