15 Travel Essentials (you didn’t know you needed) To Make The Trip Better

Summer is the time for travel so we have compiled some travel essentials you may want to consider. Heck, some of us travel twelve months a year so this list will be golden for you! We’ve even thrown in a destination for your leisure time.

1. HORIZN STUDIOS M5 CABIN TRAVEL BAG: SMART SUITCASE WITH ASSISTANCE

Frequent fliers and globe-trotters understand the need for quality luggage. You need to ensure that all your valuables and personal belongings receive adequate protection as you rack up those miles. And that means investing in a top-quality suitcase…such as the like M5 Cabin Bag.

GERMAN LUXURY: This German-engineered cabin bag combines top-of-the-line baggage design and quality with luxury. An aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell provides bombproof shock-absorption and protection, while the inbuilt compression pad keeps things cozy and secure inside. The front-pocket is lined with water-resistant nylon and a Italian Vachetta leather…designed for holding your 15” laptop securely and comfortably. On the top of the bag is a one-click removable smart charger that is approved for travel by all airlines and through TSA checkpoints.

PERSONAL TRAVEL CONCIERGE…INCLUDED: Included with the purchase of the M5 is a year of Personal Travel Assistance. Dubbed Hrizon GO, this service provides with you with quick access to your own dedicated travel agent, who can handle “accommodation, flights, transfers and experiences” for you based on your own preferences. With reservations and suggestions tailored precisely to your own tastes at the push of a button or a quick call, Hrizon Studios calls this the easiest, most hassle-free way to quickly upgrade your travel experience.

Hrizon Studios is so confident you’ll love this high-end smart suitcase, they give you a 100-day risk-free trial. Don’t like it? Send it back within 100 days no questions asked.

2. LOTUFF LEATHER DUFFLE TRAVEL BAG IS HANDMADE IN AMERICA

Got a lot of money to drop on a leather travel bag? Perhaps this leather duffle bag from Lotuff is what you’re looking for. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff is dedicated to crafting the finest leather goods from the finest materials.

Got a lot of money to drop on a leather travel bag? Perhaps this leather duffle bag from Lotuff is what you’re looking for. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Lotuff is dedicated to crafting the finest leather goods from the finest materials. They use a traditional vegetable-tanning process with roots going back thousands of years, and then handcraft each and every bag to the highest standards of craftsmanship – right here in the USA.

The Leather Duffle Travel Bag is something between a briefcase, a weekender and a gym bag, made from their hand-picked, tumbled, vegetable-tanned leather. It features solid brass YKK Excella zippers, with brass hardware throughout. Inside is unlined suede.

The bottom of the bag is double-layered leather, and features no metal pieces so as to avoid damaging anything (the bag or countertop). The handles are double-stitched, and there is also a removable shoulder strap for slinging it over your shoulder.

All this comes together to create an excellent, gorgeous handcrafted bag – made entirely in their Rhode Island workshop. Each and every bag is embossed with its individual number, so you know exactly when your bag was made.

3. GARMIN SPEAK: THE HANDS-FREE, VOICE-ACTIVATED GPS

Think GPS, and the first name you probably think of, is Garmin. They’ve been making handheld devices and GPS’ for cars for the past few decades, helping the more directionally-challenged of us get from point A to point B with ease. Now, they’ve unveiled their newest innovation – the Garmin Speak.

Think GPS, and the first name you probably think of, is Garmin. They’ve been making handheld devices and GPS’ for cars for the past few decades, helping the more directionally-challenged of us get from point A to point B with ease. Now, they’ve unveiled their newest innovation – the Garmin Speak.

This small GPS can pair with your Amazon Alexa, letting you user her in your car, talking to her to play Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, and much more. Garmin’s intuitive, turn-by-turn navigation will still work while Alexa does her thing, getting you wherever you need to be. During your travels you can play games, check your calendar, as well as receive traffic and weather updates. It pairs with any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, so  you can talk safely on the phone without hindering your ability to drive carefully. It’s also very small and windshield-mountable, so you can put it somewhere easy to see, but without blocking your view. In fact, it looks much like the Amazon Echo Spot – small, round, and with a blue light-up ring around it. So if you’re a fan of Alexa, she is never too far away.

