Category: Travel Gear

Top Anti-Theft Backpack Options for Travelers and Commuters

Most travel theft is not dramatic. It is a hand slipping into an outside pocket on a packed metro, a phone lifted from a café table, a bag hooked off the back of a chair or a daypack unzipped in a crowd while you look at a map. An anti-theft backpack is designed to make those quick, opportunistic grabs harder: zippers that face your back or lock, pockets hidden against your body, fabric and straps that resist a blade, and a way to anchor the bag to something solid. None of that makes a bag theft-proof, and the habits you travel with matter at least as much as the bag you carry. This guide explains how bag theft actually happens, what each anti-theft feature does and does not do, how to choose the right style for commuting, business travel, sightseeing or one-bag trips, a handful of well-known options from our original list, and what to do if something is taken anyway.

The short answer

For most travelers, the features that matter most are main zippers that sit against your back or can be locked, a hidden pocket for your passport and cards that is hard to reach while you wear the bag, and sturdy straps and fabric. Cut-resistant panels, locking cables and RFID-blocking pockets are useful extras, but they address less common risks. Choose the size by how you travel: a sling or small daypack for sightseeing, a laptop backpack for commuting and business trips, or a carry-on travel backpack if it is your main bag. Then pair the bag with good habits: wear it in front in crowds, never hang it on a chair and keep your phone out of outside pockets.

A pickpocket warning sign in a railway station — Stations, metros and busy squares are where quick bag thefts happen most, which is why back-facing and locking zippers matter (Photo: Cory Doctorow from Beautiful Downtown Burbank, USA via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0)

How bag theft actually happens

Understanding the common methods tells you which features are worth paying for.

Pickpocketing in crowds. On busy trains, buses, escalators and in tourist hot spots, thieves open outside pockets and main zippers on bags worn on the back. This is the most common threat for travelers, and hidden or locking zippers address it directly.
Distraction. Someone asks for directions, spills something on you, or creates a commotion while a partner opens your bag. No feature beats awareness here, but a bag that takes several seconds to open helps.
Grab and run. A bag left on a chair, the floor beside a table or a luggage rack is simply picked up. A strap looped around your leg or a locking cable to a fixed object stops this.
Snatching. A thief grabs a bag or phone and runs, sometimes from a scooter. Strong straps and wearing the bag on both shoulders or across the body help.
Slashing. Cutting a bag or strap to get at the contents is much less common, but it is the risk cut-resistant materials are designed for.
Opportunistic theft from rooms and cars. Valuables left in view in a parked car or out on a hotel room desk are easy targets. Here the fix is the room safe, the trunk and not leaving the bag at all.

Anti-theft features explained

Hidden and back-facing zippers

The most effective anti-theft design is also the simplest: put the main compartment zipper against your back, or hide it under a flap, so nobody can open it while you are wearing the bag. Some designs open only from the back panel. The trade-off is convenience; you have to take the bag off to get into it, which is exactly the point.

Locking zipper pulls

Many travel-focused bags let you clip zipper pulls together or into a catch, so a zipper cannot be quietly opened. Some accept a small padlock. This slows a pickpocket down enough to make your bag a worse target than the next one.

Cut-resistant fabric and straps

Some bags build a wire mesh or cut-resistant layer into the body and a steel cable into the straps. That defends against slashing and against a strap being cut in a snatch. It adds weight and cost, so it matters most for travelers in areas where that kind of theft is a known problem.

Locking cable or anchor strap

A strap or cable that wraps around a chair leg, a table or a luggage rack and locks to the bag stops a grab-and-run at a café or on an overnight train. It is one of the most underrated features for travelers who work in coffee shops or sleep on trains.

Hidden pockets against your back

A slim pocket in the back panel, reachable only when the bag is off, is the right place for a passport, a spare card and emergency cash. It is also useful on any bag, anti-theft or not.

RFID-blocking pockets

RFID-blocking pockets are lined to block radio signals from contactless cards and passports with chips. They do no harm and many travelers like the reassurance, but remote skimming is a far less common risk than a hand in your pocket. Treat RFID blocking as a small extra, not a reason to choose one bag over another.

Water resistance and USB ports

Water-resistant fabric protects a laptop and documents in rain, which is genuinely useful. USB ports on backpacks are usually a pass-through cable: you still need to put your own power bank inside, and the port itself does not store power.

