It鈥檚 fun to imagine an apocalyptic scenario, and purchase the kind of neon green tomahawk you think will help you defeat zombie hoards. (Spoiler alert: it won鈥檛.) But when it comes to preparing for more likely situations鈥攕ay, an emergency while traveling鈥攎any of us are guilty of being caught flat-footed.

I get it. With severely limited space in carry-on luggage, plus the very real possibility of never seeing anything you check ever again, it鈥檚 easy to focus on the destinations on the other side. But travel often involves as much frustration as it does excitement. Based on over three decades of regular air travel both here in the United States and abroad, here are some simple changes I鈥檝e made to what I pack that help eliminate or address common problems.

Make the Most of Multiple-Use Clothing

Clothing is absolutely ket. For example, when packing for a backpacking trip, the key to saving weight is to only bring items that serve multiple purposes. A puffy jacket can keep you warm and be your pillow. Duct tape can fix torn clothing and prevent blisters. With space so limited inside a carry-on, adopting that same approach works just as well while traveling. Clothing will take up the most space in your luggage by far, so getting the most out of your clothes is key to travel preparedness.

Wool is a super-fabric that helps keep you cool when it鈥檚 hot, and warm when it鈥檚 cold. Versus cotton, it dries much faster and compared to synthetics, it can last through many more unwashed wears before getting stinky. Merino is softer next to the skin than other varieties.

Switching cotton socks and t-shirts to merino items is an obvious trick. Less so is the button down dress shirt. By packing one of those made from lightweight wool, not only do you get a single item that will better resist wrinkles and smells versus your standard cotton items, but also something that when paired with that merino t-shirt, quickly becomes a performance mid-layer, adding insulation and moisture wicking to your layering system. Last summer, I wore a ($168) to walk around Paris sightseeing all day, then headed to Frenchie for the five-course tasting menu. I was comfortable and looked good throughout.

Another versatile item is the shacket. Heavier than a button down and lighter than most jackets, a good shaket (or jac-shirt) can be left unbuttoned to dress up a tee, or snapped closed with the collar听turned up to serve as a warm mid-layer. Depending on the time of year and destination, I choose from items made from polyester fleece, wool, or down, and am rewarded with a layer that transitions easily from mountain to city, or outdoor activity to indoor environment. For more casual environments, I practically live in a black ($129).

The final piece in any layering system is the shell. These seal out wind and precipitation, and trap warm air in your other layers, keeping you toasty and dry. And while really hard, persistent rain demands the reliability of a waterproof-breathable membrane, high levels of activity, and changing conditions work better without one. Because waxed-cotton canvas can be adapted to increasing needs for waterproofness with the application of more wax, because it breathes better than any membrane, and because it can be dressed up or down to suit scenarios ranging from airport terminals to fancy restaurants, I鈥檝e transitioned to wax cotton shells for travel. ($250) features a classic style that looks good in pretty much any environment while providing ample weather protection.

On the upper half of your body, there are very few conditions that layering a merino t-shirt, a wool button down, a jac-shirt, and a waxed cotton shell will not be able to handle.

Carry Cords Compatible with Common Outlets, Plus Extra Power

Traveling between countries with different plug designs can be a nightmare. Because of that, many planes, hotel rooms, and offices have added USB-A compatibility to their power outlets. But few devices still use that design. Before you fly, purchasing cables that start with USB-A, and end in whatever style of port your devices require will simplify your packing and guarantee you鈥檒l be able to plug in no matter where you find yourself.

Pro Tip: Even if you find yourself in a hotel or office without USB-A wall outlets, televisions, monitors, and many other devices will include one. Look behind those before declaring defeat.

But as devices have moved away from USB-A, so have power bricks. To solve that problem, I recently upgraded to . That packs a wall charger, two USB-C outlets, one USB-A outlet, and a 10,000mAh battery all into one $70, cigarette pack-sized, multiple use device.

Dose Your Liquids and Don’t Forget the First-Aid Kit

Grab this assortment of travel-sized, color-coded, , and take the time to measure out the amount of potions and medications you need for the duration of your trip. Write out the contents on the bottle using a Sharpie.

In addition to everyday necessities ( and toothpaste), I like to bring some ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, peppermint Dr. Bronners, a prescription antibiotic (ask your doctor), and a travel-size pack of skin-friendly wet wipes. For a first-aid kit, I carry a small role of duct tape, a tube of 0.5-ounce tube of Neosporin, and a pack of 0.17-ounce .

Properly Light Your Way at Night

Phone flashlights are all well and good鈥攗ntil it鈥檚 dark out and you need to see something further away than right in front of you. Plus, phone flashlights aren’t hands-free by nature and they suck battery when you鈥檙e trying to conserve the last few bars of precious juice. This is going to be a radical suggestion, I know, but carry a dedicated flashlight.

In my carry-on, I keep an 听($32). That gives me the easy ability to switch from a 130-yard spot beam to a very bright 500-lumen flood, to a night vision-preserving red light that鈥檚 capable of flashing for visibility, all with an intuitive, rotating, physical knob. The tiny 2.25-inch package can then be clipped to a backpack strap, shirt pocket, or hat should you need to go hands free, or inside a tent or to a curtain should you need area illumination.

I鈥檝e used mine to add extra evening visibility to a crappy rental bike and to hike nighttime trails. With a battery life that lasts 144 hours on its lowest brightness and an hour and 21 minutes on full blast, I just charge it before I fly somewhere.

Save Your Documents

My wife had her passport stolen out of her purse during our last visit to London, while her purse was hanging on the back of my chair at a pub so I could guard it. Because we snapped a picture of that way back when it was renewed, then emailed a copy of that image to both of our email accounts (complete with an easily searchable subject line), it didn鈥檛 cause us more than an hour of inconvenience, since we had proof of ID ready to go when we swung by the embassy for a replacement. Do the same with your driver鈥檚 license, and any visas or other travel documents. Should the worst happen, and your phone be lost, stolen, or disabled, you can log into your email from another person鈥檚 phone, or at an Internet cafe, and print out what you need to cross a border, rent a car, check into a hotel, or deal with the police. Though, it’s also important to know that many officials will not accept a digital I.D., this is a good starting point to have your details handy.

Bring Gear to Fix Problems

Tim Leatherman came up with the idea for the original multitool while on vacation in Italy way back in 1975. But the perfect solution for a toolkit you can fit in your pocket isn鈥檛 much use if you can鈥檛 bring it through security. Enter the : a keychain-sized tool designed for TSA compliance, but which the company 鈥渞etired鈥� in 2023. You can still find them and brick and mortar retailers.

I鈥檝e had one on my keychain for over a decade now, and have used it to fix everything from cars and motorcycles, to opening up a foreign power outlet to rig a connection with a plug from another country. It sails through security here in the U.S., but I have had them confiscated in European airports.

There are a variety of other TSA-compliant multitools out there, but I鈥檝e yet to find anything else that combines Leatherman鈥檚 quality with the practicality of having both pliers and scissors onboard. The is one such option, and at just $20, it’s cheap enough you won’t miss it if you do have to leave it behind at security.

In addition to the multitool, I like to bring along a few feet of paracord, one or two safety pins, and a Bic lighter. None of that takes up any noticeable space, and all three can be used to repair luggage, hang a clothesline (the Dr. Bronner鈥檚 in your toiletries means you can do laundry in a sink), drain a blister, or light a fire.

What About Your Feet?

Everyone has a different style, different needs, and different feet. Finding a boot that鈥檚 all-day comfortable, looks nice with a pair of jeans, and that provides the traction and weather resistance necessary for your destination and plans is both the solution, and the challenge.

For more casual travel to more outdoorsy destinations, I like to find a high quality leather hiking boot, then wear those for pretty much everything. Since I鈥檓 of German descent, it鈥檚 no surprise that brands like 听and 听fit me best. Your results will differ.

For dressier cities and countries, I鈥檝e found that , an Italian brand imported by Huckberry, is just the ticket for walking all over during the day, then looking nice at night.

Whatever you buy, replacing the the insoles with higher-quality items made by a brand like 听will offer dramatically improved comfort and support.

Putting in the effort to find the right footwear will give you the ability to move through airports and cities in comfort, hike trails safely, and run away from anything that threatens you.

The Bottom Line

Travel already costs a ton of money, flight delays and cancellations already cause enough headaches. There’s not a lot you can do about either, but some basic preparedness can prevent other variables like weather or walking distances from becoming major problems.

The post How to Pack for Air Travel Like the Ultimate Pro appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I鈥檝e been roller bag carry-on curious for years. But until now, I just couldn鈥檛 find a piece robust or convenient enough to justify switching away from my tried-and-true backpack. Then I saw , and it鈥檚 already saved my bacon.

Going into this review, I was planning to try and demonstrate just how tough this new luggage is. I thought about dragging it behind a moving truck off-road, or throwing it off my roof, or driving over it in my wife鈥檚 6,000 pound Land Cruiser, or cutting it in half with a chainsaw.

But all of that just seemed superfluous. Anyone who鈥檚 ever traveled with camera gear, or shipped sensitive electronics, or flown to hunt knows and trusts Pelican cases already. What鈥檚 new here, versus existing Pelican cases, are four wheels rather than two, a multi-position trolley handle, soft-close grab handles, and interior organization features oriented more toward clothing and toiletries than lenses and camera bodies.

So my question is less about how tough this thing is, and more: Why would anyone need such an indestructible spinner bag?

I found out the first time I flew with it.

The Pelican ATX Carry-On in Action

Last weekend, my wife and I flew to Cincinnati for the annual . Despite the fact that we attend every year, we didn鈥檛 get around to booking the flights until the last minute and ended up traveling on separate planes as a result. After dropping her off for her flight, taking the dogs to the kennel, showering, jamming a bunch of clothes into the Pelican, then driving myself back to the airport, I was running pretty late. But I had to pee. So I rushed through the crowded airport here in Bozeman and ran straight to the wall of urinals. That鈥檚 when I noticed the smell, and looked at the floor.

One of the toilets was overflowing, spreading a pool of raw sewage across the bathroom floor. And I鈥檇 just dragged my brand new $499 roller bag right through it.

鈥淪hit,” I thought. Literally.

I grabbed a wad of paper towels from the dispenser, wiped the worst off it and my boots, and ran to catch my flight. I gate checked the Pelican to avoid dripping sewage all over the plane鈥檚 passenger compartment, and relaxed in the knowledge there was no way the airline would manage to damage my luggage.

My flight landed about 11 P.M., and it was an hour ride in an Uber to the Marriott Courtyard in Blue Ash. I needed to be in my running clothes and at the race by 10 A.M. the next morning. There was no time find a laundromat, nor to run out and buy new gear. Over a tiny bag of savory snack mix and a can of warm beer, I formulated a plan. If ever there was an argument for a fully-submersible carry-on, this is it.

The Specs and What’s Cool About the ATX 22

Like every other Pelican case, the features two injection molded polypropylene half shells that pivot around metal rods to seal onto each other via a rubber gasket. Strong metal clamps replicate the design of the polymer hinges on regular Pelican cases, squeezing the case shut on the gasket to create an impermeable seal. A little disc of Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane material let鈥檚 a little air travel both ways, in and out of the case to equalize pressure at altitude or under the sea, helping to keep the case firmly sealed against all dust and water.

Because you can fully submerge a Pelican case to a minimum depth of one meter for at least 30 minutes, I figured you could also wash one off with the provided all-in-one body wash and shampoo in a hot hotel shower, all without exposing any of the contents to poop, or soapy water.

It must have worked, because I鈥檓 writing this on the laptop that was sealed inside the Pelican right now, and no one turned their nose up at any lingering stench throughout the rest of the weekend.

