15 Must-Have Travel Essentials Dinogo Editors Purchased and Loved in 2022

As a gear editor, I'm constantly seeking out those coveted products that enhance my travel experience by making it more organized, comfortable, and convenient. (A touch of style is a bonus, too!) I know I’m not the only one. Over the past year, my colleagues and I have been dedicated to discovering the ultimate packing cubes, carry-on suitcases, and travel pillows, while also supporting sustainable and small businesses whenever we can.

We believe in sharing the best finds, so here are some of our top travel accessories, clothing, luggage, toiletries, and even an international phone service subscription that transformed our travel experience in 2022. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Luggage

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus and Hybrid Check-In Medium suitcases

This fall, after covering the long lines, flight delays, cancellations, and piles of lost luggage that have troubled air travel throughout the year, I decided it was time to transition from Team Checked Luggage to Team Carry-On. The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus (in the highly praised limited-edition Terrazzo colorway that resembles the beloved tile) made this switch incredibly smooth and enjoyable. What I adore about this ultra-lightweight spinner is its exterior pocket, which accommodates a 15-inch laptop, along with multiple interior compartments—some of which are removable to allow for flexible organization or a more open space when needed.

Impressed by the carry-on model, I chose to purchase the larger Hybrid medium-sized checked luggage for trips with my kids when carry-on only isn’t an option. An added bonus: Monos is an environmentally conscious brand that utilizes vegan materials, recyclable and reusable packaging, and donates 1% of revenues to nonprofits focused on “preserving and restoring the natural world.” —Michelle Baran, senior travel news editor

Baboon to the Moon’s Go Bag—Small

As a dedicated carry-on traveler, I’m not particularly fond of suitcases; they always feel a bit cumbersome, regardless of how many wheels they have. For the past two years, I've been searching for a new duffel bag to replace the basic quilted one I bought at TJ Maxx in high school, which was never meant for regular travel use. I was looking for something functional, easy to clean, and, of course, stylish.

Introducing Baboon to the Moon’s Go Bags, available in three sizes: big, small, and mini. I chose the small version, which offers a capacity of 40 liters and is TSA-approved for carry-on use. Unlike many duffel bags with a zipper that runs flat across the top, Baboon to the Moon’s Go Bags unzip like a suitcase, making packing much simpler. The interior features several handy pockets. While the small bag is designed to hold three to five days’ worth of clothing, I managed to fit enough for a week (plus a pair of shoes!) on a recent trip. When I returned home, I just wiped down the waterproof exterior with a disinfectant cloth. The best part? The Go Bag’s straps can be worn as a backpack, used as a cross-body bag, or carried as a duffel. —Mae Hamilton, assistant editor

Cotopaxi’s Allpa 50L duffel bag

When traveling with sDinogoi, hard-sided or wheeled suitcases aren’t allowed since they don’t fit easily in the tiny bush planes or jeeps. I got this convenient Cotopaxi duffel for my trip to Uganda and Rwanda this year, and I’m so glad I chose it. With handles and backpack straps, it was a breeze to carry through the airport, and I felt confident gate-checking it knowing it would return to me intact, as it's made from highly durable ballistic nylon. At 50 liters, it has ample space for two weeks’ worth of clothing and toiletries, but it also comes in an extra-large 70-liter size. —Bailey Berg, associate news editor

Samara The Ocean backpack

Instead of a purse, I carry a backpack everywhere. It accompanies me to work, meetings, under airplane seats and restaurant tables, as well as on road trips and weekend getaways. It also needs to look stylish and chic enough that I won’t feel embarrassed bringing it to a cocktail event. Enter the Samara Ocean backpack. It’s remarkably compact, lightweight, and slim—only three to four inches wide, even when filled with a laptop, notebooks, and a makeup bag—crafted from water-resistant fabric in a city-friendly navy. Samara caught my attention with its all-female business model that utilizes vegan leather and recycled plastics to create products that last a lifetime without harming the planet. The Ocean backpack is constructed from the equivalent of 20 bottles’ worth of recycled ocean plastics and feels and looks fantastic doing it. —Laura Dannen Redman, digital content director

Travel accessories

Thule Compression packing cubes

I’ve been a dedicated packing cube enthusiast for years. Away’s packing cubes were my favorites until I received a pair of Thule’s Compression Packing Cubes in medium and small as a gift last September. Not only are they crafted from Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon produced with minimal environmental impact, but this fabric is also water-repellent and incredibly durable. Additionally, the double YKK zippers let you close the cube and zip it even tighter to expel excess air and reduce bulk, making the packing process much more manageable. —Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor

Cadence toiletry capsules

The refillable travel containers by Cadence are compact, leakproof “capsules” that magnetically attach to one another. At 0.56 ounces, they’re perfect for makeup and toiletries that you don’t require a lot of—such as a weekend’s supply of shampoo or your under-eye cream—but I adore how much more organized my toiletry bag is thanks to them. —Jessie Beck, senior manager of video & SEO

Balmuda lantern

This rechargeable lantern from the Tokyo-based company Balmuda has become an essential part of my car camping kit this year, but it’s also elegant enough for home use (which I definitely do). I particularly appreciate the dial that allows you to effortlessly switch from a warm, ambient light for relaxation to a bright, white light when you need visibility. —J.B.

