tourism equipment companies

The Best Gear for Travel

By Wirecutter Staff

Traveling well can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you’re alone or with family and friends.

But what does it mean to travel well? We’d say that along with traveling safely (of course), traveling well involves avoiding hassle, carrying a single bag (if possible), and bringing only the necessities.

“Traveling well is a fine balance between finding inspiration in the unknown while being grounded in something,” said Wirecutter founder Brian Lam. “Sometimes that is a memory of home, a family, a significant other, friends, etc. Sometimes it’s just the familiar, reliable stuff in your bag.”

Over the past 10 years, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and testing dozens of products to find the most dependable items that will help you travel well. On top of that, we sought the advice and wisdom of Doug Dyment, author and creator of OneBag—a traveling businessman and public speaker, he has logged millions of miles over the past few decades—as well as travel-gear reviewer Eytan Levy, the Snarky Nomad.

And we relied heavily on the experiences of Wirecutter staff, an especially mobile group of individuals. Our staffers have worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica—the five most frequent flyers among us travel about half a million miles in any given (normal) year.

The research

Flying/riding, just in case, travel tips.

A well-packed bag is one that contains less than you think you need but everything you actually need. If possible, fitting everything into one carry-on and personal item will give you more freedom compared to checking a bag or two. You’ll be glad you did if (and when) things don’t go according to plan. While carry-on-only isn’t feasible (or advisable) for every trip—especially extended business trips or weddings where you need multiple outfits to maintain appearances—if in doubt, it’s better to cut.

Carry-on backpack (non-roller)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

The Allpa’s clamshell design makes organizing your things simple. The strap design lets you easily wear this durable bag on your back or carry it in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

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

This bag was built with photographers in mind, but most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility and clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts depending on how much you’ve packed. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

We spent six months testing 22 bags, and in the end we chose two as our top picks for travelers determined to never check luggage again: the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (for most trips) and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L . Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L features an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps that make it a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. Handles on all four sides of this bag make it easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it, and the Allpa’s straps are contoured to comfortably 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 bag is protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Its front panel is made of a waterproof, TPU-coated 1,000-denier polyester (a strong fabric covered in a flexible plastic coating), which means you can lay it on its back in a wet field or in gravel without worrying about moisture soaking through or jagged edges ripping the fabric. The rest of the paneling is made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which feels similar to a strong canvas but with a more prominent weave. After four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item to store under the seat) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage that Kit Dillon, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer who covers luggage, uses.

One caveat: The Allpa has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth—which is where the personal item comes in handy. As the name suggests, “personal items” are very, well, personal, and no one bag will work for all travelers; we offer a range of recommendations in our full guide to them .

The larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is 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. Not so with the Peak Design: It looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack. You can access the bag through a back panel, which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch, as well as through a front one, if you unzip the pass-through divider. You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps that 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. It still feels larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for the ability to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400D nylon and polyester fabrics—it feels tough, but not as tough as the Cotopaxi Allpa. As for flaws, it is expensive, especially if you commit to the entire system of packing cubes and camera cubes . The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses, though Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty.

Finding the right bag is a personal choice, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we have picks in our full review of carry-on travel bags that can double as traveling offices , bags that are easy to carry while you’re walking long distances , and budget options for travelers who want to give the one-bag strategy a try.

Carry-on bag (rolling)

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Great features, great value.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Since 2015, we’ve researched several dozen suitcases and gone hands-on with the 67 most promising candidates in a variety of tests—including having active flight attendants test bags for us in a fake plane fuselage in their training facility. We determined that for most people the  Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner  offers the best balance of features, durability, and price for most flyers who log less than 25,000 miles annually.

It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. Compared with other bags in this price range, you also get surprisingly high-end components and a warranty that covers anything, even airline damage, for the life of the bag (as long as you register the suitcase within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone).

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles a year, invest in a bag with unique features, superior details, and plenty of expandable room. This manufacturer guarantees your satisfaction.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles annually and you’re willing to invest in a higher-quality product, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It can fit more clothing than any bag we tested, thanks to a cavernous interior and clever expansion and compression system that can adjust to variable levels beyond open and shut. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter’s founder, Brian Lam, put more than 150,000 miles on his. His only complaint was that longer pants will need an extra fold, or to be rolled. In taller bags, pants will only need to be folded over once.

Checked luggage

If you need to pack more stuff than a carry-on and a personal item can hold, our first piece of advice would be to reconsider whether you need that extra outfit “just in case.” But you’ll have times when you need to travel with several pairs of shoes, formalwear, a winter coat, special equipment (like diving or camping gear), or all of the above. In these cases, there’s no way to avoid checking a bag.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Men’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with taller torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Farpoint has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

Osprey Fairview 55 Women’s Travel Pack

The best travel backpack for those with shorter torsos.

Comfortable, adjustable, and carry-on capable, the Fairview has everything we needed for a week, or even months, of travel.

If you’re going somewhere where you’ll need to walk a lot (particularly if there’s dirt or cobblestone roads), we recommend a travel backpack. We like the Farpoint 55 and the sized-for-smaller-torsos Fairview 55 because they’re comfortable and have plenty of room to store, and separate, our essentials. The front of the main pack unzips like a suitcase, so you can easily fit and access a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries. The daypack, which attaches to the front of the larger pack, has room for camera gear, daily essentials, and a small laptop (via a built-in sleeve). It’s also easy to stow. The main pack’s straps can tuck behind a zippered flap, so they won’t catch on anything if you check your luggage.

These bags are made of a heavy-duty recycled polyester that stands up even to long trips–one of our testers has traveled with a Farpoint 55 for years, across dozens of countries for months at a time, without damaging it. If something does happen, though, Osprey has a lifetime warranty.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

The bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most people without going over airline weight limits.

If you don’t plan on walking around while carrying all your stuff, the  25-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Suiter is our favorite piece of checked luggage for all of the same reasons we loved the carry-on size: It has excellent organizational features, it’s especially durable, and it has a better warranty than anything in its price range.

Luggage tags

Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag

Strong and easy to see.

Rugged silicone and a metal cable mean this tag (which comes two to a pack) may well outlive your luggage. The brightly colored case displays its owner’s name but keeps other personal information out of sight.

A good luggage tag should be durable, simple to use, and discreet. Ultimately, a tag should allow someone to get your luggage back to you quickly and easily, and it should withstand the wear and tear of being thrown onto conveyor belts time and again. After researching the top-rated and best-selling models, reading existing luggage-tag reviews, and comparing fourteen tags , we recommend the Ovener Silicone Luggage Tag for most travelers because it’s the only one we’d trust to survive being smashed by other bags, jammed into walls, and generally abused by baggage handlers. It’s the most durable tag we tested, and it comes in a wide selection of colors to help any bag stand out from the rest.

The Ovener tag’s silicone body seems nearly indestructible and is available in a rotating selection of colors (you get two tags per pack). Whereas other tags also feature metal cables, this tag has a metal grommet to keep the cable from eventually wearing through the silicone case.

Should you lose your bag, the Ovener makes it easy for a Good Samaritan to find your contact information. To fully access the info card, you have to unscrew and remove the metal strap; this lets the card slide out of the case. Most luggage tags we tested secure their info card in this way. It isn’t a difficult or time-consuming process, but it is an extra step compared with using a tag that displays all of your information openly. Still, for anyone who wants to keep their contact information out of view, the extra step is worth it.

Another approach to increasing privacy is to hide information in a QR code, as the Dynotag Smart Deluxe Steel Luggage Tag  does, or to provide a user ID number, as the Okoban UID Luggage Tags do. But these seem like overly complex solutions to a problem that doesn’t really exist.

Compression sacks

Originally designed for reducing the bulk of lofty sleeping bags, compression sacks are stuff sacks modified with additional nylon end caps that can be pulled together by strings or straps to remove air and create a smaller, denser package that’s easier to pack. Most travelers use compression sacks to condense socks, underwear, and other stuff you don’t mind getting wrinkled into a package with half as much overall volume. For example, an 8- to 12-liter sack can compress a fleece jacket and a long-weekend’s worth of socks and underwear into something that fits in one hand. They also make a decent pillow in a pinch.

Osprey StraightJacket (8L)

Easier access, less compression.

It has a full-length zipper on its side that allows access to the bag’s entire contents. However, it doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs.

Most compression sacks require you to empty out the stuff at the top to get to the stuff below it, but the side-zipper design on the Osprey StraightJacket allows access to the entire contents of the bag at once. The compression straps attach sideways, and are less likely to get tangled and twisted like on most compression sacks with lengthwise straps. It can also sit up on its own, and the handle design lets you break it out as a last minute carry-on to avoid an overweight-baggage fee. However, it doesn’t compress down as compactly as the traditional designs we tested so it’s not the best option if compression is your top priority.

GobiGear’s SegSac takes a different approach to solving the same access issue: It has four inner dividers that run the length of the sack in order to keep your socks separate from your underwear, winter accessories, towel, what have you. This means you don’t have to take out your T-shirts to get to your socks. Unlike the Osprey, it compresses just as much as a normal compression sack, but it loses points for versatility because the segmentation prevents it from handling large items like a down jacket or sleeping bag.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes could change your life. (Okay, maybe just your traveling life.) Packing cubes are basically bags to hold your clothes that you organize within your luggage. Though seemingly superfluous, they’re brilliant in action. If you imagine your suitcase as a dresser, you can think of these cubes as individual drawers: Put all your underwear and socks in one container, all your shirts in another, and your workout clothes in yet another. Then pull out only the cube you want. They make packing and repacking wonderfully simple.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set

Well built with easy access.

Simple and solidly constructed, these packing cubes keep your bag organized while you’re traveling.

The three-piece Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set keeps a week’s worth of clothes organized and moves easily from suitcase to hotel dresser. We’ve been recommending the previous version of these cubes for years, and after testing this updated set, we now recommend this version.

The full-size cube is great for shirts, shorts, and insulating layers. The half-cube and quarter-cube are perfect for underwear, socks, and other thin fabrics such as stockings or sleepwear. These cubes are made of 300-denier polyester (a strong fabric) and stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack. The Pack-It cubes’ windows are made of the tightest mesh link we tested—better for resisting snags—and the smooth zippers close easily around all corners, even when a cube is overstuffed.

The Eagle Creek cubes have the ability to unzip fully to allow full access to their contents while sitting in a dresser drawer. That means your clean clothes stay protected against some potentially dicey motel dressers. In 2022, Eagle Creek updated the design of these cubes, and now the company no longer uses YKK zippers, which are widely accepted as the best around . That said, we couldn’t tell any difference between Eagle Creek’s zippers and other brands’ YKK zippers, even with a magnifying glass, and their performance was indistinguishable. (For what it’s worth, an Eagle Creek product manager assured us that the proportion of zipper-related warranty claims hasn’t changed since the company made the switch from YKK.)

Most travelers are likely to be well served by the Reveal set. But if you value lightness above all, the more expensive Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is about 50% lighter than similar-size competitors (just over 1 ounce for a medium cube, whereas the Eagle Creek classic style weighs about 4 ounces). Unlike the Reveal set, this set is water resistant. However, the Isolate design’s thin sides—which don’t allow the cubes to stand up on their own—make those cubes a bit more challenging to pack than the Reveal cubes.

