Whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile, we’ve got the right stuff to help you gear up.
By Deirdre Goldbeck
Orvis luggage tags
Orvis.com • Brass: Set of three $39; Leather: $49 each
Bags need tags if you ever want to see them again. If you go for hardware, Orvis’s set of three brass identification tags are just the ticket. There’s a limit of four lines per tag and 25 characters per line. Each tag measures 2.5 by 1.25 inches, and attaches easily with a spring-operated brass clip. If leather is more your thing, go for a single tag with up to three initials embossed on the outside. Your personal information is inside, revealed only when the tag is unbuckled. They measure 6.5 by 2.5 inches and come in black or orange.
Samsonite Travel Sentry luggage strap
Samsonite.com • $18
There may not be a gorilla manhandling your bags behind the scenes, but why take chances? Zippers can break and seams can bust under stress, but this TSA-approved strap is tough enough to hold everything together, and to keep it locked down with a three-dial combination. The strap is made of sturdy polypropylene and adjusts to fit a bag up to 72 inches. It comes in a variety of colors, from discreet black to several easy-to-ID brights, like neon green.
L.L. Bean travel scale and alarm
LLBean.com • $35
Anything that serves multiple purposes when you travel is a must. This digital scale will let you know if you’re over the airline’s weight limit, so you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises and extra fees at check-in. It displays poundage six seconds after lifting, and registers bag weight up to 88 pounds. Need a wake-up call? It also serves as a travel clock with both an alarm and a snooze option. What makes this item a triple threat is the built-in flashlight. It weighs just under nine ounces, and batteries are included.
AViiQ slim travel adapter
AViiQ.com • $20
If you’re planning a trip across the pond, you won’t want to leave home with one of those bulky, space hogging adapters. AViiQ’s travel adapter is designed to fold flat when not in use, for easy packing. When you’re ready to charge or power up your devices, just flip the ends to release the prongs. It measures roughly 3.5 by 2 by .5 inches and has a 250-volt electrical rating. Everything you pack should be this compact and practical.
VinniBag wine travel bag
VinniBag.com • $28
No matter how much newspaper you’ve used for padding, or how well you think you’ve nestled that bottle of bourbon between your dirty socks, accidents happen. But clumsy bag-handlers and pothole-riddled roads have nothing on this specially designed carrier. It inflates to cushion your hooch or other breakables against impact, and seals to prevent leaks during transit. Best of all, it’s TSA-friendly and reusable.
Clever Travel Companion underwear
CleverTravelCompanion.com
Boxers: $30; T-shirts: $40 Would you hand over your cash and credit cards to a perfect stranger? Probably not. Keep your valuables safe with 100 percent pick pocket proof underwear. Briefs and boxers have two zippered pockets, are made of rayon and spandex, and come in sizes extra small to extra large. Choose black, navy, or dark gray. Cotton T-shirts have a single front pocket, are sized from small to extra large, and come in white or gray. Keep your friends close, and your valuables closer.
Max Mirani MOVE Mobile Closet
MaxMirani.com • $450
If you hate unpacking and repacking for short overnight trips, this bag’s for you. Polycarbonate material makes the carry-on lightweight and durable, and four swivel wheels and a telescoping handle provide easy maneuvering through narrow aisles and crowded airports. Inside, suits fit flat behind the zip-out lining. The lining itself acts as your organizer and wardrobe, with cantilevered shelves for clothing, pockets for toiletries, and removable sections for shoes and laundry. Unpacking can’t get any easier.
Eagle Creek Flashpoint luggage
EagleCreek.com • Conor backpack: $160; ORV Trunk 22 rolling duffle: $325
Let it rain, let it pour—you’ve got luggage that can take it. Durable Bi-Tech material and zippers make these travel pieces tough and weather resistant. The backpack, measuring 14 by 19.5 by 9.5 inches, has a check point friendly butter fly opening that can accommodate a 17-inch laptop, and secure interior pockets with two-way lockable zippers for small electronic devices. The shoulder straps are ergonomically contoured, and the rear slip panel is perfect for stacking the backpack on the Flashpoint ORV Trunk 22’s telescopic handle. This rolling duffle measures 14 by 22 by 9 inches, has an oversize front panel, and additional carry handles on the end, side, and center. Both pieces have reflective accents for visibility, and are backed by Eagle Creek’s “No Matter What” warranty. You just can’t beat that.
