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Home » Gear » Packing The BEST Travel Clothes For Any Trip – UPDATED 2024

Packing The BEST Travel Clothes For Any Trip – UPDATED 2024

If you close your eyes and try to imagine what a traveler or backpacker looks like, what do you see? Is it a young, pale man dressed head to toe in khaki colored outdoor wear (or geography teacher chic) or is it a sun-kissed, dreadlocked hippy chick in elephant pants and strappy vest? Both of the above? None of the above?

Anyway, for a long time I also had a pretty narrow definition of traveler dress sense and kind of put backpackers into either the badly dressed or the barely dressed category. But, it really doesn’t need to be this way! Backpacker chic and travel clothes can actually be stylish and practical.

Choosing the right clothes to take travelling can actually be pretty tough. You need to make sure you have the right clobber to wear for all occasions but at the same time you want to try and pack as lightly as possible. And of course, more often than that the “normal person” clothes you wear in your day to day life back home simply won’t cut it. To be fair, you would be forgiven for thinking that you need to bear a whole new wardrobe or (at least suitcase) of threads before you hit the road.

Right then, let’s have a look and see if we can find the perfect travel clothes for your next trip!

Choosing The Right Travel Clothes

Ok, so, what are the best travel clothes? Well before we give you our list we want to give you some rational first!

There are a few golden rules to finding travel clothes to take on any trip.

The first thing is to try and find items of travel clothing that are versatile and can be worn in a variety of situations. For me, the best traveling clothes are those that perform multiple tasks in one!

Examples of this include the humble vest – it can be worn to the beach in all its glory, it can be worn under a shirt on a night on the tiles, and it can be used as a base layer when things get a bit nippy. Other examples are dark coloured, zip-to-shorts trekking pants – you can wear them to trek, they can *almost* pass for smart, and you can zip them down to shorts and show off your calves. You get the concept right?

The next tip is to pay attention to materials and fabrics . You may be forced to wear your items more than you usually would and washing them may be a struggle. Therefore, look for fabrics that are quick drying so you can cheekily wash them in a hurry, and also look for anti-odour technology in case you end up having to wear the same socks for days on end. Anti-crease fabrics that don’t need to be ironed are also pretty useful too.

Look for light, compact items as much as possible. Jeans will only roll up so much but linen pants will squeeze into even a backpacks side pocket. If you need to pack a winter jacket , then consider investing in a specialist item such as Rab Goose Down. They pack in some serious warmth but pack down so that it will even fit inside a daypack – of course, such hi-tech gear does come with a hefty price tag.

All The Travel Clothes You Will Ever Need

Now let’s get down to specifics. Use this post for ideas, inspiration and also a checklist to help you pack for your trip.

It’s worth keeping travel clothes with sustainability in mind, too. You probably already own some of these clothes but others, you may not.

So, let’s get into the action! Well, sort of, before we get into the list of the best travel clothes, let’s have a look at some bags first.

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Nomatic 40L Travel Pack

Firstly, all of these lovely new travel clothes you’re about to buy are gonna need a bag to live inside right? Maybe you already have your luggage sorted but if you don’t, then we recommend checking out the Nomatic Travel Pack.

With the Nomatic, You get loads of space with its roomy 40L interior plus plenty of smart pockets and compartments that let you pack in so much more than you would expect. There are separate compartments for tech accessories, shoes, a water bottle, underwear and socks. Oh, it also comes with a hanging mesh laundry basket to keep your dirty travel clothes away from the rest of your contents.

The team really love these Nomatic bags and have found them to be super comfortable and offer a great amount of room for how compact they feel. The 40l of storage offered them a sweet spot between being able to fit in everything needed for a backpacking trip whilst still being small enough for carry-on travel. They also love the robust material as well as the levels or internal organisation.

If you want to know, you can read our Nomatic Travel Pack review or instead just check it out on the Nomatic site.

Osprey Daylite

Whilst the Nomatic is the ideal luggage option, it is way too big to use as a daypack. The Osprey Daylite on the other hand, is perhaps the perfect daypack. At 18 liters, it’s the perfect size for trips to the beach, city tours or day hikes mixing decent storage capacity with lightness.

There are plenty of internal pockets and pouches designed to hold keys, phones or even cigarettes as well as a quick access side pocket for water bottles. At $65, it’s a bit of a bargain and comes with the Osprey All Mighty Guarantee.

Aesthetically, the daylite is also pretty easy on the eye and can be worn in both outdoor and urban settings. 

For the team members wanting a versatile and comfortable bag for everyday use, the Daylite offered the perfect solution. They love that this bag is lightweight, looks cool and offers something that works well for city travel as well as hiking. They also felt it was a great size for packing in day to day essentials without getting too heavy and the panelling on the shoulders and back are great for warm weather conditions.

Kodiak Leather Purse

This one is primarily for the ladies (although no one’s judging anybody here) who want a decent travel purse. Made from lush leather, this beautiful, stylish day purse is another high quality bag from Kodiak who have become one of our favorite brands of late.

This purse is ideal to use as an airport bag and will fit your passport and travel documents perfectly. It’s also great to use as a dressed-up bag to take on nights out whether it’s a slap-up meal, cocktails or a full-blown beach party.

Of course, this is not really that useful as a daypack if you’re going hiking or if you have a lot of stuff to carry. However, the trick to successful travel packing is to pack plenty of practical items and a few luxury items for “best” use.

Many of our team love to keep their most valuable items close by, especially when transiting. Having an additional purse means things like passports, wallets and even hard drives and compact cameras can be kept on the body whilst on a night bus or plane ride. They also love that this doubles as a going out back ticking that all-important box of versatility!

When packing travel clothes, our tip is to bring vests, vests and more vests. Vests are such a wonderfully versatile item – you can wear them in all their glory (and show those guns off), “dress them up” by putting an open shirt over them or you simply use them as a base layer in case of cold nights. Oh, and they are ideal for sleeping in!

You can get vests pretty much anyway. Most high-street fashion chains offer vests for around $10 per pop or even x 2 for $12. Or, you can buy nice, pretty ones with art prints or psychedelic designs on them.

I usually make sure I bring at least one specialist outdoor vest made from breathable, quick-drying, odour-resistant fabric too.

What can I say, our team are a sexy bunch and they love to get those guns out! Who can blame them?

Technical T-Shirts

You already have t-shirts right? I don’t need to tell you why these are necessary or where to buy them. All I will say is avoid heavy fabrics and avoid t-shirts that are tight otherwise you will sweat your armpits off the very minute you step out of the plane.

One tip is to bring at least one sports-style t-shirt whether it’s a football (soccer) shirt or a trekking t-shirt. These are useful as they tend to be breathable and quick drying. This one from Black Diamond is a great example of one of the best travel tops on the market.

Our team really loves these shirts because firstly, they weigh so much less than traditional cotton t-shirts meaning the save on weight. But they also find that they are much more versatile for backpacking trips as they work well for both time spent exploring a new city and hiking in sweaty conditions. The shirts are also good to use a baselayer with a thicker t-shirt for when extra warmth is required and it’s something our team does often.

I usually travel with 1 or 2 shirts, they are definitely good travel clothes for any type of trip. They are a great versatile item as they can be dressed up or dressed down – you can wear them to go for cocktails or to hit the beach. Ideally, try to choose shirts made from light materials and try to choose shirts that look good both buttoned up, and unbuttoned over a vest – this offers you some variety.

I usually make a point of wearing a shirt whenever I go to the airport or have any kind of encounter with authority; looking presentable just seems to make them look a bit more favourably on you.

Another tip is to pick up at least one technical, breathable, quick-drying shirt as these come in useful for jungle treks.

As we’ve mentioned above, our team are all about versatility and they just love the many varied uses shirts have. They often tend to prefer long sleeve tops for hiking through jungles and other bug-infested environments and when combined with a technical t-shirt above it gives them a mega adaptable clothing set up.

Tactical Pants

Choosing the right legwear to pack for travels can be quite tough. In my normal life, I usually live in jeans and yet they are often just not suitable to take on my travels. Firstly, denim jeans tend to feel a bit sweaty once the temperature passes 20 degrees (Celsius) and then of course, if you wear jeans to go on a hike they can seriously chafe.

This is where tactical, trekking pants come in. They are made from breathable fabrics, tend to be a bit looser in the fit and are therefore perfect for wearing in weather climes. The downside is that they can look a bit nerdy and you may end up feeling out of place in cosmopolitan cities. The trick is to shop around until you find a pair that mixes practicality with a style you are happy with.

Bonus points if you can find a pair that zip off into shorts – it’s like a 2 for 1! There are loads of different brands out there making travel and trekking pants but to get you started, check these out from REI.

Zip-offs might not be the sexiest piece of gear, but our team swear by them. Again, versatility is the name of the game and when hiking in jungles full of god knows what, ya’ll want to protect your legs! Then again, at the end of said hike when you end up on the beach and want to soak your beaten feet, zip those bad boys off and enjoy. Boom! Whose sexy now!?

Shorts – Multiple Pairs

For some strange reason I used to be embarrassed to wear shorts which is weird as my hairy legs are a thing of beauty. Anyway, I am over that hang up now and tend to wear shorts most days when I go traveling.

I recommend bringing several pairs of shorts with you. If you have space in your luggage, then go for a pair of “beach”/Bermuda shorts, some more stylish denim/chino shorts as well as a pair of tactical/military cargo shorts with loads of pockets – these are great for trekking, cycling and general adventuring.

If you need some advice on choosing the perfect cargo-style shorts, then start with these from REI. They are water resistant, quick drying and have plenty of pockets making them ideal for backpacking and traveling.

Our team love a good pair of shorts it has to be said. Most of us spend a lot of time in hot weather climates so they’re our day-to-day wear. Our team in particular love these cargo shorts because not only are they below the knee (great for temples etc) but they offer increased functionality when it comes to carrying accessories without the need for a bag.

Harem Pants

Perhaps the quintessential backpacker item, you can’t NOT own a pair of harem pants if you are serious about backpacking! These are great to wear on those hot, tropical nights, for lounging around your hostel and yes, for Yoga class. 

Yes, they are cool travel clothes. However, my advice is NOT to wear them to the airport, when getting visa extensions or for any other encounter with authority – on these occasions, always make some effort to dress a bit smarter.

You can generally find harem pants everywhere in Thailand, India or Ibiza. Or you can check out this rather delectable pair from One Tribe at Amazon.

Fun fact, every single member of our team who has visited Thailand has been spotted walking down Khao San Road in a pair of these bad boys … even if they deny it!

Looking for a way to keep your pants up and keep your money safe?! Well let me introduce to you the money belt!

Money belts are a traveler’s best friend. They are quite simply belts with a hidden pouch where you can discreetly stash bank notes. Travellers are sometimes the targets of both pickpockets and violent muggers and many a wallet has been lost to the ne’er do wells of backpackistan.

Our team never leaves the house without one of these strapped around their waist! They have really gotten them out of some sticky situations in the past when having a hidden, or most commonly, forgotten about until the point of desperation, 100-dollar bill is a life saver!

Protect your cash by investing in this epic money belt .

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Rab Lightweight Down Jacket

No matter where in the world you are going, you will need some kind of jacket. Even if you are headed out to the tropics, it can still get cool at night and seriously frigid if you climb any mountains. At the very least, it will be useful to have a jacket with you when you arrive back home in Seattle/London/Paris on a cold morning.

The kind of jacket you need will depend on where you are going and when. This Down Jacket by Rab is excellent for fending off cold temperatures. Goose down is like magic and will keep you body warm and cosy even in near freezing temperatures. As such, this jacket is ideal for traveling in spring, autumn or if you are headed to the mountains.

It also packs down to a fraction of its size meaning it will sit quietly in your luggage and hardly take up any room at all.

It does have a hood and offers some water resistance in case of rain. However, if you need a proper, full on rain jacket, check out our next suggestion.

Our team always carry a lightweight and compact down jacket on any backpacking trip, even to Southeast Asia! They swear by this Rab jacket as it seems to hit the sweet spot between offering a good level of warmth, especially when layered, whilst being super packable.

Arc’teryx Beta Lt Jacket

When it rains in the tropics, it really rains. Whether you are traveling around India in monsoon, or simply get unlucky in Ecuador, it usually pays to have a proper, waterproof jacket with you when you hit the road.

We have tried a fuck ton of water proof jackets over the years and this is by far the best one we have tried. The Arc’teryx Beta weighs just 300 g / 10.6 oz, making it one of the lightest pieces of performance clothing in your backpack – it packs down to the size of a large grapefruit and definitely weighs less than one. It’s fully waterproof and will withstand a hell of a beating from the rain gods whilst you stay dry. 

Arc’teryx gear is also some of the most stylish gear in the outdoor space. It is also, amongst the most expensive gear in the outdoor space too.

Again, the team never leaves the house without a good waterproof jacket and no matter where their trips take them. They’ve tried a bunch of different jackets out over the years but feel the quality of the Arc’teryx Beta combined with its unbeatable weight makes it a winner for backpacking.

Converse All Stars

Choosing the right footwear to pack for your travels is not always straightforward. Shoes are kind of a bulky item in your luggage so you want to bring as few pairs as possible but you also need footwear for a whole number of situations. Whilst many backpackers tend to spend a lot of time wearing flip-flops (thongs) these are most definitely not appropriate for all occasions.

Converse All Stars, are a bit of a multi-tool kind of footwear. You can wear them for a night on the town and you can do moderate difficulty treks with them. Because they are made from light canvas material, they are breathable enough to wear even in tropical climes so your feet won’t get too sweaty.

Whether you go for the hi-tops or the regular pump style is a matter of preference – both are good.

Our team love Converse in particular because the canvas upper of the shoe is easily folded over so it takes up hardly any room in their bags. They also like that converse can be worn for everyday travelling but can also look decent enough for a night out too.

Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero Shoes

If you intend on doing some proper trekking or heading to the mountains, then you need to think about bringing some proper technical footwear. Walking boots are (literally) made for walking but they are not always ideal for backpacking as they are big and chunky and can eat up precious room in your luggage. 

Fortunately, these Saloman X walking and hiking shoes offer much of the support and protection of walking boots but are a bit smaller and lighter meaning they will snuggle nicely in your backpack.

For the team they always try to travel with a good pair of walking shoes (not boots) on their trips. This means that they are always prepared should they want to go on a hike. They love the Saloman X in particular as they are light and comfortable to wear walking around a city day to day too and don’t make their backpacks too heavy.

Sandals or OluKai ‘Ohana Flip-Flops

Sandals and flip flops are the preferred travel footwear of many backpackers. They are cheap, airy and easy to kick off when you hit the beach making them the obvious choice for many. They also slot into backpacks very easily taking up hardly any space whatsoever.

However, thongs are not suitable for all occasions. Remember that they offer no protection for your feet and many travelers have stubbed or broken their toes on uneven pavements whilst wearing them. Also, if you wear thongs to ride a motorbike or scooter, please be extra careful where you put your feet.

If you’re wanting a good mix between lightweight and durable, we would suggest you check out Vivobarefoot’s line of boots and shoes . They do a great job of freeing up your feet and being relatively breathable, so if you’re not too keen on sandals, they might be a good option for you.

My advice is to bring a good pair of shoes or sneakers and wear flip-flops only for the beach. You can find flip flops pretty much everywhere but if you want a good pair that won’t fall to pieces after a week, then check out this pair by Olu’kai.

Standard flip flops might be the backpacker sandal of choice, but our team prefer the extra support these offer with their cross-over strapping and adjustable back. It means that if they’re out and about and the terrain does turn a little more challenging, then they can simply summon their inner mountain goat and crack on!

Laundry Wash Bag

At some point your travel clothes will get smelly and dirty. When this happens, try to avoid storing them with your clean clothes as the odours will spread. The solution is simple enough, pack a travel laundry bag – you throw your dirty stuff in it and when it’s full, you take it to the laundry.

You may even want to consider buying a travel wash bag – a water tight, rubber laundry bag which you use to actually wash your clothes inside simply by adding detergent and shaking it about. Obviously the standard of washing you get isn’t the same as what you get from a machine, but it is quick, cheap and very ecological.

Over the years we have sampled many laundry bags and wash bags and this one by Scrubba has become our favourite.

It might seem like a simple enough thing, but you’d be surprised how many laundry bags our team have been through before settling on this one! Others on the market rip easily, get stinky themselves or leak their stank right through their porous material! This bag on the other hand not only solves those issues but offers a great place to actually wash your undies too!

Odour Resistant Underwear

Never leave home without good travel underwear . Socks and underpants are the foundations upon which all empires are built and I suggest bringing at least one full week’s supply of underwear with you.

