Sarah Edwards
Lead Travel ExpertSarah has tested over 500 travel products during her 15 years of professional travel writing. She's visited 75+ countries and has rigorously evaluated gear in real-world conditions across six continents. From carry-on luggage to travel tech, she only recommends products that have proven their worth through extensive field testing.
Expertise:
Credentials:
- Tested 500+ travel products in real-world conditions
- 15+ years travel gear writing experience
- Featured in Travel + Leisure and Gear Patrol
- Visited 75+ countries testing equipment
- Certified product testing specialist
Best Travel Gear - Essential Equipment for Every Trip
Discover the best travel gear we've personally tested and recommend. From luggage to tech accessories, find expert reviews of essential travel equipment.
Luggage & Packing Gear
Quality luggage and packing organizers form the foundation of stress-free travel. From hardshell carry-ons to versatile travel backpacks and space-saving packing cubes, the right gear protects your belongings and maximizes packing efficiency. For families traveling with young children, specialized gear like travel-friendly car seats ensures safety and convenience on the road.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Carry-On
Hardshell spinner with scratch-resistant finish, TSA lock, and organized interior. Lightweight yet durable construction perfect for frequent travelers.
TravelPro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner
Ultra-lightweight soft-sided luggage with expandable capacity, durable polyester fabric, and smooth-rolling wheels. Trusted by flight crews worldwide.
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Carry-on sized travel backpack with stowaway harness, laptop sleeve, and lockable zippers. Perfect for backpackers and digital nomads.
Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
Clamshell opening travel backpack with laptop compartment, compression straps, and comfortable suspension system. Designed for one-bag travel.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
Expandable 35-45L backpack with innovative organization system, weatherproof materials, and quick-access pockets. Ideal for photographers and adventurers.
Away The Carry-On
Premium hardshell suitcase with built-in compression system, 360° spinner wheels, and TSA-approved lock. Sleek design with lifetime warranty.
BAGSMART Packing Cubes Set
Complete packing cube set with multiple sizes for organized packing. Lightweight mesh design allows visibility and compression.
Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes
Premium compression packing cubes that maximize luggage space. Durable water-resistant fabric with two-way zippers.
Vancropak 4-in-1 Toiletry Bag
Hanging toiletry organizer with multiple compartments, waterproof material, and detachable pouches. Perfect for bathroom organization on the go.
BAGSMART Electronics Organizer Travel Case
Cable organizer with multiple elastic loops, mesh pockets, and padded protection for chargers, adapters, and small electronics.
Travel Electronics & Tech
Modern travel requires reliable electronics to stay connected, charged, and entertained. From high-capacity power banks to noise-canceling headphones and universal adapters, these tech essentials keep you powered up anywhere in the world.
Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh Power Bank
High-capacity portable charger with dual USB ports and fast charging technology. Charges smartphones 4-5 times on a single charge.
Anker Nano II Fast Charger (65W)
Compact GaN technology charger that powers laptops, tablets, and phones. 3x smaller than traditional chargers with the same power output.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
All-in-one travel adapter covering 150+ countries with 4 USB ports and 1 Type-C port. Built-in safety shutters and fuse protection.
Apple AirTag / Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker
Luggage tracking device with precision finding and global network. Attach to bags, keys, or valuables for peace of mind.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Industry-leading noise cancellation with 30-hour battery life. Premium sound quality and comfortable design for long flights.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Compact noise-canceling earbuds with personalized sound and secure fit. Perfect for travelers who prefer earbuds over headphones.
Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
Waterproof e-reader with glare-free display and weeks of battery life. Carry thousands of books without the weight.
GoPro HERO12 Black
Waterproof action camera with 5.3K video, image stabilization, and rugged durability. Capture adventures in stunning quality.
RAVPower Portable Solar Charger
Foldable solar panel charger for outdoor adventures. Charges devices using sunlight with dual USB ports.
UBeesize Portable Tripod with Remote
Compact smartphone tripod with Bluetooth remote. Extends to 51 inches and folds to pocket size for travel photography.
Comfort & Long-Flight Essentials
Long flights and travel days demand comfort-focused gear. From neck pillows and eye masks to compression socks and travel blankets, these essentials help you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.
BCOZZY Neck Pillow
Patented chin-supporting travel pillow that prevents head from falling forward. Machine washable with adjustable snap closure.
MZOO 3D Contoured Sleep Eye Mask
Zero-pressure eye mask with contoured design that blocks 100% light. Comfortable for side sleepers with adjustable strap.