Would I have had to deal with raw sewage if I鈥檇 just stuck with one of the backpacks I鈥檝e carried since I started flying a bunch when I was a kid, three decades or more ago? (My dad was a diplomat.) I used some of those free sanitizing wipes the flight attendants hand out to clean off my boots, and I guess with a shouldered pack that would have been the end of the ordeal. But I wanted to switch to a roller bag partially out of convenience, and because I鈥檇 grown jealous of my wife鈥檚 .

Why the Pelican ATX 22 Is Carry-On Worthy, To Me

I should add that this is hardly the first time I鈥檝e flown with a Pelican case. Working in media for 23 years now, I鈥檝e dragged them all over the world for photo shoots, and have a pile of them stacked up in the back of my garage, sized for different rifles, handguns, car parts, and power tools. And having learned to rely on them across deserts, jungles, oceans, mountains, and the arctic tundra, it鈥檚 hard to look at other hard-sided suitcases and not find them lacking. That titanium Tumi, with its textured waves and leather handles sure looks nice, but it鈥檚 never going to protect its contents as well as a Pelican, even at six times the price. And while traveling, even articles as humble as a nicely-fitting pair of jeans can prove mission critical.

I鈥檇 actually thought about buying one of last year. But with interior options consisting of pick-and-pluck foam, or nothing at all, and with only two wheels dictating a single direction of pull, I wasn鈥檛 sold. To justify the upgrade from a backpack, I wanted the ability to organize and compress folded clothing, manage small items like cables, passports, toiletries and flashlights, and access all that without dumping my things all over the floor.

That鈥檚 what Pelican鈥檚 new ATX-range of luggage delivers: all the robust protection of a Pelican case, combined with all the convenience and organization features of high-end travel luggage.

The case boasts Hinimoto wheels鈥攁 Japanese maker of the highest quality luggage rollers鈥攃arry handles that fold themselves back to flush on dampers, a four-position trolley handle mounted to the exterior of the case to maintain waterproofness, TSA locks, and a ripstop-nylon interior organization system that includes zip-pockets on one side and a clothing compressor on the other.

This 22-inch version is sized to comply with international carry-on size restrictions. But if you鈥檙e one of those travelers who thinks every inch of the overhead bin belongs to you, you could probably get onboard with the ATX 25 without too much hassle. The 30-inch should wheel its way off the checked baggage carousel for decades.

Worth the upgrade? For this frequent flier? Absolutely. Even though I hope to avoid raw sewage on my next trip, I鈥檒l still feel safe in the knowledge that everything I bring along will be as protected as possible, no matter what, all in a carry-on it鈥檚 easy and comfortable to move through an airport.

The post Why Frequent Fliers Will Appreciate the Toughest Carry-On Suitcase, Ever appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When it comes to planning your next big adventure, buying luggage is probably not high on your priority list. But take it from us: a well-designed carry-on suitcase, adventure-ready duffel, or rugged roller bag can go a long way toward mitigating travel woes.

We鈥檙e always testing new duffels, suitcases, gear totes, and backpacks to see which bags are best suited to an adventurer鈥檚 needs. Whether you鈥檙e a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, or a full-time vanlifer, there鈥檚 something on this list for you.

Updated March 2025: We’ve added three new picks. Prices and info have also been updated for 2025.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Most Rugged Roller:
• Best Value Duffel:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Weekend Duffel:
• Best Checked-Size Roller:
• Best Carry-On Roller Bag:
• Best Value Roller Bag:
• Best Travel Backpack:听
• Best for Parents:
• Best Gear Tote:
• Best for Camping:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L

Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: 22.8鈥� x 13.3鈥� x 9.5鈥�
Available Sizes: 40 L, 55 L, 70 L, 100 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Large opening
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Stash pocket to separate shoes or laundry
鈯� Backpack carries well
鈯� Lacks internal organization

Patagonia鈥檚 Black Hole has been the gold standard for adventure travel luggage for a long time, and with this newest iteration featuring 100 percent recycled body fabric, lining, and webbing, the brand continues to lead the way in sustainability.

One of the best features of this duffel is how comfortable it is to carry as a backpack thanks to cushy, removable pack straps. An innovative, recycled TPU-film laminate also makes the bag lightweight and exceptionally abrasion- and weather-resistant. It鈥檚 rugged enough for major expeditions, yet convenient for the casual traveler, which makes it our top choice for 2024.

鈥淚n the rain, water beaded right off the bag, and it proved durable for outdoor adventures,鈥� said one tester after taking the bag on a canoe camping trip in the Adirondacks and a camping trip to Moab, Utah.

The signature feature of the Black Hole, besides its pack straps, is its large main compartment that accommodates more gear than you鈥檇 think and makes finding said gear at a glance easy. The downside to this design is that the Black Hole doesn鈥檛 include a ton of internal organizational features found in other duffels, like zippered compartments to keep gear separated. The Black Hole has just one internal pocket on the zip-top lid to keep smaller items like toiletries organized.

However, it does include a surprisingly spacious external pocket for things you don鈥檛 want mingling with your other stuff (like wet or dirty items). That compartment also serves as the pocket you can stuff the entire bag into for compact storage when not in use.

Most Rugged Roller

Kuiu Waypoint 3000 Roller

Weight: 7 lb 11.8 oz
Dimensions: 22鈥� x 14鈥� x 11鈥�
Volume: 49 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Rugged
鈯� Solid internal organization
鈯� Big, all-terrain wheels
鈯� Reliable handle
鈯� Not as protective as a hardside case

Ready to be crammed in overhead bins and overlanding rigs alike, the Kuiu Waypoint 3000 is the most rugged roller we鈥檝e tested as of late. It鈥檚 a hybrid of soft- and hardside luggage, pairing a molded polycarbonate bottom frame with an expandable, hard-wearing, TPU-coated nylon upper. This hybrid design gives travelers the benefits of a protective hard case on wheels and the packability and versatility of a duffel.

One tester was especially impressed by the bag鈥檚 durability after a stint of testing that included a cross-country work trip and a weeklong overlanding trip in Colorado. He called the waterproof, 420-denier, TPU-coated nylon upper and 840-denier nylon-wrapped polycarbonate frame robust. On his trip, he forcibly crammed the Waypoint into the passenger footwell of his vehicle, accidentally left it outside in the rain one night (everything inside was dry come morning), and used it as a stool. Even after all of that, it showed no visible signs of wear.

While the Kuiu鈥檚 rugged fabric and frame are its best features, our tester was similarly pleased by the smooth-rolling XL 3.5-inch-diameter wheels, collapsible handle, and burly, built-in grab handles.

Internal organization features also earned the Kuiu kudos, particularly the clamshell zip, integrated dividers (what our tester called critical for 鈥渉is and hers鈥� adventures), and a slew of sleeves and pockets perfect for tools and toiletries. Factor in the price, and the Waypoint isn鈥檛 just rugged鈥攊t鈥檚 a good buy.

Best Value Duffel

Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L

听

Weight: 2.9 lbs
Dimensions: 13.5鈥� x 25.5鈥� x 12.25鈥� (90 L)
Available Sizes: 40 L, 60 L, 90 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide-mouth opening for easy access to gear
鈯� Uses 100% recycled fabric
鈯� Good value
鈯� Top zipper isn鈥檛 stiff enough

The Migrate duffel was a tester favorite for its holding capacity鈥攜ou can fit a lot in here. The 鈥渄octor bag鈥� style zip-top allows for easier access and full visibility of all your gear and an additional five liters of packing space.

Good news for those who tend to overpack and end up schlepping heavy duffels: Tuck-away backpack straps allow for multiple carry options. The added pockets鈥攊nternal and front zippered pocket鈥攕et it apart from many other duffels in this category.

But perhaps the biggest pro of this bag: it incorporates 100-percent recycled 900-denier Polyester TPU and fully recycled 1680-denier ballistic Polyester RPVB that reuses windshield plastics from landfills and makes the bag abrasion- and weather-resistant.

Testers had just one complaint: the top zipper isn鈥檛 very stiff, so testers found the opening closing in on itself while they were packing the bag.

Most Versatile

Nemo Double Haul 55L Convertible Duffel & Tote

听

Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 63.5鈥� x 86鈥� x 147鈥�
Available Sizes: 55 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide compartment opening
鈯� Many ways to carry and organize the bag
鈯� Folds up small into carrying case when not in use
鈯� Too bulky and uncomfortable to carry for long distances
鈯� On the heavier side

Out of all of the duffels and luggage we tested this season, the Nemo Double Haul proved to be the most ingenious. It鈥檚 a combination of a duffel bag and tote bag, with a huge opening designed to stay wide open while you pack thanks to the stiff trusses that give the bag structure.

Astonishingly, considering its size, the bag also folds down neatly into a carrying case, making it easy to travel with or keep in your car. The shell is made from urethane-coated, bluesign approved 100 percent recycled nylon, while the liner is made from bluesign approved, solution-dyed 100-percent recycled polyester with PFAS-free DWR.

This bag is meant for hauling. 鈥淚t鈥檚 best for car camping, when you have dozens of items that may not have a home,鈥� said tester Troy Tetreault after a climbing trip in Kentucky鈥檚 Red River Gorge. 鈥淚t also holds up well when tossed around amongst other gear.鈥�

However, our testers wouldn鈥檛 recommend this bag for extended airline travel. The bag itself weighs 3 pounds, and testers found it awkward to carry because of the multiple ways the straps are set up for carrying鈥攂ackpack carry, over the shoulder single arm carry, and suitcase carry.

Best Weekend Duffel

Finisterre Nautilus 45L Duffel Bag

Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 21鈥� x 12鈥� x 10鈥�
Volume: 45 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Low-profile
鈯� Durable
鈯� Goldilocks organization
鈯� Backpack carry straps
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Laptop sleeve can鈥檛 fit bigger laptops

A British B Corp that鈥檚 been crafting gear for devotees of sea and surf for over two decades, Finisterre impressed our test team with the Nautilus 45. This dynamic duffel doubles as a backpack, meets most airline carry-on requirements, and has a simple, streamlined design.

One tester, a San Francisco-based surfer, called the Nautilus 45L the perfect weekend duffel. He loved that the velcro grip of the duffel-style handle unfurls to padded backpack straps. 鈥淭hey made carrying the bag a breeze, especially while also carrying a couple of surfboards,鈥� he reported. He also commended the waxed, DWR-treated exterior fabric that proved reliably water-resistant.

We took the Finisterre on trips to the mountains of Northern California and Nevada and appreciated the padded, TPU-coated bottom panel that protected the bag from moisture and grime. We also liked the black colorway, as it hides dirt well and is more subtle for travelers who want to fly under the radar.

All testers dug the cavernous main compartment, which features stretchy crisscrossing straps that helped lash clothes down, keeping contents organized on the road. They judged the array of pockets sufficient, not superfluous: The duffel features a pair of external zips, a single internal zip, and a padded laptop sleeve integrated into the opening flap.

We had just two dings: The laptop sleeve accommodated a 13.1-inch Macbook, but it doesn鈥檛 easily fit 15-plus-inch machines. The Nautilus is also relatively pricey compared to the Patagonia Black Hole 55L ($169), Nemo Double-Haul 55L ($180), and our top value pick, the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel 90L ($139).

But between the subtle style, simple yet efficient organization, and durability that suggests this duffel will last for eons of adventures to come, our testers still gave the nod to the Nautilus as a worthy weekender, despite the higher price tag.

Best Checked-Size Roller Bag

Evoc World Traveller 125

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 16鈥� x 34鈥� x 13鈥� (125L)
Available Sizes:听125 L

Pros and Cons

鈯� Excellent customizable and removable organization system
鈯� Heavy-duty, replaceable wheels
鈯� Well-built
鈯� Fabric can fray if you use the skateboard carry system

When category manager Drew Zieff lived out of the Evoc World Traveller 125 during a three-week road trip through New England this summer, it quickly stood out for its best-in-test combo of organization and durability.