When you’re traveling, underwear tends to get seriously sweaty and you may even sometimes be forced to live in it for days on end. To countenance the sheer griminess, bag yourself some breathable, odour-resistant underwear.

Now we’re talking! The team are big fans of these keks and they wouldn’t go anywhere without them! So, next time you look at a picture of one of us… well, use your imagination! Once they switched from plain old cotton to these technical undies, they’ve never looked back!

Sunglasses by Abaco

So yes Sunglasses can be picked up for a couple of dollars on pretty much every roadside in Southeast Asia. However, these are almost always low-quality items that offer no protection from the sun, can actually cause eyesight problems and more often than not will break within a week or so.

Instead, we suggest picking up a pair of lovely travel sunglasses by Abaco Polarized. They offer proper UV protection , are reliably built and they look stylish as hell.

The team felt these glasses hit the right balance between being stylish, protective and not overly expensive too. They are also super durable too which for our clumsy gang is a real bonus!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How We Tested The Best Travel Clothes

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel and outdoor gear. When it comes to the best travel clothes, however, we’ve got heaps of experience over the years with various different bits of gear on various trips.

Of course, the best clothing for travel is a subjective matter, but we’ve tried a lot of shiz out, so we think we’re well equipt to give you a few pointers! In terms of testing, we were sure to give each item a proper test drive and pay close attention to things like seam stitching, quality of materials, breathability, weight, packability, comfort, fit and of course style!

We also looked at how well each piece of gear fulfils its primary purpose. For example, so if we’re testing out a waterproof jacket, then we’re going to be rating it on how well it keeps out the rain! You get the idea! Finally, we looked at the cost of each item. More expensive gear was treated more harshly than cheaper items that were given a few more passes.

FAQ about the Best Travel Clothes

Still have some questions about the best clothing for travel? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What clothing is considered comfortable for travel?

Breathable, loose fitting clothes are ideal for travel, unless you’re in cold regions. Then having warm clothes and multiple layers is a must.

How do I find the right travel clothes?

Keep these key features in mind: 1. Versatility 2. Material 3. Fit 4. Price

How can you wash your clothes while travelling?

Consider purchasing a Laundry Wash Bag – a water tight, rubber laundry bag which you use to actually wash your clothes inside simply by adding detergent and shaking it about.

How do you look chic when traveling?

Before you start travelling, look for clothes that are versatile. Having a sleek black pair of hiking chinos can also be worn to a city event. Think: plain colors, good fit and hidden functionality.

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Final Thoughts on Travel Clothes

Well that’s all for now. We hope that by now you have some idea of what travel clothes to take on your next trip. Did you find this guide useful? Did we perhaps miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

See you on the road… hopefully sporting some great travel clothes!

Want a more specific guide? Have a look at our dedicated backpacking packing list next!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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The best travel clothes | guide to high-performance & fashionable travel clothing.

We talk about our favorite travel clothing and help you find the perfect travel-friendly clothes to keep you comfortable on the road.

I’ve been a nerd about travel clothes since my first trip to Europe back in 2006—now I have a closet full of travel pants and shirts and jackets (you get the idea). It’s been refreshing to watch travel clothing evolve from hideous outdoorsy gear to stylish clothing made from high-tech fabrics.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most popular travel clothing brands to help you find the best travel clothing so you can stay fashionable and comfortable while traveling.

The Current State Of Travel Clothes

In the old days, travel clothing used to look like this…

But now travel clothing looks like this!

So what’s the deal with travel clothes these days?

I’d argue that the “travel clothing” market hasn’t changed much but the “performance clothing” market is actually what’s pushing the category forward—so these days, I consider travel clothing and performance clothing essentially the same thing.

And it makes sense because many of these new high-performance fabrics offer a ton of benefits that complement both everyday wear and travel.

Even mega-brands like Levis, Gap, Dockers, Lululemon, and Uniqlo are starting to offer fashionable “travel-friendly” or “performance” clothing but small niche brands are pushing the boundaries (which I’ll cover later in this article).

The Good Things About Travel Clothing

Travel clothes are finally being designed to be fashionable and stylish so you can easily wear them in Paris, Milan, or New York without looking out of place.

My #1 travel clothing rule is that I’ll never wear any “travel clothing” that I wouldn’t wear in my everyday life.

Second, high-tech clothes continue to evolve because more companies are developing better fabrics and competition is driving innovation.

The Bad Things About Travel Clothing

Unfortunately, high-tech travel clothing tends to be expensive.

First, many of the fabrics used are high-end so the raw materials are expensive. Second, a majority of travel clothing is made by small companies so they can’t mass produce their products—which pushes prices higher.

Another negative thing about travel clothing is that there are many options for men but fewer for women. This is probably because guys tend to stick to very basic items and they nerd out on “high-tech fabrics more than women.

So what can you expect to pay for travel clothes?

• Nice merino wool socks will be $10-$20/pair
• A pair of travel pants will range from $70-$180+
• A wool shirt will be $50-$100+

Do You NEED Travel Clothing?

Do you really “need” to shell out your hard-earned cash for these high-end garments?

I’ll be the first to say that you certainly don’t need clothes made out of technical fabrics when you travel. Many of these fabrics can make certain aspects of traveling easier and more comfortable… but they’re more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-have.”

In my opinion, there are a few key pieces that I think deliver a ton of value and there are other items that are more optional — I’ll cover both throughout this article.

The Benefits of Travel Clothes & Performance Wear

What’s so great about travel clothing? Let’s take a look…

Durability & Multi-Day Wear

One of the main benefits of travel clothing is that you can wear them multiple times without having to wash them. This means you can pack fewer items so you can travel lighter.

Odor-Resistance

Many of the fabrics used in travel clothes have anti-odor properties. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant but some synthetic materials are manufactured in a way to reduce odor.

Quick-Drying Abilities

If you plan on washing your clothes while you’re traveling it’s nice to have items that can be hand-washed and air-dried quickly (i.e. washing your socks and underwear in the sink). Quick-drying fabrics can also be beneficial if you get caught in the rain.

Wrinkle-Resistance

While it’s hard to completely prevent wrinkles when you’re living out of a suitcase, many materials have anti-wrinkle properties. In general, synthetic materials resist wrinkles better than natural fabrics but it depends on the fabric.

Lightweight & Packability

Performance fabric tends to be lightweight so it won’t weigh down your luggage as much — for example, a pair of tech pants will weigh half as much as a pair of jeans. Lightweight fabric also tends to dry quicker than something like cotton jeans which absorb water.

Moisture Wicking & Breathability

One of the most important factors in keeping comfortable is keeping dry. Moisture-wicking fabric helps pull sweat away from your skin and its breathability lets the moisture escape from the fabric.

Stretch and Comfort

Every fabric will have a different amount of stretch. Unsurprisingly, fabric with more stretch tends to be more comfortable since it allows you to move with less restriction.

But you’re always making a compromise when it comes to stretch because, in general, you sacrifice durability/water-repellency for stretchability.

Water Repellency

Certain fabrics are naturally water-repellent and others have chemical coatings which help keep water from soaking into the fabric. In my opinion, water repellency isn’t super high up on my “must-have” list (unless it’s a rain jacket) but it’s a nice bonus.

Note: The chemical water-resistant coatings aren’t permanent so they will become less effective the more the garment is washed.

High-Tech Performance Fabrics Explained

There are multiple different types of fabrics that travel clothing companies use to make their products. There is a lot of nuances and technical/marketing mumbo jumbo when it comes to each fabric but we’ll start with the three main fabric categories — natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and natural/synthetic blends.

Natural Fabrics

There are a handful of natural fabrics but the most common are merino wool and cotton.

Merino Wool

The best kind of natural fabric is fine merino wool because it has many natural benefits. Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant, soft, fairly durable, wicks moisture well, dries quickly, and works well in both hot and cold weather.

However, merino wool does have some downsides. First, it’s expensive so even a “cheap” merino wool t-shirt will cost around $50.

Second, thin wool has a tendency to develop holes much more quickly than a more robust fabric like cotton or synthetics.

And third, most wool can’t go in the dryer since heat will make it shrink so it does require a little extra care.

Cotton Should Be Avoided

Most travelers highly recommend avoiding cotton when it comes to travel clothing because cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. For example, a cotton pair of socks will trap sweat which will cause odors, blisters, and sweaty feet.

That said, I’m not as militant when it comes to wearing cotton so I still wear cotton jeans and t-shirts. However, I still generally avoid cotton for socks and underwear.

Synthetic Fabrics

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to synthetic fabrics because there are dozens of different variations and each has different performance properties.

That said, synthetic fabrics are usually much cheaper to manufacture but some of the high-end technical fabrics are still expensive.

Synthetic fabrics are very durable, they can be highly water-repellent or even waterproof, many resist wrinkles, they dry very quickly, and they’re lightweight. Some synthetic materials also have a lot of flex so they’re comfortable to wear.

However, there are some negatives. First, synthetic fabrics can become smelly after one or two wearings. Some synthetic fabrics are treated with anti-odor chemicals so that helps.

Next, cheap synthetic fabrics have an ugly “synthetic sheen” and feel fake. Most of these cheap synthetics also make that “swish swish” sound when you walk. Advanced synthetic fabrics can look and feel very similar to natural fabrics but these fabrics are expensive — so you’ll have to pay if fashion is a concern.

Some cheap synthetics also don’t breathe well so they can get pretty balmy in the heat. That’s why you should look for “breathable” fabrics.

Another issue with synthetics is fabric flexibility. The most durable fabrics tend to not have very little flexibility. So if you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of durability for comfort in some instances.

Natural/Synthetic Blends

Travel clothing brands are starting to combine fine merino wool and synthetic fabric to give you the best of both worlds — performance and durability. I heard from someone in the wool industry that there is no performance loss as long as the blend includes at least 70% wool.

You’ll usually see blends in socks, underwear, and shirts.

The Best Travel Clothes and Recommended Travel Clothing Brands

Okay, okay… calm down. I’ve broken down each type of garment (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) into its own section.

I’ve tried giving specific recommendations when possible (and I’ll try my best to keep the recommendations up-to-date), but sometimes I can only point you towards companies that make tech-wear travel clothes.

I will also do my best to recommend options for all budgets since I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on a t-shirt.

Socks for Travel

In my opinion, a few nice pairs of socks (along with comfortable shoes) are the most important travel accessory. So, if you have a limited clothing budget, spend it on socks.

Boring, I know… but it will be your best bang for the buck

Fine merino wool socks are my favorite and preferred style of socks. Merino wool socks with a bit of synthetic material also work well because the synthetic fibers help the socks keep their shape/fit.

From my experience, 100% synthetic socks aren’t great but they’re not terrible.

Avoid cotton socks if you can.

Obviously, you’ll want to match your socks to the season — i.e. thin, no-show socks for the summer and longer/heavier socks for colder weather.

My Favorite Sock Brands:

• Smartwool : The most famous wool sock company. They offer just about every style. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Darn Tough Vermont : Darn Tough socks are made in the USA and they offer a lifetime warranty so that’s awesome. Check Amazon to see what’s available.
• Unbound Merino : This small company makes merino wool basics but we really dig their all-season ankle socks. They don’t contain as much wool as we’d like but this helps keep the cost down. Check them out at Unbound .
• Farm To Feet : This is another 100% USA company that makes a small but quality range of wool socks. Take a look at Amazon to see their offerings.
• Wigwam : Wigwam makes both merino wool and synthetic socks. While they’re not our favorite socks, their prices are pretty good so they’re worth checking out if you’re looking to save a little money. Check Amazon .

Travel Underwear

Ahh, yes. Travel underwear.

I’ve already written at length about the many benefits of travel underwear , but I’ll briefly cover them again below:

• Quick Drying: Wash them in the sink and they’ll be dry by morning.
• Moisture Wicking : This helps keep your skin dry.
• Breathable: This helps stop you from getting all sweaty down there.
• Odor Blocking: Stop the stink (or at least delay it)
• Comfortable: You don’t want to spend your time thinking about your uncomfortable underwear.

Synthetic Underwear

Most travel underwear is made from synthetic fabric which is designed to be soft, lightweight, and breathable. It isn’t the best at controlling odor since some synthetic material holds in odor but many brands have various manufacturing processes that help combat odor.

The most popular travel underwear is made by ExOfficio (you can read our Exofficio review but these guys essentially invented travel underwear). We tend to find the best prices on Amazon and REI .

Patagonia (i.e. everyone’s favorite outdoors brand) has a handful of nice underwear options for both men and women.

Another very popular option is Under Armour underwear . They get a ton of great reviews on Amazon , many people swear by them, and they’re sometimes cheaper than ExOfficio.

For budget travelers, Uniqlo has their Airism line of underwear which isn’t bad but I’m not a huge fan of their cuts. But they’re very affordable so they’re worth looking at.

If you’re on a tight budget, you should check out Target and discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls because you can find “athletic” underwear for decent prices.

 Merino Wool Underwear

Merino wool is actually a very solid choice for underwear — even in the summer. It’s soft, it’s lightweight, it breathes well, and it’s the best option for resisting odor. The two main downsides are the high prices and durability.

There are a few different brands that sell quality merino wool underwear:

• Allbirds : Allbirds (the company famous for their merino wool shoes) also makes quality underwear and socks for both men and women. Check them out at Allbirds .
• Wool & Prince: This is our current “go-to” brand when it comes to anything merino wool. They currently only offer men’s underwear. Check them out on Wool & Prince .
• Icebreaker: Another popular wool brand is Icebreaker and they make everything from underwear to coats. Browse their selection on Amazon to find a cut that fits your style.

The Best Travel Pants and Jeans For Men

The number of companies making travel-friendly pants and jeans has exploded over the past few years. It’s actually kind of overwhelming but I’ll help you sort it all out.

And don’t worry — all the pants we recommend are actually fashionable so you won’t be looking like a mountain climber while city hopping.

The main thing to remember is that each of the pants on this list has different performance properties so that’s something you’ll want to match the performance to your needs.

Bluffworks Ascender Chinos

Bluffworks, which makes a range of travel garments, recently released their new Ascender Chinos . These are made with lightweight high-performance fabric. The polyester twill fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it has a minimal amount of “synthetic sheen”. The fabric is lightweight so it breaths well, resists wrinkles, and has water-resistant properties.

It’s also nice that these come in both a regular and tailored fit. I own the tailored fit but it certainly isn’t constricting.

The Ascender Chinos have multiple security features like multiple secret zipper pockets to keep all your stuff safe (so you can throw away that terrible money belt).

The Ascender Chinos sell for $125 via Bluffworks

Bluffworks Departure Jeans

There are a lot of people who think jeans make a terrible choice when it comes to travel pants… and they kind of are (they take forever to dry, they’re heavy, and can be hot). But I love traveling in jeans.

Well, Bluffworks helped address many of the “negative” things about denim with their Departure Jeans. These are made from 68% Cotton, 22% COOLMAX Polyester, 9% Rayon, and 1% Spandex so they are super stretchy and much more lightweight than normal denim.

And they included two cleverly designed hidden pockets that don’t interfere with the normal pockets.

But I’ve saved the best for last… these look like normal jeans and they’re legit comfortable. I wear them even when I’m not traveling and that’s about as good an endorsement as I can give.

The Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans retail for $98

Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants

Western Rise is a small performance apparel company from Telluride, Colorado that wanted to make clothing that performed well on the trails but still looked good in town. We think the AT Slim Rivet Pants do a really nice job of walking this balance.

The AT Slim Rivet Pants look very similar to standard five-pocket pants. The fabric is durable yet fairly lightweight and breathable (97% nylon, 3% spandex). Western Rise describes the fabric as “air-texturized fibers” so while it is nylon, the fabric has a cotton feel so there really isn’t any of that synthetic fabric sheen (but it does make a swishy noise).

The fabric also has a DWR coating to help repel water in case you get stuck in the rain or spill beer all over yourself. Additionally, there is a hidden zippered pocket for security.

As for the looks, these come in a slim but not skinny cut. They look like normal pants — which is a top priority. I wear my mine even when I’m not traveling.

The Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants retails for $128.

Outlier Slim Dungarees

Outlier designed their Slim Dungarees as a “five-pocket pant that we could travel the world in” and they’ve found their way on many of our trips to Europe. These have a great look and I think they’re some of the best-looking/most stylish travel pants. unfortunately, they’re also some of the most expensive so that’s something to keep in mind.

The Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is both soft and lightweight yet very durable. The fabric has a nice amount of stretch and it dries very quickly. It also has a self-cleaning” NanoSphere® treatment that helps it repel water, coffee, wine, and dirt.

