A ‘Mary Poppins bag’ and a travel tin of salt: 21 products our writers always pack on a trip | Life and style

Once I’ve escaped airport chaos and settled into my seat, I like to spend my flight decompressing with screen-free entertainment. Typically I’ll pull out a book, but lately I’ve been enjoying the Sunday Club: a newspaper minus the news.

It’s all cleverly created puzzles and beautiful illustrations commissioned from independent artists. I brought an issue on my last trip and spent the entire two-hour flight engrossed in its pages. While I could have spent that time catching up on emails, it’s much more fun cracking cryptograms and crushing crosswords. Plus, I loved the sophisticated feeling that comes with flapping open a “newspaper” on a plane. Paige Triola

Thule

Compression Packing Cube Set

$53.95

I often travel with just a carry-on roller bag, but I’m a chronic overpacker. To maximize the limited space in my luggage, I’ve invested in two sets of these compression packing cubes from Thule and have been using them for at least four years now. They’re made of water-repellent ripstop nylon that’s just sheer enough to let you see what’s inside without fully revealing their contents.

I use the medium size for shirts and pants and the small size for undergarments, socks and swimsuits. I’ll zip the packing cube closed, then use the second zipper to compress it – I’m always amazed at how compact you can get an entire stack of clothing. I’m actually packing for an international trip at this time of writing and have managed to fit four pairs of pants, four shirts, three dresses, pajamas, underthings, a bikini and sandals, and I still have a little room left over (just in case). Bernadette Machard de Gramont

Jacobsen Salt Co.

Pure Sea Salt Slide Tin

$6

I am a reluctant camper, but also a semi-regular one since moving to Portland, Oregon, over a decade ago. Part of my hangup is that it’s much harder to make food taste good out in the wilderness than it is in my well-stocked kitchen: the flame on the camp stove is fickle, the knives are bad and the cooler doesn’t have enough room for all the ingredients I’d like to pack.

One small source of solace is that my food is always well-seasoned thanks to this tiny tin, the lid of which slides open to reveal just under half an ounce of sea salt harvested from the Oregon coast. I keep one in our camping bin and another in my purse so I can dial in the salt level of whatever I’m eating (or drinking; I add a pinch of salt to my coffee to make it taste smoother) no matter where in the world I am. Juno DeMelo

Away

Aluminum Edge Bigger Carry-On

$378

I swear there’s some magic to Away’s Bigger Carry-On suitcases, which I used exclusively for a few years when I traveled nonstop as a digital nomad. They just seem to fit more clothes, toiletries, gear and souvenirs than the other options I’ve tried. Plus, the 360-degree spinner wheels never gave out on me, even after getting crammed into overhead compartments and dragged across cobblestone streets when I was on the go week after week.

The newest iteration of this generously-sized case (in classic colors like ivy green, cognac and navy) has all the same features of the original. But the durable, textured polycarbonate shell has an attractive aluminum frame and riveted edges, which give it an old-school polish that I love. Elizabeth Brownfield

Cometeer

Coffee Capsules

$16

If great coffee is non-negotiable, Cometeer is one of the easiest ways to get a quality cup on the road. The frozen coffee capsules work hot or iced, and all you need is hot water.

I use them on flights regularly – just ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water and skip the airline coffee. The pods, filled with concentrated coffee, arrive frozen and will keep for several days in a hotel refrigerator or about a day at room temperature while you’re in transit. Peel back the lid, pour the contents into about 8 ounces of hot water, or over ice, and relax with a barista-quality cup without the hassle of brewing on the go. Sal Vaglica

Poo-Pourri

Before-You-Go Pocket Toilet Spray

$4.97

You probably don’t need me to tell you the purpose of this bathroom essential, but if you’re sharing a small interior cruise cabin or micro hotel room, this spray does wonders – as long as you remember to spray it onto the toilet water before you go. I like this travel version because it’s easy to pack and sprays more effectively than the standard-sized version for home use. It comes in other scents, but I tend to stick to the lemon bergamot. Les Shu

Matador

Global Travel Adapter

$39

This universal adapter works in almost every country in the world. I also like bringing one onto a cruise, where all cabins come equipped with a European outlet. Matador makes high-quality gear, but my superficial reason for liking this particular adapter is its bright orange color, lowering my chances of forgetting it in a hotel room.

