The Best Men’s Travel Gear of 2021
Long trips feel easier with the right kit
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Icebreaker Merino Dowlas Short Sleeve Crew ($90)
We’ve tested a lot of wool short sleeves, but this one stood out for its just-right cut—loose but not slouchy—and soft feel. Plus, it mitigated odor enough to go straight from a trail run to an outdoor happy hour.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Mixed Cube Set ($65)
Cover all your bases with this set that includes a mesh cube for toiletries, an antimicrobial one for smelly clothes, and one that’s made of burly TPU, so you can safely carry everything from crampons to books.
Stanley Stay-Hot Titanium Camp Mug ($90)
At only 6.8 ounces, this vessel is light and sturdy enough for backpacking. But its perfectly angled handle, thin lip, and classic shape create such a pleasant drinking experience, you’ll want to use it every day.
Coal Ergo Face Mask with Filter Pocket ($21)
The right travel face mask needs to be comfortable, reliable, and stylish. Coal’s ticks all of those boxes with ear fasteners that are secure and easy to adjust, a full-coverage, filter pocket, and tasteful prints like gingham.
Filson Tin Cloth Waist Pack ($80)
This utilitarian pack is one of the most versatile accessories you could add to your kit. The large clamshell opening seals with a water-resistant zipper, and the tin-cloth fabric is durable yet stylish enough to dress up.
Otterbox Fast Charge Qi Wireless Power Bank ($40)
Power banks usually aren’t a product we’re excited to test. That changed when this charger juiced up an iPhone 11 in less than a third of the time of any other model we’ve tried.
Aether Drive Jacket ($425)
Aether’s latest is like the love child of a hooded soft-shell vest and a cashmere cardigan. The water-resistant polyester outer and synthetic core insulation handled a drizzly, 40-degree walk. Knit sleeves give it the vibe of a fine sweater.
Lululemon Bowline 30-inch Utilitech Pants ($128)
With an elastic waist and four-way stretch, these pants are just as comfortable for lounging as they are for strenuous hiking. The tapered fit and dressy look pair nicely with a collared shirt.
Article One X Ciele Sunglasses ($275)
We only want to travel with one pair of sunnies, so versatility is key. These are as comfortable on long runs as they are in the car, according to one tester who wore them for an adventure-packed weekend bookended by 12-hour drives.
Vans Trek Slip-On Shoes ($55)
These slip-ons are made from 100 percent thermoplastic, but they look more like Vans’ classic skate shoes than cheap sandals. They fully collapse for quick packing, rinse off easily, and still pair well with jeans.