The Outlier Slim Dungarees sell for $198

Prana Brion Pants

PrAna is a well-established outdoorsy company so most of their stuff is better suited for things like hiking and rock climbing. That said, their Brion Pant  is one of their best-sellers thanks to its fairly modern cut and the fact that they look similar to jeans/chinos.

These are constructed from their durable and quick-drying ‘Zion’ fabric that’s actually stretchy (4-way stretch) so provides a good amount of movement. It’s also coated in a water-repellent (DWR) coating so it will withstand a little water.

So, these might not win any awards for fashion, they’re a solid choice at a solid price.

The  PrAna Brion Pant  retails for $79 via  PrAna .

Everlane Performance Chinos

Everlane recently released their Performance Chinos which I’m also really digging. I own a pair so I can attest that these are very comfortable and they’re probably the most stylish pants on this list.

That said, their Performance Chinos are made from 94% Cotton, 6% Elastane so these are the least “technical” pants on this list as well. But I still think these are a nice option if you’re more concerned about comfort than technical features.

The Everlane Performance Chinos cost $68 and come in four colors.

Ministry Of Supply Kinetic Dress Pants

If you’re looking for a formal/dressy look, but still want a ton of comfort, then look no further than Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants . These have been described as “dress pants with the feel of sweatpants”.

The Kinetic Pants are made from Japanese Primeflex polyester that has a ton of stretch, resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and repels water.

The Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants sell for $145

Travel Pants & Jeans For Women

As we mentioned before, there is a lack of travel pants for women but we’ve tried to find some of the best of the limited choices that are available. One thing to note is that most women’s travel pants tend to focus more on comfort than “technical” fabrics.

Ministry of Supply

Of all the travel clothing brands, Ministry of Supply makes some of the most fashionable and best-performing clothes. Their stuff certainly isn’t cheap but the prices aren’t totally outrageous either.

Their flagship travel pants are their Slim Kinetic Pants which get rave reviews for looks, comfort, and performance. And they can be machine-washed and tumble-dried.

The Slim Kinetic Pants sell for $145.

Anatomie is a high-end women’s travel clothing company that’s one of the few brands which puts a heavy focus on fashion. Most of their travel-friendly pants are expensive at $225+/pair but they have a ton of different styles and cuts for just about every body type.

Check out Anatomie to see their travel pants and other travel garments (shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, etc.).

Prana Travel Pants

PrAna is one of the few companies that make women’s pants made out of legit technical fabrics. Most of their stuff falls into the “ugly hiking pants” category but they have a few different styles of pants and jeans that are actually cute. And most of their pants are priced around $80 so they’re not crazy expensive.

Check PrAna to see all their styles.

Lululemon may be known for its yoga clothing but they’ve also branched out to more fashion-conscious athleisure wear that works fairly well as travel pants.

Check Lululemon to see the different styles they have available.

The Best Shirts For Travel

Alright, moving right along to shirts made from high-performance fabrics that actually look stylish.

Wool & Prince Tees

I practically live in t-shirts so a few solid-color tees are a staple of any travel wardrobe. While pricy, I love my Wool & Prince merino wool tees . These can be worn for multiple days and I don’t have to worry about washing them.

They have both 100% wool tees and 78% / 22% merino nylon blends. I recommend the blend since it’s cheaper, more durable, and requires less care when washing.

The Wool & Prince Tees sell from $68-$78

Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt

If you’re looking for a sharp-looking yet no-fuss button up then look at the Meridian Dress Shirt from Bluffworks. It’s made from 98% polyester and 2% spandex so it won’t wrinkle and the fabric will dry very quickly. The fabric can take a beating and there aren’t any special care instructions. We also like how it comes in both a classic and slim fit.

The Bluffworks Meridian Dress Shirt sells for $98

Bluffworks Piton Polo

I’ve only had my Bluffworks Piton Polo for about a month but I’m already seeing why this is an excellent travel shirt. First, it looks great and I love how it comes in a classic and slim fit. Next, the breathable pique knit is breathable and it only has a very slightly noticeable synthetic look even though it’s 100% polyester. And like all Bluffworks clothing, the fabric is tough, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn’t require any special care.

The Bluffworks Piton Polo sells for $68

Wool & Prince Polo

My Wool & Prince Polo always finds itself in my backpack. I love the cut and the quality is top-notch. It’s a nice “dressier” change from a t-shirt while still being casual. And you get all the benefits from merino wool fabric.

Wool & Prince offers has two types of polos — a 100% merino wool version and a 78% merino wool, 22% nylon blend. I own the blend version and I love it.

The Wool & Prince Polo sells for $78-$98.

Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt

You might be seeing a pattern here… but Bluffworks is back with their Threshold Performance T-Shirt. This ultra-lightweight t-shirt is made from a blend of 66% Polyester, 29% Lyocell, and 5% Elastane so it has a ton of stretch, wicks moisture well, and is very breathable. The fabric is thin (which is why it’s airy/breathable) so if you like a little more heft to your shirts then you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bluffworks Threshold Performance T-Shirt sells for $45

Wool & Prince Button-Ups

Wool & Price has a number of both short-sleeved and long-sleeve button-up shirts made from merino wool. I own one of their button-down oxford shirts and the fabric is very sturdy — I’d say it makes a nice choice for cooler weather as I can see it getting a little warm in the hot weather.

They also have a new wool/linen blend which will be more airy and breathable so these look great for warmer weather (I’ll be testing these once they get back in stock).

The Wool and Prince Button-Up Shirts sell for $98-$138

Outlier Merino T-Shirt

Outlier is another high-end brand that makes excellent products and one of my favorite items is their Ultrafine Merino T-shirt. It’s made from 17.5, 195gsm Merino Jersey Wool so the fabric is sturdy and drapes a bit better than many other merino t-shirts. And it comes in a lot of nice colors. But like all other Outlier products, the ultra-high-quality comes at a very high price.

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-shirt costs $110 each or three for $295.

Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt

Unbound is another small company offering 100% ultra-fine 17.5 microns, 190g Merino wool shirts at affordable prices. I own a few of their shirts and while their shirts might not be quite as nice as other 100% merino shirts on our list, the price is a bit cheaper.

The Unbound Merino Wool T-Shirt sells for $65

Uniqlo Airism Shirts

When it comes to budget basics, it’s impossible to beat Uniqlo’s Airism line of shirts. We own a few different Airism items and they’re not terrible but they certainly aren’t nearly as nice or perform as well as the other items on this list — but they’re cheap.

Check Uniqlo to see what they have because always changing their stock.

Women’s Travel Shirts

Ok, here’s the deal… there aren’t a ton of “performance” shirts for women that aren’t ugly. But here are a few decent items we’ve found:

• Bluffworks Womens : Bluffworks has recently released a line of women’s travel clothing that looks very promising.
• Ministry of Supply is a great choice for high-performance clothing that still looks fashionable. And while their prices aren’t cheap, we consider them very reasonable. They also have nice dresses and other items.
• Unbound Merino has a black v-neck 100% merino shirt in a women’s cut for $65.
• Anatomie has a number of high-end cute tops made from travel-friendly fabrics but they’re expensive.
• Lululemon has some decent options but many of their items lean heavily into athleisure.

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

Most of the items on this list will work well in colder weather but you’ll want to pair them with other items to achieve maximum warmth. The key is layering—which basically means combining a few lighter layers to achieve warmth without the bulk.

Base Layers

A base layer is technically anything that is worn directly on your skin. Socks and underwear fall into this category but it also includes items like shirts, undershirts, and long underwear.

In the winter we’ll throw on long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic long underwear and this helps keep us warm and dry when we’re outside all day.

For the best selection, I recommend checking out REI as they carry all the major long underwear brands. If you’re trying to save a little money, check out Uniqlo’s  HeatTech  line of long underwear since it is cheap.

A mid-layer is anything that is worn between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main purpose is insulation and it can be a sweater, vest, down jacket, hoodie, or just about anything. Sometimes the mid-layer can act as an outer layer if the weather isn’t too cold.

When it comes to tech-wear, the main pieces are Merino wool sweaters/jackets, fleece jackets, and down (or a synthetic variation) jackets. The piece just needs to allow internal moisture (sweat) to evaporate through the fabric. It’s also nice if the piece is lightweight and durable.

Fleece is always a popular choice because it provides a good amount of warmth, durability, and breathability without being too bulky. There is also a variation of fleece called hard fleece — which is basically a fleece with a smoother and more durable exterior. Most hard fleece garments are also more water-resistant than normal fleece.

There are hundreds of fleece jackets available on the market at all price points, so we’d check out the selection at REI and buy whatever fits your budget.

Another popular choice is down jackets — although a lot of companies now use synthetic down ( Primaloft , Coreloft, etc.) and many people prefer synthetic material to natural down. Synthetic down is incredibly lightweight, compressible, breathable, and it retains warmth even when wet.

It is crazy how compressible natural and synthetic down jackets are — some can compress to the size of a shoe. When compared to a fleece jacket, a synthetic down jacket is more water-resistant , wind resistant, packable, and lighter. 

Nearly every outdoor brand makes lightweight down/synthetic down jackets. One of the most popular and fashionable brands is Patagonia — check out both Amazon and REI for the best selection. The  Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is probably the most popular lightweight puff jacket on the market so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among experienced travelers (it’s what we use).

Outerwear is generally the final layer and it is what protects you from the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). The problem with outerwear is that it encompasses a huge range of garments that perform a huge range of functions. It can be anything from a simple waterproof jacket for summer showers, to large winter coats capable of withstanding a harsh Scandinavian winter.

I’ll start off by diving into  waterproof jackets since that is probably what most people are interested in learning about.

Most traditional waterproof jackets are called hard shells . These are 100% waterproof and they have that plastic-y feel and sound. If you want the ultimate protection from the elements, this is your choice.

However, being impermeable to the elements means that the material doesn’t breathe — this is less than ideal because it doesn’t allow your body’s sweat to evaporate. Basically, it traps moisture and makes you feel all clammy.

Some high-end hardshell jackets have breathable fabric, but even those aren’t as breathable as softshells (which we’ll talk about later).

Unsurprisingly, most waterproof jackets are made by outdoor companies, so trying to find a stylish one isn’t super easy. However, there are plenty of decent-looking options by Marmot, Patagonia, and The North Face.

However, in the summer I generally recommend that a traditional rain jacket is unnecessary — mainly because it doesn’t rain a lot and most jackets are too heavy for summer travel.

However, Ultralight Rain Jackets are super lightweight (they only weigh a few ounces) and they can be packed into a pocket, so they’re easy to carry around in a daypack. Ultralight rain jackets won’t have very good breathability, but you’ll only be wearing them in the rain, so it isn’t a huge issue.

The best ultralight rain jackets are the  Outdoor Research Helium II , Marmot Super Mica , and the  Montane Minimus  (they all weigh under 10 oz).

When it comes to breathability, it doesn’t get any better than a softshell jacket. Softshell jackets aren’t technically 100% waterproof, but they’re essentially waterproof. They’re well-suited for urban travel because they’re more comfortable than a hard shell and they’re more stylish.

Again, there are hundreds of softshell jackets, so I recommend visiting REI (click here for Men’s and Women’s ) to see which ones fit your budget and style preference.

Heavy Coats

If you’re traveling during the winter, you may consider bringing a heavy winter coat . In some instances, you may be completely comfortable by layering a base layer, a few mid-layers, and an outer layer. But, sometimes, you need a heavy coat — especially if you’re traveling to Northern or Eastern Europe in the dead of winter.

Puffy down coats provide an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio — which is always something to consider when traveling. Combine that down coat with a base layer and a warm mid-layer, and you’ll be staying toasty. Natural down is the warmest, but it becomes ineffective if it gets wet.

On the other hand, synthetic down isn’t quite as warm, but it still works if it gets wet and it dries quicker. Different coats have different amounts of water-repellant, so this is something to take into consideration.

For the best selection of insulated coats , I recommend checking out REI  simply because they have the best selection. Look for one that fits your personal style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate protection from the elements, you’ll want a standard waterproof, winter coat. A lot of coats have a 3-in-1 system that contains a waterproof outer shell and an interior insulated lining. Again, REI is a good place to start your search because they have the best selection.

More Travel Gear Recommendations from The Savvy Backpacker

Here are some more helpful “best of” travel gear guides that we think you’ll find helpful!

• Best Travel Backpacks
• Best Travel Backpacks for Women
• Best Carry-On Backpacks
• Best Travel Shoes
• Best Waterproof Boots for Men
• Best Waterproof Boots for Women
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The Best Travel Clothes For Women & Men (An Epic Guide)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Your choice of travel clothes don’t seem all that important until you find yourself in remote places with no access to laundry services.

Traveling with carry-on luggage only and combining business conferences with ecotourism adventures just complicates matters even more.

Traveling together for 9 years now, we’ve gotten much smarter about what travel clothing we pack. We even created an informal  Travel Packing Checklist , which changes depending on the type of climate(s) we’re traveling to.

Technology changes constantly and new fashion innovations help make our lives much easier, so our travel wear list is ever-evolving.

What follows is our epic guide divided into the best travel clothes for women and the best travel clothing for men with reviews for the travel clothing brands we wear most often.

READ MORE: The Best Carry-On Luggage

Click on the links below to jump to the section you want to explore!

BEST TRAVEL CLOTHES FOR WOMEN

Best travel dress.

Best Travel Pants for Women

Best Travel Shirts for Women

Best Travel Sweater

Best Women’s Travel Jacket

Travel clothing to keep you warm, best travel clothing for men, best travel suit.

Best Men’s Travel Shirts

Best Men’s Travel Vest

Best men’s travel pants, best men’s travel jacket, other travel wear.

One of the hardest decisions for ladies who travel carry on-only is what to wear on a plane. Since we always travel light, it’s important for us to choose perfect travel outfits for long flights, which we can also wear once we’re in our final destination.

Mary evaluates her airplane outfits very pragmatically ever since our 15-hour flight to a romantic overwater bungalow in Tahiti , which resulted in a not-so-pleasant and very unromantic infection. 

In her eyes, the best travel outfits for planes include layers that you can easily remove/add, are comfortable, and, most importantly, let your lady parts breath.

Here is Mary’s personal travel outfit formula:

• Base Layer- Either wear cotton underwear, bike shorts (which she has strategically altered to let more air circulate), or go au natural.
• First Layer- Leggings or bike shorts and tank top.
• Second Layer- Long dress or skirt.
• Outer Layer- Light sweater, scarf, or jacket (depending on season), which can also be rolled up for use as a travel pillow.

With this combination, she wears several outfits at once, which can be altered at any time to suit the temperature outside or in the plane.

According to Mary, the most important aspect of choosing what to wear on a plane is your shoes . We usually find ourselves running through terminals to catch connecting flights, or hauling our bags up lots of stairs.

Because of this and our limited packing space, she usually wears her bulkier shoes on the plane. Cute sneakers are ideal, and are easily hidden beneath a long dress. 

READ MORE: 50 of the Best Travel Shoes

Royal Robbins Geneva Ponte Dress

Check Price on Amazon

Royal Robbins offers the perfect stylish travel clothes for any woman on the go. The 52-year-old adventure apparel company is also dedicated to social responsibility, being bluedesign partners and encouraging less waste through their Rewear program .

Their elegant Geneva Ponte black travel dress has a casual fit, yet is extremely flattering to the figure. It has ¾ sleeves and its length hits just around the knees. Made from 4-way stretch fabric, this travel dress is wrinkle-free, so it’s fine to wear straight from your suitcase.

Mary likes the fit of the Geneva Ponte so much that it has become her go-to business attire for the travel conferences where we often speak and teach. She especially likes packing a travel dress with pockets in order to hold her business cards, phone, and lipstick.  

Nuu-Muu Spice Ruu-Muu & X-Dress

Check Price on Nuu-Muu

Our hunt for the best travel dress for Mary led us to the sassy Spice Ruu-Muu from Nuu-Muu along with the more classic black travel dress, the X-Dress.

We discovered this Bellingham, Washington-based company last year and love their fun, flirty line of dresses made for “exercise-and-everything-else.”

It’s form-flattering blend of polyester and 4-way stretch spandex makes it perfect to wear over shorts for yoga, SUP, hiking, biking and other forms of exercise. They offer two A-line styles; Classic with Keyhole Neckline or Scoop Neck.

Both styles give you the option of selecting a dress with pockets which are located on the lower back for carrying essentials.

But it’s also cute enough to wear alone or paired with jeans or leggings for a night on the town. Mary thinks it’s the best travel dress for summer .