鈥淭he wheels were on the larger side for a roller bag, and combined with that heavy-duty handle, the World Traveller cruises over uneven brick or packed dirt and gravel with ease,鈥� he reported. He also appreciated the taller, narrower profile of the World Traveller, which was easy to maneuver through tighter gaps at airport terminals and campgrounds alike.

The bag features two access points: an upper zipper reveals a small compartment, while a lower zip gives way to the main compartment. Both feature removable, adjustable dividers. One tester divided clothes between the two larger compartments and used the smaller ones for everything from socks and underwear to toiletries, a headlamp, and his derailleur and chain. He even left it packed once he got to his destination鈥攖he perfect portable dresser.

The bag sports two external pockets, too: a larger square one on the bottom, and a smaller semi-circle pocket on top. The two external straps can be used for carrying a skateboard, which Zieff did on one of his adventures. Testers were impressed by the overall durability, reporting no baggage handler-related damage (despite one loading the World Traveller with 62 pounds of mountain bike gear). However, Zieff did note that his skateboard鈥檚 gritty grip tape started to wear on the otherwise tough fabric. Still, we鈥檇 recommend the World Traveller as the perfect closet on wheels for all kinds of four-season adventures.

Best Carry-On Roller Bag

DB Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On

Weight: 9.3 lbs
Dimensions: 21鈥� x 16鈥� x 9鈥�
Available Sizes:听Carry-On, Front-Access Carry On, Check-In M, Check-In L

Pros and Cons:听

鈯� Sleek, Scandinavian design
鈯� Front panel provides easy access
鈯� Durable build
鈯� Really expensive
鈯� Heavy

DB鈥檚 Ramverk Pro Front Access Carry-On is everything we love (and one thing we hate) about Scandinavian design. The Norwegian outfitter鈥檚 premium roller is clean, minimalistic, functional, and built to last鈥攁 masterful blend of elegant aesthetic and rugged utilitarianism. So what鈥檚 not to love? A price tag that鈥檒l have you cursing the kroner.

If the sky鈥檚 the limit for your carry-on budget, though, the Ramverk Pro is as good as it gets for frequent flyers. The roller features a tough, polycarbonate shell built around an aluminum frame.听 A stiff-yet-flexible, padded polyester front-access panel unzips to reveal a laptop sleeve, a few organizational pockets, and a spacious main compartment.

One tester, a Seattle doctor who moonlights as an ultra-discerning, multi-sport gear tester, loved the durability and construction. 鈥淭he frame is strong and this bag is quite durable鈥搃t feels like a lifetime piece,鈥� he reported after a summer of testing. He dug the 360-degree-spinning, 50-millimeter Hinomoto wheels and the telescoping handle, too. The resulting maneuverability was so impressive that he said he “felt like Lewis Hamilton whipping an F1 racecar while swerving through the crowds of SeaTac.”

Best Value Roller Bag

Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On

听

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 10鈥� x 14鈥� X 21.5鈥�
Available Sizes: 40 L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Large wheels and high clearance
鈯� Seemed to hold less than other bags the same size
鈯� On the pricier side

The Ozone line from Osprey, featuring five pieces ranging from four-wheeled suitcases to smaller backpacks and boarding bags, was designed for frequent flyers and travelers who value ease of transport. Of those, the Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On is perhaps the most convenient on-board option.

Made from an ultralight yet durable aluminum frame and nanofly recycled nylon fabric, it offers just enough organizational capabilities to make packing for a trip a little easier. This suitcase (like all pieces in this line) features a buttonless trolley handle and a YKK reverse coil coated zipper for improved water resistance鈥攂oth industry firsts. The Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On also has a high clearance High Road LT frame, and oversized 90 millimeter wheels, making it rugged enough to handle terrain beyond concourse floors.

One tester takeaway: Despite this bag鈥檚 advertised 40-liter capacity, it didn鈥檛 seem to hold as much as softer duffel-style bags of the same size. That said, the sleek design combined with the function of this bag made it an obvious choice for our testers who needed a transport-friendly yet durable carry-on.

Best Travel Backpack

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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Weight: 4.5 lbs
Dimensions: 22鈥� x 13鈥� x 11鈥�
Available Sizes: 30L, 40L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Adjustable volume system
鈯� Clean aesthetic
鈯� Good durability
鈯� Great organizational features
鈯� Heavy for a backpack
鈯� Expensive

鈥淚f you hate talking to strangers in the airport, then this pack might not be for you,鈥� joked a Denver-based tester who took the Travel Backpack on both a mountain biking trip to North Carolina and a sightseeing sojourn to Scotland this year. 鈥淚’ve never received so many compliments from strangers.鈥� And while it’s true that the Travel Backpack鈥檚 aesthetic is undeniably sleek, this bag doesn鈥檛 just look dapper in transit: it also impressed with its user-friendly feature set and surprising ruggedness.

Features include a padded, 16-inch laptop sleeve and easy-access stash spots for passports, sunglasses, keys, and other odds and ends. Macleod鈥檚 favorite pockets, though, were the massive, stretchy water bottle sleeves that Peak Design engineered to double as tripod storage; each fit a Nalgene easily.

Testers also praised the comfy, stowable hip belt and shoulder straps, as well as multiple zippered access points. A set of snaps and expansion panels lets the Travel Backpack 45 slim down to a more manageable 35-liter or 30-liter pack. When compressed, it could fit under an airline seat.

We weren’t worried about shoving it under there, either: Peak Design used a polyurethane-coated, DWR-treated, 400-denier nylon that鈥檚 seriously durable and water-resistant, and the bottom of the pack is armored with an even beefier 900D waterproof nylon.

Demerits were few and far between, but if we鈥檝e got to nitpick, it鈥檚 on the heavy side for daily use. It’s also pretty pricey.

Best For Parents

No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-on Duffel 国产吃瓜黑料 Bundle

Weight: 3.3 lbs when empty, 5 lbs w/ shoulder straps, removable cubby, and included laundry sack
Dimensions: 22鈥� x 13鈥� x 9鈥�
Volume: 42L

Pros and Cons
鈯� Smart organization
鈯� Multiple carry options
鈯� Thoughtful features
鈯� Almost too many organizational options

Staying organized on the road is challenging enough when you鈥檙e traveling solo. Throw a kiddo (or more) into the mix, and difficulty skyrockets exponentially. No Reception Club鈥檚 Hideaway Duffel solves lots of problems for parents with its many thoughtful design features.

It includes a removable cubby (with adjustable dividers) that drops into the main compartment, a smattering of internal and external pockets, and an easy-to-clean, water and odor-resistant laundry compartment for quarantining dirty duds. It even has an insulated pocket purpose-built for safeguarding milk, formula, or other perishable baby food鈥攁 feature one tester traveling cross-country with his infant daughter especially appreciated.

The carry-on boasts a multitude of carry options, including removable backpack straps, grab handles, and a luggage pass-through sleeve. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very versatile,鈥� commented another tester, a frequent flyer and dad of two, who appreciated the ability to use the Hideaway as a backpack between airport gates or pop it on top of his roller bag for longer slogs. He dug the debonair styling and overall aesthetic, too. However, he did find the sheer abundance of pockets and organizational features a tad overwhelming, recommending Hideaway haulers adopt a systematic packing style so little odds and ends don鈥檛 get lost.

You can scoop the duffel solo for $295, but our testers recommend the adventure bundle ($320), which comes with a hangable toiletries case. The ($45) has a hook for hanging and transparent windows that make it easy to keep stock of items.

Best Gear Tote

Evo XL Utility Tote 95

Dimensions: 28鈥� x 19鈥� x 15鈥� (95L)
Available Sizes:听50 L, 95 L

Pros and Cons:

鈯� Durable
鈯� Versatile
鈯� Internal and external pockets
鈯� Affordable
鈯� No shoulder strap
鈯� Bulky when fully loaded

The biggest thing Evo鈥檚 XL Utility Tote 95 has going for it? It鈥檚 big. Really big. With a volume of 95 liters鈥攁 size typically reserved for expedition duffels and checked baggage鈥攖he Utility Tote is a massive gear hauler our testers quickly fell for. 鈥淚 travel with bulky gear all the time, and this makes it so much easier to keep those items together,” reported one tester. “It fits my entire bike or snowboard kit.”

That said, the Utility Tote isn鈥檛 a one-trick pony. The exterior is a thick, water-resistant, polyurethane-coated PET ripstop that hasn鈥檛 yet shown any signs of wear, while the tarp lining is both easy to clean and difficult to damage.

Evo managed to add a few organization features without sacrificing the cavernous main compartment, too. Another tester, an Arizona-based cyclist, appreciated the tote鈥檚 padded interior pockets. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have designated spots for bike tools, gloves and cycling caps, and an extra pair of sunglasses,鈥� he said. Testers also dug the exterior pockets, which were perfect for separating wet or smelly gear, and the burly exterior loops, which were ideal for lashing wet towels, bike helmets, and shoes to the outside.

We just wish Evo had included a shoulder strap; hefting the fully loaded bag by the grab handles proved cumbersome over longer distances.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 21
• Number of Products Tested: 35
• Number of Miles Traveled: 18,500

Over the course of three years, we tested 35 pieces of luggage designed for the adventurous traveler who hauls their gear through more rugged environments than airport concourses. Think rafting adventures, camping getaways, climbing trips, and cross-country roadtrips.

As such, we primarily considered soft shell luggage between 20 and 100 liters made with abrasion- and weather-resistant materials to withstand plenty of use and abuse. We then rounded up 21 individuals who travel extensively鈥攊ncluding a professional photographer, an outdoor educator, a professional skier and mountain biker, a forest ranger, and mapping technology specialist鈥攁nd tasked them with schlepping these bags around the country to assess the best picks for adventure travel.

We asked them to home in on overall performance, feature-set, ease of transport, and durability, among other qualities. The bags on this list rose to the top of the pile after impressing testers in all categories.

Meet our Testers

Drew Zieff

听is a Tahoe-based freelancer who writes for听Backcountry Magazine, REI, Gear Junkie, and Forbes, among others. A regular听国产吃瓜黑料听contributor, he heads our听snowboard听gear coverage in the winter. A few years back, he and his partner turned a plumbing van into their听dream adventure mobile. After a couple years of vanlife, the highlight of which was surfing from Canada to Mexico, the couple put roots down in Tahoe, though they still take van trips to the coast when there鈥檚 swell. Familiar with the needs of both weekend warriors and full-time nomads, Zieff happily directs our camping accessories, travel luggage, and camping kitchen coverage each summer.

Caitlin Kelly

Originally from the Coast of Maine, Caitlin Kelly studied creative writing and environmental studies at St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. She has called the Adirondack Mountains home since, building community through her work with Women of the Adirondacks and The Adirondack Community Avalanche Project. She currently resides in Lake Placid, NY, and is the social and digital media specialist for North Country Public Radio. She is an avid backcountry skier and a ski patroller at Whiteface Mountain. Her writing has appeared in Powder Magazine, Adirondack Life Magazine, Freeskier, The Ski Journal, 国产吃瓜黑料 Magazine, and Ski Magazine, among other publications. If you sit too close to her on a chairlift, you may get some glitter on you.

The post The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As a seasoned traveler, I consider myself a good packer. I suspect you do, too. Most people do.

It鈥檚 human nature, I think, to presume our organizational skills are better than everyone else鈥檚鈥攁 sort of Dunning-Kruger effect for human鈥檚 ability to cram a carry-on with a week鈥檚 worth of clothes. But unless you鈥檙e using packing and/or compression cubes, you鈥檙e doing it wrong. Trust me, that鈥檚 just the fact.

