Must Have Travel Gear

Whether you travel for business or pleasure here are some essentials to have on hand for your next trip.

1. Travelon RFID Blocking ID and Boarding Pass Holder This handy document holder prevents unauthorized access to personal information contained in RFID chips now imbedded into US passports and some bank cards. Keep all your tickets, credit cards and identification in one safe place and breeze through at airport check in. Use the attached adjustable neck strap or just keep in a safe place in your carry-on. Great place to keep all your “do not lose” documents. Buy on Amazon: Travelon RFID Blocking ID and Boarding Pass Holder

2. North Face Backtrack 70. This durable pack may be the only piece of luggage you’ll ever need. Suitable for a weeklong conference in Las Vegas or a month trekking New Zealand this pack is as versatile as it is stylish. Designed to accommodate 70 liters of storage space the pack is supported by a tubular V frame with an ergonomic contoured shoulder harness and adjustable hip straps. Other features include a detachable daypack, rain cover, sleeping bag compartment and a braided cable through the top carry handle for lockable security. Buy on Amazon: The North Face Backtrack 70 Pack

3. Klean Kanteen For years we’ve been warned on the dangers of plastic and some aluminum water bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA). Klean Kanteen water bottles are crafted of high quality, food-grade stainless steel and are and have always been BPA free. Fill the Klean Kanteen up at airports, hotels, restaurants, water fountains, pretty much anywhere for free water as you travel. Less plastic waste means it’s good for the environment and free water means you’ll be saving money every day. Klean Kanteen bottles are stylish, colorful, light and the perfect size to fit in a daypack or laptop bag. Water filter accessories are also available are for backpackers or those visiting countries with a questionable water source. Buy on Amazon: Klean Kanteen Water Bottles

4. Timbuk2 Blogger 2.0 - TSA Compliant Laptop Bag.Zip through airport security with this TSA “checkpoint friendly” laptop bag. In 2008 the US Transportation Security Administration released new guidelines that allow laptops in approved bags to remain in the bag for x-ray screening – one less thing to worry about in airport security lines. The Timbuk2 Blogger 2.0 is a stylish and professional vertical shoulder bag with a laptop compartment that lays flat to meet the “checkpoint friendly” requirements. Other features include the double-padded waterproof bottom, luggage pass through for your carry-on, grab strap and internal organizer pockets. Buy on Amazon: Timbuk2 Blogger 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag

5. Heys Xcase 20" Carry-On. The world’s lightest carry-on luggage weighing just 5.3 lbs, is the perfect suitcase for the weekend trip. It’s sleek and shiny hard shell comes in a variety of fashionable colors including silver, fuchsia, pink, turquoise and more. It’s fully lined interior with cross straps will hold enough belongings for a long weekend or more. Roll in style with the single tube push-button telescoping handle. Measuring 20 x 14 x 10 inches, this will meet the carry-on guidelines of nearly all airlines and is a great way to avoid paying baggage fees.Buy on Amazon: Heys Xcase 20" Carry-On

6. Cocoon Poly-Cotton TravelSheet A travel sheet is a versatile, compact and light-weight sleep sack. They are ideal for use on planes, trains, hotels and youth hostels, or anywhere else you might need to catch some sleep while traveling. This travel sheet takes up almost no luggage space and includes a side opening with a Velcro closure for easy access and a pocket for pillow insert. Perfect for when the cleanliness of the hotel’s bed sheets is questionable. Buy on Amazon: Cocoon Poly-Cotton TravelSleepSystem TravelSheet Coupler

7. Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod This is the ultimate travel tripod! Small enough to pack in your carry-on this mini tripod is designed with self-timer photography in mind. The Gorillapod lets you mount your camera just about anywhere you want so that you can include everyone in your automatic shots. Just use the universal screw to attach your camera to the standard tripod mount, then wrap the three flexible segmented legs securely to a nearby tree branch, fence, park bench, or anything else that's convenient. Also great for long-exposure night shots. Buy on Amazon: Joby GP1-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)

8. Victorinox Voyager Lite Ruby Never leave home without a flashlight, a cork screw and a can opener. This Swiss army knife has all three plus a number of other useful contraptions including two blades, three screwdrivers, tweezers, scissors, a ball point pen and more. The knife front display has a digital clock, timer and alarm. Be sure to check this one in your baggage as TSA does not allow pocket knives in carry-on baggage. Buy on Amazon: Victorinox Voyager Lite Translucent Ruby Multi-Tool

9. Travelon Worldwide Adapter and USB Charger If you’re traveling internationally - good news! Most of your electronics including cell phones, laptops and mp3 players are already dual voltage meaning you will not need a currency converter to charge your equipment abroad. All you need is an adaptor to make sure your plug will fit into the wall socket. This adaptor includes 4 adaptor prong configurations and is compatible in more than 150 countries. It’s compact, lightweight and also includes a USB charger that simultaneously charges your USB device. Hair dryers and other electronics may require an additional converter so be sure to check with your manufacturer before you leave. Buy on Amazon: Travelon Worldwide Adapter and USB Charger

10. Eagle Creek TSA 3 Dial Lock and Cable This is another TSA friendly device that allows you to lock your luggage while flying. If TSA needs to inspect your bag they will use a universal key to open it rather than cut your lock. Once you’ve arrived use the included cable to securely attach your belongings to just about anything, anywhere. Perfect to ensure your bags will still be with you after an overnight train journey. Buy on Amazon: Eagle Creek TSA 3 Dial Lock and Cable