great travel gear

The Best Travel Gear and Accessories for Your Next Adventure, According to Experts

Travel must-haves you should definitely pack.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We carefully reviewed this article in April 2023 and stand by our picks.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our analysts and engineers have been testing travel products for more than two decades across our Labs. Below we feature the travel gear that’s outperformed in our tests and has been rated highly among consumer testers , ranging from reliable suitcases to comfortable walking shoes, beauty must-haves, gadgets to keep you entertained for hours and handy travel accessories . According to our pros, this is the best travel gear to bring along on your next adventure in 2023 and beyond.

Our top picks:

Best Carry-On Luggage

Away the carry-on.

Best Checked Luggage

Open story hardside luggage large checked spinner suitcase.

Best Underseat Luggage

Samsonite solyte dlx softside luggage.

Best Kid's Luggage

American tourister disney hardside upright luggage.

Best Duffel Bag

Patagonia black hole duffel bag 55l.

Best Weekender Bag

Lo & sons the catalina deluxe.

Best Travel Backpack

The north face borealis backpack.

Best Packing Cubes

Eagle creek pack-it specter compression cube set.

Best Travel Dress

Outdoor voices exercise dress.

Best Walking Shoes

Allbirds tree runners.

After our top picks in each category, read further to learn travel hacks from our experts. If your next trip is right around the corner, check out our guide to the best luggage on Amazon for two-day Prime shipping!

The Best Travel Gear for Packing

No one likes arriving at their vacation destination only to find the wheels of their suitcase broken. To enjoy hassle-free air travel, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab recommend investing in a high-quality, durable suitcase. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight carry-on, spacious hard-shell or compact smart suitcase for a quick business trip, these luggage brands and packing essentials will help make preparing for your next adventure a breeze.

Away's trendy, colorful line of carry-on suitcases is a popular pick among consumers and our Textile Lab's best overall luggage brand . Our pros love that it features a spacious interior while remaining super lightweight thanks to a polycarbonate shell. We also like that you can opt for a suitcase with or without a built-in USB charger so you can charge your phone on the go. If you need to remove the battery before boarding, you can do so easily with the push of a button.

READ MORE: The Best Carry-On Luggage to Buy in 2023

When you’re looking for size, quality and value, look no further than this sleek suitcase. Our Textiles Lab analysts were impressed with the performance of Open Story luggage in recent Lab testing, noting that this durable suitcase handled drop after drop without any dents or damage. Consumers pointed out that the suitcase was easy to maneuver on various surfaces and that they found its modern design appealing.

Fighting for space in a crowded overhead compartment or unexpectedly checking your bag at the gate can be frustrating. If you don’t want to take any risks, consider this Samsonite suitcase that should fit under most airplane seats. According to our Textiles Lab experts, it comes with a comfortable handle and compartments for your laptop and toiletries. Best of all, the suitcase’s abrasion-resistant polyester exterior showed no signs of wear in tests.

READ MORE: The 12 Best Underseat Luggage to Buy

Whether or not you’re planning a trip to Disney World, your kids are bound to love this Disney-themed hard-shell suitcase that comes in popular character prints. Our Textiles pros like that it’s super compact and lightweight to make it easy for your kids to roll around without your help, and that it features oversized zippers and a wide, curved handle made for smaller hands. Though it only comes equipped with two wheels, our users still found it easy enough to maneuver.

READ MORE: Best Kids Luggage

Those planning a road trip or an adventure might want to consider leaving their suitcase at home and grabbing this lightweight duffle bag instead. Our Textiles Lab likes this top-performing bag from Patagonia, which can convert into a backpack should you get tired of carrying it on your shoulder or via the top straps. Not only is it offered in several shades, but it can be compressed into a small bag when not in use, so you don’t have a bulky suitcase taking up your entire hotel room.

READ MORE: Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Vacation

Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe

Sometimes you don’t need a big suitcase for a quick weekend getaway. Our pros love this Lo & Sons bag, which is not only stylish but super spacious so you can fit in all your essentials. The Textiles Lab likes that there’s a separate shoe compartment , so you don’t have to worry about your clean clothes getting mixed up with your dirty sneakers. The bag also features a trolley strap so you can easily secure it on top of your suitcase should you end up needing one.

Everything you need on your next adventure comes with this comfortable, spacious travel backpack, including a bungee system on the exterior to hold your jacket , a laptop compartment and an organized zippered compartment for all your smaller travel essentials. In Lab tests, our textiles experts were impressed with the backpack's water resistance, durability and thoughtful design.

READ MORE: Best Travel Backpacks of 2023

Keeping your suitcase organized is no easy task, but that's when these thin packing cubes save the day. Not only are packing cubes useful for keeping track of what clothing is where, but they can help maximize the space in your suitcase — a win-win. The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab love these cubes' durable, lightweight design as well as each built-in handle for easy access whether you're using a backpack, carry-on or duffle bag.

READ MORE: Best Packing Cubes for Maximizing Carry-On Space

The Best Clothing for Traveling

It can be difficult to narrow down the clothing to bring with you on your trip, but it’s important to pack some comfortable, staple items in addition to all your cute outfits. You’ll be happy you brought a pair of comfortable walking shoes after a long day of exploring a new city, as well as that breezy lightweight travel dress on a hot, summer day. In addition to clothing, our pros also recommend packing a few travel accessories like laundry detergent or a travel steamer to keep your clothing in pristine condition no matter where you are.

Exercise dresses are so popular for a reason — they’re extremely comfortable and an easy item to throw on when on the go. Our Textiles experts like this dress from Outdoor Voices not only because our testers rave about it, but because it's moisture-wicking and versatile. It’s the perfect choice for a day you’ll spend hiking, golfing, biking or taking a walking tour. Best of all, it features a built-in bra and shorts for full coverage.

READ MORE: Best Travel Dresses You Need For Your Next Vacation

On days you’re going to be walking for hours, make sure to pack these comfy Allbirds sneakers in your bag. Ninety-one percent of our survey respondents from our tester panel gave this pair a perfect rating for comfort. Our Textiles pros like how you can wear them with or without socks, and once you’re back from vacation all you have to do is toss them into the washing machine.

READ MORE: Best Walking Shoes for Women

Vim&Vigr Cotton Graduated Compression Socks in 15-20 mmHg

Compression socks can work wonders when you’re seeking relief from swollen feet during a long plane ride or after hours of walking. By applying graduated pressure to your calves and feet they can help alleviate swelling and improve blood flow. Our Textiles analysts recommend this pair from Vim&Vigr, which earned top scores in both performance and durability tests and was a favorite among consumers.

READ MORE: Best Compression Socks for Women

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion

Need a quality pair of comfortable socks for your next adventure? Whether or not you plan on hiking, our Textiles experts recommend Darn Tough socks for any everyday activity. This Merino wool pair is moisture-wicking as well as great for colder temperatures. It also helps prevent blisters by staying put securely on your foot with a seamless design. Our pros like that each pair comes with a lifetime guarantee should you experience significant wear and tear.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Socks to Protect Your Feet

Vionic Amber Adjustable Sandal

Nothing makes walking down Italian cobblestone streets more enjoyable than comfortable walking sandals. If you plan on getting your steps in while you’re on vacation, our Textiles experts recommend packing these Vionic sandals . Available in both medium and wide widths as well as various shades , they’re a great fit for a lot of feet. Our pros like that they’re orthotic shoes but thanks to their modern design, no one will be able to tell.

READ MORE: Best Walking Sandals That Are Super Comfy and Cute

Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron

There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your hotel or Airbnb only to find a suitcase full of wrinkled clothes, with no iron or steamer in sight. Fortunately, this compact steam iron that’s recommended by our Cleaning Lab is easy to squeeze into a suitcase. Our pros like that it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. In tests, we were impressed by how successfully it pressed out wrinkles.

READ MORE: Best Steam Irons of 2022

Norwex Laundry Detergent Strips

If you’re going away for a few weeks or are trying to pack light, consider bringing along some of these laundry detergent strips so you can clean your clothes and re-wear them. Our Cleaning Lab pros recommend this pick from Norwex, which earned some of the best performance scores in Lab tests and helped remove stains like ketchup, wine and mud. We also like how the strips come in a lightweight paper envelope so they’re easy to pack.

READ MORE: 5 Best Laundry Detergent Sheets

The Best Beauty and Hygiene Travel Must-Haves

There are certain beauty must-haves that you just can’t leave behind (and shouldn't have to!). Whether you’re looking for a reliable eye mask for your next red-eye, or need a bag that's big enough to store all your makeup and toiletries, our pros narrowed down their favorite beauty and hygiene picks that fortunately come in travel-friendly sizes.

Drybar Baby Buttercup Travel Blow Dryer

Fight bad hair days anywhere in the world by bringing along your own hair dryer. Our Beauty Lab experts like this travel-sized pick from Drybar, which folds up nicely so you can stash it in your suitcase. Not only does it feature two voltages so you can use it abroad, but it got a perfect score for its easy-to-use controls in Lab tests and impressed our pros with its quick and efficient drying time.

READ MORE: Best Travel Hair Dryers that are Trusty Space Savers

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case

Our pros love this clear toiletry bag for any sort of travel thanks to its spacious, organized interior that features two zippered compartments as well as mesh pockets for smaller items like lipstick or concealer. It comes in both a mini and standard size, but what we love most are the collapsible carrying handles that make it easy to pull out of your bag when going through security, and flat when going back in your suitcase.

READ MORE: Best Toiletry Bags

Truffle Clarity Jetset Case

This TSA-approved clear makeup case makes going through security a breeze thanks to its transparent paneling. Our beauty pros love that it’s offered in three sizes, making it a great choice for any makeup routine. Though we wish it featured organizational pockets, we like its classy, modern design (offered in leather or nylon) as well as its sturdy structure.

READ MORE: Best Makeup Bags to Stash All Cosmetics

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel

The Purell Hand Sanitizer Gel is a favorite among our Lab experts, who find that the aloe and vitamin E formula doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue like other hand sanitizers. We like that it’s not overly drying, even with a 70% alcohol concentration, and that it’s available in a compact travel size , making it easy to fit in your purse or bag wherever you go.

READ MORE: Best Hand Sanitizers

Maskc KN95 Face Masks

Though some airlines no longer require wearing a mask while in-flight, you may want to consider packing one to protect yourself and your loved ones. According to the CDC , “Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing spread of COVID-19, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.” If you're looking for a pack of 10 KN95 masks that are offered in a variety of tones and prints, one GH analyst found this site easy to order from and loves that it offers great discounts. In addition to soft ear loops that make it easy to wear this mask for an extended time , we also like the adjustable nose bridge so you can get a secure fit.

READ MORE: Coronavirus and Face Masks: Everything You Need to Know Right Now

The Best Travel Gear for Sleeping

Though traveling is exhilarating, it can also be exhausting if you don’t get the proper rest that you need. To ensure your journey is a peaceful one from start to finish, our pros recommend a few essentials to help you get a better night’s sleep. Whether you’re taking an overnight flight or you’ve ended up in a noisy hotel room, these picks should help you get some rest.

Cabeau Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Anyone who has ever tried sleeping on a long flight knows how hard it can be to get comfortable. This travel pillow is recommended by the Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab, Lexie Sachs . The soft, memory foam pillow features straps that attach to an airplane's seat to prevent your head from falling sideways so you can actually get some rest. Our pros also like that once you've reached your destination, it can be compressed back into its compact travel case.

READ MORE: Best Travel Pillows

Bucky 40 Blinks No Pressure Solid Eye Mask

Most of us have trouble sleeping in a bright room, so it’s a good idea to always have a sleep mask with you. By covering your eyes, these masks are useful when you really need to get some rest. Our Textiles experts like this mask from Bucky, a top performer in Lab evaluations for its contoured design, ease-of-use and durability. It comes in a range of colors and, according to our pros, excelled at blocking out light in tests.

READ MORE: Best Sleep Masks for the Most Restful Sleep

Mack's Ultra-Soft Foam Earplugs

Whether it turns out that there’s a nightclub next to your hotel or you can’t sleep because of early morning construction, earplugs can be a lifesaver. Just pop them into your ears to block out pesky sounds that previously kept you up. Shoppers on Amazon love this pick from Mack’s, which has more than 42,000 raving reviews . Though they’re disposable, many users found that they were able to use them for two to three nights.

READ MORE: Best Earplugs for Sleeping

The Best Travel Electronics

While we agree that you should try to disconnect during your vacation, that doesn’t mean you have to leave your favorite electronics back at home. Whether you want to bring along some reading material, entertainment or tools to keep your gadgets up and running, our tech experts recommend bringing these top-tested travel electronics on your next trip.

Bose QuietComfort 45

Our Media & Tech pros swear by this pair of wireless Bose noise-canceling headphones when flying. Not only is it comfortable to wear for hours , but it does an excellent job at blocking out white noise, like the annoying drone of a plane. The QuietComfort 45 aced Lab tests for performance and impressed our pros with its excellent sound quality, making this a travel gadget to definitely not leave behind.

READ MORE: 12 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

Apple AirTag

There’s nothing quite so disappointing as arriving at your final destination only to discover that your luggage has been lost. To keep better track of your belongings, our pros suggest getting a tracker like an Apple AirTag. Our pros like its compact, lightweight design and that it offers real-time tracking so you know your suitcase is coming before it actually arrives at the baggage carousel. Just keep in mind that if you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll have to opt for another luggage tracker like the Tile Pro , which unlike an AirTag is compatible with Android devices.

READ MORE: Best Luggage Trackers for Keeping an Eye on Your Checked Bags

Apple iPad 10.2” 2021

Leave your laptop at home and bring along a tablet to keep yourself or your kids entertained on your next trip. This pick from Apple will suit most consumers’ needs, according to our tech pros, with an A14 Bionic chip that can handle a variety of tasks like streaming, gaming or FaceTiming. We like that it’s compatible with the Apple Pencil (1 st gen) and Magic Keyboard Folio should you ever need to take a business call while away.

READ MORE: A Complete List of the Best Tablets to Buy

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Though many of us love highlighting and jotting down notes in a travel guide or flipping through the pages of a book, lugging around too many hard copies can get heavy very quickly. Our tech pros suggest investing in an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite, which is not only super compact, lightweight and waterproo f (it’s IPX8-rated, meaning it can handle continuous water submersion), but it also gives you access to anything you want to read, anywhere in the world. We like that, thanks to its slim design, it’s extremely easy to fit in a purse or backpack for the day.

READ MORE: The 5 Best E-Readers to Buy

Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)

To ensure your gadgets’ batteries never fail you in a time of need (like when you’re trying to find your way home or access your hotel reservation), our tech experts recommend this portable power bank from Anker. Its compact, slim design makes it easy to throw in a backpack without weighing you down, and our pros like that it can charge up to two devices at once via USB-A ports.

