It's time to book your flights, buy those train tickets and plan that road trip — the Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards are here!
For the third installment of our annual Travel Gear Awards, our editors spent months testing out the latest and greatest in luggage, accessories, travel-friendly clothing and more. We packed, compressed, dragged, stretched, stepped and styled our way through over 200 products — ranging from top brands and bestsellers to underrated launches — to whittle down the list to our award winners.
To break the big news, Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach and Shop TODAY contributor Chassie Post stopped by the studio with a selection of our top picks. From the deceptively spacious crossbody that you'll want to rock on every trip to a credit card-sized device you can use to track your most important items, these products have all earned the 2025 Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards badge of approval.
Keep reading to see a highlight of our favorites, and be sure to check out the full list of winners here.
Travel Gear Awards winners seen on TODAY with Jenna & Friends
Cabeau Nap Now Hoodie
Award: Best for red eye travel | Category: Innovative travel gear | Score: 4.33/5
This genius invention clips onto your neck pillow, sweater, or blanket to create a cozy, light-blocking hood. The blackout fabric has a silky satin lining so your hair will stay frizz-free, it drapes over your eyes and even features a flexible nose bridge you can shape to block out all the light — no eye mask needed.
Tile by Life360 Slim Tracker
Award: Most innovative travel tracker | Category: Innovative travel tech | Score: 4.33/5
For the traveler who’s prone to misplacing important belongings, this slim tracker is worth the buy. The sleek, credit card–shaped Bluetooth tracker slips right into your wallet, passport holder, or luggage tag — without making it bulky.
“Here’s how it works — if you lose the item, just use the Tile app to make it ring, or see its last known location on a map,” Post explains. “You can even use it in reverse to find your phone, even if it’s on silent. This is the thinnest Bluetooth tracker out there with a 3-year battery life!”
Wrangler Hardside Spinner Carry-On Suitcase
Award: Best value carry-on | Category: Carry-on suitcase | Size(s): 2 | Colors: 8 | Score: 4.3/5
This suitcase impressed our team so much, it has been a winner two years in a row. The simple-yet-smart carry-on drives like a dream, with 360 degree spinner wheels, a spacious interior, zipper divider and compression straps to keep your belongings exactly where you packed them.
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Award: Best travel purse | Category: Travel Bag | Size: 1L | Colors: 21 | Waterproof? Does not specify | Score: 5/5
This winner is proof that practical doesn’t have to be boring — meet the Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag! The machine-washable bag earned a perfect, five-star rating for its deceptively spacious shape that can fit so much — your phone, wallet, tablet, and more, with interior pockets and a key leash to keep everything organized. The adjustable strap means you can wear it crossbody or as a shoulder bag too, so it’s up for any adventure.
Lululemon Brushed Softstreme Half Zip
Award: Best women’s matching set (when paired with Lululemon’s Softstreme High-Rise Pant) | Category: One-and-done outfit | Size: 0-14 | Colors: 7 | Score:4/5)
Lululemon Brushed Softstreme High-Rise Pant
Award: Best women’s matching set (when paired with Lululemon’s Brushed Softstreme Half-Zip| Category: One-and-done outfit | Size: 0-20; regular, tall and petite lengths | Colors: 4 | Score:4/5
A matching set is the no-brainer, low-key luxury outfit you’ll want to reach for on your next trip. Lululemon’s Brushed Softstreme fabric is really cozy and surprisingly warm, with stretch that makes it easy to move about your travel day.
“These pieces are so easy and versatile — the half zip is the perfect layer you’ll want to wear with everything and same with the high waisted, flowy wide-leg pant,” Post says. “When in doubt, go monochromatic — you always look pulled together.”
Travel Gear Awards winners seen on TODAY
Goaus Passport Holder
Award: Best innovative tech | Category: Innovative travel gear | Score: 4.6/5
Editor’s note: Our award-winner is no longer available, but we found a similar pick below.
With this winner, you’ll always be able to track your most important documents down, and fast — perfect timing, since you’ll need your passport handy for domestic travel if you don’t have a real ID in a few weeks. This winner has space for an AirTag, so you can see where your passport is in real time and play a sound if you misplace it. It also has slots for credit cards, money, boarding passes and more, so it can even replace your wallet to consolidate valuables when you travel!
Pascacoo Passport Holder with AirTag Slot
Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
Award: Best value compression packing cubes | Category: Packing cubes | Score: 3.6/5
If you’re not already using compression packing cubes when you travel, prepare to be amazed. With a little elbow grease, these zip around to consolidate your belongings, giving you 30% more space in your suitcase, the brand says. The set comes with four cubes of varying sizes.
