These carry-on travel essentials are worth their weight in points (and then some)! Pack them on your next flight!
Whether you’re embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, or heading to a relaxing getaway, having the right gear can make all the difference. With expensive extra luggage fees, it’s more important than ever to pack light and pack smart. We’re stoked to introduce you to 10 carry-on travel essentials that are not only practical, but guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make your trip better. Get ready to upgrade your travel game and be the envy of every fellow wanderer!
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Table of Contents
1. Vessi Waterproof Stormburst Shoes
If you only bring one pair of shoes on your vacay, bring the versatile and stylish Vessi Waterproof Stormburst Shoes designed in Raincouver (Vancouver, BC)! These “adventure ready” sneakers are 100% waterproof, breathable, and lightweight, so they’re a must-have if you don’t want to pack multiple pairs of shoes. I wore my Stormbursts for 10 days straight during our rainy spring break to Toronto and Niagara Falls, and my feet stayed dry and comfy the whole time. High rebound cushioning in the sole and a rugged outsole mean you can even wear the Stormbursts on easy hikes! Available in Mens’ and Women’s.
Vessi has a wide selection of waterproof shoes for Men, Women, and Children.
Travel tip: If you’re beach bound, wear these shoes on the plane and pack sandals/flip flops.
2. Manta Sleep Mask Sound
Have you ever wished for an eye mask that could block out all light AND play music (or podcasts) for you? Say hello to the Manta Sleep Mask Sound! This ingenious eyeshade has fully adjustable C-shaped eye cups, and provides soothing sounds that transport you to dreamland (or let you enjoy a podcast without making eye contact with anyone). With ultra-thin (5 mm) Bluetooth speakers, you’ll be catching z’s in comfort whether you’re a side sleeper, or plan to use this mask on the plane with a travel pillow.
3. DUER Performance Denim & No Sweat Everyday Pants
DUER Performance Denim is the ultimate travel attire for those who value both style and functionality. These jeans are made with high-performance fabric that stretches (a hidden gusset makes it easy to move in them too), and resists odors thanks to a silver ion treatment. So whether you’re exploring the urban jungle, pathways and parks, or enjoying a casual night out, you’ll feel and look good all day long. “The World’s Most Comfortable Jeans” are available in Men’s and Women’s in a variety of cuts, lengths, and colors. Find DUER at MEC and Sporting Life.
The DUER No Sweat Everyday Pants are breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking. The cotton/eucalyptus Tencel/spandex blend fabric looks dressy, but feels like sweatpants! Bonus: Front pockets are large enough to hold your phone or a thin wallet. Available in Men’s and Women’s in different fits (relaxed, slim) and washes. Find them at Sporting Life.
4. Smartwool 150 Merino Lace V-Neck Short Sleeve
Smartwool Merino 150 Lace V-Neck Short Sleeve and Smartwool Active Merino Ultralite High Neck Tank Top
The Smartwool Merino 150 Lace V-Neck Short Sleeve tee is perfect for travel because the luxurious merino wool provides excellent temperature regulation, moisture-wicking properties, and odor resistance. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or hiking scenic trails, this versatile and breathable top will keep you looking and feeling fresh. Available in Almond, Twilight Blue (shown above), and Black.
For warm weather, the Smartwool Active Merino Ultralite High Neck Tank Top is also a great choice.
5. MEC Pangea 40 Carry On Travel Pack
The MEC Pangea 40 Carry On Travel Pack is loaded with thoughtful details to be your ultimate sidekick on any journey. With multiple compartments, durable construction, and ergonomic design, this bag is designed to withstand the rigors of travel. From organizing your essentials to carrying your gear comfortably, the MEC Travel Bag has got your back, quite literally!
Our favorite features of the MEC Pangea Travel Pack include the large 40L capacity; D-zip for easy access; padded hip belt and shouler straps, breathable mesh back and suspension for all day comfort; 15-inch laptop sleeve; stowaway shoulder straps/hip belt and compression straps to ensure the bag fits under the seat; and integrated rain cover. At $199.95, the MEC Pangea Travel Pack is a great value!
Another awesome 40L carry on option is the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack – Men’s or Osprey Fairview 40 Travel Pack – Women’s. Both bags open like a suitcase, have adjustable torso lengths to get the perfect fit, and have stowaway padded shoulder/hip straps, and 16-inch laptop sleeves; but the women’s pack has a women’s specific (narrower) fit.
6. Sunday Afternoons Sol Seeker Packable Sun Hat
Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with the Sunday Afternoons Sol Seeker Sun Hat. The 3.5″ brim shields your face and neck from harmful UV rays, and is packable, making it a breeze to take along on your adventures. It’s big enough to hide bad hair days too! Available in 4 colours and 2 sizes (Medium and Large).
7. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Hydro Flask is the ultimate travel companion that keeps cold drinks cold (up to 24 hours) and hot drinks hot (up to 12 hours). Plus, the durable 18/8 food grade stainless steel construction ensures your bottle can withstand any travel mishaps. I’m partial to the Light Weight Wide Mouth Trail Series Bottles as they are 25% lighter than the standard bottles and easy to clean. Available in a range of sizes and vibrant colors at MEC, Sporting Life, and Amazon.
*Note: Don’t fill your bottle until you’ve gone through Security!*
8. Cabeau Evolution Earth Travel Sustainable Neck Pillow
A good travel pillow makes it possible to actually sleep on a plan without getting a neck ache! The Cabeau Evolution Earth Travel Sustainable Neck Pillow is made of supportive memory foam; and the soft, plush cover is made of recycled water bottles. Higher sides mean your head won’t flop from side to side, but you won’t be able to wear over-the-ear headphones with this pillow (another good reason to get the Manta Sleep mask!).
9. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen provides broad spectrum, reef friendly UV protection with NO fragrance, parabens, oxybenzone, or octinoxate. It is a must-have for any traveler looking to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Smart packaging reminds you to use sunscreen even on cloudy days too (the lid turns blue when exposed to harmful UV rays)! And best of all, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen blends in fast and dries clear so you can look good while staying sun safe. It’s seriously the best mineral sunscreen I’ve tried!
10. Anker Portable Charger 325 Power Bank (20,000 mAH)
We’ve all been there—running out of battery on our devices at the most inconvenient times. But fear not, because the Anker Portable Charger 325 Power Bank (20,000 mAH) is here to save the day! This compact and powerful device ensures you stay connected wherever your travels take you. With its high-capacity battery, fast-charging capabilities, and multiple ports, you can juice up your phone, tablet, and other gadgets on the go. You can even charge two devices at once! Say goodbye to low battery anxiety and hello to endless adventures!
The 20,000mAh cell capacity “provides more than 5 charges for iPhone XS, almost 5 full charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, more than 4 charges for iPhone 11, and over 2 and a half charges for iPad mini 5.”
Dimensions: 15.8 x 7.44 x 1.93 cm; 342.5 Grams
Conclusion
With these 10 carry-on travel essentials, your adventures are bound to be even more enjoyable, and comfortable. From Vessi Waterproof Shoes to the MEC Pangea 40 Carry On Travel Pack, each item on this list serves a specific purpose, ensuring you have everything you need to make the most of your journey. We hope you love these travel essentials as much as we do!
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