Joomfeen Travel Adapter

Don’t forget to pack this universal charger if you’re going to visit another country while you’re on vacation. Since different countries use different plugs and outlets, this adapter enables you to keep using your existing phone, laptop and device chargers. All you have to do is plug the adapter into the wall and then connect everything like you normally would back home, just through the adapter. That's right, no need to rush out to buy a local iPhone charger!

Bubm Electronic Organizer

Much like a great toiletries bag, an electronics organizer can keep your tech accessories in order. Our tech pros like this pick, which features a zippered compartment for smaller essentials like SD or SIM cards as well as various elastic bands and mesh pockets for your cables and chargers. Best of all, this organizer folds up into a flat shape so you shouldn’t have any issue squeezing it into your luggage.

Unique Travel Accessories

While not all travel accessories are essential if you're tight on space, you might be grateful later on that you made that extra room in your suitcase. Packing a few key accessories can spare you the hassle of having to go shopping while on vacation, and it usually prevents you from paying tourist prices. From towels to organizers, these are our experts' favorite travel accessories to bring along with you.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

When you're heading on a well-deserved beach vacation, make sure to grab this microfiber towel that comes in several bright colors. According to the Textiles Lab, it’s a great choice for travel thanks to its quick-drying material s and lightweight construction. Our pros also like that it comes with a handy carrying case so it's easy to transport from the beach and back to your hotel.

READ MORE: The Best Beach Towels for Summer 2023

CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle with Tritan Renew

It’s important to stay hydrated while traveling, which is why our pros advise bringing a water bottle with you. Our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab pros like this best value pick from Camelback, which is made from durable, BPA-free plastic. It includes a two-finger loop handle that makes it easy to carry around while you explore and, according to the brand, the design is leak-proof when closed.

READ MORE: 12 Best Water Bottles of 2023

Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 Binocular

Whether you’re going hiking or spending a few days on a cruise, it can be nice to observe a beautiful landscape in sharp detail. With a great pair of binoculars, you can easily spot whales far out at sea or watch birds that would have otherwise looked like flies. The Media & Tech Lab recommends this pair from Nikon for traveling, thanks to its lightweight design, impressive magnification and small close focus that makes it ideal for birding or similar activities.

READ MORE: 10 Best Binoculars for Seeing Every Detail

Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack

If you’ve ever been worried about your bag being snatched off your hand, a fanny pack is an easy way to keep all essential documents close to you and easy to access. Our Textiles Lab experts like this Dagne Dover pick for traveling thanks to its roomy interior compartment and organizational pockets. Our testers also rave about how durable it is should you accidentally spill something during vacation.

READ MORE: Best Fanny Packs

Etekcity Luggage Scale

For those who like to overpack or would feel better knowing how much your suitcase weighs before arriving at the airport, this gadget is for you. A luggage scale not only indicates whether you’re under or over the weight limit , but this pick is compact and lightweight so it’s easy to pack along with your other accessories. Lexi has used it herself over the years to help divide up her belongings between bags and avoid baggage fees.

Travel Hack: Why Our Experts Recommend Using Packing Cubes

Packing your suitcase and fitting everything in the right place isn’t always as easy as it sounds. While most bags these days include a compartment or two for undergarments, clothing and other essentials, items can shift around while in transit or get lost underneath a stack of shirts. To keep your bag in order, Senior Textiles Product Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles Lab, Emma Seymour , recommends investing in a few packing cubes, like this set from Eagle Creek . “Packing cubes are small bags designed to keep your clothes organized and less wrinkled in your luggage,” Emma says. They not only help keep your belongings organized during your trip, but also when you arrive at your destination. When using packing cubes, Emma suggests packing your clothes into the cubes first, then fitting the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. “You can even get packing cubes with built-in compression, so squeezing in that extra outfit (or two!) is no big deal. Whether you’re backpacking or traveling with a hard-shell carry-on, “most packing cubes are available in sets that include various sizes, ideal for organizing intimates and larger pieces.” And once you’ve arrived at your destination and are unpacking your suitcase, GH pros recommend placing the packing cubes directly into the drawers to keep your clothes protected from unknown surfaces.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on the best travel gear and accessories you can buy. Media and Tech reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski , who covers everything from consumer electronics to travel, home, fitness and more, worked with several of the product experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to feature the best travel gear we’ve tested in our Labs as well as products that have impressed our consumer testers. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s a travel enthusiast with plans to visit all seven continents (with only two more to go)!

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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The Best Travel Gear and Travel accessories

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Gear

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Our travel gear has evolved over the years, and while there are still a few old standby items that we recommend, there are a lot of new ideas for you to add to your travel list too. Things have changed a lot in travel. We have to think about a few more things when stepping on a plane, eating out, and staying in hotels. We’ve updated our travel packing list to include the best travel gear for 2023 and beyond!

Table of Contents

Best Travel Gear and Travel Accessories

Enjoy our suggestions of items to add to your travel gear list.

When we travel, we carry a lot of electronics including cameras, computers, iPhones even a drone. It’s our job, so we go overboard with gear, you don’t have to carry so much, but the travel gear listed below are great options to support the electronics you bring with you. For charging, storing, and keeping everything safe we’ve got you covered.

Cool Travel Tech Gear

1. Belkin Mini Surge Protector

The Belkin Surge Protector has three plugs to charge multiple items as well as two USB ports to charge things like your iPhone or camera. We can charge five items at once and only have to carry one adapter with us. The surge protector also ensures that our electronics never get fried in unstable environments. We travel to some sketchy destinations and it’s not uncommon for power surges that could easily ruin your computer.

2. Portable USB Charger

Have you ever made a point of going into a coffee shop or restaurant just to use a plug to charge your phone? Well, if you get yourself a portable USB external battery charger you won’t have to worry about missing calls or updating facebook during your travels ever again.

Make sure to get one with two outlets and 20000 mAh so you have lots of charges. We’ve charged GoPros and cameras with our portable chargers and never miss a shot! This has been a lifesaver on safaris when we’re out all day and the batteries go dead on our cameras. We never miss a shot!

3. World Travel Adapter

Forget all the different adapters you used to have to dig out of a drawer before traveling, now you can get all the world’s power outlets in one cube. The World Travel Adapters have come a long way. Wherever you land, you’ll have the right plug at your fingertips in one compact place. All you have to do is fold or pull out the right plug for the right country and you are good to go. We will never go back to the old individual adapters. Check it out.

See our full travel packing list at The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)

4. Gear Ties

Have you noticed that with all the electronics that we’re all carrying, our charging cables are getting all mixed up and tangled? When we pack our iPhone cables, computer chords, and camera chargers, we wrap up all the loose ends with Gear Ties They’re way better than tape or zip ties because they coil and uncoil with ease.

Best Travel Organizers

5. Packing Cubes

These nylon sacks help to organize our gear and clothing and free up a lot of space. I put my clothes in color-coded cubes. Underwear in white, shirts in red, shorts and skirts in blue. They are lightweight and durable and we have had some of our packing cubes for nearly a decade. We can stuff our clothing into them and have a completely neat trip back. We recently read that Eagle Creek has gone out of business, but they are still on Amazon for now here at Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes . That is what we use, but you can also look at Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set

6. Compression Cubes

If you want to save space in your travel bags, Compression Cubes are an amazing addition. The   Eagle Creek Compression Cube Set is an excellent choice. They act as stuff sacks where we can cram our clothes into a bag and then zip it closed to free up even more space in our backpacks. We cram odds and ends in, pack it to the max and then use the second zipper to compress it down to a small and neat little bag holding everything.

7. Toiletry Bag

A good toiletry bag has really kept us organized, neat, and clean. The Packit Wallaby is a great organizer that we can hang on the back of doors. Its zipper pockets keep things from falling out and it is compact enough that it doesn’t take up the space of bulky leather toiletry bags. Read more: Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing

8. Foldable Hiking Bag

Even if we are staying at a five-star resort and using our travel pro suitcase instead of a backpack, we like to keep a small foldable hiking bag on hand. This bag is a great lightweight option to add to your packing list. It saves space, is very lightweight, and folds up to pocket size. It is perfect to fill with beach items and essential hiking gear and it can hold some small photography equipment. We always have it as part of our travel gear list. Check it out on Amazon

Another accessory we keep in our bag is a small waterproof dry bag. Get dry bags that are lightweight. when kayaking, hiking through rain, or heading out on a boat, we love having our photography gear and even our wallets in a waterproof bag rather than a regular bag. Plus, if you are kayaking or canoeing, you can hook the bag onto the boat so you won’t lose your valuables. Buy it now

Unique Travel Gadgets

10. Hidden USB

Luckily she was organized and had all her travel documents backed up. You too can keep backups of all your documents in a USB that never has to leave your body. USB Bracelets and necklaces can hold all backups of your travel documents in one place. Get your Hidden USB here.

11. PacSafe Products

If you are traveling to an area where you don’t feel completely secure or if you are taking a lot of public transportation, we highly recommend PacSafe .

When traveling India, we wrapped the PacSafe’s steel coil around our bags and locked them to our seats and slept easily with peace of mind. When we stayed in questionable accommodation, we’d put all our electronics inside and lock them to something secure. It is amazing for peace of mind.

Read more at The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories Another option for this is to get a padlock and bike chain. It doesn’t completely cover your bags, but it does secure your bags.

• Pacsafe RFIDsafe Blocking Travel Organizer – This carries all my money, passports, and credit cards and it blocks anyone trying to steal our information.
• PacSafe Bag Protector – the steel net goes around your luggage or backpack protecting against theft and you can lock it to anything. This is the best travel gear for anyone backpacking, staying in dorms, and taking a lot of public transport.

12. Iron Socket VPN

While it isn’t exactly a travel gadget and is more of a virtual gadget, this is a great addition for any traveler. If you are using public wireless wifi, a VPN can help to add security to your computer. If you have to do banking, you can cloak your IP address keeping others off your system. A VPN is a must for travel to countries like China too. Behind the iron curtain, you can still access Twitter and Facebook. We also love watching TV when traveling but we find that a lot of our favorite shows aren’t available overseas. A VPN allows you to change your computer’s IP address. Check out Iron Socket VPN

13. E Sim Card

We use Airola for our international sim card. It is a virtual e-sim and we don’t need to change any SIM Cards or put on any stickers. We just purchase data before leaving for our destination and then when we land, we activate the e-sim switching easily from our home sim to our travel sim.

14. Portable Wifi

We’ve been taking things one step further than a SIM Card these days. While traveling in Europe and always rent a MiFi. It’s a personal wifi that uses 3G and allows up to 5 devices at one time to use the Internet. It’s amazing to keep up to date on work and to stay connected with your friends and family.

You order it online and they deliver it to your hotel when you arrive. Once you are done with it, you send it back in the return envelope and you are all done. It’s that easy. There are a few options, we tend to use TepWireless.

Electronics Travel Gear

If you want to take your organization even further, this top-rated electronics organizer is economical, well laid out, durable, and the perfect size for traveling. What I like about its multiple elastic loops for all our cords and it has a holder for SD cards as well. See it here: BAGSMART Electronic Organizer Travel

15. Laptop or Tablet

Even the regular traveler who isn’t working might want to carry a laptop or tablet these days. I have read that remote controls carry a ton of germs. Download your favorite series or travel movies and watch them on your laptop and then you can avoid the entertainment system on the plane and in your hotel room. My laptop has become one of my most used pieces of travel gear. The Macbook Pro 13 inch is small and lightweight like a MacBook Air, but it has the power of a full MacBook Pro for video and photography editing.

16. Portable Hard Drive

When taking travel photos, you want to make sure that you have memories to take home with you. It’s important to back up your photos while on vacation. I’m not lying when I say that we’ve met more than one person who has lost all their photos during their and didn’t back them up. Even if you want to keep the photos on your SIM Card until you get home, back them up on a hard drive too. We love the Samsung T5 2TB hard Drive. This tiny hard drive is as lightweight as it gets, it hold a ton of data and is high quality. I can edit videos directly on this.

17. Noise Cancelling Headphones or EarBuds

Whether you are on a flight, a bus, or a train, noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver. Many times people are talking too loud, children are crying or there is a lot of noise in general. We put on our noise-canceling headphones (We like Apple’s earbuds pro) and with some mellow music, we sleep like a charm.

18. GoPro Hero 9

For waterproof sports cameras, you really can’t beat the GoPro. We have been using GoPros since they first came out and the GoPro Hero 9 is revolutionary. With a front screen, and a great mic for adventure travel (you don’t necessarily need an external mic for quick talking). It is waterproof, takes high-quality 5k video, and has amazing steadiness if fits all our needs. Add it to your travel gear today. Details here.

19. Kindle Paper White

I actually prefer reading on my iPad, but I have a Kindle as well and it’s great for the outdoors or in bright sun. Save browsing books on the shelf and browse on your own device so that you can sanitize and read with ease. Kindles are great for travel. They are lightweight, free up space (in comparison to several books) and save money. My Kindle editions of books are cheaper than hard copies. Get this Kindle Paper White – it is now also waterproof which is awesome at the beach or by the pool

Best Luggage and Accessories

20. Carryon Luggage

Known as the “Rolls Royce of Luggage”, Sterling Pacific is the top choice for luxury travelers, frequent fliers, and pilots. The 35 L carry-on weighs only 11.5 pounds and its streamlined design is made to fit in the overhead compartments while being roomy enough to hold clothes for a long weekend trip. Its elegant aluminum design is a head turner with full-grain Italian leather handles, a retractable full-aluminum trolley, and Aluminum Wheel Housings making it elegant yet durable.  If you are looking to buy a  gift for a traveler  in your life, or want to treat yourself to a luxury item, you will love this piece of luggage that stands out from the competition.

Another favorite of our carry-on luggage is the Pro  Carry-On with Laptop Pocket  by Level8. It is a prime example of specialized, lightweight luggage. The bag is made with aerospace-grade material to maximize protection yet minimize unnecessary weight. It glides easily, has a pocket for my wallet and laptop and easily fits in most overhead compartments.

21. Roller Luggage / Suitcase

We have graduated from backpacks to TravelPro lolling luggage for our travels. When traveling to cities, islands, or resorts, we really love using proper luggage with wheels. The TravelPro is a high-quality travel bag that has lasted us for years. It is lightweight, durable, and fashionable. Our checked luggage is  TravelPro Maxite 5 Spinner  – If you are traveling to a place that has paved roads and sidewalks, this is the best travel gear for you. Four wheels make it easier to roll and they tend to be more durable.

22. Rolling Duffel

If you aren’t ready to make the switch to a suitcase Eagle Creek’s 28 Road Warrior  rolling duffel is fantastic. It’s not too big so you won’t overpack. it stands up on its own with ease and it is made for stacking packing cubes and wardrobe envelopes.