“Think of them as little drawers for your suitcase or duffel bag,” Brach suggests. “I love to use them to sort my outfits for each day or pack by category.”
REI Co-op Roadtripper 40L Duffel
Award: Best compactable duffel bag | Category: Duffel bags | Size: 40L | Colors: 5 | Waterproof? Water-repellent | Score: 5/5
This surprisingly spacious REI duffel bag is comfortable on your shoulder and comes at a great price — with none of the gimmicks that aren't always worth the up-charge. It meets the carry-on limits for most airlines to fit neatly in the overhead bin or in your trunk. Brach says the best part is that it can fold down to save space when it's not in use. We suggest throwing it in your suitcase when you travel to have an extra bag for souvenirs.
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs
Award: Best earplugs for travel | Category: Innovative travel gear | Colors: 8 | Score: 4.33/5
Earplugs are a travel essential in our book, and Loop's Quiet 2 model earned high marks for this upgraded version of an editor-approved bestseller, with four tip sizes designed to fit comfortably in any ear.
"The brand says they block out up to 24 decibels of noise instantly," Brach notes. "That's about the sound of a ticking clock, so you're not going to be totally oblivious to your surroundings, but they are perfect for tuning out any background noise or sharing a room."
Columbia Women's Spire Valley Windbreaker
Award: Best overall women’s windbreaker | Category: Waterproof jacket | Size(s): XS-3X | Colors: 7 | Score: 4/5
Columbia Men's Spire Valley Windbreaker
Award: Best overall men's windbreaker | Category: Waterproof jacket | Size(s): S-XXL | Colors: 3 | Score: 4/5
When you need a light jacket you can move around in, these UPF 50, "rain and stain repellent" winners with plenty of pockets are our pick. The men's version has a high collar, which is smart for protecting the back of the neck (a sneaky common sunburn spot), while the women's version features a hood and drawstring closures to adjust the fit.
"They're both so light, I don't even feel like I have a full layer on," Brach vouches. "And when I pack these up, they take up almost no space — you could carry in a purse!"
Halara Flex High-Waisted Wide Leg Stretchy Jeans
Award: Best overall travel pant | Category: Travel pants | Size(s): XS-XL | Colors: 9 | Score: 4.5/5
Let's settle the jeans-versus-sweats travel pant debate once and for all... these bottoms are designed to look like denim but feel more like sweatpants, Brach says. Available in nine washes, they still have pockets like your standard jeans that are roomy, plus a zip fly and belt loops. We love the flattering high waist and wide, cuffed legs that make them extra comfy, and they come in regular, tall and petite cuts.
Travel Gear Awards winners seen on 3rd hour of TODAY
Iniu Portable Charger
Award: Best overall portable charger | Category: Portable charger | Score: 4.67/5
The worst time to run out of battery is in a foreign place or during a stressful travel day, but packing this portable charger will ensure you have plenty of charge. In our tests, it charged a dead iPhone 13 about one percent per minute, restoring it to full battery in under two hours (with plenty of battery left for another charge). It’s slim and light enough to fit easily in a purse, sling or belt bag, and it can even be used to charge other devices in a pinch!
Bagsmart Bubble Expandable Travel Tote Bag
Award: Best value tote bag | Category: Tote bag | Size: 22L | Colors: 4 | Waterproof? Yes, water-resistant | Score: 4/5
A roomy interior and expandable feature (adding up to six additional liters of space) helped this tote earn the award for best value, with our editors being able to comfortably fit every essential inside (and more!) with ease.
This genius tote bag has an expandable bottom you can unzip to instantly gain about 30% more space, the brand shares. It also has nice big pockets for water bottles and more, plus a water-resistant, cushioned bubble texture that offers extra protection for your belongings. The best part? Now through April 24, you can use the code TODAY20 at checkout for 20% off on the brand's website.
Skinsheet The Cleansing Coins
Award: Best on-the-go beauty essential | Category: Innovative travel gear | Score: 4/5
If hotel towels and washcloths gross you out, these compact "cleansing coins" are going to change the game. Small enough to fit in your toiletry bag or purse, each one is made from 100% cotton cellulose and transforms into a soft, disposable cloth when you add water. You can use it to remove makeup or simply after washing your face, and they're biodegradable so they're perfect for a cleanse when camping or on the go.
