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The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

If you want a budget pick (but only when it’s on sale): The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack (our former budget pick) is still your best budget option, if you can catch it on sale for at least half off the list price. It’s not comfortable enough for trekking long distances on foot, but there are plenty of external pockets for organization, a laptop sleeve (which holds the weight of your computer high up on your shoulders), and an easy-to-access main compartment. This pack also has the largest capacity of any bags we tested, expanding to 65 liters—well beyond any airline’s regulated 45-liter limit. However, the bag’s casual-to-basic looks might not be to everyone’s taste. In 2024, eBags raised the price of the Mother Lode to $200. We have seen it on sale for $100, and in our opinion it’s worth getting only at the sale price.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go—unless you can pick up the eBags Motherlode bag for under $100, which we think is a better deal at that price.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

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Eastpak 2-in-1 TravelPack Backpack

30 year guarantee included

Product code: 51451001

A 2-in-1 luggage bag designed for weekend trips and overseas adventures. This versatile bag can be carried as a backpack with the adjustable shoulder straps or hauled as a duffle with the carry handles. Use the built-in laptop sleeve to protect your tech when you're on the move.

Features two main compartments with a zip-fastening front pocket, carry handles and adjustable padded shoulder straps.

Padded laptop sleeve for most 17-inch devices, Cabin-size for most airlines.

Eastpak has been making bags that inspire people to move since 1952. From a manufacturer of military-issue packs and duffels from the US army, to a leading lifestyle brand from people who live, work and play in the city. Today, the same commitment to quality goes into designing and manufacturing stylish and functional backpacks, shoulderbags, travel gear and accessories, giving you the freedom to experience the city.

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The 3 best travel backpacks for men (also good for work).

Explore the top hands-free travel bag options for every type of journey.

The Best Travel Backpacks for Men

Courtesy of Peak Design

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the top backpack choice for men.

Whether you're into rugged adventures in the wilderness or getting lost in bustling cities, a backpack may be the most essential piece of travel gear there is. If you choose your pack right, it doesn't need to be something you only use for your vacation: Some of the best options out there are ideal for both leisure and business travelers, and they're so stylish and professional that you can easily take them with you to work. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this trio of the best backpack options – compiled with the help of travel experts and consumer reviews – has got you covered.

Read on to discover the top travel backpacks for men from U.S. News.

The Top 3 Travel Backpacks for Men

• Best Overall: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall, Budget Pick: Inateck 40L 17-Inch Carry On Travel Backpack

Best small: zomake ultra lightweight packable backpack 25l.

For more information on how to choose a backpack for travel – and how to pack it – check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to various factors. We update this article quarterly to ensure the bags we're recommending are in stock and continue to have great overall reviews from consumers, while also considering new product launches. Dimensions are listed in order of length by height by width.)

Best Overall Travel Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Dimensions: 13 x 22 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 4.5 pounds

What sets it apart: If you're looking for the ultimate in convenience while traveling, Peak Design's 45-liter Travel Backpack is a serious winner. The bag's two main compartments can be accessed from the front, back and sides, so there's no need to stress about accessing those socks or shirts you packed in the deepest part of the bag. It's the kind of bag where everything has its place: There are mesh pockets inside the main compartments, two hidden external pockets for valuables like your passport, and an easy-to-access top pocket on the outside for anything you need to get quickly, from keys to boarding passes. A padded sleeve inside also helps to keep your laptop or tablet safe. There are also straps to attach equipment like a tripod to the outside of the bag.

The Travel Backpack isn't just for weekend trips – if you're not a compulsive overpacker, it's feasible to use this as your main piece of luggage for a weeklong trip or more. The bag can be both expanded and contracted beyond this size, in case you do some shopping along the way or want to use it as a daypack. In its non-expanded form, this carry-on backpack is also within the size limits of many international airlines and some domestic ones. It's only a half-inch too deep for some airlines like United and Delta, so if the bag isn't jam-packed, you may still be able to get it on board – although this is very much at your own risk.

With an industrial-strength nylon-canvas shell that's waterproof, this backpack is also a safe bet for outdoorsy travelers who may be exposed to the elements. You can choose between two colors: classic black, or the muted-green sage option. Travelers looking to save have the option to buy pre-owned backpacks directly from Peak Design's website for substantially reduced prices (although stock and prices for these secondhand items vary).

Travelers appreciate: Owners of this bag praise it for its massive capacity, with several saying it is deceptively small for the amount of clothes, shoes and toiletries the bag can fit.

Price: $299.99 or less Shop now: Peak Design | Best Buy

Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.4 x 7.87 inches | Weight: 3.52 pounds

What sets it apart: This sleek black backpack from German company Inateck checks a lot of boxes. It's both professional and stylish, with plenty of capacity for a weekend trip or longer, and with a price tag under $60. With a rectangular shape and a main compartment that can be zipped open, this 40-liter bag can be packed like a suitcase. That compartment also has mesh pockets with zips so that you can squirrel away smaller items without losing them in the bag's spacious interior.

A smaller zippered compartment that sits next to the wearer's back offers a safe place to stash a 17-inch laptop and a 13-inch tablet, as needed. Security-conscious travelers, take note: Both the laptop compartment and main compartment feature dual zippers that can be locked (although you'll need to provide the lock).

There are two smaller pockets on the front of the bag for easy access to essential items while traveling, and a semi-hidden pocket on the back (which would sit alongside your body) as a safe place for passports and other valuables. If you're not using the bag's full capacity, there are also compression straps to make the pack a little more compact. The company also includes a waterproof cover in case you're traveling through rainy weather.

Given its size, this Inateck pack should be accepted as cabin baggage on a fairly wide range of airlines both domestic and international. Of course, be sure to double-check your airline's baggage rules, as a limited number of airlines draw the line at 21 or 21.5 inches in height, such as Aeroméxico, Air Canada and Canadian carrier Westjet.

Travelers appreciate: Buyers of this bag rave about how much it can fit and its hidden pockets. Many note its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to carry, and that it works well for business travelers.