23. Backpack

Okay, I know I said we don’t use backpacks anymore for our luggage, but that is not entirely true. When traveling to Africa on Safari, to the polar regions on an expedition, or if we are going overland in Southeast Asia, a backpack is still the best option. They are easy to throw onto buses, carry over beaches, and lug through subway stations. We recommend the  Osprey Fairpoint for men  and the  Osprey Fairview for women.

• The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)
• Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In My Camera Bag?
• Best Travel Organizers for Smarter Packing
• Packing a Travel First Aid Kit For Long Term Travel

Carryon vs Non-Carry On

Dave and I don’t do carry-on only. We have been traveling around the world for nearly two decades and we rarely travel carry-on only. What’s the reason? We carry a lot of camera gear when we travel and that pretty much fills up our travel bags. Between our drones, DSLR cameras, laptops, and hard drives, we wouldn’t have a lot of room for our clothing and toiletries.

Besides, we don’t just do beach vacations. We often backpack through mountains, and different climates so we travel with an array of gear including everything from winter layers to hiking boots and water shoes. Just make sure you have a care packing in your carry-on. If you do have a delay and have to wait for your travel bags you will want the essentials.

To help decide what travel bag is right for you, read: The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories

Best Travel Photography Bags

24. Adventure Camera Backpack

Shimoda Explore 40 adventure camera backpack is well organized and can hold all of my photography gear. In addition to that, it is durable, comes with a rain cover, has a waterproof zipper, utilizes a rear entry (so I don’t have to worry about thieves), it uses a modular insert system that allows me to customize the inside of the bag and take things in and out with ease and it is carry-on friendly. I use it for hiking and walking around the city. It is by far my favorite photography backpack to date.

25. Small Camera Bag

Deb uses the Peak Design Messanger Bag for her videography gear. It is a fantastic piece of gear that she wears over the shoulder. It carries my DSLR video camera, Go Pro Hero 8s, phone, and computer. Plus there are pockets for wallets and phones. Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2

Photography Gear

We have an entire article sharing our complete photography gear list .

You can take a lot of great photos these days with your smartphone, so if you aren’t looking for completely professional photos, our iPhone combined with the GoPro Hero 9 does the trick. But we also have a drone, 3 DSLRs (two for photography, and one for video) plus a small vlogging Sony camera. See our complete photography gear list here.

Health and Safety Gadgets

26. Collapsible Refillable Water Bottle

Get this collapsible water bottle to take through airport security and to reuse cutting down on waste. Staying hydrated helps your immune system so having water on hand is a must. Being Collapsible, it goes through security with ease and save space in your carry-on bag. Buy it here.

27. SteriPen

The SteriPen purifies water in a snap, it is a great compliment to your water bottle and it an essential part of our travel accessories. You can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water and even water from lakes and rivers and purify the water using the Steripens UV lighting. Another alternative that we have used is a LifeStraw. It is a great two-in-one water bottle and water purifier. But I prefer the water bottle with Streripen as I can purify a lot of water at once and I don’t have to drink out of a filter, I have an open lid. But check it out here and decide what works for you.

28. UV Phone Sanitizer

Let’s face it, our phones are a cesspool of germs. We carry them everywhere, they are a part of us, but we never clean them properly. This UV Phone Sanitizer and Charger kills 99% of bacteria and viruses that build up on your phone. It’s fast easy and will help to keep the germs away. Get it on Amazon for $27.95

29. More Travel Accessories for safety

It’s a good idea to pack a few travel essentials for hygiene and cleaning in your carry-on bags. Travel-size hand sanitizer spray, disinfectant wipes, and surgical gloves are great items to keep on hand. We always have surgical gloves in our first aid kit. Make sure they are lightweight, travel size to go through security (less than 50 ml)

• Travel Size Lysol Disinfectant Wipes
• Mrs. Myers Clean Day Antibacterial Spray Lavender Scent.
• MedPride Surgical Gloves
• This compact first aid kit comes with the essentials that you can easily add to.
• See our full essential travel first aid kit list.

Travel Essentials

30. Travel Insurance

We never travel without travel insurance and in a post-COVID World, this has never been more important. We have used our travel insurance on four continents including being airlifted out of the Amazon when Dave broke his back. We have several articles highlighting the importance of travel insurance that you can read below. But the best advice we can give is to call your company before you fly to ask about restrictions, what it includes, how much your deductible is, and what activities you are allowed to do on your vacation.

Read our Travel Insurance Tips

• Travel Insurance During Covid-19 What You Need to Know
• Busting 5 Common Travel Insurance Myths
• Do I Really Need Travel Medical Insurance?
• How We Choose Travel Insurance To Best Suit Our Needs

31. Ear Plugs

These may seem obvious, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve forgotten my earplugs. Or I have forgotten to keep them on me while riding on a bus or train. If you don’t want to sleep with music, make sure you pack earplugs. When backpacking around the world on a budget, you will be staying in some pretty loud hotels (say someone snoring next door?) and earplugs are a must for any world traveler. Get them on Amazon

We now also use a white noise app and listen to the sound of a fan or ocean waves to rock us to sleep. It drowns out thumping music and loud neighbors.

32. Headlamp

I know what you are thinking. But I have a flashlight on my phone! That is true, but a headlamp is a must for hiking, camping, or even doing astral photography. It is more powerful than your phone light and it is hands-free so you can wear it on your head and get all your tasks done. We like to invest in a high-quality headlamp for optimal lighting and this Black Diamond headlamp is also rechargeable by USB. Read our tips for camping: 25 Camping Tips and Hacks for Happy Campers

For more ideas for travel gear and gadgets, check out the Ultimate Travel Packing List

Do you have any travel gear suggestions that you can’t live without? Have you discovered a new gadget or item that everyone should pack in their travel kit? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Check out our complete travel packing list here: The Ultimate Travel Packing List (By Professional Travellers)

Eager for more travel tips?

If you enjoyed our list of the best travel organizers, why not check out some of our other travel packing tips to help you get the most out of your next vacation?

• Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier
• Packing for Travel – 6 Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze
• The Ultimate Camping Gear List
• The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories
• Best Travel Tips From 20 Years Traveling the World

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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28 thoughts on “The Best Travel Gear and Travel accessories”

Not a gadget, but I take several feet of gaffer tape (think duct tape for the real world) with me when I travel. It can be rolled on itself for travel (or around a qtip, if you must). Can be used for “field expedient repair” of shoes, pants, and bags.

Travel insurance is most important in Covid 19 Pandemic. Thanks for the article!

Why oh why have I only just came across your site! You guys are amazing. This list is so handy, a couple things I never thought about. I am about to make the move out to Australia and do a working holiday visa for a couple years before maybe making the full move out. Your guides are really helpful! Stay safe!

Hey guys – just came across your list. Great stuff! I love the Belkin surge protector. I never take a trip without mine. I would add the Dream Essentials Escape Luxury Sleep Mask – I honestly can no longer sleep without it. It has little eye sockets – awesomeness. Also a pack-it folder is a must. At least if the trip involves wearing descent looking clothes. I love the Bluff Works pants though. I’ll have to check them out.

Thanks for the tip on the mask. We’ll check it out. We’re also going to look for the folder, we have never had to worry about clothes looking good in the past, but now that we are doing more business travel, it’s becoming an issue and we didn’t know how to pack nice clothes without wrinkling them.

Ha, I love the list. I especially love the pegless clothes line as I usually had to wash my clothes during my trip. One thing I would suggest is this foldaway travel bag http://shop.thespicejourney.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=58 I have another version – black – but these ones are so cute. I love putting my last minute souvenirs-hunting in this bag.

I am so so happy you wrote this article – it has on it almost everything we have been talking about. Ugh – all my business ideas out the window haha! As you can imagine, packing up a motorbike is really challenging as both weight and size are critical.. very similar to backpacking. Sadly, we have 3 panniers to share so items are very, very limited. We have been looking into solar chargers, which may be a good addition..?

Love my clothesline and have to try the goodwill. Hope Bluffworks makes women’s travel pants soon!

*Hoboroll not goodwill – darn incorrect!

Wow! I want every single one of theses gadgets! They seem so useful! It’s a shame I’m reading this now, just a day before a 3 weeks holiday. I’ll make sure to check them out for next time!:)

Thanks for the list!!

Hoborolls is an idea but I just use my side pockets for small items, one for my 4 pairs of socks, and the other for my 5 pairs of Pop&Go PopandGo Knickers.

The digital age has taken the world by storm, with the introduction of the camera phone, photo digital imagery tools are at the fingertips of consumers today because they are built-in to low end and high end styled cellular devices that are the rage with American all over the country.,

Our personal internet page <"' http://www.prettygoddess.com/

Love the Hoboroll from GobiGear and the Belkin. Those are always in my gear bag. I’ll have to check out that VPN. I have been using Hide My Ass for a while now which is great too.

Ha, what is Hide My Ass? I like the sounds of it:-)

In China, we used Astrill, which is another really popular VPN. I don’t know about the HMN (other than the great name), but Astrill allows you to switch locations. Personally, I find Portland and Seattle to be the best connections.

If you can beat the Chinese government, you can beat anyone! Hehe

Awesome suggestions – I love finding things that just work, that just make sense. Keep the gear reviews coming!

This is a very good post. I want a hobo roll now.

Will do, we’re already gathering more ideas for gear that we’ve tried and loved.

Thanks! I’ve enjoyed using the Belkin many times. It helps at airports when the electrical outlets are all taken. I can offer to share and help others and myself! The Lacie HD has also been a useful travel ally. I look forward to checking out your other recommends.

I also suggest packing SPF clothing from SunPrecaution. http://luxurytravelmavens.com/destinations/spfclothesfortropicshome/ You still need Sunblock for your face and hands, but it can easily take care of the rest of you and is versatile for jungle, sea or restaurant. Happy Travels! @TravelExplorer

I love my pegless clothesline! Such a simple idea, but so useful!

Love the suggestions, going to look more into mifi.

One thing we use that saves us a bit of money traveling through Central and South America is the Steripen. You just pop it in your glass of tap water for 50 seconds, and hey presto, you have purified water! It’s crazy how buying bottled water all the time can eat into your travel budget.

Excellent list! I was looking at the Lacie Rugged Hard Drive a few days ago. I think the items 4, 6, 7 & 8 are must haves for any traveler these days.

Great stuff, I like these Go Sim and Mifi gadgets, I will go and buy those strait away

Can you use the Belkin surge protector overseas in countries that have 220V power? I’ve tried with others and they fry.

No, thats the only problem i have with it…since it is a surge protector, it cant handle autoswitching/220-240v. Otherwise, I take it everywhere, even using it on planes.

These are some cool gadgets!

Wonderful article. For me it has to be my Grid-it to keep all my wires neatly arranged and flat and GoToobs for perfect liquid travel containers. Now Im really hoping there’s a female equivalent to those gorgeous Bluff Work Pants to help with stylish travelling!

I have the clothesline and must admit that it is super useful.I’ll have to check our the hoboroll and mifi. Thanks for sharing.

The Best Travel Gear AFAR Editors Bought (and Loved) in 2023

Here’s how these holy grail travel products changed our lives this year..

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The Pluto Pod could be the perfect travel pillow for you, too.

Courtesy of Pluto

With travel habits like ours, AFAR’s editors and contributors are constantly on the lookout for gear that can make our time on the road more comfortable, convenient, and yes, more stylish. In 2023, we tried out hundreds of pieces of travel gear . Since we’re not in the business of gatekeeping, here are a few of our favorite discoveries that improved the way we traveled in 2023. From accessories under $25 that make road trips and long flights more comfortable to pricier totes and cross-body bags that will last a lifetime, we hope you love these pieces of travel gear as much as we do.

Don’t just take my word; this tote has 95 five-star reviews on Filson’s website from other satisfied customers.

Courtesy of Filson

Filson Rugged Twill Zippered Tote Bag

• Buy now: $295, filson.com

My ideal personal item needs to check many boxes: It has to fit a 13-inch MacBook Air laptop, have a side pocket for easy water bottle access, a zip-top to keep everything safe inside, and also look cool enough to use every day. After exhaustive research, I invested in the Rugged Zippered Twill Tote Bag from the Seattle-based brand Filson. At 15 x 7 x 14 inches, it easily fits underneath airplane seats but is roomy enough to fit the aforementioned laptop and water bottle, plus a travel pillow, a book, my chargers, some essential toiletries, and an oversize scarf. The twill material is super durable without being heavy and is also lightly waxed so I don’t have to worry about my valuables getting drenched in a surprise rainstorm. I can tell this piece will last a very long time. The only thing it’s missing is a way to attach it securely to the top of my carry-on—but that’s where the Cincha Travel Belt comes in. I just slip the elastic loop of the belt over the handle of my carry-on and snap its buckle around the front of my Filson for a no-slip airport experience. —Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor

With a removable strap, this Rimowa can be used as a cross-body bag during the day and a clutch at night.

Courtesy of Rimowa

Rimowa Personal Aluminum Cross-Body Bag

• Buy now: $1,600–$1,700, rimowa.com

A few months after getting a Rimowa suitcase , I decided to go all-in on the luggage brand with one of its smallest cases: the Personal Cross-Body Bag. As someone who constantly struggles with overstuffed pockets—bursting with an iPhone 14 Pro Max in one, a wallet in another, with a sleeve of Dentyne Ice, Airpods, a USB cord, and sometimes a passport shoved in between—this small unisex bag seemed a smart choice for me.

The aluminum shell and the case’s finishings mirror those of Rimowa’s Original suitcase collection, making it an ideal travel companion to my checked bag but also a sturdy stand-alone mini case. The case is roughly the same size as a paperback book and snaps open to reveal a leather-lined interior with two open compartments, one zipped pocket, and three credit card slots—big enough to fit all my pocket essentials (and then some).

The case, available in “Arctic Blue,” silver, or black, can be carried in your hands or worn as a cross-strap bag thanks to an adjustable and removable Italian leather or webbed nylon strap that hooks onto two side D-rings. (Rimowa also sells additional colors of the webbed nylon straps separately for $220.) While I use the case as a cross-body bag for travel and work, my best girlfriends love borrowing the case sans strap as a stylish clutch for a night on the town. While I do think a price tag on par with my suitcase seems awfully high, my friends remind me this is no different than their splurges on designer purses. — Paul Rubio, points and loyalty special correspondent

This airplane footrest is easy to install and won’t disturb the passenger in front of you.