Feature	Protects against	How much it matters
Back-facing or hidden zippers	Pickpocketing in crowds	High for most travelers
Locking zipper pulls	Quiet opening while you walk or stand	High in busy cities and on transit
Hidden back-panel pocket	Loss of passport, cards and cash	High; worth having on any bag
Anchor strap or locking cable	Grab-and-run at cafés, trains, stations	Medium to high for café workers and rail travelers
Cut-resistant body and straps	Slashing and strap cutting	Medium; depends on destination
RFID-blocking pocket	Remote card skimming	Low; a small extra
Water-resistant fabric	Rain damage to electronics	Medium; useful everywhere

Choosing the right style for how you travel

Daily commuting

For a commute with a laptop, look for a slim backpack with a padded laptop compartment, a back-facing or hidden main zipper and a quick-access pocket that sits against your back for a transit card. Keep it light; you carry it every day.

Business and tech travel

A larger laptop backpack with organized pockets for chargers and cables, a sleeve for your laptop and a luggage pass-through strap that slides over a suitcase handle is the most practical combination. If you would rather not carry a heavy tech bag at all, our guide to rolling laptop bags covers wheeled options, and our list of laptop travel accessories helps keep the contents organized.

Sightseeing and city days

For a day out, a small daypack or a convertible sling is plenty: water, a layer, a phone, a wallet and maybe a small camera. A sling that can be worn across the body and swung to the front in crowds is one of the most practical anti-theft carries.

One-bag travel

If the backpack is your only luggage, you need a carry-on travel pack with a clamshell opening, a laptop compartment and lockable zippers. Our guide to the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L covers how to choose and pack a carry-on travel backpack, and the same principles apply to anti-theft designs.

Outdoors and remote work

For campsites, RV trips and remote work with expensive hardware, a rugged, water-resistant bag with a structured interior protects equipment from knocks as well as from theft. For real trail use, though, a hiking pack with a hip belt carries weight far better; see our guide to hiking backpacks.

Passengers standing close together in a crowded metro carriage — In a packed carriage, swing your backpack to the front and keep a hand on it (Photo: Wilfredor via Wikimedia Commons, CC0)

Options from our original list

The bags below were featured in the original version of this guide. They cover different needs rather than a single ranking, and designs, sizes and features change between versions, so check the current details from the manufacturer or seller before you buy.

BANGE anti-theft laptop backpack (17.3-inch)

BANGE’s anti-theft backpack is aimed at business travelers and commuters who carry a large laptop. It is designed to fit a 17.3-inch notebook, uses water-resistant materials and includes a USB charging port that connects to a power bank you carry inside. It suits people who need room for a big laptop plus files and accessories, and who want the main compartment harder to open while the bag is on their back.

Bags designed for a Starlink Mini kit

The original list included a travel bag built around a Starlink Mini satellite dish and its accessories, with water-resistant material and anti-theft features. It is a niche choice, but a sensible one if you travel in an RV, camp or work remotely with that hardware: a bag shaped for the kit protects it far better than a general-purpose backpack. Check that the bag fits your exact kit before buying.

Travelon Anti-Theft Voyages Daypack

Travelon is one of the best-known names in anti-theft travel bags, and its range is built around features like lockable zippers, slash-resistant body panels and straps, and RFID-blocking pockets. The Voyages Daypack from the original list is a casual, lightweight daypack for sightseeing, museums and markets. Check the current product details for the exact feature set of the version you are buying.

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Sling Backpack

This compact convertible bag can be worn as a backpack or a sling, which makes it easy to move to the front of your body in a crowd. It suits commuters who carry only essentials and travelers who want a secure second bag for day trips alongside their main luggage. Expect room for a phone, wallet, small tablet and a few daily items.

NOMATIC Navigator Travel Backpack

NOMATIC‘s Navigator is a premium carry-on travel backpack of around 32 liters with room to expand, a dedicated laptop compartment and protected access points. It suits frequent flyers and digital nomads who want one main bag that stays secure through airport lines, public transit and city walks. As with any expandable bag, check that it still fits your airline’s carry-on limit once expanded.

Other brands to know

Pacsafe is another long-established travel security brand, known for bags and accessories built around locking zippers, cut-resistant materials and anchor cables. It is worth a look alongside the options above if you want a wide choice of sizes and styles.

