Your Guide to Smarter Travel

The definitive travel gear resource for frequent fliers, commuters, and everyone in between.

Gear Reviews

7.0
The Ridge Keycase Review

review | Published on June 16, 2025

Keycase by The Ridge

While the Ridge Keycase's solid aluminum construction is reassuringly sturdy, adding and removing keys is more difficult than with other key organizers.

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7.5
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack 21L Review

review | Published on June 13, 2025

Conceal Pack 21L by The Brown Buffalo

The Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack 21L is well-made with durable materials and is modular by design; however, the bag isn’t as convenient to use without the extras.

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7.7
BAGSMART Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag Review

review | Published on June 12, 2025

Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag by BAGSMART

The BAGSMART Blast 4.5L Hanging Toiletry Bag has water-resistant materials, a hanging hook, and plenty of pockets for gear, but it comes with a large footprint.

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8.1
Rework Gear Toshi Pack 20L Back

review | Published on June 11, 2025

Toshi Pack 20L by Rework Gear

The Rework Gear Toshi Pack 20L is a durable, urban backpack with smart organization—perfect for daily commutes and travel.

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7.6
Bellroy Cinch Bucket Bag Review

review | Published on June 10, 2025

Cinch Bucket Bag by Bellroy

The Bellroy Cinch Bucket Bag is perfect for sunny outings, thanks to cheerful heritage styling and fuss-free access to its main compartment and front pocket.

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7.7
Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket Review

review | Published on June 9, 2025

Foray 3L Rain Jacket by Outdoor Research

Though the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket doesn’t pack into itself, its durable material and smart features are enough to justify making room for it.

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7.1
REI Co-op Stuff Waist Pack Solo

review | Published on June 6, 2025

Co-op Stuff Waist Pack by REI

The packable REI Co-op Stuff Waist Pack is good for wearing through the airport or when you lack pockets, though it's pretty small and somewhat uncomfortable.

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7.4
ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 Solo

review | Published on June 5, 2025

Metro Sling V2 by ALPAKA

The ALPAKA Metro Sling V2 is a sleek, weather-resistant sling with smart organization, silent YKK zippers, and modular attachments for versatile everyday use.

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7.9
Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller Review

review | Published on June 4, 2025

Copilot Luggage Roller by Timbuk2

The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller's separate shoe compartment and quick-access panel are just a few of its unique features that make this softside stand out.

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Guides

Best Carry-On Travel Backpack | Pack Hacker

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How to Choose the Best Carry-on Travel Backpack for You

The best travel backpack is unique for each person. We break down how to choose your perfect one bag carry-on into 5 easy sections and suggest our top picks.

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How To Choose The Best Sling Bag For You

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How to Choose the Best Sling Bag for You

In this travel sling bag guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the best sling bag that will work for you. We cover it all.

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13 Best Personal Item Bags for Under an Airplane Seat

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13 Best Personal Item Bags for Under an Airplane Seat

We’ve compiled a list of the best personal item bags for your next trip, no matter where you’re going, what you’re bringing, your style, and your budget.

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The Best Backpack Brands We've Tested and Loved

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The Best Backpack Brands We’ve Tested and Loved

We’ve tested thousands of pieces of gear to compile this list of the best backpack brands to help you find the perfect match for your next trip.

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Best Lightweight Backpack for Travel

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Best Lightweight Backpack for Travel in 2025

Discover the best lightweight travel backpacks—perfect for strict airline weight restrictions and reducing back strain, with features you need for any trip.

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15 Anti-Theft Bags For Safer Traveling

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15 Anti-Theft Bags For Safer Traveling

An anti-theft bag ensures your gear stays with you and your trips run smoothly. In this list, we explore anti-theft backpacks, slings, and totes.

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14 Best Waterproof Backpack For Ultimate Weather Protection

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9 Best Waterproof Backpacks For Weather Protection

Keeping your gear safe is imperative on any trip. This post will help you find the best waterproof backpack for you, regardless of the destination.

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The Best Luggage for International Travel, Carry-on and Checked

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The Best Luggage for International Travel, Carry-on and Checked

From rugged, medieval roads to smooth airport walkways, the best luggage for international travel will depend on where you’re going. This list covers it all!

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The Best Packable Backpack for Your Trip

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The Best Packable Backpack for Your Trip

Finding the best packable daypack depends on what you’re expecting it to do. From trips to the market to day-long hikes, this list has something for everyone!

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Packing Lists

Vacation Packing List

Packing List

Vacation Packing List

This Vacation Packing List includes all the travel essentials you need to get the most out of a week-long trip.

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Digital Nomad Packing List

Packing List

Digital Nomad Packing List

Everything you need to travel the world indefinitely while working remotely. Small, lightweight tech and clothing that’s ready for work meetings or adventures.

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Road Trip Packing List

Packing List

Road Trip Packing List

The ultimate packing list including all of the road trip essentials you need to travel by car. We cover it all: men’s and women’s focused items from bags, to clothing and toiletries, to cooking supplies, and more.

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Hostel Packing List Full List

Packing List

Hostel Packing List

This Hostel Essentials Packing List includes all the travel essentials you need to get the most out of your next hostel stay.

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Budget Packing List

Packing List

Budget Packing List

Our Budget Packing List is full of the best inexpensive travel gear we could find. Everything you need to travel the world, without those hefty pricetags.

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Earth Friendly Sustainable Packing List

Packing List

Earth Friendly Sustainable Packing List

Travel isn’t inherently sustainable, so offset your adventures by choosing these sustainable, durable, and ethical products to replace your gear over time.

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The Blog

Video: Vacation Essentials For Travel (Updated Packing List)

Video: Vacation Essentials For Travel (Updated Packing List)

Get ready for fun on your next trip!

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Video: 8 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation

Video: 8 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Vacation

How do you plan the perfect trip? We'll show you!

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Best Camera Bag for Photographers

Best Camera Bag for Photographers

Depending on your kit’s size, the best camera bag for you might be a sling, holster, or messenger bag–luckily, this list includes all of the above!

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Video: Personal Item Backpacks to Save Money on Flights

Video: Personal Item Backpacks to Save Money on Flights

Want to save money on bag fees? Pack in a personal item bag!

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