Another cool feature of this device is the ability to remotely control your in-home devices. So if you’ve started to integrate your lights, thermostat or locks with smart devices, you can now operate them from the Garmin Speak, no matter how far away you may be.

Does it really do anything that your smartphone doesn’t? Not really. The big draw here is how easily it works; it, unlike your phone, it integrates the GPS with Alexa, and gives you directions while you use it. No switching between apps or missing the exit because the sound got cut off. If you spend a lot of time in your car, we could see it being worth it.

4. THE MONTI SHASTA IS THE MOST PORTABLE TRAVEL COOLER

Hardsided coolers are the bomb when it comes to keeping your food and drinks cool for days on end. But they’re simply far too bulky and heavy to carry with you on a hike or anything more than a short trip from the car. That’s where a soft-sided cooler comes in. And while we’ve seen quite a few nice one – from the Yeti Hopper Two to the Pelican DayVenture – we’ve never seen any as simple and comfortable looking as the Monti Shasta.

What’s your first thought upon seeing the Monti Shasta? Probably that it looks somewhere between a backpack and a quilted jacket. And you’re right. It’s a small 16l backpack made from a quilted ripstop nylon and equipped with some synthetic insulation that can hold a 36F temperature for up to 10 hours – more than enough for 90% of hikes to the fishing hole or campsite. A waterproof liner keeps melted ice from soaking through and getting everywhere, and it’s tall enough to fit 12 beers and 2 bottles of wine.

When you’re heading out for the day, simply throw it on your back like any other backpack. When it’s empty, stuff it into the included stuff sack and compress it down to a barely-there footprint. And when it needs to be cleaned…simply toss it in the washing machine and let it do its thing

Will the Shasta keep your drinks ice cold for days on end? No, it won’t. But if you’re just trying to travel light, have a good time, and bring a few drinks with you, this Made in America cooler gets the job done.

5. PELICAN AIR: THE BOMBPROOF HARDCASE YOU NEED FOR TRAVELING

When it comes to protective cases, nobody does it quite like Pelican. What exactly makes their cases so special, you ask? After all, they are only cases – what goes into them?

When it comes to protective cases, nobody does it quite like Pelican. They’re nearly indestructible, dustproof, and ready for just about anything you can throw at them. What exactly makes their cases so special, you ask? The Pelican Air 1615 uses the same classic silhouette and shape as other Pelican cases; they’re the maximum allowable size for airplane carry-on – 32.58 x 18.4 x 11.02 – making it a good combination of size, storage and convenience. In fact, it’s the perfect size for a photographer’s kit.

However, unlike older models, the Air 1615 weighs a good 28% less, and a good 40% less than other brands of polymer cases, which is welcome for sure. Empty, it comes in at 14 lbs. With foam, about 17 pounds. It’s made completely of Pelican’s HPX resin. It’s crushproof, bombproof, dustproof, and rated for temperatures anywhere from -60F to 160F.

For such a seemingly simple item, Pelican loads the Air with some sweet features; the Automatic Purge Valve keeps water and dust out while balancing air pressure inside. Only the finest materials are used in making this; the valve has Hi-flow Gore-Tex 3-micron hydrophobic non-woven material and a 70 Shore Nitrile O-ring.

There is a business card holder on the outside, and a retractable handle for pulling along like your rolling suitcase. The wheels are rolling stainless steel bearings, and ultra-quiet. Two, double-throw latches snap firmly into place and keep the lid from flying open at the wrong time, and four molded feet keep the case sitting firmly on flat surfaces.

When buying a Pelican Air, you get to choose between a few different interior setups; regular foam, padded dividers, TrekPad dividers, or empty – no foam.