Comfort and fit still come first

A secure bag you hate wearing ends up at home. Check that the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, that the back panel is not so stiff that it digs in, and that the bag sits high and close to your back rather than hanging low. A sternum strap helps a heavier laptop bag stay put. Remember that cut-resistant panels and steel-cable straps add weight, so compare empty weights if you will carry the bag all day. If possible, load the bag with a laptop and a water bottle in the store and walk around with it for a few minutes before deciding.

What to carry in a city daypack

A well-packed daypack means you rarely need to open it in a crowd. A sensible kit for a day of sightseeing:

Water, a light layer or rain jacket, and a snack.
Phone, a compact power bank and one cable; a 3-in-1 Apple charger back at the hotel keeps everything topped up overnight.
One card, some local cash and a transit card in an easy but body-side pocket.
A photocopy or photo of your passport, with the original in the safe unless you need it.
A few plasters, pain relief and hand sanitizer from a small travel first aid kit.

Everything you need often should be reachable without opening the main compartment, and everything valuable should be in the pockets that are hardest to reach while you wear the bag.

Habits that matter more than the bag

Wear it in front in crowds. On packed trains, escalators, markets and big events, swing the backpack to your chest or move a sling to the front.
Nothing valuable in outside pockets. Phones in back pockets and wallets in outside bag pockets are the easiest targets there are.
Never hang your bag on a chair. Keep it on your lap or loop a strap around your leg or the chair leg.
Keep your phone in your hand, not on the table. Café tables near doors and terraces are a favorite spot for quick phone grabs.
Split your valuables. One card and some cash in your wallet, a backup card and cash somewhere else, and your passport in the hotel safe or a hidden pocket. A money belt worn under clothing is a good home for backups.
Be wary of distractions. If someone creates a commotion close to you, put a hand on your bag first and help second.
Look like you know where you are going. Check maps before you step onto a busy street, or step into a doorway to do it.

A backpack sitting on a seat on a metro train — A bag out of your hands is a bag anyone can pick up; keep it on your lap or strapped to you (Photo: JIP via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Protecting documents, cards and small valuables

Your passport is the one item that can end a trip if it goes missing. Keep it in a hidden pocket or a passport holder inside your bag, not in an outside pocket, and carry a photo of the data page on your phone and in your email. For cards and cash, a slim organizer such as the ones in our guide to travel wallets for women keeps everything in one place you can grip. Jewelry is best left at home, or kept in a small case like those in our guide to travel jewelry cases and locked in the room safe when you go out.

On transit, in cafés, hotels and cars

Trains and buses

On long-distance trains, keep your daypack with you rather than on a distant luggage rack, and lock larger bags to the rack with a cable if you plan to sleep. On metros, stand with your bag in front and away from the doors, where snatch-and-exit thefts happen as doors close.

Cafés and restaurants

Choose a seat against a wall, keep the bag between your feet with a strap around your leg, and keep your phone off the table. If you work from cafés, an anchor strap is worth its weight.

Hotels

Use the room safe for your passport, spare cash and small electronics. Do not leave a laptop out on the desk when housekeeping is due. In hostels, use a locker and bring your own padlock.

Rental cars

Never leave bags visible in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Put luggage in the trunk before you arrive at your destination, not in the parking lot where people can see you do it. If you are renting a car on your trip, our car rental search lets you compare vehicles with an enclosed trunk rather than an open cargo area.

A dense crowd of tourists in Times Square, New York — Big tourist crowds are where distraction thefts work best; stay aware and keep valuables out of outside pockets (Photo: Rosapicci via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Anti-theft bags at the airport

Anti-theft backpacks go through security like any other bag. Locking zippers are fine at the checkpoint, but officers may need to open the bag, so keep it easy to unlock. Laptops and liquids may need to come out depending on the airport and screening lane. The TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool covers specific items in the United States, and CATSA’s what can I bring page does the same for Canada. Airports are also a place where bags go missing: never leave yours unattended, keep it in contact with your body at the gate, and count your bags when you leave the checkpoint.

If something is stolen

Freeze cards first. Most banking apps let you lock a card instantly. Do that before anything else.
Report it to the police. Get a report number; your insurer and airline may need it.
Replace a lost or stolen passport. Canadians abroad can find help through the Government of Canada’s emergency assistance page. US citizens should follow the State Department’s lost or stolen passport guidance. Contact your embassy or consulate as early as possible if you have a flight coming up.
Change passwords if a phone or laptop was taken, and use your device’s find-and-erase feature.
Contact your travel insurer promptly; policies often have time limits and need a police report.

