The Best Travel Gear of 2025: Smart Picks for Every Type of Traveler
The Best Travel Gear of 2025: Smart Picks for Every Type of Traveler
The world is more accessible than ever, and it seems like everyone is off exploring beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, scenic hiking trails, or enjoying remote work from a sunny terrace. No matter where your adventures take you, one thing is for sure: having the right travel gear can make a difference!
Whether you’re a weekend explorer, a digital nomad, a seasoned traveler, or just starting on your journey, smart gear can make your travels easier and add a touch of comfort, safety, and style. In this guide, we’ve picked out some of the best travel gear our fellow travelers have tried, tested, and loved. Happy travels!
Our Top Picks
BEST SMART CARRY-ON LUGGAGE:
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage | $133.99
BEST TRAVEL BACKPACK:
Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L | $71.20
BEST PACKING CUBES:
Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes | $39.99
BEST MUST-HAVE TECH ACCESSORY:
Anker 737 Power Bank | $109.99
BEST COMFORT ON THE GO:
BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane | $38.20
BEST ANTI-THEFT BACKPACK:
LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack, Travel Bag | $61.99
BEST WATER BOTTLE:
LARQ Bottle PureVis 17 oz | $89.00
BEST TRAVEL SHOES:
Allbirds Tree Runners with Natural Materials | $98.00
BEST TRAVEL ADAPTER THAT DOES IT ALL:
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter | $23.99
BEST BONUS GEAR:
JML Microfiber Bath Towel | $21.49
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Why Love It:
Glide through travel days with lightweight, secure style.
What to Consider:
It may be tight for longer trips ideal for 2–4 day travel.
Product Description:
Travel confidently with this sleek Samsonite hardshell carry-on — the perfect size (21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″) to meet most airline cabin restrictions. Its textured, scratch-resistant exterior and built-in TSA-approved lock offer style and peace of mind. Inside, smart organization features like elastic straps, a divider, and a pouch keep your essentials secure and accessible. With four oversized spinner wheels and a featherlight 6.5 lbs build, it glides smoothly through airports and busy terminals. Backed by a 10-year warranty, this luggage is built to go wherever your journey leads.
Pro Tip:
Set the TSA lock before flying to skip airport stress later.
Tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
Why Love It:
Smart, sleek, and spacious your travel-ready companion.
What to Consider:
Fully packed, may feel heavy on shoulders without chest strap.
Product Description:
Step into seamless travel with the Navigator-T66 carry-on backpack, designed for adventurers who value organization and comfort. With 38–40L of space, it features a roomy main compartment, TSA-friendly laptop sleeve (fits up to 17″), and quick-access pockets for everything from tech gear to toiletries. Unzip it like a suitcase for hassle-free packing, and breeze through airport checks with its 180° lay-flat design. Made with recycled PET fabric and rugged YKK zippers, it’s both eco-conscious and built to last. Ergonomic padding and a luggage pass-through strap make it your ideal partner for work trips or wanderlust getaways.
Pro Tip:
Pack cubes inside to keep everything ultra-organized in flight.
Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes
Why Love It:
Pack smarter, travel lighter, and stay effortlessly organized.
What to Consider:
Compression may crease delicate fabrics—pack with care.
Product Description:
Transform the way you travel with our compression packing cubes made from premium nylon twill and breathable mesh. Designed to help you pack up to 50% more while keeping your clothes wrinkle-free, these cubes come in sets of 2, 4, or 6 to suit every journey—from quick getaways to long adventures. The double zipper design compresses bulk efficiently, saving space and time. Just place them in hotel drawers for easy unpacking. Durable, lightweight, and perfect for backpacks, carry-ons, or checked luggage, these cubes keep your travel essentials tidy, visible, and ready at a moment’s notice.
Pro Tip:
Roll clothes inside cubes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
Anker 737 Power Bank
Why Love It:
Unmatched power and speed, ready when and where you need it.
What to Consider:
Slightly bulky for small bags ideal for carry-ons or desks.
Product Description:
Stay powered wherever life takes you with the Anker 737 Power Bank. Featuring a massive 24,000mAh capacity, it can charge an iPhone 16 Pro over 4 times or a 2024 iPad Pro 1.3 times perfect for travel, business, or long days out. The smart digital display keeps you in control, showing real-time power flow and recharge estimates. With ultra-fast 140W two-way charging via Power Delivery 3.1, it’s built for high-performance devices. Airplane-safe and roughly the size of a soda can, it’s your compact yet mighty charging companion. Includes a USB-C cable, travel pouch, and Anker’s trusted 24-month warranty.
Pro Tip:
Use a 140W charger for the fastest recharge in just 45 minutes.
BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane
Why Love It:
Double the support means no more neck pain on long trips.
What to Consider:
Say goodbye to neck strain and hello to restful travel with the patented BCOZZY Travel Pillow. It’s the only pillow that provides double support to the head, neck, and chin—perfect for upright sleeping on planes, in cars, or at home. With 3 ergonomic positions, you get custom comfort whether you’re a side-sleeper or need front support. The flat-back design prevents that dreaded head-push-forward feeling. Made with soft, breathable materials and filled with bounce-back down alternative, it’s machine washable and travel-ready. Available in two sizes for a perfect fit, and includes a carry case with a snap loop to clip on your bag.
Pro Tip:
Fold it for side sleep or twist for full chin and neck support.
LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack, Travel Bag
Why Love It:
Wide opening, sleek design, and smart storage.
