I took a whopping total of 81 flights in 2025. That officially makes me a travel professional, and I have it down to a science. I am always on the hunt for the tools to make trips as painless as possible. After too many back-to-back flights, cold mornings, sweaty airports, and hotel rooms with paper-thin curtains, I’ve learned which items actually hold up and which ones end up abandoned in a storage bin. The gear on this list earned permanent status in my luggage because it made travel smoother, easier, or more organized. If it’s here, it passed the test, and it should land a spot on your 2026 travel gear wish list!
1. Gregory Quadro Pro Suitcase
This is the suitcase I trust for long assignments and multi-leg itineraries. The polycarbonate shell is sturdy enough to survive raging baggage handlers and the spherical wheels glide over airport floors, sidewalks, and cobblestones effortlessly. The ActiveShield compartment is a lifesaver for muddy shoes or damp gym clothes and the AirTag pocket lets me track my stuff on tight connections. Gregory’s Director of Product Creation, Matthew Connors, says the goal was creating a case that could keep up with active travelers, and it shows. I like how it stays organized instead of turning into a pit of loose items. When I need to pack for multiple climates, activities, and actual work clothes, this is the one I grab.
2. Cabeau Evolution X Neck Pillow
The Evolution X finally solves the flaws in traditional neck pillows. Trust me, I have tried almost all. Some choke me, some don’t hold my melon upright, and don’t even get me started about my back pain after the ones that go on the tray table. The Cabeau Evolution X dual-density memory foam supports my head whether I sit fully upright or lean at an angle, and the raised side supports keep my head from bobbing forward mid-sleep. It compresses easily and the washable cover is essential after long flights. One overnight flight to Europe proved it worth the hype when I woke up without the usual neck cramp. It is engineered, not gimmicky, which is rare for travel pillows.
3. Manta Sound Sleep Mask
I can’t sleep on planes without two things: total darkness and a comedy podcast playing in my ears. This mask solves both. The built-in headphones are slim enough that I can lie on my side without feeling like I’m crushing my ears, and they play podcasts, white noise, or sleep playlists without needing separate earbuds. The adjustable eye cups block out every hint of light. It stays cool in warm cabins and somehow still cozy in colder ones. The over-the-head strap keeps this baby locked in place while you are sitting up. 10/10 recommend.
4. Dagsmejan Sleep Mask
When I want something soft and feather-light, I use Dagsmejan. The blackout version has lifted cups that protect lashes while blocking light, and the cooling eucalyptus fiber mask keeps me from overheating on stuffy flights. This is the ultimate comfort mask and blocks out literally everything.
5. Tripped Tech Pouch
This pouch has prevented more tech disasters than I can count. It keeps my cables, batteries, chargers, and memory cards organized instead of tangled into a single monster knot. The mesh pockets give instant visibility and it slides into any backpack without adding bulk. The amount of things that I can fit in that pouch is honestly shocking.
6. Tripped Compression Packing Cubes
These cubes are the reason I can pack for long trips without checking a bag. They actually compress instead of pretending to and the zippers hold even when packed aggressively. I once fit twelve days’ worth of clothing into a carry on using these. You stuff them, then zip them, then zip up the second zipper, saving 40% more space than regular stuff sacks.
7. Kulkea Kartta 43L Travel Backpack
The Kulkea Kartta 43L is the bag I reach for when I need one pack to handle a whole trip. Forty-three liters is big enough to carry real gear but not so big that it feels like a trekking pack. It is also the perfect size for ski or snowboarding boots. It feels built for actual travel, not showroom travel, which is why it’s become one of my most-used bags.
8. Kulkea Kayda 36L
This new 36L version separates into a 32L backpack and a 4L travel kit, which is perfect for one-bag travel or weekend trips. I love clipping off the small pouch for flights so I have my essentials in my lap while the big bag goes overhead. It’s efficient, flexible, and built for travelers who like order while they chase chaos.
9. Ikigai Vitamin Cases
I used to travel with all of my supplements in a plastic bag. It was a mess. Ikigai makes the only vitamin case that doesn’t feel like I’m packing something from my grandmother’s medicine cabinet. They are sturdy, sleek, cool and so effective. The magnetic closure stays shut even when tossed into a stuffed bag and the compartments are big enough for large supplements. It helps me stay on track when bouncing between time zones and makes me feel oddly put together. Also, the personal engraving touch makes them even cooler.
10. NESTOUT Portable Batteries
NESTOUT batteries are built like outdoor gear but sleek enough for everyday travel. They charge quickly, hold power for days, and survive humidity, heat, and the occasional drop. On a recent trip, I spent an entire day shooting photos, using maps, and posting updates and the NESTOUT battery still had power left at the end. A great choice for travelers who can’t risk a dead phone. Or laptop. Or camera.
11. Meindl Comfort Fit Power Walker 4.2
These are my favorite travel shoes because they strike a rare balance between cushion, structure, and weather protection. Built with breathable mesh uppers, a waterproof GORE-TEX lining, and a rocker sole, they make long days of walking feel manageable. I recommend sizing a full size down. I’ve worn them through airports, on trails, and during a long uphill slog in the rain and never ended the day with sore feet.
12. Casa Pop-Up Desk by Logitech
This portable desk turns terrible hotel “working spaces” into something ergonomically decent. It folds open into a wireless keyboard, touchpad, and laptop stand, all neatly stored inside a book-style case. It has saved me from hunching for hours. It is compact, lightweight, and surprisingly sturdy. Also, it comes in pink!