Toad & Co Shakti Sleeveless Dress

We’ve been fans of Toad & Co ’s ethos– which includes partnerships with Conservation Alliance , the National Park Foundation , and Planet Access Company – for years.

But their line of eco-friendly clothes gives us another reason to love the California brand.

Inspired by the Hindu word “shakti” which means “divine feminine energy,” their soft organic cotton Shakti Dress will flow with you through markets, festivals and food truck stops.

Good for hot climates, this travel dress (with pockets!) has a v-neck back for additional ventilation while still providing coverage for your bra straps.

Aventura Joni Dress

Aventura ’s cute, cozy Joni Dress is available in four space-dyed patterns of 100% organic cotton jersey.

This travel dress is great because you can easily dress it up for dinner or wear it strolling through local markets.  We found that it runs a little big, so you may want to try a size smaller than you usually wear.

For every garment purchased, the company feeds one person for one day through regional food banks.

Stonewear Lyra Dress

Finding travel clothes for women that are both fashionable AND eco-friendly can be a challenge. So we were excited to discover Stonewear Designs , an apparel brand inspired by the rock climbing culture of Boulder, Colorado.

The entire line including the lovely and supportive Lyra dress is made from sustainable fabrics (using recycled plastic bottles, wood cellulose, etc.).

With a flattering fit, this summer travel dress will make you look as good as you feel.

Sulu Collection

California-born, Bombay-bred designer Sulu Grant pays tribute to her Indian heritage with the Sulu Collection of  travel dresses for summer. They work equally well on a beautiful beach or metropolitan streets.

Perfect for hot humid temperatures, the airy crinkle cotton of the Brandy Dress make it perfect for resort wear– comfy enough for a day on the beach but with detailed embroidery that dazzles at dinnertime.

Mary adds a thin white belt to give the dress a bit more structure for the evening.

Bags of Love Design Your Own Bodycon Dress

We’ve been looking for a green dress that accentuates Mary’s curves for over two years now, but hadn’t found one she loves.

Fortunately, the folks at London’s Bags of Love offered us an opportunity to create our own stylish travel clothes!

The company specializes in custom designed products, with over 450 different items to choose from. Their sleeveless lycra bodycon dress, with its shapely cut and sexy split legs, proved the perfect fit for Mary’s comely curves.

For the image we went with a photo from Rwanda , of Egrets taking flight in Akagera National Park. Doesn’t it look stunning on her?

Happy Yellow Dress- The Wanderer

Mary and I both have a thing for retro clothing styles (as anyone who has seen my extensive collection of Guayaberas can attest).

So we’re enamored with Happy Yellow Dress , a vintage-inspired women’s clothing line launched by British Columbia-bred designer Debbie Yam. We love the entire line, but our favorite dress is The Wanderer.

We dig everything about it: The light blue and vertical white-striped fabric, the cinched waist and full skirt, the traditional cheongsam collar and fun frog closures. It’s an adorable fashion flashback with a flattering ’50s-style silhouette.

One of the things Mary especially likes is a travel dress with pockets.  Most of the dresses you’ll find on Happy Yellow Dress have side seam pockets for holding sunglasses, credit cards, etc. 

READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

The Best Travel Pants for Women

Aviator Comfort Skinny Fit Jeans

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Aviator USA was founded by former Macy’s art director Colby Kane. An avid traveler, Kane wanted to create fashionable yet affordable travel jeans that could be locally made in Los Angeles.

Once you experience the soft, glove-like fit of their Aviator Comfort Skinny Jean, you’ll make them your go-to travel pants. Mary was concerned her curves might be a bit much for the skinny-cut style, but the stretch fabric perfectly forms to her shape and didn’t stretch out after long days of travel. 

They’re great for everything from touring cities to climbing Mayan Ruins . Strategically placed pockets help you keep your valuables close. The back pocket zips closed so you can keep your ID, credit cards, and cash secure, and the deep front pockets are large enough to hold your phone. 

Craghoppers Pro Lite Pants

Craghoppers is one of our favorite clothing brands for their classic styles and rugged durability.

We like them even more now that they’ve recently partnered with National Geographic to launch a full line of adventure clothing. Some of the proceeds from the line benefit the society’s ongoing efforts in supporting the health and diversity of our planet.

Their NosiLife Insect Shield line, which provides up to 90% protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects, includes the Pro Lite Pants. These ultra-lightweight travel pants are flattering to the figure, and designed to dry quickly for ultimate wash-n-wear convenience.

Royal Robbins Classic Zip ’n’ Go convertible pants

Founded by the pioneering rock climber who was famous for several first ascents in Yosemite, Royal Robbins has been a leading outdoor apparel company for more than 50 years now.

Their Classic Zip ’n’ Go convertible pants feature zip-off legs, a zippered side pocket, and a quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabric that’s perfect for the rigors of adventure travel.

The 3-Ply Laundered Supplex fabric feels soft like cotton, and it’s odor-resistant so you can wash it less. They’re great for destinations where doing laundry is limited to sinks and showers, such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica . 

Mountain Khakis Women’s Sadie Skinny Chino

You can’t go wrong with Mountain Khaki apparel, which we have been wearing for years. They really know how to make travel clothes designed for the adventurous and outgoing. 

Their Sadie Skinny Chino pants are the perfect travel pants for the independent woman. They pair really well with boots and flats, or can be spruced up with heels for a fancier night on the town.

Made from 98% cotton and 2% spandex twill for stretch, these pants are both comfy and versatile. The mid-rise and skinny leg make the pants stylish and feminine as well.

Prana Halle Pants

Prana is another clothing line we’ve both loved for years, often wearing their clothes for long hikes near our home and tra v el adventures abroad.

Mary thought Prana’s water-resistant Halle Pants were especially helpful when hiking through the wet forests of Rwanda to see the endangered mountain  gorillas .

We also love the company’s commitment to sustainability, offering Fair Trade-certified clothes; using recycled down, polyester, and wool; and giving back to non-profit organizations such as Outdoor Outreach, which helps underprivileged kids connect with nature.

Prana Chetan Capris

Now that Mary’s starting new yoga and aerobics classes, Prana’s activewear will get even more use. 

She loves the fitted leg and green, blue, and purple pattern of their Chetan Capris, which are made from hemp and organic cotton.  

Elephant Pants

Our love of Elephants has only grown in the years since we helped lead a blogger-driven fundraiser for Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park .

So it’s no surprise we love these cool, casual pants, whose bohemian chic style was inspired by traditional Thai prints. 

But the thing we love most is the fact that 50 cents to $1  from every pair you purchase is donated to low-income students in Thailand .

OKIINO Azul Scales Leggings

Inspired by a surfing trip to Mexico , where friends Angeline Kung and Robyn Tosik wound up getting badly sunburnt, OKIINO specializes in leggings made specifically for water sports.

Normal leggings aren’t ideal for surfing and Scuba diving . But OKIINO’s leggings offer compression/body shaping, moisture wicking, quick drying, and UPF 50+ (the highest available).

Designs such as the Azul Scales are also hip and fashionable enough to be worn on dry land. Best of all, the line is sustainably made and gives back to your choice of NGOs, including 5 Gyres , Surf For Life , or the Skin Cancer Foundation .

READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Toad & Co’s Indigo-For-It Shirt

Sporty and stylish, the organic cotton Indigo-for-it shirt is a great example of Toad&Co ’s “trail to tavern” women’s travel clothes. 

For a more casual look, you can roll up the sleeves and tie it in the front. When you’re ready for dinner, just tuck the shirt in for a completely different look.

The Indigo they use is made from an eco-friendly process that cuts back water, energy, and C02 outputs. The lightweight travel shirt is great for hot climates and provides good ventilation so that you can stay cool on your adventures.

Mountain Khakis Women’s Two Ocean Tunic

Mountain Khaki ‘s  Two Oceans Tunic shirt is a classy and stylish shirt made for all-day wear. The tunic is made from 100% cotton, so it’s extremely soft and breathable.

The relaxed fit, roll-tab sleeves, and side seam split make this women’s travel shirt comfortable to wear, whether during long travel days or as your new favorite comfy weekend shirt.

Exofficio Clothing

As much as I love nature and wildlife , mosquitoes are where I draw the line. And with the Zika virus , dengue fever, and malaria all caused by the pesky critters, we were extra cautious about loading up on Insect Shield clothing for our trips to South Africa  and Kenya with my daughter.

We first experienced the benefits of Insect Shield technology back in 2010, when we wore the BugsAway line from Exofficio during our trip to Cancun .

The lightweight travel clothes proved remarkably comfortable, moisture-wicking, and water/stain resistant, plus it’s treated with an odorless Insect Shield that repels bugs for 70+ washings.

The line has expanded quite a bit since then, and we now take their Damselfly and Ziwa Convertible Pants, Lumen and Hakuna shirts, and even their quick-drying Give-N-Go underwear with us everywhere we travel.

Ably Apparel

I love it when we discover new easy-care travel clothes that solve problems with science I do not understand. That’s the case with Ably Apparel , which nearly tripled its Kickstarter goal with 46 days to go.

Their revolutionary travel t-shirts use an eco-friendly technology called Filium, which makes natural fabrics repel liquids, stains, and odors.

This makes their shirts water-resistant and odor-resistant: Your sweat simply evaporates! For active travelers who are trying to pack light, it’s a simple shirt you can wear over and over again. 

Epoque Evolution Flux Top

From lounging in your hotel and taking a yoga class to swimming under picturesque waterfalls , the flux top from Epoque Evolution will support you and keep you comfy.

It is a little on the pricey side, but considering the quality and multifunctionality it is not a bad deal. It’s a bra, a top, and a bikini all-in-one, allowing you to save space in your luggage without sacrificing versatility in your traveling clothes.

This crop-like top can be worn underneath clothing, as a sort of sports bra. Mary had her doubts about any travel top claiming to offer bust support, but the Epoque Evolution Flux Top is so well constructed that it provides both coverage and support for an F-cup chest!

The top is moisture-wicking, so sweat doesn’t stick to it and it can be worn for many days without developing an odor. It’s also quick to dry and has UPF 50 protection, so you can sit in the sun after a great swim.

Vibration Apparel All We Need Is Love T-shirt Hoodie

This cute and cozy hoodie bears one of our favorite Beatles-inspired quotes . It is a cotton/poly blend t-shirt fabric via Live Your Life Gear , with a handy hood for chilly days and nights.

But it’s the message (which we actually have on our wall at home) that makes this one of Mary’s favorite shirts. Because who couldn’t use a little more love in their life?

We also like that the brand gives back by partnering with  Samaritans365 , an NGO that creates programs to teach children the importance of kindness.

READ MORE: The 125 Best Gifts For Travelers

Best Travel Sweaters

DÆHLIE Half Zip Comfy Sweater

This warm, yet lightweight sweater from Bjorn Daehlie is perfect for travel. Not only does it fit neatly into a bag without taking up too much space, but it will also keep you toasty in cooler conditions.

Made from 50% wool, this sweater is temperature-regulating, making it great for outdoor activities. While they may not be ideal for extreme cold, they’re great for hiking and camping during the spring, fall, and early winter months.

They are available in both Men’s and Women’s styles, and in neutral colors. The generous fit is accommodating for movement, and the half zip allows you to let in some air should it get a little too warm for your taste.  

Carve Designs Silo Sweater

Carve Designs is a fashion range created for women, by women.

The company is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and works hard to use fabrics that are organic and sustainable. They are also involved in giving back to their community, and work with an organization that takes young cancer fighters on surfing trips.

Their Silo Sweater is a gorgeous, longer-length sweater made from 100% washable Merino Wool. If you know Merino, you know that means it’s as soft as it is fashionable.

The funnel neck, dolman sleeves, and rounded hem make this sweater perfect for most casual occasions, and it looks great with both leggings and jeans.

Kari Traa Rose Hood

The Rose Hood from Kari Traa, the skiwear line created by the Olympic champion freestyle skier of the same name, is great for keeping warm on days with a slight chill. Or you can wear it for what it was designed for– to be a base layer for colder climates.

Coming from a range that makes functional women’s travel clothes, the design is classy and flatters the female shape. It’s made from 100% Merino wool, and has flexible 4-way stretch.

The attached hood is lightweight and thin, adding protective warmth for your head without creating too much bulk around your neck. This Rose Hood base layer is breathable and naturally odor resistant, which is helpful when you’re wearing it for active sports and outdoor adventures.

Kora Xenolith Sweater

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Kora founder Michael Kleinwort came up with the idea of using yak wool to make travel clothes during a winter trek in the remote mountains of the Eastern Himalayas.

Lightweight and insulated with Polartec Alpha, the Xenolith sweater is the ideal performance mid-layer for skiing, hiking, and climbing in cold conditions. 

It’s designed to be breathable and allows the body to move freely and naturally while keeping active on cold mountains. The Xenolith is also quick-drying, and the inside of the sweater is made to stay dry and insulated even when it gets wet on the outside.

The sweater boasts an inner zip to keep your small valuables safe, as well as thumb holes and a half-zip to let air in. It also packs down easily, fitting into bags and suitcases without bulk, making it a fantastic piece of clothing for travel.

READ MORE:  60+ Cool Camping Gear Re v iews  

Adidas Outdoor Power Air Fleece

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Finally, a soft, warm top that won’t shed as much as fleece is known to do. The women’s Power Air Fleece top from Adidas Outdoor uses Polartec® Power Air technology to stop the fleece from shedding as much (5 times less, to be exact).

The top itself is insulated and able to keep you warm in cooler conditions, and can work as a thin base layer for more extreme cold conditions. It’s designed with individual air pockets, which help the top to retain heat.

It also has two side zip pockets, a full front zip, a hood for extra warmth, and a lower back hem. It is lightweight and easily packable. These features work together to make the top a great piece of travel-friendly clothing.

Mountain Khakis Swagger Jacket

Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the Mountain Khakis  Swagger Jacket is designed to withstand the intense weather of the mountains, but looks good enough to sport on city streets.

The water repellent cotton/nylon blend exterior is stylish, with a curve-hugging fit, quilted stitching and field-inspired slotted buttons.

The jacket’s excellent warmth comes courtesy of the Primaloft Silver insulation, a synthetic alternative to down that was originally developed for the U.S. Army.

In short, it’s sleek, snug and sure to keep you safe from the cold.

Tasc Performance Northstar II Fleece 1/2-Zip  

As our lifestyle has gotten increasingly active, we’ve become big fans of the New Orleans -based Tasc Performance clothing line.

The company offers an alternative to active wear made from polyester, which is usually chemically treated, irritates skin, and retains odors.

Tasc’s exclusive BamCo fabric finishing process instead uses the Moso timber bamboo plant, which grows quickly and sustainably (no water or pesticides) and is responsibly managed (FSC Certified).

You can really feel the difference in their clothes. Mary loves the plush, semi-fitted Northstar II Fleece 1/2-Zip to keep her snug and cozy up top.

Charles River Apparel Women’s Logan Jacket

The women’s Logan Jacket from New England’s Charles River Apparel is another versatile piece that works great over microfleece base layers.

Featured in Oprah Magazine , the jacket offers an attractive balance between fashion and function.

The shell is durable and water resistant, fully lined with nylon to ensure protection from the elements.

The hip-length hem provides a bit of extra coverage, and the interior drawstring allows you to adjust the waist for a flattering fit.

There’s also a hood that can be zipped off or on for inclement weather.

Eddie Bauer Jackets

We wore clothing from Eddie Bauer   every single day of our 16-day trip to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica  in 2012.

It’s a testament to the line that those jackets you see in the photo above have traveled all around the world with us over the past seven years, and they’re still in great condition.  

Co-created by some of the world’s best mountain and ski guides , the entire line is lightweight, fashionably cool, and more comfy than a cup of hot cocoa by a roaring ski lodge fireplace. They also pack down wonderfully, without the bulk you might expect. 

Royal Robbins Highland Travel Scarf

Royal Robbins ‘ Highland travel scarf is the perfect accessory, not just for their Geneva dress (as seen in the best travel dress section above), but any outfit.

The Merino blend makes gives it lightweight warmth, and it’s also naturally odor-resistant. It has five buttons and buttonholes on opposite sides, allowing for six different styling options. 

It can be worn as a regular scarf, an infinity scarf, poncho-like wrap, a half-wrap with two sleeves, or button up all the buttons to make it into a full-on cardigan. 

Available in soft natural heather or dark grey and blended with neutral hues, the scarf is designed to add warmth and style to all your dresses and tops.

Obermeyer Regulator Glove

Stylish, functional and exceptionally warm, these Obermeyer Regulator gloves are made for the lady who loves being outdoors in cold climates.