Buying the right gear can help organize your existing travel kit, but it’s a red herring if your goal is better portability. “It’s mostly the clothing that allows you to reduce what you need to carry,” explains veteran traveller Eytan Levy, better known as the Snarky Nomad . That’s because clothing, which is very voluminous, makes up the bulk of what’s in your bag. He recommends traveling with basic-looking clothes because you can always buy or rent something nice in a pinch, whereas lugging around formalwear just in case will always be a pain. It also helps if you can avoid cotton and stick to merino and synthetic fabrics, which dry faster. This allows you to do laundry by hand in the sink as needed to reduce the amount of clothes you need to carry.

Travel underwear

Good travel underwear keeps you feeling fresh and clean, even when your destination is gritty.  To find the best , we researched an array of underwear designed for men and women to find 37 pairs meeting our criteria: moisture-wicking and breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, stretchy, stylish, and cut to fit a variety of body types.

We then conducted rigorous pretesting (wearing the underwear for two days at a time, machine-washing them repeatedly, and tracking their drying speed when hung on a clothesline) before taking them out into the real world. Our testers went backpacking 215 miles throughout Portland, Oregon; hiking in the Canadian Rockies, including walking from the lowest point in the Continental US to the highest; and road-tripping to the national parks of the West. Testers who flew to their destinations wore the underwear on the plane, too.

Afterward, we checked for signs of wear, such as seam breakage and pilling on the fabric. As we continued to test the finalists, we repeatedly checked for durability problems. In addition to comfort and fit, we noted whether each pair seemed lightweight and packable.

ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief

Best for most men.

Durable, quick-drying, and relatively inexpensive, this soft-fabric version of ExOfficio’s time-tested Give-N-Go undies will get the job done for years.

May be out of stock

The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men’s underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we’ve tested. The Sport Mesh fabric excels at breathing and wicking and has better odor-resistance than other fabrics. It feels soft on the inside and smooth on the outside so it slides against your pants instead of creating friction, reducing potential for chafing. It also features a sculpted crotch area that gives wearers some much-appreciated support, without feeling stifling. These boxer briefs dry quickly, pack compactly, and weigh less than almost all the other boxer briefs we tried—basically they’re everything you’d want from a pair of excellent travel underwear.

Patagonia Women's Active Hipster

Best for most women.

These light, stylish, quick-drying hipsters stay in place whether you’re walking, flying, or hanging upside down.

The Patagonia Active Hipster doesn’t appear special upon first glance. Only after trying everything else and living through their failures to stay put did we remember what “special” really means in a pair of underwear: Feeling as if you’re wearing nothing at all. The Patagonias have the best fit, comfort, and style out of all the panties we tested. The nylon material is fast-wicking and better than most synthetics for odor-proofing, making it well suited for athletic activities. The Active Hipster is lightweight and packable, and is the fastest-drying underwear we tested—making them perfect for minimalist travelers who go weeks at a time with just one or two pairs. But these same characteristics make them great for any traveler looking for comfortable, packable panties, regardless of where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Budget pick

Uniqlo Men Airism Boxer Brief

Comfortable, compact, and fast-drying, these are a great value but don’t fit quite as nicely and aren’t as supportive in the crotch.

Uniqlo Women Airism Ultra Seamless HipHugger

Similar fabric to the Men’s Airism, with a no-ride cut for women, these underwear are the least expensive of any we tested and among the best performing.

If you want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing performance, the Uniqlo Airism line has long been a great choice for men and women who can wear sizes small and medium. In recent years, both lines have expanded their size range somewhat (men to 3XL, and women to XL). If these fit, you can replace an entire underwear drawer on a tight budget, as long as you can deal with the slightly odd cut and less-effective odor-control treatment.

If you’ve never traveled with merino wool socks, you’re missing out. These aren’t the scratchy wool socks your grandpa wore in the army; they are soft and stretchy ones that have natural sweat-wicking and odor-resisting properties that keep your toes comfortable under all conditions—even when wet. This combination of odor, moisture, and temperature regulations makes them ideal for traveling. "Because of its natural anti-bacterial properties, washing merino wool on a daily basis isn’t absolutely necessary,” explains Snarky Nomad , "after letting it air dry overnight while you sleep, it’ll seem brand new.” The only major downside is that merino tends to be a bit pricier than synthetic counterparts. But it’s a worthy trade-off, since you can go for longer with fewer pairs.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Women’s)

The best quality for women.

The best mix of comfort, durability, and cushioning in a versatile height.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (Men’s)

For the best quality.

The same great versatile sock as the women’s model, but in different color options and more sizes.

Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew socks (both the men’s and women’s versions) have been our favorite hiking socks for years. Darn Tough made its name through its quality guarantee : “Our socks are guaranteed to be the most comfortable, durable, and best fitting socks you can buy. In a nutshell, if you wear a hole in them, we will replace them free of charge, for life.” Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers (hardcore backpackers who walk from Mexico to Canada in one continuous trip) praise them for their durability, comfort, and blister resistance. When you hold a pair of Darn Toughs next to a pair of Smartwools (which only have a two-year guarantee ), the difference is clear. The Darn Toughs are more tightly knit, the yarns are finer and feel sturdier, and the stitching is tighter.

Darn Tough Women's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool women’s hiking sock.

This midlevel cushioned sock for women is the best synthetic option for most climates and terrains.

Darn Tough Men's Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

The best non-wool men’s hiking sock.

This synthetic men’s sock is perfect for day hiking in most weather.

If you are sensitive to wool, prefer a vegan product, or want a cooler option for the summer, we also like the Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, which comes in women's and men’s sizes.

We appreciated how breathable this sock felt. While wearing the Coolmax Micro Crew in hot summer weather, our testers’ feet stayed dry and sweat-free. The shorter micro-crew height makes the Coolmax Micro Crew suitable for both boots and shoes, too. And like all Darn Tough socks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.

Indosole Flip Flops (women’s)

A quality flip flop in women’s sizes.

These stylish beach sandals come in a wide range of colors. Be careful, though: Indosole sizes tend to run a little small.

Indosole Flip Flops (men’s)

A quality flip flop in men’s sizes.

These beach sandals are the same as the women’s version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.

A good pair of travel flip-flops should be lightweight, comfortable, and waterproof. The men’s and women’s Indosole Flip Flops offer the best combination of quality, comfort, and easy packability. Unlike many flip flops, which slap against the ground with every step, the subtle arch support of this flip flop kept it secure against our feet. Plus they’re made from waterproof, recycled materials. Keep in mind, though, that our testers found these shoes to run a bit small, so we suggest sizing up for the best fit.

Clothesline

While doing laundry at home can be a large weekly event, OneBag author Doug Dyment recommends approaching travel laundry as a part of your daily routine, especially if you’re trying to pack as little as possible: “The laundry should be more like cleaning your teeth—something you do everyday. It only takes about five minutes to do it. Every night, do your socks and underwear and you’ll have clean socks and underwear everyday.”

A secure, hassle-free option

The Flexo-Line attaches easily to a door handle or faucet and grips garments securely between its loops.

Check out OneBag’s laundry packing list if you want specific tips on how to do it and what you’ll need, but it’s a pretty simple setup: All you need is a toiletry bottle of powdered detergent, a towel to help expedite drying, and a travel clothesline to finish the drying process while you sleep at night.

Specifically, you want a braided—not twisted—surgical latex clothesline with looped ends, which means you want a Flexo-Line . The Flexo-Line can stretch up to 7 feet long, which is enough to span most hotel bathtubs, and it has loops that you can attach easily to a door handle, bath spigot, or faucet. The braided construction is superior to twisted designs made from other materials because the latex does a better job of gripping garments securely between the loops, which means you don’t need any additional clothespins.

Dyment has tried them all, but the Flexo-Line is the one he comes back to. As he explained to me in an interview, “There are others that are fine, but there are far more that are not fine.” More specifically, Dyment says to avoid anything that’s not made of latex , because clothes will inevitably slip out of them. He also says to never, ever trust a suction cup: “They don’t work, period.” If the Flexo-Line is unavailable, Dyment says that the Rick Steves collection from Kiva Designs also makes a nice braided line that is a bit more expensive. If you have a latex allergy, Dyment recommends going with a length of cord ( paracord is nice because it’s durable and you can use it for other things as well) and stainless steel safety pins meant for cloth diapers , because they take up far less space than a clothespin and won’t rust. In fact, it’s worthwhile to get these items even if you can use a latex line because they’re great for making luggage repairs and performing other MacGyver-ish tasks in a pinch. To hang up the clothesline, we recommend using a bowline knot on one end and a taut line hitch on the other. These knots work well together because the bowline creates a simple, slip-proof loop to anchor one end while the taut line hitch allows you to adjust for tension and locks tightly in place. If you could commit any two knots to memory forever, these are the ones to learn.

Laundry detergent

Minisoak Travel Packs

A travel size version of the best delicates detergent.

Perfect for traveling because you don’t even need to rinse it out.

When you’re washing your underwear in a hotel sink, you want a fast and easy experience. For this, we recommend the no-rinse detergent Soak . That’s right, we said no rinse . You just add a drop to the sink, fill with water, and leave your garments to soak. Then press out the water and hang. Done.

In our tests of delicates detergents , Soak cleaned almost as well as our top laundry detergent, Tide; plus, it comes in individual packets of powder  that are great for traveling, as well as in  travel-size bottles of the liquid version . In addition to unscented, it's available in a variety of scents, although Lacey and Celebration are not the most descriptive of scent names. They all smell nice, not overpowering. Soak also comes in an assorted travel pack with two single-use packets of each scent, if you want to test-drive one or two before you buy. In that mini size, you get eight packets for $11 currently, but you really need only a squeeze, not the the whole packet, to wash a couple of pairs of socks and underwear.

One downside to Soak is that you won’t find it in a grocery store or big-box store. But it is available online at Soak’s site . And if you really want to walk into a store and put your mitts on a bottle, you can find it at most local yarn stores.

Don’t feel like buying Soak or bringing along a bit of your own detergent? Shampoo also works pretty well for cleaning garments in a pinch, so make use of that free bottle from the hotel. But a caveat: Neither Soak nor shampoo contains enzymes , which are biological molecules in laundry detergent that break down certain stains. If you have especially stinky or stained clothes, you might need to break out the Tide .

When we first published this guide, this section addressed only toiletry kits and bottles, razors, and packable towels. The times, and traveling, became more complicated. One thing we've learned in the past few years is that face masks can be useful whenever you’re sick and don’t want to share your misery. Fortunately, compared with early 2020, medical-style N95s and KN95s (which many experts recommend as the best protection) are widely available. They’re easy to tuck into a bag, which we do now whenever we travel. 

Toiletry kit

We’ve researched dozens of travel toiletry bags and dopp kits over the past several years, and we tested 23 of the top-rated contenders in our most recent round of tests. After packing and unpacking a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries, conducting spill tests, and living out of the top performers on the road, we have a few different picks that stand out thanks to their style, packability, and quality of construction.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small)

A space-saving hanging bag.

This lightweight, well-organized bag fits a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries into a compact package. It’s meant to be hung, which makes it good for tight spaces, but it doesn’t have much in the way of internal structure.

The Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag (small) is compact and durable. It’s small enough to stash in a backpack or laptop bag, but it holds enough travel-size toiletries to keep us supplied for a week. You can open it and hang it from a shower curtain or towel rod to easily see and grab your items. It comes with a shatterproof mirror, two micro-mesh zip pockets and an open pocket for toothbrushes, lip balm, and tweezers, and a large compartment for bulky lotions and hair-care items.

L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag

For more stuff and longer trips.

With a 6.4-liter capacity and over a dozen compartments, this toiletry bag has a place for everything—and everything will stay put during transit, too. It can also accommodate non-travel-size bottles.

The L.L.Bean Personal Organizer (medium) is a great option for longer trips and people who travel with full-size bottles. Its 6.4 liters of storage spread across a dozen compartments means there’s a dedicated place for pretty much everything you could want to bring on a trip—it even has a removable mesh shower caddy for shampoo and body wash. This level of organization is crucial for larger toiletry bags because, as we discovered after years of traveling with our picks, contents that aren’t securely fastened can shift around in transit, which increases the chance of spilling. The downside of all this organization is that the L.L.Bean weighs 14 ounces when empty, so it’s not ideal for carry-on travel.

If neither of these bags seems right for you, read our full review of the best toiletry bags and dopp kits to learn more about our picks and everything we tested.

Toiletry bottles

Sea to Summit TPU Clear Zip Pouch with Bottles

These six TSA-friendly bottles are sturdy and smartly designed, dispensing liquids more precisely than any of the other bottles we tested.

For traveling with liquids in your carry-on, the Sea to Summit set is your best bet. All six bottles conform to TSA size limitations; three of them can hold 3 ounces of liquid each, and three can hold 1.5 ounces each, for a total of 13.5 ounces. Despite the set’s name, the bottles themselves are made not of thermoplastic polyurethane—“TPU" refers to the zip pouch—but a high-density polyethylene material, much like what you’d see used in most plastic milk jugs. It has an almost-smooth, semi-transparent surface just textured enough that it’s not slippery when wet. The plastic is also flexible enough that you don’t have to squeeze very hard to get your shampoo or liquid soap or whatever going. An insert at the mouth of each bottle helps regulate the flow, and the screw tops prevent liquids from leaking in transit.

Razor (faces)

Gillette Mach3

The best manual razor for most faces.

This classic razor’s three widely spaced blades provide the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. Its handle is comfortable and well designed, and replacement blades can be had for a fair price.

We researched more than 100 and tested 11 manual razors for our full razor guide , concluding that the Gillette Mach3 is our top pick for manual razors. Although the three blades require a little extra time for a closer shave, it performs comparably to the latest and greatest offerings for as little as half the price.

The Gillette Mach3 provides the best balance of speed, smoothness, and safety. The Mach3’s simple, round handle is easy to grip and maneuver, and its three blades offer a close shave without over-irritating the skin or getting clogged with hair. And the price of Mach3 blades—$2 per cartridge or less, whether you buy them online or in a store—came close to, or even beat, the pricing of shave-club rivals, and the Mach3 shaved better than those competitors.

Razor (legs/body)

Gillette Venus Smooth

The best body razor.

This classic Venus is one of the easiest razors to grip and maneuver and its three-blade design keeps the blades remarkably free of hair.

Disposable razors (both the completely disposable and replaceable-cartridge variety) are fine to take through airport security , and among them we like the Gillette Venus Original best for traveling. Although it’s now the runner-up pick in our guide to body razors —it was formerly the top pick—we believe that its simple aloe lubricating strips, which don’t become tacky when wet, make the Venus more travel friendly than our new top pick . Plus, as with any Venus, the Original’s body is compatible with any other Venus head and many heads from Gillette’s facial razors, making replacement heads easier to find when you’re on the road.

The Original’s head has three blades separated by considerable slats of space, making it far easier to clean the head between strokes. The Original is intuitive to hold and secure to maneuver, thanks to a contoured handle with corrugated chevrons of rubber. Though our testers have a wide range of hand sizes, no one found the Original difficult to grasp. Despite the significant ribbing, it doesn’t feel too bulky. Gillette claims its razors have lasted for five weeks; we think one razor for a weeklong trip should be fine.

(Know that, confusingly, the Venus appears for sale on some retail sites under the name Venus Close and Clean or Venus Smooth. It’s the same razor. If you’re unsure which Venus model you’re looking at, check for the Original’s three blades and trademark sea-foam blue color.)

Towel (packable)

PackTowl Personal

The best all-around packable towel.

The PackTowl Personal Towel is lightweight, soft, absorbent, quick to dry, and odor-resistant.

We put 20 top-rated towels through a battery of tests including regular shower use, a trip to the beach, camping, and a 48-hour stay in a ziplock bag under the hot Hawaiian sun. After all was said and done, the Packtowl Personal Towel is still the best all-around travel towel for most people. In addition to being the softest lightweight towel we tested, it was more absorbent than competitors made of similar materials. It had the best odor-resisting abilities and comes with a convenient mesh carrying pouch. We also have alternate picks for ultralight and all-natural towels below.

The Personal Towel’s suede-like material was the softest of the thinner towels. The Personal Towel also had superior absorption when compared with other similarly constructed towels such as the Sea to Summit DryLite —in our tests, it absorbed 2.8 times its weight in water, while the others absorbed between 2.3 times and 2.7 times.

One of just two we tested that featured an added antimicrobial treatment, the Personal Towel was only a little musty smelling after 24 hours in a sealed ziplock bag, and remained unchanged at 48 hours.

If you’re looking for a budget option, consider the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel , which is a tad smaller than our other picks and is made from a seemingly lighter-feeling fabric. Unlike most budget options, it has an antibacterial coating and still managed to carry a pleasant smell after being testing in different environments.

Regardless of how you get to your final destination, it’s likely you’ll be stuck in a seat that’s less than ideal. Travel gadgets that claim to reduce this misery, such as compression socks, are popular. But when they take up precious luggage space for the duration of your trip—not just the flight or train ride–they need to be worth every cubic inch of space. The less you can make do with, the better off you’ll be.

Neck pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

More support for most necks.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows we tested because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case. Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, though supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 over-ear set has the most versatile active noise cancellation we’ve ever tested. With 10 levels of noise reduction to choose from, everyone should be able to find a setting that meets their needs. We also enjoyed the lightweight and comfortable design and the easy-to-use controls. What distinguishes the Bose 700’s ANC is the amount of adjustability it gives you: Most noise-cancelling headphones offer controls for only on/off or maybe high/low/off, but with the Bose 700 pair you can set the ANC level from 0 to 10, so you have more flexibility to dial in the ideal setting for your comfort. The 20-hour battery life, while not the best we’ve seen, is more than sufficient to get you to most destinations. We have additional options—including earbuds and surprisingly good budget options for  over-ear headphones and earbuds —in our full guide to noise-cancelling headphones .

Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs

For blocking out the most noise.

These blocked the most noise in our controlled testing and got the most votes from our subjective sleep panel.

When you’re traveling, it can be difficult to fall asleep to unfamiliar noises. That’s why we spent several hours researching new contenders and tested four top-rated models while sleeping in a house that was next to an airport in order to determine that Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs  for sleeping.

The Mack’s 37.1 dB noise reduction rating was the highest among the models we tested. According to Cooper Safety , that’s enough to reduce the volume of a gas lawnmower to that of a normal conversation. What made the Mack’s earplugs so effective is the fact that we could insert them and rest assured that they would stay in the whole night. Meanwhile, the Howard Leight MAX1 might be a favorite from crowdsourced sleep-aid review site Sleep Like the Dead , but the earplugs would inevitably fall out in the middle of the night. Thus, they failed to block out the noise of planes landing and taking off throughout the night, despite the MAX1’s 33 dB noise reduction rating. The Howard Leights also made our ears ache on occasion, whereas the Mack’s has a tapered shape that was consistently comfortable night after night.

The Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs cost about 20¢-35¢ per pair when purchased in a 50-pair pack. They come in a plastic case is about the size of a large coffee mug, which is small enough to toss in a large bag or suitcase. Many other ear plugs like our runner-up, the 3M’s E-A-Rsoft OCS1135 , can only be ordered in industrial-size lots that, while perhaps appealing to those who travel constantly (or run a hostel), are annoying to store and often lack a reusable container of any sort.

Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask

For air travelers and back-sleepers.

The lightweight and contoured Nidra mask is a light-blocking win for most face shapes, with deep eye cups that allow the wearer to blink freely and arrive feeling refreshed.

When bright lights hamper peaceful shut-eye, we recommend the light-blocking, contoured Nidra Deep Rest sleep mask. Of the 14 masks we tested , the Nidra blocked the most light on the most faces. It’s contoured to rest on your face like a pair of soft goggles, with fabric lenses that sit around your eyes (instead of directly over them). This design provides more space for your eyes to flutter during REM sleep, ensuring that you come through red-eye flights with less redness in your eyes. Makeup wearers will also appreciate that, with the Nidra’s elevated eye cups, there’s a smaller chance of smudging.

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask

A flat, silk mask.

A silken exterior material, a flat design, and an adjustable strap make this mask a fit for almost any face, but it puts pressure on the eyes.

Mzoo Sleep Mask

A smooth, contoured eye mask.

Soft, structured, and contoured, this mask stays on all night and prevents any light from seeping through

If the Nidra Deep Rest doesn’t fit your face quite right, we also recommend the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask and the Mzoo Sleep Mask . The Alaska Bear mask lacks contoured eyecups and thus applies some pressure to the eyes overnight like any regular eye mask does. But its flat design easily conforms to fit your face, and its silk exterior feels smooth and soft against skin (the padding is made of cotton). Its relative lack of structure makes it more difficult to knock off when you’re tossing and turning.

The Mzoo mask’s eyecups have a convex gap so your eyes can open and close. That gap is surrounded by a memory foam padding that rests on the perimeter of your eye sockets. The effect is such that you don’t feel like your eyes are being forced closed, but there is a bit of compression near your temples, eyebrows, and cheekbones. Most—though not all—of our testers found this sensation soothing. One liked how the contour of the eyecup kept the mask from brushing against their eyelashes, which makes it a good choice for people who wear eyelash extensions.

Few things are better than landing at an airport, turning on your phone, and having it just work. No hassles, no stress, no worries about brutal roaming fees. You can check in with loved ones, scope out the route to your lodgings, and maybe post an Instagram story or two—because your phone works just like it does at home. This is especially freeing, and it makes travel so much easier. (Of course, phones aren’t the only useful tech to bring: Check out our accessories reviews for guides to the best cables ( USB-C , Lightning , and Micro-USB ), Wi-Fi hotspots , Bluetooth speakers , and more.)

Unlocked mobile phone

One of the most useful gadgets for international travel is an unlocked smartphone that’s compatible with cheap, prepaid phone plans you can sign up for at your destination. Unless your carrier offers plans including high-speed data that you can access internationally (i.e., you’re with T-Mobile or Google Fi), traveling with a phone under contract with a major carrier means paying an arm and a leg for data. Being able to access data-guzzling apps like Google Maps or Google Translate on the fly is worth the hassle to unlock a phone. Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp are free, easy ways to communicate with people you meet on your trip and people from home. Plus there’s checking email, TripAdvisor, banking, social media, and so on.