For years, I avoided compression cubes, mostly because I assumed they were more hassle than they were worth. I was also, to put it generously, an inveterate tightwad. Throwing down $50 dollars on a nylon bag to pack something inside it, which was then packed inside something else, felt ridiculous. Why waste the money, and the extra effort?

I was wrong. Once I started traveling every other week for work, I quickly realized I needed a better system than 鈥渁lways roll, never fold.鈥� That wasn鈥檛 getting me there. And neither was jamming whatever didn鈥檛 fit in my suitcase into the bottom of my carry-on backpack like a chipmuck stockpiling nuts for winter. So I bought a couple of cheap packing cubes to help organize everything. I then made the full transition to packing-cube evangelist once it became clear how much easier compression cubes made everything.

Not only do they create more space, but they allow you to be more organized while on the go. No need to constantly unpack and repack every item each time you want a pair of socks from the bottom of your bag. They also allow you to cordon off certain items from others. For example, you can keep dirty and clean clothes in separate cubes or even stash hiking shoes next to your pants without worrying about mud stains.

Those benefits may seem basic, but over the course of a weeklong trip, one with multiple destinations, those little cubes can save valuable minutes and reduce re-packing headaches. Here鈥檚 a primer on how to deploy compression and packing cubes effectively, as well as our guide to the best ones on the market.

Basic Packing Cube Guidelines

Decide Between Compression vs. Packing Cubes

It may seem obvious, but too many people confuse general packing sacks with compression cubes. The latter actually compresses items inside them to make all your听items fit in a smaller space. They do this through zippers that get progressively tighter, straps that cinch down, or even vacuum sealing. Having both a couple compression cubes and packing sacks is ideal. Compression cubes are particularly helpful for clothes, especially loose items like socks and underwear, which can be condensed into a much tighter space. General packing bags are good for keeping organized and, if they鈥檙e large enough, offering a place to stash items like shoes.

Invest in at Least Three Different Sized Cubes

Like Goldilocks, having a few bags will allow you to find an option that鈥檚 just right for whatever you鈥檙e packing, whether it鈥檚 a down jacket or four pairs of boardshorts for a surf trip. I often bring four or five cubes: a large compression cube for large clothing items; a large packing bag for a pair of shoes; one for socks and underwear; one for the bottom of my backpack to hold a complete outfit, just in case (pants, a long-sleeve shirt, socks, and underwear); and a toiletries bag, which is basically its own form of a packing cube. When I鈥檓 traveling overseas, I also have a little pouch for cords to keep my power adapter and other electronic necessities in one spot. As the trip unfolds, I eventually transition my large compression cube into a bag for dirty clothes, to keep them separate from clean ones (which has the added benefit of making unpacking easier once I get home).

A Dedicated Shoe Bag Is Highly Underrated听听听听

I鈥檓 a fanatic about traveling with just carry-on luggage, which means I limit myself to two pairs of shoes: the ones I wear on the plane and another pair packed in my roller bag. But if the trip involves basically any activity, especially hiking鈥攐r even strolling through a foreign city鈥攃hances are I鈥檓 going to get my boots or sneakers wet or muddy. Until I bought a shoe bag, I鈥檇 have to pack those soggy sneakers next to my pants or shirts and risk getting them dirty, too. But with the bag, I can pack them in my roller bag wherever it fits best and not worry about cross-contamination.

Get a Well-Designed Toiletry Bag听

I like to keep my toiletries organized, too, and most dopp kits are simply fancied-up stash bags with a single pocket and a zipper. That means that everything, from a hairbrush to a deodorant to sunscreen, goes into the same large compartment. If anything leaks, it gets over everything. And even if it doesn鈥檛 leak, you鈥檙e basically forcing your toothbrush to intermingle with your toenail clipper. Get one that has multiple, dedicated compartments to keep things separate and organized. If you鈥檙e bringing sunscreen, make sure it has a screw top, or put it in a different container so it doesn鈥檛 leak.

Use a Small Bag for Cords

I almost always travel with my laptop, and because I travel frequently, I have everything ready to go in a small bag. It holds my charging cord, an extra cord for my phone, and two small wall chargers, just in case. By always keeping them in the same small ditty bag, it鈥檚 an easy grab and go scenario when I鈥檓 packing for a trip.

The Best Compression Cubes, Pouches, and Sacks

Best All-Around: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cubes听

Cost: From $25

Eagle Creek has long offered some of the best compression and packing cubes on the market, and these ones are the latest, greatest version. They come in multiple sizes and even as a set of two (starting at $50). The cubes help shrink clothes stashed inside via a zipper that, as you close it, pulls the bag and its contents together. These compressions pouches are made from 100-percent ocean-recycled fabric that鈥檚 water resistant, which means it鈥檚 great for packing bathing suits or wet towels while shuttling between stops on a multi-destination trip. As an all-around packing cube, these ones are hard to beat.

Also Great: Yeti Crossroads Packing Cubes

Cost: From $25

Like all things from Yeti, these packing cubes are over-engineered鈥攊n a good way. They are, without doubt, the burliest compression cubes on the market and will stand up to years of abuse (with a three-year warranty). They come in three sizes, too: small, medium, and large. The small one is very small, basically good for cords and cables and other small items. But the large is great, big enough to keep pants and shirts organized. The zippers are particularly durable, which means you can overload these bags and get them to close (and compress as it does). If the cubes get dirty, say from muddy shoes or wet clothes, simply turn them inside out and toss them in the washer.

Best Large Cube: Patagonia Black Hole Cube

Cost: $45

If you want one large packing cube to store most of your clothes on a trip, this is the one to get. At 14 liters, it鈥檚 the size of a daypack (i.e. it has plenty of storage), but it鈥檚 in the shape of a rectangle, so it fits snugly in a roller bag or duffel. It opens like a clamshell to reveal a zippered compartment on each side, both of which are big enough for multiple pairs of pants and long-sleeve shirts, or even a down jacket. One side is mesh, to see your items, and the other is covered with taffeta fabric to keep dirty items separate from the other compartment. The cube doesn鈥檛 compress items but, in a pinch, it will work as an extra, separate bag if you pick up too many souvenirs.

Best Multi-Cube Bundle On a Budget: Cotopoxi Cubo Packing Travel Bundle – Del D铆a

Cost: $50

If you鈥檙e looking for a quick, simple purchase to complete your organizational quiver, this three-cube travel set is perfect. The cubes come in three sizes鈥攖wo liters, three liters, and ten liters鈥攁nd each has mesh sides for breathability and a way to see what鈥檚 inside. Each also has a wrap-around zipper that makes packing and compressing a cinch. In short, this is a great starter set if you have any doubts about the efficiency of packing cubes.

Best for Clothes Organization: Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube

Cost: $34

These days, plenty of companies offer packing cubes designed with 鈥渃lean鈥� and 鈥渄irty鈥� compartments to keep your clothes organized and fresh while traveling. But this one from Thule is excellent, with a thermoplastic polyurethane divider between its two compartments that prevents dirt, moisture, and odor from transferring from one side to the other. At 13 liters, it鈥檚 huge, too, so you can pack a week鈥檚 worth of clothes inside. Made primarily from ripstop nylon, it鈥檚 both water repellant and durable, and because the exterior fabric is semi-transparent, you can even see the colors of the clothes inside to know which items are where. With a webbing handle, you can also use it as a separate bag, if needed.

Best for Shoes: Peak Design Shoe Pouch

Cost:$25

This durable nylon bag is perfect for holding a pair of shoes and sandals for a long weekend trip. It鈥檚 also big enough to fit mid- and high-cut hiking boots if you need to bring along some serious ankle support for trekking. The burly zipper will withstand years of abuse, and when you鈥檙e not using it, the bag packs down into its own storage pouch that鈥檚 just three inches long.

Best Compression Sack: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack听

Cost: From $35

Sometimes when traveling you need some serious compression capability鈥攕ay if you鈥檙e traveling with a down parka or multiple fleece jackets or sweaters. This is when you need a compression sack like these from Sea to Summit. Essentially, they鈥檙e sleeping bag sacks, with buckle straps that you can crank down on to really shrink whatever is inside. These ones come in multiple sizes, from five to 35 liters. The diameter of each one is different, from 6 inches to 11.3, but they all fit inside a wheeled roller bag or most backpacks. It鈥檚 rare that you would need one when flying, but if you do need to compress something soft and bulky, this is the best way to do it.

Best Toiletries Gag: Gravel Toiletry Bag

Cost: From $40

This toiletry bag comes in four sizes, but the slim, at 9 x 5 x 2 inches and with six individual pockets, will work for most people. The multiple interior pockets keep everything organized. For example, a dedicated toothbrush compartment means your comb or toenail clipper won鈥檛 rub up against the tool you鈥檒l be putting in your mouth.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he鈥檚 traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase, thanks to packing light and using compression cubes. He has recently written a guide to carry-on luggage, the best vacation spots abroad in 2025, and airports with amazing outdoor spaces.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Packing Cubes for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travelers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Lost luggage. Damaged goods. Waiting at the carousel like lemmings to reclaim your bag. Checking a suitcase when you fly adds extra hassles and fees to your trip. In short: it鈥檚 not worth it.

For the last 15 years as a travel writer and editor, I鈥檝e flown on average once per month and, in that time, I鈥檝e only checked a bag on a handful of occasions. Mostly, I avoid it at all costs because I despise waiting at baggage claim. I鈥檝e also dealt with luggage being rerouted to Panama City, had hard-sided suitcases smashed like the front end of a wrecked Fiat, and once watched as my fishing gear spilled out onto the tarmac because the TSA opened my pack for inspection鈥攁nd then forgot to close a zipper.

Over a decade ago, I decided to forgo that rigamarole. That鈥檚 why I now travel almost exclusively with carry-on luggage, so I can cruise through airports like George Clooney in Up In the Air鈥攅fficient, deliberate, and with no time for yokels struggling to find their laptop and liquids in the security line. It鈥檚 easier than you think it is to forgo checked bags, even if you鈥檙e headed off on a far-flung adventure. I鈥檝e gone on a weeklong fishing trip in New Zealand, met buddies to float Colorado鈥檚 Gunnison Gorge, and flew to Iceland to celebrate a friend鈥檚 50th birthday party, which required me to pack a suit and tie for a disco-themed f锚te and rain gear for hiking in the highlands鈥攁ll with just a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack. Checking bags, unless you absolutely need to, is for amateurs.

国产吃瓜黑料 travel, of course, is a much different beast than Clooney鈥檚 pink-slipping weekday missions. While the specifics of a two-day business trip may be different than a 10-day tour of Peru, the principles remain the same: pack light, know which carry-on rules can be massaged, and stick with a luggage setup and packing strategy that will work in 90 percent of scenarios. Here鈥檚 a primer on how to solve the carry-on conundrum, gleaned from two decades of my own travel headaches, in addition to my favorite carry-on luggage.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

The Downlow on Carry-On Luggage Rules

Airline regulations for carry-on luggage sizing are often as abstruse as their algorithms for pricing flights. Each carrier is unique in its guidelines, and there are different limits鈥攂oth weight and size鈥攆or domestic and international flights. To help you navigate this red tape, here are a few things to be aware of.

