Whenever one is traveling, there is need to have some traveling gear or accessories. This would be a cashmere robe and a Champagne fridge in a perfect world, but while you wait for those, take stock of these travel gears which will make your journey easier.
We are not talking water purifiers and a full-on medikit in your carry-on, but gadgets, devices and items of clothing that will cure a long list of first world problems.
Best Travel Gear 2023
1. BOSE QUIETCOMFORT QC20 & QC20I
Apart from it been small, their comfy StayHear+ tips make it easy to sleep while wearing them without the ‘hot ear’ syndrome bigger models cause. A 16-hour battery is handy, and unlike many of its rivals, it works as standard passive earphones even when the battery is drained. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Long-haul flights
• Battery life: 16 hours
• Weight: 44g
Pros
• It is noise cancelling
• It is handy and small in size
Cons
• It is not great with music
2. Moshi Ionbank 10K
People want their gadgets charged actually recharging on-the-go is a constant pain. Even if you have a good portable battery pack to give your phone or tablet some extra juice, travelling with cables is not pleasant. To solve this issue, the ionbank has a large battery capable of recharging a phone about four or five times over, and a tablet at least once. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Recharging on the go
• Dimensions: 13.7×8.2×1.8cm
• Weight: 270g
• Capacity: 10,300 mAh
Pros
• Cable-free travel
• It has a large capacity
Cons
• Apple Lightning only
3. ICEBREAKER 175 SHORT SLEEVE CREWE
Whenever one has a conversation with an experienced traveller, they will not only know about Icebreaker, but they’ll probably already have gotten through scores of this legendary travel t-shirt. It’s pricey, but its roll-call of features makes it a must-pack. It’s made from 100% merino wool from New Zealand sheep that means it’s great in humidity as well as acting as a great base-layer in the cold. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Travelling light
• Colour: Black
• Material: Merino wool
Pros
• It dries quickly
• Odour resistant
Cons
• It doesn’t last long
• It is pricey
4. Smythson Mara Passport Cover
Twisting heads at the boarding gate might not be your number one priority, but when a passport cover looks this good, it’s hard to resist the indulgence. And why should you? Take care of your travel documents, as well as yourself, to a little bit of luxury with this real leather passport cover from purveyors of fine gentlemanly things Smythson. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Luxurious accessory
• Colour: Winter Berry, Navy, Silver or Brown
• Material: Calf leather
Pros
• Luxurious leather
• Keep everything in one place
Cons
• Bit of indulgence
5. Knomo Harpsden Laptop Backpack
If someone have done the gap year thing or find yourself in far-flung forests more than overseas meeting rooms, you might find an 85-litre behemoth backpack to be a perfectly acceptable travel companion. But, if you’re travelling for work, you’re going to have to kick things up a notch in terms of professionalism, and down a notch in terms of capacity, which is where this Knomo Harpsden Laptop Backpack fits in nicely. Specifications include:-
• Best for: A smart travel bag
• Colour: Grey, blue
• Battery Life: N/A
• Weight: 0.9kg
Pros
• It is more formal than the average travel backpack
• It is Clean, minimal design
Cons
• The design isn’t the most exciting
6. Zero Grid Packing Cubes Travel Organizer Set
If you need to keep your clothes as neat and tidy as possible in-transit, this is a great packing solution, allowing you to compartmentalise and corral your travel wardrobe without it just ending up flying around all over the place as soon it’s in the care of the baggage handlers. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Maximising your packing space
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 0.35kg
Pros
• Keep clothes neat and separated
• It is lightweighted and compact
Cons
• May not fit larger items of clothing
7. Knomo Fulham Knomad Tech Organiser
We can’t think of anything less delightful when you’re jet-lagged or delayed than rummaging around in a nest of tangled wires to charge up your phone or laptop. This tech organiser from Knomo keeps that from happening by offering up a place for everything: elasticated straps for headphones and USBs, a zipped mesh pocket for keeping an eye on your valuables, multiple pockets for phones – a useful solution if you’re travelling with teenagers who can’t be trusted to look after their own stuff – and RFID card slots. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Keeping tech organised
• Colour: Black, navy
• Weight: 0.4kg
• Material: Waxed canvas
Pros
• Handy mesh valuables pocket
• Keeps wires tangle-free
Cons
• Will need a separate one for laptop or tablet
8. THE NORTH FACE JESTER BACKPACK
This North Face backpack gives the air of the casual day tripper, so only you need know how much secret functionality it packs in. With a FlexVent suspension system combining ergonomic shoulder straps with a mesh back panel, it’s built for comfort even in warm weather, aiming to forego that hideous lower back dampness that less breathable backpacks can impart. Other specifications include:
• Best for: Day trips
• Colour: Black, Blue, Ivory, Red, Green, Navy or Grey
• Weight: 0.91kg
• Material: Polyester
Pros
• Comfy and good looking
• Padded laptop sleeve
Cons
• The base a bit thin
9. 2XU 24/7 Compression Sock
The best way to keep DVT and other circulation-related beasts at bay is to don a pair of sexy compression socks while you fly. With a comfortable fitting and stretchy, these sports compression socks from masters of the genre 2XU are a perfect example, and reviewers commended them for their comfort, fit and quality. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: Improving circulation
• Colour: Black
• Weight: 0.12kg
• Material: Cotton, nylon, lycra
Pros
• Minimises threat of DVT
• Low-key look
Cons
• It’s not a converter
10. Leopardd RFID Blocking Leather Wallet.
The best way to outwit e-thieves is with an RFID-blocking wallet, and this independent lab-certified version from Leopardd is one of the more stylish offerings on the market, as well as being tried and tested for your peace of mind. Other specifications include:-
• Best for: RFID Wallet
• Colour: Black, chocolate
• Weight: 0.113kg
• Material: Leather
Pros
• Certified RFID blocking
• It’s a proper leather wallet
Cons
• It’s a little bulky in-pocket