Price: $58.99 or less Shop now: Inateck | Amazon

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Dimensions: 16 x 10.6 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 0.64 pounds

For a small but mighty bag that's ideal for day trips up to overnight or weekend trips, look no further than this uber-functional option from Chinese company Zomake. Sold in a wide selection of colors from neutral black or gray to light blue or bright orange, this lightweight pack is made with water-resistant nylon for anyone embarking on outdoor activities.

The backpack offers three zippered compartments: The main chamber should comfortably store bulkier items like everyday clothes or a light jacket, as well as a small to midsized laptop up to around 15 inches.. Meanwhile, two front pockets offer easy access to essentials like snacks, important documents, a cell phone, or whatever else you may need to access quickly or repeatedly. There are two mesh pockets on the side for water bottles or other necessities.

For flyers, this backpack could count as your personal item, leaving you free to bring another main piece of carry-on luggage if your airline ticket allows this. Alternatively, the bag can be folded up into a tiny pouch measuring 5.5 by 6.7 inches – so if you're on a bigger trip, you can pack it in your other luggage and grab it out for day-to-day use while traveling.

If you're in need of something bigger or smaller, Zomake has a range of other bags with similar designs, mostly around the $20 mark.

Travelers appreciate: Wearers of this bag like the wide and comfortable straps, along with the amount of items that fit in the bag, and the way it folds and packs easily

Price: $20.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many details to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect travel backpack. Whether you want it big or small, stylish or functional, or equipped to protect laptops and other important items, one of the most important features to look for is the bag's organizational layout.

Rudy Maxa, host of the TV series "Rudy Maxa's World" and a convert to travel backpacks, likes options with lots of nooks and crannies to hold everything from earphones to magazines to travel documents. Wendy Perrin, travel expert and founder of travel planning site WendyPerrin.com, agrees, saying she's a fan of compartments when it comes to her travel backpack and likes the ability to get to her items quickly.

Tom Wahlin, travel gear expert and founder of Pack Hacker, says he prefers a backpack that combines spacious sections with smart organization. He recommends using packing cubes to organize items in the backpack's main compartment.

Weight should be a consideration as well. While you may need something more durable for long outdoor adventures or round-the-world trips, a lightweight travel bag can be easier and more comfortable on your back for daytrips, sightseeing or day-to-day travels. Wahlin errs on the side of going lighter, noting a backpack can be both lightweight and durable. (However, if a heavier bag has the appropriate supports, such as chest or hip straps, the bag's weight may be less of an issue.)

Wahlin also suggests choosing a bag with durable zippers. "We typically look for Japanese YKK zippers," he says. "They're tried and tested and are on most of the best bags out there."

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – the perfectly sized backpack might depend on whether you're a heavy packer, whether you need it for multiday trips or quick flights, and various other factors. However, there are still some general guidelines to consider. Take note: Backpacks are usually measured by their volume in liters, even in the United States.

If you only need a smaller backpack – for example, for daylong excursions or to carry on the plane while most of your stuff goes in a separate suitcase – a 20-liter (5.3-gallon) backpack should suffice. If you're using a backpack as your primary baggage, you'll want to choose something a little larger. Bags in the 25- to 30-liter range are usually considered good for shorter trips, from an overnight stay or weekend away up to five nights (at least if you pack wisely). For longer trips where your backpack is your main luggage, you may need a pack with a volume of up to 40 or 45 liters.

But, pay attention: If your travel plans involve flying, make sure that you're bringing a backpack that fits within the carry-on limits of every airline you'll be taking. This is particularly important if you're flying with budget airlines, as they tend to have more restrictive rules on baggage size (and often enforce those rules rather strictly). Backpacks with a volume of 35 liters or less should be accepted on most airlines, and you may be able to take a backpack of up to 45 liters on airlines with a more generous allowance, so check with your carrier before you leave.

Think about two things when preparing your backpack for travel: what to pack and how to pack it. If you're bringing a backpack in addition to other luggage such as a checked suitcase , try to put only the necessities in the backpack. For a long flight, for example, these items could include important travel documents like passports and boarding passes; a few basic toiletries such as your toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant; a laptop or tablet for work or entertainment (plus headphones); some extra clothing (especially if you're going someplace with a different climate); and snacks and a bottle of water or something to drink.

If you're flying, remember to comply with the Transportation Security Administration's rules for what's allowed in your carry-on : Containers of liquids and the like can't exceed 3.4 ounces each and must fit in a quart-sized bag, so you can't bring drinks through airport security, although an empty water bottle is allowed.

When you're packing your bag, keep the items you'll need more often in the most accessible places. So, consider putting your passport , headphones and lip balm somewhere close, such as the exterior pocket – and definitely not at the bottom of the main compartment underneath all your other possessions.

Once you've put those necessities in easy-to-reach places, you can pack the rest of your belongings and travel accessories . Think about weight distribution here: Ideally, you'll want to put the heaviest items (for example, laptops) close to your body, so your backpack won't weigh so heavily on your shoulders and will be more comfortable. Pay extra attention when packing delicate or breakable items, like sunglasses or electronics. It's best to put these in the exterior pockets of your pack so they can't be crushed by heavy items in the larger main pockets. Protective cases are also a wise purchase for items like glasses. Of course, if you're carrying a laptop or tablet and your backpack has dedicated pockets or sleeves for these items, use them.

Read: Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Tim Forster is a U.S. News & World Report contributor. As someone who mostly travels with carry-on luggage, he's an expert when it comes to backpacks. Forster used his travel experience and research expertise to write this article.

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Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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8 best backpacks with wheels for a smooth ride, tried and tested

From long-haul adventures to office commutes, these hybrid bags will take the weight off your shoulders, article bookmarked.

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If you’re hopping on a plane, travelling by train or heading off the beaten track, choosing one of the best backpacks with wheels could make all the difference. Trundle it along through airports then pop it on your back if you’re walking on rougher ground – most backpacks with wheels are also designed to be a cabin-friendly size , so they are great all-rounders when you’re packing for shorter trips.