Know the Official Size Restrictions

The maximum size carry-on luggage for domestic flights is, generally, 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or a combined length, width, and height that does not exceed 45 linear inches). Most domestic flights have a weight limit of 35 pounds, although many don鈥檛 even list that specific number on their sites and instead simply say something to the effect that you need to 鈥渁rrive knowing that you can easily lift your bag into an overhead bin.鈥�

For international carriers, the standard carry-on luggage size is usually slightly smaller than that of U.S. airlines, and carry-on weight allowances can be all over the place, with different limits for various classes of cabin. For example, has a 7kg (15.4 pounds) weight restriction for Economy Class and 10kg (22 pounds) for Premium Economy. (Both classes have a size limit of 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches.) For , you can board with a bag weighing a whopping 23kg (51 pounds), with a maximum size restriction of 22 x 18 x 10 inches. In short, if you鈥檙e traveling on an international airline and have doubts, look up its allowances online before you go.

Official Domestic Airline Carry-on Luggage Size Limits:

• 听 听 听 : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• 听 听 听 : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• 听 听 听 : 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• 听 听 听 : 24 x 16 x 10 inches
• 听 听 听 : 22 x 14 x 9 inches

Official International Airline Carry-on Luggage Size Limits:

• 听 听 听 : 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches (55 x 38 x 22 cm)
• 听 听 听 : 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
• 听 听 听 : 15.7 x 7.8 x 9.8 inches (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
• 听 听 听 : 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
• 听 听 听 : 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.8 inches (55 x 38 x 22 cm)

Understand the Unofficial Rules of Carry-Ons

For anyone who flies regularly, you know that the specific size restrictions outlined above are about as solid as an empty duffel bag. You can usually get away with a much larger item than one clocking in at a strict 45 linear inches. TSA agents are generally indifferent to baggage size鈥攁nd they definitely won鈥檛 check to see if yours is compatible with specific airline regulations. It’s only once boarding begins that you find out whether the airline will allow the bags you’ve got. This is where the maximum size rules can be bent (although this is not an official endorsement or recommendation you try that). Here鈥檚 how:

Assume You Can Get Away with a Slightly Larger Bag: In general, if it fits in the overhead space and you don鈥檛 need a pulley system to lift it into place, you鈥檙e probably good to go. The caveat here is that if it looks heavy and bulky, a flight attendant is likely going to call you out on it before you even try. An oversized duffel packed with ski gear? It鈥檚 a dead giveaway and you may be forced to check it. A giant backpack that would satisfy the needs of a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail? Chances are you鈥檒l be forced to check it, too.

But if you鈥檙e wheeling on a hardshell suitcase, even with a front pocket stuffed with rain gear that makes it much bigger than the maximum size restriction, few flight attendants will bat an eye鈥攁ssuming you can get it to fit in the overhead space easily enough.

Your Choice of Carry-On Matters: 鈥淏enefit of the doubt鈥� is why I like to travel with roller suitcases. The companies designing these bags, like Away, Rimowa, and Tumi, are intimately familiar with airline restrictions and how bags best fit in the overhead space. Wheeling one of these on the airplane already assumes鈥攊n the flight attendants鈥� eyes, at least鈥攖hat it will fit in the overhead space. If it doesn鈥檛, a flight attendant will usually gate check the bag for free, which means you can pick it up in the jet bridge or on the tarmac when you deplane. (Although sometimes they make you check it through to your destination, and you鈥檙e stuck waiting at baggage claim.)

In a nutshell, it鈥檚 usually best to opt for a standard issue roller bag or a small duffel as your main carry-on. If you need to travel with a larger duffel or backpack, make it appear smaller than it is by using the built-in compression straps to shrink it down as much as possible, then tuck in any loose straps. It won鈥檛 always work, but sometimes they鈥檒l feel bad enough for you and let you store it overhead.

Hedge Your Packing Strategy: If you are bringing on a carry-on that you know is larger than the official size limits, make sure not to pack anything in it that you don鈥檛 want to get tossed around if you鈥檙e forced to check it. For example, don鈥檛 pack your laptop, medications, or anything of value in it. If they ask you to check it as you鈥檙e boarding the plane, you should be prepared to hand over the suitcase at a moment鈥檚 notice and let everyone else continue boarding (I beg of you).

Personal Items: What You Should Know

Many airlines don鈥檛 specify exact size restrictions for personal items, but the that all carry-on luggage fits under the seat in front of you if it鈥檚 not in an enclosed storage compartment. In my experience, flight attendants are fundamentalists about abiding by this rule, so there鈥檚 no point in trying to hide a 75-liter backpack under the seat. You鈥檒l get asked to move it鈥攁nd likely check it.

That said, most flight attendants don鈥檛 police the size of personal items as you鈥檙e boarding the plane, so all you need to do is make sure you can cram it under the seat when you sit down. This is why a medium-sized backpack works well: paired with a suitcase or duffel bag, you can stuff it full of an impressive amount of clothes and gear and still get it to fit under the seat.

Also, when boarding the plane, the attendants will focus primarily on evaluating your larger bag and overlook your personal item, so you can often get away with a larger second carry-on鈥攁gain, as long as you鈥檙e able to stow it properly under the seat.

Outdoor Gear and the TSA

While TSA does not, generally, police policies on the size of your carry-on, they do care (very much, in fact) about the items in your bag鈥攑articularly camping equipment like pocket-knives, fuel canisters, lighters, and other banned items. In fact, it has an entire section on its website devoted to . Bear spray? No way. Bicycle pumps? Yes. Camp stoves? Only if they鈥檙e clean of residual fuel. (Fuel canisters are a hard no.)

Be sure to check the list linked to above if you plan to bring any sporting gear to verify specific rules regarding that item. For example, sunscreen is one product that many people forget. It鈥檚 considered a liquid so, if it鈥檚 over three ounces, you鈥檒l have to toss it in the trash to get through TSA purgatory.

Also, double check every gear bag you鈥檙e carrying on to make sure there鈥檚 no errant banned item (especially in the pockets). Twice I鈥檝e brought my fishing pack along and had an agent pull me aside to confiscate a folding knife that I had forgotten I鈥檇 stashed.

The Best Carry-On Luggage: Duffels, Packs, Suitcases, and More

Sorting out what to pack for each trip should be easy: don鈥檛 bring anything you won鈥檛 absolutely need. I generally abide by the rule of three: skip the third pair of shoes, the third sweater, the third pair of pants, etc. Pick clothes that you know you鈥檒l wear more than once. Also, wear the heaviest clothes and large hiking shoes onto the plane and carry on your coat (it doesn鈥檛 count as an item).

When it comes time to pack, you should already know whether you鈥檙e bringing a roller, duffel bag, or backpack as your main carry-on, thanks to whatever specific adventure you have in store (like a backcountry raft trip or train trip through Europe). If not, simply opt for the default: a wheeled suitcase and a small or medium-sized backpack or tote. You can鈥檛 go wrong with any of the options listed below.

Carry-On Suitcases

Wheeled suitcases are designed for jaunts to and through the airport, and they excel at this鈥攚hich is why they should be your go-to choice for most types of travel, even the adventurous kind.

In addition to being perfect for airport cruising, they can also usually withstand the abuse they take on the ground. I鈥檝e had my Away suitcase strapped to the side of a snowmobile to reach a backcountry hut in British Columbia and thrown into the rear of a floatplane shuttle to a remote river in Labrador. While they may be less ideal than duffles in some scenarios鈥攍ike my aforementioned examples鈥攂ecause they鈥檙e so adept at helping you cruise through terminals or navigate city sidewalks, dealing with the awkwardness of roller bags off the pavement is worth it. In short, everyone should have a roller suitcase as their default travel bag. When selecting one, just make sure that the company has a warranty鈥攍ifetime preferable鈥攖hat covers normal wear and tear.

Best All-Around Suitcase: Away The Bigger Carry-On Classic

Dimensions: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches

Cost: $295

Most hard-sided suitcases are extremely similar in design and durability these days. Away rises to the top because it hits the sweet spot between functionality, durability, and cost. It鈥檚 a mid-priced workhorse, with an interior mesh organization system that compresses clothes on one side, with a storage compartment for bulkier items, like shoes, on the other. Its 360-degree wheels are sturdy and smooth, and an exterior polycarbonate shell absorbs bumps and collisions with ease. I鈥檝e used the same one for the last ten years and it鈥檚 held up remarkably well, considering all the abuse I鈥檝e put it through. I suspect it鈥檒l work well for whatever you toss its way, too.

Best Soft-Sided Suitcase: Briggs and Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 x 11.5 inches

Cost: $699

Soft-sided suitcases usually stand up to dings and scratches much better than hard-sided options, and this one from Briggs and Riley is as durable as anything on the market, made with ballistic nylon fabric and outfitted with impact-resistant corner guards that actually work. It鈥檚 also capable of a neat packing trick: it can expand to fit all your gear and then, once it鈥檚 zipped shut, compresses via pushing down on each side, where a latching system locks the sides in place. There鈥檚 a large front pocket for easy access to items like a jacket or sweater and it comes with Briggs and Riley鈥檚 best-in-class lifetime guarantee, which makes the steep price more than worth the cost.

Carry-On Duffel Bags

Best Overall: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel 42L

Dimensions: 23” x 14.7” x 10.2” inches

Cost: $135

Any person who camps, hikes, climbs, fishes, runs, or does anything else outdoors can attest: a nearly bombproof duffel bag like this one from The North Face is a lifesaver for organizing gear. It works equally well for traveling, with an adjustable interior divider to help with organization, padded shoulder straps that can be stowed behind the back panel, and even a laptop compartment. Made from ballistic nylon and polyester tarpaulin, it鈥檚 designed for the long haul and solid backcountry beat-ups.

Best Wheeled Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L

Dimensions: 21.75 x 14.5 x 11 inches

Cost: $359

This 2,400-cubic-inch bag鈥攖he two-wheeled version of Patagonia鈥檚 iconic Black Hole duffel, below鈥攊s perfect for plane travel when you have Type 2 fun planned for your final destination and need to pull it more than 90 percent of the time. It offers the same burly performance as the original duffel, with polyester ripstop fabric and reinforced handles. But this one also has oversized wheels for getting around the terminal and, say, the cobbled streets of colonial Quito.

Carry-On Backpacks

Not all backpacks will fit under the seat in front of you, so when buying one, be sure to consider how you want to use it: as a carry-on meant to be stowed overhead or as a personal item for stashing in front of your feet.

Best Overall: Yeti Crossroads 22L

Dimensions: 18.5 x 12 x 7.1 inches

Cost: $200

With 22 liters of space, this pack is perfect for stashing impressive amounts of clothes and gear while still fitting under the seat in front of you. There鈥檚 an inside sleeve for a laptop; a zippered compartment up top for easy access to sunglasses, keys, and a passport; and a luggage pass-through panel allows you to affix it to the handle of your roller suitcase while cruising through airports. And because it鈥檚 made from Yeti鈥檚 proprietary Tuffskin nylon, it can withstand being tossed around once you arrive at your destination. I can back this up from firsthand experience hiking with it in a rainstorm in Iceland and after lashing it to the back of a motorcycle in Morocco for a tour through the desert. This same pack is available in 27 liter and 35 liter versions, if you want to opt for the larger size and use it as your primary carry-on bag.

Best Laptop Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 8 inches

Cost: $140

Sometimes all you need is a pack that can haul your laptop through the airport and then help you lug around a camera or a water bottle when you鈥檙e at your destination. With a sleek design that weighs just 18 ounces, this pack is perfect for those types of trips, where versatility is key and you鈥檙e on the go most days. It has an internal sleeve to secure a tablet or small laptop, a water bottle pocket, and two large internal main pockets for organizing other gear.

Best Big Backpack: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Dimensions: 22″ x 14.5″ x 7.6″ inches

Cost: $239

If you鈥檙e forgoing a suitcase or a duffle bag and want to use a backpack to travel with all of your clothes and gear, this is the pack that’ll get the job done. With 2,746 cubic inches of space, it鈥檚 big enough to store enough gear for a long weekend鈥攐r even weeklong鈥攖rip, yet it鈥檚 compact enough to fit in the overhead space of most planes. There鈥檚 a padded laptop pocket and a large interior space with two other pockets for organization and it can be carried as a backpack, shoulder bag, or duffel.

