27 Best Black Friday Travel Gear Deals 2024

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L has a clamshell opening you’d expect of a travel-focused backpack, and that, coupled with its rigid structure, makes packing easy. But it’s the subtler features that make this backpack distinctly “Peak Design,” such as its compression system that doesn’t involve any messy straps and instead relies on a zipper that runs along the bag’s edge. It’s a neatly integrated system that preserves the bag’s very clean aesthetics. That said, keep in mind that it’s the expanded state that’s 30 liters, while the compressed state is 27 liters.

• Compression system is neatly integrated using a zipper with no straps involved
• Rigid structure makes packing easy

• It’s 30 liters when expanded
• We wish the main compartment’s mesh pockets were easier to access

If the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21” Carry-On Expandable Spinner looks extremely familiar, that’s because it’s from the brand that’s the industry standard for flight attendants and pilots. We can see why it’s the safe choice, as even this one ticks all the right boxes. Its wheels roll smoothly and quietly across carpeted floors and uneven surfaces, and the handle is comfortable to hold and pull around. Yes, the busy-looking softside design may lack the sophistication of sleeker hardside luggage. However, functionality more than makes up for it by way of a secondary compartment and pocket, something hardside luggage often lack. Additionally, it’s also expandable in case you bulk up on snacks and souvenirs by the end of your trip.

• Super silent wheels won’t draw unnecessary attention even in a quiet terminal
• Expandable in case you need extra space

• Developed a few loose threads after our testing
• Expansion isn’t that substantial compared to other expandable luggage

The Aer Travel Pack 3 earned its Pack Hacker Pick award for a variety of reasons. Built on iterations of the Travel Pack series we already liked, it has a solid foundation by way of a roomy main compartment that’s easy to pack, solid-feeling and very robust 1680-denier CORDURA® ballistic nylon, and a harness system that has all the bells and whistles you could want, including load lifters and a hip belt. Key improvements include compression straps that do not go over any zippers but still compress the bag’s weight effectively and a neater liner that’s not as wrinkly as previous ones. All in all, it’s an ideal bag for those who want to one-bag their way around the world in comfort.

• Compression straps at the sides don’t interfere with the zippers
• Has a very comfortable and feature-rich harness system

• Magnetic buckles have a tendency to undo themselves
• Adequate laptop protection, though we wish the false bottom were bigger

Whether you’re carrying cash or cards, a trusty wallet is a must if you don’t want to lose either bundle. For that purpose, the ALPAKA ARK Bifold Cash Wallet is certainly built for the job. Featuring 300-denier polyester fabric, it has a smooth canvas texture that feels just right to hold, plus a magnetized closure to help keep it all together. Moreover, the entire wallet feels very structured for its size while not being overly stiff like the brand’s X-Pac-laden wallet offerings. It has ample room for various banknotes without the need to fold them. On the other hand, it only has two card slots, which can handle up to four cards once the fabric breaks in. That said, we wish there were more than just two in case we wanted to carry more cards.

• We’re digging the magnetized closure. It makes the wallet feel more secure
• Materials and build quality feel very solid, as expected of an ALPAKA wallet

• Some of the card slots need to break in for a better fit
• Holds a lot, but organization is a bit lacking

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Lite isn’t heavy on features, having a more modest set of pocket and compartments compared to Tortuga’s other iterations. That said, the payoff in terms of lightness is worth it if you’re looking for a travel backpack that’s easy on the shoulders and well-suited for even those with smaller frames. It’s still well-made and durable, thanks to its 630-denier CORDURA® ballistic nylon fabric, and still has quite the comprehensive harness system, complete with thick padding and contoured shoulder straps.

• Really digging how padded and comfy they made the grab handles
• Large, but it’s comfortable to wear even for those with smaller frames

• Admin panel kind of lacking in organization options
• Hip belt’s slack is quite lengthy even if you use the strap keepers

If you’re going to score a deal on rolling luggage, you might as well score one that’s made with the right stuff. The LEVEL8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20” has a Makrolon polycarbonate exterior and YKK zippers, both of which are well-regarded names when it comes to luggage material. The former, though a plastic material, is robust and resilient enough to withstand the rigors of being checked (just in case the staff asks you to) while being smooth enough to help keep it looking pristine for longer. The YKK zippers are a bit jangly if you don’t lock them with the built-in TSA-approved lock, but it’s not that big of a deal once you’re in a noise-filled terminal. A unique feature this bag has over other hardside luggage is its secondary pocket. It’s convenient for storing items you might need to access quickly. However, keep in mind that it eats into the main compartment, so the space doesn’t come free.

