Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but packing efficiently is crucial for a stress-free journey. Having the Best Travel Items not only saves space but also ensures you are well-prepared for any situation. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-term trip, choosing the right luggage and accessories is paramount. This guide dives into the best travel items, focusing on maximizing your packing while maintaining comfort and convenience on the go.
Carry-on Backpack (Non-Roller)
For travelers seeking ultimate freedom and flexibility, a carry-on backpack is an excellent choice. These backpacks are designed to fit within airline carry-on size restrictions, allowing you to bypass baggage claim and keep your essentials close.
Top Pick
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.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L: A Versatile Small Pack for a Week or a Weekend
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L stands out as a top pick for its versatility and thoughtful design. Its clamshell opening allows for easy packing and organization, similar to a suitcase. This backpack is constructed from durable, water-resistant materials, ensuring your belongings stay protected in various weather conditions. The comfortable strap system allows you to carry it as a backpack or use the grab handles for briefcase-style carrying, making it adaptable to different travel scenarios. Ideal for weekend trips or week-long adventures for minimalist packers, the Allpa 35L balances capacity and portability perfectly.
Buying Options:
- $180 from REI
- $200 from Amazon
A tester from behind, wearing the uniformly black, sporty Peak Design bag
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L: An Easily Customizable Large Bag for Longer Trips and Gear-Intensive Travel
For longer journeys or travelers carrying specialized equipment like photography gear, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is an outstanding choice. This backpack is highly customizable with modular accessories (sold separately), allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs. Its innovative design includes tuck-away straps for a cleaner look when checking the bag and expansion capabilities, ranging from 30L to 45L, adapting to different packing volumes. The Peak Design Travel Backpack is built with photographers in mind, offering excellent accessibility and robust construction, making it suitable for demanding travel and valuable equipment.
Buying Options:
- $230 from REI
- $300 from Best Buy
- $300 from Huckberry
Both the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L and Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L are excellent carry-on backpack options, offering durability, comfort, and organizational features that cater to different travel styles and trip lengths. Choosing between them depends largely on your packing needs and trip duration.
Carry-on Bag (Rolling)
Rolling carry-on bags offer the convenience of wheeled mobility, reducing strain on your back and shoulders, especially when navigating airports. They are ideal for travelers who prefer a more traditional luggage style but still want to avoid checked baggage fees and the risk of lost luggage.
Top Pick
A person walking through an airport with the Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on bag.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner: Great Features, Great Value
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is a top-rated rolling carry-on, praised for its exceptional balance of features, durability, and value. It features smooth-rolling spinner wheels, a robust telescoping handle, and a durable nylon exterior built to withstand the rigors of travel. This suitcase also includes thoughtful details like a USB pass-through for charging devices and multiple pockets for organization. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a reliable and versatile choice for frequent and occasional travelers alike.
Buying Options:
- $365 from Amazon
- $365 from Travelpro
A person sitting in an airport chair with our pick for best carry-on luggage in front of them.
Upgrade Pick
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner, laying on its side on a white studio background.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner: For Frequent Flyers
For frequent flyers seeking premium quality and innovative features, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a worthwhile investment. Known for its superior construction and lifetime guarantee, this suitcase features a unique expansion-compression system that maximizes packing space while ensuring clothes are neatly compressed. The durable ballistic nylon exterior and robust components are built to withstand the demands of frequent travel. While pricier than the Travelpro, the Briggs & Riley offers unmatched durability and features for serious travelers.
Buying Options:
- $699 from Briggs & Riley
Choosing between the Travelpro and Briggs & Riley carry-on spinners depends on your budget and travel frequency. The Travelpro offers excellent value for most travelers, while the Briggs & Riley is designed for those who prioritize top-tier quality and durability for heavy use.
Personal Item (Underseat Luggage)
A personal item, also known as underseat luggage, is essential for carrying items you need quick access to during your flight and maximizing your carry-on allowance. These bags are designed to fit under the airplane seat and complement your main carry-on bag.