Great for snow sports and other activities, and there’s a pair for every personality: They’re available in black, white, a pretty floral design, and a more playful leopard print.

Constructed with HydroBlock Sport 10k/10k and featuring 170g of synthetic insulation, these gloves are waterproof, yet still breathable. The gloves are made from 100% polyester plain weave, and have full grain leather palms.

The inside fleece is so soft, your hands will always stay comfy and warm while wearing them. Additional features include an adjustable cuff, stretchy inter-finger panels, a safety leash, and even a soft wipe for those cold, red noses.

Heat Holders Microfleece Base Layers

Heat Holders is best-known for the self-proclaimed “ World’s Warmest Sock ,” which we can attest are the toastiest things ever to coddle our toes.

But apparently they also boast an array of other offerings, from thermal underwear to hats and gloves. We recently got a chance to try out their Microfleece Base Layers, which are available for men and women.

They’re arguably the coziest and most comfortable we’ve ever worn, with a multi-directional stretch knit fabric and an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

They also breathe very well, allowing moisture to escape so your skin stays dry and warm all day long.

Skida Headwear

Everyone in our family is fond of headwear, whether it’s hairbands and bandannas in summer or hats and headbands in winter.

Skida – a family-owned Vermont company featured in Outside ’s 2017 Buyer’s Guide– makes nothing but headwear.

Their So Leafy Nordic Headband for men and Deja Vu Nordic Headband for women are awesome for outdoor adventure.

They’re made with MAX-Dri Moisture management technology and lined with soft Polartec micro-fleece, wicking moisture to ensure your head stays warm and dry.

Their Tealy Dan Alpine Hat and Lavender Honey Tour (a neck warmer/headband hybrid) are great for staying warm when you’re not active, with vividly colorful prints that brighten up the gloomiest of days.

For many men– and especially this 6’3″, built-like-a-linebacker man– the “What to wear on a plane?” question boils down to comfort.  You’ll see this theme throughout our reviews of the best travel clothing for men.

My travel outfits for long flights are simple. My travel shirt of choice is always lightweight, moisture wicking, and doesn’t show pit stains. I pair it with comfortable pants that are loose enough to roll up (or zip off) if it gets too hot on the plane. 

Shoes are also a big consideration for airplane outfits. I want something that I can wear with everything else I packed. But I also want the ability to easily slide them on and off while I’m seated in the very tight airplane seat space. 

Alain  Dupetit  Suit

I bought my first suit to impress Mary on our New Year’s Eve date back in 2008. I’ve rarely worn it since, because I’m not really a suit-and-tie guy.

But Alain Dupetit could turn me into a convert. His stylish 2-button StretchTech Suit uses a moisture-wicking TR (Tetron/Rayon) fabric with the same 4-way stretch technology as high-performance sportswear.

It’s extremely lightweight, comfortable, wrinkle-free, and fits me like a glove despite the fact that we ordered it online. It’s also a ridiculously affordable travel suit.

With seven different colors to choose from, I may even order a second one.

Men’s Travel Shirts

Howler Bros Gaucho Snapshirt

If you’ve ever seen me at a travel conference, chances are you’ve seen me rocking this southern-born, Texas-based brand.

Inspired by the founders’ love of the great outdoors, the entire Howler Brothers line straddles the between dressy casual and comfortably sporty.

I now own four of their Gaucho Snapshirts, with the latest addition paying tribute to my astrological sign (Cancer’s crab).

Clothing Arts’  Pickpocket-Proof Travel Shirt  

In the last few years we’ve spoken at travel conferences in Cancun , the Dominican Republic , and the Philippines , all of which were unbearably hot and humid.

Finding business clothes for tropical destinations isn’t easy, especially when you need to wear those same clothes for traveling around the region. Clothing Arts ’ latest line offers a great balance between professional and casual.

Their Pickpocket-Proof Travel Shirt can be tucked in and paired with a tie for dressy affairs, or untucked with rolled-up sleeves for outdoor adventures . The baby-soft button down also features two hidden pockets for securing valuables.

Mountain Khakis Men’s Passport EC Travel Shirt

Mountain Khakis also has a fashionable and functional men’s apparel, bringing their top-quality designs into the traveling guy’s suitcase.

The passport EC which comes in both short-sleeves and long-sleeves is great for guys who travel for business, or just need to look smart.

The shirt has a safety inner pocket,  is made from 100% polyester and has a classic fit. It’s also UPF 3+, meaning it blocks 97% of UVB rays.

Ably Apparel Bradley Travel T shirt

Packing comfortable travel clothes is an important factor in any adventure. Ably Apparel has become my favorite travel t-shirt, especially for wearing on long airplane rides.

Ably makes easy care travel clothes for both men and women that are water-resistant, odor-resistant, and quick-drying. They can be worn for longer periods of time without needing to be washed, which great when you’re basically living out of a suitcase.

The style of the short-sleeve Bradley T-shirt is timeless. It comes in 5 plain colors, with a crew neck collar, front chest pocket, tailored fit, and straight hem. They are made from 100% premium cotton, keeping them comfortable and soft.

The Mountain Extinction T-shirts

Spread awareness for Wildlife protection with these cool shirts from The Mountain . Protect- The Endangered Species Collection by The Mountain is a range of apparel that generates funds for the protection of endangered species.

These tees come in unisex adult and kid’s styles and feature one of two graphics. Sport either the striking image of a leopard’s face, with the words “Stop Extinction” above it, or the graceful picture of an elephant seemingly walking across the left half of the shirt, with the same words in front of the animal.

The T-shirts are soft, made from a tri-blend of 70% Cotton, 15% Polyester, 15% Rayon and feature a relaxed fit. For every purchase, The Mountain will donate a portion of the proceeds to Panthera .

Bluffworks Horizon Quilted Vest

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Bluffworks’ Horizon Quilted vest is warm, lightweight and compact enough to be worn on a plane and then protect you from rain and wind when you get on the ground.

The outside polyester shell is water-repellant, quick-drying and breathable. Inside, is 100g PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation which is made of 60% post-consumer recycled material. 

There are 7 pockets, including hidden ones for small valuables. The full zipper and double-snap stand collar keep the wind out, and the cord zipper pulls on the pockets for easy use while wearing gloves.

This vest is also machine-washable and the open armholes give the wearer a greater range of movement.

The Real Deal Brazil Conquista Vest

The Real Deal Brazil’s 10-pocket Conquista Vest creates a great Indiana Jones style that’s perfect for outdoor adventurers.

This rugged vest is particularly good for photographers, fishermen, or any avid outdoorsman.There is a handy D ring for clipping on gear , as well as a front zippered closure.

The large back is perfect for attaching patches from the  US National Parks or from your other travel adventures.

READ MORE: The 40 Best Backpacks For Trav elers

Bluffworks Departure Travel Jeans

Bluffworks are great at designing travel clothing for men. Their comfortable clothes ares perfect for the traveler – made to be easy to care for, versatile and durable.

Whether you looking for travel clothes for Europe , for a bike tour of Taipei , or for partying in New Orleans , these travel jeans will move with you and keep you looking great. 

Designed with authentic denim features, such as rivets, and orange and yellow thread dual-stitching, Bluffwords Departure jeans are uniquely lightweight (11 oz vs 14 oz for traditional jeans) and Coolmax polyester makes them feel cool on the body.  

The two hidden, zippered, water-resistant pockets (sewn below the back waistband) are extremely useful for carrying credit cards and ID.

Clothing Arts Business Traveler Pants  

Dubbed “the CIA version of Khakis” by Forbes , their Business Traveler Pants are perfect for road warriors who spend hours traveling and end their day with business meetings and dinner. 

The lightweight pants are made of 100% Nature-Like™ Nylon, but have the look & comfortable feel of Cotton.

There are 9 Total Pockets (2 Triple secure & 5 Double Secure) to hold your credit cards and smart phone. Addition features we love include that the travel pants are stain resistant, water resistant, wrinkle resistant and quick dry.

Craghoppers Men’s NosiLife Mercier Trousers

Any safari-loving, outdoors enthusiast traveler should own a pair of these Craghoppers men’s NosiLife Mercier trousers. They are perfect for bush adventures, hiking trails, and even the urban streets.

With a tailored fit, UV protection and Insect shield to repel insect bites, these trousers are a must-have for travel-loving guys. Arguably, they are the best travel pants for hot weather.

They also have a wash & wear function, so no need to find an ironing service on your travels.

Mountain Khakis Men’s Equatorial Stretch Convertible Pant

Mountain Khakis men’s equatorial convertible trousers are great for any kind of journey. They convert easily from long pants to shorts, with just a zip to do up and undo.

These super stretchy men’s travel pants have a high-density weave making them abrasion-resistant, they are also UPF 50+, quick-drying and water-resistant.

The pants are light and compact when folded, making them easily packable.

Craghoppers Men’s Davenport Jacket

The Craghoppers men’s Davenport jacket works for all traveling occasions and warmer temperatures.

Featuring Solar Shield, insect repellant and wash & wear functions, this jacket is perfect in hot climates as well – thanks to the antibacterial actions which keeps odors at bay and helps the wearer feel fresh all day.

With 21 pockets and special security features like RFID protection for your credit cards, you will have peace of mind as well as plenty of storage space.

Craghoppers Nat Geo 250 Jacket

It’s hard to find fashionable winter coats that withstand the elements without making you look like the Michelin Man.

Craghopper ‘s Nat Geo 250 comes in both men’s and women’s sizes and offers a sleek urban design, with an adjustable waist and zip-off hood.

The waterproof AquaDry exterior hides an insulating baffled lining, hot pockets, and hidden storage for keeping valuables safe. It was the perfect coat to wear in January in New York City when I spoke at the New York Times Travel Show on Sustainable Tourism.

Big Agnes Shovelhead Jacket

Big Agnes ‘ Shovelhead is an ultralight ski jacket, but with an athletic fit and slimming vertical stitching. The water repellent shell is filled with 700-fill Downtek, providing exceptional warmth without the heavy bulk.

The hood comes with a handy adjustable drawcord and visor to shield you from unexpected storms.

Wear it on it’s own while hiking or or pair it with another layer when you’re playing extra long the snow.

Helly Hansen Jackets

In the interest of full disclosure, the Oslo-based Helly Hansen co-sponsored our 2014 road trip through the fjords of Norway .

We wore their clothes and outerwear almost exclusively on that trip. They performed exceptionally well while climbing Jostedalsbreen glacier during incredibly foul weather that ranged from a foggy drizzle to pelting hail.

Their breathable, waterproof Loke Pants and PrimaLoft-insulated H2 Flow Jacket have also become staple travel wear for our cold climate adventures.

The Real Deal Brazil Tarp Travel Hat

The Real Deal Brazil is a North Carolina-based company owes much of its success to Woody Harrelson.

While filming Zombieland in 2009, he saw their Brazil Tarp Hat– which is made from recycled canvas tarps used on Brazilian cargo trucks– on a cameraman’s head one day.

He loved its rugged style so much, he had the costume department buy some for his character to wear in the film. The rest, as they say, is history.

The hats are easily shaped thanks to wires recycled from old truck tires, allowing you to customize your look.

CEP Men’s Compression Socks for Recovery

These CEP Compression recovery socks are great for guys who have just completed strenuous sporting events, such as a marathon, or for someone who is recovering from a recent injury.

They also work great for reducing swollen ankles during very long flights. You can wear them throughout the flight to increase circulation in your legs and prevent swelling and clotting. 

Using 20-30 mmHg graduated compression, they improve circulation in the legs, helping them to recover faster and relieving pain and swelling. They are made with medical-grade technology, scientifically proven to work.

The socks are made from high-tech synthetic fibers which prevent odor-causing bacteria and provide moisture-wicking properties. They also have padded cushioning in the heel and Achilles. This provides complete support, meaning the socks can be worn all day while working, traveling or at home . –Bret Love & Mary Gabbett

About the Author

Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living.

We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others.

Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast.

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By Madison Flager and Meaghan Kenny

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2023 was an incredible year for travel— new hotel openings , emerging destinations , and trending food scenes brought us further around the world. And with all that travel comes lots of new gear that editors and readers alike loved. From carry-on essentials and cozy loungewear that make long-haul flights a little more comfortable to supportive walking shoes built for those days when you're clocking 20,000 steps, we tested out some pretty great travel gear this past year—and recommended our favorites to you along the way.

As we plan our next big adventures, we're taking a look back on the products that resonated most with Condé Nast Traveler readers in these last 12 months. Below, you'll find the 16 most-purchased Traveler -recommended items of 2023, from lightweight travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to tote bags you'll wear everywhere. Consider these our best travel gear recommendations of the year, available to shop now in case you missed any the first time around.

Find the best travel gear by category:

In-flight essentials, versatile travel bags, comfortable walking shoes, cozy loungewear, leakproof toiletry bottles, noise-canceling headphones, a supportive exercise dress, waterproof gear, a portable steamer.

Our readers could not get enough of this travel pillow from Trtl this past year. It's much different than your classic travel pillow : shaped like a supportive wrap for your neck, it takes up little space in your carry-on and weighs only 4.5 ounces. Bring this on your next long-haul flight, train ride, or road trip—your head and neck will thank you later.

If you're headed on a red-eye flight, a sleep mask is a non-negotiable. You loved this one for its unique, contoured shape: It has raised sections over your eyes so it's not too restrictive or uncomfortable to sleep in, but lies flat around the nose and eyebrows to effectively block out light while you catch some ZZZs. It's easy to see why this Amazon bestseller has racked up over 71,000 five-star reviews.

Never eat off of a dirty airplane seat tray again! This $30 travel essential is a complete game changer—especially when you're stuck with limited space in the middle seat. The slim, lightweight cover slips over your seat tray like a pillow case, lending you a clean surface to eat and work on. It also features a few handy compartments to hold your Kindle, water bottle, earbuds, and any other in-flight must-haves.

Is there a more stressful feeling than thinking you've lost your luggage? Our readers clearly think not, since Apple AirTags were among the most-purchased travel gear in 2023. Slip one of these tiny tags into your checked bags, duffels, or backpacks so you know exactly where your personal belongings are each step of the way. Use the Find My app on your phone to track your tag and never worry about where your luggage is ever again.

Is there a travel bag more versatile or more chic than good leather tote? Traveler contributor Lydia Mansel raved about Cuyana's popular Classic Easy Zipper Tote . The brand gave the Easy Tote a little facelift in 2023—it can now be fully zipped, making it an even more secure travel companion. It's lightweight, sleek, and the quality speaks for itself. You'll have this thing for years to come.

Calpak's Luka duffel is the perfect travel bag for weekend trips or long-haul flights (we like to use it as a personal item ). Carry it by its soft top handles or by its long adjustable strap. Features we love: the separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, and the several internal pockets to keep you organized. I've used many duffel bags over the years, but this one reigns supreme.

Every packing list has to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes on it. We appreciate the effortless cool look and feel of New Balance shoes, especially the 547 Core sneaker. There's no break-in time needed and I've never gotten any blisters after wearing these—even after a long day trip.

If you haven't tried a pair of Allbirds yet, what are you waiting for? The brand is known for its ultra-lightweight, comfortable kicks—the kind that make sightseeing all day long on your feet a breeze. The Tree Runners are versatile enough to pack on any trip and take up little suitcase space.

We all need some comfortable loungewear, whether you're working from home, boarding a long flight, or just relaxing in your hotel room. We love matching sets like one from Cozy Earth—the pullover and joggers are supremely soft, cool to the touch, and offer a perfectly relaxed fit without being too baggy.

When it comes to packing toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and moisturizer, you're going to need some leakproof, reusable travel bottles . Our editors swear by Cadence capsules: These airtight, magnetic capsules stay neatly together in your Dopp kit , take up little space, and are designed without any right angles or edges, so you can get as much product out as possible (this also makes them so easy to clean). Customize everything about your Cadence set—from the color and size to the number of capsules to what each label says. And while the original small capsules are a nice size for short trips, you can also grab the The Extender —an add-on that allows you to increase the size of the bottle when you need more room.

When Amazon Prime Day rolled around in July and then again in October, noise-canceling headphones were scooped up in droves. There are a lot of popular options on the market we love, like the Beats Studio3 wireless headphones. They'll block out all that extra noise on your next flight and let you comfortably listen to all your favorite movies in peace.

More noise-canceling gear we recommend: the Apple AirPods Pro wireless ear buds. If you haven't tried these yet, now is the perfect time. These tiny earbuds come in an ultra-compact case that is small enough to fit in a crossbody bag or running waist pack. I use these every day—while I'm hiking, running, commuting to the office, and everything in between.