Miscellaneous Travel and Packing Gear: Compression Bags and Totes

When traveling, not only do you need to get from point A to B, you also need to live out of your carry-on for the trip. This means staying organized on the road, and to help you do that, I recommend a packing cube (or two) and a tote. Having them on hand makes everything easier. I rarely go anywhere without them.

Best Compression Bag: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube

Dimensions: Comes in multiple sizes

Cost: $50 for a set of two

Compression bags are the secret between fitting what you need and having to leave essentials鈥攍ike that sweater for foul weather, or a pair of flip flops for beach day鈥攂ehind. Eagle Creek offers some of the best compression sacks on the market: Its Pack-It Isolate Compression Cube shrinks gear inside via a burly zipper that, as you close it, pulls the bag and its contents together.

Packable Tote Bag: Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack

Dimensions: 15.5 x 10.25 x 8 inches

Cost: $99

One of the quirks I鈥檝e developed over years of traveling is carrying this extremely lightweight (just 13 ounces) bag on pretty much every trip. It packs into its own pocket and, unfurled, you can carry it as a backpack or a tote. On the road, it has served as a perfect pack for grabbing groceries while walking the streets of Paris or bringing a bathing suit and a towel to a backcountry hot spring in New Mexico. (Usually, though, I simply use it as a laundry bag for dirty clothes.) When it comes time to pack for home, you also have an extra bag to carry on any souvenirs or other purchases you鈥檝e made along the way. I usually check my main suitcase (it doesn鈥檛 matter if it gets delayed on the way home) and carry on the most important things in a backpack and this tote bag.

Ryan Krogh is a freelance writer and editor based in Austin, Texas. In the last decade, he鈥檚 traveled to 27 countries and every U.S. state, nearly all with just a carry-on suitcase. This included his two-week honeymoon to Morocco and Paris, France, in 2022.**Not including his wife鈥檚 suitcases and the shipments home from the souks in Marrakech.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Luggage for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travelers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

We sought out warmer weather in Arizona, climbed freezing pitches in northern New Mexico, and ski-toured in Rocky Mountain National Park this January. Here’s the gear that helped us start the year out right.

Eastpak Transverz suitcase ($140)

I gifted this to my brother for Christmas, after traveling with him to Japan and feeling sorry to see him hoofing it around Osaka with a heavy duffel bag slung across his shoulder. I’ve had this same suitcase for longer than I can recall, and it remains my go-to for both weekend adventures and far-flung trips. Despite being thrown around by its share of bag handlers, it’s never been torn, lost a wheel, or been damaged in any noticeable way. But what鈥檚 remarkable is how much I’m able to cram into its two main compartments and still manage to zip the entire thing shut, something many a companion has marveled over. This is thanks in part to durable soft siding and compression straps that cinch shut and don’t budge. I’ll never buy another type of suitcase鈥攁nd the way the Transverz is holding up, I may never have to. 鈥擳asha Zemke, associate managing editor

Sealskinz Worstead Waterproof Cold Weather sock ($60)

As a triathlete, I am no stranger to neoprene booties鈥攖hey’re . But when some friends of mine invited me on a hike in Arizona’s creek-tastic Aravapia Canyon, I knew my tri booties wouldn’t cut it. These waterproof socks were an impulse buy and they could have failed miserably. I’m happy to report they didn’t. In fact, I spent eight hours hiking in cold, knee-high waters and never once complained (and when I’m cold, I complain a lot). My hiking buddies were so impressed, that they all bought a pair as soon as we got back into cell reception. If you’re doing a hike in deep water (say, The Narrows in Zion), these are a must. 鈥擲usan Lacke, senior editor, Triathlete

Mountain Hardwear Subzero Down Jacket Reissue

I have been absolutely living in this jacket from Mountain Hardwear’s Reissue collection the past few months. The original Subzero Down Jacket came out in 1993, and in an effort to bring back an iconic design, the brand brought it back this past fall with more technical, modern features. The material is now made with a 100 percent recycled ulstralight Pertex Y Fuse ripstop shell fabric, and it has a non-fluorinated DWR finish, making it waterproof enough for the adventures I take it on. I wouldn’t reccommend wearing it when its pouring rain outside, but during a massive storm in Utah in early January, it didn’t soak through. With 650-fill RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down, I’ve worn it in negative temperatures in both the Wasatch range and near the border of Idaho and Montana, and have stayed completely cozy and warm. I’ve received a ton of compliments on the style and love the way the size medium fits on the upper part of my thigh. I’m hard on my gear, but with dual-shell fabrics on the shoulders and sleeves that get the most exposure, I’m expecting this jacket to last me for many winters to come. 鈥擪elly Klein, associate gear editor

Outdoor Vitals NovaPro jacket ($250)

I didn鈥檛 really know what to make of the NovaPro jacket when my sample came in last year. It鈥檚 a frankenstein of different winter systems, combining the 850-fill down of a belay jacket with the water- and wind-resistance of a hardshell and the armpit zips and thumb holes of a technical midlayer. At first, I was afraid I had one of those jack of all trades, master of none situations on my hands, but I was missing the point. I live in New Mexico, at 7,100 feet, where the desert鈥檚 cactus and wind overlap with the cold snows of the mountains, and a troubling percentage of my climbing days (and my winter dog walks) begin in the warm sun and end in 40 mph whiteouts. So I鈥檝e learned to appreciate the NovaPro鈥檚 versatility. In the perfect world (or less frenetic climate) I鈥檇 go nowhere without a base layer, mid-layer, outer layer, and shell on my back or in my pack. But on low-commitment days, I now just wear the NovaPro. When it鈥檚 warm, I unzip the armpits and roll up the sleeves. When the wind picks up, I close the zippers, tuck my thumbs in the holes, pull on the hood, zip up the extra-high neck, and stick my hands into the insulated pockets. Added bonus: Outdoor Vitals鈥� ingenious Zero Stitch Fabric doesn鈥檛 just increase the wind-resistance, it also makes this jacket perhaps the most durable down jacket I鈥檝e ever tested. One year in and it鈥檚 still duct-tape free. All in all: One of the best multi-purpose, all-arounder down coats I鈥檝e had the pleasure of trying to ruin. 鈥擲teven Potter, Digital Editor, Climbing Magazine

Jungmaven Alaska Hemp Wool sweatpant ($158)

Thanks to some health issues and abysmal early-season snowfall, this winter most of my gear choices have been based on how well a garment transitions from watching TV on the couch to taking a nap on the couch. I鈥檝e worn these sweats almost every day of my convalescence, and they鈥檝e held up well to the use, without any stretching out at the knees or other signs of wear. Generally, I avoid synthetic fibers except for during exercise, and the merino-hemp blend fabric is dreamy鈥攖hinner and less bulky than your average cotton pants, but just as warm and even more breathable. The wide, elastic waist is very high, and stays comfortably in place at my natural waist. Recently, I鈥檝e been wearing them to low-key yoga classes, and the cinched ankle and loose cut don鈥檛 restrict my movement at all. The price tag is steep for sweatpants, but the quality and design make them worth every penny. 鈥擬iyo McGinn, assistant editor

Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Half Zip hoody ($90)听

There鈥檚 a lot of grid fleece options out there鈥攁ll of them warm, breathable midlayers. Choosing just one mostly comes down to the little design details鈥攃ut, hoods, pockets鈥攁ll of which Mountain Hardwear absolutely nailed with this half-zip version of their Summit grid fleece. The zipperless, longer-cut tunic style had been my go-to for a couple years, but the redesigned details in the half-zip add up to my personal Platonic ideal of a fleece top. The zipper adds extra venting to the already breathable grid fleece material, ideal for dumping heat on recent unseasonably warm dawn patrols. The bulky bunches of fabric around the waist that sometimes formed while wearing the longer tunic length were eliminated by the shorter cut (which also makes for a more flattering silhouette). The spacious, cinchable hood and cozy high neck, already perfect for windy outings, were unchanged. If I were really splitting hairs, two zippered pockets might be better than the current kangaroo pocket, but even with this small imperfection, no other fleece mid layer I know of comes close to rivaling this one. 鈥擬M

Sustainable Tomorrow Zen Bamboo Electric toothbrush ($99)

In my ongoing quest to purge single-use and unnecessary plastic from my life, I learned that about a billion plastic toothbrushes end up in the landfill each year. I’ve been buying manual bamboo toothbrushes for a while now, but recently started using an electric, rechargeable one from Sustainable Tomorrow. My mouth and I love it. It only needs to be recharged about once a month, has several different settings, and the automatic two-minute run time means I don’t short change my teeth with a too-quick brush. Also neat: every 30 seconds, the brush vibrates, signaling me to switch to a different quadrant of my mouth, so no teeth get ignored. Each brush comes with four replaceable heads–enough to last me more than a year. 鈥擪ristin Hostetter, head of sustainability and contributing editor

Iksplor Baby 国产吃瓜黑料 Zippy ($89)

My husband and I spend many weekend days ski touring in Colorado鈥檚 Rocky Mountain National Park, and in January we decided it was time to let our 8-month-old in on the fun. A lifetime of skiing has taught me how to dress and layer for winter adventures, but dressing and layering a baby for the cold comes with a steep learning curve. In the face of uncertainty, I’ve learned to go with what I know: a quality base layer paired with an insulating midlayer is the best line of defense against the cold. We put our son in the Iksplor Baby 国产吃瓜黑料 Zippy under a fleece onesie, then stuffed him into a down bunting. At the end of a 1-hour ski tour in 40-degree temperatures, his core, hands, and feet were warm. Ever since, the Iksplor onesie made of midweight Merino has become our go-to layer for our son on winter adventures. We love that the Merino is soft to the touch and doesn鈥檛 irritate his skin; the integrated hand mitts add an additional layer of warmth under his separate mitts; and the two-way zip for quick diaper changes on the go is a big bonus. Ten-ten would recommend this baby base layer for outdoorsy families. Sizing note: The 国产吃瓜黑料 Zippy runs large, so consider sizing down for your little one. 鈥擩enny Wiegand, associate gear director

Rux 70L Essentials Set ($393)

For years I鈥檝e been transporting all of my ski gear to and from resorts and backcountry locales in my trusty Dakine DLX 75L Boot Pack. Featuring a convenient backpack carry system, this pack can fit my ski boots, helmet, multiple pairs of goggles, multiple pairs of gloves, and my entire outerwear kit. While I love how organized this bag keeps my gear when I pack it, at the end of the ski day my gear rarely ever makes it back into the bag in an organized fashion. In the end, everything would land in the milk crate we keep in the back of our car for extra gear. So this season, I decided to free up space in the back of our car by replacing the boot bag and milk crate with the Rux 70L Essentials kit. This rugged, completely waterproof gear box fits as much as my Dakine boot bag, with the benefit of easier access to all my gear. The Rux system includes the collapsible 70L cube ($298), 25-liter waterproof tote bag ($80), and 3-liter pocket ($45) that attach to the cube via integrated utility rails in a customizable fashion. I鈥檝e taken to storing our 8-month-old鈥檚 adventure essentials in the tote bag for easy access; it also doubles as an on-the-go diaper bag. While the whole system is arguably overbuilt for the average recreationalist, it鈥檚 amazingly utilitarian. It would be the perfect gear storage solution for adventurers with pickup trucks and no topper. The price tag is eye-watering when you consider that most of us have been making do with salvaged milk crates; but those milk crates don鈥檛 protect your gear the same way the weatherproof Rux system does. Plus this gear box comes with a lifetime warranty. Think of it as the Yeti cooler of gear boxes鈥攊t鈥檚 a splurge, but well worth it. 鈥擩W

