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How to Pack for a Family Trip to London with Kids: My Complete Fyro Levo Loadout, Prepper Kit & Real Dad Travel Tips

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I’m sitting here looking at a pile of gear and feeling that familiar mix of excitement and “did I forget anything?” nerves. Tomorrow night my wife and I are taking our three kids — 10-year-old boy, 7-year-old boy, and 5-year-old girl — on our first trip to Europe: London, then Edinburgh, then a road trip north into the wild parts of Scotland. We’ve done Hawaii (about a 5-hour flight), but this is longer, farther, and more unknown. And I wanted to take you with me from the very beginning.

This isn’t a glamorous “what’s in my bag” video. It’s the real, slightly chaotic, purpose-driven packing session of a dad who used to be a paramedic, who likes to be prepared, and who believes every second with his family is worth the effort — even the painful ones. Here’s exactly what I brought, why I chose it, and how it all fits together in the Fyro system that’s already logged hundreds of thousands of miles with me.

The Fyro Gear That Makes Family Travel Easier

I started with the Fyro Citta Sling (1L) because quick, secure access to the things I need every single minute matters most. Orange interior, soft pockets, AirTag holder, slim profile — it forces minimalism. In went: my glasses (44 years old and the eyes aren’t what they used to be), sunglasses, chapstick, the beautiful challenge coin from Anthony Castros that reminds me to “put on the whole armor of God,” AirPods, and my slim wallet with the Amex Platinum (Centurion Lounge tomorrow — can’t wait). Passports stayed out for a dedicated pocket later.

This sling rides on my person the whole trip. Everything else can live in the bigger bag until I need it.

Then the star of the show: the Fyro Levo Travel Backpack. Aaron designed this one specifically for travel — deep main compartment, excellent clamshell opening, laptop sleeve, multiple organization pockets, and it plays perfectly with packing cubes. I slid in backup clothes for the whole family (lost-luggage insurance), extra socks, and my “survivor gear” cube. The shoulder straps are genuinely cushy and the back is stiff enough to carry weight without killing you. I also brought the Fyro T22 in spirit (it’s my daily driver) and noted how well everything integrates.

Shop the full Fyro lineup (Citta Sling, Levo Backpack, T22, and more) here: https://fyro.co/RFIELD

If you’re a dad who travels with kids and wants gear that actually disappears on your back while keeping you organized, this combo is worth a serious look.

Prepper Lite for International Travel with Kids

I’m a bit of a prepper, but you can’t bring everything into another country. So I focused on high-value, low-weight items that give peace of mind:

• Two Sierra Madre emergency sleeping bags and poncho — compact, reflective, and perfect if we’re in a car in the Scottish highlands and things go sideways: https://amzn.to/4eJHKq6

• Sierra Madre water straws — two sources so the family can share if needed: https://amzn.to/4w69QCK

• Medical: tourniquet (15+ years as paramedic/EMT — I don’t leave home without one), 4x4 gauze, big band-aids, and extras. My son needed serious first-aid in Hawaii; I’m not getting caught again.

• Communication: PAL Link LTE radios (global SIM, PTT capable) for the kids exploring and us staying in touch, plus my Kenwood TH-D75 ham radio with pre-loaded UK/Scotland frequencies as the ultimate backup.

These items don’t take much space but they let me sleep better knowing we have options.

Electronics, Camera & Capturing the Memories

I’m vlogging the whole trip, so I went light but capable.

New Insta360 camera (magnetic, extendable selfie stick with finger-ring remote stop button): https://amzn.to/4oO7whA

Rode Wireless GO II mic: https://amzn.to/4euTKgm

Extra lenses, SD cards, external hard drive, and all the charging bricks/MagSafe cables I need. I refuse to plug phones into random hotel USB ports (data security), so I brought my own power.

Oura Ring charger: https://amzn.to/44svHZk Everything fits neatly and is ready for daily vlogs.

Snacks, Quick Access & The Human Side

Flight snacks: low-sugar bars (RXBAR and a chocolate dough-style bar I like): https://amzn.to/4vuiRFX Lysol wipes, mints, Tums, Advil. Quick-access pocket right at the top for anything I’ll need under the seat in front of me.

Personal anchors: My well-loved NIV Bible (I read it every flight during landing and take notes in the margins), a nice notebook (Fyro founders edition, passport size), Waterford pen my dad gave me years ago, and a small Maglite-style flashlight for late-night London streets: https://amzn.to/4xOJ9UQ

Final Touches & The Big Try-On

All five passports in the dedicated deep side pocket of the Levo. Stanley water bottle (wanted titanium but this works great for now): https://amzn.to/43UMzrI Carabiner leash on the outside for extra security (tie it to a seatbelt or chair if needed).

Fully loaded it’s big and definitely on the heavier side, but the weight distribution is excellent and the straps make it manageable. I’ll lighten it when we’re walking around cities. It feels like I have everything my family might need — and that’s the whole point.

6–8 Actionable Steps for Christian Dads Packing for Family Travel

Start with a dedicated everyday sling or small bag for the 5–7 items you must reach instantly (glasses, wallet, phone, faith reminder, meds).
Build a lightweight “family insurance” kit: warmth (emergency sleeping bag), water filtration, basic medical, and comms that work internationally. Scale it to your risk tolerance and destination rules.
Choose a main travel backpack with excellent organization and packing-cube compatibility so everything has a home and you’re not digging at 2 a.m. in a hotel.
Create a true quick-access layer for flights: snacks, wipes, entertainment, Bible, and comfort items within arm’s reach.
Include anchors that keep you grounded — a meaningful coin, your Bible, or a note from your kids. Travel tests your faith and your leadership.
Test-pack and wear the fully loaded bag around the house or block. If it’s miserable now, it will be worse in an airport with tired kids.
Plan for the “what ifs” that actually happen (lost luggage, delayed flight, kid injury, no cell service) instead of hoping everything goes perfectly.
Remember the mission: the gear exists to serve the people. Every ounce you carry is ultimately so you can be more present, more patient, and more joyful with your wife and kids.

Brother, trips like this are investments in your children’s stories and your family’s legacy. The packing is the work that buys the memories. I’m nervous, I’m excited, and I’m all in.

If this kind of real-talk, gear-that-works, faith-and-family content helps you lead your own crew better, subscribe and join the journey. I’ll be posting daily from London and Scotland — highs, lows, and everything in between.

What are you packing for your next family adventure? Any questions for our trip? I read every comment.

Keep leading well.

– Ryan

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How to Pack for a Family Trip to London with Kids: My Complete Fyro Levo Loadout, Prepper Kit & Real Dad Travel Tips

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