Courtesy of Amazon

Airplane Footrest

• Buy now: $22, amazon.com

It’s not glamorous, fancy, or stylish, but this small piece of travel gear feels like a hack to make flying much more comfortable. I’m 4’11” on a good day and that means that even when my feet rest flat on the floor (and they don’t always), the bottom of the seat digs into my thighs and causes my legs to fall asleep. In addition to wearing compression socks, obvi, I now take this little footrest contraption on my long flights. Picture a big looped strap; at the bottom is a wide, thick, hard-plastic rectangle covered in memory foam. The strap hangs over the tray table (which can be open or closed) and then I prop my feet up onto the memory foam section. The hard plastic keeps the footrest open (rather than folding up from the weight of my feet), and I can easily adjust the length of the strap so that my feet float lower or higher depending on what’s most comfortable at the moment. I learned about the footrest from a stranger in a middle seat earlier in the year—she swore by it. I never got her name, but I am indebted to her. And so are my legs. —Billie Cohen, executive editor

These warm, water-resistant runners will get you through 10,000-step travel days easily.

Courtesy of Allbirds

Allbirds Wool Runner 2 Sneakers

• Buy now: $110, men’s, allbirds.com ; women’s, allbirds.com

There are just some products that the Internet and podcasts and Instagram ads really want me to buy, and I always resist. This year, I finally gave in and bought a pair of Allbird sneakers, and they actually live up to the hype: The Merino wool makes them surprisingly warm in the winter, the bouncy soles are great support for urban exploration, and they’re actually as water-resistant as advertised. I went with a black-on-black design and though they’re far from dressy, they’re also unshowy enough that you could wear them into a wine bar or a nice-ish restaurant without anyone batting an eye—or frankly even noticing them. I’ve watched enough seasons of Project Runway to know the power of a little black dress that can go from day to night, and these are stealthily the sneaker equivalent. — Nicholas DeRenzo, contributing editor

Unlike other travel pillows, the Pluto Pod comes with a built-in eye mask.

The Pluto Pod Travel Pillow

• Buy now: $145, plutopillow.com

As a person who has trouble falling asleep in a normal bed, I can count the times I’ve managed to catch a snooze on a plane on one hand. I’ve tried and experimented with (seemingly) every type of travel pillow that’s out there, from hidden internal neck support pillows to ergonomic memory foam contraptions that are supposed to keep your head still and rigid, like a neck brace. But I finally found one that withstood the ultimate test: On a recent flight from Taiwan to the United States, I was able to catch a solid eight hours of sleep with the Pluto Pod while sitting in the middle (that’s right, the middle) seat.

Like other travel pillows, the Pluto Pod has a snug, wraparound neck component. But what distinguishes it is its pillowy, black-out hood element with a built-in eye mask. Sure, this helmet-like look may draw curious looks from fellow passengers, but it’s a small price to pay for protection from those glaring overhead lights. (I find it works best in combination with a traditional eye mask, but I’m extremely sensitive to light.)

As an added bonus, the Pluto Pod also folds up compactly into itself, making it easy to travel with. Simply roll up the hood portion of the pod, fold in the arms of the neck portion, and use the snaps to secure it to your luggage handle. And when it gets dirty, the Pluto Pod can be easily disassembled and the outer fabric thrown into the wash on a cold cycle. — Mae Hamilton, associate editor

This Yeti can cooler comes in many colors, including “Rescue Red” seen here.

Courtesy of Yeti

Yeti Rambler 12-Oz. Colster Can Cooler

• Buy now: $25, yeti.com

On long, hot California family road trips, the kind where you need a bevy of snacks and drinks to keep everyone in the car quiet and happy, I love my Yeti can insulator. It fits around the most common size of can, whether you’re into LaCroix, Coke, or Spindrift, and slips easily into the car’s drink holder. It keeps drinks cool seemingly forever, looks great, withstands any number of drops on the ground, and can be thrown in the dishwasher when you get home. It also has a clever little screw-on ring to keep the can snug and safe inside. It’s an essential companion at the beach, in hot tubs, and on boats, too. Mine is navy, but they currently have some cool limited-edition colors like Cosmic Lilac, Camp Green, and Rescue Red. —Tim Chester, deputy editor

The Purist Maker Mug comes in a variety of colors including the dark blue “Drift” seen here.

Courtesy of Purist

Purist 10-Oz. Maker Mug

• Buy now: $38, rei.com

With other travel coffee mugs, I’ve struggled with the lingering scent of the previous beverage as I switched between coffee, tea, water—and yes, wine—on the road. Earlier this year, I invested in this Purist Maker Mug , which looks like other stainless steel bottles but is lined with an ultra-thin layer of nonporous glass that allows for even the most pungent beverages to wash right off. This 10-ounce model comes with a leakproof scope top that allows for sipping from any side, so I don’t have to worry about spills. —L.M.

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We’re travelers, too, and want to know what works and what doesn’t before we hit the road (or sky, or water, or rails). our team tests the latest luggage, clothes, shoes, tech, beauty products, camping gear, and more, so you can pack the right items for your destination and travel style., the 8 best father’s day gifts for travelers.

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The Best Travel Gear and Accessories of 2024

After a decade of travel, and numerous stints of nomadic living, I’ve learned how to travel pretty minimally, which means the things that I do buy are exponentially more important to me. It’s taken quite a few years time to learn what the best travel gear is, mostly through trial and error.

My travel gear works for me, but it may not work for you. Because I travel so often, and because I don’t want to be replacing my gear every few months, the quality of what I choose to use is of utmost importance.

Cost is the next determining factor, but I think you’ll find that the travel accessories I use are pretty reasonably priced. That said, sometimes I do think it’s worth forking out for a piece of quality travel gear that’s going to last you—quite literally—for your entire life.

I travel carry-on only—with two bags—one on my back and one on the front. For more information on how I pack, and how I get away with never having to check a bag, you might like this article on how to travel carry-on only .

If you’re looking for what I believe to be some of the best travel gear on the market, look no further than here!

Travel Gear Roundups

• Best Backpack Brands
• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Travel Daypacks
• Best Packable Backpacks
• Best Waterproof Backpacks
• Best Carry-On Duffel Bags
• Best Tactical Backpacks
• Best Hiking Backpacks
• Best Roll Top Backpacks
• Best Anti-Theft Backpacks
• Best Laptop Backpacks
• Best Luggage Brands
• Best Carry-On Luggage
• Best Hardside Luggage
• Best Soft Side Luggage
• Best Lightweight Luggage
• Best Checked Luggage
• Best Samsonite Luggage
• Best Luggage Sets
• Best Garment Bags
• Best Hardside Luggage Sets
• Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage
• Cheap Luggage Sets
• Best Men’s Luggage
• Best Wheeled Luggage
• Best Affordable Luggage
• Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage
• Best Luggage for International Travel
• Best Spinner Luggage
• Best Carry-On Luggage for Men
• Best Rolling Luggage
• Best Travel Shirts
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Rain Jackets
• Best Travel Clothing Brands
• Best Travel Water Bottles
• Best Jacket Brands
• Best Mirrorless Cameras for Travel
• Best Merino Wool Brands
• Best Travel Gadgets
• What to Wear Hiking
• Best Hiking Shirts
• Best Hiking Pants
• Best Hiking Sandals
• Best Midlayers
• Best Trail Running Shoes for Hiking
• Best Outdoor Clothing Brands
• Best Hiking Boot Brands
• Hiking Shoes vs. Boots
• Best Hiking Camera Backpacks
• Best Backpacking Tents
• Best Tent Brands
• Best Sleeping Bag Brands
• Car Camping Essentials

Essential Travel Gear and Travel Accessories

Let’s start with the basics. The bare essentials. On every trip, you’re going to need backpacks/luggage, toiletries, various tools, and organizational methods to keep it all in one place. After years of extensive testing, these are some of the best pieces of travel gear and travel accessories on the market today.

Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack (Men)

The Osprey Farpoint 40L is, in my opinion, the all-rounder best travel backpack. The best part? It’s sized for carry-on only!

If you’re looking for something slightly larger, the 55L version is another great option (it comes with a detachable daypack) and is also sized for carry-on travel.

Click here for my full Osprey Farpoint review .

Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack (Women)

For the ladies in the crowd, the Fairview 40L is the same bag as the Farpoint but built for the female frame. Again, the 55L version of the Fairview is a slightly larger version with a removable daypack which is also sized for carry-on travel!

Click here for my full Osprey Fairview review .

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack comes in 20L and 30L sizes and is the best travel daypack for every adventure. It’s carry-on sized, serves well as an every-day backpack in the city, but is just as well suited to a hike in the mountains.

This is like the Swiss Army knife of backpacks, and where many others have failed, Peak Design has come through with a remarkably elegant and functional design. With top and side access points and removable internal organizational panels, this is one of the most versatile bags you can buy.

Compression Sacs

The secret to traveling light? Compression sacs ! They’re like packing cubes with a vacuum. Put your clothes inside, roll the compression sacs to press all the air out, and seal it shut.

You’ll fit a lot more stuff into a much smaller space—up to an 80% reduction in size!

Compression Packing Cubes

If packing cubes and compression sacs had a baby, they’d be compression cubes . They have a compression zipper to shrink the size!

Stay organized and save space at the same time.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Tech Sac

Keep yourself organized with these see-through travel sacs .

Great for organizing cables, toiletries, or whatever other random travel accessories you have rolling around your bag.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

The perfectly-sized toiletry bag, the Sea-to-Summit toiletry bag is water-resistant, durable and has loads of internal mesh pockets.

It comes with a shatterproof mirror and easily hangs from any hook which makes it ideal for unpacking and repacking (as in, you never have to unpack it!)

GRAYL GEOPRESS Filtered Water Bottle

Not only is the GRAYL GEOPRESS BPA-free, but it removes 99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoan cysts. You can drink from almost any freshwater source around the world, like hostel sinks, wells or lakes and even murky rivers without getting sick.

Not only does it purify the water, but it filters it, too, so even sedimentary sources are perfectly safe to drink from. Take clean water with you wherever you go—and stop buying so many plastic water bottles!

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Multi-Tool

Measuring only 2.25 in. in length and weighing less than 2 oz, the Squirt PS4 is small enough to take along on every adventure.

The stainless steel body houses a pair of regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, scissors, 3 screwdrivers, wire cutters, replaceable tweezers, a wood/metal file, straight knife, and a bottle opener.

Just make sure you don’t try to carry this on, or TSA will confiscate it!

Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp

Black Diamond has been a household name for climbing and outdoor adventure gear since the late 80’s. This headlamp cranks out 400 lumens with a longer burn time in a more compact form.

It has multiple brightness modes, flood and spot modes, dimming, red, green and blue modes, an adjustable strap, and it glows in the dark so it’s easy to find. This is one the best headlamps I’ve ever used.

Sea to Summit Ascent Sleeping Bag

Made from responsibly sourced 750-fill-power duck down, the all new Ascent sleeping bag from Sea-to-Summit is perfect for backpacking or camping—it weighs just 2 lbs 7 oz and is rated to 15-degrees (F).

This versatile sleeping bag is ideal for most climates, including fall, spring, summer and mild winter weather. It packs down to the height of a water bottle and takes up just 6.2 liters of space when compressed, making this the perfect sleeping bag for hiking and camping.

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sack

An essential piece of the best travel gear, a dry bag keeps your valuables safe whenever you’re near the water. The Ultra-Sil dry sack comes in sizes from 2L – 35L and is ultra-lightweight and completely waterproof!

Pack a change of clothes or carry your camera, this lightweight dry bag is durable and comes with a roll-top enclosure.

Pacsafe Prosafe 800 Luggage Lock

Lock your zippers to keep your belongings safe, whether you’re checking your bag on a plane, riding the train or bus, staying in a shared hostel room, or simply browsing night markets.

Works great on lockers, too, if you ever need to stash your bags somewhere for a day.

Best of all, this lock is TSA-approved and you don’t need to carry a key around with you.

My number one travel accessory! I never travel without earplugs .

Whether you’re sleeping on the plane, in a loud hostel or hotel, or just need to block out the world for a while, these are an essential travel item.

aLOKSAK Waterproof Bags

If you’re going to be near the water, you need a way to keep your electronics and important documents dry.

This set of four waterproof bags do everything they’re supposed to—and nothing more. Waterproof to 200ft.

Universal Power Adapter

The most forgotten piece of travel gear? A power adapter!

Make sure you’re equipped for whatever country you end up in with this universal power adapter that fits every country (on both sides!).

Men's Travel Clothes

As a male traveler, myself, these are all my top picks, and the clothes I always take with me when I travel. Everything below is a piece of performance travel gear that will keep you warm, dry, ventilated, or whatever your particular travel situation calls for.

Arc'teryx Beta LT Weatherproof Jacket

The granddaddy of lightweight rain shells, the Beta LT by Arc’teryx is top of the line. Be forewarned, it isn’t the cheapest piece of gear you’ll buy, but this is an item that lasts a lifetime.

It’s completely waterproof but also breathable at the same time, which means you won’t drench yourself in sweat (and you’ll actually stay dry).

Made to be lightweight and packable, this is the perfect rain jacket for every adventure.

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody

The Atom LT Hoody by Arc’teryx is one of the best midlayers you can buy, and also serves as an outer layer when weatherproofing isn’t an issue.

It’s incredibly lightweight and packable, but versatile and also does a remarkable job regulating your body heat.

Vuori Tradewind Performance Tee

I’ve been loving all things Vuori lately, and their Tradewind Performance tee is no exception. I don’t know how they do it, but everything they make is unbelievably comfortable and made for active lifestyles.

The Tradewind is a polyester/elastane blend with UPF protection and quickdry capabilities. Whether you’re working out at the gym, hiking in the backcountry or even lounging around at home, this shirt does it all.

It’s soft and stretchy and, being made mostly from polyester, this travel shirt does an excellent job wicking sweat and regulating body temperature.

Bluffworks Chino Travel Pants

Bluffworks makes pants just for travelers. Though they have a few different versions available, the chinos are by far the most versatile pair.

These technical travel pants are breathable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry, stretchy, and best of all, comfortable. These will serve you everywhere from the board room to the top of a mountain.

KÜHL Radikl Shorts

KÜHL is known for their pants, and they make great shorts as well. Whether you’re on the plane or hiking in the mountains, the Radikl shorts by KÜHL are perfect all-rounder short for active and adventurous travelers.

They are rain and stain resistant and they feature 4-way comfort stretch technology and multi-functional pockets.

Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low 2

Hiking boots can be too bulky to travel with, and their bulk and stiffness can actually be uncomfortable on the trail. I’ve found hiking shoes or trail runners are almost always a better option.

These hiking shoes are lightweight, travel easily, are waterproof with waterproof membranes and have aggressive grippy soles to keep you confident on any terrain.

ExOfficio Travel Underwear

Ditch your cotton underwear—they don’t serve travelers well.