An “unlocked” phone means you can buy prepaid SIM cards in the country you’re visiting, letting you access their local network for significantly less money than the roaming fees incurred by your home carrier. With a prepaid SIM, your phone effectively becomes a new phone with a new (now local) phone number. Instead of seeing “Verizon,” “AT&T,” or “Sprint” at the top of your phone, you might see “Vodafone,” “Yes Optus,” “M1,” or whatever provider you choose in the country you’re visiting. The first thing to check is if your phone will work where you’re going. If you’re unsure if your phone will work where you’re going, check the Wikipedia page for your phone or contact your provider.

Your phone will also require a removable SIM. (If your phone has an eSIM, as all new iPhones do, check out our blog post about those.) Most countries require a passport or other ID to buy a prepaid SIM without a contract, but switching the SIMs is easy. Most stores will do it for you while you’re there. Depending on the country/provider, this could take as long as 10 minutes but is often faster. The next question is easily the most complicated: Can you unlock your phone? Each carrier has different rules and criteria. Generally, if you have a brand new, expensive phone, they may not let you unlock it (there’s usually a waiting period after the purchase date). But if it’s a little older, or if you’ve paid it off, they probably will. The thing to remember is that a provider can deny an unlock request without giving a reason. You might be lucky, though; certain phones on certain providers are unlocked by default. Here are Verizon and AT&T’s pages on unlocking. Alternately, you can buy a pre-unlocked phone just for travel. Amazon and Best Buy, for example, sell unlocked phones. This is also a good option if you think you might lose your expensive phone and a cheaper one will suffice while you travel.

Plug adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Best universal travel adapter.

With four plugs that will work in most countries, plus faster-charging USB ports (and more of them) than its competitors, this adapter is the best all-around choice.

In a sea of almost-identical travel adapters, the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter stands out, combining the best of the features we look for. It contains the three most common international plugs and a US-style plug, which should cover you in the majority of countries around the world. It has the most USB ports—four of the standard USB-A and one USB-C—of any universal adapter we tested, and it charged more of our devices faster. A replaceable fuse and an included spare should take the brunt of any accidental, unfortunate, or shockingly bad connections. The Epicka is fairly compact and well built, and it even comes with an extra USB cable and a nylon case.

However, no universal travel adapter is truly universal, and they’re all a lot bulkier and more expensive than simple plug adapters. If you want the smallest adapter possible, or if you’re going someplace where a universal adapter won’t work (more on that in a minute), a plug adapter could be what you need.

Ceptics International Worldwide Travel Plug Adapter 5 Piece Set

The best plug adapter.

Individually, these tiny plug adapters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper than any universal travel adapter. To juice up multiple devices, though, you’d need a separate multiport charger too.

The tiny plug adapters from Ceptics are barely larger than the prongs they convert. Small, simple, and cheap, they’re perfect for someone who wants to carry only the adapter they’ll need and who already has a multiport USB wall charger they like. Like our universal adapter picks, this set contains the three most common international plugs and the US plug. However, it also includes a somewhat rarer plug used in some European countries that has two thick, cylindrical prongs. This means that the Ceptics set will likely cover you in even more places—as long as you pack the appropriate plug adapter. These charts should help you find the shape you need before you order.

However, getting your gear to work in different countries isn’t quite as simple as it should be, and there’s no single solution that’s guaranteed to work for everyone. Our picks should work for you, but you may have some random piece of equipment, or be traveling to some country, for which our “good for most” picks just won’t work. (Case in point: One Wirecutter editor visited Iceland a few years back. The house she stayed in had outlets unlike anything on those charts, and the plug adapters she had used elsewhere in Reykjavik didn’t fit at all. It turns out the mystery sockets belonged to an obscure Italian system from the 1960s that was popular in Iceland for a time. Luckily, the hosts had power strips in the house that her adapters fit into.) The world is a big place, and when it comes to electricity and wall outlets, there’s a lot of variation. That’s important to keep in mind.

Whether two-prong or three-prong, an adapter just changes the shape of your plug, not anything about the electricity coming through the wires. However, this usually isn’t a problem because almost every power brick that comes with modern electronic gear is capable of accepting both the 110-volt standard used in the US and the 240-volt commonly used abroad. If your device has a power block on the cord, it likely says something like  “100-240 V ~ 50/60 Hz”—that’s the all-clear to use it without a voltage converter so long as the range covers the voltage of the country you’re visiting . This includes the vast majority of modern laptop and USB chargers.

Products without some sort of power block at the end or with a non-detachable cord—in particular, things with heating elements like hair dryers and curling irons—are more likely to need a voltage converter. Putting 220 V through a US 110 V device would be like attaching a firehose to a drinking fountain—you’re likely to blow your face off. But voltage converters are tricky devices, and most of the inexpensive ones have awful (or dishonest) reviews. Since hotels and hostels will often have hair dryers and most newer gear can do the full range of voltages, we strongly recommend that, whenever possible, you only bring items that work with a much simpler (and more reliable) adapter.

Wire/gadget organization system

Now that every device has a battery, every battery has a charger, and every charger has a cable—never mind power-plug adapters if you’re traveling abroad—the sheer quantity of accessories needed just to keep your gadgets running can take up more space than the devices themselves. And unless you organize them, you can bet on having to blindly fish them out of the least convenient spot at the bottom of your bag. Recently, our pick for carrying tech necessities, the Incase Nylon Accessory Organizer, which had been out of stock for a few years, returned to the Incase website and appears to be in stock. If you prefer mesh to easily see your contents, , we also like the Container Store Micro Mesh Pouches .

The Incase cable organizer is a poly-nylon blend, so it’s durable. It is a soft-shell bag, however, so its contents can distort the bag’s shape when it’s full. But the bag’s edges remain rigid—so the seams don’t pucker—its contents don’t fall out, and zipping and unzipping the bag is still easy. We have other picks in our full guide to bag and cable organizers , including a roll-up bag and a stylish duo of cosmetics travel pouches ; we’ll also start testing other options to replace this one.

USB battery packs

A USB battery pack (also called a power bank) can keep your small electronics—from phones and cameras to tablets and more—going while you’re on the road. Although the length of your trip will determine exactly how much extra juice you’ll need to have on hand, whatever your requirements, we have a great USB battery recommendation for you. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket. Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet. It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

If you’re traveling for leisure, try not to get too wrapped up in technology because you might miss what you’re actually there to do: experience a new place. OneBag’s Doug Dyment said in an interview, “Wearing headphones and staring at a screen is like putting a digital wall around yourself when you’re traveling. It makes you seem unapproachable and uninterested in what’s around you.” That may be a good thing if you do truly want to be left alone, but Dyment went on to say that some of his most memorable traveling experiences were the result of just looking lost and getting help from the locals. “One minute, you’re a lost foreigner in an unfamiliar village, then someone asks if you need directions. Before you know it, you’re eating dinner with his family.”

Travel binoculars

Athlon Optics Midas ED

The overall best binoculars.

Amazingly affordable with great optics, these binoculars have performance comparable with that of many models that cost thousands more.

Our top pick for binoculars is durable and great for near-home hikes. In hot or dusty environments that may call for a clearer optical boost, the Athlon Optics Midas ED 8×42 binoculars deliver top quality. Its focus dial offers a wide range of depths that makes it easier to see whatever it is you desire—birds, grass or darkened areas of the forest. Our recommendation comes with the assistance of a professional ornithologist who spent over 100 hours putting 17 pairs of binoculars to the test in the mountains of Southern California and the rain forests of southern Mexico.

Although the Celestron TrailSeeker ED binoculars don’t offer a clear edge-to-edge view to the same degree of the Athlon Optics Midas EDs , they’re a comparable runner-up model that’ll be lighter on your wallet if having binoculars while traveling is a must. The TrailSeekers are equipped with great light-gathering qualities, close focus, and impressive optical resolution. Or, if you’re concerned about saving space, we liked the Pentax AD 8x25 WP binoculars. While not quite as powerful as our other picks, this compact pair of binoculars is well made and easy to fit into a carry-on while traveling via plane.

Ebook reader

Amazon Kindle (2022)

The best e-reader for most people.

Amazon’s most affordable Kindle is also its most portable, and it’s finally been upgraded with sharper text on its 6-inch screen and support for USB-C charging. Those features bring it in line with much-pricier e-readers.

The entry-level Amazon Kindle finally got an upgrade and is now our favorite e-reader , with the same crisp display and USB-C charging as the pricier Kindle Paperwhite has (and with double the storage space of the previous entry-level model). Amazon’s well-stocked ebooks store remains its biggest selling point, along with the ease of checking out library books via Libby and sending them directly to a Kindle.

Even if you don’t have time for pleasure reading on your trip, it’s worth investing in a Kindle because many major travel guides are available in fully searchable ebook formats now. Furthermore, e-texts will also work on your phone, tablet, and computer, thanks to the Kindle ecosystem.

Packable daypack

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

A pack that fits in your palm.

Toss this lightweight, phone-sized packable bag into your luggage or coat pocket, and you’ll never get caught without a spare bag again. If you need something to carry every day, though, we think you’ll prefer one of our more-structured picks.

Packing a stowable daypack, one that stuffs down to fit in your luggage when not in use, is a relatively small investment of space in exchange for a high return of function and flexibility. After researching dozens of packable daypacks across a spectrum of portability, features, and prices, and then packing, unpacking, loading, wearing, and drenching the top-rated finalists during multiple rounds of testing, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack is the smallest and lightest packable backpack we recommend. Packed up, it is very discreet: nearly the size of a keychain accessory.

The bag itself is a no-frills sack made from a paper-thin siliconized Cordura nylon, which means it’s very light and water-resistant. It has reinforced stitching at stress points, allowing the Ultra-Sil to carry more weight than you would expect. That said, since this pack is made of such thin, light material, carrying large or awkwardly shaped loads is somewhat uncomfortable, especially when compared with our more structured picks.

If comfort or waterproofing is important to you, check out the alternative picks in our review of packable daypacks for travel .

Field Notes 3-Pack Original Kraft Memo Books

For ultimate portability.

Field Notes are cheap but contain high-quality paper that earns praise from pen and stationery geeks across the web.

For writing your adventures as you travel, you can’t beat the portability, practicality, and romanticism of a pocket notebook. There’s nothing better in that category than Field Notes (three-packs available in a variety of styles and types ). These pocket-sized notebooks are widely praised for their excellent paper quality, and the Pen Addict’s Brad Dowdy tells me “Field Notes is pretty much the runaway pocket notebook champ.” Dowdy has praised it for the lack of feathering or bleedthrough with almost any pen, as well as for the light brown ruled lines, which are easier to write over than solid black. Austin Smith of Art Supply Critic told us in an email that his recommendation is “Field Notes has it, no question.” The Well-Appointed Desk has reviewed a slew of different Field Notes variants for those looking for something a bit more interesting.

Field Notes Expedition

A weather-resistant option.

Weather-resistant Expedition Field Notes are great if you’re writing in wet conditions, but don’t get them if you don’t need them. The synthetic paper feels weird and can cause some inks to smear.

If you think you’re going to be writing in foul weather, Field Notes also has the waterproof Expedition version with pages made from a synthetic water-and-tear resistant paper. You should only get these if you really need them, because otherwise, they just feel unnaturally slick and are more prone to smearing ink. At least one user has said that the paper shows less soaking through when wet than the similar Rite in the Rain books . The one caveat is that the synthetic paper will only work with pencils and certain inks ; thankfully, the Uni-ball Jetstream RT , our pick for best pen , definitely makes the grade.