Patagonia Men’s R3 Yulex Regulator Front-Zip wetsuit ($579)

Over the years I’ve surfed in a lot of wetsuits: O’neill, Hotline, Xcel, Rip Curl, Billabong, etc. That list includes a handful of the yulex wetsuits developed by Patagonia. The early iterations of those were…not great. Many were uncomfortable to surf in and so stiff that they sometimes required an extra set of hands to peel off. But Patagonia kept developing them and I kept trying them, mainly because I really wanted them to work. Most suits are made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber derived from petroleum that does all kinds of bad things for the environment, but yulex is a natural rubber created from the hevea tree. Recently Patagonia launched the latest model of their yulex suit鈥攚hich is made from 85 percent yulex rubber and 15 percent synthetic rubber鈥攁nd I’ve been surfing in their R3 model (a 4.5mm/3.5mm) in Northern California for the past year, from spring upwelling through the El Ni帽o winter. For one, the rubber feels better, both in your hands but also on your body. The thing is toasty, stretchy, and allows for ample freedom of movement. I’m not a tailor, but Patagonia’s designers credit that to new seam placement. After a year of rigorous use, the suit has also shown very little sign of wear and tear, despite my less than meticulous care of the product (ie: it sits in a wet and sandy ball in the back of my truck between sessions). Helpfully, if and when it does break down, Patagonia also has repair operation. It’s definitely the best Patagonia suit I’ve used so far. 鈥擬att Skenazy, features editor

Flint and Tinder Stretch Ripstop Waxed Field jacket ($198)

First developed nearly 200 years ago, waxed jackets are still around because they鈥檙e so damn functional. The wax makes them pretty much waterproof, the cotton canvas is tough as nails, and people love the patina the jackets develop with wear and abuse. Over the past five years there鈥檚 also been a strong resurgence. Designers have taken a new look at a very old material and figured out how to make it even better. Flint and Tinder recently launched their version by blending a small percentage of spandex with the cotton. While that doesn鈥檛 sound like a big change, it truly is. Just a little extra stretch makes the jacket significantly more comfy and gives it a much larger range of motion. White testing I鈥檝e found this jacket easier to get on and off, easier to wear while driving or riding a bike, and easier to work in when doing chores. I used to reach for a fleece jacket instead of waxed canvas if I was going to move around a lot, but now my fleeces are gathering dust and this jacket is on my back almost any time I leave the house. 鈥擩akob Schiller, contributor

Red Hat Factory Southlander Wool beanie ($102)

Paying over $100 for a beanie is crazy. But I was suckered into this hat by a very clever Instagram ad where the company said all its hats are hand-knit in Norway by a group of women who make them in their living rooms. When I reached out about testing, the owner said that the hat I wanted was out of stock but that he would have his mom knit me one and send it over. If that鈥檚 not incredible customer service, I don鈥檛 know what is. Made of 80 percent wool and 20 percent nylon, the beanie is thin but warm, easy to wear, and never stinks. To everyone else it looks like a nicely designed hat, but to me it鈥檚 even more special because I know I鈥檓 wearing a one-off piece that was made with care.鈥擩S

Pressio Ecolite Run jacket ($180)

This winter I’ve taken this jacket on two week-long trips where the weather ranged wildly from fall to deep winter鈥攁nd it proved an excellent choice on both. The water-resistant jacket blocked 30 mile-per-hour winds and the spray from breaking waves on Chicago’s lakeshore path. It shed thick, wet snow on an evening run around Central Park. And, back home on the high plains, fended off blowing sleet. It kept me warm and dry on runs down into single digit temps (with the right base layers), yet breathed well enough to not get clammy inside when temps rose into the low 40s. The thin, flexible, fabric is soft and quiet, and, while the jacket has a close-fitting, athletic tailoring, the four-way stretch (achieved without spandex) gave me a comfortable, full range of motion. Little details are frosting on the cake, like the gauntlet-like cuffs that extend over the back of the hand, the wind-blocking flap behind the top of the zipper, and the forehead panel that keeps the hood secure. Plus, it is made from 70 percent recycled polyester and 30 percent biodegradable polyester, and is PFC-free. 鈥擩onathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

Fischer Ranger 102 ski ($850)

I never thought I’d cheat on my beloved Blizzard Sheeva 10s (Rustlers for those of you who ride men’s skis), but these Fischers stole my heart from the first turn. They’re damp and stable, even at high speeds on bulletproof snow. They’re stiffer and heavier than my daily drivers, qualities I shied away from after a knee injury a couple of years ago. Instead, I’ve prioritized playfulness and forgiving flex in my skis鈥攖he Sheevas ride the perfect line between hard-charging and playful. But getting on the Fischers felt like driving my mom’s BMW after tooling around in my 2002 Tacoma鈥攍ow, heavy, stable, and secure. A stiffer, flatter tail helps me keep momentum and force all the way through the turn and makes the transition between turns effortless. I ski Taos, which often encourages people to shorten their ski length and favor responsive, agile skis that can make tight turns in techy, steep terrain. But it’s also a place where you want to hold an edge, whether that’s on 42-degree firm chalk or a sweeping groomer. For that kind of skiing, these sticks are right on the money. 鈥擜bigail Barronian, senior editor

Free People Movement Smiling Buti Ankle socks ($16)

I’m prone to blisters, especially when I wear socks without a Merino wool base, so I was pretty hesitant to wear the Free People ankle socks. However, this adorable pair blew me away with how comfortable my feet were. They’re the perfect height that pops out the top of my shoe and cover the base of a legging. During long and cold winters I am always looking for little pockets of joy, and as silly as it sounds, these socks make me smile every time I pull them on. They’re made from 80 percent cotton and come in six fun colors. 鈥擩amie Aranoff, Digital Editor, SKI

Howl Campfires R4 ($1299)

I’ve been testing the Howl R4 recently, which is a highly anticipated propane campfire that promises to give off enough heat to actually keep the costumer warm, unlike most propane fire pits on the market. After using it on a hunting trip earlier this month where the nighttime temps dropped into the low teens, I’m a believer. Why bother with a propane fire? Well, a lot of reasons, but if you live or camp West of the Mississippi, chances are you’ve run into a burn ban in the last few years and had to forgo a campfire. The R4 is actually UL Certified and legal to use during stage I and II burn bans in 50 states, and, unlike a wood fire, doesn’t leave any trace of its existence. Despite the safety deployments, it still puts off a lot of heat鈥攊t gets up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to a technology called BarCoal, a radiant tube heater of sorts. That means you’re not left shivering around a wimpy flame like a lot of other propane fires. Another bonus: you still get all the benefits of a campfire without waking up smelling like one in the morning. 鈥擝ryan Rogala, contributing writer

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio ($110)

As both an outdoors person with a lot of hobbies and a professional videographer, I’ve used a lot of two-way radios over the years. Rocky Talkie sent me a set of their Mountain Radios to try out a few months back, and I can confidently say they’re the best piece of radio gear I’ve used. The small form factor, metal-reinforced backup leash, and included carabiner make them the perfect communication tool for adventuring鈥擨 can’t count the number of radios I’ve lost over the years when the clips have failed. Their range (rated at 1-5 miles in the mountains) thus far has seemed more consistent than other brands I’ve tested, but my favorite thing about the Mountain Radio is the battery life. On a recent elk hunting trip in frigid conditions, I left the radios powered on all night in the truck after having used them in the field all day. When I found them the next morning, they still had 80 percent battery left. I only had to charge them once on that five-day trip, which is a lot more than I can say for some of my hunting partners’ radios, which died on us in the field multiple times. Whether I’m hunting, backcountry skiing, or on a video shoot, the Rocky Talkies are my new go-to radios. I’m looking forward to testing out their soon. 鈥擝R

The post The Gear Our Editors Loved in January appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Bajio Toads ($209)

These shades were not only the most environmentally friendly pick from our 2024 Winter Gear Guide testing, but also cut the glare best, too. Despite their relatively large size, they fit most testers鈥� faces and stayed put, which was helpful when bending over to pick up luggage or balancing a passport in one hand and a toddler in the other.

Read the Full Review.

Minus33 Women鈥檚 Long-Sleeve Henley ($90)

Testers wore this 100 percent merino henley for days during the review period thanks to its odor-fighting properties, next-to-skin comfort, and good looks. We especially liked the flat seams for carrying heavy packs without chafing.

Read the Full Review.

Roark Layover Pants Women鈥檚 ($95)

These are some of the most versatile pants we tested this year. Not only are they durable, fighting off backcountry branches and beer with equal aplomb, but they offer incredible security, thanks to deep, zippered front pockets, and snap ones at the back. Plus, the mid-rise waist and straight leg fit looked good on a variety of body types.

Read the Full Review.

Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Ice Nylon Six Inch ($175)

If you have someone on your list that prizes comfort and warmth above all else, look no further. These might not be the most stylish boots鈥攄epending on one鈥檚 fashion sense, of course鈥攂ut they provide superior grip on wet, icy surfaces and will keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures.

Read the Full Review.

Backcountry All Around Duffel ($139)

Duffels are often a haphazard mess of gear with little to no organization. That鈥檚 not the case here鈥攏ot only are there numerous mesh pockets throughout for stashing smaller items, there鈥檚 even a dry pocket on the end to keep your sweaty and wet gear away from your dry stuff. Genius.

Read the Full Review.

Rux Waterproof Bag 25L ($150)

Any outdoors-person would be grateful to receive this smart waterproof bag for keeping dry gear dry, or wet gear separated from other items. It has enough structure to pack like a box, according to one of our testers, but carries and looks like a tote.

Read the Full Review.

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My wife and I recently took a four-day trip to Mexico City. To keep things simple and avoid any lost luggage during our transfer in Dallas I wanted to just bring one bag. That, and the last time I was there someone rifled through my checked bag and stole several things. (I still love you, Mexico.)

The easy choice was the Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30-liter bag ()鈥攎y go-to for shorter trips. One of the biggest draws is the pack鈥檚 size adaptability. The main compartment is big enough to hold everything I need for three to four days, including clothes, toiletries, a laptop, a rain jacket, and an extra pair of shoes. Thanks to the rolltop closure, it can also expand to hold four or five more liters of stuff on the way back, and it can be cinched way down and serve as a small day pack.

This adaptability came in handy several times on our trip. In Mexico City, the bag was great for day excursions when all I wanted to carry was a rain jacket, a long-sleeve shirt, and a bottle of water. Some days we walked up to 15 miles, and the bag carried well, whether it held almost nothing or was weighed down with water and gifts.

When it was time to head home, the ability to increase the volume proved essential. As a parent, of course, I could not return empty-handed. After some careful shopping鈥攖he kids didn鈥檛 get anything too big鈥擨 was able to expand the rolled top just enough to stuff everything in and close the buckle. I looked ridiculous because the bag was now extra tall, but everything stayed put, and the over-filled bag still fit just fine in the overhead compartment on our plane, a newer Boeing 737.

I鈥檓 also sold on the Chrome rolltop鈥檚 organization. Inside, the bag is refreshingly simple. There鈥檚 just one cavernous main pocket, a laptop sleeve (inside the main pocket), and two smaller zippered exterior pockets. I鈥檝e come to hate bags that are 鈥渇eature-rich鈥� with pockets because I end up spending too much time trying to find whatever I鈥檓 looking for. There are very few places where anything can hide in the Chrome bag.

Finally, I love that the Chrome bag is waterproof. The weather was dry in Mexico City, but if we鈥檇 been caught in a rainstorm, the fully-welded, 600-denier, polyurethane-coated polyester would have given me complete confidence that not a drop of water would destroy my books, postcards, electronics, or anything else stored in the bag.