With two USB-C ports (one capable of fast-charging at 35 watts), three USB-A ports and one AC outlet, you can charge six devices at once – however, it’s important to note that the power decreases toward each product when they’re all in use. There’s protection against overheating, but you should avoid plugging in appliances or hair tools, because though it obviously adapts power, it does not convert voltage. While 35 watts should be enough for most people’s needs, if you need a USB-C port that delivers more power, I like the 75-watt adapter from Epicka, which supports demanding laptops like the MacBook Pro and eliminates the need to bring a power brick. Les Shu

Lifestraw

Go Series Tumbler 24 Oz

$87

I hate second-guessing whether I can drink the water when I travel, and I especially hate dropping cash on overpriced bottles (which also don’t help the environment). So I’ve always been a fan of Lifestraw products, which use a special filter to block bacteria, microplastics and parasites from any water you may encounter on your travels. This larger stainless-steel water bottle is also easier to tote than its glass counterparts. Tobey Grumet Segal

Packtowl

Personal Towel

$39.95

When I was growing up, my mom taught me to always travel with a swimsuit, because you never knew when the opportunity might arise for beach or pool time. I still follow that advice, but as an adult I’ve extended it to include a towel, as so often I’ve ended up near a tempting body of water, but stayed away unless I had a way to dry myself off after plunging.

My Packtowel has become a lifesaver: lightweight, super quick-drying and big enough to sit on or dry myself but not so giant that it’s unwieldy, this has become my favorite of the many travel towels I’ve tried. I also like the little loop, perfect for holding your hair tie or keys while you’re taking a dip or sitting in a sauna. It comes in many vibrant designs (I chose the sunny Balance print). Julia Skinner

Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol. 2

Wallet Slayer Vol. 2

$26

For years, I lusted after a turquoise embossed-leather Comme de Garçon wallet that I finally received as a gift. I still get a little thrill every time I unzip it, but it’s too long to fit into a fanny pack, my bag of choice on vacation. And besides, the only cards I really need to easily access while traveling are my driver’s license and credit card – both of which fit in this phone case.

In the two years I’ve had it, neither card has ever fallen out of the spring-loaded compartment, which holds up to three cards (plus a few bills) and doubles as a kickstand for hands-free streaming. And although I’ve dropped my phone countless times, the air pockets built into the corners of the case have kept my screen from cracking. Juno DeMelo

Twelve South

Airfly SE

$34.99

This compact wireless adapter lets you connect Bluetooth headphones to an airplane’s seatback entertainment system. It’s especially handy for families because AirFly can stream audio to two pairs of headphones at once, allowing kids to watch the same movie without sharing earbuds.

Beyond airplane entertainment systems, you can also plug it into a hotel gym’s cardio equipment or your kid’s Nintendo Switch because they work with any Bluetooth compatible headphones. While some modern wireless earbuds include a built-in transmitter mode, this inexpensive accessory is an easy way to add more versatility to the less tech-forward earbuds or over-ear headphones you already own. Sal Vaglica

Pelican

DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag

$39.96

This little case is like the Mary Poppins bag: it holds mine and my husband’s toiletries, which include full-sized deodorants, a large tube of toothpaste and a bottle of mouthwash (we’re not light packers). Once unzipped and hung by its swiveling hook, the bag opens like a clamshell with two zippered compartments up top and a deep pocket below. Pelican is known for making durable bags and cases for fragile items, and I like how this toiletry bag has a tough molded shape that isn’t easily compressed. It keeps the items inside safe from being squished – even when my suitcase is full to bursting. Paige Triola

Hydaway

Collapsible Water Bottle

$44

I’m always on the lookout for smart, space-saving travel gear, so I’ve long been a fan of Hydaway’s collapsible water bottles. They’re a great alternative to heavier, bulkier versions, which can take up precious space in an under-seat bag. Leakproof with flip-top straws and handles, they’re made from durable BPA-free silicone that collapses into compact disks just 1.5in tall, and they are slim enough to slide into the pocket of a travel bag. Elizabeth Brownfield

Bugaboo

Butterfly 2 Travel Stroller

$599

“Just take your toddler on vacation,” they said. “It’ll be fine,” they said. Those words felt like a taunt before I landed on Bugaboo’s travel stroller, a favorite among my discerning mom friends. Instead of having to schlep and check my truck of an UppaBaby Vista, I can neatly store this guy in a plane’s overhead bin, allowing me to use it right up to and out of the gate.

