Every experienced traveler has that one product they can’t live without. Whether it’s a gadget that saves the day or gear that makes packing a breeze, these items become essential companions on every adventure. We’ve gathered the top 15 travel products that American travelers consistently recommend to friends and family.
1. Away Carry-On Luggage
Smart travelers know that checked bags are just asking for trouble. Away’s carry-on has revolutionized how people think about luggage with its built-in USB charging port and durable polycarbonate shell.
The four 360-degree spinner wheels glide effortlessly through airports, while the TSA-approved lock keeps belongings secure. Inside, compression zippers create extra packing space, and the removable laundry bag keeps dirty clothes separate.
Frequent flyers love how this sleek design fits perfectly in overhead bins. The lifetime warranty means you’ll never worry about replacement costs, making it a smart long-term investment for serious travelers.
2. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Dead phone batteries rank among travelers’ worst nightmares. This powerhouse device packs enough juice to charge most smartphones over five times, making it perfect for long-haul flights or destinations where outlets are scarce.
PowerIQ technology automatically detects your device and delivers the fastest possible charging speed. The compact design fits easily in carry-on bags without adding significant weight to your luggage.
Many travelers report using this charger for entire week-long trips without needing to plug it in. The LED indicators show remaining power levels, so you’ll never be caught off guard by a dead battery again.
3. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Backpackers worldwide swear by this carry-on compliant pack that feels like it was custom-made for their shoulders. The adjustable harness system adapts to different torso lengths, while padded hip belts distribute weight evenly.
Stowaway shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away when checking in at airports, transforming it into a clean duffel-style bag. Multiple compartments keep electronics, clothes, and toiletries organized and easily accessible.
Osprey’s legendary lifetime warranty covers any defects or damage, no questions asked. Adventure travelers appreciate how this pack transitions seamlessly from city streets to mountain trails without missing a beat.
4. PackTowl Ultralight Towel
Hotel towels are hit-or-miss, and hostel towels are often nonexistent. This microfiber miracle absorbs four times its weight in water while taking up minimal space in your luggage.
The quick-dry fabric prevents that musty smell that plagues regular towels, and the sand-resistant material makes beach days much more enjoyable. It packs down to the size of a small paperback book.
Gym enthusiasts love how lightweight it feels compared to cotton alternatives. The antimicrobial treatment keeps bacteria at bay, making it perfect for extended trips where laundry opportunities are limited or expensive.
5. HeroClip Carabiner Hook
Airport bathroom floors are disgusting, and finding a clean place to hang your bag is nearly impossible. This ingenious device transforms any edge into a secure hanging point for purses, backpacks, or shopping bags.
The rotating clip adjusts to fit tables, doors, or railings up to two inches thick. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it supports up to 60 pounds without bending or breaking.
Travelers rave about using it in tiny airplane bathrooms and cramped hostel showers. The compact size means it disappears into your pocket, but you’ll reach for it constantly once you realize how many surfaces become useful hanging spots.
6. Shacke Pak Packing Cubes
Chronic overpackers finally have a solution that doesn’t involve sitting on suitcases. These mesh-topped organizers compress clothes while keeping everything visible and accessible throughout your trip.
Different sizes accommodate various clothing types, from underwear to bulky sweaters. The compression zippers create up to 30% more space, meaning you can pack more without upgrading to a larger suitcase.
Multi-city travelers love how easy it becomes to live out of a suitcase when everything has its designated cube. The durable nylon construction withstands repeated packing and unpacking without showing wear or losing shape over time.
7. Apple AirTag or Tile Tracker
Lost luggage anxiety keeps many travelers awake at night. These tiny tracking devices provide real-time location updates, turning the nightmare of missing bags into a manageable inconvenience.
The coin-sized trackers slip easily into luggage pockets or attach to zippers. When bags go missing, your smartphone shows their exact location, often before airlines even know there’s a problem.
Nervous flyers report feeling significantly more relaxed knowing they can track their belongings anywhere in the world. The long battery life means you can forget about them for months, while the loud beeping helps locate bags in crowded baggage claims.
8. ScotteVest Travel Jacket
Pickpockets target obvious tourists, but this jacket’s 22 hidden pockets keep valuables completely invisible. Each pocket is strategically placed and sized for specific items like passports, phones, or boarding passes.