• Durable polycarbonate shell is easy to clean
• Wide handle doesn’t squeeze your digits

• Zippers are jangly if they’re not secured properly
• Secondary pocket eats into the main compartment once it’s packed

At 20 liters, the Bellroy Venture Ready Pack is truly a backpack we reach for when we want to go on a day-long adventure in the city. Its clamshell opening gives great visibility to the main compartment so you can see (and grab) all your gear inside. On one side is a sleek water bottle pocket for storing your hydration, and the shoulder straps have breathable mesh to keep things cool when the day gets hot. All of this is packaged in Bellroy’s signature aesthetic and premium-feeling fabrics.

• Feels light on the shoulders thanks to the breathable mesh
• Sleek silhouette without sacrificing a water bottle pocket

• Magnetic sternum strap is finicky to use if you have large hands
• Water bottle pocket is too slender for 32-ounce bottles

Say goodbye to worrying about tracking down lost luggage or a wallet. The Tile Slim is a smart tracker in the shape of a card that’s so small you can practically slip it into pretty much anything you fancy, from luggage tags to wallets. Like most smart trackers, it uses other devices in its surroundings to report its location anonymously, while Bluetooth takes care of the rest when you get within around 350 ft. Once you’re really close, it has a built-in beeper you can ping so you can finally home in on its location. It’s simple, clever, and a life-saver for travelers who find themselves in the worst-case scenario.

• Card-shaped design fits in wallets and very tight spaces
• Works with both iOS and Android devices

• Battery is not rechargeable
• Beeper can get muffled if it’s buried under other gear

At first glance, the Satechi Quatro Wireless Power Bank looks pretty much like any other wireless power bank. Tall, black, with a bunch of ports for connecting your various devices. But under the hood are two wireless charging spots, one for your Apple Watch and another for Qi-compatible devices, like your iPhone or AirPods. Plug a third device into one of the ports (USB-C and a USB-A port), and you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. Capacity-wise, it’s a bit chunky for a 10,000 mAh power bank, but the wireless charging functionality is worth it if you’re constantly traveling with a bunch of tech items that all need topping up.

• It can top up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time
• Still supports 18-watt charging out of its USB-C port for quick charges

• Relatively beefy for its 10,000 mAh capacity
• Entire build quality feels a bit plasticky

Nothing hits quite like the warmth of a nice blanket on a cold day waiting for a delayed flight. The Rumple NanoLoft Travel Blanket is large enough to cover one person’s body and packs down to a very travel-friendly size, so you can easily take it on any trip. Rolling it up takes some effort, but it’s worth it if layering up in multiple hoodies and jackets isn’t your style. Plus, it makes for a handy little mat you can sit on if you’re going on a picnic or a hike.

• Packs down to a tumbler-shaped travel-friendly size
• Provides enough personal coverage and decent warmth during cold flights

• Compression takes considerable effort
• Storage case isn’t attached, so you’ll have to keep track of it

The tomtoc Wander-T26 Daily Sling 5.5L is what you get when someone wants to get their game on while traveling. Unlike smaller slings we’ve tested, the Wander-T26 has the length and space to accommodate beefy portable consoles such as the Nintendo Switch or the even beefier Valve Steam Deck. But apart from the space, this sling is also well-padded for protection and has plenty of pockets for the various cables, cartridges, and other accessories you may want to bring along.

• Fits a Nintendo Switch or even a Steam Deck
• Reassuringly feels solid and structured for storing expensive electronics

• Relatively large, especially on smaller frames, since it’s 5.5 liters in capacity
• Its swivel buckles audibly squeak when they move around

As the SWISSGEAR Sion 6283 Expandable Carry On 21” Luggage’s long name suggests, it has the ability to expand—quite a useful trick in case you’ve loaded up on souvenir shirts by your vacation’s end. Other creature comforts include grab handles that are thick and padded, so they’re actually enticing to use when you’re going up and down a flight of stairs, and secondary compartments for quickly needed accessories. Build quality is rough around the edges, as we’ve found loose threads throughout our testing, though, thankfully, none of them deteriorated in any impactful way.

• Grab handles are thick and padded, so they’re relatively comfortable to hold
• Has secondary compartments so you can easily access quick-grab items

• Included TPU bag not entirely waterproof, so damp items may still leak moisture
• We’ve found loose threads throughout the bag

If you’re looking for well-made rolling luggage with classy styling, then the Carl Friedrik Core Carry-On has you covered. Its Makrolon polycarbonate exterior, leather detailing, and soft-brushed fabric liner all scream quality. Meanwhile, its Hinomoto wheels roll very smoothly and quietly over most surfaces you’re likely to encounter between the airport and your hotel. The main compartment is split into two bucket spaces, which is typical for a lot of luggage. Our only real complaint is that each half’s respective covers are about an inch lower than the edges, so a good chunk of the bag’s volume isn’t usable unless you leave the covers open—not a huge deal in the scheme of things.