What to Consider:
Designed for women who do it all, this laptop backpack blends style, function, and comfort. The wide nurse-bag-inspired opening makes it easy to see everything inside—no more digging around. A separate padded compartment protects your laptop, while stretchy side pockets hold water bottles with ease. With a hidden anti-theft pocket and built-in USB port (just add your power bank), you’ll feel secure and connected on the go. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or headed to class, this chic backpack includes an extra mini purse for your small essentials and delivers durability with reinforced stitching and thick straps.
Pro Tip:
Use the mini purse to organize cords, chargers, or cosmetics.
LARQ Bottle PureVis 17 oz
Why Love It:
Fresh, clean water in 60 seconds—no filter or fuss required.
What to Consider:
Needs recharging monthly with included USB cable.
Product Description:
Feel confident with every sip. This smart water bottle uses mercury-free UV-C LED technology to neutralize bacteria like E. coli in just 60 seconds—no chemicals, no replacement filters. It self-cleans every 2 hours, keeping odors and germs at bay. Made from durable stainless steel, the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. Plus, with a rechargeable battery lasting up to a month and a waterproof MicroUSB port, this bottle is built for everyday adventures and worry-free hydration.
Pro Tip:
Activate the UV light after refills to ensure water stays clean.
Allbirds Tree Runners with Natural Materials
Why Love It:
Breezy, cushioned sneakers built for comfort all day long.
What to Consider:
Runs small size up if you’re between sizes or have wide feet.
Product Description:
Step into comfort that breathes. Made with silky-smooth natural tree fiber, the Allbirds Tree Runners offer featherlight, breezy support from the minute you lace up. Whether you’re running errands, walking the city, or working long shifts on your feet, the sugarcane-based midsole delivers soft, springy cushioning where it matters most. Machine washable and certified carbon neutral, these sneakers keep your feet fresh and your conscience clear. Designed for all-day wear—because you’ve got places to be and comfort to keep.
Pro Tip:
Toss them in the wash to refresh your pair anytime you need.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
Why Love It:
Never lose what matters track it all with confidence.
What to Consider:
Precision Finding works only with select iPhone models.
Product Description:
Stay effortlessly connected to your essentials with Apple AirTag. With a simple one-tap setup, it pairs instantly with your iPhone or iPad and appears in the Find My app alongside your other devices. Use the built-in speaker to play a sound or ask Siri for help finding your item. Precision Finding with Ultra Wideband technology (on select iPhones) guides you right to it. Even far away, the global Find My network of Apple devices can help locate it. With Lost Mode, encrypted communication, and no location history stored on the AirTag, you get powerful tracking with total privacy.
Pro Tip:
Attach to keys, bags, or wallets for daily peace of mind.
JML Microfiber Bath Towel
Why Love It:
Ultra-soft, fast-drying towels perfect for home or travel.
What to Consider:
Lighter than cotton some may prefer a denser feel.
Product Description:
Wrap yourself in cloud-like comfort. The JML Microfiber Bath Towel Set includes two generously sized towels (30″ x 60″) that are softer, lighter, and faster-drying than traditional cotton. Designed to absorb up to 7x their weight in water, these towels are perfect for post-shower routines, gym sessions, beach days, or yoga flows. A durable hanging loop makes drying and storage effortless, while the high-quality microfiber stays vibrant and fluffy wash after wash. Whether you’re at home or on the move, these towels deliver comfort that keeps up with your lifestyle.
Pro Tip:
Add a touch of fabric softener for extra plush results.
FAQs
What constitutes the must-have travel equipment for all travelers?
Each traveller should carry some essentials in their luggage for an effortless and pleasant journey. Some of the essentials include a rugged carry-on bag or backbag, universal travel adapter, power bank, noise-canceling headsets, quick-drying travel towel, filtered water bottle, and packing cubes for better organization. Additional items may depend on the nature of the trip, such as the travel pillow, RFID wallet, and light rain jacket.
2. How do I select the best travel suitcase or backpack?
The finest travel bag for you is determined by the type of trip. For short trips and carry-on only travelers, the best bag is the soft-sided backpack type with multiple compartments. For longer journeys or business travel, the best option is the 360° spinner-wheeled suitcase, as it better protects the contents and is easier to maneuver. Ensure quality zippers, tough material, comfortable handles or straps, and compliance with airline size requirements. Convenience is further provided through lightweight, expandable features.
3. Is smart travel gear an investment worth making?
Yes, smart travel equipment can be worth the cost, particularly for regular travelers. Smart bags with GPS tracking, USB charging, and digital locks make them convenient and secure. Additional smart devices such as portable Wi-Fi hotspots, eSIMs for travel, and translation wearables can be really helpful in your trip. It is, however, essential to consider your requirements and find the gear that is compatible with your destinations and your devices.
4. Which equipment is used for efficient packing?
Efficient packing can be achieved through the use of packing cubes, compression bags, and an electronic scale. The use of packing cubes assists in organizing your clothes and accessories in an orderly manner, hence facilitating easier unpacking. Compression bags are excellent for minimizing the bulge in clothes, especially in low temperatures. Using an electronic scale saves you from overweight baggage charges. Rolling, not folding, your clothes saves you storage space and avoids creases.
5. What is the best travel gear for safety and security?
For your peace and safety, invest in devices such as RFID-blocking wallet or passport holders, anti-theft daypacks with concealed zippers, TSA locks, and money belts. For the sake of convenience, it might be useful when you’re staying in low-budget lodgings. It is also advisable that you carry digital scans of your essential documents and save them in the cloud or an encrypted USB drive.
Pingback: Top Travel Bags Women Are Obsessed With in 2025