Before you go, read your government’s advice for your destination, which often describes common scams and theft hot spots. Canada’s travel advice and advisories are a good starting point.

Common mistakes

Believing the bag does the work. A locked zipper will not help if the bag is hanging on a chair behind you.
Buying a bag that screams “valuables”. Plain, understated bags attract less attention than obviously expensive ones.
Making it too hard to use. If every pocket needs unlocking, you will stop locking them. Lock the main compartment and keep one easy pocket for a transit card.
Carrying everything every day. Leave the passport and backup card in the safe on normal sightseeing days unless local rules require you to carry ID.
No backups. Keep a photo of your passport, a backup card and emergency contacts somewhere separate.

Frequently asked questions

Do anti-theft backpacks really work?

They make the most common thefts, like quick pickpocketing and unzipping in crowds, harder and slower, which often means a thief picks an easier target. They do not stop determined theft, so combine the bag with good habits.

What is the most important anti-theft feature?

Main zippers that face your back or lock, plus a hidden pocket for your passport and cards. Those address the thefts travelers face most often.

Is RFID blocking necessary?

It is a harmless extra. Remote skimming is much less common than physical theft, so do not choose a bag mainly for RFID blocking.

Are anti-theft backpacks allowed as carry-on?

Yes, if they fit the airline’s carry-on or personal-item limits. Smaller daypacks and slings usually count as personal items; larger travel packs count as the carry-on.

Is a sling safer than a backpack?

A sling worn across the body and moved to the front in crowds is easier to keep an eye on. A backpack carries more and is more comfortable for heavier loads. Many travelers use both.

Where should I keep my passport while sightseeing?

In the hotel safe if you do not need it, or in a hidden pocket against your back or under your clothes if you do. Never in an outside pocket.

Can I lock my backpack when I go through security?

Yes, but officers may need to open it. Keep locks easy to remove, and use a lock that security can open if you are checking the bag on a flight in or to the United States.

Once your bag is sorted, focus on the trip itself. Compare fares on our flight search, choose a hotel with a room safe on our hotel search, and if you are exploring a big, busy city, our guides to things to do in Rome and things to do in London will help you plan days where a secure daypack earns its place. For the rest of your kit, start with our main guide to travel luggage.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and carry-on travel packs
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Travel wallets for women
Rolling laptop bags for business travel
Hiking backpacks: how to choose and fit one
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Things to do in Rome

August 26, 2026

Best Hiking Backpacks for Comfort, Durability, and Storage

A hiking backpack is the one piece of outdoor gear you feel on every step. The right pack moves weight onto your hips, keeps water and snacks within reach, and stays comfortable after hours on a trail. The wrong one pulls at your shoulders, rubs your back raw and turns a great day into a slog. The good news is that choosing well is not complicated once you know what matters: the right capacity for your trips, a proper fit to your torso, a suspension that suits the load, and a handful of features that make a real difference. This guide explains how to size and fit a hiking pack, frame types and features, day packs versus overnight and multi-day packs, the packs from our original list and who each suits, how to pack a pack so it carries well, and how to fly with one when your hike starts at the other end of a flight.

The short answer

For day hikes, a 20 to 30 liter daypack with a padded hip belt, a hydration sleeve or bottle pockets, and room for a warm layer and rain jacket covers most needs. For overnight and weekend backpacking, look at 40 to 65 liters with an internal frame, an adjustable torso length and a padded hip belt that carries most of the weight. Size by trip length and how bulky your gear is, not by what looks impressive. Above all, fit the pack to your torso length, not your height, and load it with weight before you decide. A well-fitted mid-priced pack will carry better than an expensive one that is the wrong size.

A backpacker carrying a large internal frame pack on a trail in Grand Teton National Park — An internal frame and a snug hip belt move the load off your shoulders on multi-day trips (Photo: National Park Service via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Choose capacity by trip, not by ambition

Backpack capacity is measured in liters. More space tempts you to carry more, and more weight is the enemy on a trail. Use the table as a starting point, then adjust for how compact your gear is and the season.