Exercise dresses are still having a moment. The sporty yet feminine dress is reimagining activewear—it can be worn just as effortlessly to a workout class or a game of pickleball as it can be to a lunch date. Of our favorite styles, you loved this option from Outdoor Voices most. It offers breathable built-in shorts, adjustable straps, and side pockets, with a flattering silhouette that's neither tight nor restrictive. We have a feeling these will be just as popular again come spring.

Packing an umbrella seems like a waste of space, until you find yourself in a downpour without one. Traveler contributor Claire Volkman put a dozen options to the test ; this sturdy, wind-resistant, lightweight, and compact option from Weatherman was her favorite overall.

Keep your phone safe while at the beach, in a kayak, or on a boat with this waterproof pouch from Pelican. It comes with a lanyard to wear around your neck, but if it does go overboard, you can rest easy knowing it'll float on the surface.

It's nearly impossible to keep clothes wrinkle-free in your suitcase. This becomes especially tricky when you're traveling for a special occasion, say a destination wedding , and you need to touch up formal wear upon arrival. This lightweight, portable steamer was a huge hit with our readers—and we see why: It weighs less than a pound, is easy to pack in your suitcase, and offers 10 minutes of continuous steam. The Nesugar steamer comes with a convenient wall mount, too, so you can keep it neat and tidy back at home.

Looking for more of our readers' favorite travel gear? Take a look back at some of our top stories of the year:

• Comfortable walking shoes for travel
• Our editors' favorite tote bags
• How to sleep on a plane
• Reusable toiletry bottles
• Loungewear sets for long travel days
• The best travel accessories

The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters.

If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

May be out of stock

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

(limited colors)

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Unfortunately, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, has been out of stock for a few years. It will, however, be coming back in 2024, according to Incase. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, or simply can’t wait for the Incase organizer to come back in stock, we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

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Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Tools and Emergency Supplies to Keep in the Car for Winter Driving

by Rik Paul

Here are the essential—and nonessential—items to carry in your car during winter driving to ensure you get to your destination.

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Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Travel Clothing for Women

• July 1, 2021
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Updated February 8, 2024 –When you spend a lot of time away from home, it can be so important to find the right travel clothing for women. What is the best clothing for travel, anyway?

Doesn’t it depend on the climate, what you’re doing and how you’re getting to your destination?

In some places, winter layering is the ideal way to dress, while in other areas, you need clothing that will keep you cool.

Whether you want to find the best travel clothes for Europe or North America, need to source women’s summer travel clothing for a trip to Asia , South America or Africa , or require women’s business travel clothing to wear in Australia, this guide lists all the best clothes to travel in.

Table of Contents

The Best Travel Clothing for Women in 2024​

So what are we looking for when it comes to finding the ideal travel clothing for women? While the best clothing for travel does depend on the kind of trip you’re taking, there are several general features worth looking for. Easy care travel clothes are the best bet, so is your chosen garment made to last and is it machine washable? Women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle free also makes life on the road much simpler, as you don’t have to worry about ironing.

Investing in lightweight clothes for travel is also a great idea, as you don’t to pay extra for excess baggage. Note that many airlines based outside the US have less generous allowances. Where a lot of American carriers allow two large cases per person, your limit with another airline could be as little as 44lbs or 20kg. For example, American Airlines typically allows two checked bags weighing up to 70lbs or 32kg each, while with British Airways the standard limit is 23kg – just 50lbs. So you need to bear this in mind when you’re choosing clothing!

Read on to discover all the best winter and summer travel clothing for women – including lightweight and wrinkle free clothes for layering and garments to wear when flying.

The best travel clothing for women comparison table

The Best Travel Clothes for Layering

Much of the best clothing for travel is based around the idea of layering. There are few places on earth where you can be sure of the weather, so wearing a series of layers means you can adjust your outfit throughout the day depending on the conditions. When it gets warmer later in the day, you can remove an item of clothing to make sure you stay cool.

Layering clothes for cold weather also has an added advantage. Clever travelers use winter layering because warm air becomes trapped between each garment, acting as extra insulation. Layering clothes for winter climates is also ideal as even in very cold places, the temperature will often rise as the day goes on, before dropping again at nightfall.

Here are some of the best travel clothes for women that can be used for layering.

Long sleeved zip-up hooded sweatshirt

If you require layering clothes for colder weather or evenings, this hooded sweatshirt for women is ideal. With a front zip fastening option, this hoody is available in an incredibly wide choice of styles and colors. There are over 30 options to choose from! Buyers can choose between solid colors, block stripes and a tie dye pattern.

Some versions of this travel sweater are made using knitted fabric, while others feature smooth sweatshirt material. This really is one you can customize to suit your style, and it comes in six sizes too. A helpful chart means you should find the right size easily.

This is an ideal spring or fall cover-up, or to wear for winter layering.

• Great choice of colors and styles
• Six sizes with sizing chart
• Perfect for evenings and flights
• Check carefully to order correct option

Click here to view this hooded women’s sweatshirt

SCOTTeVEST Women’s Featherweight Travel Vest

Long vests for layering make ideal travel garments. Women’s travel clothing with hidden pockets or RFID blocking technology is also a great idea, as it can be very effective at deterring thieves. This featherweight women’s vest has an integral, concealed pocket with RFID built in, so it can stop criminals from scanning your cards or documents.

There are three colors to choose from, and it’s a very lightweight and breathable garment. With 16 pockets in total, there’s somewhere to store everything you need for most days or evenings out. It’s great for flying too, as you can place all your devices, keys and documents in it. Then all you have to do is take it off to put through the scanner.

SCOTTeVEST provide a two-year warranty on this product, and this ergonomically designed vest even features a weight management system to spread the load evenly across your body.

• 16 pockets including security compartment
• Lightweight and breathable
• Ergonomically designed
• Lighter colors may show dirt easily

Click here to see this lightweight travel vest for layering

Outdoor Trail shirt

This shirt is among the best women’s clothes for travel because it’s just so versatile. It offers factor 50 sun protection and venting to enhance breathability. A top pick for those seeking the best travel shirts in a women’s fit, this garment from a leading outdoor and travel brand comes in several color options.

The shirt features a relaxed fit for comfort, and the brand provides a sizing guide to help you achieve the perfect fit. Its sleeves can be rolled up when it gets warm, while a zipped chest pocket provides you with a place for storing small essential items.

• Factor 50 sun protection
• Zipped chest pocket
• Relaxed fit and roll-up sleeves
• Availability of required size may vary

Click here to view this travel shirt

Nike Women’s Power classic gym pant

From one of the world’s leading sportswear brands comes this pair of gym pants. They’re ideal for travel, as they contain 12% spandex for stretch. While they are gym pants, the smooth fabric and bootleg cut makes them look a lot more stylish than your average pair. A very comfortable garment to wear when flying, and you could also layer a pair of stretch shorts underneath.

One word of advice. If you’re looking for women’s petite travel clothing, these may not be the best bet as they’re quite long – although you may be able to shorten them. Some say the sizing also runs quite small, so it may be wise to go for a size up – although variations are pretty common with all clothing.

• Stylish bootleg cut
• Smooth, stretch fabric
• Leading brand
• Sizing may run small or long

Click here to see these Nike gym pants for women

Stretch fitted denim jean jacket

A jean jacket is an wardrobe staple in general, and a great item for travelers to take on their trips. If you’re packing summer travel clothing for women, it’s still a good idea to take a cover-up for chilly evenings. Sometimes you may also need to cover your shoulders for modesty reasons, particularly in parts of Asia. When traveling by coach or train in a hot country, the air-con may also be so powerful that you’ll need to add another layer.

There are 14 color options offered, all in light or dark hues of blue or black. The jacket is also made from stretche denim for added comfort – and less rigidity when packing. A jean jacket goes with anything, and this one comes in six sizes too.

• 14 shades of black or blue
• Stretch denim for comfort
• Can be worn with any clothing
• A little bulkier than some jackets

Click here to see this women’s jean jacket for travel

T-Shirt Dress with tie waist and pockets

Again this is an item that should suit everyone, as it’s available in 16 different options ranging from plain neutrals to subtle or colorful patterns. When you want lightweight clothing for travel dresses are ideal, as they can take up less space than separates.

This knee-length dress has t-shirt style short sleeves, a crew neck and a tie to the waist. It also has a pocket at each side and is made from soft, stretchy fabric that’s ultra comfortable and light to wear. As it can be worn for business trips, evenings out or during the day, this multi-purpose dress is a great travel item to have at your disposal.

• 16 color and pattern options
• Ideal for smart or casual wear
• You may need more than one

Click here to see this women’s t-shirt dress for travel

The Best Lightweight Clothes for Travel

Investing in lightweight women’s clothing for travel simply means having less to carry – or being able to pack more garments in. Either way, it’s a win/win. Many garments that are lightweight are also easy care travel clothes. Quick dry women’s travel clothing and items that don’t need ironing make like much simpler – whether you’re staying in a hostel or hotel or on a boat.

Wearing lightweight clothing for travel can also help to reduce the load on your body, which can be particularly important when you have a dayback, backpack or other items to carry.

The following lightweight garments make some of the best travel clothes for women.

Jessis Kidden long sleeved shirt

This women’s long sleeve shirt is tailor made for travel – especially when you’re headed somewhere hot, with a lot of local wildlife. It offers factor 50 protection from the sun.

A hidden zippered pocket also provides a secure space for tickets, documents, cards or cash.

• Concealed zipped pocket
• Could have more pockets

Click here to see this women’s safari shirt

Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress

Why stop at one? There’s no need to, when this comfortable dress comes in four designs. As each is pretty different, you could easily pack several without anyone realising you’re wearing the ‘same dress’.

The fabric is made from a mix containing half cotton and half tencel, with 4% lycra for stretch. The wrinkle resistant fabric wicks away moisture and also helps control odor. So you can style it in different ways, there’s an adjustable tie to the side.

• Versatile dress for day or evening
• 4 different designs
• Anti-wrinkle, moisture-wicking fabric
• A little long for very hot weather

Click here to view this Toad & Co women’s dress

prAna women’s Keelie top

This US made travel top is great for travel. Like the dress detailed above, it has the kind of design that can be dressed up or down depending on where you’re going. Add some jewelry or a scarf for evening wear, or throw on with jeans or shorts for daytime. You can choose between three colors.

The cotton rich blend of natural and synthetic fibers gives this shirt breathability, softness and durability, while the pretty detailing to the neckline adds a touch of femininity.

• Soft, strong and breathable fabric
• Ideal for day or evening
• Attractive design front and back
• Picking a color may be difficult

Click here to see this women’s Chelsea top for travel

Lace crochet trim travel top

If you like the boho look, then this travel top is ideal for you. It’s lightweight, floaty and pretty, and perfect for spending summer in California, Mexico or Thailand. As well as many more warm places, of course.

With an impressive range of colors, there’s always another option if you later wish you’d bought two instead of one. There’s at least a short-sleeved one for every day of the week – and then some long sleeved options too.

This comfortable, breathable top can be worn with anything and dressed up or down as required. A truly indispensible item for anyone seeking women’s travel clothes that are lightweight as well as beautiful.

• Pretty, lacy top
• Choose long or short sleeves
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Not ideal for business travel

Click here to see this women’s lacy long or short sleeved top

The Best Travel Clothes for Women that are Wrinkle-Free

Women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle free is just the best. It means no worrying about finding an iron – or looking untidy. Why spend time hunting for an ironing board or trying to smooth out wrinkles when you could be exploring the city or hiking the trails?

The top women’s travel clothes are not only lightweight – they are also crease resistant. Many of the garments that are wrinkle free and light in weight also double up as women’s travel clothing that’s quick to dry too, making life on the road even easier.

Here are some great wrinkle resistant clothes for women who travel.

Columbia Saturday Trail II convertible pant

A convertible pair of pants is such a great idea for traveling, especially if you’re visiting a lot of different areas with varying climates. Or in coastal regions, where the weather can change very quickly. Wherever you’re headed, pair of these pants with zip-off legs to convert them to shorts are among the best travel clothing for Europe and North America. Or when you want to wear pants rather than shorts in the evening.

From leading outdoor brand Columbia, this pair are stain and water repellent, and also offer sun protection to factor 50 level. There are two pockets to the side and the back, and the former have a hook and loop closure.

The fabric contains elastane for two-way stretch and the waist is also partially elasticated for comfort. Colombia’s own Omni-Shield technology is used to repel all moisture – which is why the company challenges wearers to try and get dirty! These pants also come in 14 colors.

• Omni-Shield water and stain repellent finish
• Stretch fabric and part elasticated waist
• Zip-off legs to change to shorts
• Some find legs a bit too narrow

Click here to view these Colombia convertible pants for women

ExOfficio BugsAway Lumen full zip hoody

If you want to keep bugs from biting but want something heavier than the Bugsaway shirt listed above, this zip-up hoody for women is ideal. Again it has the insect repelling technology to help prevent itchy, swollen, painful or unsightly bites.

This hoody comes in a great choice of colors, so there’s one for you whether you prefer neutrals, brights or pastels. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying for convenience. There are various other features that also add style and practicality, including a shirt-tail hem, full zip closure, a drawcord hood and thumb loops.

As with the shirt, the garment stays bug-proof for up to 70 washes, and there is a hidden security compartment inside as well as two outer pockets.

• Insect repellent built in
• Security pocket hidden inside
• Quick-drying, lightweight, breathable fabric
• Not as warm as the average hoody

Click here to see this women’s insect repelling hoody

Like the Toad & Co Samba Muse listed above, this maxi dress from the same firm is ideal for travel as it can be worn by day or night. With a few well-chosen accessories, it’s smart enough for evening. Yet the lightweight fabric also makes it a great daywear choice too.

This dress offers sun protection factor 50 and is effective at wicking away moisture. It comes in solid black, or four different patterns featuring orange, yellow and various shades of blue. Ideal for summery weather, this quick-drying dress even includes a hidden pocket for keeping important items safe.

• Maxi dress ideal for summer
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric
• Hidden zipped pocket
• Front slit may blow open when windy

Click here to see the Toad & Co Sunkissed maxi dress for women

Boston Proper wrinkle-resistant double-breasted jacket

If you want to wear something more tailored in the evenings or do a lot of traveling for business, this double breasted women’s jacket from Boston Proper is a suitcase essential. Unlike most work or evening wear jackets, this one is wrinkle resistant and easy to pack. In fact it forms part of the brand’s clothing collection, so it’s made for precisely this purpose.

The fluid yet tailored shape flatters any figure, and the double breasted style makes it more distinctive than than average jacket. 6% Spandex

• Wrinkle resistant travel jacket
• Stretch fabric for comfort
• Figure flattering shape
• Hand wash only

Click here to view this double breasted travel jacket for women

The Best Women’s Clothes for Travel on Long Flights

When considering the best womens clothes for travel, don’t forget about the very first (and last) part of your journey. The flight. Keeping warm or cool enough while flying can be a challenge. The best clothing for travel by plane is also fairly loose or stretchy, as most people tend to swell a little due to cabin pressure.

Don’t forget that you might also remove layers when in the air or upon arrival, so lightweight clothes for travel are best as they can be carried more easily. The best women’s travel clothing is also wrinkle free, as you’ll look tidier throughout the flight and when you get to the arrival airport.

Here are some suggestions regarding the ideal travel clothing for women who are taking a flight.

The Infinite compression socks

A pair of decent compression socks is an in-flight essential. They help to encourage healthy circulation, which in turn can prevent blood clots from forming due to immobility and cabin pressure.

Whether you’re seeking the best women’s travel clothes for Europe, Canada and the US or indeed any other part of the world, you really should pack a pair of these in your carry-on. Unless you’re very flexible, it’s also wise to put them on before boarding, as there’s never much room for manoeuvre inside the cabin!

As well as for travel, these compression socks can be worn for exercise or when recovering from surgery or illness. They’re available in five sizes, and the site has a handy sizing guide to help you choose.

• Compression, recovery or exercise socks
• 5 sizes available
• Encourages healthy circulation
• Unsightly if not concealed by clothing

Click here to see the Infinite in-flight compression socks

Boston Proper boyfriend travel blazer

If you want the best travel clothing for women’s business trips, this boyfriend style blazer is another top option from Boston Proper. This one is a single breasted style with a single button fastening. It comes in bright as well as more formal shades, so it’s ideal for dressing up an outfit for evening. Such as one of the dresses detailed above.

This is also a good pick for anyone who wants women’s travel clothing that’s wrinkle-free, as the fabric is designed to resist creasing. Again this is part of the Boston Proper Beyond Travel range, and the material was specially developed to help create the best women’s travel clothes possible.