So if you’re looking to transport your kit and need the peace of mind that it is safe and secure, the Pelican Air will do the trick.

6. ROAMOGRAPHER – AN AMERICAN BISON LEATHER DUFFLE BAG

The Roamographer leather duffle is the perfect travel bag for those who believe that form, is just as important as function.Each bag is painstakingly hand-crafted out of the legendary American Bison hide right here in the U.S.A.

It’s hidden metal frame conveniently keeps the bag open and upright when packing and unpacking for your trips. The bag comes with two boot bags in order to keep your shoes separate from the rest of your items. It also has one large exterior pocket, two large zippered interior pockets, and four smaller open pockets inside.

The shoulder strap is lined with luxurious shearling and can secure a smaller camera on the outside of the bag, ready to slide up the shoulder strap when the moment presents itself. 

The Roamographer leather duffle is the perfect travel bag for those who believe that form, is just as important as function.Each bag is painstakingly hand-crafted out of the legendary American Bison hide right here in the U.S.A.It’s hidden metal frame conveniently keeps the bag open and upright when packing and unpacking for your trips.It comes with two boot bags in order to keep your shoes separate from the rest of your items.It also has one large exterior pocket, two large zippered interior pockets and four smaller open pockets inside.The shoulder strap is lined with luxurious shearling and can secure a smaller camera on the outside of the bag, ready to slide up the shoulder strap when the moment presents itself. This is one of the most visually stunning pieces we’ve seen from our friends at HoldFast. The reviews and feedback have been amazing, and it’s just waiting for you to take it on your next adventure!

7. Trtl is The Travel “Pillow” Will Finally Make Sleeping On Airplanes Easy

Ever tried to sleep comfortably on a plane? It sucks. Especially in economy. The seat can’t recline enough to let you lean back, and there’s literally nowhere to rest your head. Except on your own shoulders, and that just sucks. You know how bad it is; we don’t need to tell you. Good news, though. Because Trtl is gonna solve that problem.

Trtl is by far the most innovative and unusual travel pillow we’ve laid eyes on. And it’s far more effective than your typical 3/4-donut style plush pillows most people use. Buried underneath all that plush microfiber fleece and foam padding is an adjustable internal support, which provides a comfortable, customized resting place for your head so you can catch some refreshing sleep – no matter how long that plane or car ride is.

It’s super simple to use. Simply loop it around your neck, adjust the height to your liking, and wrap the front part around and Velcro in place. You’re ready to sleep. Breathable mesh and soft microfleece ensure you’re always comfortable, and you can choose whichever direction you’d like to sleep in, leaning your head to the right, the left or the front. Simple!

Trtl includes a water-resistant travel bag with carabiner. Sure, it looks more like a neck brace than a pillow – but if it’s comfortable, we ain’t complaining.

8. OLD-TIMEY, ORANGE-COVERED RHODIA NOTEBOOKS LOOK WORTH INVESTING IN

A good notebook is a treasure. We’re not talking about those $3 disposable college ruled notebooks from the local office store, but a real hardcover journal – the kind you carry with you everywhere you go and jot down all your most treasured thoughts in. We’re talking about Rhodia notebooks.

For most people, Moleskine is the first notebook that pops into their head. And that’s understandable. But for many artists, thinkers and paper lovers, nothing can beat Rhodia. The French brand has been manufacturing top-quality writing paper and pads since 1934, with the original scored orange cover becoming its most recognized trademark. Almost nothing on the book has changed in the past 85 years.

But while the cover lends familiarity and distinctive style, it’s usually the satiny smooth, almost luxurious paper that keeps people coming back for more. Your standard Rhodia notebook has 80 gsm paper, pure white, while some models have off-white 90 gsm stock. It’s acid free and ridiculously smooth to the touch, as well as thick and absorbent enough to work with virtually any pen (even the freest flowing fountain pen you have in that arsenal). You can choose from several rulings – from grid to dot grid, and even plain. And with micro perforations up top, each page tears cleanly and plainly from the pad and the page sheet below it. That stiff back cover provides a hard surface for writing on.

