
Alex Walker
Gear researcher and frequent traveler based in Denver. Spent way too much money on backpacks so you don't have to.
About Alex
I got into gear research the hard way—by buying the wrong stuff. Back in 2016, I dropped $280 on a "highly-rated" travel backpack that fell apart in Thailand after three weeks. The zipper broke, the laptop compartment had zero padding, and the hip belt was a joke. That trip taught me something important: most product reviews are written by people who've used the gear for maybe a week.
Since then, I've made it my mission to dig deeper. I spend hours every week on r/onebag, r/HerOneBag, and r/BuyItForLife, tracking what happens to products after 6 months, a year, two years of real use. I read the 3-star Amazon reviews—that's where the honest feedback lives. I cross-reference Reddit complaints with warranty claim patterns. It's borderline obsessive, but it works.
I've visited 32 countries with a carry-on only, and I've personally tested a lot of the gear I recommend—especially backpacks, chargers, and coffee equipment (I'm a bit of a pour-over snob, I'll admit). But I'm upfront about what I've actually used versus what I've researched. No fake "I tested 47 products" claims here.
When I'm not deep in a Reddit thread about backpack zippers, you'll find me hiking somewhere in Colorado or dialing in espresso shots at home. My philosophy is simple: the best gear is the stuff you forget you're carrying—because it just works.
Credentials
- Analyzed 500+ Reddit discussions on travel gear since 2016
- Visited 32 countries with carry-on only
- Home barista since 2018 (pour-over and espresso)
- 8+ years researching travel and coffee gear
Areas of Expertise
Articles by Alex (37)

Sea To Summit Sprint 20L Review: Tested in Creek Crossings and Monsoon Commutes

Best Wireless Earbuds for Exercise: Gym, Running & HIIT Tested

Pour Over Coffee Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best MagSafe Charging Stands for iPhone (2026)

Best Power Banks with Flashlight for Camping & Emergencies

The 4 Best Thailand Travel Plug Adapters for 2025

AeroPress vs Pour Over: Which Brewing Method Is Right for You?

Best Coffee Grinder for AeroPress: 5 Hand Grinders That Actually Fit Your Workflow

Best Coffee Grinder for French Press: 5 Picks That Actually Deliver Coarse Grinds

How to Use Packing Cubes: The Complete Guide

What Is a GaN Charger? Everything You Need to Know

Best Personalized Packing Cubes for Organized Travel in 2025

How to Make Pour Over Coffee: A Beginner's Guide to Better Brews

Best Pour Over Coffee Sets for Beginners (Complete Kits That Actually Work)

Drip Coffee vs Pour Over: Which Actually Tastes Better?

Best Single Serve Pour Over Coffee Makers for One Perfect Cup

Best Carry-On Backpacks for International Travel (TSA Approved)

Best Travel Backpacks for Women That Don't Look Like Hiking Gear

Best Travel Pour Over Coffee Makers for On-the-Go Brewing

How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work? ANC vs Passive Isolation Explained

The 5 Best Wired Noise Cancelling Headphones (That Actually Work)

Puro Sound Labs BT2200: What 3,000+ Parents Actually Say

Kids Headphones for Travel: 3 Years of Real Use

Best Waterproof Travel Backpacks: Tested in Real Rain and Airport Chaos

The 5 Best Stovetop Gooseneck Kettles for Pour Over Purists

Best Espresso Machines Under $500 That Actually Pull Great Shots

Best Electric Gooseneck Kettles for Pour Over Coffee

Burr vs Blade Coffee Grinder: Which One Actually Makes Better Coffee?

Best Flat Burr Coffee Grinders: Precision Grinding for Espresso

Baratza Encore ESP Review: The Entry-Level Grinder That Actually Delivers

Best Leather Travel Backpacks: Timeless Style Meets Function

The 5 Best Burr Coffee Grinders Under $200

Best GaN USB-C Chargers: Fast, Small, and Travel-Ready

Best 140W GaN Chargers for MacBook Pro & Gaming Laptops

ECOHUB 18" Underseat Backpack Review: The Perfect Personal Item for Budget Airlines?

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Snoring Partners (Actually Work)