I liked the Chrome bag so much that since returning from Mexico I鈥檝e been on a rolltop kick and tracked down two other packs you might also look into:

Osprey Transporter Roll Top ()

The 25-liter Transporter has more features than the Chrome, but doesn鈥檛 go overboard. My favorite add-ons are the mesh back that breathes well on sweltering days, two side water bottle mesh pockets that can be accessed while I鈥檓 wearing the pack, and a side zipper that makes it easy to stow my laptop without opening the rolltop compartment. The bag is not as waterproof as the Chrome鈥攖he Osprey鈥檚 seams aren鈥檛 sealed鈥攂ut it still keeps most moisture out.

Ortlieb Commuter Daypack City 27 Liter ()

Even simpler than the Chrome bag, the Ortlieb Daypack has one huge pocket, a laptop sleeve, and one exterior pocket. Like the Chrome it won鈥檛 let a drop of water into the main pocket, even if you spend an hour in the rain. Made from a feathery-but-still-durable nylon, the bag itself weighs a scant 28.2 ounces. (Compared to 32.5 ounces for the Chrome bag and 32 ounces for the Osprey bag.)

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The least fun part of a snow-season getaway is dragging your two sets of skis or snowboards from the frozen tarmac to the resort, dodging black ice and kicking up road salt along the way. These travel tools will take the bite out of the winter schlep, whether it鈥檚 across town or across the globe.

Read more: The Best Winter Packs of 2023

How We Test

Number of testers: 65
Number of products tested: 47
Highest Elevation: 11,362 feet, Jungfrau, Switzerland
Lowest Elevation: -30 feet, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Time Spent in Layover: 25 hours

We invited a small army of our loyal testers and veteran gearheads to help us put these travel essentials through their paces. That meant 65 powderhounds from varying backgrounds and ability levels, ranging in age from 23 to 53, drove hundreds of miles, transited through dozens of airports, summited mountains and skied back down them, hiked glaciers, and descended slot canyons. Then they packed up all their gear and headed back to the airport, train station, or snow-covered road to fill out feedback forms back at home. Only the very best travel gear survived the season of international, ice-crusted abuse and made it into this roundup.

Planning a ski road trip this winter? Here are some tips for camping in ski-area parking lots.听

Reviews: The Best Luggage for Winter 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel of 2023

Osprey Women’s Fairview/Farpoint 70L Travel Backpack ($230)

Hauling a week鈥檚 worth of gear on your back is no easy feat, but the Fairview (Farpoint is the men鈥檚-specific version) travel pack performed the best of all the packs we tried. As in Osprey鈥檚 banner backpacking rucksacks, the Fairview/Farpoint has a frame suspension that transfers weight from the harness to the hip belt. Testers noted that it didn鈥檛 feel heavy, even while running through airports or between train platforms loaded up with camera gear and electronics. The pack also makes light work of organizing gear with easy access and thoughtful features: A large main compartment panel zipper was key when trying to access goods without having to unpack the entire bag on a ferry dock, and a zippered rear flap stows the hip belt and shoulder straps for easy bag-checking. When you arrive at your destination, the backmost portion of the main body zips off to use as a day pack (it even has its own lockable laptop sleeve). Engineered with lightweight, recycled, bluesign-approved 210-denier nylon and 600-denier packcloth, the Fairview withstood shoving, slinging, tossing, and thrashing from backpacking and careless baggage handlers.

Bottom Line: A feature-laden pack for every possible outcome while adventure-traveling.

Dakine Fall Line Hardside Roller Bag ($300)

Whether you鈥檙e a touring purist or a resort regular, you鈥檝e likely spent a lot of money on your set-up鈥攕o protect it. Made with 100 percent recycled ABS and polycarbonate shell material, this hard-sided roller can hold two pairs of skis (up to 190 centimeters), two poles, one pair of boots, and a few pairs of puffies and ski pants. After years of seeing ski bags turn up damaged in baggage claim, we appreciated the extra protection that comes from the laminated foam interior and anchor straps to keep your gear from shifting inside. Testers also lauded the Fall Line鈥檚 oversized wheels and grab handles, which made for easy maneuvering. Thanks to a connecting handle, you can pair this bag with non-matching rolling luggage for easier, one-handed shuttling. It has a TSA-approved combo lock for added security, and tie-down passthrough points so you can attach it to your vehicle鈥檚 rooftop crossbars.

Bottom Line: Seriously secure armor for your precious ski or snowboard gear, with practical touches that make for easy hauling.

Thule Aion Carry On Spinner ($349)

鈥檚 Aion Carry-On Spinner is tailor-made for transitioning from ice-packed gravel parking lots to the airport. We rolled this 36-liter carry-on and its rugged oversized wheels through snow, mud, and sand, pushing the limits of its capacity without broken wheels, soiled fabric, or snagged zippers. The shell, fabric, lining, and mesh are made of water-resistant 100 percent recycled waxed polyester canvas fabric, with a polycarbonate back panel (50 percent recycled) that sheds snow and slush. For hurried exits, a removable compression packing cube with a TPU lining separates dirty gear from the rest of the bag. This came in particularly handy when contending with sweaty clothes after a big day in Idaho鈥檚 Sawtooths followed by heading straight to the airport, while others found its transparent material useful for finding toiletries. A large zip down the front offers easy access to a jacket in transitional moments, while a smaller front zip holds keys, phone, and wallet.

Bottom Line: A go-anywhere carry-on that transitions from the backcountry to the frontcountry and beyond.

Thule SnowPack M Ski/Snowboard Rack ($330)

This medium-sized ski and snowboard carrier is the best value for the money lightweight rack we tested thanks to its accessibility and gas-saving design. The SnowPack鈥檚 20-inch clamp securely carries up to four pairs of skis or two snowboards (or two skis and a snowboard). Extra soft rubber arms protect fragile surfaces, and a locking option keeps your high-ticket gear safe while you apr猫s. It fits with Thule鈥檚 crossbar sets, round bars, and most factory racks so you can attach it to almost any setup and it took two people about an hour to install. Beefy release buttons make it easy to open and close while wearing thick gloves. Thanks to its lightweight aluminum construction and low-profile aerodynamic design, we never felt (or heard) drag while driving up and down canyons or at high speeds on the freeway.

Bottom Line: Intuitive ski and snowboard carrier that won鈥檛 slow you down on the road.

Cotopaxi Allpa 60L Tote ($90)

This robust 60-liter tote is ideal for everything from ski and snowboard accessories to a week鈥檚 worth of groceries. Thanks to a zippered front pocket, gear loops, and interior organizational pockets, we hauled helmets, goggles, balaclavas, gloves, extra layers, snacks, and water bottles back and forth from the car to the ski lodge countless times. We also used it as a shopping bag around Vancouver, B.C.鈥檚 Whistler Village, and even carried bags of ice for our coolers at our end-of-season parking lot party at . The nylon and polyester tote is made from factory remnant scraps and folds down to the size of a Jetboil stove.

Bottom Line: A robust, good-looking replacement for that decaying Ikea tote you鈥檝e had in your trunk for a decade.

Mystery Ranch District 24 Backpack ($165)

The District 24 is a casual, lifestyle-oriented daypack with impressive carrying chops鈥攁nd without the overengineering characteristic of many other small hiking bags. It has two, padded sleeves large enough to hold a laptop and tablet, a large internal compartment for stashing bulky hard drives and headphone cases, and various smaller internal organizational pockets for dongles, cords, and a mouse. Interior water bottle pockets on either side of the pack and dual stretch woven external pockets that are big enough for a 16-ounce Hydroflask but not a standard Nalgene bottle. Despite this lifestyle focus, the District 24 has load-lifters that allowed our testers to haul heavy spellbooks and magic cloaks in Orlando鈥檚 Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Open-cell foam-padded breathable shoulder straps and body panels made the District 24 a comfortable carry while hustling between gates, but we would probably switch to a different pack for working up a sweat while hiking. Extremely durable Cordura Recor鈥攁 super yarn that鈥檚 made entirely of reclaimed pre-consumer waste鈥攕urvived tossing, shoving, and dragging without a scratch.

Bottom Line: A heavy hauler with everyday carry features.

Fj盲llr盲ven Tree-K氓nken Pocket ($45)

The Tree-K氓nken is perfect for those awkward moments when you don鈥檛 have quite enough pocket space but don鈥檛 want to strap a fanny to your waist. The five-by-eight-inch pouch has a zippered one-liter main compartment that鈥檚 big enough to hold keys, wallet, lip balm, and even an oversized iPhone. The smaller zippered front pocket can fit small, flat, easy-to-lose things like credit cards, room keys, and tickets. It works by itself as a shoulder sling and also pairs with the classic K氓nken backpack with a loop and snap button system. It鈥檚 made from 100 percent lyocell sourced entirely from pine trees in Sweden.

Bottom Line: A hyper-functional fanny pack replacement with eco-cred.

Pakmule Sway-Back with Porch Package ($1,280)

Deluxe winter tailgating demands a serious front-porch setup. This fully-welded hitch carrier weighs just 42 pounds but adds a whopping 12 feet of storage space and 500 pounds of cargo-carrying capacity to the back of your vehicle. One tester who attached it to his camper and took it to a remote area near Robbers Roost, Utah, was impressed by its handling and durability thanks to a locking, threaded anti-wobble mechanism for rough roads and rustproof, 70 percent-recycled aluminum construction. Bonus: An optional set of 鈥淪tirrup鈥� stairs ($125) offers easy access to your backcountry porch.

Bottom Line: Looking to out-tailgate all the other campers and trucks? Slap an off-road-friendly porch on the back of your mobile home.

Back to the Winter Gear Guide

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There are two types of travelers in this world: those who need a specialized compartment for everything, and those who prefer to toss their belongings in a bag, zip it up, and go. Whichever you are, or if you鈥檙e somewhere in between, here are three of this year鈥檚 best outdoor luggage offerings to fit your travel style.

Norr酶na Trolley Bag ($329)

The problem with most giant rolling duffels is that the internal frame takes up almost as much room as the gear you鈥檙e packing. But Norr酶na鈥檚 Trolley duffel offers a cavernous 120 liters of storage space, thanks to a simple yet smart design feature that nixes the telescoping handle鈥攁nd therefore the internal frame鈥攊n favor of flat-lying handles sewn into the top. This keeps the bag鈥檚 weight low, making it easier to stay under an airline鈥檚 50-pound limit. Half-inch-thick, cushy trekking-style backpack straps make carrying this thick-skinned, 450-denier recycled nylon duffel over rough terrain more comfortable鈥攅ven when it鈥檚 fully loaded.

STM Goods Dux 30L Backpack ($250)

STM stands for 鈥渟marter than most,鈥� which sounds pretentious until you try the Australian brand鈥檚 Dux backpack. With 360 degrees of foam padding within the casing, our tester felt comfortable lugging around delicate cameras, lenses, and audio equipment. Flexible and adjustable polyethylene foam shelves form up to three protective compartments in the main body of the bag and are accessible through a zippered, butterfly-wing panel on each side. Plus, the laptop and tablet compartments are suspended above the bottom of the pack with a thick EVA foam cushion adding an extra buffer against dings and drops.

Gregory Quadro Pro Hardcase Carry-On ($230)

Many rolling carry-on bags now have a specific storage compartment for laundry or shoes. But Gregory ups the ante with a removable 22-inch sleeve that features an antimicrobial coating to prevent even the gnarliest items from permeating the luggage with their smell鈥攁 refinement that came in handy for our tester during a two-week trip without a way to do laundry. We also appreciated the external USB charging port (just zip your power bank into the interior pocket and plug it in) and compression straps with zippered storage for small items. The four wheels are buttery smooth rolling over all sorts of surfaces, from city streets to gravel.

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