ExOfficio makes underwear just for travel, which means they’re lightweight, ultra-breathable, quick-dry, moisture-wicking, and gosh darn comfortable.

You could easily travel forever with just two pairs of ExOfficio’s—one to wear and one that you wash in the sink (or shower) each night.

Cool Mesh II Wrightsock

Wrightsock doesn’t have any fancy marketing, but they make one heck of a sock.

Though they produce a lot of styles, the Cool Mesh —their best selling— is a breathable, lightweight double-layer sock designed for a minimal feel.

They’re great travel socks that serve well for running, walking and hiking. Best of all—they dry really fast!

Women's Travel Clothes

The female members of the TravelFreak team weighed in and provided some recommendations for their favorite travel clothes. Similar to the men’s section, these are all performance items as opposed to fashionable ones.

Arc'teryx Beta LT Weatherproof Jacket

Invest in quality gear once and you’ll save money over time. The Beta LT by Arc’teryx is the epitome of this mantra.

It’s a top-of-the-line, lightweight rain shell that you’ll use for the rest of your life. Though it comes with a heftier price tag, it’s the only one you’ll ever need, which means you’ll save a lot of money in the long run.

This is, by and far, the best travel rain jacket I’ve ever owned.

The Atom LT Hoody belongs in every traveler’s bag. It’s a warm yet breathable midlayer that also serves as an outer layer when you’re not dodging the rain. Surprisingly lightweight given its warmth rating, there’s a reason Arc’teryx is one of the best outdoor clothing brands on the market.

Ably Polly T-Shirt

The ultimate travel t-shirt, the Polly by Ably is made from 100% premium cotton but treated with Filium. It’s a revolutionary technology that makes fabrics water-repellent and stain- and odor-resistant.

Wear it for days on end and nobody would be able to tell!

Athleta Stash Pocket Leggings

A pair of leggings are a must for any female traveler, but a good pair of leggings will elevate the entire travel experience.

You want leggings that will last—and these ones will. Built with breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric, these Athleta leggings have light compression properties and a buttery soft feel with 4-way stretch for full range of movement.

Perfect for hikes, yoga or long plane rides.

prAna Isaline Sports Bra

prAna makes some of the best clothes for active adventurers, and the Isaline sports bra is no exception.

Made from recycled polyester, this sports bra is moisture-wicking, comes with removable modesty cups and features a wide racerback with lattice straps.

Great for jogs, yoga, relaxing and even summer hiking.

Columbia Redmond Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Since hiking boots are bulky to pack, hiking shoes are the next best option with a sneaker-like low profile.

The Redmonds by Columbia are waterproof yet breathable which means they’re perfect in the rain—or any time, really!

The soles are sticky and, above all else, these won’t cost you an arm and a leg (you wouldn’t be able to wear shoes without a leg, anyway).

Electronics

Running a travel blog means I have to travel with slightly more/different equipment than most. Weight and size of electronics are big factors, but everything here easily fits into my two bags. What you see below is essentially my mobile office!

MacBook Pro

Big enough for professional work but small enough to carry everywhere you go, the MacBook Pro is the best option for professionals who travel or people who need to get work done on the road.

As someone who works and travels constantly, I use the 15″, but this is probably too big for the average person.

Google Pixel 4

Sporting the best camera in any smartphone available, the Google Pixel 4 is also one of the best overall smartphones you can buy.

It runs pure Android, which means it doesn’t come with any extra software installed (a.k.a. “bloatware”) that might slow down your device.

LaCie Rugged Mini 4TB

Hard drives have a habit of breaking or crashing when on the move.

Luckily, LaCie makes a drive with a patent-pending rubber casing that protects the drive from drops and heavy-ish abuse.

Inside the casing are Seagate drives which are some of the best and most well-respected drives in the industry.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

No bag is fully packed without an eReader, and the Paperwhite is arguably the gold standard.

Featuring a paper-like reading experience and a crisp 300ppi display, the latest Paperwhite is now waterproof, which means no more worries in the bath or by the beach!

JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker

Bring the party—or the chill—everywhere you go. This Bluetooth speaker is incredibly rugged and durable (it’s fully waterproof!) and has sound so good it might surprise you.

Bring it to the beach, start the party at your hostel or listen to podcasts in the shower—it’s all good with the Flip 5 .

Plus, the cylindrical shape means it fits perfectly in your water-bottle pocket, so it’s extremely portable!

Travel Photography Gear

If you’re interested in my photography equipment, these are the mainstays of my kit. For some extra photography accessories, plugins, and courses, check out my post on  the best equipment for travel photography .

Fujifilm X-T3

The most compact, pro-level travel camera you can buy at a very reasonable price point. You won’t find a better bang for your buck than the X-T3 .

For other options, check out this post on  the best mirrorless cameras for travel .

Fujinon 16-55m f/2.8

The elite “standard zoom” for the Fujifilm X-mount series with a fixed f2.8 aperture. It’s a pricey lens, but if you’re serious about your photography, you’ll definitely want this one in your arsenal.

Because Fujifilm cameras have a 1.5x crop factor, this lens is equivalent to 24-82mm, which is similar to the industry standard 24-70.

Fujinon 10-24mm f/4 Wide Angle

Every travel photographer needs a wide-angle lens, and this is, without question, the best one available for the Fujifilm X-mount.

Because Fujifilm cameras have a 1.5x crop factor, this lens is equivalent to 15-36mm (similar to the standard 16-35).

3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Travel Tripod

You may or may not have heard of 3 Legged Thing, but they’re a company to watch. The Punks Corey is made of aluminum, weighs 3.4lbs and is just 13.7″ when folded.

It’s lightweight and compact but expands to a full 58″ high. It even turns into a monopod when the situation calls for it. Ballhead included.

DJI Mavic Pro 2

Without question, the Mavic Pro 2 is the best drone for travel photography. With 31 minutes of flight time and a range of up to 4-miles, you’ll be able to capture any aerial you want.

The Pro 2 features a Hasselblad camera with a 20MP CMOS sensor for optimal image quality.

Highly recommended are the Fly More bundle (extra batteries and propellers) and DJI Care Refresh (warranty)—which you will most definitely be using.

GoPro Hero 8 Action Camera

Everybody knows GoPro, and for good reason. They make the best action cameras on the market.

Their latest release, the GoPro Hero 8 , ships with some of the best stabilization technology I’ve seen, which means you can film without a gimbal!

The 12MP sensor shoots at 4K and, like the Hero 5 and 6, has a touchscreen LCD.

Rode Video Mic

Any videographer will need an external mic, and this Rode shotgun mic fits the bill. It’s an excellent all-rounder microphone and it won’t break the budget.

Vello ShutterBoss Wireless Intervalometer

If you plan to shoot tripod selfies or long exposures longer than 30 seconds, you’ll need an intervalometer. Vello makes the best and this one is wireless up to 250 feet!

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance. In the same way you’d insure your home, health or car, it’s equally important to insure your trip. Whether your trip gets canceled, you get injured on the road or your smartphone gets stolen, travel insurance covers your back.

It could, literally, save you thousands of dollars.

My insurance company of choice is World Nomads . Just fill out the form below for a free quote, check out the full World Nomads travel insurance review , or click here for a comparison of the top travel insurance companies out there.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

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Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

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Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

Eric Ravenscraft

Julian Chokkattu

Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

Christopher Null

Adrienne So

Ryan Waniata

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• Best Whiskey
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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for Any Adventure

Whether used solo or packed alongside other bags, the best travel backpacks we’ve tested hold plenty of stuff and make it all easy to access.

By Will Sabel Courtney and Ben Bowers

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

An excellent carry-on-sized travel and adventure backpack can be a packing game changer. Whether used solo for shorter trips or carried along with other luggage for extended journeys, the best options offer plenty of storage space for clothes and a slew of easy access and protective pockets for water bottles, laptops, and other personal items.

Having spent many days on airplanes crisscrossing continents and oceans for work and play alike, here are the best carry-on travel and adventure bags we’ve tested and recommend hovering in the 35–55 liter size range.

Carry-On Travel & Adventure Backpacks We Recommend

Best Overall

Best Rollaboard Replacement

Best Bargain

Best Multi-Use

Smartest Feature Set

Most Distinctive Option

• Made in America

Most Versatile

Best for Awkward-Sized Gear

How We Test Travel & Adventure Backpacks

Our tester journeyed far and wide on numerous trips by plane, train and automobile with these backpacks, loading them up with apparel, gadgets and gear to see how they handle the stress. They were loaded and unloaded into luggage racks, trunks and back seats alike, carried on long walks to and from terminals and destinations, and left to bash about in the closet between trips.

For many of the tests, he loaded it up with a typical array of clothing and equipment one would need for a business or personal trip of several days time: an extra pair of jeans or slacks, 2–3 T-shirts, 1–2 overshirts or button-downs, a pair of sneakers, gym shorts and shirts, a DSLR camera , iPhone charger and Apple Watch charger and of course, several changes of undergarments.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here .

Best Overall Travel Backpack

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

• Can expand from a 35L day bag into 45L multi-day gear hauler
• Offers many ways to load & access contents
• Backpack straps can hide conveniently out of site via magnets
• Weather proof shell
• Main pouch less accessible than some other bags on the list
• Cinch straps only work okay
• $299 at Peak Design
• $299 at Huckberry
• $299 at REI
• $299 at Backcountry
• $299 at Amazon

Peak Design’s travel backpack has been a top pick of ours for a while now , and suffice it to say, it’s still impressive. You can tell it’s a premium product from the first moment you lay hands and eyes on it; it looks and feels nice, from the action of the zippers to the smooth, almost waxy waterproof exterior to the soft, gentle gray fabric of the interior. But look closer, and you’ll find more features you might have missed the first time; hidden magnets seamlessly tuck away the backpack straps when not in use. (Just be sure you check the straps’ length every time you pull them back out, as they can slide out longer a little more easily than some bags.)

Of course, none of that would matter if it weren’t capable of carrying a bunch of gear. Luckily, this bag excels at that. Two main pockets easily enable the carriage of several days’ worth of apparel, while smaller slots for everything from toiletries to cables to headphones to laptops are found inside. There are grab handles for one-handed toting, multiple zippers for easy entry from several angles, and slots for water bottles on the sides, of course. We also love that unlike most other options on this list, this bag can contract down to a smaller-sized bag 35 L capacity for shorter trips or bulk up to a 45 L if you need to bring more along (or wound up acquiring a few items while out on the road.) All in all, it’s probably as close to the perfect travel backpack as you might find on sale today.

Best Rollaboard Replacement Travel Backpack

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

• Designed to maximize allowable carry-on space
• Opens and packs like a carry-on suitcase
• Featured padded hip belt with side pocket for better weight distribution
• Accessing items in main compartment can be awkward on the go
• Lacks luggage pass-through sleeve
• Slightly heavier than other options
• $350 at Tortuga

Tortuga’s Travel Backpack Pro is regarded as one of the best travel backpacks for good reason. Its rectangular shape lets the bag maximize its available storage capacity while ensuring its dimensions fall within standard airline carry-on guidelines. The primary storage compartment also opens as a suitcase to reveal a large mesh zipper compartment side and a spacious main compartment. Depending on your use case, this design detail can be a pro or con. On the one hand, it’s great to lay the bag flat on a bed and unzip the clam shell zipper to reveal and grab whatever’s inside quickly. However, quickly grabbing something buried deep inside the main compartment can be difficult if you don’t have enough space to lay the bag fully flat. The bag’s space-maximizing design also means its physically and aesthetically a bit more boxy than other options we recommend. Tortuga sells a smaller 30L capacity version of the same bag if 40L feels too big for your needs.

Best Bargain Travel Backpack

Aer Travel Pack 3

• Features handles on all sides
• Tons of pockets, including a hidden one for Airtags / Tracker
• Includes luggage handle pass-through strap
• $249 at Aer

Aer’s Travel Pack 3 is a little more affordable than the Peak Design entry, but don’t hold that against it; this bag is a lot like the above model. There are an abundance of pockets; you won’t have any trouble finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place. And while it doesn’t look or feel quite as premium when standing next to the Peak Design bag, it still has the quality and appearance of a high-end product.

On the downside, the orientation of the main pouch can make opening it and filling the bag a bit trickier than some other entries on the list, and the magnetic clips for the chest strap and cinch straps feel like an unnecessary complication. It’s also a little smaller than other recommendations on this list. Still, overall, it’s a great choice for a few days on the road.

Best Multi-Use Travel Backpack

Yeti Crossroads Backpack 35L

• Made from thick, abrasion resistant nylon
• Stable luggage pass through sleeve
• Removable external straps for lashing on other gear
• Sold in multiple smaller sizes
• Laptop sleeve is a little smaller compared to other bags
• Less water resistance than other options
• Lack of DWR coating also means its more prone to staining
• $250 at Yeti

Yeti’s approach to backpacks is the same as its coolers . The brand’s Crossroads Backpack is a durably constructed and capable bag with a slightly less techy aesthetic than other recommendations on this list. It also includes a unique feature mix that makes it great for airports, city travel, and outdoor adventures.

For work-related trips or voyages within city limits, it’s got padded organization pockets for various items, including a laptop, and opens clamshell-style for easier packing. In cases of outdoor adventuring, it also features a pair of removal external straps for toting along other items like a rain shell, ground cover, or a lightweight camp chair. There’s also a pocket big enough to fit a 26 oz water bottle, although it’s located inside the bag, which might be a controversial decision for some. We lack the fact that Yeti sells smaller 22 L and 27 L versions of the bag for those interesting in something that’s closer in size to a more traditional backpack.

The Travel Backpack with the Smartest Feature Set

Matador GlobeRider 45L Travel Backpack

• Features a highly adjustable outdoor backpack style harness for optimizing carrying comfort and weight distribution
• Stowable main backpack straps can tuck away for checking
• Dedicated internal compartment that's great for keeping dirty / worn shoes from the rest of the bag's contents
• Looks more technical / camping oriented than other options
• Bigger compared to other tweener-sized options
• $350 at Matador
• $350 at Huckberry
• $350 at REI
• $350 at Backcountry

Smart design details distinguish all of Matador’s products, and their premium  GlobeRider 45 travel and adventure backpack  puts this part of the brand’s DNA on full display. While the sheer variety of features makes this bag stand out, its outdoor-grade harness, complete with adjustable load lifters, a contoured aluminum framestay, and a backpacking carry harness, make it one of the best travel backpack options for anyone who expects to walk long distances carrying it. The harness is also stowable behind the padded back panel, which can help prevent the bag from being caught up in machinery if you decide to check it. 

We also love the larger, built-in internal organization pocket that’s sizeable enough to keep a pair of dirty hiking boots separated from other packed items and the internal shockcord securement system on the other side for keeping contents in place when the bag is open. There’s even a “smugglers pocket” tucked away behind the back panel for keeping critical items like a Passport out of harm’s way.