Things can go wrong while you’re traveling, both where you are and where you’re not. Though you can’t prepare for every worst-case scenario, the peace of mind that a little bit of preparation grants will allow you to focus on what’s in front of you, instead of having to worry about what could go wrong. But preparation doesn’t simply mean buying more stuff just in case; it also means making efficient use of what you already have.

Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit

For the best combination of sewing tools.

The Merchant & Mills Rapid Repair Kit is the only travel kit we found that had objectively high-quality thread and scissors.

There’s nothing quite like a wardrobe malfunction to put a damper on vacation, especially when traveling with limited clothing. A good travel-size sewing kit allows you to mend a popped button or ripped seam on the fly—or even tackle more pressing issues like fixing a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack. After 15 hours of research, interviews with sewing teachers and avid home sewers, and tests of six travel and full-size kits, we found the Merchant & Mills for Purl Soho Rapid Repair Kit had by far the best tools and was the easiest to keep organized. Standard travel sewing kits usually contain mediocre thread and plastic-handled scissors that break easily. They can also be hard to keep organized (a truth we confirmed when testing six top-rated travel and full-sized kits). The Merchant & Mills set was the only one that had high-quality thread, all-metal mini scissors (don’t worry, the TSA shouldn’t stop you ), and a durable tin case (about the size of a deck of cards) to keep everything well organized.

Because the sewing pins are neatly stuck into paper inside a slim envelope and the three needles are housed in a mini glass vial, this kit also limits the risk of losing a sharp object in your bags. We found the Merchant & Mills needles easier to thread than others (no need for a fussy needle threader!) and we also like the vintage-looking safety pins that come clipped together along with two small white buttons. Although this kit only comes with black and white thread, the thread is strong and there’s more of it than you’d get in a flimsier set with shorter strands of multiple colors. We do think it would be nice if the kit included a more durable measuring tape than the paper one included, but overall everything about this kit is leagues ahead of anything else we considered. We didn’t find editorial reviews for any of the kits we tested, but the Merchant & Mills rapid repair kit was recommended by several sewing bloggers and is sold in many reputable indie fabric shops.

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best umbrella for most people.

This is a solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella that holds up in high winds. It also comes in a variety of colors.

price may vary by color or style

An umbrella you take traveling should be small, light, sturdy, and affordable. After putting in 66 hours of research and evaluating a total of 48 umbrellas across five rounds of testing (including one thunder-snowstorm), we found that the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is the best umbrella for most people. Its durable, nine-rib construction held up admirably against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice as much.

The Repel folds up to an 11½-inch long, 14-ounce package that fits easily into most bags and glove boxes. And it forcefully expands at a touch of a button to reveal an ample 37-inch-diameter canopy that protects your head and torso from precipitation in all but the windiest of conditions. Its lengthy, textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes. We also appreciate that the Repel comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s easier to pick yours out of a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, despite its affordable price, it’s backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee, but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under the company’s warranty.

Packing method for clothes

While packing cubes and other organization tools are helpful for maximizing your bag’s usable space, efficient packing is also achievable without the aid of tools and compartments. One Bag’s Doug Dyment tried all manners of folding aids and compression products but was unsatisfied with their claims of compression and wrinkle prevention. Frustrated, he developed his own method of packing clothes compactly called the Bundle Method, which he’s used and perfected over several decades of traveling.

The Bundle Method involves layering your shirts and pants at opposing angles on a flat surface, then wrapping them around a small “core” parcel (e.g. a packing cube full of underwear and socks). We won’t get into details, but Dyment does on his website ; you can watch this easy-to-follow video from NBC . The resulting bundle is compact and has no sharp creases that will require ironing out later on. Additionally, Dyment explains that “the slight tension created in the fabric by the wrapping process, along with the anchoring of the resulting bundle, greatly reduces the chances of wrinkling.” You then put it in your bag and use the tie-down straps to provide just enough pressure to keep it together.

While simple to perform, this packing method isn’t something you can master in one go. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get it, it’s like riding a bike. The downside is that you can’t just leave your clothing packed and expect to be able to access your underwear without fully unpacking your clothes first. But unpacking is a good habit to get into anyway, as it allows your clothes to breathe and avoid wrinkles or mildew. Wirecutter founder and frequent traveler Brian Lam says that unpacking the moment he enters a room has a grounding effect that allows him to feel a bit more at home in a new environment.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle for you, you can do what we did before we found out about bundling: roll up your socks and underwear tightly and place them in packing cubes, then put your wrinkle-prone items (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets) in a garment folder—we used the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Garment Folder . This is also travel guru Rob King’s preferred method of packing. Though the garment folder is not quite as space-efficient as the bundle method due to the added bulk of the folder and folding board, the plastic backboard does go a long way towards preventing wrinkles. Just be aware that if you leave your clothes in there for longer than a day, they’ll begin to develop unsightly creases that require an iron to get rid of.

A big thank-you to the Hotel Lucia in downtown Portland, Oregon, for lending us a suite to use for the photos in this guide.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Wirecutter Staff

Mentioned above

• There’s more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. Here’s how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags  
• The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more. The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks  
• After 10 years of airport dashes and overhead-compartment stashes, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is still the suitcase we want to carry. The Best Carry-On Luggage  
• After researching 30 models, we found that Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who check bags. The Best Suitcases for Checking  
• We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases. The Best Luggage Tags  
• After researching and traveling with packing cubes for more than five years, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set is what we keep in our luggage. The Best Packing Cubes  

Further reading

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

Road-Trip Essentials

by Eve O'Neill

We spend a lot of time driving each year, and this is our list of essential road-trip gear to include in your packing list.

Tools and Emergency Supplies to Keep in the Car for Winter Driving

by Rik Paul

Here are the essential—and nonessential—items to carry in your car during winter driving to ensure you get to your destination.

Our Passion

Our purpose.

Passion For Travel

• inherent Passion
• Travel Styles
• Destinations

Travel Inspiration

• Immersive Experiences

Specialized Travel

• Group Travel

Spreading our passion and love of travel

To take your breath away

TTC Sustainability

• impactful Purpose
• How We Tread Right
• MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
• Sustainability Awards
• TreadRight Foundation

Learn how we Make Travel Matter

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCES

Travel that makes a difference

Our Culture

• Our Offices
• incredible People

Our Heritage

• Stanley Tollman

Learn about what makes our team unique

Discover your career path in travel

SIGHTSEEING

Tailor-made, sustainability, ttc sustainability, our passion, our purpose, passion for travel, travel inspiration, specialized travel.

• Group-Travel
• Our DMC’s

OUR CULTURE

Our heritage.

• Thoughts from our Chairman
• MTM Experiences

INTRODUCING YOU

To transformative travel.

With our multiple award-winning brands you not only have an ample selection but each of our brands offers something unique and firmly believe in our ethos of providing the best industry leading service and putting our guests at the heart of everything we do. Our brands help you travel in the most incredible ways possible, to amazing destinations so that you can experience life changing moments that will remain with you forever.

Explore our brands below:

As travel’s world leader, we inspire our guests through experiences that connect to the true essence of each destination.

All the sights and the insights, up close and personal, in comfort and in style.

Global adventures exclusively for 18-35’s. Culturally immersive trips led by our Expert Guides.

Uniworld provides the only authentic luxury river cruise experience throughout the rivers of the world.

A family-owned collection of unique and special luxury hotels, renowned for generous hospitality and passionate service.

We explore distinctive destinations in exquisite luxury, taking guests on a journey beyond the ordinary.

Our unbeatable value trips cover the travel essentials, giving our guests the freedom to tailor their dream trip, their way.

We are crazy passionate about Scotland. Our hearts were born tartan and our mission is to turn yours tartan too.

Experience award-winning 1-6 day tours of Scotland, led by our passionate Local Guides.

From fully guided trips to discovering Ireland and Scotland on your own, we’ll connect you with the people and stories that make this part of the world so extraordinary.

With over 100 years of experience and the widest domestic footprint, no one knows Australia and New Zealand like we do.

We invite you to embark on a bespoke exploration, on a small group journey, exploring Australia & New Zealand.

Wherever you go in Africa, incredible transformative experiences await you, tailored to your every need. 

See Africa’s breathtaking wildlife up close. Discover Africa in affordable luxury.

Evan Evans provides unforgettable journeys and experiences to Britain’s most iconic locations.

We provide a wonderfully simple, genuinely personal way to plan, book, and enjoy unforgettable vacations.

Delivering high-quality experiences with exceptional customer service; our people make the difference.

An unforgettable family experience featuring unique shops, dining, rides and classic American fun.

The Americas are beautiful, wild and awe-inspiring. Let us show you their true wonder.

In a hidden valley at the Southern most tip of South Africa lies a winery that combines the best of the old ways with the innovation and creativity of the new.

Tracoin provides support to the TTC family of brands through contract administration services.

TCA is committed to providing the best value & service experiences to our travel Partners in Asia.

Our modular tours allow you to design your own African itinerary from a curated selection of destinations and attractions.

Pentravel is a specialist leisure travel agency offering airfares, accommodation, tours, cruising and holiday packages.

For unrivalled travel value and memorable, hassle free holidays. With Thompsons Holidays, the world is at your fingertips.

Springbok Atlas Tours & Safaris are the experts in African safari tours and guided holidays. Explore the beauty of Southern Africa.

We are the distributor of leading global brands to the boat-building, boating and diving sectors with expert support.

Our modern fleet is backed by a dedicated 24/hour operations team, highly qualified guides and drivers.

We are a state of the art marine equipment distributor leading with a wealth of industry experience.

We operate tours dealing with the Southern Africa Market for inbound/outbound Japanese travel.

Edusport Travel & Tours is your one-stop-shop for sports travel packages at iconic international and local sporting events.

Trusted for over 25 years. Delivering curated freedom for travel in Southern Africa & more recently, Russia!

The world of SEIT Outback Australia offers an opportunity to explore the real outback.

Peak Incentives is your trusted travel incentives company in South Africa; we deliver rewards with a wow factor.

Whatever your interests, Hylton Ross Touring offers the best opportunities to experience South Africa.

DESTINATIONS

Travel styles, i nherent passion.

This website uses cookies. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our website’s functionality and performance and better experience for our users. If you require more information please view our cookie policy .

12 Outdoor Brands Every Traveler Should Know About

By Nicole Kliest

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A year into the pandemic, our collective thirst for the great outdoors is evident. Road trips , camping , and outdoor exploration have become increasingly common themes for travel during this unusual era. For anyone dipping their toes into outdoor adventure, here's one crucial piece of advice: gear is everything . Without the proper clothing, boots, backpacks , tents, and sleeping pads, you and your grand escape simply cannot thrive. (Though if you aren't ready to buy your own, you can always test gear out and rent first .)

If you’re considering a camping, hiking, or backpacking trip sometime soon, you'll want to ensure you've got a handle on the best outdoor brands to shop for gear from. There are the ubiquitous giants—Patagonia, Columbia, Marmot, The North Face—but if you're keen to add a few more to your roster, continue ahead for 12 lesser-known outfitters recommended by the people who know the space best: adventure photographers, explorers, professional surfers, and more.

NEMO Equipment

Best for: sleeping bags and tents.