Figure out what features you need from your new backpack with wheels before you shop. Are you a frequent flyer who needs to navigate airports effortlessly? Or a student who needs room for a laptop ? Perhaps you’re an outdoor enthusiast searching for a rugged, all-terrain option with space for climbing or hiking equipment.

Be warned – the definition of “ cabin bag size ” varies according to different airlines. Most comply with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, but you should check with your airline before you travel. Think about how much you want to fit in, too –typically, a capacity of 30-40l is sufficient for short trips.

A backpack with wheels must be comfortable to carry when you’re not rolling it. Look for padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. Some models offer a stowaway harness system that tucks away the straps neatly when you’re using the wheels. Wheels and pull handles make transporting a backpack with wheels easy but they’re also the features most likely to break on flimsy cases. Very cheap luggage can be a bit of a false economy, so it’s worth investing in a decent bag – expect to pay £100 or more for a good cabin-sized option.

13 best hand luggage bags to avoid airline fees

Best cabin bags for travel in 2024, from small suitcases to overnight backpacks

14 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised when travelling in 2024

12 best travel pillows for long-haul flights and adventures in 2024

How we tested the best backpacks with wheels

We stuffed each of the backpacks with wheels we tested to capacity then checked their dimensions and looked for useful pockets, comfortable straps, good-quality wheels and a durable handle. We also tested how comfortable they were to roll and to carry over a few miles.

The best backpacks with wheels for 2024 are:

• Best backpack with wheels overall – Osprey farpoint: £182.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget backpack – Mountain Warehouse voyager wheelie 35: £54.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
• Best roomy cabin bag – Eastpak strapverz: £150, Amazon.co.uk
• Best small backpack with wheels – Kipling giorno: £175.90, Amazon.co.uk

Osprey farpoint

• Best : Backpack with wheels overall
• Capacity : 36l
• Laptop compatible : No
• Dimensions : 21.5in x 14in x 9in
• Suitable as a cabin bag : Yes for Ryanair, British Airways, Emirates, Tui Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Jet2, Swiss Airlines, Wizz Air and Qatar Airways
• Top quality
• Handy hip belt

All the Osprey backpacks we’ve tested have performed brilliantly, and this rucksack/wheelie bag hybrid is no different. With a 36l capacity, it’s super roomy and will take plenty of clothing or sports kit but should still squeeze within cabin bag restrictions with most airlines.

The hardware is great quality, and the comfortable handle and rugged wheels feel like they should last you for years. The shoulder straps are as good as a standalone backpack’s and there’s also a hip belt, to help with heavy loads. It’s pricey but worth the spend.

Mountain Warehouse voyager wheelie 35

• Best : Budget backpack with wheels
• Capacity : 35l
• Laptop compatible : Yes
• Dimensions : 55cm x 37cm x 31cm
• Suitable as a cabin bag : No
• Tough ripstop fabric

This dinkier version of the Mountain Warehouse voyager (also included in this round-up) is our top pick if you’re travelling on a budget. The voyager bag is simple but is made of tough ripstop fabric and sports a good laptop pocket. In plain black, it’s smart enough to pack for business trips or commuting, as well as for your travels. The rucksack straps can be zipped inside the bag quickly, to create a wheelie bag – it’s a fuss-free choice.

Mountain Warehouse voyager wheelie 50 + 20

• Best : Larger backpack with wheels
• Capacity : 50l plus 20l

• Dimensions : 75cm x 35cm x 23 cm
• Padded straps
• Good value for money
• Retractable handle isn’t the most robust

Get two bags for the price of one, with Mountain Warehouse’s voyager, which takes a massive 50l of kit and has a removable 20l daysack, which you can use for day trips. Both bags have padded shoulder straps, and the larger pack has good wheels that felt durable during testing. The retractable handle is a bit flimsy, compared with more expensive models, but we still think this is a bargainous combination of check-in and cabin luggage for less than £100.

Eastpak strapverz

• Best : Roomy cabin bag
• Capacity : 42l
• Dimensions : 51cm x 32.5cm x 24cm
• Suitable as a cabin bag : Yes, for British Airways and Jet2
• Biggest capacity of all the bags we tried
• A smooth ride
• Straps could be more supportive

A generous 42l of space makes Eastpak’s strapverz the roomiest pack we tested that still meets cabin bag restrictions, so, if you’re keen to pack in as much as possible without paying for a check-in bag, the Strapverz will do you proud.

What stood out during testing was the quality of the wheels and handle – you’re in for a smooth ride through passport control. The padded straps are fine but don’t offer loads of back support if you’re carrying a full load, so they’re better used for quickly hoisting the bag rather than an actual hike.

Kipling giorno

• Best : Small backpack with wheels
• Capacity : 21l
• Dimensions : 41cm x 38cm x 24cm
• Suitable as a cabin bag : Yes, for British Airways, Jet2
• Plenty of compartments
• Fun colourways
• High quality design

The clue is in the name – “giorno” means “day” in Italian, and this smaller backpack with wheels is ideal for day or weekend use. Inside, there’s a surprisingly roomy 25l space divided into handy compartments and pockets, including a good laptop sleeve and a handy external zipped pocket in which you can stash paperwork. Choose from bright colourways that are fun for kids as well as neutral navy and grey. The whole thing feels like great quality and should withstand daily use.

Vanguard veo select

• Best : For photographers
• Capacity : 10l
• 
Laptop compatible : Yes
• Dimensions : 36cm x 22cm x 56cm
• Suitable as a cabin bag : Yes, for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2
• Removable divider for camera gear

Whether you’re a professional photographer or a keen amateur snapper, you’re likely to be travelling with a wide array of camera bodies and lenses, and this protective wheeled backpack is the best we’ve tested when it comes to transporting such kit safely.

Inside the bag, there’s a removable divider for your camera bodies and lenses – keep it in for use on photography trips or swap it out for clothing and toiletries for weekends away. The outside of the Vanguard avio is pleasingly tough and doesn’t show stains, and the handle was one of the sturdiest when testing. Importantly, it also meets most carry-on restrictions.