Consider options like the Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag for tech organization or the Monos Metro Duffel for a stylish and functional shoulder bag. Explore a wider range in the full guide to underseat luggage for more choices tailored to different needs and styles.
Checked Luggage
When carry-on capacity isn’t enough, checked luggage becomes necessary. Choosing durable and reliable checked bags is crucial to protect your belongings during transit.
Top Picks for Checked Luggage Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint 55 Men's Travel Pack displayed on a white studio background.
Osprey Farpoint 55 & Fairview 55: Comfortable Travel Backpacks for Extended Trips
For travelers who anticipate walking long distances or navigating varied terrains, travel backpacks like the Osprey Farpoint 55 (men’s) and Fairview 55 (women’s) are excellent checked luggage options. These backpacks offer comfortable carrying systems, ample storage, and a detachable daypack for day trips or carry-on use. The suitcase-style opening makes packing and accessing items easy, while the durable construction ensures they can withstand demanding travel conditions. The Osprey Farpoint/Fairview series is ideal for backpacking adventures or trips where mobility is key.
Buying Options:
- Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack:
- $220 from REI
- $179 from Amazon
- Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack:
- $220 from REI
- $184 from Amazon
Top Pick for Checked Luggage Spinner Suitcase
Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch Expandable Spinner Suiter on a white studio background.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner: The Best Checked Bag for Most Travelers
For traditional checked luggage, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner mirrors the carry-on version’s quality and features in a larger size. It offers generous packing capacity, smooth spinner wheels, and exceptional durability. The internal organization features and lifetime warranty make it a reliable choice for checking bags. The 25-inch size is designed to provide ample space without exceeding airline weight restrictions, suitable for longer trips or travelers needing more packing volume.
Buying Options:
- $416 from Amazon
- $416 from Travelpro
Choosing between checked luggage backpacks and spinner suitcases depends on your travel style and destination. Backpacks are better for mobility and uneven surfaces, while spinner suitcases are more convenient for navigating airports and smooth surfaces.
Essential Travel Accessories
Beyond luggage, certain accessories significantly enhance packing efficiency and travel convenience.
Luggage Tags
The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag in orange, showcasing its durability and visibility.
Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag: Strong and Easy to See
A durable luggage tag is a small but crucial travel item. The Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag stands out for its ruggedness and visibility. Made from sturdy silicone with a metal cable, it’s designed to withstand rough handling. The bright colors and discreet information card enhance security and make identifying your luggage easier. Investing in reliable luggage tags like the Ovener tag minimizes the risk of lost luggage becoming permanently lost.
Buying Options:
- $8 from Amazon (pack of two)
Compression Sacks
Osprey StraightJacket 8L compression sack in blue, highlighting its side zipper and compression straps.
Osprey StraightJacket (8L): Easier Access, Less Compression
Compression sacks are invaluable for saving space in your luggage, especially for bulky items like clothing. The Osprey StraightJacket (8L) offers a unique side-zipper design, allowing easy access to contents without unpacking everything. While it may not compress as tightly as traditional sacks, the convenience of access and durable construction make it a great choice for organizing clothes and reducing bulk.
Buying Options:
- $28 from REI
Packing Cubes
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set in grey and blue, demonstrating organized packing.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set: Well Built with Easy Access
Packing cubes are transformative for luggage organization. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set provides a structured way to separate and organize clothing within your suitcase. These cubes are well-constructed, durable, and feature mesh windows for visibility and breathability. They simplify packing and unpacking, keep clothes tidy, and maximize space utilization. Packing cubes like the Eagle Creek set are essential for efficient and organized travel.
Buying Options:
- $40 from Amazon
Investing in the best travel items, from durable luggage to smart accessories, is a key step towards enjoyable and stress-free travel. Choosing items that suit your travel style and needs ensures you are well-prepared, organized, and can focus on enjoying your journey.