Worthwhile inventions are often born out of necessity, as was the case with NEMO Equipment . After a “turbulent night on the side of Mount Washington” due to a poorly-designed bivy (a small, lightweight solo shelter used by mountaineers instead of a tent), founder Cam Brensinger created his first airbeam-supported tent. Fast forward 19 years and NEMO now offers a diverse collection of outdoor gear, much of which has picked up awards and recognition from the likes of Time , Popular Science , and even an elite group of Navy SEALs. Outdoors enthusiast and adventure photographer L. Renee Blount recommends NEMO for its quality, durability, and bright colors, and says her most trustworthy sleeping bag is from them.

Light enough for backpacking but also a great pick for car camping , this bright and light tent offers two doors and vertical walls to make the tent feel more spacious inside.

Comfortable Adventures

Best for: womxn's clothing.

Jeein Shin noticed a deficit in comfortable apparel for the sport when she began outdoor climbing. Citing options that felt either too tight or too technical, she spent 18 months in research and development, then founded Comfortable Adventures . Writer, filmmaker, and nature photographer Johnie Gall swears by their pants. “They are stylish and made with thoughtful but not overtly technical details, like reinforced knees and a belt loop for your chalk bag,” Gall says. “I'm also a big proponent of choosing more regenerative, natural fibers—rip the seams out of these hemp pants and you could compost them.”

Shin’s star product is made from 55 percent hemp and 45 percent organic cotton and offers a silhouette that’s not tight like leggings nor overly stiff or technical—the Goldilocks of outdoor pants.

Best for: sleeping gear

An outdoor adventure can be swiftly spoiled by a poor night's rest; Klymit ’s focus is solely on preventing this from happening. “When it comes to backpacking, the best sleeping pad I’ve tried is made by Klymit,” Latinxhikers co-founder Luz Lituma says. “The Static Sleeping Air Pad is definitely side-sleeper friendly, takes way fewer breaths to fill, and is super affordable compared to other brands.”

At 18.7 ounces, this lightweight pad is a smart way to add much-needed comfort to your camping trip.

Sleep under the stars in this stable hammock that features dual foot straps and wings and can accommodate up to 300 pounds.

Best for: backpacks, clothing

Davis Smith named his outdoor brand Cotopaxi after an active volcano in the Ecuadorian region of the Andes. His clothing and gear are favorites among outdoors enthusiasts, including Travis Welch, an alumni trips coordinator at NOLS, a global wilderness school . “These days, we want more out of our brands than simple good gear and Cotopaxi fits the bill,” Welch says. “They're not scared of using colors, have great corporate values, and fund grants related to international poverty relief .” The product Welch uses most is the Luzon 18L pack: “It's lightweight, compact, and durable, so I have it in my checked luggage all the time,” he says. “My Luzon has been on five continents with me.”

Each and every Del Día pack is one-of-a-kind, made from 100 percent repurposed fabric, and comes in its own unique colorway.

Best for: lightweight gear

Spend enough time adventuring outdoors and you'll learn how important lightweight gear is. Quinn Brett , an adventurer and multi-record breaking athlete, swears by Hyperlite 's backpacks and stuff sacks. “They're all incredibly lightweight and easily packable. They are not dry bags, in the traditional sense, but the roll-top stuff sacks keep stuff dry almost the same,” she explains. In October 2017, Brett fell over 100 feet while climbing on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park , leaving her currently paralyzed from the waist down. “I used [Hyperlite's sacks] solely when I was rock climbing and adventuring throughout the world and a variety of climates. Now, they are still my go-to on hand-cycle bike packing trips and backcountry hut trips.”

Great for backpacking and thru-hiking, this size backpack is best used for trips between one and four days.

Wintergreen Northern Wear

Best for: winter clothing.

Wintergreen Northern Wear has been operating on Ely, Minnesota's main street for over 30 years. “The gear is bulletproof,” Outward Bound Instructor Brian Minor says. “I have a beloved smoke-stained anorak that I've worn for hundreds of winter expedition days in the Boundary Waters.” His top pick for Nordic skiing as well as casual wear is the Hansen Merino Wool Hoodie . “It has a thick fabric with a simple look—no superfluous pockets or zippers.”

Crafted from Polartec Wind Pro fleece, Wintergreen's classic beanie features an embroidered trim and tassel to finish.

Best for: cooking gear, portable lamps, and chargers

Energy poverty is at the core of BioLite 's mission. In 2008, the founders attended a conference that shed light on the jarring fact that “half the planet lives in energy poverty, lacking safe and reliable ways to cook, charge, and light their lives.” They refocused their strategy to cut fuel consumption and reduce toxic emissions. Photographer and digital creator Angela Liguori relies on BioLite’s 330 Headlamp for her outdoor adventures. “It's rechargeable and lasts for days, so you're able to use it on a multi-day backcountry trip,” she says. “It's the only headlamp I trust when I'm outside and the sun has set.”

This kit comes with a portable grill, kettle pot, and coffee press and can even charge your devices.

Black Diamond Equipment

Best for: outdoor clothing, shoes, and accessories.

For Chris Burkard , an explorer, photographer, and author, “it's often the brands that focus on making the best product—not focusing on a specific sport—that truly shine through.” Black Diamond , the offshoot brand started by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, fits the bill. “It was created as a hard-goods company that has evolved [into] the leading outerwear brand for anyone wanting to be in the wild,” he says. “Their materials are space age and their designs are timeless. It doesn't matter if I am spending the day at the beach or at the crag, their gear goes with me.”

Add stability to your hikes with a set of poles; these offer a three-section aluminum shaft.

Best for: backpacks, clothing, shoes

Navigating Goliath brands like Nike can be a challenge, particularly when you're looking for a product that will pull its own weight in the great outdoors. For Hike Clerb founder and executive director Evelynn Escobar-Thomas , Nike's outdoors-centric ACG (All Conditions Gear) line delivers on its promise. “I wear ACG when I'm hiking, camping, or just running around Los Angeles,” she says. “My current obsession is the Mountain Fly . They're my go-to hiking shoes and are perfect for wet and dry terrain.”

These 75 percent recycled polyester and nylon fiber pants are inspired by Oregon’s Smith Rock.

Best for: sustainable athleisure

For obvious reasons, sustainability is at the heart of most outdoor brands, including California-based prAna . Their commitment to the planet means prioritizing organic and recycled fabrics, an ethical supply chain, fair labor practices, and responsible packaging. For professional surfer Anna Ehrgott , it's a brand worth getting behind. “The one piece that I have no idea how I dressed myself before I owned is their Sancho Pant —I own three colors and wear them 90 percent of the time.”

A good pair of board shorts make it easier to stop for a quick dip on a road trip or summer surf trip.

Peak Design

Best for: bags, camera gear.

After a four month trip around the world, Peak Design founder Peter Dering came home, quit his full-time job, and created a device to make traveling with a professional camera easier. Ronald Vernon Edward Griswell , founder and CEO of HBCUs Outside , is a fan: “They make beautifully-crafted and innovative pieces that help keep my gear more accessible, organized, and protected,” he explains. “I use their Everyday 30L Backpack for excursions big and small.” Edward also notes the brand is Climate Neutral Certified and a signee of the Outdoor CEO Pledge, "working towards a more diverse and inclusive environment.”

This sleek backpack is crafted from recycled post-consumer material and has a waterproof bottom liner. Griswell fits camera gear, snacks, extra clothes, sunglasses, laptop, and power banks inside.

Eddie Bauer

Best for: outdoor gear, family clothing, footwear.

Beginning with his small Seattle store opened in 1920 that sold and strung tennis rackets all the way to outfitting K2 and Everest ascents, Eddie Bauer has helped define the outdoor experience for over 100 years. Now, a new generation of travelers have taken to the legacy label, like photographer and adventurer Brooke Weeber . “I love how affordable and size inclusive their clothing is,” she says. “My most prized Eddie Bauer item is the Trail Tight . The fabric is thick enough to keep you warm on a cold winter trail but light enough for spring and summer nights.”

These hiking boots are waterproof and provide great traction thanks to their lug design using Vibram XS Trek rubber compound.

Deals of the Week   Captivating Costa Rica   Up to 50% OFF

USA Tour Companies

List of usa travel companies & tour operators with 195379 reviews.

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,510 reviews for USA tours

We had a brilliant day with Adrian

We had a brilliant day with Adrian & Amy. On our 3 Ghost Towns and wild west day trip. On the 8th of June. We where picked up from our hotel and the fun started there. We went with the smaller tour option. It was so much better than been stuck on a big bus. Adrian and Amy where on telling you all about Vegas and it's history. The Ghost Towns are well worth a visit. Loads of stories and characters. I would highly recommend Get Your Guide, for all your site seeing trips around Vegas. Thanks again to Adrian and Amy for a great day and everything. Best wishes from Ann, John and Thomas xx

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 107 reviews for USA tours

A little more hiking than we orginally thought.

The tour was great as expected. The tourguide was very well organized, person. He knew our stops and lots of personal experiences. Great sense of humor. I would recommend this tour and our tourguide to anyone.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,193 reviews for USA tours

A must destination. Great trip.

This is listed as a "Demanding" tour, but is designed for seniors and obese people. The guide was more focused on making us sit and have lunch than he was with hitting trails and parks, and we were often encouraged to hang out at the RV park pool. Also, "camping" means setting up a tent in a parking lot full of RV's, this does not include actual camping and the tents you are given are complete junk. You will spend much more time being driven in a van, or having sit-down meals 3 times a day, than you will actually exploring or hiking. Extremely disappointing for something marketed as DEMANDING. Oh and our guide went through an insane amount of food waste while not recycling, since G claims to have sustainability values which it clearly does not actually adhere to.

• Excellent - 996 reviews for USA tours

Day 1 and 3 of this tour were great. I really enjoyed it. However, Day 2 to Toronto was quite a boring day. No real highlights just a lot of time spent on the bus in traffic. Overall the trip was not very well organised and we ran late all the time. This was mostly due to a group of passengers who had their own interpreter/guide who did not advise them on appropriate group travel etiquette. They were completely incapable of conforming to departure times. Left the rest of the passengers annoyed by the delays they caused. Also it would help if the driver had a clear understanding of the route!

Very impressive Tour!

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 645 reviews for USA tours

Overall it was a good experience. Excellent tour director and driver. The food was inconsistent as to quality and service. The lodgings were fine for the type of trip. Too much time was spent at Monument Valley/Mystery valley and not enough time at Grand Canyon.

My first experience with an organized tour like this. Expense alone will limit future trips. Much more walking than my wife was prepared for. This alone reduced her enjoyment. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and thorough with his planning and execution. Andrew has a fun personality and very personable. One item that disappointed me was the shuttle from airport to resort at both ends of the

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

• Excellent - 23 reviews for USA tours

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

What an amazing experience this was; from the greeting and pick up by our guide/driver, to the phenomenal sights and the historical references that accompanied them! I am so pleased. This was an exceptionally planned tour that successfully met all of my needs. I would not change a thing and look forward to future adventures with them.

• Excellent - 5,600 reviews for USA tours

The tour was amazing, the manager did a top notch job, it’s great for making lots of friends, such a blast. A little rushed and fast paced, but it’s better than the stress of organising your own trip. Definitely doing it again

I thought it was great and would do it again any time!