Samsonite detour

• Best : Backpack with wheels for work
• Capacity : 27l
• Dimensions : 55.88cm x 35.56cm x 30.48cm
• Smart design
• Water-resistant

The detour is a great all-rounder for work and play – it’s smart enough for business trips but roomy enough for long weekends away. The backpack straps and wheels can all be stowed when you’re swapping between carrying and rolling, and the outer material is water-resistant and comes in four neutral shades that don’t show scuffs and dirt. Great internal compartments for clothing and plenty of well-placed pockets make this ideal for stashing your belongings.

Smiggle trolley

• Best : Kids’ backback with wheels
• Capacity : 18.6l
• Dimensions : 60cm x 41.5cm
• Light-up wheels
• Compartments for school supplies
• Could do with a sternum or waist strap

Bright designs and motion-detected light-up wheels make Smiggle’s trolley a fun choice for little explorers. Plentiful pockets, including a laptop compartment, make these bags ideal for transporting school stuff as well as when packing for a family holiday – kids are likely to get loads of use out of them. The wheels and trolley handle feel sturdy and the shoulder straps are nicely padded, but we would have liked a sternum or waist strap for when kids are carrying a heavier load.

The verdict: Backpacks with wheels

Our best on test is Osprey’s high-performing farpoint owing to being roomy, high quality and comfortable to carry. Photographers will find Vanguard’s veo ideal for carrying camera kit, while the Samsonite detour is smart enough to take to work. Meanwhile, mini travellers will love using Smiggle’s trolley for school and trips away.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best travel backpacks for every adventure

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I'm a Travel Writer, and I Always Pack These 12 Amazon Essentials for International Trips, From $9

Shop must-have compression packing cubes, portable travel scales, and weekender bags.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

In my years as a frequent international flier and Italian travel writer , I’ve come to learn (sometimes the hard way) that the items you pack can greatly impact your experience of being suspended some 30,000 feet in the air in a metal contraption for over six hours at a time. My biggest takeaway: it pays to be prepared. 

Through trial and error, I’ve fine-tuned my travel essentials packing list to include everything from spinner carry-on suitcases and compression packing cubes to portable luggage scales and travel adapters. The good news is that all of my favorite items can be found at Amazon, and they're starting at just $9. So without further ado, these are the 12 travel essentials I always pack to make my international flights smooth and stress-free, whether I’m traveling around the world to slake my newest destination obsession or returning home to Italy.

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes 

I never understood the hype around compression packing cubes until I tried them out for myself during a recent week-long road trip through Ireland . This bundle of four from Amazon-loved brand Gonex, in sizes ranging from S to XL, can compress a wardrobe's worth of clothes and is great for an overpacker such as me. I recently used them on a 10-day trip home to Rome and still had plenty of room left in my carry-on suitcase for shoes and toiletries. Now that I’m officially a compression packing cube believer, they come with me on every international trip. 

Travel Inspira Portable Digital Travel Scale 

Any overpacker knows the pain of reaching the airport check-in desk and having to pay an exorbitant fee for overweight luggage — believe me, I’ve had to reluctantly shell out cash more than once. As a precaution, I purchased this small portable digital scale, I haven’t paid any overweight baggage fees since (much to my wallet’s pleasure). Compact enough to pack away into a personal item, the easy-to-use scale can weigh your luggage in both pounds and kilograms. Currently on sale at Amazon for $10, it’s a handy gadget that could potentially save you hundreds of dollars at the airport.

Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter

There’s nothing quite like watching a movie on an international flight with a handful of snacks and a crisp glass of ginger ale, at least in my opinion. However, I’ve had my movie experience ruined a handful of times by the subpar earphones handed out on flights, which can never quite drone out the airplane’s engines or fit right in my ears. This traveler-loved, pocket-sized Bluetooth audio transmitter lets me connect my wireless earphones to the airplane’s seatback television, so I can enjoy crisp audio quality without any wires getting in the way. It has vastly improved my international flight experience, and at a humble $35, is worth every penny.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner Carry-on Suitcase

A sturdy carry-on suitcase is always with me whenever I travel internationally, either as my primary luggage or simply for extra space in the (probable) case my European shopping sprees get out of hand. I always make sure that my carry-on is a spinner suitcase, which I find is easier to navigate busy airports and cities with.

While I just invested in the Samsonite DLX Voltage Global spinner carry-on , you can snag this lookalike at Amazon from the same Travel + Leisure -trusted brand. It comes with smart features like expandable sides, TSA-approved locks, and an interior divider pocket. And, with 10,000-plus five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, it’s not surprising that it’s currently the best seller in the carry-on luggage category . 

Tessan Universal Travel Adapter

A universal travel adapter is a must-have for any international trip, which is why I always have one or two on hand. This one from Tessan is one of my favorites because of its wide coverage — it can work in over 150 countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Plus, it comes with four USB ports that can charge up to five devices at a time, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling with family or friends.

Although the device can be a bit bulky to pack away, I always keep one in my checked suitcase and one in my carry-on or personal item bag in case of long layovers and missed or canceled flights.

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Apple AirTags are my absolute best friends when I travel. Not only do they give me peace of mind when I fly and have layovers, but they’ve also helped me track my lost luggage more times than I can count. I was once able to see that my suitcase had been left behind in Dublin during a layover flying from Boston to Rome, and was able to track it when it eventually arrived in Italy and was making its way to my house via an airport worker. 

I also use them in my everyday life to keep a close eye on my keys and wallet, and have yet to change their battery even though I’ve had them for two years. Although pricey, they’re worth the investment — and the good news is that they’re currently 20 percent off at Amazon.

Amazon Fire 10-inch Tablet

Bibliophiles know the power of a good book and are well acquainted with how easy it can be to lose track of time when you’re engrossed in a story. My paper-thin Amazon Fire tablet, which easily fits into my personal item or carry-on suitcase, is always on me when I travel, and I can easily pass the hours reading a book or two on particularly long flights. 

The Amazon Fire tablet doesn’t just stop at books, though — you can play games (I’m a big fan of in-flight Solitaire), catch a movie or show via Netflix or Disney+, listen to music on Spotify, and even jump on a Zoom call. It’s an incredibly versatile device that’s great for traveling, and to sweeten the deal, it’s currently on sale for $95.

