The Luggage and Travel Gear Our Editors Swear By

Epic trips don’t just happen out of the blue — they require careful planning, from finding the best deals on flights to uncovering the hidden gems that make a vacation truly memorable. But there’s one step of the process we don’t always give much thought to: the luggage we’re bringing along. And yet, traveling with the right luggage — and the right travel accessories — can take the stress out of lugging your belongings throughout the journey, whether at TSA security or up the stairs at the vacation rental home. We asked our editors at Daily Passport and other Optimism brands to share the luggage and travel gear they can’t travel without. Below are a few of our favorite picks for the best editor-recommended luggage and travel gear.

Away The Carry-On

“Ever since I got it a few years ago, the Away carry-on has been a game changer. I love how the aluminum edition is not only super sleek but extremely sturdy. Plus, it has handy features like TSA-approved locks and a mesh packing system inside.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Béis Convertible Mini Weekender

“The Béis weekender has a lot of great features — a padded laptop pocket, a key leash, a trolley pass-through that doubles as an outer pocket when it’s zipped, a removable bottom compartment — and it fits a surprising amount of stuff. I use it as my personal item on longer trips, but it’s a tight squeeze under the seat on some airlines (especially if it’s packed full).” -Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor, Optimism

Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner

“I was recently in the market for new checked luggage, and the timeless style of this Briggs & Riley bag caught my eye. Though it’s on the pricey side (but less so than many of the top brands), it immediately felt sturdier and better-built than other bags I looked at. And most importantly, the company offers a lifetime repair guarantee — no questions asked.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Dagne Dover Petra Convertible Tote

“One of my favorite bag companies, Dagne Dover, just introduced luggage, and I haven’t stopped using the Petra Convertible Tote. It has slots for everything I carry (like my laptop) and easily converts from a tote to a backpack.” -Liz Denton, Editor, Unique Beauty

Gregory Rhune 25 Backpack

“The Rhune 25 backpack has been hugely helpful on recent road trips and hikes. It fits so much more inside it than I could’ve ever realized, and is extremely comfortable on the shoulders.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Packing Cubes and Cord Wraps

“These compression packing cubes helped me fit two weeks’ worth of clothing (including multiple outfits for some days) in a single carry-on for my recent trip to Italy. I also highly recommend velcro cord wraps — they make organizing your cords and electronics so much easier.” -Allie Takeda, Senior Managing Editor, Optimism

Pacsafe Crossbody Bag

“Available in three colors, this crossbody bag from Pacsafe is not only stylish but also has a number of anti-theft features, including an embedded mesh that prevents the material being cut, interlocking zippers that attach securely to an in-built bar, and a reinforced shoulder strap that’s long enough to be worn across the body.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Topo Designs Accessory Bags

“I always use the Topo accessory bags to keep things organized within bigger bags — for example, I use the small one for my phone chargers and earbuds. Plus, the colors are so fun!” -Meg Neal, Deputy Managing Editor, History Facts

2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Blanket

“Bringing both a pillow and blanket onboard can eat up valuable space in any carry-on, but you don’t have to worry with this 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket. This product easily tucks into any bag, and it also has a built-in sleeve that you can strap around any suitcase handle while navigating through the airport.” -Bennett Kleinman, Senior Staff Writer, Optimism

Apple AirTag

“This is the one gadget I recommend never leaving home without — particularly if you’re planning on checking a bag on your trip. If, on the off chance, the airline loses your bag, having an Apple AirTag tucked inside can be a lifesaver. The quarter-sized device makes it simple to keep tabs on your luggage wherever you are.” -Peter Vanden Bos, Editor, Daily Passport

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Featured image credit: Credit: Zbynek Pospisil/ iStock via Getty Images Plus