Best Travel Essentials

Whether you are a minimalist backpacker or a frequent flyer, having the right travel gear makes every trip smoother. We compare the best luggage, chargers, trackers, and accessories for different travel styles.

Quick Comparison

Product Best For Key Pros Link
Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack Backpack Carry-on size for most airlines Amazon
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) Tracker Precision Finding with UWB Amazon
Away Carry-On Luggage with Ejectable Battery Luggage Built-in phone charger Amazon
Anker Nano Power Bank 10000mAh Power-Bank Built-in USB-C connector Amazon
Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W) Charger Compact and portable Amazon
Lifestraw Personal Water Filter Water-Filter Removes 99.999% of bacteria Amazon

Detailed Look at Each Product

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Carry-on compatible travel backpack with 40-liter capacity. Padded laptop and tablet compartment. Stowaway harness and hipbelt zip away for checked luggage. Lockable zippers on main compartment. Lightweight mesh back panel for comfort.

Pros:
  • Carry-on size for most airlines
  • Stowaway harness system
  • Lockable zippers
  • Comfortable to wear all day
Cons:
  • No front-loading clamshell opening
  • Limited organization pockets
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Apple AirTag (4-Pack)

Precision finding item trackers powered by the Apple Find My network. Ultra-wideband technology for precise direction and distance. Replaceable CR2032 battery lasts over a year. IP67 water and dust resistant. Built-in speaker plays sound to locate.

Pros:
  • Precision Finding with UWB
  • Massive Find My network
  • Over 1-year battery life
  • IP67 water resistant
Cons:
  • Only works with Apple devices
  • No hole for keyring (needs holder)
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Away Carry-On Luggage with Ejectable Battery

Hardside carry-on suitcase with polycarbonate shell. Built-in ejectable USB battery pack charges devices at the airport. Interior compression system and hidden laundry bag. TSA-approved combination lock built into the top. 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth rolling.

Pros:
  • Built-in phone charger
  • Durable polycarbonate shell
  • TSA-approved lock
  • Smooth spinner wheels
Cons:
  • No expander zipper
  • Battery adds weight
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Anker Nano Power Bank 10000mAh

Compact 10000mAh portable charger with built-in USB-C connector. 30W max output charges phones quickly. Foldable connector design. LED display shows remaining battery percentage. Charges iPhone to 50% in about 30 minutes.

Pros:
  • Built-in USB-C connector
  • Compact pocket-friendly size
  • 30W fast charging
  • LED battery indicator
Cons:
  • Only one built-in connector type
  • Can only charge one device at a time
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Anker 735 Charger (GaNPrime 65W)

65W compact USB-C charger with GaN technology. Three ports (2 USB-C, 1 USB-A) for charging multiple devices simultaneously. Compact foldable plug design for portability. Intelligent power distribution with PowerIQ 4.0.

Pros:
  • Compact and portable
  • 65W output charges laptops
  • Three ports
  • Foldable plug
Cons:
  • Gets warm under full load
  • Power shared across ports when multi-charging
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Lifestraw Personal Water Filter

Portable personal water filter removes 99.999% of bacteria and parasites. Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of water. No batteries, moving parts, or chemicals required. Weighs only 2 ounces. Meets EPA and NSF standards.

Pros:
  • Removes 99.999% of bacteria
  • No batteries needed
  • Ultralight at 2 oz
  • Filters 1,000 gallons
Cons:
  • Cannot filter viruses
  • Must suck water through straw
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best carry-on luggage?

The Away Carry-On is best for frequent flyers who want a hardside suitcase with a built-in phone charger. The Osprey Farpoint 40 is better for travelers who prefer backpacks and want to avoid checked luggage entirely.

Are AirTags worth it for travel?

Yes. Apple AirTags provide peace of mind for checked luggage with precision tracking through the massive Find My network. The 4-pack lets you track luggage, backpack, passport holder, and camera bag.

What portable charger should I bring when traveling?

The Anker Nano Power Bank 10000mAh has a built-in USB-C connector so you do not need to carry a separate cable. Pair it with the Anker 735 Charger (65W) for a complete charging kit that handles phones, tablets, and laptops.

What travel gear is most often forgotten?

A portable charger, luggage tracker, and universal adapter are the three most commonly forgotten and regretted items. Having a dedicated travel packing list prevents this.