For such a compact option, it sure does offer a generous amount of storage to accommodate the whole family’s essentials no matter what’s on the itinerary. The best part? My daughter stays calm and quiet in it, and that’s saying a lot for a toddler who requires constant entertainment and snacks. It’s thus become my year-round stroller to navigate bumpy city streets, making it well worth the price. Marissa Miller

Insta360

Snap Selfie Screen

$75.99

The Insta360 Snap solves a common problem for travelers: your phone’s rear cameras are far better than its selfie camera. This wired display attaches to your smartphone and mirrors the screen in real time, letting you frame shots using the higher-quality rear lenses. Because it’s wired, setup is virtually instant, with none of the pairing headaches or lag that can come with wireless monitors.

One thing to note is that the Snap adds about a quarter-inch of thickness to your phone in its base configuration (slightly more if you opt for the version with a built-in light), but it attaches magnetically to both iPhones and Android devices, making it feel like a natural extension when you’re holding it at arm’s length to frame a shot. Sal Vaglica

Most of the time, I am deadset against checking bags. Enter The Tote Set from Beis, which comes with a hardshell Carry-On Roller and the East to West Tote. This one-two punch lets me pack and organize my things inside built-in pouches and zippered pockets in the suitcase, while the roomy tote can hold bulkier gear like shoes, a pair of PJs for overnight flights, my makeup bag and a water bottle. Plus, it comes with a padded laptop pocket, zippered pouches for my wallet, phone, chargers and medication, and a well-designed trolley pass-through so it piggybacks the matching roller.

If you’d prefer a backpack rather than a tote, Filter contributor Marissa Miller also loves the Beis Expandable Backpack for its generously padded straps and thoughtful exterior pockets. Tobey Grumet Segal

Malaxlx

Waterproof Bucket Hat

$14.98

I live overseas in Ireland a lot of the year, which means I’ve acquired more and more rain-related gear. One big issue I find in rainy, windy places is that even the best rain jacket’s hood tends to blow off my head when I’m walking. On a whim, I grabbed this rain and sun hat and it’s been the perfect solution. It’s shockingly affordable, too, given how sturdy it is.

This hat packs down into a small case so I can clip it to my purse or toss it in my backpack and pull it out when unexpected showers pop up. It has a strap to keep it in place on my head, and an adjustable strap to get the perfect fit (great for slightly small-headed folks like myself). As a bonus, it means I’m not stuck with wearing only hooded rain jackets, giving me more fashion options. Julia Skinner

Baseus

One-World Universal Travel Adapter

$36.07

I take this adapter with me whenever I travel. A 6-in-1 travel adapter with plugs for the EU, UK and Australia, it can output up to 70 watts of power – which is more than enough for most laptops – with two USB-A outputs, and a single USB-C port. There’s also a retractable USB-C cable, and a separate US plug on the side. Though this thing can pump out a ton of power, it’s a chunky yet manageable lift that fits into most bags. Adam Doud

I’d bought countless toiletry bags before finding this one, and it’s now the only thing I use for any type of travel. It’s got a seemingly endless capacity for all my products, and the felt insert keeps everything organized and upright so I can just pop it open in the bathroom when I arrive at my destination. I also love the built-in brush straps on the lid and the durable pebbled leather, so I can toss it in my carry on without worrying it’ll scuff or look worse for wear. Oset Babur-Winter

Peak Design

Roller Pro

$599.95

This is my absolute favorite piece of baggage, and it has logged a lot of miles with me. It has all the basics – it rolls beautifully and has a ton of organization inside, but two things make it next level. First, unlike most suitcases, which open like a clamshell, this is a top opener. This type of packing from the top down makes my packing so much easier. Secondly, it has a laptop sleeve and what I like to call an odds-and-ends area for smaller items you want to keep accessible, allowing you to grab them without opening your entire suitcase. The only thing it’s missing is a built-in lock, but I keep a couple of TSA-approved locks in that small pocket just in case. Adam Doud

Pacsafe

Retractasafe 250 Cable Lock

$21.95

When I’m traveling solo or even just working from a coffee shop, I inevitably need to leave my bag in a hotel room or run to the restroom. Instead of packing everything up and hauling all my gear with me, I use this retractable lock to secure my bag to something more permanent. While this isn’t foolproof, it has always worked well as a deterrent when I’m on a two-minute pee break or as an extra layer of security inside my hotel room. The downsides? The cable might be too short for some, and there’s no alarm feature if the cable is cut. Les Shu