Packing efficiently and smartly is crucial for any traveler aiming for a smooth and enjoyable trip. A well-chosen set of travel products can significantly reduce stress, enhance organization, and provide more freedom on the go. Whether you are a minimalist packer or need to bring gear for specific activities, selecting the right luggage and accessories is paramount. This guide highlights the Best Travel Products across various categories, from carry-on backpacks and rolling luggage to essential accessories like luggage tags and packing cubes, ensuring you are well-equipped for your next adventure.
Carry-on backpack (non-roller)
For travelers prioritizing mobility and convenience, a carry-on backpack is an excellent choice. These backpacks offer hands-free travel and are often accepted as carry-on luggage, avoiding checked baggage fees and potential delays.
Top pick
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack in black being carried through an airport, showcasing its compact and versatile design for travel.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L
A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend getaway
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L stands out as a top pick for its thoughtful design and durable construction. Its clamshell opening allows for easy packing and organization, making it simple to access your belongings without unpacking everything. The robust strap system enables comfortable carrying on your back or by hand, adapting to different travel situations. Ideal for weekend trips or week-long adventures for light packers, the Allpa 35L balances size and functionality perfectly.
Buying Options
$180 from REI
$200 from Amazon
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L in black, highlighting its customizable compartments and sleek design suitable for photographers and tech-savvy travelers.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
An easily customizable large bag for extended trips and valuable equipment
For those needing more space or carrying sensitive equipment like cameras, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is an excellent choice. Originally designed with photographers in mind, this backpack offers exceptional customizability with optional accessory cubes. Its smart design includes tuck-away straps and expandable/compressible volume, adapting from 45 liters for maximum capacity to 30 liters for a slimmer profile. While accessory cubes are sold separately, the bag’s accessibility and adaptable nature make it a worthwhile investment for longer journeys or gear-intensive travel.
Buying Options
$300 from REI
$300 from Amazon
After rigorous testing of 22 different bags over six months, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L emerged as top recommendations for travelers aiming to avoid checked luggage. Both backpacks excel in comfort, durability, and organizational features, making them standouts in the carry-on travel backpack category.
A person wearing a black Cotopaxi Allpa 35L backpack outdoors, demonstrating its comfortable fit and practical size for everyday travel.
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is particularly well-suited for individuals of smaller stature or shorter trips. Its user-friendly clamshell design and highly adjustable straps make it a versatile option for any traveler committed to packing light. Convenient handles on all sides enhance grab-and-go ease, and its contoured straps ensure a comfortable fit for various body types. The updated version includes a luggage handle pass-through and a stretchable water bottle pocket, further improving its travel-friendliness. Backed by a lifetime warranty and built with robust materials like waterproof, TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon, the Allpa 35L is designed for lasting performance. While it offers minimal built-in organization for small items, pairing it with a personal item bag resolves this, making it a near-perfect travel companion for many journeys.
A person from behind carrying a black Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L, showcasing its sleek, sporty design and comfortable carry for tech-savvy travelers.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L distinguishes itself as a highly adaptable “Swiss Army knife” of backpacks. It’s exceptionally adjustable and customizable, especially when combined with Peak Design’s packing and camera cubes. Its expansion mechanism is thoughtfully designed, maintaining aesthetic appeal whether fully packed at 45 liters or compressed to 30 liters. Access points from the back, front, and sides provide unparalleled convenience. Constructed from durable nylon and polyester fabrics, it strikes a balance between toughness and weight. Although the initial cost is higher, particularly with added accessories, the Peak Design’s lifetime warranty and versatile design justify the investment for travelers who value adaptability and comprehensive features. Its ability to function as both a travel bag and a daypack further enhances its appeal, making it a top contender for those seeking a multi-functional travel solution.
Choosing the perfect travel bag is ultimately a personal decision. For those needing specialized features, there are options designed to double as mobile offices or excel in long-distance walking. However, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L represent the best overall choices for carry-on travel backpacks, catering to different needs and preferences while ensuring quality and convenience.
Carry-on bag (rolling)
For travelers who prefer to roll their luggage, carry-on rolling bags offer a convenient alternative to backpacks, especially when navigating smooth airport terrains.
Top pick
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner in black, standing upright to showcase its sleek design and spinner wheels.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner
Great features, excellent value for money
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is recognized for its outstanding balance of size, value, reliability, and high-end features. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this spinner offers durability and peace of mind. It’s an ideal choice for frequent travelers seeking a dependable and feature-rich carry-on.
Buying Options
$365 from Amazon
$365 from Travelpro
Since 2015, extensive research and hands-on testing of numerous suitcases, including evaluations by flight attendants in a simulated aircraft fuselage, have led to the recommendation of the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner as the best carry-on luggage for most travelers. It particularly suits those flying less than 25,000 miles annually, offering a superior combination of features, durability, and price.
