Photo by Jordan Hoskins

Matador Goods caught up with podcaster extraordinaire Craig Martin to find out.

Apple Powerbook G4

Back in 2005, I bought my first computer ever. Everything before then had been cobbled together from friends’ cast-offs.

I had very tech-savvy friends so their cast-offs weren’t too bad!

My Apple 12″ Powerbook G4 still runs OSX 10.4 and is the backbone of our podcasting efforts.

We record most of our shows directly through Garageband, then export to iTunes before using the Levelator and MacMp3Gain to clean things up for publication.

Zoom H2

The Zoom H2 is a versatile recorder with some great options. Four microphones located within the head allows for 90, 120 or 360 degree sound recording with the option for four-channel surround sound.

The Zoom H2 can take SD cards or plug straight into your computer via USB. We now use it for all Skype calls, field recordings and studio (in hostels!) shows.

The package we bought came with an SD card, wind filter and two stands.

One thing not included is a decent protective case. We remedied this with a hard sunglasses case from an airport store in London.

Sennheiser Headphones

I almost deafened myself on our first long-haul flights during the iPod era.

We were going to be taking lots of flights again at the end of 2006 and it was around the same time we were starting up the Indie Travel Podcast, so it was time to invest in something suitable.

After trying several styles and brands, I settled on the Sennheiser CX 300 as the best balance between quality, price and the rigors of life on the road.

Pentax Optio W30

Recently updated as the W60, the Pentax Optio is our point and shoot camera of choice. We’re far from being professional photographers: we want something that works quickly, takes suitable shots and will survive the journey.

The thing that really got us into the Optio is that it’s waterproof straight out of the box.

We’ve been able to take cool underwater photos and videos in pools and seas around the world.

There’s nothing neater than coming across a big fish and being able to quickly snap a photo of it with your point-and-shoot camera.

LaCie Rugged Hard Drive

Our biggest problem, human error aside, is storage space.

We want to keep archives of all our original and edited material. The LaCie Rugged hard drive has been serving us well so far.

Its lightweight metal build and rubber protection around the casing helps it bounce…and everyone who’s handed luggage to an airline representative knows it’s going to bounce at some stage.

If you’re anything like me, you need a strong hit of coffee to start the day right. Downing a double espresso in Rome might do the trick pronto, but there are times when you need to brew your own to make it through the day.

Photo by VirtualErn

Here are some of the best — and worst — travel coffee products we’ve seen.

Single Stove-Top Espresso Machine

The single stove-top espresso machine is certainly the gourmet choice, but the weight!

Believe it or not, I carried a double mocha pot through my first seven countries of international travel…using it about ten times in two months.

A Bialetti has style, grace and screams you’re a coffee aficionado, but walk your first couple of miles and see if your shoulders scream louder.

Price: $19.95 | Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

MSR MugMate Coffee Filter

Lightweight and easy to clean, the MSR MugMate Coffee Filter is fine for those after a quick filter coffee hit. Place the mesh framing into your cup, spoon in some ground coffee then pour boiling water over the top. It’s quick and easy. The only downside is that you need your own mug!

Price: $16.94 | MSR Mugmate Coffee/Tea Filter

GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee Maker

The GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee Maker has a similar style but comes with a lighter build. This thin plastic is going to save you on weight, but you might end up burning your fingertips while on a train or other form of transportation.

Price: $4.97 | GSI H2JO! Water Bottle Coffee/Tea Maker

Kathmandu Coffee Plunger/Cup

The Kathmandu coffee plunger/cup is my pick of the bunch, combining efficiency with weight and ease of use. It’s a great combination of french press and insulated travel mug. Spoon ground beans into the bottom of the mug then add boiling water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before adding the cap and plunging away.

Price: $49.90 | Travel Coffee Plunger

Pacific Cornetta Thunder Press Mug

Similar in function, and handier for American buyers, the Pacific Cornetta Thunder Press Mug also finds a balance between weight and good taste…and just sounds awesome! The Thunder Press reminds me of Saturday morning cartoons, late night at the speedway, and ice creams around the world. It is similar in function to the Kathmandu and REI mugs, will easily fit in a car’s coffee holder, and has the funkiest name of all.

Price: $21.95 | Travel Coffee Plunger

Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker

Moving into the slightly ridiculous, the Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker claims “it is easy to make cafe style coffee with the Quick Cafe II Travel Coffee Maker.” It might be easy to make coffee, but it’s not easy to lug around in one’s pack!

Travel? Sure, travel from the hotel room to the lobby!

This is one piece of plastic that should stay on the production line.

Price: $40.00 | Voltage Valet Quick Café II

Mello Smello Scratch and Sniff Stickers

We still want to offer a way for the space or weight conscious to get your caffeine hits…and this is the best we can do. The Mello Smello scratch and sniff stickers can be stuck inside your journal cover and supply you with an unending supply of java scents — just enough to get you to a cafe.

Price: $1.60 | Coffee Sticker Sheet

Matador Coffee Mugs

Just want something to carry your coffee in? Fancy a little individual style? Cafepress allows you to upload your own images to adorn the travel mug of your dreams. You can’t make coffee with it, but you can certainly carry it in style.

You can even buy gear to support sites you love — like Matador’s own ceramic beauties.

Price: $15.99 – $18.99 | Matador Coffee Mugs

These are all super-light items that are going to be used often, adding convenience to your hosteling experiences without overburdening your back.

