A lot of travel gear sold today are overpriced pieces that break after two trips. You’ve probably been standing at baggage carousel number three, watching your brand-new premium suitcase wobble past with a broken wheel, wondering why you didn’t just stick with that old, reliable bag gathering dust in your closet. 

The truth is, good travel gear shouldn’t announce itself with flashy marketing or celebrity endorsements. It should just work, trip after trip, without making you think twice about it. Now, after countless miles and more than a few gear disasters, here’s a list of items that have proven themselves worthy of precious luggage space. 

Luggage That Actually Lasts 

Your luggage choice sets the tone for your entire trip. Cheap roller bags might seem like a bargain until you’re dragging them through cobblestone streets with one working wheel and a prayer. Mid-range options from established brands often provide the sweet spot between durability and cost. 

Hard shells work well for protecting fragile items and resisting those infamous airline baggage handlers, but they can crack under extreme pressure. Soft-sided luggage offers more flexibility when you inevitably overpack, plus external pockets that actually come in handy. Whatever you choose, test the wheels on different surfaces before your first trip because nothing ruins a travel day quite like a wonky wheel. 

Consider this transition period your luggage testing phase. Take your bag on a short weekend trip first. Does it roll smoothly? Are the zippers sturdy? Can you lift it when fully packed without throwing out your back? These small tests can save you major headaches when you’re navigating busy airports or rushing to catch a departing flight. 

Smart Storage Solutions 

Packing cubes deserve their cult following among frequent travelers. They transform chaotic suitcase explosions into organized systems. You can find your clean underwear without disturbing your dirty laundry, and customs agents appreciate being able to see everything clearly when they decide to inspect your checked luggage. 

But some travelers buy too many cubes in too many sizes. Start with a basic set of three or four different sizes. You’ll quickly figure out which ones you actually use and which ones just take up space. 

Speaking of organization, crossbody bags have become the heroes of hands-free travel. These compact, fatigue-fighting must-haves keep your essentials accessible while distributing weight evenly across your body. Unlike traditional shoulder bags that constantly slip or require constant readjustment, a good crossbody stays put whether you’re sprinting through terminals or exploring bucket-list destinations on foot. 

ZipLoc bags might not be glamorous, but they’re also travel MVPs. They keep liquids contained when toiletry bags inevitably leak, protect electronics from unexpected rain, and organize small items that otherwise disappear into luggage black holes. Bring more than you think you need. They’re lightweight, take up virtually no space, and you’ll find dozens of uses for them. 

Tech That Doesn’t Disappoint 

There’s no question that chargers or power banks have become essential for travel. Your phone running out of power when you are seeking your gate or walking down foreign streets won’t make for a great travel memory. Therefore, seek out a power bank that can charge your phone at least two times, and think about models with multiple outlets if you are traveling with friends.  

A good travel speaker may also appear unnecessary until you’re trapped in a cold hotel room after a long day of discovery. It doesn’t have to be concert-hall worthy, merely something that will fill a small room with your favorite tunes or podcasts. Look for speakers that are actually portable—if they can’t fit easily in one hand, they’re likely too large for most travel circumstances. 

Comfort Items That Matter 

Travel pillows occupy a special place in this travel gear list, but most are either too bulky or completely useless. The inflatable ones often deflate at the worst possible moments, while memory foam versions take up valuable space. The best options are reasonably small and provide actual neck support, not just the illusion of comfort. 

Good walking shoes also matter—even more than almost anything else you pack. Uncomfortable feet can ruin entire days of exploration, and breaking in new shoes during a trip is a rookie mistake that even experienced travelers sometimes make. Whatever style you prefer, make sure they’re genuinely comfortable for long periods and won’t embarrass you if you end up somewhere unexpectedly fancy. 

A travel diffuser might sound like luxury excess, but familiar scents can transform sterile hotel rooms into more comfortable spaces. They’re particularly helpful for light sleepers who struggle with new environments. Choose compact models that work with standard water bottles. You don’t want to depend on finding the right size containers wherever you land. 

The Practical Necessities 

Toiletry bags need to be waterproof. Everything else is negotiable, but when that shampoo bottle inevitably explodes, you want containment. Look for bags with multiple compartments and hooks for hanging because not every bathroom has adequate counter space. 

Your makeup bag deserves similar attention if cosmetics are part of your routine. Hard cases protect pressed powders from becoming loose powder disasters, while soft cases offer more packing flexibility. Either way, organization beats throwing everything loose into a larger bag. 

Documentation and Security 

Keep your passport and other important documents photographed and stored securely in the cloud. Physical copies are smart too, but digital backups ensure you’re never completely stranded if everything goes wrong. Email copies to yourself from a service you can access from anywhere. You never know what websites might be restricted in different countries. 

Travel insurance might not be gear you can touch, but it belongs in this conversation. Good policies cost less than most people spend on a single nice dinner, and they can save you thousands if things go sideways. Read the fine print, understand what’s covered, and keep the customer service numbers easily accessible. 

Final Thoughts 

Your vacation should not be spent worrying about your luggage wheels or searching for charging cables. When equipment functions properly, you’re able to enjoy the experiences that led you to travel in the first place.  

Build your kit slowly. Replace what wears out with an upgrade, and don’t feel the need to make everything perfect all at once. Each trip will be a lesson in what does work and what does not. Listen to the lessons, and your future self will appreciate it somewhere between the X-ray security checkpoint and the baggage claim, when all of the pieces just work as they should.