Compression Socks for Travel
Graduated compression socks that improve circulation and reduce swelling on long flights. Moisture-wicking fabric with arch support.
Cabeau Fold 'N Go Travel Blanket
Compact travel blanket that folds into built-in pouch. Soft fleece material with luggage attachment strap.
Footrest Foot Hammock for Airplanes
Portable foot hammock that attaches to tray table. Reduces leg fatigue and improves circulation on long flights.
Refillable Travel Bottles Silicone Set
TSA-approved leak-proof silicone bottles for toiletries. Squeezable design with wide opening for easy filling and cleaning.
Cooling Towel / Microfiber Quick Dry Towel
Ultra-absorbent microfiber towel that dries quickly and packs small. Cooling technology provides relief in hot climates.
Snacks & Reusable Silicone Bags (Stasher Bags)
Eco-friendly reusable silicone bags for snacks and toiletries. Leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and TSA-compliant.
Travel Safety & Security Gear
Protect yourself and your belongings with essential safety gear. From anti-theft bags to portable door locks and first-aid kits, these items provide peace of mind throughout your journey. Learn more safety strategies in our travel safety guide.
PacSafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Slash-resistant fabric with locking zippers, RFID blocking pockets, and wire-reinforced straps. Designed to deter pickpockets and bag slashers.
Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
Locking compartments, slash-proof construction, and RFID protection. Comfortable design with multiple security features for urban travel.
Master Lock TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
TSA-recognized locks that allow security screening without damage. Combination or key options for securing checked luggage.
Portable Hotel Door Lock / Door Stopper Alarm
Additional security for hotel rooms and rentals. Prevents door opening from outside and sounds alarm if forced.
Zero Grid RFID Blocking Wallet
Slim minimalist wallet with RFID protection to prevent electronic pickpocketing. Holds cards, cash, and passport securely.
Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector (Travel Size)
Battery-powered CO detector for hotel rooms, rentals, and RVs. Compact design provides safety assurance anywhere you sleep.
Vont LED Mini Flashlight 2-Pack
Ultra-bright compact flashlights with adjustable focus. Essential for power outages, nighttime navigation, and emergency situations.
Compact First Aid Kit for Travel
Comprehensive medical supplies in portable case. Includes bandages, medications, antiseptics, and emergency tools for minor injuries.
Hiking & Outdoor Travel Gear
Outdoor adventures demand reliable hiking gear. From hydration packs and trekking poles to waterproof jackets and trail shoes, these essentials keep you safe and comfortable on the trail. Use our distance calculator to plan trailhead routes.
CamelBak Hydration Pack 2L
Lightweight hydration backpack with 2-liter reservoir and hands-free drinking tube. Perfect for day hikes and outdoor activities.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Adjustable aluminum trekking poles with comfortable cork grips. Reduce joint impact and improve stability on trails.
Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes with Vibram outsoles and supportive midsoles. Comfortable out-of-box with excellent traction.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Waterproof breathable rain jacket with adjustable hood and zippered pockets. Packable design for emergency weather protection.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Traction devices for icy and snowy trails. Stainless steel spikes with elastomer harness fit over hiking boots.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Compact water filtration system removes 99.99999% of bacteria and protozoa. Attaches to bottles or hydration packs.
Nalgene 32oz Water Bottle
Durable BPA-free water bottle that withstands extreme temperatures. Wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning.
Osprey UL Daylite Daypack
Ultralight packable daypack for summit attempts and day trips. Weighs only 4 ounces and stuffs into its own pocket.
Road Trip Gear
Road trips require specialized gear for safety, convenience, and comfort. From phone mounts and coolers to emergency kits and jump starters, these essentials ensure smooth travels on the open road. Plan your route with our distance calculator and time calculator.
iOttie Dashboard Phone Mount
Secure dashboard or windshield phone mount with telescopic arm and 360° rotation. Compatible with all smartphone sizes.
YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
Durable rotomolded cooler that keeps ice for days. Tall enough for wine bottles with easy-carry handle.
NOCO Boost Plus Jump Starter
Portable lithium jump starter for gas and diesel engines. Includes USB charging ports and LED flashlight.
EPAuto Portable Tire Inflator
Digital tire inflator with auto shut-off at preset pressure. Plugs into 12V outlet with built-in LED light.
Car Inverter Charger (110V Outlet)
Power inverter converts 12V DC to 110V AC for charging laptops and devices. Dual USB ports and safety features.
Car Emergency Roadside Kit
Complete emergency kit with jumper cables, reflective triangles, first aid, flashlight, and essential tools.