A person sitting in an airport waiting area with a Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on spinner in front, emphasizing its convenience and ease of use in travel settings.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite features smooth, replaceable wheels; comfortable telescoping handles; and a robust nylon exterior with a solid internal frame. Improvements over previous models include a reduced handle footprint and added features like a second exterior pocket and a USB pass-through for charging devices on the go. Weighing just 7.8 pounds empty, it’s lighter than its predecessors, enhancing portability. Compared to other bags in its price range, the Platinum Elite offers high-end components and a lifetime warranty covering even airline damage, provided the suitcase is registered within 120 days of purchase.
Upgrade pick
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner in black, highlighting its premium design and expandable feature.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
For frequent flyers seeking premium quality
For frequent flyers traveling over 25,000 miles annually and willing to invest in top-tier luggage, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is highly recommended. Known for unique features, superior details, and ample expandable space, Briggs & Riley bags come with a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring a premium travel experience.
Buying Options
$699 from Briggs & Riley
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner stands out for its exceptional packing capacity, accommodating more clothing than any other bag tested. Its cavernous interior and innovative expansion-compression system adapt to varying packing needs. Extensive real-world use, including over 150,000 miles traveled by Wirecutter’s founder, attests to its durability and reliability. While longer pants may require extra folding, the bag’s overall capacity and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers seeking the best in rolling carry-on luggage.
Personal item (otherwise known as underseat luggage)
Personal items are essential for keeping valuables, electronics, and in-flight necessities accessible. These bags are designed to fit under the airplane seat, complementing carry-on luggage.
Top pick
Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag in brown leather and canvas, placed on a table to show its briefcase-style design and organizational features.
Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag
A shoulder bag designed for tech organization and travel essentials
The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag excels as a personal item, blending the versatility of a briefcase with the organizational capacity of a small daypack. Its design is particularly suited for tech-savvy travelers, offering ample space for gadgets and accessories while remaining stylish enough for professional settings.
Buying Options
$389 from SF Bags
Personal items are highly subjective, but the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag is a standout choice. It effectively combines tech organization with enough space for a change of clothes and personal effects. Its sophisticated design transitions seamlessly from airplane to office, making it a versatile option for business and leisure travelers alike.
Top pick
Monos Metro Duffel in nylon, displayed in a studio setting to highlight its classic duffel bag shape and refined details.
Monos Metro Duffel
A stylish weekend-bag alternative with surprising capacity
The Monos Metro Duffel offers a luxurious and spacious alternative to traditional personal item bags. This classic carryall is noted for its refined details and impressive capacity, rivaling that of some rollerboard carry-ons. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a stylish yet functional personal item.
Buying Options
$54 from MonosMay be out of stock
If the Air Porter is too formal or costly, the Monos Metro Duffel presents a more relaxed yet equally functional option. This luxurious shoulder bag features detailed organization and travel-friendly add-ons. For more personal item options, a comprehensive guide to underseat luggage is available.
Checked luggage
When carry-on capacity isn’t sufficient, checked luggage becomes necessary. However, it’s always wise to re-evaluate packing needs to minimize checked bags whenever possible.
Top pick
Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack in green and black, showcased in an outdoor setting to emphasize its backpack design suitable for adventurous travel.
Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack
The best travel backpack for taller individuals requiring checked luggage
The Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack is highly recommended for its comfort, adjustability, and carry-on compatibility (as a smaller pack detaches). Ideal for week-long or extended travel, it offers ample space and practical features for adventurers.
Buying Options
$220 from REI
$177 from Amazon
Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack in purple and grey, presented in a studio to highlight its backpack features and design for women.
Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack
The best travel backpack for shorter individuals requiring checked luggage
The Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack mirrors the features of the Farpoint 55 but is specifically designed for shorter torsos, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic fit for women or individuals with smaller frames. It shares the same benefits of comfort, adjustability, and ample space for extended travel.
Buying Options
$220 from REI
$220 from Amazon
For destinations requiring significant walking, especially on uneven terrains, travel backpacks like the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 are ideal checked luggage solutions. Comfortable and spacious, they feature suitcase-style main compartment access and detachable daypacks for daily essentials. Constructed from durable recycled polyester and backed by Osprey’s lifetime warranty, these backpacks are built to withstand extensive travel.
Top pick
Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch Expandable Spinner in black, shown diagonally to emphasize its size and spinner wheel system for checked baggage.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner
The best checked bag for most travelers seeking reliability and value
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner extends the praised qualities of the carry-on version to checked luggage. Offering a luxury feel at a reasonable price, it provides ample capacity, a robust warranty, and reliable performance, making it a top checked bag choice for most travelers.
Buying Options
$392 from Amazon
$416 from Travelpro
The 25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is the recommended checked luggage option for its excellent organizational features, exceptional durability, and superior warranty compared to others in its price range. It mirrors the carry-on size’s benefits, ensuring quality and reliability for larger luggage needs.
Luggage tags and trackers
Luggage tags and trackers are essential for identifying and locating luggage, especially in case of loss or misplacement.
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag in orange, displayed on a wooden surface to showcase its durable silicone material and bright color for easy identification.
