Our Favorite Gear for Any Type of Traveler

Published September 8, 2020 12:00AM

No two trips are the same, and your luggage shouldn’t be, either. Here are our top picks for what to bring if you’re spending a weekend, a few weeks, or months on the road.

The Adventurer

Essentials for Rugged Travelers

Uncharted Supply Triage Kit ($50)

Designed with input from more than 100 professional adventurers, this kit makes preparedness super portable. It has everything you need, including bandages, an emergency blanket, duct tape, and essential medications, all weighing in at less than four ounces.

Pelican 1535 Air Travel Case ($319)

Made to withstand underwater submersion, abuse from baggage handlers, and temperatures from 160 to minus 60, Pelican’s new line blends legendary durability with modern conveniences. This carry-on is crafted with the same lightweight material and watertight O-ring gaskets as the brand’s classic cases, but with new features like quiet-rolling stainless-steel wheels, mesh organizational pockets, and packing cubes.

LifeStraw Go Water-Filter Bottle ($40)

This 22-ounce, BPA-free bottle allows you to sip from virtually any stream or spigot, with a two-stage filter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, while reducing chlorine and other chemicals. Unlike iodine tabs or other purifiers, it’s built to last through numerous uses: the filter is good for 1,000 gallons or up to five years.

The Weekender

Necessities for a Quick Getaway

Boundary Arris Pack ($290)

This pack’s genius is in the ultralight molded back panels, which have cushy pads and shoulder straps that conform to men and women from five foot four to six foot two. Its 34-liter capacity lets you haul everything you need for a weekend, with organizational features like a removable shoe bag and add-ons including a laptop sleeve and tech pouch.

Duer Weightless Jeans ($129)

Weighing less than half what the average pair of jeans do, these slim-cut pants are made from an antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, temperature-controlling fabric.

Nikon Z 50 Camera ($860)

This compact mirrorless shooter combines pro-level features (time-lapse, slow-motion, advanced auto mode) with a flip-down touchscreen for selfies. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity let you post straight to your feed.

The Long Hauler

Tough Gear for Extended Expeditions

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 100L ($350)

A beloved bag gets greener: the Black Hole is now made with 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop and nylon webbing. It combines the functionality of a suitcase and the durability of a duffel, with structured sides and interior pockets for ample gear hauling, a flat-bottom design that enables it to stand, and sturdy, oversize wheels.

Unbound Merino T-shirt ($65)

This lightweight V-neck is a traveler’s best friend. It’s wrinkle-free and can be worn for weeks without developing a smell. Available in men’s and women’s styles, it’s constructed from Australian merino wool, with durable reinforced seams to help it last through any adventure.

Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack ($35)

Weighing a mere 3.2 ounces, and packing down small enough to fit in your palm, this multifunction bag punches well above its weight. Fill its 18 liters of ripstop nylon with snacks and layers for a day hike, a camera and a jacket for running around town, or a bunch of groceries.