The Travel Products Esquire Editors Can't Live Without

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It's been a few months since all the Esquire editors have been in the office at once. It is summer, after all, which means time off is being taken with abundance, trips are in full-swing, and everyone seems to be jetting off to one place or another, for the weekend or a week. This means that we've gotten very, very good at traveling.

There's no better feeling than when your travel experience is a breeze. Being at the airport can be just as chill as the vacation itself, if you're doing it right. You just need your go-to products to ensure that every step of the way is absolutely perfect. A suitcase with a smooth glide, a sweater to keep you warm on your flight, a backpack to store your plane essentials. Sometimes, it's the little things that make your travel experience that much better: sunglasses, or an SD card reader for fast access to your #VacationPics, or organizational capsules to keep your toiletries in order.

Take a page from our books and make your trip a little more stress-free. Our favorite products are sure to take you there, so you can focus on the destination and not worry about the journey itself.

Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Regardless of the season, I fly with a cashmere sweater in my carry-on bag. I throw it over my T-shirt or button-down once I’m settled in my seat. Cashmere is soft, of course, so it provides comfort, especially on overnight flights. Because it’s a natural fiber, cashmere won’t take on that airplane smell, so you can continue wearing it after you arrive. And even if you’re flying in high summer, cashmere breathes, so you’ll maintain a consistent body temperature. There are a few I rotate through: a light gray Brunello Cucinelli V-neck (ideal for the summer months), a navy-blue Ralph Lauren cable knit (great for the dead of winter), and a navy J. Crew crewneck. You’ll look good and feel good—even if you’re squeezed into a middle seat. — Michael Sebastian, Editor-in-Chief

Knitted Shadow Rib Beanie

This is my absolute must-have when traveling. It offers instant cocooning (and extra cushioning) from the moment you’re in your seat. It's made from the best Scottish cashmere in a fairly thick ply, which takes natural colors very well. I have it in three or four colors from camel to red to khaki, just to change it up a bit. — Nick Sullivan, Creative Director

Cabin Carry-On

Ask anyone who knows me, and they know I stan Rimowa. It’s honestly one of the questions I get asked the most, “Is it really worth it?!” Sorry to report that it is. It’s lightweight, made to last, and glides like a fucking dream. You can read my entire love letter to it here. What I will say is that if you want a $200 carry-on, buy that. But if you want a luxury one that you plan on having for anywhere from the next 10 years to eternity, buy this one. — Krista Jones, Senior Commerce Editor

Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader

Sometimes the flick can’t wait. I know most modern digital cameras worth their salt have Bluetooth transfer capabilities, but what you gain in speed can sometimes cost you quality due to compression. It’s why I grabbed this bad boy after searching “camera sd card to iPhone charger port thing.” Now, I’m getting my originals posted RAW with breaking-news speed. Not that anyone considers a picture of my sunglasses “breaking” or “news.” — Ben Boskovich, Temporary Digital Director

International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

I’ve tried a lot of carry-on luggage—I mean a lot—over the years. So, I can say with confidence that Tumi makes one of the very best roller bags on the market. It’s pricier, but less than some luxury options, and it’s truly built to last. It’s also so thoughtfully designed that you’ll appreciate the hell out of it during its many years of service. To wit: this one is expandable, so you can sneak a few souvenirs in there on your way home. — Jonathan Evans, Style Director

Vetiver 46 Perfume Oil

This perfume oil is pricey, but it’s the only one I use. Oil lasts better than eau de toilette too, so its great for a long flight. A good dollop on the neck just before boarding gives you your own personal space without knocking everyone out. — N.S.

Logo-Print ECONYL Messenger Bag

This little guy is the perfect size to stash in a backpack or carry-on without disrupting your packing flow and the perfect size to stash the essentials—sunglasses, phone, wallet, etc.—when you’re out and about at your destination. The plethora of pockets means everything can have its place, and the Econyl fabric is durable, comfortable, and damn good-looking. — J.E.

Canvas Large Bellport Tote

I own and have tested many travel totes and weekenders throughout my career and I’m still slightly convinced the perfect bag has yet to be made, but right now my go-to that comes pretty close is this one from Ralph Lauren. The classic look is one that straight up beats all these cheap nylon totes you see hanging on travelers' shoulders. The leather handles are sturdy and after a couple uses aren’t even worn in yet. This bag feels like it will just get better as time goes on, and that’s quality. There’s a crossbody strap for easy carrying and the sides can be buttoned down for a sleek look or left undone if you want a larger silhouette (more fit for weekends away). You can take it in the car, on the train, or on the plane. You’ll look stylish, fit all your stuff, and you know you’ll own it for quite some time. — K.J.