Whatever your use – drawing, note-taking or composing the next Great American Poem – Rhodia notebooks get it done, with style and class to boot. “Made in France” isn’t a bad selling point, either…and they are a good deal cheaper than a lot of other big name notebooks out there. A worthy addition to any loquacious EDC kit.

9. The Yeti Panga Is One Tough Duffel Bag

YETI PANGA DUFFEL BAG FEATURES

• Thick, nylon skin endures anything
• Quickgrab handles
• DryHaul straps for over the shoulder carry
• MetalLock buckles for adjusting straps
• Hydrolok waterproof zipper keeps water out
• EVA molded, padded bottom
• Comes in 50, 75 and 100l setups

Yeti is well-known for their practically indestructible coolers, but now they’re heading into new turf – luggage. The recently announced Yeti Panga is a complete and utter monster of a duffel bag, made with impenetrably thick nylon, abrasion-resistant and built to last through endless uses.

Yeti is well-known for their practically indestructible coolers, but now they’re heading into new turf – luggage. The recently announced Yeti Panga is a complete and utter monster of a duffel bag, made with impenetrably thick nylon, abrasion-resistant and built to last through endless uses. The frame is rigid and stiff – kind of like a cooler, without the insulation – and the bottom of the bag has an EVA molded bottom, which serves as a pad for dropping or placing the heavy pack down on the ground.

There are heavy-duty, thick Quickgrab handles and DryHaul nylon straps with MetalLock buckles, that make it a cinch to grab or carry, whether over your shoulder or on your back. The Hydrolok zipper is waterproof, and the bag has no spots in which water can in – hence why they call it their first submersible duffel bag. There are also two easy-to-access stowaway pockets on the outside of the bag for keeping your goods dry.

The Yeti Panga comes in three sizes: 50 liters, 75 liters, and 100 liters.

10. THE HARTMANN 7R IS THE ULTRALIGHT SUITCASE FREQUENT FLYERS NEED

Carbon fiber may be the most popular of the ultralight materials out there right now, but it’s not the only one; there’s a whole host of other materials out there that provide just as much strength at the same thickness. This supremely light but tough suitcase from Hartmann is one of them.

Carbon fiber may be the most popular of the ultralight materials out there right now, but it’s not the only one; there’s a whole host of other materials out there that provide just as much strength at the same thickness. This supremely light but tough suitcase from Hartmann is one of them.

The Hartmann 7r is named after the “special gene” that only 20% of the world’s population has, that supposedly makes those who possess it take risks and do adventurous things. Whether they decided on that name because the material is cutting-edge, or because it’s just a good name for a suitcase, we don’t actually know. What we do know is that the 7r is made from Hartmann’s Curv material, essentially thin layers of polypropylene, woven into self-reinforced sheets providing hardness and and strength without adding too much. In fact, the entire suitcase weighs only 6.8 pound, which compares rather favorably to similarly-priced suitcases made from carbon fiber and other similar composite materials; it’s lighter than many of them.

On the bottom are shock-absorbing steel wheels, mounted on wires, that help you load up a heavy suitcase. They’re omni-directional and make for effortless pushing and pulling, whether using the leather side handles or the carbon fiber pull handle (Hartmann didn’t eschew carbon entirely but found the right use for it). Finishing off the ensemble is a watertight, water-resistant zipper that keeps water out and your clothing dry, as well as a TSA-approved combilock that to keep those belongings safe.

Available in a variety of excellent finishes (we’re partial to Titanium) and for a reasonable price (considering the unseemly amounts many travelers tend to drop on luggage…), the 7R is a contender for your next suitcase. Flying really doesn’t have to be a hassle, after all.

11. PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE DUFFEL BAG

With a name like the Black Hole and a brand like Patagonia, this duffel bag sounds promising – and it is. The Patagonia Black Hole is their largest, toughest, most-durable bag, with over 120l of space and one durable construction – made of a thick polyester ripstop (900 denier) with highly weatherproof TPU laminate.

PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE DUFFEL BAG FEATURES

• Tough, durable polyester ripstop build, with highly weatherproof TPU laminate
• Main zippered compartment opens like a book and features two separate compartments for easy packing, access and organization
• Second zippered compartment holds shoes
• Two small zippered pockets organize essentials; third pocket with key clip provides access to tickets, passport and keys; fourth pocket sits flat for documents and magazines
• Three carrying options: backpack style, shoulder-bag style, and briefcase style
• Rear sleeve to slip the tote on and off rolling luggage handles
•  900 Denier 100% polyester ripstop nylon, with a TPU laminate and DWR coating.

With a name like the Black Hole and a brand like Patagonia, this duffel bag sounds promising – and it is. The Patagonia Black Hole is their largest, toughest, most-durable bag, with over 120l of space (that’s a lot of space) and one durable construction – made of a thick polyester ripstop (900 denier) with highly weatherproof TPU laminate, coated in a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Access to the main compartment is through a zippered U-shaped lid, with two zippered mesh pockets on the inside for extra storage. An extra large pocket on the outside holds everything else you need.

On the bottom, a padded bottom panel keeps the bag structured and firm, while the padded bottom keeps everything nice and comfy inside when being thrown about. You can carry it via either the padded removable shoulder straps, the webbing handles with a snap closure, or the haul loops on both ends; you can even link multiple bags together using the haul loops. There are 4 daisy chains on the outside as well, for throwing on any more additional gear.

With 120l of storage, the Patagonia Black Hole is great for extended travel, overnight trips, or just hauling all your gear with you. It comes in Black, White, Strait Blue, and Navy.

12. THE PIORAMA ADJUSTABLE BAG ADAPTS TO ANY ADVENTURE

Piorama has really stepped up the duffel game with their Adjustable Bag, which does a lot more than just adjust some straps for a comfortable fit. It has cinches on both ends, that allow it to adjust to 31l, 46.5l to 62 sizes.

Piorama has really stepped up the duffel game with their Adjustable Bag, which does a lot more than just adjust some straps for a comfortable fit. It has cinches on both ends, that allow it to adjust to 31l, 46.5l to 62 sizes. It also comes with three different sizes – backpack straps, handles and shoulder straps. Combine them all together and you’ve got a wide variety of different configurations to choose from for any occasion.

The bag itself is made PU, water-resistant nylon, with a 210D polyester lining for durability, and Duraflex ABS hardware and buckles. The zippers are also waterproof SBS to keep your belongings dry in all kinds of weather conditions. The main compartment opens lengthwise, and features a spot for locking to keep your stuff safe and sound. There’s a quick access pocket, as well as two interior hidden pockets for stashing valuables like keys. All that, and this durable bag still only weights 2.2 lbs.

13. LIKE CAMERAS? YOU NEED THE PEAK DESIGN

Carrying a camera on a strap can be somewhat awkward and uncomfortable on the trails if it’s swinging around and knocking into things. Sticking your camera in your pack, however, makes it hard to access when you need it – meaning you’ll miss great shots and those perfect moments.

Carrying a camera on a strap can be somewhat awkward and uncomfortable on the trails if it’s swinging around and knocking into things. Sticking your camera in your pack, however, makes it hard to access when you need it – meaning you’ll miss great shots and those perfect moments. That’s why the Peak Design Capture Clip is an important addition to any adventure photographer’s arsenal.

This handy piece of equipment – made from an aluminum alloy chassis with stainless steel hardware – is the sturdiest and most convenient method of carrying your camera out there, and one of our favorites to use on the trail. Instead of flopping around on a strap, your camera stays rigidly fixed to your belt, backpack, shoulder strap – whatever you feel like sticking the clip on. When you’d like to use it, simply press the QR button and slide the camera (with attached plate) right off, point and shoot, before replacing it to continue on with your hike/climb/ride/whatever.

