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For the third installment of our annual Travel Gear Awards, our editors spent months testing out the latest and greatest in luggage, accessories, travel-friendly clothing and more. To break the big news, Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by Studio 1A with a selection of our top picks. |
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| Best value joggers: Traveling can often mean sitting tight in cramped spaces, so it's best to maximize comfort where you can — like your clothing! We love these joggers for walking, outdoor excursions, or just plain lounging. They have an almost satin-like feel to them and nice deep pockets, Brach says, and they're perfect for warmer weather. $33.99 |
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Best overall portable charger: Dead phone batteries are travel nightmares, which is why we always recommend carrying a portable charger while on the go. In our tests, this slim option charged a dead iPhone 13 at about one percent per minute, restoring it to full battery in under two hours (with plenty of battery left for another charge). $15.99 $24.99 |
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| Best value tote bag: This tote bag has a secret weapon that set it above the rest in our testing: Its bottom unzips to expand its capacity by about 30%, according to the brand! Our editors were indeed able to fit all their essentials (and more) inside comfortably. Plus, it's made from a water-resistant fabric and also features interior pockets and a padded laptop compartment. Starting at $29.59 $39.99 |
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Best value compression packing cubes: When it comes to packing for your next trip, these handy accessories can help maximize both space and organization. The set comes with four cubes of varying sizes (plus a shoe bag and clear toiletry case) that compress your clothes for efficient packing — because who wants to check a bag, anyway? $28.99 $38.99 |
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| Our award-winner for best innovative tech was so popular it sold out! Don't worry, though, because this one looks just as good, and incorporates the same tech: An AirTag slot, so you never have to worry about misplacing it! Plus, it even includes slots for cards and money to help keep all your valuables consolidated and organized. $15.99 |
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Best value sun hat: Not only does this foldable, washable sun hat offer UPF 50 protection, but it can also cool down to 30 degrees below your average body temperature in under a minute, according to the brand. "To use, simply wet it with water, wring it out and wave," Brach says. "It'll work its cooling magic for up to two hours, but you can reactivate as needed and use over and over again." $29.99 |
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| Best earplugs for travel: Whether you're sharing a room with someone who snores or just want to block out the ambient noise on your long-haul flight, earplugs are travel essentials. This editor-approved pair comes with four sets of tips to fit comfortably in any ear, plus a convenient case for taking on the go. "The brand says they block out up to 24 decibels of noise," Brach notes. "That's about the sound of a ticking clock, so you're not going to be totally oblivious to your surroundings, but they are perfect for tuning out any background noise or sharing a room." Starting at $19.95 $27.95 |
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Best overall women's windbreaker: When traveling, it's always wise to pack a lightweight layer in case of rain and wind. We love this one for its UPF 50 protection, "rain and stain repellent" fabric (per the brand) and drawstring-adjustable fit. It's "so light, I don't even feel like I have a full layer on," Brach raves. "And when I pack these up, they take up almost no space — you could carry in a purse!" $48.00 $60.00 |
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| Best overall travel pant: These pants are designed to look like denim, but feel more like sweatpants, Brach says. Available in nine washes, they have pockets like your standard jeans that are roomy, plus a zip fly and belt loops. We love the flattering high waist and wide, cuffed legs that make them extra comfy, and they come in regular, tall and petite cuts. $54.95 $79.95 |
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Best compactable duffel bag: Our team believes REI "nailed it" with this duffel bag. Made out of a sturdy, water-resistant fabric, it's spacious enough to fit everything you need for a weekend trip while still meeting the carry-on requirements for most airlines. Best of all, it folds in on itself for easy storage with an included pouch. This is "exactly what a duffel should be," said one editor. $49.95 |
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| Best on-the-go beauty essential: Whether you're grossed out by hotel towels or just need a cleanse on the go, these compact, biodegradable "coins" might just become your new travel must-have. Made from 100% cotton cellulose, they transform into disposable washcloths when moistened with water. $20.00 |
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Best overall travel pillow: Travel pillows, while essential, can also be bulky and cumbersome. This stuffable case, however, offers an innovative solution: Simply pack it with clothing or towels and it transforms into a plush pillow with plus fleece on one side and a cooling fabric on the other. Pro tip: Treat it like a packing cube when not in use! $29.00 |
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