Topbag Family Passport Holder

As a triple citizen, I always carry all my passports with me when I travel, which can be a bulky ordeal. While mine was gifted to me years ago, this TopBag Family Passport Holder is a close match. Capable of holding up to six passports, which is ideal for families or friends traveling together, the wallet also comes with a cash pocket and six card slots so you can keep all your essentials in one, easy-to-reach place. It’s slim enough to fit into a personal item and comes with a handy strap that you can wear around your wrist for easy access. 

Miady Dual USB Portable Chargers 2-pack

This pack of two pocket-sized portable chargers , roughly the same size as an Apple iPhone, is essential for long international flights, especially ones with layovers. I’ve brought these all over the world with me, from Iceland and Ireland to Rome and India. They're small enough to fit into a crossbody bag and each portable charger comes with two USB ports that can charge two devices at a time, which I usually use to juice up my cell phone and Amazon Fire tablet during long flights. Currently on sale for $18, these portable chargers have enough power to get you anywhere you need to be and back, as their near-76,000 five-star ratings can attest to.

Uto 3-in-1 Crossbody Bag

I purchased this crossbody bag for a recent week-long road trip through Ireland , and have since crowned it my official travel purse for its durability, ample storage features, and sleek silhouette. It can easily survive the wear and tear of traveling long distances thanks to its water-and-scratch resistant synthetic-washed leather exterior — seriously, it emerged from my Ireland trip virtually unscathed despite suffering comical amounts of wind, rain, and mud. 

What's more, the crossbody bag comes with three zippered compartments, one of them detachable, plus a removable chest-level coin purse. Inside, I can fit my three passports, wallet, keys, lip balms, hand creams, Apple AirPods, portable charger, and phone cable — with room to spare. The bag’s budget-friendly price tag, now on sale for $23, is just the cherry on top. 

Monogrammed Luggage Tag

Trying to find your suitcase at baggage claim can be tricky, which is why I make mine stand out with this small but chic monogrammed luggage tag. Made from supple PU leather, the black luggage tag is virtually scratch-free and comes with a subtle privacy shield to cover your personal information. It’s an extra step to ensure that my bases are covered in case my luggage gets lost, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s pretty cute, too.

Etronik Weekender Bag

Weekender bags are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They’re sleek, spacious, and easy to carry — essential criteria for any kind of travel. I usually bring my flight attendant-loved Béis Mini Weekender Bag with me on international flights for its sturdy exterior, stiff-zippered bottom shoe compartment, and ample storage space. For those who don’t want to splurge on Béis’ $98 version , you can score this budget-friendly weekender from Amazon-loved brand Etronik (which I also own) is on sale for $36. 

Available in over 20 color and pattern variations, the Etronik Weekender Bag features a bottom zippered shoe compartment, a USB charging port, a toiletry bag, two shoe bags, and a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. Because of these smart features, which have earned it over 7,000 five-star ratings, I used the bag every weekend for nearly a year when taking four-hour bus rides between Boston and New York City. Even though I’ve now upgraded to Béis, the Etronik bag is still in great shape and ready to go when I need it.

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I don't go anywhere without these 5 gadgets when I travel

As a tech journalist, I often travel across the US -- and sometimes out of it -- to attend product launch events, trade shows, and other briefings for news that readers care about. It certainly helps to be based in New York City, where most of the gadgetry madness tends to occur, but when I am out and about (for work or play), there's a bag full of tech that I always have with me.

My treasure trove of electronics has evolved over recent years, transitioning to newer GaN chargers and more capable yet still portable camera systems . The five picks below are among my current arsenal of travel tech, and if you're traveling this summer, I highly encourage packing a few of these items into your carry-on. 

I'll make this a little more exciting for you by stating the obvious: My phone and a reliable Bluetooth tracker are always with me, so I've opted not to put them on this list. Instead, you'll find products I've personally tested that are useful enough for you to consider for your next adventure.

Also: The best travel gadgets of 2024  

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

While smartphone cameras have become very capable at capturing life's moments, I still prefer the enhanced stabilization and portability of a dedicated pocket camera, especially when I'm recording smooth-panning videos of product demos and scenery. The camera I've most recently settled on is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, famous for its ability to record up to 4K resolution through a one-inch CMOS sensor. The output I've gotten has been reliable and impressive, both for vertical and horizontal footage, which can be set by physically swiveling the touchscreen viewfinder.

Does carrying an additional camera feel unnecessary? Not when the quality is noticeably better and it greatly reduces the battery consumption you'd otherwise put on your phone when recording videos. Reddit users who have used the Osmo Pocket 3 seem to agree, with the added benefits being better audio recording, improved video stabilization, and a larger sensor for more dramatic shots.

Also:  The best vlogging cameras of 2024

Lenovo Go Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh

Lenovo's power bank may look unassuming, but trust me when I say there's more to it than what meets the eye. Besides having a 10,000mAh capacity, meaning there's enough juice to power a phone (and other accessories like earbuds) two to three times, a fairly long USB-C cable is built into the battery pack, saving you the hassle of carrying a separate one. 

Here's the second trick: the Lenovo Go can wirelessly charge Qi-supported devices when you place them on top of the accessory, allowing you to charge two devices at once (via wired and wireless) if you're feeling adventurous.

While the charge output is capped at 30W, many customers on Lenovo's website have found the power bank adequate for powering phones, tablets, and earbuds, and have been particularly satisfied with the built-in charging cable.

Also: The best power banks of 2024: Expert tested

Ayaneo Flip

I don't consider myself a hardcore gamer, but I've found traveling, especially when on long flights, to be the perfect opportunity to get my NBA 2K and Rocket League fix. Lately, my vehicle of choice for gaming has been the Ayaneo Flip, a Windows-powered handheld with Nintendo DS written all over it, from the dual touchscreen displays to the ergonomic shoulder triggers. Thanks to the OS and a capable AMD Ryzen 7 processor, I've been able to play Steam and Epic Games titles right on the device at medium to high graphic settings.