The updated V3 is the best, smallest, lightest, simplest version of the Capture Clip so far, moving from (sturdy) plastic components as found on the older version, to this new all-metal, superlight, compact build. It works on literally any strap up to 2.5” wide and has a weight limit of 200 lbs – which is more than any camera you could ever carry should weigh.

We’ve used this bad boy for several years now, on all different kinds of climbs and adventures. It’s held up like a boss, and we have no reservations about trusting our expensive, heavy DSLR’s to it – when used properly. Carrying your camera – and actually using it – gets that much easier, like having a quick-draw holster for your favorite piece of photography equipment. Highly recommended. It’s also cheaper than ever before, so if you’ve been eyeing for a while, now’s your chance.

14. The Cargo Works iPad EDC Kit Holds Your iPad Anywhere, Anytime

Cargo Works iPad EDC Kit Features

• 900 D Canvas
• MOLLE Webbing for additional modularity and expansion
• Main zippered compartment holsters iPads of any size and equivalent sized tablets
• Tablet pocket with soft microfiber fleece lining, two layers of padding
• Interior elastic webbing for pens, pencils, earbuds, chargers, multi-tool, etc.
• Four stash pockets for smartphone, notepads, miscellaneous items
• Can be worn over the shoulder with a removable shoulder strap
• Dimensions: 7.5” x 9.8” x 1.2” / 19 cm x 25 cm x 3 cm

Looking for an easy, all-in-one way to carry your iPad and all its essentials accessories all day? This iPad EDC Kit from Cargo Works is made from a 900D polyester canvas, and is sized to hold Ipads and other, similar tablets. It features storage for everything from pens and pencils to chargers and even your cell phone, and there are four additional stash pockets for everything else you need.

MOLLE webbing on the outside allows for extra modularity and room to add on other items, or attach it to a larger bag with complementary MOLLE webbing. There’s even an option for a removable shoulder strap for slinging it over your shoulder on the go. YKK zippers add strength and reliability.

Looking for an easy, all-in-one way to carry your iPad and all its essentials accessories all day? This iPad EDC Kit from Cargo Works is made from a 900D polyester canvas, and is sized to hold iPads and other, similar tablets. It features storage for everything from pens and pencils to chargers and even your cell phone, and there are four additional stash pockets for everything else you need.

MOLLE webbing on the outside allows for extra modularity and room to add on other items, or attach it to a larger bag with complementary MOLLE webbing. There’s even an option for a removable shoulder strap for slinging it over your shoulder on the go. YKK zippers add strength and reliability.

The main tablet pocket is lined with a soft microfiber fleece, and has dual-layer padding to keep your tablet safe and sound.

15. Experience the West Coast In All Its Glory on the Amtrak Coast Starlight

Roadtrips might be the classic way to see America, but we’ve always wanted to try a cross-country train trek, too. It takes a heck of a lot longer than flying, sure – but flying just doesn’t get the same scenery. If you’d like to see the West Coast in it’s scenic glory, then the Amtrak Coast Starlight is the train for you.

Roadtrips might be the classic way to see America, but we’ve always wanted to try a cross-country train trek, too. It takes a heck of a lot longer than flying, sure – but flying just doesn’t get the same scenery. If you’d like to see the West Coast in it’s scenic glory, then the Amtrak Coast Starlight is the train for you. Starting for just $97, you can take the Coast Starlight all the way from Los Angeles to Seattle; along the way, you’ll get the chance to see everything from the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Shasta, the Redwoods, to the rolling green hills of Central California and the Palm trees in the south.

The trip takes a total of 35 hours – twice the time it would take to drive the same distance. But why drive when you can sit in the  observation deck with floor to ceiling windows, or get a sleeper cabin? If you’re willing to spend more than the minimum $97, you can get yourself Business Class, with wine tasting, cheese and free Wifi. Coach gets you a meal too, though.

The Coast Starlight travels daily, avoiding the West Coast’s famous traffic the whole way. We really can’t picture a better way to travel.