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,696 reviews for USA tours

The itinerary provided by tour radar was not exactly how the tour was set up. One of our stops said we would be doing a cruise on lake Powell. That was not provided with the tour. Also the hotels that they said we would be staying at did not line up.

Overall, the tour was very fun and we'll put together. The tour guides were all friendly, and seemed to work well as a team. Accomodations were not bad, but there were better options directly adjacent. Food options were pretty much all fast food, which makes sense for the tour concept. However, dinner options could have been a bit better. We really would have appreciated a little more hiking and exploring time, and a couple of the guides did the best to accommodate that. However, 20 minute stops are just not enough time to get "out and experience" the areas.

• Excellent - 1,924 reviews for USA tours

The trip as a whole was great. Our Tour Director and bus driver were awesome. Our tour director was knowledgeable about the history, geography, flora and fauna of the areas we visited. The itinerary was a good mix of cities and scenery. My only complaint is that I thought the communication with the company before the trip left something to be desired. I spent several hours on the phone in the days immediately before the trip trying to straighten out some things that had gone sideways.

A very good tour the only comment I would make was although we enjoyed the piano recital at Natchez the explanation of the different types of notes was way above most peoples comprehension and was too long .

• Excellent - 74,901 reviews for USA tours

Because of the itinerary, I joined the tour and oh, boy, I surely wasn't mistaken. It was a great adventure from beginning to end. The only missing piece is the start of the Revolution, which is situated in Boston. That would have rounded up the experience to a T. Anyhow, the tour guide was great and fun. It happened to be a relative small group tour of 21 people; that helped a lot too in terms of logistics, efficiency and orderliness. But the tour bus could have been better by having WiFi and more sound insulation, especially at the back where the engine and the air-conditioning were noisier;the overhead built-in speakers could have been better; as it was, they were kind of muffled in the rear again. Overall, it was worth every penny. For history buffs, it could not get any better, actually experiencing the real thing, immersing in it all than just reading the events online or in book format. Once in a lifetime experience. Never a dull moment.

This was our second trip on Globus and both experiences were fantastic.

• Excellent - 912 reviews for USA tours

Great itinerary, professional and knowledgeable guide. It was truly the Best of Colorado. More like 7 days, not 9 days.

A good chance to learn more about the Canadian way of live and to see a lot - especially by using a guided tour.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,756 reviews for USA tours

The trip on it self is awesome. The parks we visit were stunning. However as I booked with Tour radar, it was not mention anywhere the level of the trip. I knew during the trip that this same trip is advertised as a compfy trip with intensity 2/5 on intrepid website. I found my self with 65 Y+ while Im 35 Y and for the hikes it was inconvenient. Hope it will change on the marketplace.

We were fortunate to have Claire Kredens as our driver guide. She is a gifted leader and could cope with ant situation. Such a tour is useful to learn which cities you might like to re-visit because our time in each is very short. Four and five hour drives every other day is exhausting and maybe the number of places visited could be edited downward. On the whole, I enjoyed the trip altho the age range 15-99 is unwise. 15-80 would be much more realistic.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 265 reviews for USA tours

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Good - 16 reviews for USA tours

leider entsprach der Reiseverlauf nicht ganz der ursprünglichen Ausschreibung. Die kurzen Wanderungen in die Canyons waren gestrichen worden, was insbesondere für das Bryce canyon sehr schade war. Der Ersatz (Death Valley) war dafür lohnenswert. Die Toursprache "only in english" stimmte nicht, Englisch war nachrangig. Ein Großteil der Gruppe sprach kein Englisch, so dass man sich wie ein Aussenseiter fühlte.

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

The Coyote Trip

• Good - 11 reviews for USA tours

This trip was run like a school trip, we were told that we had to stick to the schedule rigidly even though I asked several times to visit a different museum/shop. Free time was limited and it seemed like the guide had specific ideas of what he wanted to do and see. Our guide also left us on a subway in New York to get home close to midnight and then we had issues getting checked into the hostel. FYI most tour guides make sure their group gets to the hotel safely and without hassle. Waste of time and money.

From a speedboat to the Statue of Liberty to fireworks on 4th July in Washington to hiking to Yosemite Falls, this trip showcased the very best the USA has to offer. I went on the 21 day Full Cyote trip from New York to San Francisco with my brother. With such a packed itinerary of included activities, it offered great value for money. The guides in every region we visited were excellent. A particular shout out to Ryan, who added in extra stops and experiences based on the group's interests. Other highlights included the Grand Canyon, Washington's museums, whale watching in Boston, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset in Griffeths Park. I met a great group of people on the trip, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with the Cyote Trip again.

List your company on TourRadar

Audio Guide

Our ergonomic, simple and intuitive audio guide system, for a better visitor experience. Durable for many years of use, the Orpheo Mikro LX serves fine arts museums, travelling exhibits, factories, universities and all other cultural and tourist sites around the world.

FIND OUT MORE

Group Guiding System

Intended for group guided live tours, the Orpheo Tour Guide system has been specially designed to be lightweight, robust and easily configured. Wireless, suitable and adaptable to any tour: for company and factory tours, museum and exhibit tours.

Multimedia Guide Run Apps without WiFi

The Orpheo Touch is a multimedia guide designed for both indoor and outdoor cultural sites to enhance your visitors’ experience. This digital companion offers a beautiful image quality, a wireless charging connector and a shock-resistant case. It comes with a tour app generator, MyOrpheo Studio.

Hybrid Guide Multimedia Guide and Tour Guide

The Orpheo Hybe is a hybrid multimedia guide with a radio guide function for live group tours. This versatile device combines two of Orpheo’s key product lines, halfway between an audio guide for self-guided tours and a tour guide for group tours.

Other Orpheo Products

We have developed a real ecosystem around our audio, multimedia and tour guide devices to better guide visitors to cultural and tourist sites. Contactless audio headsets, automatic triggering and video synchronization systems, touch and audio-visual kiosks, Wi-Fi access points, connected distribution boxes, solutions for tourist vehicles… and much more.

Discover our references

Frequently asked questions about Orpheo.

Latest articles

• Exploring Public Health: Orpheo Partners with the CDC Museum
• Harley-Davidson Museum upgrades to Digital Guides
• Orpheo develops a new ADA inclusive tour in 6 languages for Casa Loma

Latest news of Orpheo group

Our offices

Ho Chi Minh

• Places to visit
• Motorhome & Caravan news
• Accessories
• Travel reports
• Tips for begginers
• Traffic regulations

Tourist equipment - what can we find in stores?

Tourism is both a profitable and popular industry. And it is not only about tourist centers, hotel base or attractions prepared for visitors, but also about trade in tourism equipment.

It is known that people will never give up on trips, trips, rest and therefore there will always be customers visiting tourist equipment stores. Here it is so important that it does not matter whether the trip is organized by a travel agency, a workplace, or it is your own and individual trip to a place of your choice. You always need to have a few things with you that will be perfect for both travel and stay.

Tourist backpacks - what to pack on the trail

The backpack is probably the most important here, as it is difficult to imagine any tourist trip without it. Because somewhere we have to put things with us and the backpack is the most practical here. A tourist bag is also a solution, but we rather leave it at the place of accommodation, while the backpack can be empty and loaded only with what is necessary, for example, during a hiking trip. Backpacks can have a frame, which stiffens them and fits well to the back. When choosing, it is worth checking how comfortable it is, adjusting the straps appropriately and paying particular attention to its capacity and the number of additional pockets. The thing about backpacks is that we can attach some packages to them.

A tent for a comfortable stay with nature

Such packages may include a tent. Currently, even a relatively roomy tent can fit in a small handy bundle. If we are already thinking about a tent, it is impossible to ignore a mat and a sleeping bag. And these currently don't take up much space and are well rolled up and packaged. You can also use a mattress instead of a sleeping mat. The tents are equipped with tropics, but it is also easy to buy a shovel to dig it around so that it does not get wet during the increased rainfall. The equipment mentioned here and many others are the assortment that every tourist shop will offer us. We can go to such a store, or order the product we are interested in online without leaving home. There is no shortage of such e-shops with tourist equipment. We can buy not only backpacks, travel bags (often with a pram on wheels) or a tent with the necessary accessories, but also a number of other very useful, practical things. There are tourist cookers, refrigerators, and even folding chairs and tables. Usually these are small and light items that can be skillfully packed somewhere. Quick-drying towels are also a nice solution. It won't be too bad to buy a fin or some other tourist (multifunctional) knife.

Target-dependent hardware

In general, it is also important what place is the purpose of our trip. If we go to the water, we can equip ourselves with diving equipment, life jackets, mattresses, or even a pontoon. However, when we go to the mountains, we will need skis, poles (including trekking poles), crampons, ropes or even locators in case of an avalanche. In the case of shops with tourist equipment, we often deal with a two-branch point. What is meant by this? Well, such stores often offer both tourist and sports equipment. What else can we find in such a store? Of course, clothing and footwear. For all seasons, for all weather conditions and for any terrain. These will be pants, sweatshirts, jackets, gloves, hoods, capes, caps, multifunctional scarves, glasses and shoes. Everything depending on the purpose, either insulated or light, airy, always waterproof, durable, comfortable and preventing abrasions and excessive sweating. These are always the highest quality materials, specifically designed to move around or stay in different conditions. Most often they are company things, and you must know that we have many companies strictly dealing with clothing and tourist footwear.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that there is also cycling tourism. Therefore, in such a store, we can also buy a bicycle, and many bicycle accessories, to mention helmets, gloves, racks, or water bottles, bags attached to the frame.

The article was prepared by the Milworld military store specializing in the sale of tourist equipment and clothing.

We have created the CampRest portal for people who value freedom and travel on their own.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

The Top 15 Tour Operators in 2021

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite tour operators .

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

Linking up with the right tour operator can take an amazing trip and turn it into a trip of a lifetime . This might seem like magic, but their in-the-know expertise and long-standing relationships open the doors for the seemingly impossible — a private Jeep safari with a professional tracking team in the depths of Torres del Paine or one-on-one cooking classes from a chef that runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in the south of France. And if any group has traversed the world enough to discern the best tour operators out there, it's the readers of Travel + Leisure .

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

The companies that made the list have the skills and connections to create itineraries that reflect their clients' personal interests. No. 3 VBT Bicycling Vacations curates two-wheeled trips all over the globe . One reader said, "Their staff make all the difference." No. 2 Mountain Lodges of Peru puts together highly personalized trekking adventures to Machu Picchu. As another reader exclaimed, "This is the way to visit Machu Picchu!"

But at the top of the list is Quasar Expeditions. Though primarily known for its cruises (the company won the small-ship ocean cruises category this year), it also operates a roster of dynamic safari-style excursions in South America. Read on to find out what sets it apart and which other companies join it on this year's list of the best tour operators in the world.

1. Quasar Expeditions

Quasar Expeditions is for adventurers. The highly specialized itineraries are designed to make guests feel like they're James Cook or Charles Darwin. "Quasar Expeditions' guides are the ultimate, passionate gatekeepers to the Galápagos Islands," one reader said. "Their enthusiasm and love of the islands and the wildlife encourages you to share in their passion and desire to conserve the natural beauty and habitat of the area while still allowing low-impact tourism." Another raved, "Excellent isn't a high enough rating to describe our experience with Quasar Expeditions. Extraordinary in every way!" And while Quasar is best known for its Galápagos trips, it gets high marks for its Patagonia itineraries, which takes guests into the best parts of Chile's Torres del Paine and Argentina's Los Glaciares — two of South America's most spectacular national parks.