Top pick
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag in orange, close-up to highlight its metal cable and robust silicone casing, emphasizing its durability.
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag
Durable and highly visible luggage tag for reliable identification
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is praised for its durability, simplicity, and discretion. Made from rugged silicone with a metal cable, it’s designed to outlast your luggage. Its bright colors enhance visibility, while a concealed information card protects personal details.
Buying Options
$8 from Amazon(pack of two)
After extensive research and testing of various luggage tags, the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag is recommended as the most reliable option. Its durability ensures it can withstand rough handling, and its design balances visibility with privacy. The silicone body and metal cable construction make it nearly indestructible, and it comes in a variety of colors for easy bag identification. A metal grommet reinforces the cable attachment, preventing wear over time.
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag in orange, displayed on a wooden surface to showcase its durable silicone material and bright color for easy identification.
The Ovener tag prioritizes privacy by concealing contact information within the case, accessible by unscrewing the metal strap to slide out the info card. This extra step provides security while ensuring your details are available when needed, making it a practical choice for security-conscious travelers.
Top pick
Apple AirTag on a white background, highlighting its small, disc-like design and Apple logo, representing a modern tracking solution for luggage.
Apple AirTag
The best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users to monitor luggage location
For iPhone users, the Apple AirTag is the top Bluetooth tracker for luggage. Leveraging Apple’s extensive device network, AirTags offer impressive accuracy in locating lost items. They provide a modern, tech-driven solution for luggage tracking and peace of mind.
Buying Options
$23 from Walmart(pack of one)
$29 from Apple(pack of one)
Bluetooth trackers like the Apple AirTag offer a proactive approach to luggage management. AirTags utilize Apple’s vast network to monitor location, providing unparalleled accuracy in pinpointing lost luggage. No other tracker matches the scope and precision of the AirTag, making it an essential tool for iPhone users. Furthermore, AirTags offer secure location sharing, a feature increasingly integrating with airline systems for enhanced luggage tracking and recovery.
Compression sacks
Compression sacks are designed to minimize the volume of soft items like clothing, maximizing space efficiency within luggage.
Top pick
Osprey StraightJacket compression sack in blue, shown fully packed and compressed, demonstrating its space-saving capability and side zipper access.
Osprey StraightJacket (8L)
Easy access compression sack with side zipper for organized packing
The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) compression sack is favored for its unique side zipper, allowing full access to contents without unpacking from the top. While it offers slightly less compression than traditional sacks, its enhanced accessibility and user-friendly design make it a practical choice for organized packing.
Buying Options
$28 from REI
Compression sacks are invaluable for reducing luggage bulk, particularly for items like socks, underwear, and fleeces. The Osprey StraightJacket distinguishes itself with a side zipper, providing easy access to all contents, unlike traditional top-loading sacks. Its compression straps are designed to prevent tangling, and it can stand upright for convenient packing. While it may not compress as tightly as traditional designs, its accessibility and ease of use make it a top recommendation.
Alternative options like GobiGear’s SegSac offer segmented compartments for organization within the sack, but may lack versatility for larger items compared to the Osprey StraightJacket.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are game-changers for luggage organization, transforming suitcases into organized drawers and simplifying packing and unpacking.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set in blue, with small, medium, and large cubes stacked to show sizes and mesh windows for visibility.
Top pick
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set in various sizes and blue color, arranged to showcase their use in organizing clothes within luggage.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
Durable and accessible packing cubes for organized luggage
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set, a three-piece set, is highly recommended for its robust construction and user-friendly design. These cubes effectively organize clothing within luggage, simplifying packing and keeping items tidy throughout travel.
Buying Options
$40 from Amazon
Packing cubes revolutionize luggage organization by compartmentalizing clothes and accessories. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set includes various sizes for different clothing types, made from durable polyester with snag-resistant mesh windows. Their structured design allows them to stand upright for easy packing, and smooth zippers ensure hassle-free closure, even when overfilled. The cubes fully unzip for complete access, protecting clothes in potentially less-than-clean hotel drawers. Despite a zipper brand change, the quality and performance remain consistent, making them a top choice for packing cubes.
Best for…
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube XS/S/M Set in white, showcasing their lightweight and water-resistant features, ideal for light travelers.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set
Lightweight, water-resistant packing cubes for minimalist travelers
For travelers prioritizing lightweight luggage, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set offers a lighter, water-resistant alternative. While slightly more expensive, these cubes are significantly lighter and provide water resistance, making them ideal for minimalist packing and protecting against spills.
Buying Options
$59 from Amazon
$59 from Eagle Creek
While the Reveal set suits most travelers, the Isolate Cube Set caters to those who prioritize lightness. Approximately 50% lighter than competitors and water-resistant, they are perfect for minimizing weight. However, their thinner material means they don’t stand upright as easily as the Reveal cubes, posing a slight packing challenge. Ultimately, both Eagle Creek packing cube sets offer excellent organizational solutions, with the Isolate set appealing to weight-conscious travelers.