13. MX Anywhere 3S Mouse
This mouse works on literally any hard surface, even glass. It switches between devices easily and feels precise enough for editing or writing on the go. I haven’t taken a trip without this since the day it arrived in my mailbox. I use it on my leg in the airport, on the tray table in the plane, and on whatever surface I have in the hundreds of hotel rooms and coffee shops that I find myself in. Also… it comes in pink.
14. The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack
This backpack stands upright while packing, which I didn’t know I needed until I used it. The shoe pocket, laptop sleeve, and recycled nylon shell are sleek and classy. It is also the exact size to slide right under any airplane seat. I’ve shoved it full of layers, cameras, snacks, and chargers and it handled everything without losing its shape. "The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack is one of those rare bags that works just as well on a flight as it does on a trail. I love that it’s made from recycled materials, too, it feels built for people who are on the go,” said Abby Breitenfeldt, a buyer at Sun & Ski.
15. STM Backpack
This is my number one favorite backpack. I swear they thought of everything when designing this gem. Besides the adjustable compartments, easy-access side openings, foldable pocket for essentials at the top, and built-in padded laptop pocket, the best thing about this backpack is how durable it is. When I travel, I am throwing my backpack on the ground, kicking it under seats, resting my head on it during long layovers, and being anything but gentle. This is the one bag I have found that can take the abuse, without me worrying about my laptop, camera, headphones, and other expensive cargo inside. If you travel a lot, you need this.
16. STM ChargeTree Go
This fold-flat charger prevents me from needing to travel with cords. It charges my phone, watch, and earbuds all at once using one outlet, which is a blessing in old hotels with questionable electrical layouts. It packs flat and weighs almost nothing.
17. LectroFan Micro2
A tiny powerhouse that functions as both a white noise machine and a Bluetooth speaker. It offers multiple fan sounds, white/pink/brown noise variations, and calming ocean tracks. I once stayed next to a group of friends who partied all night, every night. And this device saved my sleep all week.
18. Avalon RPET Luggage by Ricardo Beverly Hills
Sleek, lightweight, and made from recycled plastic, this suitcase blends sustainability with good-looking luggage. The wheels roll cleanly, the internal wet pocket keeps damp items separate, and the TSA lock brings peace of mind. It feels elevated without trying too hard.
19. Cincha Travel Belt + Belt Bag
This set solves one of travel’s most annoying problems. The Cincha Travel Belt secures your personal item to your suitcase handle so it stops sliding off and smacking your shins. The belt bag keeps essentials like your phone, passport, lip balm, or AirPods accessible without rummaging. The brand is BIPOC-owned and focuses on real-life travel problems, which I love.
20. Cincha Toiletry Bag
A structured toiletry bag that keeps bottles upright and finally fits all my stuff. Simple, stylish, and durable. It is a small upgrade that makes travel feel easier and lets you bring all the makeup and skincare you could dream of, without wasting space.
21. GoKit Travel First Aid Kit
This TSA-friendly kit includes everything from blister pads and burn gel to antiseptic wipes and a thermometer. Everything is clearly labeled so you can grab what you need quickly. “A good first aid kit is a must-have, and the GoKit feels truly made for travel. It has all the little tools you usually wish you had, like blister pads, burn gel, a nosebleed plug, triple antibiotic cream, and even a tiny thermometer. Everything is labeled clearly, so you can grab what you need without digging,” says Carolin Fuller, Director of Consumer Marketing at Campspot, an easy-to-use booking platform for campsites across North America.
22. Sitka Drifter Carry On
Sitka dominates the high-end hunting apparel space with some of the most engineered and reliable pieces on the market. And for me, they also dominate the carry-on space. A rugged, structured carry-on that works for both outdoor-focused trips and airport-heavy itineraries. This is a field pack disguised as luggage and is great for travelers who tend to be hard on their bags.
23. Pebl Pak Portable Fan
A compact USB-powered fan with a strong airflow and a magnetic base that lets you angle it exactly how you want. The neoprene case doubles as a stand and it’s perfect for hot flights, humid destinations, and stuffy rideshares. This is for my hot travelers.
24. Mozy Wearable Thermal Wrap
More of a cold traveler? This wrap generates over five times the warmth of a typical blanket by trapping and reflecting your body heat. I haven’t met an international flight that didn't leave me shivering, and this solved that instantly. It wraps around your legs and torso so you can stay warm while still moving around.
25. Lay N Stay Travel Towel
The Lay N Stay towel surprised me with how much it does for something so light. It’s sand-resistant, oversized at 70 by 35 inches, and made from soft, fast-drying microfiber. The stakes keep it from blowing away on windy beach days, and the compact carrying case makes it easy to throw in any backpack. I use it as a beach towel when I travel, a light blanket on flights, and once even slept on it to avoid lying directly on the questionable airport carpet during an overnight delay. It’s better than you’d expect.
26. SOLE Custom-Moldable Insoles
SOLE inserts are one of those unglamorous travel essentials that make your entire travel experience so much better. They mold to your feet with heat or just regular wear, creating a custom fit that supports your arches, cushions long days on your feet, and keeps your alignment in check. Long walks through the airport to 20,000-step days in Europe, these things save my life. That means less strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and back, which you really start to appreciate around day three of a big trip. I use them in everything from hiking shoes to regular sneakers, especially on assignments where I know I’ll be walking miles. They’re lightweight and easy to switch between shoes.