Score: 99.58 More information: quasarex.com

2. Mountain Lodges of Peru

Score: 98.93 More information: mountainlodgesofperu.com

3. VBT Bicycling Vacations

Score: 98.70 More information: vbt.com

4. Classic Journeys

Score: 98.60 More information: classicjourneys.com

5. TCS World Travel

Score: 97.55 More information: tcsworldtravel.com

6. Black Tomato

Score: 97.25 More information: blacktomato.com/us

7. Inside Japan Tours

Score: 96.84 More information: insidejapantours.com

Score: 96.72 More information: tauck.com

9. Wilderness Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: wildernesstravel.com

10. Trek Travel

Score: 95.71 More information: trektravel.com

11. Geographic Expeditions

Score: 95.70 More information: geoex.com

12. Thomson Family Adventures

Score: 94.89 More information: familyadventures.com

13. Greaves

Score: 94.74 More information: greavesindia.com

14. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.

Score: 94.64 More information: duvine.com

15. Odysseys Unlimited

Score: 94.39 More information: odysseys-unlimited.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

Related Articles

• Overland Equipment

• Equipment We Use

The sport of overlanding has taken off in North America and with it a deluge of new products and vehicle builds.

From the iconic Land Rover Defenders of South Africa and the Toyota Land Cruisers of Australia came the world of Overlanding. Once a “gentleman’s sport” for only the affluent, the activity has now taken shape in the United States and opened the door to adventurers of all kinds. The flurry of activity spawned from the likes of Overland Journal magazine and, the now well-known, Overland Expo which originated in Southern Arizona on a ranch near Amado and now showcases the sport in three locations around the USA.

Our own overland experience is fairly extensive including a 13,000 mile, 9-month overland traverse of North America in a lifted 2015 Jeep Rubicon JK, extensive backcountry excursions with a Horizon Adventure Trailer, excursions with off-road camper vans, and most recently the build of the internationally known 4XPEDITION Subaru Outback.

Our influence on the market has seen partnerships with some of the leading and cutting-edge manufacturers in the industry. Take a look at our overland equipment list below to learn more about these and other great products.

Watch our overland videos on 4XPEDITION Adventurer . >

Rooftop Tent Brief

Rooftop Tent (primary): iKamper Skycamp Mini Size: 2-person Type: Hard shell Weight: 125 lb Rack: Prinsu Design Studio

FROM OUR SPONSOR

The 4XPEDITION Subaru Outback 3.6R Overland Road Warrior is the foundational platform for our soft-road overland build. Featuring a whopping 35.5 feet of interior cargo space and significant roof surface area, the vehicle allows for plenty of gear, a sizable rooftop tent, and even enough room for four passengers. The zip in awning attaches directly to the tent doorway and significantly increases the living area protecting campers from rain.

4XPEDITION Founder, Scott Leuthold, has over 25 years of experience exploring remote backcountry in 4×4 vehicles. “Form and function are key to a quality overland experience. Convenience and efficiency will help avoid frustration and keep you going time and time again.” Says Scott. “There are best practices when it comes to Overlanding. It isn’t necessarily about the vehicle nor is it about the amount you spend. It is about the mindset and passion you have for venturing out.”

Outfitted Equipment

The 4XPEDITION Overland setup includes standard equipment that can be achieved with a few extra bucks over time. We didn’t build a Unimog here. What we built is something anyone can talk their partner into converting the family wagon into.

Kitchen System

JetBoil Genesis 2 Burner Stove

WaterBrick 2-Pack with Spigot

Dual Arc Plasma USB Flameless Rechargeable Ligher

KULA 5 Gallon Bucket Cooler

Collapsible Dish Tub

Stanley Classic Trigger-Action Travel Mug

OZTent Folding Camp Table

Coleman 12 Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set

Olicamp Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove (for backup)

Sleep System

iKamper Skycamp Mini

Teton Sports Mamoth 0 Degree Double Sleeping Bag (2 person)

Teton Sports Celsius Regular 0 Degree Sleeping Bag (1 person)

Exped Deep Sleep Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (x 2 for the Skycamp Mini)

Exped Megamat 10 Insulated Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad (x 2 for the Skycamp 4)

Big Agnes Q Core Insulated Sleeping Pad (backup)

Cocoon Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

Wenzel Camp Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow

LunoLife Sleep System (for rear of vehicle)

PEYOU Car Side Window Mesh Screens (for sleeping in vehicle)

Bathroom Hanging Vanity Supply Bag

Power System

RockPals 330W Power Station

RockPals 80W Solar Panel

Honda EU1000i 1000 Watt Inverter Generator (super quiet)

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Solar Recharging Kit and panel

28W 3 USB port Solar Charger

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD with 30W Power Delivery Charger

Clothing System

Dorfman Pacific Men’s Outback Hat with Chin Cord

Smartwool Unisex Merino Wool Hat

Manzella Power Stretch Touch Tip Gloves

4XPEDITION Branded T-Shirts

Odlo Performance Light Crew Neck Long Sleeve Liner Shirt

Nike DryFit Stretch Pants (MEN):

Nike Dry Fit Stretch Pants (Women)

PrAna Stretch Zion Pants

Patagonia Down Jacket

GoLite 800 UL Down Jacket

North Face Summit Series Liner

SwissWell Hooded Rain Suit

Sea to Summit Bug Screen Suit

Wright Socks Hiking Socks

Rubber Sole Slippers (Men)

Rubber Sole Slippers (Women)

North Face Thermoball Traction Bootie Water and Snow Resistant Slipper

North Face Mens Ultra 109 GTX Hiking Shoe

Salomon Quest Prime GTX Backpacking Boot

Recovery System

MaxTrax Recovery Boards

BUNKER Industries Mini Recovery Boards

ROTOPAX Gas Canister

Cusco 965 Front Tow Hook

Safe Jack 6 Ton Bottle Jack

Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CMF Universal Air Compressor

ARB Air Deflator Kit

Smittybilt CC330 3″ x 30″ Recovery Straps

100 Piece First Aid Kit

ZipStitch Laceration Kit

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio

Spot Gen3 GPS Messenger

Lighting System

Heretic Studio Onboard LED Lighting

Gear Aid FLUX Portable LED Light (USB Rechargable)

Gear Aid ARC Portable LED Light (USB rechargable)

PETZL NAO Rechargable Headlamp

Fairy LED String Lights

Utility System

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

Corona RS 7245 Razor Tooth Folding Saw, 7-Inch Curved Blade

SOG Camp Axe (hatchet)

LAMACA Light Forest Axe

Vaughan Rage 15 inch Demolition Hand Tool/Pry Bar

Reliance Fold-to-Go Collapsible Portable Toilet

Stansport 4B Portable Folding Camp Toilet

20×30 Multi-Purpose Heavy Duty Dry Top Tarp (backup)

GEAR AID Tenacious Tape Fabric and Vinyl Repair Tape

Trasharoo Spare Tire Trash Bag

Plano Extra Large Storage Box with Tray

Husky Liners Mud Floor Mats

Campfire Defender Campfire Control Blanket

Furnishings

Helinox Sunset Chair

Camp time Roll-A-Stool Three-legged Stool

Camco Adirondack Folding Side Table

Fireside Patio Mats

BeauTrip Outdoor Inflatable Lounge Chair

Accessories

iKamper Awning

ECOXGEAR EcoSlate Rugged and Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

ENO DoubleNest Hammock

BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Gym

Elite Sportz Push Up Bars

Go! Gater Portable Corn Hole Game

Moukey Mini Tongue Steel Pan Drum

Storage System

Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Liter Travel Pack

Sterilite 80 Quart/76 Liter Clear-sided Gasket Box

The 4XPEDITION Overland equipment includes both the iKamper Skycamp (4-person) and the iKamper Skycamp Mini (2-person) rooftop tents. These hard top clam-shell rooftop tents offer convenient accessories to make the overnight overland experience optimal. The taut canvas sides are durable in foul weather and the roof offers a zippable skylight for viewing the stars at night.

The telescoping ladder is conveniently stowed inside the tent and attached with hinges. The windows offer awnings for blocking the bright sun to the screened side windows. This tent has been tested in high winds and downpour rain and has held up well.

Though our Subaru Overland vehicle is not equipped with a stow-away kitchen, we have established a very quick and convenient kitchen setup that takes no more than about 5 minutes to set up and take down. At the center of the kitchen is the powerful Jet Boil Genesis two-burner propane cooktop which can be daisy-chained together with an additional burner.

The above image shows the iKamper Skycamp (4-person) rooftop tent along with the shoe tote which conveniently attaches to metal rings attached to slide rails underneath the tent floor. These attachment points allow for hanging a variety of accessories. Note also the GearAid LED lighting and MaxTrax traction boards.

Every recovery kit should include a set of traction boards. We opt for the original, tried and true, Australian made MaxTrax. These boards are ideal for not only recovery in sand and snow but for crossing deep ruts in the road where some vehicles may bottom out. Our boards mount conveniently on the Prinsu Design Studio roof rack keeping all dirt and debris outside the vehicle.

Required tools for backcountry adventure include a trusty shovel for digging out from a stuck position and a quality crafted axe, hatchet, and high-quality sun protection. In fact, any safety kit should include proper first aid, tow straps, a proper lift jack, air down kit, and air compressor jumper cables and more.

We all know how important it is to prevent forest fires. While you should always drown fires with water prior to departing your camp we have found that an ideal way to protect from wind gusts fanning a smoldering fire while you sleep or take a hike during the day is to cover your fire pit with a Campfire Defender fiberglass fire blanket. Covering your fire pit will give you peace-of-mind that nothing will happen while you sleep and will keep your coals warm for the morning.

Every prepared adventurer keeps proper tools in the vehicle at all times. You never know when something could break leaving you possibly stranded or unable to prepare food or what have you. Get yourself a Plano case and put a dedicated set of tools into your vehicle. With our spare tire on the rear, we are able to stow tools and straps in the spare tire hold inside the cargo area.

• Find a Dealer

There's still time to move more for less

Construction

Compact Tractors

Gator™ Utility Vehicles

Hay and Forage

0% APR for 60, 72, or 84 Months 1 on Select Compact Tractors

Precision Upgrades perfect for your existing planter & sprayers

Get $400 off 2 a new Z370R Electric Zero-Turn Mower

Search parts by, select manufacturer.

1 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 01 May 2024 through 31 July 2024. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Down payment may be required. Average down payment is 10%. $13.89 per month for every $1,000 financed. 0% APR for 60 months available on 1, 2, 3D, and 3E Series Compact Tractors. 0% for 72 or 84 months extended terms based on dealer participation. Taxes, freight, setup, insurance, fees, and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Sales to government agencies, company direct sales or other individuals or entities participating in any John Deere Special Discount Program or Rental Business Program are not eligible. Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars.

2 Offer valid on qualifying purchases made 04 June 2024 through 31 July 2024. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Save $400 USD on new Z370R ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mowers only. This offer can be combined with current financing options. Sales to government agencies, company direct sales or other individuals or entities participating in any John Deere Special Discount Program or Rental Business Program are not eligible. Some restrictions apply. See participating dealer for details and other financing options. Offer is available only at participating United States dealers. Prices and savings are in U.S. dollars.