Trip type	Typical capacity	What it holds	Frame and belt
Short day hike	15 to 25 L	Water, snacks, layer, rain shell, first aid, phone	Frameless; simple webbing or light padded belt
Long or alpine day hike	25 to 35 L	Adds extra layers, more food and water, map, headlamp	Light frame sheet; padded hip belt
Overnight or light weekend	35 to 50 L	Compact tent or shelter, sleeping bag and pad, stove, food for one or two days	Internal frame; padded hip belt
Weekend, 2 to 3 nights	50 to 65 L	Full camping kit, food for several days, more clothing	Internal frame; adjustable torso; supportive belt
Week or longer, winter trips	65 L and up	Bulky winter gear, extended food, shared group gear	Robust internal frame built for heavy loads

If you are new to hiking, start with the pack for the trips you will take most often. Many people do mostly day hikes with the occasional overnight, and a 30 to 40 liter pack can stretch to cover both if your gear is compact.

A marked hiking trail crossing a colorful volcanic mountainside — For day hikes, a light 20 to 30 liter pack with water, layers and the essentials is all you need (Photo: Jakub Hałun via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

Fit: the part that matters most

Most discomfort comes from a pack that does not fit, not from a pack that is poorly made. Fit depends on your torso length and hip size, not your height; two people of the same height can need different sizes.

Measure your torso

Have someone measure along your spine from the prominent bone at the base of your neck (tilt your head forward to find it) down to the level of the top of your hip bones. That distance is your torso length. Manufacturers publish which torso range each size fits, and many overnight packs have an adjustable back system to fine-tune it.

Adjust in the right order

Load the pack with a realistic weight, loosen every strap and put it on.
Hip belt first. Center the padded belt over the top of your hip bones and tighten it firmly. The belt should carry most of the load on an overnight pack.
Shoulder straps next. Snug them so they wrap your shoulders without taking the weight off your hips. The straps should attach to the pack a little below the top of your shoulders.
Load lifters. If your pack has small straps from the top of the shoulder straps to the pack body, pull them to bring the load closer to your back.
Sternum strap last. Clip it across your chest, a few centimeters below your collarbones, just tight enough to hold the shoulder straps in place.

Walk around, climb some stairs and lean forward. The pack should move with you, not sway or pull backward. Many brands offer women’s-specific fits with shorter torso ranges, differently shaped shoulder straps and hip belts, and these are worth trying regardless of how the pack is marketed.

Frame types

Frameless packs are light and simple, ideal for day hikes and for ultralight backpackers who carry very little weight. They rely on how you pack them for structure.
Internal frame packs have a frame sheet, stays or a perimeter frame inside the pack. This is the standard for overnight and multi-day hiking because it transfers weight to the hip belt and keeps the load close to your body for balance on uneven ground.
External frame packs hang the bag on a visible frame. They are less common now but still carry heavy, awkward loads well and ventilate your back. They are less stable on rough terrain.

Features that make a real difference

Padded hip belt with pockets. The belt carries the weight, and small belt pockets keep snacks, a phone and sunscreen in reach without stopping.
Water access. Stretch side pockets you can reach while walking, or a hydration sleeve and port for a water bladder, keep you drinking often.
Ventilated back panel. A suspended mesh back keeps air flowing and reduces a sweaty back in hot weather, at the cost of pushing the load slightly away from you.
Rain cover. Pack fabrics are water-resistant, not waterproof. An integrated or included rain cover, plus a liner or dry bags inside, keeps a sleeping bag and clothes dry.
Access. Top-loading is simplest and lightest. A front panel zip or a separate bottom compartment for a sleeping bag makes it easier to reach items without unpacking.
Compression straps. These cinch a partly full pack so the load does not shift, and let you strap on a foam pad or tent poles.
Tool loops. Loops for trekking poles and an ice axe matter on mountain routes.
Durable fabric and zippers. Abrasion-resistant fabric at the base and sides, and sturdy zippers, make a pack last many seasons.

Weight: pack and base weight

Every gram of the empty pack is a gram you carry all day. Heavier packs usually have more padding, stronger frames and more features, which is worth it for heavy loads and often not worth it for light ones. Backpackers talk about “base weight”: everything you carry except food, water and fuel. Reducing base weight, by choosing a lighter shelter, sleeping bag and cooking kit, often lets you choose a smaller, lighter pack, which makes the whole trip more pleasant. Pack light first, then choose the pack that fits what you carry.

Packs from our original list

The packs below were featured in the original version of this guide. They cover a range of trips and budgets rather than a ranking, and models, sizes and features change, so check the current specifications and torso-fit range from the manufacturer or seller before you buy.