1) Orikaso Flatworld Dinner Set

Orikaso Campware – $9.57

Want the convenience of your own plate, bowl and cup without the weight of an enamel set?

From bus-stops to beaches, the Flatworld dinner set from Orikaso has kept me fed and watered on the road and in the less clean of hostel kitchens.

This folding plastic set weighs next to nothing, and takes up almost no space in a backpack or suitcase.

2) Spork from Light my Fire

Light My Fire Spork 4-Pack – $9.99

These chunky plastic sporks combine a spoon on one end with a serrated edge and a fork on the other. This isn’t silver service but, then again, who needs that on the road?

I prefer light, bright, and easy-to-find in your backpack. Should a foodfight break out (may-god-forgive-us!), this baby is your best friend.

The plastic flex in the middle of the handle adds so much strength to this miniature catapult!.

3) Pocket knife

Victorinox-Picknicker – $34.99

A good utility tool or pocket knife is worth its weight in gold. The secret to a good pick for hosteling is considering everything you’ll need to do with it, and getting a knife with all the features you require.

Make sure you don’t buy a knife with everything; how often are you going to use that woodsaw?

Since my main goals are preparing food and opening wine bottles, I wanted something with a long, lockable blade and a corkscrew – the Victorinox Picknicker is my perfect pocketknife.

4) Deck of cards or something similar

Bicycle Playing Cards – $1.25

When you’re ready for a quiet evening in the hostel, there’s nothing better than a set of playing cards to kick off some conversations and competition.

I never get involved when there’s money on the table, but I once met a card shark who supplemented his hostel stays with poker winnings.

My favorite games are more raucous than poker – they allow any number of people to play. They’re a great way to get a good group together.

I always carry a small magnetic chess set with me. It’s a bit more intensive than most card games, but there are a lot of chess buffs on the hosteling circuit who seem more than happy to play.

5) Power Adapter

Adapter with USB Charger – $26.70

Long term travelers almost always have electronics with them. However, crossing borders means changing power supplies.

There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to call your ride because you can’t charge your phone and you’re nowhere near a pay phone.

If you are changing country often, investing in a truly international power adapter is a good decision. You should be able to plug anything into it and plug it into any outlet.

I use an international multiplug from Swiss Travel Products which also comes with a USB adapter perfect for iPods and many phones and cameras.

Now you’ve got your essentials and luxuries ready, it’s time to get out there and start hosteling.

1) Earplugs

200 ct. Earplugs – $23.00

There’s nothing worse than the huge fella in the bed below keeping you awake with his nasal orchestra. We can’t suggest anything to stop the bunk vibrating, but a pair of good earplugs will give you the chance to nod off.

I swear by the cheap foam versions available from most pharmacies and airport stationery shops. They’re affordable, re-usable and easily replaceable.

Keep them somewhere handy – you might not need them every night, but when you do, you’ll want to have them near at hand.

Soft plastic earplugs can be more effective, but they do not fit everyone comfortably.

2) Padlock

Master Lock TSA Accepted – $8.50

Padlocking your luggage gives you extra peace of mind whilst you’re out exploring the wider world. Considering a committed criminal can slash open your nylon pack, it’s more of a deterrent to sticky fingers.

I shun traditional key and lock versions as there’s a good chance you’ll lose your key somewhere along the way. A solid combination lock with three or four digits will serve you well.

If you’re flying within the United States, you’ll need a TSA approved lock. These allow TSA agents to open your baggage for inspection.

You can recognize these locks by checking for the following icons:

Plus they have a hole for a key somewhere around the bottom of the lock.

3) Sleeping bag or liner

Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 15 – $194.95

In many European hostels sheets are provided, but things aren’t so luxurious in other parts of the globe.

If you know the weather’s going to be in your favor, then a sleeping bag liner can do the job.

There are advantages to both cotton and silk liners. Silk is more expensive yet lighter, warmer and softer than cotton. Both can become cold as they absorb sweat, but cotton is the worst offender here; silk wicks better.

I like the silk liners from Kiwi company Jagbags (international shipping is included in the price). Budget travelers can make use of an old sheet and some sewing skills.

If you need something more snug, choose the lightest sleeping bag you can afford. I’m a big fan of Mountain Hardwear gear. Their synthetic range is great for long-term travelers as you don’t need to be too concerned about moisture which can be a problem in tropical climates.

Goose down is lighter, warmer and more compressible but doesn’t like getting wet one bit!

4) Flip-flops

crocs Athens Sandals – $19.95 to $29.95

Whether you call them flip-flops, sandals or thongs, make sure you put these little babies in your pack for both summer and winter travel.

They’re great for the beach, but they’re even better for the communal bathrooms you’ll likely face.

It’s nice to have something to slip on in the middle of the night to pad to the bathroom and to protect your feet from less-than-salubrious shower floors.

5) Sports Towel

Micro fiber towels – $12.95-$32.95

A sports micro-towel is super-light, easy to clean and packs down to a fraction of the size of a regular cotton towel. Outdoor stores normally sell a range of towels to meet your needs.

My super-absorbent towel from Kathmandu in Auckland, New Zealand is only the size of a tea towel but manages to dry me — and my shoulder-length hair — without problems. You just don’t want to see me scampering down the corridor in it though!

After two and half years of hosteling, these are five items I cannot travel without.