The big question mark with the Ayaneo Flip is its price point and availability, according to several interested Reddit users. With a starting price of $699, the Flip can best be justified by those who want a competent, on-the-go gaming handheld that can also be used for standard PC tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, and emailing. One of the Flip's most underrated features is the ability to output to a monitor or TV screen for a gaming experience more similar to standard consoles.

Also: Everything you need to create the ultimate gaming setup

Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

While the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are fantastic for recording hands-free videos, I've found them more practical as a wearable tour guide. Thanks to recent Meta AI updates , the glasses can pull context from what's in front of you, whether it's a monument, statue, or restaurant storefront, and answer your most burning questions. I've used the smart glasses to identify unfamiliar landmarks, tell me the most popular food items at a local restaurant, play music from artists from the city that I've traveled to, and more.

The general sentiment toward the Meta Ray-Bans has been mostly positive, with Reddit users favoring the ease of use, comfort, and various capabilities. The price point of the glasses, starting at $299, is fairly competitive as well. 

Review: Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: The best AI-powered AR glasses to buy right now

Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter

Besides carrying a portable battery pack, I also travel with Nomad's 65 Slim Power Adapter, which fields two USB-C ports to charge tablets, phones, earbuds, and even laptops, like my MacBook Air. To help with portability, the prongs are collapsible, the charger is very slim, and it lies flush when plugged into the outlet. Carrying the accessory around is like carrying a pack of mints.

Customers, including ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, have expressed satisfaction with Nomad's 65W Slim Power Adapter, appreciating the speedy power delivery and support for two USB-C inputs. I especially recommend this charging adapter for users with ultraportable devices like lightweight and smaller laptops and iPads.

Also: Nomad's 130W charger has one unique feature that's game-changing for me

Why should you trust me?

When I'm not writing about technology, I'm probably working overtime as my family's IT support guy. And when I'm not working at all, I'm likely watching, reading, or consuming some form of content about technology. So when I make product recommendations, I suggest gadgets I've personally tested and have proven to deliver the value (if not more value) that manufacturers promise.

My main expertise is mobile, from phones to wearables to accessories, which plays hand-in-hand with the topic of this story. I also travel about 10 times throughout the year, including from New York to California, so I've developed an understanding of which gadgets are essential and which are optional.

How do you pack electronics for traveling?

When traveling, storing any devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as laptops, tablets, and power banks, in your carry-on baggage is best. If my gadgets aren't already stored in a tech pouch or cushioned bag, I'll surround them with clothing to prevent any damage during travel.

Other travel-friendly tech we think you'd love 

Zdnet recommends, my 5 must-have gadgets for off-grid adventures, hiking this summer don't forget to pack these 5 gadgets, these 5 work-from-home essentials seriously upgraded my desk.

What should I pack for a cruise? Here are 5 essential items to bring.

• Cruise passengers may face different considerations as they prepare to set sail.
• From theme nights on board to varied shore excursions, passengers may face different considerations as they prepare to set sail.
• Many cruise ships have onboard shops that stock basic items like toothbrushes, deodorant and certain over-the-counter medications.

The way travelers pack can change depending on where they’re going – and how they’re getting there.

For cruise passengers, it’s worth packing as much with the ship in mind as the destination. “Packing for a cruise can be quite different from preparing for a land-based vacation,” said Deborah Banks, a travel adviser and franchise owner at Cruise Planners with her husband Isaiah.

From theme nights on board to varied shore excursions that take guests off the ship for hours at a time, passengers may face different considerations as they prepare to set sail. Here are five items you should pack on your next trip:

1. Cruise-friendly attire

Cruises may seem synonymous with flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts, but guidelines for clothing can vary. 

On formal nights, guests may want to have dressy clothes on hand, though the atmosphere has become increasingly relaxed. Depending on the line and venue, that can mean anything from tuxedos and evening gowns to collared shirts and blouses ( read more about cruise line dress codes here ). Many lines also have themed parties, such as those that call for all-white ensembles or events with a focus on the 1980s.

Pool decks abound on cruise ships, so don’t forget your swimwear either.

Banks also recommended bringing comfortable footwear, particularly for going in port. “When you’re going to do a lot of walking, you know, those sandals are not as good for you to walk on as nice, comfortable tennis shoes,” she said.

Check the weather in the destinations the ship will visit, too. The type of jacket you bring on a New England cruise may be different from the kind needed in the Arctic, for example. Conditions can vary from port to port as well, particularly on longer itineraries that sail through multiple climates.

2. Travel documents

Banks urged travelers to make sure they have the required documentation for their trip. Some types of cruises don’t require guests to have passports – though they’ll need other forms of ID – but many do. The U.S. State Department also recommends bringing one even if it isn't mandated.

“You may need your passport in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port,” its website reads. Banks also suggested making copies or taking photos to have as backup.

Some destinations also require other documents like visas , and Banks recommends bringing a copy of any travel insurance information.

3. Medication

Many cruise ships onboard medical facilities and personnel who can prescribe medications. But supplies are limited, so it’s important to bring any that you take regularly or may need during the sailing with you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends travelers going abroad bring enough to last the duration of their trip, “plus extra in case of travel delays.”

4. Rechargeable devices

Portable chargers and extra rechargeable batteries can come in handy if guests’ electronics run out of juice, particularly while they’re away from their cabin in port. “If you're going to take a camera or iPhone, have rechargeable (devices) because when you’re on a shore excursion, you may be out for eight hours, for that whole day, and your phone's going to die on you,” said Banks. “So, you want to have that extra backup.”

Cruise booking tips: There's more to it than picking your travel dates

5. Sun protection

Sun decks and loungers are a major draw on cruises, so be sure to pack sunscreen. Certain sunscreens are banned by destinations ships visit, so do some research in advance.

Sunglasses are also important. That’s true not only in the balmy Caribbean but in destinations like Antarctica , where glare from the water, snow and ice can be hard on the eyes.

If guests forget something at home, however, they’re not necessarily out of luck. Many cruise ships have onboard shops that stock basic items like toothbrushes, deodorant and certain over-the-counter medications. Banks warned, though, that the selection may be more limited and expensive than what travelers would find on land.

