Packing efficiently is crucial for a smooth travel experience. A well-packed bag means carrying only what you truly need, maximizing your freedom and flexibility, especially when travel plans change unexpectedly. While carry-on only travel isn’t always practical for longer trips or events requiring specific attire, for most journeys, packing light and smart is the way to go. To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled a guide to the Best Travel Accessories, focusing on carry-on backpacks, rolling bags, personal items, and essential luggage accessories.
Carry-on Backpacks: Top Travel Accessories for Hands-Free Mobility
For travelers prioritizing mobility and convenience, a carry-on backpack is an indispensable travel accessory. These backpacks offer hands-free movement, essential for navigating airports and busy streets.
Top Pick: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L – Your Versatile Travel Companion
A person standing outside in a light blue short sleeve shirt wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, in black with a gray llama-head logo and aqua accents.
A traveler wearing the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack, a top-rated travel accessory known for its versatility and comfort.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L stands out as a top travel accessory for its blend of size, organization, and durability. Its clamshell design simplifies packing, allowing you to organize your belongings efficiently. Whether you prefer to carry it as a backpack or by its grab handles, the Allpa 35L adapts to your needs. Ideal for weekend getaways or week-long adventures, this backpack is a versatile travel accessory for any journey.
Buying Options:
- $180 from REI
- Buy from Amazon
Premium Pick: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – Customizable for Gear-Intensive Trips
A tester from behind, wearing the uniformly black, sporty Peak Design bag
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, a customizable travel accessory, shown being worn by a tester. Its modular design caters to photographers and tech enthusiasts.
For longer trips or travelers carrying sensitive equipment, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a superior travel accessory. Originally designed for photographers, its customizable compartments and expandable design make it a favorite among various travelers. The bag adapts seamlessly to different packing volumes, maintaining a sleek appearance whether packed to its 45-liter capacity or compressed to a 30-liter daypack size. While accessory cubes are sold separately, they enhance the bag’s organization, making it an ideal travel accessory for those with specific gear needs.
Buying Options:
- $300 from REI
- $300 from Amazon
After extensive testing of 22 bags, these two backpacks emerged as top-tier travel accessories for carry-on travel. The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L excels in general versatility, while the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offers superior customization, particularly for those carrying photography equipment or tech gear. Both prioritize comfort, durability, and efficient organization, key attributes of the best travel accessories.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is particularly well-suited for lighter packers or shorter trips. Its user-friendly clamshell design and adjustable straps cater to a wide range of travelers, including those who find typical backpacks bulky. The inclusion of handles on all sides enhances its usability, while its robust construction, featuring waterproof and durable materials, ensures longevity. The latest version includes a convenient handle pass-through and a water-bottle pocket, further solidifying its position as a top travel accessory.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, on the other hand, is a highly adaptable travel accessory. Its expansion and compression features, along with optional packing cubes, make it incredibly versatile. Access to the bag’s contents is readily available through multiple openings, including back, front, and side panels. While the bag’s complexity and optional accessories increase its price, its lifetime warranty and robust design justify the investment for frequent travelers needing a reliable and adaptable travel accessory.
Rolling Carry-on Luggage: Essential Travel Accessories for Effortless Transport
For travelers who prefer not to carry their luggage on their backs, rolling carry-on bags are essential travel accessories. They offer effortless transport through airports and hotels, reducing strain and fatigue.
Top Pick: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner – Balancing Features and Value
A person walking through an airport with the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on bag.
A traveler pulling the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner, recognized as a top travel accessory for its balance of features and value.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is a standout travel accessory, offering an optimal combination of size, value, reliability, and high-end features. Its smooth-rolling spinner wheels, robust telescoping handle, and durable nylon exterior ensure easy maneuverability and longevity. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this carry-on spinner is a reliable travel accessory for frequent flyers.
Buying Options:
- $365 from Amazon
- $365 from Travelpro
Since 2015, extensive research and testing have consistently highlighted the Travelpro Platinum Elite as a top recommendation for carry-on luggage. It balances features, durability, and price, making it an excellent travel accessory for most travelers.
Improvements in the Elite line include a more compact handle design, an additional exterior pocket for quick access, and a USB pass-through for on-the-go charging. Weighing only 7.8 pounds, it is also lighter than previous models, enhancing its appeal as a practical travel accessory.