Most Distinctive Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

• Available in more colorful outdoorsy-styled versions, including a randomized Del Dia option
• Includes removable raincover
• Includes strap for carrying crossbody
• Designed to work perfectly with Cotopaxi packing cubes and accessories
• Includes a lifetime warranty + repairs
• Less open space for cramming gear inside
• $220 at Cotopaxi
• $220 at Amazon
• $220 at REI

We gravitate to more unremarkable colors in bags. Still, if you prefer your equipment to stand out or like owning something unique,  Cotopaxi’s Allpa 42 L is an excellent option . It’s available in various standard colors, most of which mix and match various bright shades to give off a classic outdoorsy vibe. But there’s also the option of buying a one-of-a-kind  “Del Dia” version  made from leftover parts and pieces from other companies’ production runs. While you can pick the primary color you are interested in, the different colored elements of the bag are determined on the production line based on available materials. The result is an aesthetically unique bag that’s also more sustainably produced. 

But don’t assume the appeal of this bag is all aesthetic. It also offers plenty of practical travel-centric details, including various internal zippered organization pockets, a removal rainfly for foul weather protection, and a removable waist belt. Its primary harness straps can also be tucked away for easier checking. 

If you want to enter the Cotopaxi travel ecosystem fully, the bag is also specifically designed to fit the company’s packing cubes and fanny pack.

Best Made in the USA Travel Backpack

GoRuck GR3 45L USA

• Ridiculously sturdy and tough
• Simple design
• Harder to access laptop and other pockets on the go
• Expensive compared to bags with bells & whistles
• $455 at goruck.com

GoRuck is known for building bags that are sturdy as hell, and meant to go through it, too. The canvas skin feels thick enough to resist tiger claws. That’s not to say it’s harsh on the wearer; 201D Cordura straps and back panels feel plenty soft even over the long haul. We tested the smaller GR1, but even that 26-liter bag punched above its weight, proving large enough to carry our usual kit without much trouble; the 45-liter GR3 will no doubt prove capable of taking whatever you throw at it, inside or out.

With only one main compartment and a couple rather small pockets, it’s a bit harder to stash smaller items in their own areas — you may have to rummage through your underwear to grab your laptop — but if your priority is making sure everything in your bag stays safe and sound no matter what, GoRuck has you covered. Be aware that this bag is often sold out.

Most Versatile Travel Backpack

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Pack

• A built-in secondary pack is great for day trips
• Massive capacity
• More affordable than other options
• Re-assembly of constituent bags can be tricky when full
• Forces you to split your gear up between two bags when packing
• $220.00 at osprey.com
• $176 at Backcountry Gear $220 (20% off)
• $215 at Amazon
• $220 at L.L. Bean

Nerd alert: What does the Osprey Farpoint 55 have in common with the USS Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation? (Which, coincidentally, first aired with a pilot called “Encounter at Farpoint.”) Well, both starship and backpack can separate into two separate vessels if the need arises. In the case of the Osprey, that means the smaller, secondary pocket detaches to become its own daypack, perfectly sized for short hikes and office visits. Combined, the complete bag is a mammoth beast, capable of taking on a stunning amount of gear; if you tend to pick up souvenirs on your trips, this bag is for you.

On the less-appealing side, it’s a bit difficult to get into the main bag when “assembled,” and that assembly process can be tricky when both bags are stuffed. Combined, the overall package is bulky; it’s not an issue when wearing it (or at least it wasn’t for our six-foot-four-inch tester), but it does generally necessitate splitting the bag into its constituent parts on the airplane, stowing the big part in the overhead and the small one under the seat ahead.

Best Travel Backpack for Awkward-Sized Gear

Patagonia Cragsmith Pack 45L

• Giant pocket and wide opening make for easy packing
• Light compared to other bags
• Not as optimal for business travel as some other bags
• No true dedicated sleeve for laptops or tablets
• $152.99 at Patagonia $219.00 (30% off)

Of course, any list of high-quality backpacks wouldn’t be complete without a Patagonia entry. The Cragsmith may be made for rock climbing, but it’s also a good fit for travel, with ample capacity in a giant central compartment as well as secondary slots for other gear. That said, the lack of a second main compartment may be a turn-off for some, and the relaxed sleeve on the inside of the main cargo bay is better suited for rope than a laptop. But if you want a sleek travel backpack from one of the best names in outdoor equipment, the Cragsmith should treat you right.

Key details to consider before deciding on the right travel or adventure backpack for your needs.

• Do you plan on using your travel or adventure backpack frequently in conjunction with a rollaboard? If yes, we recommend keying in on options that feature a luggage pass-through sleeve. This will allow you to take the bag off your back and more easily roll it with your suitcase during extended treks in the airport.
• Do you plan on using your travel backpack off the beaten path or expect to be exposed to the elements for longer stretches? If yes, look for options made with DWR coatings or sold with an included rainfly as well as sealed zippers for added water protection.
• Do you plan on walking/hiking long distances while wearing the travel backpack? If yes, we recommend focusing on backpacks that offer integrated waist straps or, even better, more adjustable/tunable harnesses. Both features will allow you to distribute the weight of the bag better and for more comfort. 
• Do you plan on ever checking your travel backpack on an airplane? While less critical than the other considerations, bags with stowable straps and harnesses are better suited for checking. It’s an unlikely risk, but extraneous straps can get caught in conveyor belt machinery while being scanned.
• Do you prefer packing with packing cubes and smaller bags? If so, then we recommend looking at backpacks with less built-in organization pockets to maximize what you can carry. If you’re in the opposite camp, then many of the options that include a variety of pockets and zippered compartments can help you quickly find whatever you’ve packed.

An easy rubric for gauging the right sized carry-on adventure backpack for your needs.

If you are hoping to use a single backpack for a trip lasting more than three days, we recommend focusing on bags with a capacity of 40 L unless you are an extremely light packer.

A handy list of approved carry-on sizes for major U.S. domestic airlines

Approved Carry-on sizing reference table last updated 4/9/2024

To learn more about how big (or heavy) your carry-on can be, refer to our broader guide to the best carry-on suitcases for every trip .

Related Topics

Protect Your Trip »

The 13 best travel accessories, chosen by our editors.

Discover our editors' favorite finds for making every adventure better.

The Best Travel Accessories

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U.S. News Travel editors and contributors recommend you pack these must-haves for your next getaway.

When packing for a trip, you of course have to decide what to pack in your carry-on bag and checked luggage, including what clothing, toiletries and other essentials to bring. Having the right travel accessories can make your packing process and travels smoother. From noise-canceling earbuds to condensation-free water bottles, the travel editors and contributors at U.S. News have compiled a list of their favorite travel accessories that make every journey more comfortable.

S'well Stainless Steel Traveler

Staying hydrated while traveling is essential, so it's always a good idea to pack a reusable water bottle. This S'well travel bottle is made of stainless steel with triple-layer insulation. Featuring special technology to keep the exterior free of condensation and an ergonomic design, this bottle is ideal for travelers to put in their backpack or carry-on. The bottle is designed to keep cold drinks cool for up to 60 hours and hot beverages warm for 20 hours, making it the perfect on-the-go companion.

What our travel editors say: "I never fly without a refillable water bottle so I'm not at the mercy of in-flight service to stay hydrated. While it's not as large as other travel bottles, S'well's skinny design makes it easy to slide into my (usually overstuffed) purse or the side pocket of a backpack. The silicone loop attached at the top holds the lid when my hands are full, and water refills at the airport stay cool for the full travel day. I've used mine for four years, and aside from a few scratches, it doesn't show any signs of wear." – Elizabeth Von Tersch , Senior Editor

Price: $50 or less

Lug Mini Swizzle Jewelry Case

This compact jewelry case is perfect for travelers who like to pack extra earrings, rings and small accessories. The case comes in a variety of colors, including metallic shades like silver and walnut (a warm gold), and has a light gray lining that makes it easy to see its contents. The interior organization maximizes space with five soft-lined sections for rings, hoop earrings or cufflinks; a removable mesh pouch; and a soft-lined pocket. The petite design and pliable exterior helps to save space in your travel bag.

What our travel editors say: "I got this as a gift and it's one of the very first things I get out when I'm packing for any trip. I always pack a pair of pearls, some statement earrings to dress up for evenings, and a necklace or two. Once I'm traveling, the ring slots are the perfect safe place to store my rings at night. I love the top handle, which makes it easy to grab out of your bag, and the colorful exterior makes it stand out in any space so I never leave it behind. Plus, it's just so cute!" – Rachael Hood , Senior Editor

Price: $33 or less

Holii Daily Pill Organizer

This compact daily pill organizer allows quick access to your medications – which are vital to have on hand while traveling – as it can be easily tucked into a pocket, purse or backpack. Small but durable, the organizer features eight compartments: two large and six small. Its locked lids mean your pills will stay safe and secure even if you drop the container. The organizer is made with high quality food-grade plastic and is available in khaki, pink, purple and blue.

What our travel editors say: "As someone very prone to motion sickness, I needed a lot of different seasickness medications for my last cruise trip. This pill organizer securely fit everything I needed and more. It's also easier to pack than typical daily pill box dispensers that are too lengthy. Note: The included plastic accessory that looks like a guitar pick is for opening each of the compartments. It's a lifesaver for fingernails!" – Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer

Price: $12.99 or less

Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds (Second Generation)

The Apple AirPods Pro wireless earbuds are the perfect travel companion for those who like to listen to podcasts or music, or watch videos on their phones or tablets while traveling. The standout feature of these earbuds is the noise-canceling capability, which is twice the strength of the first-generation AirPods Pro earbuds. These AirPods, which are resistant to dust, sweat and water, come in a small MagSafe charging case (USB-C) and stay charged for up to six hours of listening time (with noise-canceling enabled); if you use the charging case, they last for up to 30 hours of listening time. Touch controls on the side of the earbuds allow you to adjust volume and press pause or play, as well as mute, unmute and end a call. Four pairs of silicone tips come with the earbuds so you can choose the perfect fit.

What our travel editors say: "I was skeptical about moving on from my beloved and generic wired Apple earbuds but the AirPods Pro wireless earbuds have been an extremely pleasant surprise. The noise-canceling quality is exceptional; it's truly wild how loud an airport or plane is and how quiet it gets just by putting in the AirPods and using the noise-canceling feature. These fit comfortably in my ears and it's nice that the product comes with several silicone tip options so you can select the right fit for you. The sound quality of music or podcasts I listen to is great and I find I don't need to charge them that often even though I use them frequently. With more airlines also trending toward using Bluetooth technology for seatback entertainment, I think these AirPods are a great investment for any traveler." – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Price: $249 or less

QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds

Courtesy of QuietOn

If you're looking for an alternative to Apple's noise-cancelling earbuds, these by QuietOn are compact and designed for sleeping with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology and passive noise reduction. Perfect for when you encounter thin walls in a hotel or late-night partiers on a cruise ship , these earbuds help to block out the noise to get a good night's rest. The company touts them as the world's smallest ANC earbuds, making them more comfortable than many other options, especially for side sleepers. They come with soft comfortable tips in four sizes. These earbuds also have a long battery life.

What our travel contributors say: "I never leave home without my noise-canceling earbuds when traveling. They're compact and one of the first items I put in my carry-on bag. They've made all the difference in getting a great night's sleep or staying awake and listening to sounds that you can't block out with other earplugs when staying in a hotel or sailing a cruise ship." – Gwen Pratesi , Contributor

Price: $289 or less

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)

Courtesy of Anker

Worrying about your phone battery is the last thing you want to be doing on vacation. This Anker power bank is roughly the size of a cellphone, making it easily portable, and it can charge a single device four to five times. You'll even be able charge two phones at once with this power bank, since it has two USB ports. Anker also sells power banks for laptops and even magnetic batteries that can charge your phone without a cable.

What our traveler editors say: "I rarely step foot outside the house without my Anker portable charger. It's especially convenient for long travel days, so I can ensure my phone is always fully charged for displaying my digital boarding pass, playing music or consulting Google Maps. But even when I'm just relaxing at home or at the hotel, it's so nice not to be tethered to a wall outlet." – Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor

Price: $49.99 or less

Apple AirTag

Courtesy of Apple

AirTags aren't the most exciting product Apple has released since 2021, but they've changed how many travel. A bit larger than a quarter, an AirTag allows you to determine the approximate location of an item and set up alerts if you become separated (about 30 feet), so it's perfect as a luggage tracker . The features prove particularly useful in an airport when you misplace your carry-on at the food court or want to track your checked bags after a tight connection. AirTags last about a year and use easily replaceable CR2032 batteries. (You'll find the same batteries in most car key fobs.) They also need an Apple product such as an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, but alternatives such as the Tile Pro are also available for Android users.

What our travel editors say: "Apple AirTags alleviated travel stress I didn't know I had. Before I trek to the airport, I double-check the trackers in all of my bags, as well as in my wallet. Quickly confirming everything's location provides the peace of mind to rest easy in any terminal." – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Price: $29 or less

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

For any book lovers, traveling with a Kindle Paperwhite is a must. You can download and store thousands of stories, so you'll never run out of reading material mid-trip. Since a single charge can last up to 10 weeks, you might not even have to bother packing a USB-C charging cable. Super lightweight and waterproof, this e-reader also boasts a glare-free, 300 pixels per inch display that makes reading on the device feel like reading from pages of a book. There are even highlight and note-taking features, should you want to keep track of your thoughts while reading.

What our travel editors say: "No matter where I'm traveling or for how long, I always make sure to grab my Kindle before heading out. It's a great way to pass the time before boarding and during flights, plus it makes it easy to relax anywhere." – Christina Maggitas , Editor

Price: $139.99 or less

Worlds of Wonder: A Coloring Book for the Curious

From a long flight to a lengthy layover, having something to focus on can help to pass the time. This coloring book has 80 pages of gorgeous designs, filled with rich imagination. Users will be able to color everything from houses to mushrooms to bicycles to flowers. The book is made from a cardstock-like material and measures 10 x 10 inches.

What our travel editors say: "Coloring is one of my favorite hobbies and this coloring book is my absolute favorite. I find that coloring especially helps to pass time on long flights since it keeps my hands and mind busy (and I don't check the time as much). If you decide to use colored pencils, buy the twistable kind so you don't need to worry about a sharpener." – Marisa Méndez , Senior Editor

Price: $17.95 or less for paperback

BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags 5-Pack

These reusable grocery bags from BeeGreen are a great addition to any traveler's packing list. Not only are they a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags, but they are also machine-washable and can be easily folded up to fit into your backpack, purse or pocket. Although they are lightweight, the large volume bag can carry up to 50 pounds. This is due to their durable design, which is reinforced with bias tape. What's more, the bag can be folded into the attached mini pouch for easy transport.