“By understanding these key differences, you can pack more effectively for your cruise, ensuring a more enjoyable and stress-free experience,” she said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Travel | June 13, 2024

For 75 Years, Runners Have Raced in Colorado Tethered to Donkeys

Harkening back to mining days, the sport has human-donkey teams navigating challenging mountain courses

Heather Mundt

Freelance travel writer

It’s nearly golden hour at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, an urban oasis at the northern edge of Broomfield, Colorado, as Amber Wann gives a group of runners her safety spiel. Tonight’s route is fairly simple, she says, a three-mile jaunt through dry prairie grasses surrounding scenic Stearns Lake. The first leg of the stunning out-and-back heads westward toward Boulder with the shadowy outline of the Rocky Mountains on the horizon.

Just don’t let your ass drag you, she warns.

“That’s why we don’t tie the donkey to us, because you can trip and fall, and they will drag you if they hear your body fall,” Wann says. She and her husband, Brad Wann, have brought 13 animals from their Redonkulous Ranch Sanctuary & Rescue in Highlands Ranch, about 40 miles south, to pair with humans for the early evening run. “If they hear you dragging, they will run faster.”

A self-professed donkey matchmaker, Wann recruits runners through her private Facebook group “ Colorado Burro Rentals ~ Runners and Training Ops ” to attend year-round outings along Colorado’s Front Range. Open to anyone interested in hitting the trail with a donkey, participants need only fill out an online questionnaire ahead of a scheduled run and she’ll show up with the right burro. The rental fee amounts to roughly $20 per person to cover transportation.

Sensing restlessness in the group, Wann wraps up with some running tips, like staying on the burro’s left side for consistency and making sure to look forward instead of turning around in “a tug of war.”

“That’s about it,” she says before dismissing the athletes, many of them in training for the quintessentially Coloradan high-altitude endurance sport of pack burro racing, now approaching its 75th season.

The origins of pack burro racing

The state’s official summer heritage sport since 2012, pack burro racing first began in 1949 with the World Championship Pack Burro Race, running from Leadville (about 100 miles southwest of Denver) to Fairplay. The original competition featured a grueling 23-mile trek over Mosquito Pass (elevation 13,185 feet) between the two towns, a nod to the route miners and their surefooted pack animals used to access some of the area’s most remote mines before the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad, or “South Park Line,” was built in the 1870s.

The contest harks back to mining days when prospectors and their burros raced back to the town courthouse to stake a legal claim for gold, silver and other precious metals ahead of their competitors. Race organizers from the Fairplay Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations hoped it would kick-start their local economies, says Leadville resident and retired racer Dave TenEyck, which were slowed by a post-World War II mining decline.

“They were trying to figure out a way to get tourists, so they invented this race,” TenEyck adds.

The inaugural event drew 21 teams of two runners: one human and one donkey. The human held a lead rope no more than 15 feet long connected to the donkey’s halter, and the donkey wore a pack saddle loaded with 33 pounds of traditional mining gear, including a pick, gold pan and shovel. Current rules still require prospector’s paraphernalia be stored in the pack saddle but without the weight requirement, allowing real or faux tools. Riding the burro is never permitted.

Only eight teams completed the 1949 race, including first-place finishers Melville Sutton and his partner, Whitey, who won a coveted $500 prize (roughly $6,500 today) by finishing in 5 hours, 10 minutes and 41.2 seconds, or about 4.4 miles per hour. The race’s popularity continued to grow in the following years, nearly doubling by 1955 to 40 entrants. Race organizers followed the same format for two decades, alternating start and end points for most years until 1970, when Leadville hosted its first separate event.

“Whoever had the finish line of the race got all the tourists,” TenEyck says. “And that’s when Fairplay and Leadville started their own races.”

The state of the sport

Today, Colorado boasts a Triple Crown of pack burro racing, consisting of annual races in Fairplay, Leadville and Buena Vista, covering about 63 miles in all. The state offers ten total races from Memorial Day weekend through September. Several other states have hosted their own races since the 1950s and ’60s, primarily California, Arizona and New Mexico. But Nevada, Massachusetts, Tennessee and even France have also gotten in the game.

Runners 16 years or older can race with their own donkey or a rented one from organizations like Redonkulous Ranch, as well as other providers listed on the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation’s website . (Season rentals total around $100 to $150.) Scientifically named Equus asinus , the “ass” comes in three sizes, all of them allowed to race: mammoth, standard and miniature. In 2019, Buttercup became the first miniature burro to claim the Triple Crown, alongside her human, Marvin Sandoval, an achievement they repeated in 2020.

There are all types of racers, Wann says, from first-timers and “bucket listers” to seasoned duos like 2022 Triple Crown winners Tracy Laughlin and her burro Mary Margaret. (The pair also won this season’s first race on May 25 in Georgetown, Colorado, running about 9 miles at a clip of 7.5 miles per hour for a finishing time of 1 hour, 12 minutes and 26 seconds.) Athletes can enter just one race or several each season, like Roland Brodeur, who runs a dozen races with buddy Tin Cup, an eager runner who thrills at inching ever closer to the front of the pack.

Interest in pack burro racing is on the rise, particularly in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020, says Brodeur, volunteer media contact for the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation, an organization that preserves the sport’s history, serves as an industry resource and ensures humane treatment of the animals. Some events, like the May 4 race in Cerrillos, New Mexico, draw 70 teams; Triple Crown races can reach 120.

“It’s certainly a sport that’s still growing,” Brodeur says, adding that women make up 60 to 70 percent of participants. “Social media is a huge influence on some of that, and I believe a big part of it is runners are looking for the next ‘thing.’ To do those courses by yourself is challenging, and then to pair it with a donkey is just absurd.”

The Triple Crown series starts in Fairplay during Burro Days , happening July 26-28 this year. The three-day festival featuring a parade, food vendors, live entertainment and an outhouse race celebrates all things pack burro. The aim, and race motto, is to “Get Yur Ass Up the Pass,” whether it be on the 15-mile “lower altitude” short course or the 29-mile long course to the top of Mosquito Pass. The ultramarathon route delivers a punishing 3,200-foot elevation change.

