Our diligent team put an array of travel products to the test in order to find the gear that will make your next journey as fun as the destination. PEOPLE staffers spent months testing these 16 winning products, including suitcases, duffels and backpacks that they towed on trips around the globe to ensure no wear or tear was found.
From clever travel hacks to the comfiest travel pillow, these products are sure to help make your next trip as stress-free as possible — whether you’re embarking on a long-haul international flight or enjoying a weekend getaway.
See which of the latest tech gadgets, suitcases, travel accessories and more were crowned winners across 16 categories.
BEST BACKPACK: High Sierra Hi-Life Travel Backpack
With an expansion feature that adds an extra two inches of packing space, this 40L backpack fits enough clothes and shoes for at least a weekend getaway, our testers say. It folds open to reveal one zippered compartment that keeps items separated, while the other side has two mesh pockets to stash toiletries.
A dedicated pocket for a 17-inch laptop gives travelers peace of mind knowing their “electronics will be secure,” and the three additional front pockets make items like phones or important documents “easily accessible.” For easy transit, use the multiple carry handles on the top and sides, or the Stack-It Strap to secure against luggage handles.
Buy It! $100, highsierra.com
BEST PACKING CUBES: florence by mills x DELSEY PARIS No Drama Packing Cubes
The “structured” design takes the stress out of packing by keeping your clothes folded neatly in place, even during transit, according to our testers. With a mesh front panel on all four sizes in the set, it’s easy to spot everything so you won’t miss that Insta-worthy vacation outfit you packed.
Bulkier items like sweaters are perfect for the extra-large size, while accessories like socks fit snugly into the smallest cube. In a rush, easily grab the cubes out of your suitcase using the built-in handle on top.
Buy It! $30 for 4, us.delsey.com
BEST DUFFEL: BÉIS The Ultimate Travel Duffle
One tester loved how it “opened flat like a suitcase,” yet it’s still considered a personal item with all major U.S. airlines. It’s even small enough to “fit under the seat, which is great if you also have a carry-on suitcase.”
Traveling with electronics is a breeze thanks to the padded laptop pocket with a velcro closure, while the attached elastic leash ensures you never lose track of your keys or wallet. The multifunctional trolley passthrough feature either keeps the bag secure against your suitcase’s handle, or it can double as another pocket if the bottom zipper is shut.
Buy It! $128, beistravel.com
BEST FULL-SIZE SUITCASE: Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Large Check-In Hardside Spinner
Despite its large size, it still felt “surprisingly light,” one tester says. Wheel it effortlessly through the airport with its “comfortable” Powerscope Lite handle, which easily adjusts to your height and features rubberized Contour Grip for added control.
The polycarbonate hard shell and reinforced inner corner guards help resist scratches and dents. On the inside, zippered divider panels with integrated pockets made from recycled materials keep items organized. The panels also have a built-in H2O guard that helps repel moisture.
Buy It! $225, travelpro.com
BEST CARRY-ON: CALPAK Terra 35L Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage
Spacious enough to fit up to five days of clothing, this carry-on is a must have for travelers who need something lightweight, yet practical, that’s easy to lift into the overhead bin. The durable, soft-sided material will still look “fresh after several uses,” and it’s easy to wipe off any smudges so it still looks “good as new,” one tester says.
Rolling it along airport carpet or bumpy sidewalks will be an easy trek thanks to the smooth, 360-degree spinner wheels. A smaller side pocket is perfect to stash a water bottle in during boarding, while the front zippered pocket makes small essentials easily accessible.
Buy It! $215, calpaktravel.com
BEST DOPP KIT: Quince Italian Leather Dual Compartment Toiletry Bag
A traveler’s dream: the dual compartments keep items separated so your products don’t “spill and get on everything,” one tester says. It’s adorned with genuine leather on the outside, and lined with water-resistant, faux leather on the inside.
The top compartment’s wide opening easily fits larger toiletries, while the bottom part unzips to create a storage space for smaller belongings. It also has eight elastic folds to keep tools like tweezers, razors or even your toothbrush in place.
Buy It! $70, quince.com
BEST ADAPTER: Heys All-in-One Super Elite Travel Adapter with USB
With compatibility in over 150 countries, this accessory is the “upgrade you need” to avoid lugging around multiple adapters during your international travels, says one tester.
The thumb-slide grip feature locks each plug type seamlessly into place, making it easy to switch between each one while country hopping. It’s also “super compact” and lightweight enough to stash in smaller bags while on-the-go. The best part? It has four built-in USB ports so you can charge all your devices at once.
Buy It! $40, us.heys.com
BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS: SOUNDPEATS PearlClip Pro
These water-resistant, wireless earbuds boast an innovative open-ear design that’s perfect for longer plane or train journeys. They prevent your ears from getting sore after a few hours of use, our testers say, and they securely clip over your ears due to the liquid silicone and memory wire.