It you want to look sharp and stylish when you travel, one of these jackets is a great investment.

• Single breasted jacket with 1 button
• Specifically designed for traveling
• Wrinkle-free, machine washable fabric
• A little longer than some would like

Click here to view this Boston Proper travel blazer

ExOfficio Give-N-Go bikini brief

This bikini brief is a travel must-have. While underwear may not be the first thing you think of when choosing the best clothes for travel, it’s certainly an essential item. With 6% lycra and made from lightweight mesh, they’re ideal for keeping comfortable on long flights – as well as when hiking, exploring or playing sport.

There are a dozen colors to choose from, and the underwear is treated with a an anti-bacterial agent to keep it smelling fresh for as long as possible. The fabric is also fully breathable, and is also capable of wicking away moisture to keep you dry.

These briefs stretch to fit perfectly at the waist, and are quick-drying too. This means you may get away with packing less, as they can be machine washed and dried in no time.

• Quick-drying, breathable fabric
• Stretch to fit comfortably
• Anti-bacterial to reduce odor
• One pair supplied only

Click here to see this travel underwear for women

All-in-one Infinity scarf, blanket and wrap with hidden pockets

This Infinity item is nothing short of amazing – surely the perfect travel accessory for any long flight. It has zipped pockets, plus poppers at each end so you can wear it as you wish. It’s a travel blanket, wrap and scarf – all in one great value product. There is a hanging loop too, so you can keep it within easy reach.

Purchasers can choose between black and gray. When you’re out exploring a new destination, you can keep all your valuables and documents safely stored and well concealed within the hidden, zipped pockets.

This wrap, scarf and blanket in one even comes with a reimbursement insurance to cover you in the event of theft, as well as two ‘Return Me’ lost and found tags to stick to your most important possessions.

• Travel wrap, scarf and blanket in one
• Hidden pockets with zips
• Customizable to wear as you wish
• Not ideal for hotter places

Click here to view this customizable travel scarf, wrap and blanket

Which travel clothing for women will you wear?

We really hope this guide has helped you out when trying to find the right garments to pack for your next trip. Whether you need layering clothes for winter or lightweight summer wear, all these products come highly recommended – and are chosen based on years of travel experience.

As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active. 

Further, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.

Enjoy this article? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Please share this article with the red- and blue-colored social media buttons.

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Travel Gear

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., 18 things you should always wear on a plane.

The 10 Travel T-Shirts You Need in Your Suitcase

The 8 Best Father’s Day Gifts for Travelers

The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Your Tropical Vacation

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Travelers

The Best Travel Pants for Men and Women

The 10 Best Gym Bags That Double As Carry-Ons

6 Things Not to Wear in the Airport Security Line

No Signal? 5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data

10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 6 Pounds

The Best Carry-On Luggage 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Travel Editors

How to Make Your Home Smell Like a Hotel

The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise

Best Luggage Trackers

The 7 Best Walking Boots for Travel

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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TRAVEL CLOTHING

Want the best travel clothing for women? From stylish travel pants to convertible dresses and winter coats to summer shorts, we have dozens of articles featuring the best womens travel clothes. Plan the perfect travel wardrobe with our packing tips! And don’t forget to  download your free printable packing checklist!

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Ultimate Guide To the Best Travel Dresses for Summer

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10 Best Travel Dresses for Europe – Perfect for Paris!

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Stylish maxis to convertible travel dresses and ways to use your favorite sundresses in the winter.

From travel pants to the best leggings, we have dozens of articles featuring the best womens travel pants.

Blazers to cardigans, the best leather jackets to down jackets, we got you covered.

Want the best travel clothing for women? Read these top picks:   best travel pants for women , best leggings , and convertible travel dresses . Struggling with the perfect travel wardrobe? Download our free ebook: Travel Wardrobe Essentials !

"Best Overall Jeans For Travel."

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Travel With Confidence.

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Men's best sellers, "best travel pants for women", women's best sellers.

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"I only EVER fly in Aviator jeans."

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12 Travel Garment Bags to Look Good Everywhere

Be wrinkle-free everywhere you go

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

But choosing the best travel garment bag for your needs can be a challenge. There are a lot of options on the market, so we asked an expert about how to find the right one. According to Tumi creative director Victor Sanz, “Your garment bag should be sturdy, functional, and sleek. If you’re frequently traveling by plane, a garment bag that folds to fit carry-on requirements is essential.” He adds, “You want to find the size that will fit all your clothes without having to overfold them and will allow you to reach your destination in style.”

Best Quilted Garment Bag

Mz wallace michael garment bag.

Best Luxury Garment Bag

Tumi alpha garment bag trifold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Timeless Garment Bag

Longchamp boxford garment bag.

Best Packable Garment Bag

Calpak packable garment bag.

Best Affordable Garment Bag

Amazon basics premium garment bag.

Best Durable Garment Bag

Hartmann metropolitan two-garment sleeve.

Best Personalized Garment Bag

Mark & graham commuter 2-in-1 garment bag.

Best Expandable Garment Bag

Samsonite ascella 3.0 softside expandable luggage.

Best Water-Resistant Garment Bag

Stitch ultimate garment bag.

It’s also important to consider bonus features, like pockets and organizational compartments, and, as Sanz notes, “A crucial function is to ensure that you’re able to hang your garment bag when you arrive at your destination, so that you can prepare your outfits as easily as possible and to ensure that all your clothes are crisp.” Keeping all this in mind, we found the 12 best travel garment bags out there today. Once you start using one of these, you’re never going to go back.

MZ Wallace’s signature quilting isn’t limited to the brand’s totes, appearing here in garment bag form. The thin design is extremely lightweight, ideal for quick trips when you need to bring one to three outfits. There is even an exterior pocket for bonus storage.

Dimensions: 22" × 3" × 39"

Materials: Oxford, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I have been interested in a MZ Wallace garment bag for a while. It is perfect! Just right proportions and size. Thoughtful design and construction details.”

Tumi always delivers premium luggage that will last you over a decade, and this garment bag is no exception. Sanz says: “It’s foldable, with a sturdy handle for easy carrying, making it convenient and compact for every type of travel. I also love that it has several zipper pockets, so I can pack my toiletries and other travel essentials all in one bag. When I arrive at my destination, I hang it in the closet and I know that I will be ready to go.”

Dimensions: 15" x 22" x 6"

Materials: Ballistic nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This bag stores so much for a carry on. I was able to comfortably fit 2 suits and more for a destination wedding!”

This duffel has been receiving high praise ever since its release. A few of the reasons it’s so popular: The duffel is carry-on friendly, water-resistant, and has interior and exterior pockets. And those are only a few of its distinguishing features. Choose an original or compact size for the style that suits your needs.

Dimensions: 22" x 12" x 12"

Materials: Polyester

What reviewers are saying: “The Garment Duffel is a great purchase, especially for anyone in an industry that takes short frequent trips. I was actually able fit quite a bit more clothes than I had anticipated. Took the bag to work and my company bought 20 of them to give to customers. Great purchase.”

Longchamp’s iconic nylon and leather trim takes on a garment bag silhouette. The two-tone design exudes sophistication, with practical touches like a top carry handle, built-in hanger, and front zip pocket.

Dimensions: 23.25" x 41.25"

Materials: Nylon, leather

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who travels a lot and needed a nice garment bag particularly for his suits. This bag is perfect! It fits his suit as well as a few extra shirts. The fabric is an amazing, durable quality, and the leather details make this product look incredible.”

This garment bag is actually designed to fit inside of your carry-on, rather than serving as a stand-alone piece. The water-resistant exterior protects against spills, and exterior zip pockets hold small accessories. It gets the job done, while taking up the least possible amount of space.

Dimensions: 40" x 19"

What reviewers are saying: “I use this bag when I need to workout at work. I go from a suit to athleticwear in minutes.”

Looking for an affordable option that is available ASAP? Amazon’s garment bag holds up to three suits or dresses and boasts multiple zipper compartments.

Dimensions: 40" x 4" x 20.5"

What reviewers are saying: “I bought this bag in 2019 and it has held up incredibly well since then, performs all functions advertised at a great price value. I have taken it on many flights, buses and train rides and have never had an issue with fitting it in the overhead bin on both longer-haul flights and short budget-airline carriers.”

Hartmann’s garment bag adds contemporary touches to an otherwise traditional design. The result? A chic, useful travel accessory that will stand the test of time. The padded shoulder strap and multiple interior pockets enhance the convenience of this style.

Materials: Nylon

What reviewers are saying: “Hartmann was an anniversary gift from my work place, and I am still proud to own it 35 years later.”

Mark & Graham Commuter 2-in-1 Garment Bag

Another convertible duffel, but this time with a personalized touch. That’s right—Mark & Graham lets you monogram your duffel. With a plethora of zippered and snap interior and exterior pockets, this bag gets creative with its storage solutions.

Dimensions: 22" x 10" x 10"

This spinner-style garment bag makes navigating a chaotic airport easy. The ergonomic design has expandable capabilities, as well as various compartments, a hanger bracket, and a pocket for liquids.

Dimensions: 20.5" x 24" x 9.5"

What reviewers are saying: “It’s easy to maneuver and overall great quality and very neat design (many compartments and zippered areas).”

For golfers and non-golfers alike, Stitch makes a duffel that is water- and stain-resistant, and includes a hanger hook, shoulder strap, elastic shoe pockets, and webbed handles. You can even get it customized with your initials.

Dimensions: 22.5" x 11.5" x 12"

What reviewers are saying: “Love it! Fits into the airplane overhead bin, no trouble bringing it along as a carry-on bag. Very sturdy, zippers are tough enough. Shoulder strap is removable. My suit arrived in top shape using this garment bag. Highly recommended.”

Ralph Lauren Leather-Trim Hybrid Garment Duffel

Ralph Lauren’s duffel design is the epitome of understated elegance. An accompanying shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around.

Dimensions: 15" x 21.5" x 9"

Materials: Polyester, leather

Gucci Savoy Garment Bag

Embrace the bold luxury aesthetic with a Gucci bag covered in the house’s monogram. Containing a big compartment with a hanger and two zip pockets, this garment bag will hold all your essentials.

Dimensions: 21.5" x 16.1" x 6.7"

Materials: Canvas, leather, cotton

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

Gaby Keiderling is a freelance writer, working on fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports features.

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9 Best Photo Book Maker Websites

Print your favorite photos and don't let them go to waste.

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.

Best Overall Photo Book Maker

Shutterfly photo books.

Best Value Custom Photo Book Maker

Walmart photo custom photo books.

Most Aesthetic Photo Book Maker

Artifact uprising photo books.

Best Themed Photo Book Maker

Mixbook photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Beginners

Printique photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Amazon Prime Members

Amazon prints.

Best Photo Book Maker for Young Kids

Pinhole press photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Google Photos Users

Google photo books.

Best Photo Book Maker for Families

Chatbooks custom photo books & albums.

The product analysts and experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab continuously test everything from photo book maker websites to the best wedding photo albums , printers and much more. When making our selections, we reviewed each product for factors like ease of use and intuitiveness of the website and app, if applicable, photo quality, speed of delivery and extra features like templates, cover options and style. These are the best photo book maker websites of 2024, according to our pros.

Shutterfly offers basic photo books at an affordable price. You can choose from a wide selection of themes, like birthday, travel or wedding, or neutral styles , such as modern or rustic. You can also create your own book and choose the book size, cover style and page style, then embellish it with Shutterfly's extensive library of stickers and ribbons to make your book extra special. We appreciate how easily users can edit within their chosen template and the brand's high-quality photo book paper, making Shutterfly a top pick.

You can also opt for one of its 6" x 6" Instant Books , which let you add photos from your phone, tablet or computer in minutes. These mini photo books have only 20 pages, but they're a great place to store goofy candids or Instagram posts you never want to forget. The possibilities are essentially limitless, though the vast array of options could be overwhelming for those getting started.

If you don't want the pressure of deciding on a layout, the brand offers a convenient Make My Book option, in which Shutterfly's professional designers curate your photos and design the book for free. Plus, you'll still have the opportunity to put finishing touches on it before it gets printed. Whether you opt for 50 or 800 photos (the maximum), you'll receive an email notification within 24 hours that your book is complete.

Crunched for time? Design your photo book online and pick up select styles at a Walmart store near you in as little as one hour. Photo books picked up in one hour can have 15 single-sided pages and a linen cover, while same-day pickups (ready in a few hours) can have up to 20 double-sided pages and the option of a hardcover.

On top of the speedy turnaround, Walmart has a great selection of styles : You can choose everything from the photo size and layout to the type of cover, including hardcover glossy or matte, linen, leather and lay-flat glossy or matte. If you need help narrowing down the choices, there's also the option to shop by occasion, whether you're looking for a one-year anniversary or 15th-year anniversary gift .

Despite the fast shipping and variety, our expert tester, Rachel Rothman , former chief technologist and executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, did note that the quality is not as high as the options offered by other photo book makers on this list — but that may be expected considering the bargain price tag. Regardless, these photo books still make a superb present that can cost under $10 without compromising on sentimentality.

No matter the occasion, you can't go wrong with one of Artifact Uprising's high-quality photo books. There are numerous design options, including preset books to celebrate the birth of a new baby or commemorating a marriage. You can choose from lay-flat albums, books with photo strips and even softcover Instagram Friendly Books for the influencer in your life. The company even has an iPhone app that lets you create a photo book right from your smartphone. However, Rothman found the app to be glitchy at times and noted there's room for improvement with the software. Still, the books come out on top for elegance and simplicity .

One online reviewer wrote, "The fabric cover is beautiful. The photos are amazing quality and look amazing even though the photos were taken on film and therefore are a bit grainy." The overall 4.6-star rating (out of 5) backs up that review. Quality and elevated designs come with a higher price tag, but there are options for $20 or less if you're shopping on a budget.

If you have a special project and a little more money to spend, Artifact Uprising offers Design Services , which allow you to work one-on-one with an expert to bring your special moments to life. Just note that the design fee is rather steep at $119 and requires an additional $100 album deposit.

When Mixbook says it has "custom photo books for every occasion," it really means it. There are 374 different themed templates to choose from, including everything f rom travel and sports to weddings and recipes. But that doesn't mean you have to give up creative control. You can still customize the look to your liking, from fun backgrounds to stickers to text using the Editor tool. Plus, there are plenty of paper varieties, from semigloss to ultra-thick matte.

Rothman appreciated the nice balance between good photo editing and price, but she did experience issues with the lay-flat option, in which the photos bled into the crease. You can also use the iPhone app to organize your photos with a tool that the brand calls "Automagic": Simply choose the images you want and select a theme. The goal of Automagic is to help arrange your camera roll so your photos are in order when it comes time to add them to your photo book.

If you're not sure where to start, our pros love Printique because it's super easy to use. You can select one of the many predesigned layouts or create an entire photo book from scratch. Choose among portrait, landscape and square orientations, as well as hardcover and softcover options. You can even store your memories in a genuine leather or vegan leather book or pick from five different fabric colors. Although you can't choose the color for a hard- or softcover photo book, you can still customize the shape, size and paper type.

Looking for something more advanced? There'sa tool for professional photographers to design and create their own photo books. But if you want to keep things simple, consider starting with one of Printique's 4" x 4" Mini Softcover photo books , which have a maximum of 40 pages and come in three sizes.

Is Amazon Photos already your preferred destination for uploading photos? Then creating a photo book through its interface is an easy solution. Similar to other photo book makers, you can create by occasion and size, or choose its 8" x 8" Premium Photo Book for a versatile option that has a laminated cover and lay-flat binding. There's also an option with standard binding at a lower cost, and all Amazon Prime members get free shipping . (Everyone else is eligible for free shipping with a minimum order of $15.)

In addition to photo books, you can shop large prints, calendars, cards and metal tabletops. There are fewer size and style options than most services when it comes to photo books, but the other photo product choices make up for the lack of available styles. After all, sometimes it's easier and quicker to have fewer options to choose from if you need to pull something together by a certain date, like a last-minute gift for your boyfriend .

RELATED: 37 Best Personalized Gifts You Can Find on Amazon

With Pinhole Press, you can choose from various photo book styles ranging from board pages to softcovers to accordion-style setups. Upload your photos and let the system do the work, or manually place the photos into the layout yourself. Rothman says her kids love the Custom Board Books , which have themes such as " Count With Me ," " Healthy Habits " and " I Can Be Anything ." These photo books aren't just visually stimulating, but they can also educate and entertain kids for years to come .