Travel apparel

Snow Peak Flexible Insulated Zip-Up Hoodie

The Flexible Insulated Zip-Up Hoodie from Snow Peak quickly became my favorite travel jacket for spring, summer, and fall. It’s incredibly lightweight, easy to pack, and surprisingly warm considering its weight. Its water-repellent finish, hood, and numerous pockets are among its most practical features, but I find myself reaching for it repeatedly due to its minimalist, monochromatic design that’s stylish enough for city wear (a rarity in outdoor clothing). —J.B.

Yaktrax Walk traction cleats

Living part-time in the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy hiking in the nearby mountains. In spring, when the snow begins to melt, trail conditions can become quite slippery. I’ve started using Yaktrax Walk traction cleats for added stability on icy or snowy surfaces. They easily wrap around my hiking boots or shoes and are so lightweight and portable that I can throw them in my weekend carry-on when there’s a good chance of encountering snow. —Jennifer Flowers, senior deputy editor

Helly Hansen’s Alphelia Infinity ski jacket

At any ski resort covered by the Epic Pass, you’ll see the staff—from chairlift operators to guides—dressed in Helly Hansen gear. After acquiring my own HH jacket this season, I understand why; they’re simply outstanding. The brand focuses on performance, equipping this jacket with thoughtful features like helmet-compatible hoods and a vented temperature regulation system to keep you warm without overheating. I especially appreciate the well-insulated chest pocket designed to protect your phone’s battery from the cold. Additionally, it feels good to know that HH prioritizes durable and eco-friendly materials. Plus, every jacket or snow pants purchase includes a free lift ticket at one of HH’s partner resorts. —B.B.

MAÄT The 1.0 leggings

These leggings are designed with a ribbed knee pad that offers impressive cushioning. While they’re technically meant for yoga (which I’m sure they excel at), I’ve been using mine for snowboarding. I tend to take a lot of falls, and these leggings have protected my knees from bruising after a long day on the slopes. —B.B.

Travel toiletries and skin care products

Kinfield Golden Hour bug repellent

I’ve finally discovered a DEET-free bug repellent that truly works. Formulated with citronella, lemongrass, and clove oil, Kinfield Golden Hour kept me bite-free (and smelling delightful) while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru last May and on a two-week adventure in Indonesia this November. The three-ounce spray bottle is TSA-approved—just remember not to use it indoors. While it’s DEET-free, the clove oil can be a bit potent in confined spaces (I learned this the hard way after accidentally spraying it inside a van in Bali, leading to a mass coughing fit). —L.M.

Ursa Major travel skin care

Travelers of a certain age (ahem, me) might find themselves spending more on skin care and self-care these days. (The pandemic took its toll!) Given how dehydrating air travel can be, especially during winter, I can’t emphasize enough how miraculous and revitalizing the Ursa Major skin care line is. This was one of those late-night Instagram impulse buys, inspired by the Vermont-based company’s commitment to all-natural, gender-neutral products (skin is skin); their B Corp certification; and their lightweight creams made with ingredients like spearmint, cedar, and calendula.

Do I smell like a forest when using the Fantastic Face Wash or Golden Hour Recovery Cream? Not at all—but taking a deep breath lifts my mood, and the eye cream and face cream have genuinely reduced the lines around my mouth and eyes. I began with travel sizes and now use them every day. —L.D.R.

Heladerm Morning Glow skin care bundle

Living at around 6,000 feet in Colorado and frequently flying means my skin is often parched. However, the moisture-packed ingredients in Heladerm’s products have done wonders for my skin, making it appear dewy and feel well-hydrated. I’m especially fond of the Morning Glow Bundle, which includes the Melting Cleanser, Vitamin C Serum, and Illuminating Crème. Even after a red-eye flight, it leaves me looking (and feeling) revitalized. —B.B.

Travel services and subscriptions

Google Fi subscription

A couple of years ago, I transitioned from Apple to Android, specifically choosing the Google Pixel 6. My main reason for this switch was to access a better camera, but earlier this year, I discovered a service called Google Fi. Traditionally, during my international travels, my process involved passing through passport control, withdrawing some local currency, and buying a SIM card at the airport.

Although my routine was functional, it often felt cumbersome and time-consuming. In some countries, acquiring a SIM card could involve long security checks. Plus, those tiny SIM cards are easily misplaced, regardless of how much Scotch tape I might use to secure them.

This year, getting a Google Fi subscription has completely transformed my travel experience. It provides 4G coverage in over 200 countries at a fraction of the cost of typical international mobile plans, with 5G available depending on your phone and destination. I can pause my service for up to three months when I'm not traveling without incurring any charges. My data is transmitted via a secure VPN connection, which is much safer than entering credit card information on unsecured Wi-Fi in a train station café. And the best part? You don’t need to be an Android user like I am; Google Fi is compatible with most iPhones as well. —Sarika Bansal, editorial director