Tech Gear
This is a short list of items that I recommend for anyone from America to bring to Europe, and more critically, to Ukraine. These recommendations are based on my years of experience in the field and dealing with technology while traveling. I am not sure if there is a good time for your tech items to stop working but it always seems like the WORST time that they fail. It is best to prepare before you get into a position where you are in trouble with a dead tech item. Please review this list and let us know what you think or if there is anything we might have missed. These are Amazon affiliate links so if you decide to purchase one of these items make sure you follow the link as this will help support our humanitarian missions. Thank you.
65W Power Strip
This 65W power strip will ensure that you can fast charge multiple items simultaneously. Other power strips and extension cords only put out the same power as the wall but this gives you 65W. This is also enough to charge laptops and other larger electronic devices.
Charger Adapter
Without an adapter you won’t be able to plug in your power strip. This adapter has US, UK, and EU capability. It also has USB output but it will not be fast charging like the 65W power strip.
Extra Charging cables
Extra charging cables are mission critical. These tend to get damaged or wear out at a faster rate while traveling and it always seems like they stop working the exact moment when you need them. better to just keep a few extra on hand just in case, instead of spending precious time navigating to a local shop to then pay 3 times the price back home to get a lower quality cable.
Power bank
Even the best plans need a backup . Sometimes you don’t want to be tethered to a wall but you still want to use your phone or camera or headphones. A quality power bank is great to have on hand but you also have to remember to actually use it. I guarantee one person in your group will thank goodness you have one of these.
SD SIM card holder
This gadget has been a great addition to my kit. This has slots for SD memory cards and SIM cards. It also has adapters for USB C, Micro USB, and lightning and a SIM tool. It also acts as an SD CARD READER itself. So if you have any equipment that uses SD cards like action camera, drones, or cameras this is a great addition.
Flashlight
This is one of the most frequently overlooked items. A decent flashlight is a great addition on any trip. Yes you do has a light on your phone but having a dedicated flashlight helps in poor weather, rough environments, or in security situations where you might not want to risk a phone being damaged, lost or stolen. Get a good flashlight and keep it handy because it is a pain to be digging around in the dark looking for a flashlight, believe me.
City Gear
It all begins with an idea.
These are a few items that are recommended to have for an American who is visiting a large European city or Europe in general. These recommendations are based on my experience in Europe as an American and each has come in extremely helpful at some point. These are Amazon Affiliate links so please follow the link if you are going to buy one of these to support our humanitarian mission. Thank you.
Liquid IV
This electrolyte powder has saved me so many times. When you are in heat for a long time and in sunlight you can incur heat injuries. This can include, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and fainting. While you are in extreme high temperatures your ability to make decisions and reason is potentially inhibited as well. Often times you can get into situations that you did not necessarily plan on where the temperature is increased due to windows reflecting sun, concrete radiating heat, and buildings blocking any wind. Always have water on hand but also keep these in case of an emergency and take one before you or anyone gets to the point of showing symptoms of heat injuries.
Water bottle
This particular water bottle has a filter. Most of Europe has very high standards for tap water and you can safely consume water directly from the tap. If you are coming to Ukraine this is not the case. Do not drink UA tap water. Also if there is a time when you need some water but there is only a source that needs to be filtered, bing bang boom, you have a filter.
Compression sack
Some people say they don’t use these but I 100% swear by them. Even if you only have one of these for dirty laundry, It comes in handy to prevent mixing the clean and the funky cloths. I use these also to separate undies, shirts, and other types of clothing.
Mini 20L bag
I cannot explain how grateful I was to have had one of these when I needed it. You can pack these in a small bag and it folds out to be a 20L backpack. The Sea to Summit version is what I have had and used and I can attest that it can hold a great deal of weight and is very tear resistant.
Compass
Having a quick reading of the cardinal directions can save a ton of time and a ton of extra unnecessary miles from taking a wrong path or road. The European city layouts are rarely in a grid pattern and sometimes there are barely perceivable curves and intersections that aren’t at 90 degrees so even an experiences navigator could get a bit turned around. If you have a compass it can clear up the doubt and send you on the right way. Also this is faster and more reliable than a phone especially in bright sunlight or if you need to preserve your phone battery or if you are using the phone for other things. I find having a quick reference compass to be very helpful. You can wear it on your wrist or hang it on your backpack shoulder strap.