Compared to other bags in its price range, the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers superior components and a comprehensive lifetime warranty, covering even airline damage. Registering the suitcase is straightforward, making it easy to benefit from this exceptional coverage, further solidifying its status as a top travel accessory.
Upgrade Pick: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner – For Frequent, High-Mileage Flyers
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The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner, a premium travel accessory favored by frequent flyers for its durability and expandable capacity.
For those who travel extensively, exceeding 25,000 miles annually, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a worthwhile investment. This premium travel accessory offers unique features, superior construction, and ample expandable space. Backed by a satisfaction guarantee, it’s designed to meet the rigorous demands of frequent travel.
Buying Options:
- $699 from Briggs & Riley
The Briggs & Riley Baseline stands out for its exceptional packing capacity, thanks to its cavernous interior and innovative expansion-compression system. This system allows for significant adjustments in volume, accommodating various packing needs.
Long-term testing, including over 150,000 miles traveled by Wirecutter’s founder, attests to its durability and reliability. While longer pants may require an extra fold due to its dimensions, the bag’s overall performance and capacity make it a top-tier travel accessory for frequent flyers.
Personal Items: Essential Travel Accessories for Underseat Convenience
Personal items are crucial travel accessories, fitting under airplane seats and providing easy access to essentials during flights. The right personal item bag enhances organization and convenience throughout your journey.
Top Pick: Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag – Tech Organization with Style
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The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag, a premium personal item travel accessory designed for tech organization and sophisticated style.
The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag excels as a personal item travel accessory, combining the functionality of a briefcase with the capacity of a small daypack. Its design prioritizes tech organization while offering enough space for a change of clothes, making it versatile for both business and leisure travel. Its stylish aesthetic ensures it’s appropriate for various settings, from airplanes to offices.
Buying Options:
- $389 from SF Bags
Alternative Pick: Monos Metro Duffel – A Stylish and Spacious Weekend-Bag Alternative
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The Monos Metro Duffel, a luxurious and spacious personal item travel accessory, offering a stylish alternative to traditional weekend bags.
If the Air Porter’s business-oriented style or price point isn’t ideal, the Monos Metro Duffel presents a compelling alternative. This luxurious shoulder bag offers detailed organization and travel-specific features. Its capacity rivals that of rolling carry-ons, making it a highly functional and stylish travel accessory for weekend trips and beyond.
Buying Options:
- $215 from Monos
Checked Luggage: Essential Travel Accessories for Longer Trips
When carry-on luggage isn’t sufficient, checked luggage becomes necessary. Choosing durable and reliable checked bags is crucial for longer trips or when traveling with specific gear.
Top Backpack Pick: Osprey Farpoint 55 & Fairview 55 – Comfortable and Spacious Travel Backpacks
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The Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack, a top-rated checked luggage travel accessory, known for its comfort and capacity for extended travel.
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The Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack, designed for shorter torsos, mirroring the Farpoint’s features as a comfortable and spacious checked luggage travel accessory.
For situations requiring checked luggage, especially when walking is involved, travel backpacks like the Osprey Farpoint 55 (for taller torsos) and Fairview 55 (for shorter torsos) are excellent travel accessories. Comfortable, adjustable, and spacious, they are suitable for trips lasting from a week to several months. The suitcase-style opening and detachable daypack enhance their functionality as comprehensive travel accessories.
Buying Options:
- Osprey Farpoint 55:
- $220 from REI
- $188 from Amazon
- Osprey Fairview 55:
- $220 from REI
- $174 from Amazon
The Osprey Farpoint and Fairview are constructed from durable recycled polyester, capable of withstanding extended travel. Their robust build and lifetime warranty provide peace of mind, making them reliable travel accessories for adventurous journeys.
Top Rolling Pick: Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner – Luxury and Reliability in Checked Luggage
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The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner, a top-rated checked luggage travel accessory, known for its luxury feel, capacity, and robust warranty.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is our top recommendation for checked luggage. Mirroring the qualities of its carry-on counterpart, it offers a luxurious feel, ample capacity, and exceptional durability. Its organizational features and superior warranty make it a standout travel accessory for checked baggage.