The weight-distributing system prevents the jacket from feeling lopsided even when fully loaded. RFID-blocking pockets protect credit cards and passports from electronic theft attempts.
Solo travelers, especially women, appreciate how this eliminates the need for a purse in crowded areas. The machine-washable fabric looks professional enough for business travel while providing the security features that adventure travelers demand in unfamiliar destinations.
9. Allbirds Tree Dashers
Comfortable walking shoes can make or break a vacation, and these require zero break-in time. The eucalyptus tree fiber upper feels soft from day one while providing excellent breathability in hot climates.
The lightweight design reduces foot fatigue during long sightseeing days. Machine-washable construction means you can pack light and clean them in hotel sinks if needed.
City explorers love how they look stylish enough for nice restaurants but comfortable enough for 15-mile walking days. The carbon-negative manufacturing appeals to eco-conscious travelers who want their adventures to have minimal environmental impact while maximizing comfort.
10. Zojirushi Travel Mug
Coffee addicts refuse to compromise on their morning ritual, even at 30,000 feet. This vacuum-insulated marvel keeps beverages hot for over 12 hours while remaining completely leak-proof in any position.
The one-handed operation makes it perfect for crowded airplanes or busy train stations. The wide mouth accommodates ice cubes, while the smooth interior prevents flavor retention between different beverages.
Road trip enthusiasts swear by how it maintains perfect drinking temperature throughout entire driving days. The durable stainless steel construction survives drops and bumps that would destroy cheaper alternatives, making it a reliable companion for years of adventures.
11. Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case
Wet soap bars create disgusting messes in toiletry bags, but this innovative case solves that age-old problem. The unique design allows air circulation while containing any moisture or residue.
Made from food-grade silicone, it’s completely waterproof yet flexible enough to accommodate different soap sizes. The flat profile takes up minimal space compared to bulky plastic soap containers.
Hostel travelers appreciate how it prevents soap from sticking to other toiletries. Environmental advocates love how it encourages bar soap use instead of plastic bottles, reducing waste while maintaining cleanliness and organization throughout extended backpacking adventures.
12. Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
Tiny hotel bathroom counters and shared hostel facilities make organizing toiletries a daily challenge. This bag hangs from any hook or towel bar, keeping everything accessible without taking up precious counter space.
Multiple mesh pockets and elastic loops accommodate bottles, brushes, and small items. The removable mirror eliminates the need to crowd around shared bathroom mirrors during busy morning routines.
Frequent business travelers love how quickly they can set up their routine in any bathroom. The water-resistant base protects contents from wet surfaces, while the compact folding design fits easily into carry-on luggage without wasting valuable packing space.
13. Nite Ize Gear Ties
Tech-heavy travelers know that cable management can make or break an organized packing system. These reusable rubber twist-ties with internal wire cores hold their shape while securing everything from charging cables to gear repairs.
The waterproof coating makes them perfect for outdoor adventures, while the various sizes accommodate different bundling needs. Unlike zip ties, these can be repositioned and reused countless times.
Digital nomads appreciate how they prevent cable tangles in laptop bags. The bright colors make it easy to spot specific cables quickly, while the strong grip holds bundles secure even during rough handling by airport baggage systems.
14. Travelon Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
European pickpockets have turned theft into an art form, but this bag’s security features level the playing field. Slash-proof mesh panels and locking zippers make unauthorized access nearly impossible.
RFID-blocking technology prevents electronic theft of credit card and passport information. The adjustable strap includes a carabiner clip that secures to belt loops for additional protection in crowded areas.
Solo female travelers report feeling significantly more confident navigating busy tourist areas with this bag. The stylish design doesn’t scream “tourist,” while the multiple compartments keep important documents organized and easily accessible when needed for legitimate purposes.
15. Jetboil Flash Cooking System
Expensive cafe prices can destroy travel budgets, but this compact cooking system boils water in just 100 seconds. The integrated design means the burner, pot, and fuel canister nest together for minimal packing space.
Push-button ignition eliminates the need for matches or lighters. The insulated cozy prevents burns while keeping contents hot longer, perfect for instant coffee or dehydrated meals.
Budget backpackers love how it pays for itself within days by eliminating restaurant costs. Car campers appreciate the reliability compared to campfire cooking, while the fuel efficiency means one small canister lasts through multiple meals and hot beverages.
