The Best Travel Products
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned globe-trotter, having the right travel gear can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a seamless one. Over years of traveling — from long-haul international adventures to quick domestic getaways — I’ve tested, compared, and settled on products that I genuinely love and return to trip after trip.
This guide covers my honest favorites, from luggage to the small-but-mighty accessories that make packing and traveling so much easier. No filler, no fluff — just the gear that’s actually earned a permanent spot in my travel rotation.
The Best Luggage
Finding luggage you can truly rely on takes time — and often a few disappointing purchases along the way. Here’s what my husband and I have landed on after years of travel, across trips ranging from a long weekend in Boston to a 20-day honeymoon through Portugal.
Delsey Paris
Delsey Paris is my go-to luggage brand, and it was actually my mom who introduced me to their products — proof that good travel gear recommendations often come from the people who’ve been at it the longest.
I have the CHATELET AIR 2.0 Large Spinner, and I’ve been really happy with how it’s held up over years of use. It’s stylish and durable, and it travels well on a long international journey. My husband has the CARROUSEL Medium Expandable Spinner, which he reaches for on shorter trips — it’s a great mid-size option.
A practical note: Delsey Paris is not a budget brand. The products are admittedly expensive, but they’ve lasted me years of travel and I personally love the way they look. One tip — you can find certain Delsey models at Costco for a much better deal, so it’s worth keeping an eye out before you buy at full price.
Away
For his larger checked luggage, my husband swears by Away. He has The Large in Coast Blue and the matching Trunk in Coast Blue — a set he put to the test on our 20-day Portugal trip. Both held up beautifully, and the Coast Blue colorway is a great way to spot your bag on the carousel instantly.
My only note about this brand is that I’ve noticed more scuff marks – the matte finish shows a lot. That being said, it did come with a magic-eraser type product that does work well to get the scuffs out. For this reason though, I recommend the darker colors.
Recently, my husband treated me to my first Away suitcase and I am so excited to try it. He got me the limited edition Bigger Carry-On Luggage suitcase in Glazed Lavender Haze Purple.
It is so pretty in person, and I have a trip planned in a couple months, so I’ll get to test it out then. He also got himself the Bigger Carry-On Luggage in Coast Blue to match his full set.
Longchamp Boxford
For carry-on travel and work trips, I use the Longchamp Boxford M Carry-On in Brown recycled canvas, and I absolutely love it. It was a gift from my mom and I’ve had it for years and it still looks absolutely fabulous — it’s durable, structured, and classically elegant. I use it for my annual Boston work trip, which is typically three to four nights, and it’s just the right size. It’s not a budget option by any means, but if you’re looking for a carry-on that feels as good as it looks, this is it.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
For two to three day trips, I reach for the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, and I really like it. The compartments do a great job keeping everything organized, and the exterior is both durable and attractive. Its one minor trade-off is that all those organized compartments mean it may not fit quite as much as a more open bag of the same size — but for a short trip where you want to find things quickly and stay organized on the go, it’s a great option.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
If maximum capacity is the priority, my husband’s pick is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag. He has it in a few different sizes to suit various types of trips, which speaks to how versatile the line is. Where the Cotopaxi wins on organization, the Black Hole wins on sheer packing capacity — it’s a workhorse of a bag that’s ideal when you need to fit a lot without fuss.
The Best Under-Seat Bags & Garment Bags
Leveraging your under-seat bag is another great way to fit a lot more items with you on your trip. It’s also important to keep your essentials – passport, jewelry, wallet, etc. – with you at all times, which is how I use my under-seat luggage.
Delsey Paris Under Seat Luggage
My absolute favorite Delsey Paris product is the CHATELET AIR 2.0 Weekender Travel Bag, which I use as my under-seat bag. It’s incredibly versatile — the space is really well optimized and the storage options are thoughtfully designed. It’s become my most-reached-for piece of travel gear. Plus, it matches my other Delsey Paris luggage, so it looks very put-together.
Away
My husband swears by The Everywhere Bag by Away. He has the matching color to his Away truck and large checked bag. It’s roughly the same size as my Delsey Paris bag, if I’m eye-balling it, but has less structure. I think he can probably fit more in his bag for this reason, but mine offers a bit more protection. You really can’t go wrong with either option though, since both can slide onto the handle of your roller bags for optimal convenience.
Longchamp Garment Bags
There were a few years where my husband and I were going to a lot of weddings and we needed something to keep our formal suits and dress in. I have the Longchamp Boxford Garment Cover in Brown — my husband has one too, in navy — and it’s a great companion piece for keeping clothes wrinkle-free in transit. Mine matches my carry-on Longchamp luggage.
The Best Packing Cubes & Organizers
Packing cubes are one of those travel investments that sound minor until you use them — and then you can’t imagine packing without them. Here’s what I’ve tried and what I actually recommend.
Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle
The Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle – Del Día is my top pick for packing cubes. These have held up better than anything else I’ve tried, and the Del Día colorway — each one made from leftover factory materials, meaning no two are exactly alike — is a fun bonus. If you’re looking for packing cubes that will last through years of travel rather than a few trips, these are worth the investment.
National Park Packing Cubes
For our travels, my husband gifted me some really fun packing cubes that were National Park themed. He got them on Amazon. They came in a pack of 7 and various sizes. These have been great for our trips. They are not a budget option, but if you’re looking for something fun and themed, the National Park packing cubes are the perfect gift.
Budget Option: Mossio Packing Cubes
That said, not everyone needs or wants to spend top dollar on packing cubes, and I’ve also used a more affordable set from Amazon — the Mossio 7-Set Packing Cubes. They’ve been perfectly fine for the job — they keep things organized and do what packing cubes are supposed to do. My honest assessment is that they probably won’t hold up as long as the Cotopaxi set, but if you’re newer to packing cubes and want to try them before committing to a pricier option, this is a solid and budget-friendly place to start.