• Has smoothing-rolling Hinomoto-branded wheels
• Both bucket spaces are covered, so you don’t have to worry about which side faces up when you’re opening it

• Each half’s cover is about an inch below the edge, so you lose a chunk of capacity
• Gear can squeeze the telescoping handle when you’re retracting it

The Tropicfeel Hive Backpack is made with fairly durable materials, such as water-resistant recycled polyester, YKK zippers, Duraflex hardware, and aluminum buckles. Despite its simplistic and casual looks, it’s not that out of place if you take it outdoors. Its clamshell design is optimal for packing a lot of clothing when you travel, while its harness system has all the creature comforts you’d want on a big backpack. Load lifters, a sternum strap, a hip belt—they’re all here to complement the comfy shoulder straps. The Hive is also compatible with Tropicfeel’s various FidLock-attached accessories, including a toiletry bag and tech pouch.

• Compatible with a variety of Tropicfeel accessories
• Comfortable harness system that’s not too cumbersome for a travel backpack

• Add-ons are additional purchases
• Frontside laptop compartment isn’t super well padded

The Vessi Stormburst High Top can be your go-to running shoes for rainy days. It combines the waterproof ethos of Vessi footwear with the high-top design that’s more akin to boots rather than everyday sneakers. This gives you a lot of coverage and fewer chances for water to rain down on your ankles. Of course, since this pair is designed to be waterproof, they can get a bit warm on hot days, so we like to wear them during cooler and wetter weather.

• Waterproof, so going through puddles isn’t a problem
• Laces don’t impact waterproof performance

• Not the most breathable upper
• Large size can be hard to pack in a travel bag

The Tropicfeel Monsoon Sneakers are some of the lightest shoes we’ve tested, making them well-suited for travel. First, they’re easy to slip in and out of, and walking feels featherlight as well. Second, they’re easy to compress and pack into your bag in case you want to use them as spare footwear. Last, its easy-draining design lets water egress just as easily as it seeps in. In other words, if you’re the type to wade into streams while exploring the outdoors, then these shoes do the trick. Mind you, since this is a very breathable design, air flows freely through the shoe on hot and cool days, and you’ll really feel that in cold weather.

• Drains easily if you decide to wade into the water on an adventure
• Very breathable, which is helpful during hot days

• We’ve lost one of the Sprint Laces’ knots during testing
• You can really feel the breeze on cold days

We’re all about packing efficiency here, which is why the NITECORE NB10000 Gen 3 earns its spot in our tech pouch. There are plenty of smaller power banks out there, but with its 10,000 mAh capacity, this one packs a lot of juice for its size. Moreover, it supports 22.5-watt charging from either USB-C ports, so devices charge up relatively quickly in a pinch. Its build quality is quite robust, too, though the plastic corners are a bit concerning since they’re prone to scratches.

• Really slim for a 10,000 mAh power bank
• Has two USB-C ports in case you’re only rocking USB-C cables

• No USB-A port, though there is an adapter
• Plastic corners could get damaged over time

There are plenty of reasons to like Away’s gear, but chief among them is aesthetics. Case in point, the Away Featherlight Crossbody looks like a delicate fortune cookie pastry on your shoulder. Though it may seem all show and no go, it’s surprisingly functional, too. For starters, its seamlessly integrated shoulder strap has a built-in pocket for everyday carry items such as transit cards and earphones. Meanwhile, its roomy main compartment is surprisingly easy to pack despite what the baggy-looking structure might suggest, thanks in part to its wide floor and partly to its crescent-shaped opening that’s very wide and easy to spread, increasing visibility.

• We’re really digging the strap’s built-in pocket; it’s a convenient spot for storing cards
• Roomy and easy to pack despite its baggy looks

• Stains rather easily, especially on lighter colorways
• Lacks a key leash, so you may have to dig around for your keys

Using a resealable bag to store toiletries and complying with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule on liquids is unavoidable. As such, the logical next step for seasoned travelers is a bespoke pouch for such needs, like the Gravel Pouch. Designed to be TSA-compliant, it has a translucent design that’s more presentable and hides stains in case your toiletries leak (pressurized cabins tend to mess with them). It even has an adjustable wrist strap in case you want to make it your go-to toiletry bag for trips to the restroom on layovers.

• More durable than a plastic resealable bag
• Has an adjustable loop you can use to hang the pouch off a hook or towel rack

• It’s not a completely clear case, so you can’t 100% make out what’s inside
• No organization whatsoever since it’s a very simple pouch

The Ekster Finder Card joins a multitude of smart trackers that are directly compatible with Apple’s Find My Network. Through this network, you can easily pair and track the Finder Card like you would an AirTag. It doesn’t support Precision Finding like the AirTag, but it is rechargeable and can fit inside a wallet comfortably since it’s shaped like a credit card. Just be careful not to bend it too much, as the somewhat plasticky construction isn’t exactly the most reassuringly beefy build quality we’ve tested.

