How to Pack Electronics for Long-Term Travel

Protect your devices by using hard-shell cases and waterproof dry bags, and minimize weight by carrying a single, high-wattage GaN universal wall charger. Always keep your primary device and power bank in your carry-on luggage to comply with airline safety regulations and prevent theft.

  1. Inventory and Audit. Lay out every device you plan to bring. Remove anything you haven't used in the last 3 months. If it's not essential for work or safety, leave it home.
  2. Consolidate Charging Cables. Replace individual power bricks with a single 100W GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger that has at least 3 USB-C ports. This allows you to charge your laptop, phone, and camera simultaneously with one plug.
  3. Organize in a Tech Pouch. Use a dedicated, water-resistant tech pouch with elastic loops. This prevents cords from tangling and makes it easy to pull your entire kit out at airport security.
  4. Prioritize Protection. Use individual padded sleeves for laptops and tablets. If you carry a camera, use a 'camera cube' insert inside your backpack rather than a dedicated, bulky camera bag.
  5. Seal Against Moisture. Place your electronics tech pouch inside a secondary dry bag or a heavy-duty Ziploc freezer bag before putting it in your backpack to protect against spills or humidity.
Should I bring a power strip?
No. They are heavy and take up too much space. A high-wattage GaN charger with multiple ports renders them obsolete.
Can I put power banks in my checked luggage?
Absolutely not. Lithium-ion batteries must stay in your carry-on luggage for fire safety reasons; checked batteries are a major fire hazard.
Do I need a voltage converter?
Most modern electronics are 'dual voltage' (110V-240V). Check the fine print on your device's power brick. If it says 100-240V, you only need a plug adapter, not a heavy voltage converter.