Your Guide to Smarter Travel

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

Gear Reviews

8.3
Able Carry Max EDC Review

review | Published on July 7, 2025

Max EDC by Able Carry

Despite the Able Carry Max EDC's thick shoulder straps, the soft padding doesn't feel stiff or cumbersome, even when the bag is fully packed with daily gear.

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7.3
Tropicfeel Shelter Backpack One Shoulder Strap

review | Published on July 4, 2025

Shelter Backpack by Tropicfeel

The Tropicfeel Shelter Backpack seamlessly transitions from 30 to 66 liters, though the pack isn’t as versatile without the extra paid accessories.

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7.6
Aer Street Sling Review

review | Published on July 3, 2025

Street Sling by Aer

The casual-fitting Aer Street Sling isn't as snug as the brand's more horizontally shaped slings, but its pouch-like profile presents a smart layout we dig.

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7.4
Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 Back

review | Published on July 2, 2025

Mission Rover 45 by Mystery Ranch

The Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 is a versatile pack with multiple carry modes, smart organization, and durable recycled materials ideal for short getaways.

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7.8
Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Travel Bottle with Flex Straw Cap Review

review | Published on July 1, 2025

24 oz Wide Mouth Travel Bottle with Flex Straw Cap by Hydro Flask

The Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Travel Bottle's wide shape and tapered base make it cup holder-friendly, but it's not very secure within shallow pockets.

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7.9
AO Coolers Canvas Series 24 Pack Cooler Review

review | Published on June 30, 2025

Canvas Series 24 Pack Cooler by AO Coolers

The soft-sided AO Coolers Canvas Series 24 Pack Cooler retains ice better than most coolers we've tested, though it’s not particularly comfortable to carry.

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7.4
Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger Review

review | Published on June 27, 2025

ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger by Twelve South

The Twelve South ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 Charger is 15-watt wireless charging in a macaroon-like package, though you'll have to provide your own wall charger.

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8.0
Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 40L Review

review | Published on June 26, 2025

Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 40L by Patagonia

The Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag 40L collapses for easy storage and protects your gear with durable materials, yet includes minimal organization.

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7.1
Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal E-Tools Organizer Pro Showcase

review | Published on June 25, 2025

Pack-It Reveal E-Tools Organizer Pro by Eagle Creek

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal E-Tools Organizer Pro is an extra-large pouch with plenty of protection and smart, intuitive organization for all your gear.

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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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10 Best Personal Item Bags for Under an Airplane Seat

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10 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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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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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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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: One Bag Travel Gear for Any Budget | Best BAGSMART Products

Video: One Bag Travel Gear for Any Budget | Best BAGSMART Products

Are you looking to stock up for your next trip? Check out BAGSMART.

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REI July 4 Deals — Pack Hacker hero

Shop the REI Fourth of July Deals

Save on gear for roadtrips, packable outdoor equipment, and more.

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GIVEAWAY: Win a Laptop Sleeve and Matching Tech Pouch from Orbitkey

At Pack Hacker, we're fortunate to test new commuter products and travel-related gear. Now, we want to give you the chance to win some fresh gear, too.

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Video: 10 Things We Bring Every Time We Travel

Video: 10 Things We Bring Every Time We Travel

We don't take a trip without this travel gear!

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