The Women’s Travel Essentials of 2015

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What to pack and wear.
—Meaghen Brown

—Meaghen Brown (Michael Karsh)
Seea Capitola bikini
Women’s surfing brand Seea makes retro swimsuits with an edge. The cross back on the Capitola ($125) doesn’t cut into your neck like on a lot of suits, and the braided detailing on the straps is attractive. theseea.com

In Blue Handmade Bicycle Journal
In Blue’s leather goods are created in North Carolina, and the craftsmanship shines through. This paperback-size notebook ($25) safeguards sketches and inspired musings. inbluehandmade.com

Nau Slight shirt
Styled to look like a classic button-down, but cut from polyester ripstop with a waterproof DWR coating, the Slight ($145) is both a cute, casual top and a slick lightweight layer. nau.com

Volcom Straight Laced dress
A shift dress is great for the road. It’s easy to pack, it goes with everything, and it transitions from the farmers’ market to a four-star restaurant with a change of shoes. The loose fit of the Straight Laced ($50) makes it comfortable even when you’re lugging a heavy shoulder bag. volcom.com

Super.natural Boxy Crew 220 shirt
This wool-polyelastane crew ($70) became a favorite among testers for its versatility. Nothing else works so well in so many situations, from a day hike to a long airplane ride. sn-supernatural.com

Wacaco Minipresso GR espresso machine
When you find yourself without access to coffee, this hand-powered espresso maker ($65) comes to the rescue. A piston builds the ideal pressure for a rich shot, and the cap is the cup. wacaco.com

OluKai Hikina sandals
The Hikina ($150) is comfortable enough to wear all day, thanks to an anatomically molded outsole and a soft latex-foam footbed. And the hand-stitched detailing on the toe and heel, along with the caramel-colored leather, make it cute enough to pair with anything, even a bathing suit. olukai.com

Prana Bhakti Weekender bag
The Bhakti Weekender ($80) has eight interior and four exterior pockets, and the padded straps are easy on the shoulders. The quilted cotton makes stashing a cinch. prana.com

Prana Michelle shorts
Prana added a silk lining to these baggy cotton shorts ($60) for superior comfort and reduced rubbing when you’re doing lots of walking, especially in hot places. The woven eyelets are a nice touch. prana.com