• Pings very loudly so you can find it easily
• Card shape is easy to fit just about anywhere

• Charges via a bespoke pogo pin cable
• Feels plasticky compared to other wallet smart trackers

Pull up wearing the Monti Shasta 23L Cooler filled with three six-packs and a bottle of wine will make you the life of the party. This packable bag fits in a small pouch and unfolds into a 23-liter rolltop backpack with a fairly comprehensive harness system, complete with a sternum strap and mesh-covered shoulder straps. Inside, you can fit up to 23 cans of beverages or 5 bottles of wine, though you’ll have to leave some room for ice whichever way you fill it. Drinks are kept cool for up to 55 hours, though we usually play it safe, clean it out, and refresh everything after a day of use.

• It’s packable, so you can stuff it away once all the drinks are gone
• The harness system is relatively well-appointed and isn’t an afterthought

• Drying it out is a must before you pack it away
• Comfort is largely dependent on how well you pack the bulky drinks inside

While technically softside luggage, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT is about as tough as they come. Despite that, it’s surprisingly light for its size, being a 36-liter bag that can pack about a week’s worth of clothing. You can roll it like most suitcases, but what sets it apart is the ability to wear it like a backpack. Or simply grab it by the handle for carrying it over short distances. We think rolling is the best option most of the time since neither of the two other options is particularly comfy, though there’s something special about being able to carry a backpack up a few flights of stairs to an Airbnb instead of a rolling suitcase.

• Built tough, while generally being lighter than hardside luggage
• Roll, wear, or carry; there are multiple ways to lug it around

• Not the most comfortable to wear in backpack mode
• Minimal organization considering the bag’s overall size

Those who use an Apple MacBook likely appreciate a sleek and classy industrial design. How would you improve that? One answer would be a leather case like the harbor London Magnetic Envelop Sleeve. The front is leather while the back is just a bare wool felt material that cushions your laptop nicely. This minimalism nets you a very slim case with a magnetized flap that’s very satisfying to open and close and a classy facade that feels right at home in any coffee shop.

• Leather front feels very premium, while the wool felt protectively cocoons your device
• Magnetized flap is satisfying to open and close

• Lacks a handle for an otherwise comfortable carrying experience
• Wool felt might feel itchy if it brushes against your skin

For those times you’ve needed to connect your phone to your laptop but forgot your main cable at home, the Rolling Square inCharge XS would’ve saved the day. This very tiny cable is mainly USB-C to USB-C, but it has a USB-A adapter on one end and a Lightning adapter on the other for maximum compatibility. Sadly, there is no support for Micro USB, but previous iterations like the inCharge X do have it in case you need that specific functionality.

• Supports USB-C, USB-A, and Lightning
• Very small and easy to hang off a key ring just in case you need it in a pinch

• No support for Micro USB
• Captive cap can get in the way sometimes

The CODEOFBELL ANNEX 360 packs quite a lot of features for something no bigger than a potato. There’s a split compartment at the front for most of your items, three pockets along the sides for smaller accessories, and a slip pocket at the back for cash. As for carrying styles, you can wear this as a sling, hang it off a belt loop as a pouch, or simply toss it into your pocket as a standalone wallet. Rest assured, the entire wallet is pretty water-resistant thanks to its X-Pac fabric and YKK AquaGaurd zippers, so whichever way you carry it, it’s well-protected from the elements.

• It’s a wallet you can carry like a sling
• Very water resistant thanks to its X-Pac fabric and YKK AquaGuard zippers

• Strap is rather prone to tangles and twisting
• Can’t fit a smartphone even though it’s tempting to do so

The SLNT E3 Faraday Backpack’s main draw is that its laptop sleeve basically air gaps your device from all wireless communication. Such is the “magic” a small Faraday cage can do. Mind you, this is incredibly useful if you want to secure your device against sophisticated attacks or if you simply want to prevent your laptop’s OS from downloading a huge update while you’re not using it—relatable, right?

• Silent Pocket Faraday sleeves work well to block signals
• The sleeve is also detachable in case you want to take it independently of the backpack

• Silent Pocket blocks all signals, including smart tracking features
• Smaller Silent Pocket can detach by accident

Sunglasses that ditch the arms in favor of a more swimming goggles-style band may seem strange, but don’t knock them ‘till you try them. The Ombraz Viale and its nylon cord wraps around the head very comfortably, even for those of us who have long hair. Plus, it fits very securely since the band is firmly wrapping it onto your head instead of just sitting there like a normal pair of eyewear. For the style-conscious, you’ll be pleased to know that the Viale comes in a variety of colorways, so if you’re willing to try something new, you have plenty to choose from.

• No risk of broken sunglasses arms since this one uses a band
• Surprisingly comfortable to wear

• Takes some getting used to the band
• Not the quickest sunglasses to put on and take off