Welcome to our travel shop!
Here you’ll find all of our favourite travel gear, outdoor clothing and travel resources.
As full time outdoor adventurers, we use (and wear out) a myriad of equipment, gear and gadgets. Almost everything listed here is tried and tested by us and comes with a personal recommendation.
There are are a few services mentioned in the working holiday section that I am unable to use myself due to nationality reasons but it is my personal belief that they are worth using.
There are affiliate links below. If you purchase something through these links, we may receive a small percentage at no cost to you.
General Travel Resources
We research flight schedules and times using Skyscanner and Google Flights. Both have the option of open-ended searches (no fixed destination). We then book direct.
For shorter trips, we tend to book accommodation through Booking.com. The main benefit is the flexible cancellation policy – we find this super helpful
Airbnb is ideal for booking long term accommodation. We love having access to a kitchen to cook meals. Use this link to receive a discount on your first booking.
Viator is a one stop shop for tours and tickets around the world. I like using Viator to find out what kind of activities are on offer at a destination. The reviews are useful too.
TuGo is a leading Canadian travel insurance and emergency assistance provider. Policies from TuGo are available for customers of all ages for domestic and international trips.
Similar to Viator, Get Your Guide is an online tour booking agency. I find that Get Your Guide has better coverage for Europe than Viator so it is worth checking both
Working Holiday Resources
Facebook discussion and support group for working holiday participants heading to Canada. Administrated by Gemma with 16k+ members
True Traveller provides long stay policies to permanent residents of EEA countries such as the UK, Ireland, France and Germany (no minimum residency requirements). Unlimited visits home are allowed and winter sports coverage is available.
TransferWise is an online money transfer service I use regularly. I use It has low transfer fees and an excellent exchange rate. New users can use this link for one free transfer
Bag and luggage shipping service, great for sending items (such as ski equipment) home during a working holiday. 5% discount with this link
Fast Cover offer an IEC specific policy with unlimited trips home for Australian residents. An initial 12-month policy can be purchased and then extended for another 12 months on the departure date, totaling the 24 months needed for the IEC program.
Currencyfair is another online money transfer service. Fixed 3 Euro transfer fee and 0 to 0.5% (total transfer amount) service charge. This link offers one free money transfer!
Taxback.com is an international tax filing service for international tax returns. They get the best possible refund. 5% discount with this link
Travel insurance from World Nomads is available for travellers from over 140 countries. Easy to buy online, policies can be started if you’ve already started travelling. IEC participants with two year eligibility can buy 2 x 1 year policies.
Koodo is our preferred Canadian cell phone service provider. Their month-to-month plans are reasonably priced and flexible. Use this link for a discount on your first bill!
Outdoor gear
Tent
Cosy but exceptionally lightweight, our MSR Freelite 2 has survived heavy use over four camping seasons
Kayaks
We love our 14″ Delta kayaks – sleek, lightweight, responsive with plenty of storage space
Hammock
This ENO hammock brightens up any multi-day paddling trip – it can also be used to sleep in but we haven’t tried this yet
Backpacking stove
On backpacking trips, we use a Jetboil Minimo. It’s perfect for simple meals that need boiling water only
Decathlon
Decathlon can be a good source of cheap outdoor gear – this backpack and pair of shorts for example
Water
For water purification, we always carry Aquatabs and also use the BeFree filter and Katadyn Base Camp filter (adventure dependent)
Sleeping mat
The Exped Hyperlite Duo remains one of our best purchases – it saves weight and improves tent livability
Backpacks
For backpacking, JR uses an Osprey Aether 70 and Gemma the Aura 65 AG – we prioritise harness comfort!
Tarp
A lightweight tarp is a must for base camping adventures in British Columbia! This is a Rab Siltarp 2
Hiking poles
We carry a pair of ridiculously light Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles on every challenging hike
Camp chairs
These Helinox chairs provide remarkable comfort around the campfire and on paddling trips
Backroad Mapbooks
Backroad Mapbooks are our go to resource for adventure planning in Canada. They also help with logging road navigation and campsite finding.
Van
Our DIY converted van is a 2005 GMC Savana, usually loaded with two kayaks and a canoe on top
Cooking stove
Our van stove is a Jetboil Genesis, which we also use for kayak and canoe trips without portages
Mid layer jacket
This Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody is my everyday go to mid layer – warm, compressible, light and bright!
Waterproof jackets
Our Arc’teryx jackets keep us dry in all conditions – JR uses an Alpha FL and while Gemma has a Beta LT
Base layers + socks
All of our base layers and socks are Icebreaker merino wool – great breathability and temperate control
Footwear
For hiking, we swear by Oboz. Built to last with lugged outsoles, they survive much longer than other hikers. Gemma also has a pair of Salomon Quest 4 GTX