Buying Options:
- $416 from Amazon
- $416 from Travelpro
The 25-inch size provides generous packing space without exceeding airline weight restrictions, making it a practical and efficient travel accessory for most travelers.
Essential Luggage Accessories: Tags, Trackers, and Packing Aids
Beyond luggage itself, several smaller accessories significantly enhance the travel experience. Luggage tags, trackers, compression sacks, and packing cubes are essential travel accessories that improve organization, security, and packing efficiency.
Luggage Tags: Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag – Durable and Discreet Identification
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag, our pick for the best luggage tag, shown on a wooden background
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag, highlighted as the best luggage tag travel accessory for its durability, visibility, and discreet information display.
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is our top pick for luggage tags. Durable, easy to use, and discreet, it’s designed to withstand the rigors of travel while ensuring your luggage can be easily identified. Its rugged silicone construction and metal cable ensure longevity, making it a reliable travel accessory.
Buying Options:
- $8 from Amazon (pack of two)
Extensive research and testing have confirmed the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag’s superior durability. It is designed to endure rough handling, ensuring your identification remains securely attached to your luggage. Available in various bright colors, it also enhances luggage visibility.
The Ovener tag’s design balances visibility with privacy. Contact information is easily accessible when needed but remains concealed from casual view, adding a layer of security to this essential travel accessory.
Luggage Trackers: Apple AirTag – Precise Tracking for iPhone Users
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The Apple AirTag, recognized as the best Bluetooth tracker travel accessory for iPhone users, offering precise location tracking and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
For iPhone users, the Apple AirTag is an unparalleled travel accessory for tracking luggage. Leveraging Apple’s extensive network, AirTags offer impressively accurate location tracking. Their precision and broad network coverage make them superior to other Bluetooth trackers.
Buying Options:
- $65 from Best Buy (pack of four)
- $65 from Amazon (pack of four)
- $23 from Walmart (pack of one)
- $29 from Apple (pack of one)
The AirTag’s integration with the Find My network and upcoming airline partnerships further enhance its utility as a security-focused travel accessory, providing travelers with greater control and information about their luggage’s location.
Compression Sacks: Osprey StraightJacket (8L) – Space-Saving Packing for Clothes
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The Osprey StraightJacket (8L), highlighted as a top compression sack travel accessory for its easy access design, ideal for organizing and compressing clothing.
Compression sacks are invaluable travel accessories for reducing luggage bulk. Originally designed for sleeping bags, they are now widely used to compress clothing, maximizing space. The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) stands out for its user-friendly design and efficient compression.
Buying Options:
- $28 from REI
The Osprey StraightJacket features a side zipper for easy access to contents, unlike traditional top-loading compression sacks. Its compression straps are designed to minimize tangling, and it can be used as a last-minute carry-on if needed. While it may not compress as tightly as traditional designs, its accessibility and versatility make it a top travel accessory for clothing organization.
Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set – Transform Your Luggage Organization
The small, medium, and large blue cubes from Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set, packed.
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set, showcased as a life-changing travel accessory for luggage organization, simplifying packing and unpacking.
Packing cubes are transformative travel accessories, revolutionizing luggage organization. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is our top recommendation, offering durability and easy access to contents.
Buying Options:
- $40 from Amazon
This three-piece set provides varying sizes for organizing different clothing types, simplifying packing and unpacking. The cubes’ construction ensures they remain upright even when empty, and their mesh windows enhance visibility and ventilation. The full-zip design allows for complete access when used in drawers, maintaining clothing cleanliness.
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is well-constructed from durable polyester and features smooth zippers, ensuring longevity and ease of use, making them essential travel accessories for organized packing.
Lightweight Option: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set – For Ultra-Light Packers
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The Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set, presented as the best packing cube travel accessory for light packers, offering water resistance and ultra-lightweight design.
For travelers prioritizing minimal weight, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is an excellent alternative. These cubes are significantly lighter and somewhat water-resistant, ideal for those focused on traveling as light as possible.
Buying Options:
- $59 from Amazon
- $59 from Eagle Creek
While slightly less structured than the Reveal set, the Isolate cubes offer comparable functionality in a lighter package, making them a top travel accessory for weight-conscious travelers.