MOUNTAINTOP hiking backpack (25L and 40L)

MOUNTAINTOP’s hiking backpack, listed in 25 and 40 liter versions, is an affordable option for day hikes and light overnights. It focuses on lightweight comfort with padded straps, a breathable back panel and multiple pockets. The 25 liter size suits day hikers who carry layers, food and water; the 40 liter size can stretch to a light overnight if your camping gear is compact. It is a sensible first pack for newer hikers.

TETON 65L Explorer internal frame backpack

TETON Sports is known for budget-friendly camping and backpacking gear. The 65L Explorer is a large internal frame pack with an adjustable torso, a padded hip belt, multiple compartments and gear loops, and an included rain cover. It suits backpackers who need room for a tent, sleeping bag and several days of food, and who want an adjustable fit at a lower price than premium brands. At 65 liters, resist filling every corner; pack only what you need.

TETON 55L Scout internal frame backpack

The 55L Scout is a slightly smaller sibling of the Explorer, with the same approach: internal frame, padded hip belt and shoulder straps, compression straps, gear loops and a rain cover. For many weekend backpackers, 55 liters is a better middle ground than 65, especially with reasonably compact gear. It is also a practical choice for teenagers and for scout or school trips where budget matters.

Amazon Basics internal frame hiking backpack

The Amazon Basics internal frame pack is a budget option with adjustable straps, an included rainfly, compression straps and a separate sleeping bag compartment. It suits people trying backpacking for the first time who do not want to invest heavily before they know they enjoy it. As with any budget pack, check the fit carefully: an adjustable torso and a hip belt that sits properly on your hips matter more than extra pockets.

32 liter hiking backpack with internal frame and rain cover

The original list also included an unbranded 32 liter pack with a light internal frame, an adjustable chest strap, breathable padding and a rain cover. A pack of this size and style bridges the gap between a daypack and an overnight pack: ideal for long day hikes with extra layers and food, or a minimalist hut-to-hut or overnight trip. Generic packs vary a lot in quality, so look closely at stitching, buckles and zippers.

How to pack a hiking backpack

A well-packed bag carries lighter than a badly packed one of the same weight.

Bottom: bulky, light items you will not need until camp, such as your sleeping bag and sleep clothes.
Middle, close to your back: the heaviest items, such as food, water reservoir, stove and cook kit. Keeping weight close to your spine and around shoulder-blade height keeps you balanced.
Outer middle and top: layers, rain jacket, first aid kit, water filter and toilet kit, where you can reach them quickly.
Lid and hip belt pockets: map, snacks, sunscreen, headlamp, phone and insect repellent.
Outside: as little as possible. Items dangling from the outside snag on branches and throw off your balance.

Whatever the trip, carry the essentials for safety: navigation, a headlamp, sun protection, first aid, a knife or repair kit, a way to start a fire, shelter, extra food, extra water and extra clothes. The US National Park Service explains each of the Ten Essentials, and our guide to travel first aid kits covers what a compact kit should include. In Canadian national parks, Parks Canada’s visitor safety page covers wildlife, weather and trip planning.

A backpacker with a loaded pack crossing a mountain stream — A pack that sits close to your back keeps you balanced on stream crossings and rough ground (Photo: Mattsjc via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

Footwear, clothing and the rest of your kit

A great pack cannot fix bad shoes. For well-maintained trails, trail runners or light hiking shoes work for many people; for rough terrain and heavy loads, boots with more support may suit you better. Our guide to comfortable walking shoes for traveling covers fit and break-in. A pair of light sandals or eco-friendly flip-flops makes a welcome camp shoe. Dress in layers of quick-drying fabrics rather than cotton, and pack a waterproof shell even on a sunny morning. For trips that combine town and trail, our guide to travel pants for men covers versatile, quick-drying options.

Flying with a hiking backpack

Many hikes start with a flight to the mountains. A few things to plan for:

Size. Most packs above about 40 to 45 liters are too big for carry-on limits and will need to be checked. Smaller packs may carry on if they fit the airline’s dimensions; check the airline’s official page.
Protect the straps. Loose hip belts and straps catch on baggage belts. Tighten everything, tuck straps away, and consider packing the pack inside a large duffel or a dedicated travel cover.
Stoves and fuel. Camping fuel canisters are not allowed on passenger flights. Stoves may be allowed if they are completely clean and empty, but rules vary, so check before you pack and plan to buy fuel at your destination.
Bear spray, knives and poles. Bear spray is generally not permitted on planes. Knives belong in checked bags, and trekking poles often have to be checked too. The TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool covers specific items for US flights, and CATSA’s what can I bring page covers Canadian airports.
Batteries in the cabin. Spare lithium batteries for headlamps, GPS units and power banks generally must travel in your carry-on. The FAA’s PackSafe guidance explains the rules.
Keep a carry-on day kit. Put your boots or trail shoes, a layer and any essential medication in the cabin with you, so a delayed checked pack does not stop you hitting the trail.