Rumpl Stuffable Pillow Case
Award: Best overall travel pillow | Category: Travel pillow | Score: 4/5
Leave your old, bulky travel pillow at home for your next trip! This is a stuffable pillow case takes up virtually no room in your bag, since you can use clothes or items you're already traveling with to fill it out and essentially treat it like a packing cube when it's not in use. It has plush fleece on one side and a "constant cool" side, so it's soft and smart for hot sleepers and even camping trips.
Related
Mission Cooling Unisex Bucket Hat
Award: Best value sun hat | Category: Sun hats | Colors: 15 | Score: 4.33/5
This foldable, washable sun hat for men and women is the key to keeping cool on vacation. Not only is it UPF 50 to block harmful UV rays, but according to the brand, it can cool down to 30 degrees below your average body temperature in under a minute.
“To use, simply wet it with water, wring it out and wave,” Brach instructs. “It’ll work its cooling magic for up to two hours, but you can reactivate as needed and use over and over again.”
Santiny Women's Joggers
Award: Best value joggers | Category: Travel pants | Score: 4/5 | Size(s): XS-XXL | Colors: 26
REI Co-Op Trailmade Pants
Award: Best hiking pants for men | Category: Men's clothing | Size(s): S-XXXL | Colors: 3 | Score: 4/5
Great for walking, outdoorsy excursions, travel days and just lounging, joggers are a must-pack no matter the destination. Our budget pick for women boasts over 5,000 ratings on Amazon and comes in 26 colors. They have an almost satin feel to them and nice deep pockets, Brach says, and they're perfect for warmer weather. Our men's pick from REI features thoughtful details like a flattering tapered fit, elastic drawstring waist and even a sunglasses loop that earned it high marks from our testers.
More Travel Gear Awards winners
Open Story Large Hanging Toiletry Bag
Award: Best budget toiletry bag | Category: Toiletry bags | Colors: 2 | Score: 4/5
Packing light is something of a foreign concept to us, so we appreciate the ample space this hanging toiletry bag provides. Perfect for long trips or families, we think this clever $20 organizer is worth every penny.
Dream Pairs Platform Chunky Fashion Sneakers
Award: Best fashion walking sneaker | Category: Sneakers/dressy Shoes | Size(s): 10 | Colors: 11 | Score: 4/5
“This was my first time trying platform sneakers and I was pleasantly surprised,” admits senior social media editor Kate McCarthy. “They were comfortable enough to walk around in all day and not worry about my feet getting a blister or being sore.”
Anrabess Sleeveless Jumpsuit
Award: Best overall jumpsuit | Category: One-and-done outfit | Size(s): S-XL | Colors: 13 | Score: 4.5/5
“I wore this jumpsuit on a full day trip to DC and love how comfortable it is,” writer Jannely Espinal raves. “The design is stylish, cozy and breathable. You can layer with a jacket and heels for a chic aesthetic, or wear sneakers and a hat for a casual look... Currently, it’s my go-to outfit to run errands, go for a walk or a last-minute outfit change.”
Related
Hydroflask Slingback Bottle Pack
Award: Best sling bag | Category: Travel bag | Size: Does not specify on site | Colors: 3 | Waterproof? No | Score: 5/5
Sleek and slim, this small-but-mighty bag is perfect for staying hydrated on the go. You can fit all of the essentials, like a water bottle, keys, wallet, phone and more, and comfortably wear it across your chest or on your back to go hands-free.
Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage
Award: Best value checked bag | Category: Checked bag | Size: 37 L| Colors: 6 | Waterproof? Yes, water-resistant | Scratch-resistant? Yes | Score: 4.6/5
This suitcase is a repeat winner, holding its position as the best value checked bag in 2025. We love it for its easy, smooth spin, value and ability to pack a lot of items very easily (no sitting on the suitcase to get it zipped shut here!).
Decathlon Forclaz Travel 500 40L Backpack
Award: Best outdoor travel backpack | Category: Travel backpack | Size: 40L | Colors: 3 | Waterproof? Does not specify on site | Score: 4.67/5
This backpack opens up similarly to a suitcase, allowing you to see everything packed inside with ease. How smart is that? Plus, it has a 10-year warranty, so you can travel with peace of mind.
How we chose
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 214 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
Meet the experts
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
- Chassie Post is a Shop TODAY contributor, TV host and lifestyle editor. Whether she’s talking fashion and beauty or home and entertaining, Post is known nationwide for covering the latest trends with her keen eye.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
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