Keeping Shoes Separate
One packing habit I swear by is keeping shoes completely separate from clothing so the soles don’t transfer dirt or grime onto your clothes. For nicer shoes, I use these COIDEA Drawstring Shoe Bags — they’re waterproof, dustproof, and work great for keeping things contained. For my filthy hiking boots or riding boots after a long day on the trails, though, I just use a plastic grocery bag. It does the job just as well, costs nothing, and I’m never sad if it gets destroyed in the process.
The Best Day Bags & Slings
When you’re spending a full day exploring museums, wandering city streets, or powering through a theme park, your bag matters just as much as your shoes. You want something compact, hands-free, and comfortable enough that you forget you’re wearing it.
Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L
My personal pick is the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L. It offers a little more room than a standard hip pack without feeling bulky, and the single-strap sling design makes it easy to swing around to the front when you need to access something quickly. It’s well-constructed, comfortable for long days on your feet, and Patagonia’s materials hold up beautifully over time.
Daylite™ Sling
I’ve had an Osprey Daylite™ Sling bag for years now (hence the sweat marks on the strap). I bought it on impulse because it was on sale at Public Lands or R.E.I. (I can’t remember which) and I loved the floral pattern. It ended up becoming one of my most used bags because it was a great size. It’s just slightly larger than my Patagonia Atom bag, so I tend to use it if I have a little bit more to carry with me on trips.
The North Face Jester Lumbar Pack
If you’re heading to a theme park specifically, I’d point you toward the North Face Jester Lumbar Pack. I bought this one for our Universal Orlando trip and it was perfect for the occasion — it’s small enough that you don’t have to remove it for many of the rides, which is a huge practical win when you’re trying to move efficiently through a park. It sits snugly against your lower back, stays out of the way, and still has enough room for the essentials. A great purpose-built pick for a theme park day.
Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack
My husband’s go-to is the Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack, and it’s a great option if you want something sleek and minimal. It holds the essentials — phone, wallet, keys, a few small items — without any bulk. Cotopaxi’s build quality means it’s durable enough to keep up with an active day, and it sits comfortably whether you wear it as a hip pack or cross-body.
The Best Travel Toiletry Bags & Organizers
A good toiletry bag is one of those things you don’t think much about until you have a really great one — and then it becomes one of the most-used items in your travel kit. Here’s what my husband and I have been loyal to.
Filson Dryden Travel Pack
My husband uses the Filson Dryden Travel Pack in Whiskey, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from Filson — rugged, well-constructed, and built to last a lifetime. It has a classic, handsome look that holds up whether he’s packing for a business trip or a weekend adventure. If you’re looking for a toiletry and accessories organizer that leans more refined than sporty, this is a great pick.
Delsey Paris CHATELET AIR 2.0 Large Toiletry Bag
I use the Delsey Paris CHATELET AIR 2.0 Large Toiletry Bag, and I love it. The standout feature is simply how much it can fit — it’s deceptively spacious, which for me is a must since I have way too much makeup. If you’re already a fan of the Delsey Paris line, this is a natural and worthwhile addition to your travel kit.
L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag
This one has a special place in my travel routine — I’ve had the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag in Small since I was a kid, and I still use the same exact one to this day. That alone tells you everything you need to know about how well it’s made. The compartments are perfectly laid out for organizing small items, and the whole thing is genuinely rugged — I’ve even given it a thorough wash with Dawn dish soap and water when it needed a refresh, and it came out looking great. L.L.Bean is known for making products that go the distance, and this little bag is a perfect example of that. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable organizer that will last you decades rather than a season or two, this is the one to get.
Vera Bradley Accessories Bag
I have literally had this bag since high school and continue to use it for travel because its shape is ideal for accessories, especially belts. It’s round, with small compartments and a zipper section on the top. I store my belts and jewelry in this, and since it’s round and shallow, it’s easy to find what I’m looking for. I haven’t been able to find this new anywhere – I think Vera Bradley stopped making them – but you can still find them on Poshmark or Ebay pre-owned. There may also be other brands that make something similar.
The Best Small Travel Backpacks
Sometimes a hip pack isn’t quite enough, but a full daypack feels like overkill. A small travel backpack hits the sweet spot — enough room for a water bottle, layers, snacks, and a camera, without the bulk of a hiking pack. Here are two that have earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 25L
The Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 25L is my go-to for shorter trips where I want one bag to do a lot. It comes in two sizes — I have the smaller 25L — and while it doesn’t fit as much as some of my larger backpacks, it’s much easier to carry and I’ve even managed to fit it under the plane seat on multiple occasions, which is a real win when you want to avoid checking a bag or dealing with overhead bin space. Patagonia’s build quality means it holds up beautifully over time, and the Black Hole line is practically indestructible.
L.L. Bean Stowaway Pack, 20L
My favorite bag for travel where I know I’ll be doing some hiking, but not every day, is the L.L. Bean Stowaway Pack, 20L. I have an older model without back support, which means it rolls up small and tucks easily into a suitcase without taking up meaningful space. When you need it, it unpacks quickly and can fit a surprising amount of stuff for its size. If you’re heading somewhere with a mix of city days and trail days, this is a low-effort, high-reward addition to your packing list.
Final Thoughts
The right travel gear isn’t about buying the most expensive products on the market — it’s about finding pieces that work hard, last long, and make the experience of traveling genuinely easier and more enjoyable. The products I’ve highlighted here are things I’ve personally used, tested on real trips, and come back to again and again. Whether you’re building out your first serious travel kit or looking to upgrade a few well-worn pieces, I hope this guide gives you a solid starting point. Happy travels.