Short Trip Expandable Packing Case

I know I just went all fangirl on Rimowa, which I’ll take to the grave, but—like my colleague Jonathan—I'm a fan of Tumi, too. This check-in-sized roller is what I use for longer trips. It’s lightweight, fits a lot of stuff, and it’s just so damn reliable. I will say my Rimowa slides much smoother, but hey, with 50 pounds of my clothes and cosmetics inside, this really holds up. I’ve thrown this thing on more luggage belts than I can remember and shared with my friends and sister, and it’s still in great shape. It’s definitely an investment piece as well, but I don’t think I’ll be buying any more luggage anytime soon. — K.J.

Round Mini Shoulder Bag

I bought this bag after seeing it go viral on TikTok, and after I got my hands on it, I had no question as to why its so popular. Originally, this was just a bag for the everyday—it fits everything I need, from headphones and keys to a water bottle, sunglasses, granola bars, and a wallet. I love that you can wear the strap cross-body for easy access, too; at the airport, this makes things so easy. No more scrounging through the bottomless depths of my tote for my passport! — Trishna Rikhy, Associate Style Commerce Editor

Fausto Thick Plastic Sunglasses

These are big and dark in black polycarbonate. Blocking eye contact adds to the sense of privacy on board and maybe even adds a bit of glamor to the coach experience. — N.S.

Gamma Backpack

Earlier this year, I had a quasi-existential crisis—turning 30, blah blah blah—so I decided to run a marathon. I needed time to train, which doesn't totally jive with the pleasures and pains of being an Esquire editor. So I decided to (look away, children) start... running to the office. Suddenly, I needed a backpack that could hold my MacBook, comfortably fit toiletries and a change of clothes, and yet be narrow enough that it wouldn't violently shake up and down, throwing half my shit over the Queensboro Bridge. Enter Nixon's Gamma backpack, which I'm convinced is pound for pound, the best commuter and/or weekend-trip bag on the market. Trust me: I've battle-tested it. (Solution to existential crises sold separately.) — Brady Langmann, Entertainment Editor

Cosimo Garment Duffle

Nothing I own is as functional or good looking as my Lucchese garment duffel. It fits two suits, a pair of shoes, and a week’s worth of clothes, if I’m packing smart. For most trips under 10 days, this is the only bag I’ll bring. Doesn’t matter if it’s a road trip to the beach or an international flight to a destination wedding, it’s all I need. And as far as looks go, I thought I’d have to save up and shell out a few grand for leather this nice. But Lucchese knows leather, and this bag is handmade in Italy specifically for the brand. In either the espresso or navy options it’s a beautiful, functional carry-on that can easily last for the rest of your life. For $995, that’s a steal. — Luke Guillory, Associate Commerce Editor

Carry-On Suitcase

I was in London a few months ago, and did a little too much shopping. I had to swap my carry-on for a larger carry-on, and ended up buying this Away bag. The feature that I needed at the time was its size: roomy as hell, but still within carry-on dimension requirements. I ended up falling in love with its other features too, from the removable battery charger (that can charge your phone or laptop at the airport!) to the smooth-glide of the wheels. I doubt I'll ever need to check a bag again. — T.R.

Capsule System

If you have any sort of skincare or supplement routine, I cannot recommend Cadence highly enough. These magnetic, smart packing little capsules makes it infinitely easier to keep to your routine. No need for travel sized containers. No need for ugly pill organizers. — L.G.

Navigator Collapsible Duffle

This bag is big enough for overnight to weekend trips, and it can be worn as duffle or backpack, which is ideal for a secondary pack for air travel. The coolest thing about it, though, is that it's super lightweight and packs up into pouch so you can throw it into a suitcase for spare luggage when you're on the road. — Mike Kim, Digital Design Director

Hue Front Pocket Carry-On

If I’m using a hard sided carry-on, it’s always going to be a Calpak from the Hue line, with the front laptop pocket. I’ve written at length about why, but essentially it’s the only carry-on that has ever wowed me. It’s functional. It cleans easily. It looks good. And most importantly, it doesn’t try to look like a more expensive suitcase. — L.G.

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