The first bag of its kind, Airback, features a vacuum-compression system that easily lets you pack 50% more clothes. The patented compression technology works with a small vacuum pump, so just remember to pack it!
We liked all the pockets and compartments, plus the padded shoulder straps which made it comfortable to wear for hours. There’s a handy USB port, and the material is pretty much indestructible. Did we mention that it’s theft-proof as well?
There’s also an underseat, smaller version — the $199 Airback GO —which we took on our last three-day trip to New York. 
Fitting all our clothes meant we didn’t need to drag along a suitcase. Win, win.
For trips where you know you’ll want to do some shopping and bring souvenirs back, you’ll need to pack an extra bag. The perfect Foldie is made for this. It folds into a small tote yet expands to a surprisingly big bag, and if you don’t over-stuff it, it can go carry-on. With a trip coming up to Belgium later this year, you can bet we’re bringing our Foldie.
A steal at $79.95, you can also use it to carry everything for a three-day trip.

The Foldie

We’ve been using a travel belt for years and we just received the  The Belt Buddy by Cincha to review. ($22.95.)
Attach your handbag, jacket, or small carry-on to your roller so you can go hands-free. For us, it means we can carry the airport coffee while putting our roller bag with the other hand.
And if you need another good reason to support the brand; with each purchase, Cincha donates 100 frequent flier miles to the nonprofit Miles4Migrants, which ‘helps reunite families separated by travesty.’
Since hydration is so important when flying, a collapsible water bottle is a must. Why not get one that filters the water, too? That’s why the Lifestraw is our pick ($43.95.)  It protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness. It’s not just for hiking; we also filter hotel water through it to save on buying those expensive plastic water bottles at the gift shop.

Lifestraw

Ultra-compact, the filter is tiny, so you can squeeze it to make it packable. The membrane microfilter lasts up to 500 gallons, says the brand. That’s a lot of trips.

At home, we have a white noise machine but it’s too bulky to pack so we were thrilled to try the new LectroFan Micro2+ ($39.95.) It’s a portable and rechargeable (20+ hour battery life) sound machine and speaker. Choose from 11 total sounds: 4 white noise, 5 fan sounds, and 2 ocean surf sounds.

In a noisy hotel, you’ll be glad you be glad you brought this little travel buddy.

 

And if you have to take a conference call, the built-in microphone turns your Micro2 into a high-fidelity speakerphone for your paired Bluetooth smartphone.