The second race follows a week later in Leadville. Hosted the first weekend in August, the three-day Leadville Boom Days includes a car show and themed parade, pie-eating contests, mining-skills competitions, and more than 100 craft and food booths. Sunday’s race also offers a short or long course: a 15-mile loop around Ball Mountain, or a 21-mile route following four-wheel-drive roads to the summit of Mosquito Pass, with some 3,000 feet of climbing.

A third race was added in 1978 to Gold Rush Days , the signature Old West celebration of Buena Vista, 40 miles southwest of Fairplay. The two-day celebration, held the second weekend in August, offers live music; historic re-enactments; toilet-seat races (in which participants sit on wheeled toilet seats propelling themselves only by a plunger held in each hand); and a 13-mile pack burro race along a variety of terrain, from pavement to bridges, single-track trails and jeep roads.

Running with a donkey takes skill

It’s possible to show up for a competition without any prior training, but managing a donkey while running isn’t exactly easy.

“It’s like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time,” Wann says. “My donkeys know what they’re doing on the trail, but it still requires the person to have skills.”

Capable of carrying 20 to 30 percent of their body weight over treacherous terrain, donkeys enjoy having a job, TenEyck says. The challenge lies in convincing the animal to race.

“When you work with them and they understand that what you’re trying to get them to do is not going to kill them, they actually develop a likeness for racing,” he says. “And they will work really hard for you if they think that you’re worth working for.”

The sport requires handling animals known for their extreme caution, often mistaken for stubbornness or a lack of intelligence. Training ahead of race day is key.

“It’s a partnership between a human and a burro, and the burro has veto power,” says TenEyck, who has served for 15 years on the volunteer planning committee for Leadville Boom Days and boasts 26 years of “hauling ass.” “Getting an animal noted for its lack of cooperation to run in the right direction for 21 miles is quite a skill.”

Wann’s runner meet-ups are the perfect training ground for racers to learn how to work with, not against, their donkeys. Yelling is discouraged, she says, and abusing the animal (punching, kicking, etc.) will result in disqualification. The Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation does allow gentle swats with the lead rope applied “only as hard as you would on yourself.”

The training runs are also ideal for educating the public about pack burro racing.

“This is not like a rodeo where we are riding the animals,” Wann says. “It’s about a relationship with the animal. We’re not asking them to do anything that we’re not willing to do on our own feet as well.”

Occasionally she’ll hear a passer-by on the trail saying, “Oh, poor donkey!”

“And I say, ‘This is actually healthy for the animal. It’s keeping them fit and helping their mind, because they do like a change of scenery,’” she says.

Running is the primary mechanism she and her husband use to rehabilitate feral and scared donkeys that come to the sanctuary. The new donkeys quickly learn from the resident ones that running is productive and fun, she says.

Donkeys can cover 60 miles in a day on their own, Brodeur says, nearly double the length of Fairplay’s 29-mile course. In other words, humans will tire out long before the burro.

“After they finish a race, sometimes they’re gunning to keep going,” he says.

Most donkeys enjoy running, especially with other donkeys, but not everyone cares about winning.

That includes racer David Carner’s ass Ellroy, who likes to compete but prefers greeting his adoring fans at the finish line over physically walking through it. “He’s a lover not a fighter,” Carner says.

Ellroy is perfectly suited for the pack burro picnics Carner offers hikers at Climax Revival , his private recreational property near Leadville. On a five-mile, half-day trek to the top of Chalk Mountain and back, Ellroy carries a picnic lunch for up to eight guests as they learn about the area’s mining history and enjoy mountain landscapes with “ASS-tounding” views.

“He definitely enjoys working and carrying people’s loads up the mountain at a reasonable pace,” Carner says. “He’s interacting with people. He’s just the star of the show.”

For newcomers to the sport, Wann suggests setting aside expectations for success in the beginning. Too often, she says, rookie racers will tell her they want a fast donkey, because they’ve got to win.

“And I’ll smile and think: ‘Well, let’s see what your donkey thinks about that,’” Wann says.

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Heather Mundt | READ MORE

Heather Mundt is a freelance writer based in Longmont, Colorado, who writes about outdoor and family travel. She is also the author of the guidebook Colorado Family Outdoor Adventure .

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8 Drops You Don't Want to Miss This Week

Featuring palace x reebok, stüssy x patta, khy and more..

You are reading your free article for this month. Members-only

With another week upon us, we have yet another installment of our product drops series.

Kicking things off, the Palace and Reebok gym-ready collaboration that features both footwear offerings and a range of apparel. Tapping into sportswear classics like tracksuits, hoodies and tees, the collection is co-branded in both icons’ labels for the athletic-coded collection. Stüssy and Patta hace come together for an extensive music-inspired lineup. The collection features several Patta-exclusive pieces, including a zip work jacket and “Big Ol’ Jeans.” Pieces are embroidered with musical instruments and notes, honing in on the theme. Other collaborations see WIND AND SEA and Champion team up for the first time on a collegiate-focused capsule, while renowned jeweler Nadine Ghosn partners with Crayola on a nostalgic bracelets and rings capsule that pays homage to our youth. AVAVAV and Eastpak have also come together on a four-piece bag collaboration that includes a padded backpack that fits a 16-inch laptop to other functional pieces like the duffle AV Reader, AV Mini Bag and AV Bum Bag. OAMC drops a new limited edition M-65 liner jacket to expand its Peacemaker Liner series and Alpinestars drops a nine-piece limited edition capsule to launch its streetwear focused branch RSRV .

Palace x Reebok Summer 2024 Collaboration

Stüssy x Patta Collaboration

Khy Drop 006: The Day Return of Day to Night

Nadine Ghosn x Crayola Jewelery Collaboration

WIND AND SEA x Champion Collegiate Capsule

OAMC Expands Peacemaker Liner Series

AVAVAV x Eastpak Collection

Alpinestars’ New Streetwear Line, RSRV

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