One tester raved about its easy setup, and how it “paired immediately” with her phone. Enjoy two hours of playtime with just a 10-minute quick charge, or six hours on a full charge.
Buy It! $60, soundpeats.com
BEST WATER BOTTLE: Owala FreeSip Sway
This “sleek” bottle has everything travelers need to stay hydrated while on-the-go, starting with the “purse-like” bucket handle that’s easy to grip and tote around, says one tester.
It’s also cupholder-friendly and has a lockable, leak-proof lid with a push button feature to open. Cleaning is made easy with the dishwasher safe lid and the stainless steel bottle’s wide opening design, which also makes it perfect for loading up with ice. Triple-layer insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
Buy It! From $35, owalalife.com
BEST MAKEUP BAG: Baggu Small Cosmetic Case
While the spacious interior is ideal for any makeup lover, it’s also perfect for those who use one bag for toiletries and cosmetic products. One tester raves, “a weekend’s worth of toiletries and my minimal makeup fit perfectly in my luggage” thanks to this case. Piping detail helps keep the bag structured so you can easily dig through and locate your products without the material folding in. Durable nylon ripstop lining keeps it from tearing, and it’s even machine washable. The three-inch handle on top makes it easy to grab out of your luggage.
Buy It! $38, baggu.com
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER: Mophie Powerstation Plus 10K Power Bank with Integrated Cables 30W
Our testers called this power bank a “game changer” with its ability to charge three devices at once. It has two attached lightning and USB-C cables, as well as a USB-C port on the bottom, all wrapped into one lightweight product that’s compact enough to fit in your pocket.
It also “charges devices quickly,” as it provides a 50% charge for your phone in just 25 minutes and holds up to two full phone charges. The durable cables made out of silicone can withstand 30,000 bends, making it ideal for the avid traveler.
Buy It! $80, zagg.com
BEST TRAVEL PILLOW: Cabeau Evolution X
Prepare to catch some Zs on the plane for once thanks to this pillow, which our testers said “actually kept my head upright” and “supported my neck the entire flight.”
The adjustable neck strap makes it easy to loosen or tighten so it fits to the size of your neck, while the ball-lock and cord attached to the front keeps the pillow securely in place. Supportive memory foam cradles your neck and keeps it from falling forward while sleeping. Built-in cooling vents release heat and help circulate air flow to keep travelers comfy during their slumber.
Buy It! $50, cabeau.com
BEST PACKING ESSENTIAL: Ziploc Brand Tall Storage Bags
Not just for the kitchen! These are 2x longer than regular quart-size bags, making them “perfect for a full-size shampoo or conditioner bottle” when packing for longer trips. The “sturdy” material left our testers with “no leaks” during their travels, and the double zipper seal at the top provides a tight close.
In addition to toiletries, testers found these bags useful to transport chargers with longer cords, and also to store lighter shoes like flip flops to prevent clothes from getting dirty in their suitcase. These “extremely durable” bags can also be reused after hand-washing and drying.
Buy It! $3.50 for 10, at grocery stores
BEST TRAVEL HACK: Natural Life Hideaway Scrunchie
This hair accessory has a hidden built-in pocket that’s spacious enough to hold chapstick, cash, keys or earbuds, according to our testers. It zips shut to keep items from falling out, and its velvet-like fabric makes it “cling to your hair” while on the move.
It especially comes in handy if you don’t have pockets, or if you can’t easily access your bag in the overhead bin or underneath your seat on the plane, our testers say.
Buy It! $12, naturallife.com
BEST BATHROOM NECESSITY: ROAME Portable Soap Sheets
Our testers say these ultra-thin soap sheets that come in a pack of 50 are “perfect for any public bathroom situation where the hand soap has run out.” Just pull one out, add water, and watch it “work up a rich lather” that will leave your hands squeaky clean.
They come in a compact case that fits into the “smallest” of bags, while the attached cord makes it easy to clip onto your purse or key chain so you’ll never lose it.
Buy It! $13, roameclean.com
BEST SANITIZING WIPES: Noshinku Nourishing Travel Hand Sanitizing Wipes – Discovery Pack
Soaked in essential oils and infused with enriching ingredients like green tea, aloe and oat extract, these sanitizing wipes create a “soothing” experience that left our testers absolutely “obsessed.”
They’re 99.9% effective against common germs and come in a tiny package of 15 wipes that can be stashed in your carry-on or purse. The discovery pack offers three scents that are free from artificial perfumes, including: Bergamot, Eucalyptus and Lavendula.
Buy It! $15 for 3 packs, noshinku.com