What our travel editors say: "Whether I'm buying souvenirs or shopping for the toiletries that I've inevitably forgotten to pack, I frequently find myself in need of a bag when I'm traveling. These reusable bags are great alternatives to plastic bags; I especially love that they come with their own mini bag for easy storage. I usually clip mine onto a lanyard with my keys – this way I never leave home without it." – Alissa Grisler , Associate Editor

Price: $17.99 or less

Magicteam Sound Machine

Whether you're traveling with little ones or just want to block out noise from the hotel hallway, this portable sound machine is a game-changer. Powered by USB, the Magicteam Sound Machine offers 20 non-looping sounds to soothe you and your travel companions to sleep, including white noise, brown noise, rain and a crackling bonfire. It also has 32 levels of volume. You can easily set it for continuous play or program it to stop after one hour or several; its memory function will automatically restore your previous settings.

What our travel editors say: "This sound machine is small but mighty. It works just as well (if not better) than the more expensive Hatch Rest sound machine our toddler has in his bedroom, and its compact size makes it so convenient for travel." – Amanda Norcross , Content and SEO Strategist

Price: $29.99 or less

Aquasphere Defy.Ultra Swim Mask

One of the most compact swim masks available on the market today, the Aquasphere's Defy.Ultra Swim Mask small enough to throw into your beach bag or carry in your pocket. This mask is ideal for keeping water out of your eyes, snorkeling, and getting an up-close and personal view of the sea on vacation. Not only is the mask made to be comfortable and leak-free, but it also boosts underwater sight capabilities and makes it easy to see colorful fish and other wildlife.

What our travel contributors say: "I use this swim mask for all our family beach vacations since it's the only one I have ever owned that doesn't take up a ton of space." – Holly Johnson , Contributor

Price: $99.99 or less

Wander & Perch Wander Wet Bag

Courtesy of Wander & Perch

These wet swimsuit bags by Wander & Perch are perfect for vacations that will include swimming in a pool or the ocean. Even though you may hang your gear to dry after a swim, your suit may still be wet when the time comes to pack your suitcase. The wet bag solves this problem by allowing you to store your swimsuit inside its own decorative, zippered pouch. The bags are machine-washable and come in a variety of fun designs.

What our travel contributors say: "This bag is such a great essential for travel because you can pack your wet swimsuit without getting your other clothes wet! And it comes in great patterns." – Sharael Kolberg , Contributor

Price: $38 or less

You might also be interested in:

• Vacation Packing List: Top Essentials for Any Trip
• The Top Travel Gifts
• The Top Luggage Tags
• The Top Toiletry Bags
• The Top Packing Cubes

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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The Best Travel Gear to Shop for Your Spring Getaways: Carry-On Luggage, AirTags, Packing Cubes and More

Make memorial day travel as smooth as possible this year with the best luggage, gadgets, headphones and more travel gear.

As stressful as travel can be, having the right travel gear can make a world of difference in ensuring your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you're visiting family or taking a little getaway for Memorial Day, odds are you'll be doing some kind of traveling this spring. From the most-loved suitcases on the internet to gadgets for keeping track of all your belongings, we've found the best travel accessories to grab ahead of your next trip.

If your current suitcases have broken zippers or cracked exteriors, it's probably time to upgrade. You can select the uber-popular Away suitcases , or get the ever-reliable  Samsonite duo . For long flights or train rides, make your travels more comfortable with a hanging airplane footrest , noise-cancelling headphones and compression socks .

Below, check out the best travel gear to shop ahead of Memorial Day and all of your upcoming spring vacations. 

Best Travel Accessories to Stay Organized

Apple airtag.

Some of us just have a knack for losing things, and that's where the Apple AirTag steps in. This device simply needs to be attached to keys, luggage or a handbag, and they can be found wherever you left them by tracking the AirTag on your phone. 

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

This spacious bag is suitable for both travel and home toiletry organization.

Bagail Set of 6 Packing Cubes

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized. 

Electronic Organizer

Keep your digital accessories and gadgets organized while on the go. This sleek and compact bag is designed with the modern traveler in mind, providing a dedicated space for all your tech essentials.

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

Made with water-resistant nylon, this toiletry bag has an exterior zip pocket for grab-and-go items, plus a coated spill-proof interior to keep your cosmetics in check.

Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set for Toiletries

This TSA-approved travel bottle set includes a variety of bottles, jars and other accessories to keep your toiletries organized and prevent them from leaking. 

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

Samsonite NuRoad Lay Flat Toiletry Kit

Keep all your toiletries together and accessible in this flat-laying toiletry kit. It has water-resistant coating for easy clean up in case any of your products spring a leak. 

Best Travel Luggage: Suitcases, Backpacks, and Bags

Away the bigger carry-on.

Away has some of the most popular luggage on the market right now. Before you check out, this splurge-worthy travel gear also offers the opportunity to add a more personalized touch with a customizable luggage tag and a custom monogram on the suitcase itself. 

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-On

The carry-on's micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping it beautiful trip after trip.

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack

The North Face Borealis Mini Backpack is a premium travel essential that can seamlessly transition from a reliable carry-on for your laptop on an airplane to a trusted companion on your exhilarating hiking adventures. Store your other travel items in this accessory for a long flight or short trip.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

115L Foldable Travel Duffel Bag with Shoes Compartment

For weekend trips as well as the gym, this waterproof duffel bag has a ventilated side pocket for keeping your shoes separate from the rest of your luggage.

ZORFIN Fanny Pack

Keep your passport, wallet, phone, or other small items within reach with this crossbody fanny pack. Pack this travel accessory in your carry-on suitcase to use during your trip.

Ecosusi Laptop Tote

Keep all of your essentials handy with this stylish laptop tote, complete with plenty of pockets to help you stay organized.

Best Travel Gear for Long Trips

Apple airpods pro (2nd generation).

Apple's latest iteration of the brand's best earbuds are some of the best you can buy. They connect seamlessly to iOS devices and serve up to 30 hours of listening time and even longer with their charging case. 

$249   $189

Napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling

Neck pillows are a classic travel essential that will keep you comfortable during flights and long car rides.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

Etekcity Luggage Scale

Never have to worry about the overweight baggage fee by checking the weight of your luggage before you go to the airport.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Not only will you have remarkable sound quality with these headphones, but you'll also enjoy their Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology that adapts to your surroundings to calibrate the audio in real time.

$350   $159

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

Fight those dark circles and fine lines with these COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel eye patches with its hydrating, plumping and brightening formula.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) with Charging Case

Experience high-quality sound without breaking the bank with these earbuds from Apple.

CHARMKING Compression Socks for Circulation

If you have a long flight ahead of you, you might want to add compression socks to your ultimate travel packing list.

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes, 20 Count

Stay safe from viruses and germs while traveling with Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes.

Other Travel Gear Essentials

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

Ramp up your travel photography game with this selfie stick and tripod duo. The set includes a selfie stick that extends up to 60 inches long, a tripod for the perfect group shot, and a Bluetooth remote to snap the perfect vacation picture.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Getting ready for a vacation abroad? Add this travel accessory to your packing list. This all-in-one travel essential is usable worldwide in over 150+ different countries, ensuring you can plug in your phone charger, hair tools and more.

Collapsible Water Bottle

This collapsible water bottle easily shrinks to fit into your purse or carry-on.

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The best travel accessories for exploring comfortably in 2024

A prepared traveler is a happy traveler.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

The right collection of travel accessories can make the difference between a wonderful journey and a nightmarish trek. Maybe you’ve already booked the trip you’ve been dreaming about. Or maybe work has you back on the road. Whatever the reason, constantly changing pandemic rules and regulations can make traveling more stressful than it used to be. Packing a traveler’s toolbox can help even things out, saving you time, space, and money. The best travel accessories help you enjoy the journey, no matter how near or far you’re headed.

• Best wallet : Pacsafe RFIDsafe V150 RFID-Blocking Compact Organizer
• Best for long flights : Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones 
• Best neck pillow: Trtl Pillow
• Best power bank: Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh
• Best travel adapter: Epicka All-in-One Worldwide Wall Charger
• Best accessory (for anywhere): CamelBak Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle 21 oz.
• Best organizer: Osprey Ultralight Zip Travel Organizer
• Best suitcase : Osprey Sojourn 45L 22”
• Best day bag: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack 27L

How we chose the best travel accessories

As a frequent and intrepid traveler, I’ve spent a lot of time on long-haul flights to countries across the globe. I’ve pedaled my bicycle across Central Asia from Mongolia to Turkey, over the Karakoram and the Caucasus Mountains, and through most of Europe. My “day job” as a tailor and pattern maker for film and television also sometimes sends me out of town to work for up to eight months at a time. (I’ve spent an inordinate number of nights at Marriott Residence Inns across the United States—which are decorated exactly the same.)

After logging so many miles, I’ve had the opportunity to road-test a lot of traveling gear and gadgets over the years. And, like most regular globetrotters, I have a tried and true list of travel accessories I carry with me on any trip. My preferences skew towards things that can withstand being shoved into a bag on a bicycle and bounced over rocky terrain for days on end and still work perfectly. (Thank you, 2017 12-inch MacBook.)

Different kinds of travelers will gravitate toward different kinds of travel products (obviously). We combed through a variety of options to come up with the best travel accessories that will hopefully be useful to the highest number of people on the widest variety of trips.

The best travel accessories: Reviews & Recommendations

The travel accessories on this list perform a variety of functions, but they are all essential in their own ways. Once you’ve traveled with them once, you’ll probably wonder how you ever made do without them. (If you know an equally passionate traveler, essentials like these also make great gifts ).

Best wallet: Pacsafe RFIDsafe V150 RFID-Blocking Compact Organizer

Why it made the cut: The Pacsafe RFIDsafe V150 features designated spaces for passport, credit cards and cash. Plus, its strong all-around zipper closure prevents things from falling out.

• Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Dimensions: 6.7 x 5 x .8 inches
• Price: $59.95
• RIFDsafe blocking material
• Outer zippered coin pocket (great for coin Euros)
• Detachable strap
• Passport sleeve can hold multiple passports
• Awkward to open when worn across the chest

While many are partial to Fjallraven passport wallets —we like them, too—the PacSafe travel wallet with RFIDsafe goes a step further, keeping credit cards, sensitive documents, and data protected from any electronic-scanning theft attempts.

The inside of the PacSafe V150 has a passport slot, multiple credit card slots, a small zippered pouch, and a large section for paper currency and other documents. On the outside is a zippered coin pocket so you can fish out change without opening the whole wallet. The heavy-duty exterior zipper that encloses the entire wallet is durable and holds up to repeated overstuffing.

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe V150’s larger size allows you to fit a smartphone inside (so long as it’s not bigger than 6.5 inches tall) by simply placing it in the middle, folding, and zipping. It’s great for when you’re just going out to eat and don’t want to carry a bigger bag, or you’re wearing something with a glaring lack of appropriately sized pockets.

That said, because of its size, the V150 forces you to live the “travel wallet lifestyle” with your money strapped to your chest. Unzipping the outer zip and fishing out what you need while wearing the PacSafe can result in some awkward maneuvering and things unsecured inside falling out, so be cautious when performing that trick.

Best for long flights: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones 

Why it made the cut: The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones allow you to sleep, listen to music, or watch whatever you want in comfort and relative peace.

• Weight: 9 ounces
• Dimensions: 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.04 inches
• Price: $298.00 – $349.00
• Comfortable
• Long, 30 hour battery life
• Intuitive touch sensor controls
• Multiple device pairing
• Earcup cover material wears over time  

Having spent the pandemic spring and summer of 2020 living in a New York City apartment next door to a building undergoing a gut renovation (the entire time), I can attest that Sony’s WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling wireless headphones not only effectively drown out annoying background noise but are also comfortable enough to wear all day without becoming excessively warm.

The upgraded version of a great Bluetooth headphone that multiple folks at PopSci cosign , the WH-1000XM5 comes with a case, wired headphone jack, and an adaptor so you can plug into the dual-pronged jack standard in most airplanes. The touch sensors on each ear cup allow you to skip tracks, adjust the volume, and answer phone calls. The Sony headphone companion app lets you personalize your settings and helps connect multiple devices.

If you have trouble sleeping in hotels with hallway or street noise, these headphones will successfully mask a lot, especially when coupled with a white noise app. The padded headband and ear cups even make it possible to sleep on your side with them on—though that does require positioning your pillow at just the right angle.

Want something even more compact? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are our top pick for active noise cancellation earbuds , able to reduce distractions to a whisper while fitting easily in your pocket. (And they come in headphones , too, though at a higher price point than the Sony.)

Why it made the cut: A unique wraparound design helps this neck pillow stand head and shoulders above the rest.

• Weight: 4.9 ounces
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 5 inches
• Price: $31.99
• Machine washable
• One-size-fits all
• Lightweight
• May take some time to get used to.

Trtl’s travel pillow will be nothing short of a revelation for frequent travelers. A plastic support keeps your head elevated at a comfortable angle while sleeping, so you don’t end up with a stiff neck. The pillow wraps around your neck, which makes it guaranteed to fit snuggly and securely, which is a big step up over traditional inflatable travel pillows. We have no complaints about Trtl’s pillow, but it may take a little while to adjust to this style of neck pillow if you’re used to an inflatable one. Once that moment has passed, it’s smooth sailing in the sky.

Why it made the cut: The 26800 mAh of power charges most phones six times, which is likely enough to get you through a full week without access to actual electricity.

• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 7.09 x 3.21 x 0.87 inches
• Price: $69.99
• Three USB ports to charge multiple devices at a time
• Fast charging of devices
• Quick recharging in six hours
• Wall charger not included

During a five-month bicycle odyssey from Beijing to Istanbul , which included seven-to-10 days at a time without electricity, the Anker PowerCore 26800 was my portable charger of choice. Those who didn’t show up for the trip with a power bank to keep their phones charged scoured the markets on the way until they found one. Many that brought one had to buy a second. Mine got me through the whole trip, successfully keeping my phone and bike GPS charged between hotel stops.

It’s especially helpful that this portable charger can recharge faster if you plug in with multiple cables at once. You can fully recharge this beefy power bank in about six hours, which is handy if you’re somewhere the outlet-to-human ratio is something like 1:12.

Why it made the cut: In the digital age, every globetrotter needs a multifunctional travel adapter that can be converted to EU-, UK-, AU-, and US-type plugs.

