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Intro
Electronics can be some of the heaviest gear in your travel pack. If you’re out there on the road lugging around multiple bulky travel adapters, battery packs, laptop charge cords etc. I want to introduce you to my minimalist electronics for travel setup.
I have a simple setup with a phone, battery pack, a few USB cords, laptop, and one adapter that can charge all my devices in over 150 countries. So let me show you what these things are, and how they can help to slim down your travel electronics.
CARD 4-Pro International Travel Adapter
Cost: $89.00
Dimensions: 3.4″ x 2.2″ x 1.2″ (8.6 x 5.6 x 3 cm)
Weight: 5.5 oz (153 g)
Output USB-C: @ 45W max, 20V/2.25A, 15V/3A, 12V/3A, 9V/3A, 5V/3A
Output USB-A: 5V/3A, 3 ports (shared)
Origin: Made in China
Shop CARD 4-Pro Travel Adapter
The CARD 4-PRO international travel adapter is the most versatile adapter I’ve found. It comes with 4 USB outputs (including a 45W USB-C) and adapter plugs that can be used in over 150 countries. If you travel with a laptop the CARD 4-Pro can replace both your travel adapter and your laptop charge cord, making this the only adapter device you need.
The CARD 4-Pro has 4 outlet plugs with 60W total output. The USB-C plug can power up to 45-watt laptops, or fast-charge cell phones or tablets. It has an additional three USB-A ports, allowing you to charge up to 4 devices at the same time. However, note that these 3 slots share a 15W total output, so the more things you plug in, the less power each device will get.
Folded into the back of the CARD 4-Pro are all 4 of the major travel adapter types. This allows you to use it in over 150 countries with no further adapter needed (map of world socket types). The Type A plug covers North America and Japan. Twisting converts it into type “I” for Australia and New Zealand. The type “G” plug covers the UK, and the Type “C” covers most of Europe.
The only downside I have found to this otherwise perfect minimalist travel charger is the bulk. The orientation of some of the plugs sometimes make it difficult to plug into awkwardly placed outlets. If a plug is behind furniture, or oriented close to another object, it can be difficult to plug it in.
Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux
Cost: $45.99
Dimensions: 4.2″ x 2″ x 1″ (10.7 x 5.1 x 2.5 cm)
Weight: 6.8 oz (193 g)
Capacity: 10,000 mAh (~2 phone charges)
Output USB-C (18W): 15V/1.2A, 9V/2A, 5V/3A
Output USB-A (12W): 5V/2.4A
Origin: Made in China
Shop Anker PowerCore 10000 Redux
For my external battery pack, I have the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux with a max 18W power delivery. Battery packs aren’t necessary minimalist travel electronics, but for me it’s worth the weight and peace of mind. I rely on my phone for almost everything when I travel including camera, navigation, e-tickets, communication and internet.
“PD” stands for power delivery, and I’m guessing “Redux” means reduction because it’s slightly smaller than the non-redux version. The 10,000 mAh will get me through a full day of heavy use, it’s enough for about 2 full charges of my phone.
The PowerCore has two ports, one USB-C and a USB-A. The pack charges through the USB-C port in about 3 hours. It’s also the Power Deliver (PD) port, supplying up to 18W fast charge. The other USB-A can charge a device with up to 12W. You can use both of these ports at the same, but it’s going to split the total 18W between your devices.
Google Pixel 2
Most modern cell phones have the capability for international use, so I wouldn’t expect most people need to upgrade their phone for travel. The most important thing is to make sure your phone is unlocked and has the capability to switch SIM cards.
I have the Google Pixel 2 phone. It’s inexpensive, unlocked, and easy to switch out SIM cards to use abroad. It’s also compatible with Google Fi which is a great plan for travelers (US residents only). They have inexpensive plans that include free international data and texting in over 200 countries when you travel. Which means you don’t need to pay roaming fees or switch out SIM cards. You can also keep your phone number, so you don’t need to worry about 2 factor authentication abroad.
Laptop
My laptop is a 15” Toshiba Inspiron at a heatfy 3 lbs 14 oz (1.76 kg). It’s not the best minimalist electronics for travel, but I’m not a digital nomad and don’t travel with it except on business trips. It has low power requirements though and can be charged with a 45W power adapter, letting me use the CARD 4-Pro when I take it on the road. I would recommend not taking your laptop unless you absolutely need one or getting something a little smaller like the Dell XPS 13” or a MacBook Pro 13”.
USB Cords
And finally minimalist travel electronics charge cords, I use a couple of USB cords mostly by Anker. I’ve been burned by cheap generic cords so many times I prefer to pay a little extra for something I know will last.
Anker Powerline+ III USBC to USB C (6ft)
Weight: 1.8 oz (53 g)
Length: 6 feet
Power Delivery: Up to 60W
Data Transfer: 480 Mbps
My main cord is the Anker Powerline 6 foot USB-C to USB-C cord. It’s a little heavy 1.8 oz (53g), but it’s a tough braided cable that I know will last. It has a 60W power deliver capability so I know It will work with all my devices, and a medium-fast 480 Mbps data transfer.
I like having at least one long cord so I can charge my laptop while I use it and plug my cell phone in away from the wall. Usually I carry a shorter one also (~3ft), for charging and using the batter pack. The one I carry comes included with the PowerCore 10000.
3 in 1 USB Charge Cord
My girlfriend has an iPhone and I use one for work, meaning I sometimes need to carry multiple charge cables. If you have devices with multiple plug types, this little 3 in 1 cord adapter is useful. It’s a random brand (EEiiqi) I bought in a 2 pack on Amazon for about $8, but it works well.
It has a USB-A on one end, meaning it will plug into my travel adapter, laptop, or external battery. It converts power into a lightening, USB-C, and micro-USB, allowing you to charge 3 different types of devices at the same time.
Minimalist Electronics for Travel Total Weight
All in all, I think this is a decent minimalist electronics for travel setup, but could use some improvement. You save a ton of weight by using an adapter that can also charge your laptop and removes the need to carry a laptop charge cord. My biggest weight however is the laptop, it’s well over half the total weight of my electronics. By slimming down, focusing on a lighter laptop or bringing a tablet (like a Pixelbook), you could save a ton of weight here.
CARD 4-Pro: 5.5 oz (153 g)
Anker PowerCore: 6.8 oz (193 g)
Anker USB-C Cable: 1.8 oz (53 g)
3 in 1 Cable Adapter: 0.6 oz (19 g)
Google Pixel: 6.2 oz (176g)
Dell Inspiron 15″: 3 lbs. 14.4 oz (1.76) kg
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Total Weight: 5 lbs. 3.9 oz (2.39 kg)
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