"I got my daughter the ' My First Photo Book ' as a toddler and made it all about her — like pictures with family, doing things she likes, her favorite toys, at the playground and beach, etc. — and she still is obsessed with it," says Lexie Sachs , executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Rothman also notes the custom Photo Puzzle is a fun option for kids, and the Itty Bitty Books are easy to tote around in a work bag for on-hand entertainment. There's less variety in some categories, including Itty Bitty and hardcover books, but with so many additional photo categories other companies lack, there are still plenty of great options for kids.

RELATED: 12 Best Personalized Books for Kids

If you store your snaps in Google Photos, then Google's very own photo book maker might be the most convenient option for you. Even though there are no fancy designs, the process is seamless. Choose from two options: a 7" x 7" softcover photo book or a 9" x 9" hardcover photo book. You can include between 20 and 140 pages, and you have the option to add a spine title if you hit more than 48 pages for a softcover or any number of pages for a hardcover.

Another hallmark of Google Photos is that you can make one photo book and order multiple copies to give to family members and friends who are also pictured in the photos. Since they come at an affordable price point, you could give everyone on your gift list a copy, whether you decide to create a collection of candid photos for your closest friends or a tangible memento of a fun family trip. Though there may not be as many designs and styles to choose from, that can make the customization process less daunting.

RELATED: 50 Trendy and Most Popular Gifts of 2023

Chatbooks Custom Photo Books & Albums

"Set and forget it," Rothman says about the ease of using Chatbooks, which markets itself as "ridiculously easy." You can upload images from Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox, Facebook or your computer and edit them on your desktop or via the app . The service's Custom Photo Books & Albums option is great for families looking to personalize a family vacation , as you can choose colors, layouts, cover styles, collages, captions and more. Peruse its vast collection of more than 300 unique book covers, or shop the premium lay-flat and special occasion photo books.

You can also have fun with the Instagram and Facebook series — a 6" x 6" or 8" x 8" book with 60 pages — that lets you store your favorite social media posts in a tangible place to look back on for years to come.

Unique to Chatbooks is its subscription service, which allows you to receive a softcover, hardcover or mini photo book each month. If you and your family love taking photographs of walks in the park, weekend road trips or vacations, this service is ideal for getting your photos in your hands ASAP. One thing to note about the subscription option is that there are only two sizes available (5" x 7" and the monthly mini).

How we choose the best photo book makers

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our pros in the Media & Tech Lab have been testing photo book makers for more than a decade . For this article, we referenced a robust test of photo book makers completed in 2009, examined updates to apps and ordered new products to test in 2023.

When choosing the best photo book makers, our Lab experts consider ease of use, performance and appearance . That means our pros take an in-depth look at a wide range of features, such as how easy it is to navigate the interface and add photos and text to the book; upload and delivery time; the number of styles, covers and templates offered; and the photo, paper and binding quality.

What to look for when shopping for the best custom photo book maker

Keep the following features in mind when choosing the right photo book maker website for your needs:

✔️ Size: Whether you're looking for a small photo book for kids or a much larger album to house snapshots from a long family vacation, there are regular, large and miniature photo book sizes available. It's best to think about how many photos you want to include and where you plan to store the album (i.e., will the book be too tall for your bookshelf or just right on top of your coffee table?).

✔️ Shape: Most photo books are rectangular or square in shape, but some companies also offer photo puzzles, calendars and tabletops to choose from too. The shape is really about aesthetic preference and the orientation you prefer for your photos.

✔️ Page count: Are you compiling 20 photos from your daughter's first-birthday party? Or are you putting together an anniversary album of pictures of you and your partner throughout the years? The number of pages determines the number of photos you can include in an album, so you have enough space to include everything.

✔️ Paper quality: This is probably a no-brainer, as the quality of material your photos are printed on is as important as the quality of the photos themselves. Although companies with higher-quality paper, like Artifact Uprising , may have a higher price tag, the extra money goes toward paper that won't lead to photos bleeding into the crease. But there are still services that are affordable and offer good-quality products, like our best value pick, Walmart Photo .

✔️ Binding quality: Some companies, like Google Photos , will add a binding to your photo album. This feature is especially important when considering the durability and longevity of your photo album. Whether it's a softcover, hardcover or lay-flat book, make sure the binding can withstand accidental drops and the wear and tear of passing the family album around at holiday parties.

✔️ Templates: If your photo album will have a certain theme or be centered around a specific occasion — or it's your first time using a photo book maker — choosing a service that has a variety of templates to choose from will let your creativity flow and also help you warm up to the design process.

✔️ Editing capabilities: When looking at beginner-level or more advanced designer tools, consider how robust or simple they are to use. Having lots of control over the interface is fun, but if you're looking for a more straightforward experience, opt for a service that does the majority of the decision-making for you or offers designer help, like Shutterfly .

What is the easiest way to make a custom photo book?

" It really depends upon the service and your preference ," Rothman says. Although some online custom photo book makers also have an app, it can have limited functionality, be buggy or not as easy to use as the desktop equivalent. "Often, an app makes it super simple to upload pictures from your phone (a major plus!) but doesn't allow as much flexibility for product assortment or editing once you've selected." That said, designing a photo book on your smartphone or tablet versus a desktop may come down to how many edits you intend to make .

"If you plan to do a lot of editing, the non-app version on a larger screen would likely be your best choice. If you want to quickly make a book with limited changes, an app on your mobile device may be the way to go," Rothman explains.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she ensures product reviews reflect accurate information. Prior to this role, she was an editorial assistant at Woman's Day , where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes.

To update this article, Elizabeth collaborated with former Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman to gather testing notes regarding current picks. Rachel, who has tested several of the best photo book makers on this list, has more than 15 years of experience evaluating thousands of products, including toys and cars for Good Housekeeping’s annual Best Toy Awards and Best New Family Cars programs.

Amina Lake Abdelrahman is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Institute Lab experts' product testing and analysis.

Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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Amazon Added Hundreds of New Travel Products Ahead of October Prime Day — Shop the 14 Best Finds

Prices start at $29 for luggage, travel accessories, comfy apparel, and more from top-rated brands.

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Whether your fall travel plans involve hiking, wine tasting, destination weddings, or even just a spontaneous weekend in your favorite city, Amazon has become a one-stop shop for everything that you could possibly need. And, the retailer is constantly updating its virtual shelves with new travel products to make your next trip a breeze. 

But this month, Amazon just dropped hundreds of new releases that we are already obsessed with, like these pillowy soft and trendy platform sneakers by Dream Pairs or this stylish-yet-durable Briggs & Riley crossbody bag . You can also find the new noise-canceling Beats Studio Buds+ Headphones , which can tune out all of the noisy distractions of the airport and fully immerse you in your music with surround sound-like spatial audio. Prices start at $29 for these travel-friendly gems, and some of them are on sale ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event , which takes place on Tuesday, October 10 through Wednesday, October 11. 

Whether you need a luggage refresh or you’re on the hunt for comfy shoes that you can wear all day without killing your feet, we wanted to give you a head-start by putting together a list of the latest products from some of our favorite brands. Keep shopping to explore the best travel accessories, gear, and apparel that were just added to Amazon's virtual shelves. And don't miss out on these early October Prime Day savings. 

Briggs & Riley HTA Crossbody Bag

This Briggs & Riley crossbody bag comes in a timeless design that’s made from ballistic nylon fabric and durable YKK RC zippers, making it a wear-resistant pick that will look just as good in ten years as it does today. The front compartment has tons of pockets, including an RFID-blocking one to keep your things organized and protected. The tech compartment is roomy enough for an 11-inch tablet and the hidden back pocket has just enough space for your phone, passport, and other essentials. 

If you need a crossbody bag that’s just as functional but maybe a little easier on your bank account, check out The North Face Jester Crossbody Pack , another new arrival that will be a welcomed addition to any travel wardrobe. At $33, it’s a fraction of the price, but still features tons of pockets and is made with durable construction to keep your valuables safe and secure as you race through the airport. 

Soda Hopper Women's Chelsea Ankle Boots

Complete your fall travel look with the Soda Hopper Chelsea Ankle Boots that just hit Amazon this month. The chunky heels and vegan leather uppers make for stylishly sleek boots that will look perfect with your fall dresses, cozy leggings, or comfy cargo pants. The synthetic rubber outsoles have deep treads for great traction, so you can walk with confidence on those rain-soaked cobblestone streets in Europe.  

The boots come in either black vegan leather or a camel imitation suede — and both are priced at just $29, so we wouldn’t judge you if you wanted to get both. 

Tripped 7-Piece Packing Cube Set

Fall travel means packing plenty of layers so you’re prepared for any amount of sun, rain, and wind — or all of the above — in the span of a single trip. This seven-piece set of Tripped compression packing cubes will make sure that you can squeeze everything that you need into your luggage and still have room for a couple of souvenirs on your way back. 

The nylon cubes come in assorted sizes and are ideal for storing shoes or dirty clothes to keep them separate from the rest of your things. They’re also great for minimizing the space taken up by bulky items like sweaters, coats, or puffy jackets. Just put your bigger things in the cubes, press down to push out the air, and close the zipper to keep it compressed. 

Amazon also just launched the EpicTotes 8-Piece Packing Cube Set , which helps free up luggage space at a wallet-friendlier price tag of $16. 

Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Cube

The Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe Charging Cube is compact enough to fit in your hand, yet powerful enough to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time. The foldable charger can even act as a mount for your phone so you can watch videos or FaceTime while it’s charging. As a bonus, the compact charger uses a USB-C cable to connect to a charging base, which means that if you lose the cable or leave it at the hotel, you can borrow one without worrying about finding someone with an iPhone charger. 

For a more affordable alternative, try this Waitiee 3-in-1 Wireless Charger . It’s not quite as compact but it can still charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time — and you can get it for just $30 while it’s on sale ahead of Amazon's October Prime Day. 

Dokotoo Women's Cargo Pants

For a comfy and breathable pair of pants that you can wear all day, check out these newly dropped Dokotoo Cargo Pants. The fabric is 98 percent cotton and two percent elastane, so they’re super breathable with just enough stretch to let you move without restrictions.  

This makes the relaxed-fitting cargo pants incredibly comfortable to wear on long travel days, as well as on any outdoor adventure. Plus, you can choose from six stylish colors, including traditional khaki brown, black, green, blue, red, and apricot. 

Beats Studio Buds+ Headphones 

Whether you’re at a busy airport or on a long-haul flight, there’s nothing like a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to tune out your noisy surroundings and tune into your favorite music. With these new Beats Studio Buds+ earbuds, you get powerful active noise-canceling technology to do just that — and up to 36 hours of battery life to ensure it lasts for your entire flight. The latest earbuds also feature a two-layer transducer to deliver richer bass and minimize distortion as well as surround sound-level spatial audio technology. So you can completely immerse yourself in your movie or music no matter how noisy your fellow passengers are. 

If you want to upgrade your earbuds to something with crisper sound and less distortion without the triple digit Beats price tag, try the Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds . The 10 millimeter drivers are large enough to deliver surprisingly big bass sound and the 22 equalizer settings in the app let you fully customize the audio to your favorite genres. And right now, you can get a pair on sale for just $30. 

Bric’s B|Y Ulisse 28-Inch Expandable Spinner Checked Luggage

The new B|Y Ulisse expandable spinner by Bric’s features a durable hardshell exterior and recessed double spinner wheels to glide effortlessly through the airport. Inside, you get two roomy compartments separated by a zippered divider, and there’s even a built-in laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes separate while you travel. The sturdy and spacious checked bag comes in seven different colors, including some eye-catching options like mango yellow-orange or electric blue that will be super easy to spot on the carousel when you’re waiting at baggage claim. 

For a similarly durable and roomy checked bag at a more budget-friendly price, check out this Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner . It’s priced at just $82 for the 28-inch size and also features a hardshell exterior and double spinner wheels. You can even find it in easy-to-spot colors like green or pink.

Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Tote

This Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Tote is big enough to be your weekender bag and lightweight enough to be a carry-on for longer trips. The two carry straps are long enough to slip over your shoulder, but you also have the option to use the luggage sleeve to keep it on top of your suitcase handle. The roomy interior can fit all of your in-flight essentials and comes with a removable zipper pouch that’s perfect for stashing chargers, cables, and other small, easy-to-lose items. And when you’re using this tote as a weekender bag, that pouch can also double as your toiletry bag. 

The North Face also launched a new tote at Amazon this month that’s roomy enough to double as a weekender bag. At $65, it’s less than half the price of the new Tumi tote, which makes it the perfect pick for travelers who would prefer a more budget-friendly upgrade.  

Baleaf Women's Water-Resistant Fleece Leggings

No fall wardrobe is complete without at least one pair of cozy, fleece-lined leggings like this pair from Baleaf that just hit Amazon's shelves. The exterior is water-resistant and stretchy while the interior is lined with pill-resistant fleece, so you can stay warm and dry whether you’re hiking out to see the fall foliage, camping in the mountains, or taking a walking tour through a new city. 

The leggings are also a versatile base layer that can be incorporated into tons of different outfits. They’re thick enough to wear on their own as pants, but fitted enough to wear under a dress or jeans, giving you plenty of warm styling options on your next trip. 

Baleaf Men's Puffer Vest

As the weather transitions from hot to cold, this new Baleaf Puffer Vest is the perfect layer to add some warmth without overheating. The lightweight vest is filled with dupont sorona fiber, a plant-based alternative to down or polyester filler that’s water-resistant and holds its shape better. The vest also features stretchy, breathable side panels and a water-resistant outer shell, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable with just enough airflow to avoid overheating. 

Make sure to grab one while it's on sale for $40. It's available in four colors and will make a great gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your holiday shopping list. 

Skechers Men's Craster-Lanigan Slip-In Moccasins

The new Craster-Lanigan moccasins by Skechers are stylish slip-on shoes with air-cooled memory foam insoles, pillowy heel cushions, and dapper leather uppers. The anti-slip Goodyear rubber outsoles offer high traction while the brand's Goga Mat arches add extra support. So they’re stylish, supportive, and comfortable enough to wear all day long. Travelers will especially love the gore panels on the back that allow you to slip these shoes on and off without using your hands. That feature will make getting through security at the airport a breeze. 

We also spotted the Spesoul Cozy House Slippers on the Amazon new arrivals list. These unisex slippers feature grippy rubber soles and snuggly shearling uppers for all-around comfy wearing. And, they're only $19. 

Dream Pairs Women's Platform Knit Sneakers

These chunky platform sneakers by Dream Pairs will add instant cool-girl flair to all of your casual fall looks, and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort to do it. The textured uppers are lightweight and breathable while the durable outsoles provide great traction and stabilization. Inside, your feet will be supported with cushioned insoles that hug your arches to keep your feet comfortable. 

Choose from three stylish and versatile colorways, or grab a couple of pairs if you can’t decide. After all, these trendy and comfy sneakers only cost $37. And, they're already earning rave reviews from Amazon shoppers. One wrote , "These sneakers hit the sweet spot for lightweight wearability, style, and stability. Cushioned insoles with slight arch support make walking in them feel effortless."

Merrell Women's Siren 4 Thermo Hiking Boots

Merrell is one of the most trusted brands for outdoor gear, so it’s no surprise that these new hiking boots boast an impressive, thoughtfully-designed construction. Lightweight insulation keeps your feet warm without adding too much bulk and the removable footbed is easy to wash and odor-resistant. Their waterproof membranes block moisture from getting in, but still allow any moisture from inside the boots to escape. Then, you get even more protection from the elements with the large tongues and the thick, well-tractioned rubber outsoles, which work together to keep debris out.

And if you’re wearing them to the airport to save room in your luggage, you’ll appreciate the zipper closure on the side that lets you easily slip in and out of these boots without having to fuss with laces. 

For those seeking a more affordable hiking boot upgrade, check out the Newton Ridge Boots from Columbia. They’re currently on sale for $80 (originally $100) and also offer dependable traction and great support. Plus, the waterproof uppers are balanced out by breathable tongues to prevent your feet from getting too sweaty as you hike.

Lands’ End Women's Insulated Jacket

Stay dry and warm without feeling weighed down in this new insulated jacket from Lands’ End. The versatile jacket has a lightweight lining that’s perfect for keeping you toasty by itself through fall, but it's still thin enough to layer under a heavier coat come winter. It also features a water-resistant shell and an internal storm flap to keep rain and sleet out. Shoppers can choose from five elegant colors: soft tea rose pink, deep sea navy, forest moss green, rich red, and classic black.

Amazon also has a great insulated jacket from Columbia that’s on deep discount right now. The Copper Crest Hooded Jacket is up to 40 percent off ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days event. The plush fleece lining keeps you cozy while the quilted taffeta shell protects you from the wind and rain. 

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