• Weight: 5.5 ounces
• Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.97 x 2.05 inches
• Price: $22.99
• Four USB ports and 1 Type-C port
• Internal spike and surge protector
• Fits outlets in over 150 countries
• Doesn’t convert voltage
• Doesn’t support Type D, H, or M (South Africa, India, Israel)

We like cleverly designed things that are useful in multiple places and environments. The Epicka worldwide wall charger is one of those things. With a series of buttons and slides, the Epicka transforms into various plug formations so you can use it in different countries. With four USB ports and one C-type port, you can charge your phone, Kindle, GPS device, noise-canceling headphones, and computer all at the same time from a single outlet.

Why it made the cut: A reusable water bottle means you don’t have to purchase the high-priced bottles of water at the airport, and an insulated bottle keeps your beverages cold (and hot) longer.

• Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Dimensions: 2.9 x 9.4 inches
• Price: $15.00 – $16.00
• Double-wall construction keeps beverages cold longer
• Made with BPA-, BPS-, and BPF-free polypropylene, so doesn’t taste like plastic
• Self-sealing cap
• Lock-out feature to prevent leaks
• Only comes in 21oz and 24oz sizes

Reusable water bottles are Earth-friendly, sustainable, and mean that you never have to pay $4 for a bottle of water in the airport again. Many airports these days have dedicated fountains to fill your bottle, usually right next to (or part of) the standard drinking fountains near the restrooms. 

Remember that you won’t be able to take a bottle with water in it through security. Once inside the airport, you’ll be able to fill it up and, in most instances, bring it on board. If you’re flying to the United States through a major international hub like Doha or Dubai, you’ll have to empty it before passing through security to the gate. There’s always a drinking fountain on the other side where you can fill back up, though.

This Camelbak water bottle doesn’t taste like plastic, even when brand new, and has a self-sealing jet valve. To drink, simply squeeze the bottle. The drinking valve swivels to a lock position so you can throw the bottle in your bag and shove it under the seat in front of you without worrying about leakage.

At your destination, the Camelbak Insulated water bottle is perfect for hiking, cycling (it fits into most bicycle water bottle cages), or exploring. While most places have drinkable tap water, remember that there are still some countries that do not.

Why it made the cut: With numerous zippered storage pockets and a hanging hook, the Osprey Ultralight Zip Travel Organizer is great for small toiletries, a first aid kit, and/or your backpacking kitchen setup.

• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 3 inches
• Price: $35.00
• Made from a stretchy, light material so you can pack for a variety of trips
• Durable enough to withstand the tendencies of a chronic over-stuffer
• Available in basic black to match everything
• Doesn’t have an easy clip or its own strap

The Osprey Ultralight Zip Travel Organizer ticks all of the best travel product boxes: It can be used for your toiletries, a first aid/medicine kit, or a snack/utensil storage kit, so it’s versatile. Its strong zippers and stretch mesh fabric on one side allow for expanded capacity when needed without breaking or ripping, so it’s durable. At 4.2 ounces, it’s very lightweight. And its many zippered storage compartments are thoughtfully designed for travelers.

Best suitcase: Osprey Sojourn 45L 22”

Why it made the cut: The Osprey Sojourn 45L fits most airline carry-on specifications, features sturdy wheels, and can also be converted to a backpack when needed.

• Weight: 8 pounds
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Price: $320.00
• Osprey Daylite pack can be attached for additional capacity
• Padded air mesh hip belt and backpack mechanism are both quick deploying and removable
• Internal compression straps
• Chassis and wheels roll exceptionally well on cobbled roads and sidewalks
• Bag is on the heavy side on its own.

Like all things Osprey manufactures, the Sojourn 45L is an extremely durable bag with zippers that will withstand excessive over-stuffing—which, as far as I am concerned, is the true test of any backpack or suitcase.

The wheels and high chassis allow the Sojourn to happily thumpity-thump over cobbled roads and uneven terrain. If the path becomes particularly roll-adverse, you can easily transform the Sojourn into a fairly comfortable backpack. We wouldn’t recommend any kind of hiking with the Sojourn in backpack mode, but it is sufficiently doable for shorter distances—such as navigating through a place like the medina of Chefchaouen, Morocco, where there are too many stairs.

The hip belt and backpack mechanism take up space inside the bag but you can still fit enough gear and clothing for an extended trip if you are a light packer. You can also easily attach a Daylite backpack to the front via clips for added capacity if needed.

Why it made the cut: The Patagonia Black Hole works as a tote or a backpack, and is well-suited for sightseeing, shopping, or your daily commute.

• Weight: 13 ounces
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 10 x 8 inches
• Price: $89.00
• Lightweight.
• Foldable and easy to store when empty
• Surprisingly comfortable as a backpack
• No cinch cords on the side mesh pockets

As a New Yorker and frequent traveler, I believe in having an extra bag on me at all times. You never know when you’re going to need to haul something somewhere. The Patagonia Black Hole tote makes an excellent shopping bag, which you may need in a city where stores don’t offer plastic bags. It also easily fits most laptops so if you’re on a business trip it’s a great way to carry your laptop to your meetings. It also converts to a backpack, which is comfortable enough for a day of sightseeing. In short, it’s an incredibly useful thing at home or abroad.

What to consider when buying the best travel accessories

The best travel accessories save you time, space, and money. There’s a lot of uncertainty and a decided lack of control involved when you’re traveling, especially by air. Being prepared with the means to make your trip easier and more comfortable can go a long way to alleviating the inherent stress of the journey. And while you may not be able to do anything about a flight that was just delayed for five hours for no apparent reason, at least you know you can keep your phone charged and watch your stories while you wait.

Design and usefulness

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the first thing to keep in mind when purchasing a piece of travel gear is how it will fit into your routine on the road. Does the thing you’re buying do what it claims effectively without unnecessary parts or features that you can’t figure out how to use? We looked for travel products that were intuitive, so you can think to yourself, “Gee, I wish this wallet had a place I could easily store and access my coin Euros” and then you discover that it actually does have just that thing.

Versatility

The best travel aids offer solutions to many common issues on the road and are helpful on many kinds of trips. While you may love the idea of having a “Paris overcoat” or an “Aspen ski jacket,” we don’t necessarily think there are best travel accessories for Europe or any other specific place. The best travel items are those you take with you on every trip, no matter how where you’re going or how long you’ll be away. 

No one likes having things break, but travel gear that doesn’t stand up to the normal wear and tear of life on the road can be especially annoying and frustrating. Things like luggage wheels or handles breaking, zippers going off track, or a bicycle handlebar camera mount coming apart in the middle of a rocky downhill ride. These are not good things. Good travel gear survives baggage handlers across the world, getting tossed out of tuk-tuks, and bouncing along in the belly of a bus on an ill-maintained mountain road with amazing views.

Weight and volume

Packing is always a weight and volume game, especially since airlines charge you more for what they consider “overweight” luggage. Thus, the best travel accessories should be comparatively light and take up as little space as possible. My own general rule is that anything that weighs more than 16 ounces must serve a very important function. When packing for my multimonth Silk Road bicycle trip, the only item more than 1 pound was my “travel” laptop, which weighed in at 2.03 pounds.

Q: How do you make traveling easier?

You can make travel easier (and less stressful) by being prepared and organized, especially when it comes to packing and ensuring that you’ll be able to charge your devices when needed. While it’s true that people used to be able to somehow navigate the world before smartphones and GPS devices both of things make traveling so much easier—even if it’s just to make sure that the taxi you just got in is taking you to where you want to go.  

Q: How much do travel accessories cost?

There are a lot of different kinds of travel accessories, so the prices will vary a lot depending on what you’re looking for. Some things, like wall chargers and neck pillows, can cost $20 to $50. Larger items, like suitcases and bags, can get much more expensive because they’re manufactured with materials that will hold up through rough handling and environments.  In general, we strongly advise avoiding the cheapest possible version of a travel accessory. I don’t want to buy something that breaks and needs to be replaced, especially mid-trip. In my experience, paying a little more for higher quality means I won’t have to purchase that same thing again when it inevitably breaks.

Q: What accessories do you need to travel?

Honestly, the only accessories you absolutely need to travel are a valid passport and a credit card with available credit. Everything else is gravy. But who doesn’t like gravy?

Q: Where can I buy travel accessories?

You can buy travel accessories online. Websites such as Amazon , REI, and Backcountry carry products from a variety of brands. You can also shop for last-minute or forgotten travel gadgets and products in airport shops—though they are almost always much more expensive there.

Final thoughts on the best travel accessories

Having the ability and the choice to travel to new places is a wonderful privilege. I feel infinitely lucky to have seen as much of the world as I have. Inventors and manufacturers always think up new and interesting gadgets and gear to make travel easier. Hopefully, these tools and tips will help you get out there and have some amazing adventures, as well.

Why trust us

Popular Science  started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

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Road Trip Essentials: The Best Tech and Gadgets, According to Experts

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

More Road Trip Gear: Best Driving Sunglasses | Best Travel Luggage | Road Trip Toolbox

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon mifi 6620l jetpack 4g lte mobile hotspot.

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Electronics Organizer

Bubm electronics organizer.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Gadget Charging Cord

Rolling square keychain charger cable.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for over a century, and its testing has become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure.

Note: Road & Track has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our car-loving audience.

The Best Road Trip Gadgets & Tech

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Apple AirTag

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

Bose QuietComfort OverEar Headphones

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

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REI, Amazon, and More Are Having Under-the-radar Hiking Gear Sales — Shop the 10 Best Deals Up to 55% Off

A longtime backpacker shares her top picks from $17.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Spring has sprung and the trails are calling. There are parks to explore, boots to break in , and summits to reach. Whether you’re new to hiking or, like me, due for (more than) a few gear upgrades , now’s the time to expand your kit as outfitters and retailers like REI, Amazon, and Backcountry are currently running sales on hiking gear galore. For a limited time, you can score brand-name trail essentials and outdoor gear on sale for up to 55 percent off.

After all, your gear can make or break your trip, so why not use this opportunity to save big on these pricey items before your next adventure? From my tried-and-true Osprey pack to Amazon’s best-selling women’s hiking boots and hydration bladders , here are the 10 best hiking gear deals that this longtime trekker , backpacker, and traveler is eyeing. 

Osprey Archeon 45 Pack

Many seasoned hikers would agree that Osprey packs are the best on the market. They’re known for their quality, comfort, ergonomic fit, and for being truly ultra-light. Believe me, I lived out of a backpack for two years and every ounce that you don’t have to carry on your back matters. Right now, REI is offering 50 percent off this 45-liter Archeon style that’s ideally sized for multi-day hikes lasting from three days to up to a week. One reviewer called it the “best bag ever” and the most comfortable hiking pack they’ve ever worn — and after testing a range of other brands, I agree. As a bonus, it can sometimes pass as a carry-on on flights. Hurry, it's selling out fast!

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boots

Amazon’s no. 1 best-selling women’s hiking boots are also almost half off right now. With their full-grain leather uppers and eye-catching red laces, Columbia’s Newton Ridge Boots harken back to the traditional mountaineering style (a.k.a. the style resurrected by the iconic book cover of Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild”). The shoes have amassed more than 18,000 five-star ratings, with countless reviewers praising their durability and unwavering waterproof capabilities. The cushiony midsoles, arch and ankle support, and grippy traction also get high marks.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

LifeStraw is the OG portable water filter. You can stick the best-selling filter straw right into a stream and take a sip without having to worry about harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. This tiny gadget, taking up less than 9 square inches in your pack, can be a lifesaver in emergency situations or just save your back from the stress of carrying excess water. Snag it for 22 percent off now; you won't regret adding it to your pack.

Athleta Trekkie North Joggers

These joggers are made with stretchy, moisture-wicking recycled nylon meant to resist tears when you inevitably get caught up in a branch on the trail. Although I haven’t tried them myself, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from my hiking friends — and just one look at the glowing testimonies from REI shoppers will tell you that these are quality hiking pants . This highly rated Trekkie North style is starting at $49, and sizes are selling out quickly.

Zimfem Portable Camping Chair

For this summer’s overnight hikes or the times when you just want a comfy seat when you reach your destination , a portable camping chair comes in handy. At 4.7 pounds, this is perhaps not the best chair to cover long distances with — proper backpacking chairs weigh more like 2 pounds to mere ounces — but it’s a very affordable option for shorter treks when you have room in your bag for a luxury item. Despite being a new release, it's already generating a lot of buzz among Amazon shoppers (more than 1,000 units were sold in the last month, according to the retailer). For packing convenience, the fabric seat separates from the frame, which folds down to fit into a relatively compact 17-inch by 7-inch carrying sack.

Gonii Low-cut Hiking Socks 4-pack

Good hiking socks are the key to preventing blisters. You want a material that balances breathability with cushioning, and Amazon reviewers say that these cotton-blend athletic ankle socks by Gonii hit that sweet spot. In fact, a shopper was happy to report that they kept their feet cool on a scorching-hot 20-mile walk. They come in your standard white, black, and gray hues, as well as fun pastels and bright colors. For a pack of five pairs, $15 is a true bargain.

Stoic Venture UPF Sun Hoodie

Backcountry

On a recent hike under the relentless sun in Sedona, Arizona, I noticed that the most seasoned and prepared people on the trail sported hoodies — a counterintuitive move when the temperature is approaching triple digits, but one that your skin will thank you for. This Stoic sun hoodie, on sale for 55 percent off at Backcountry, has UPF 50+ protection built right into it, making it a wearable sun shade. It’s made with lightweight and moisture-wicking recycled polyester, so you don’t have to worry about overheating or lingering sweat patches.

Baen Sendi 2-liter Hydration Bladder 2-pack

Maybe you’re the type to never leave home without your emotional support water bottle, but on the trail, hands-free hydration is the way to go . At 20 percent off, this pack of two Baen Sendi bladders is less than the price of one single CamelBak replacement reservoir (and way less than the buzzy water bottles and tumblers on TikTok). Reviewers say that it works just as well as its pricier counterparts and fits perfectly inside their brand-name hydration packs. 

Willit Hiking Shorts

Thousands of Amazon shoppers have given these Willit Hiking Shorts five-star ratings for their comfort, stretch, and durability. They’re super versatile and can be worn off the trail, too — the hallmark of the perfect travel shorts. You get your pick of almost 30 colors and patterns like trail-ready camo and sleek graphite gray. They’re normally priced at $34, but with Amazon’s 26-percent-off deal plus an extra 10-percent-off coupon, they’re only $23 (a steal). 

SealLine 5-liter Dry Bag

Helpful on drizzly days, in unexpected showers, and when you’re keen to cool off in a stream on your hike, a dry bag separates the wet from the dry — and is a useful tool to safeguard your valuables. Throw your camera gear and other electronics in it to protect them from water damage, or save it to hold your soaked swimwear until you get back to the campsite clothesline. In addition to hikes, this 5-liter dry bag is good to have handy for kayaking and paddleboarding missions.

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