If you are traveling to the trailhead with other luggage, our main guide to travel luggage explains how to combine a checked bag with a carry-on, and our guide to the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L covers the brand’s Outdoor Backpack 45L for trips that mix trails and towns.

Where to take a new pack

Some of the best hiking in North America is a short flight and a drive away. Calgary is the gateway to Banff and the Canadian Rockies; see our guide to things to do in Calgary and compare flights to Calgary. Denver puts Colorado’s Front Range within reach; compare flights to Denver. Vancouver pairs city and mountains in one trip; read our guide to things to do in Vancouver. For more ideas closer to home, our guide to America’s most unique state parks has trails for every level. Most trailheads are not served by transit, so a car is usually essential; our Calgary car rentals page is a good place to start for the Rockies. For overnight trips in US national parks, read the National Park Service’s guidance on backcountry camping, since many areas require permits.

Two tents pitched in a sheltered volcanic crater at a backcountry campsite — Overnight trips need room for a shelter, sleeping bag and food; many US parks require a backcountry permit (Photo: NPS Photo via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Day hike, overnight or multi-day: getting it right

Day hikes

Keep it light and simple. A comfortable daypack with a hip belt, two bottle pockets or a hydration sleeve, and room for the essentials. Choose a pack you would happily wear all day on a city trip too, since many travelers use one bag for both.

Overnight

This is where an internal frame earns its place. A 35 to 50 liter pack with a proper hip belt, a sleeping bag compartment and compression straps handles one night comfortably if your shelter and sleeping bag are compact.

Multi-day

Fit, frame and hip belt matter most. Test the pack with the full weight you plan to carry, including food and water, and make sure the torso length is right. A few hours with the pack loaded around your neighborhood before the trip will reveal hot spots.

Trying a pack before you buy

If you can, try packs on in a store that lets you load them with weighted bags, and wear each one for at least ten minutes while walking and climbing stairs. Bring the gear you already own, especially a sleeping bag and water bottles, to see how it fits inside. If you buy online, check the return policy first, load the pack at home with your real gear, and wear it around the house before taking the tags off. For children and teenagers, choose a pack with a generous torso adjustment range so it can grow with them, and keep their loads light.

Caring for your pack

Empty the pack completely after every trip, shake out dirt and crumbs, and let it dry fully before storing it to avoid mildew. Clean it with a sponge, lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid washing machines and harsh detergents, which damage coatings and foam. Rinse a hydration bladder and let it dry open. Store the pack loosely, out of direct sunlight, in a dry place. Check buckles, stitching and zippers before each season; small repairs are easy early and hard in the backcountry.

Common mistakes

Choosing by height, not torso. Measure your torso and check the size chart.
Buying too big. A 70 liter pack for a weekend trip invites overpacking.
Carrying the weight on your shoulders. Tighten the hip belt on your hip bones first.
Heavy items at the bottom or outside. Keep heavy gear close to your back and centered.
Trusting fabric to stay dry. Use a rain cover and a liner or dry bags.
First use on the big trip. Try the pack loaded on a shorter hike first.
Checking a pack with loose straps. Straps catch on baggage systems; tuck them or use a cover.

Frequently asked questions

What size hiking backpack do I need?

Roughly 15 to 30 liters for day hikes, 35 to 50 for overnights and 50 to 65 for weekend trips of two or three nights. Longer or winter trips may need more. Compact gear lets you go smaller.

How do I know if a hiking pack fits?

The hip belt should sit on top of your hip bones and carry most of the weight, the shoulder straps should wrap your shoulders without gaps, and the pack should not sway when you walk. Choose the size by torso length.

Is an internal frame backpack worth it for day hikes?

For most day hikes, a frameless or lightly framed pack is enough. A frame helps on long days with heavy water, winter layers or camera gear.

Are budget hiking backpacks any good?

Many are fine for occasional use, especially for beginners. Check the fit, hip belt and build quality carefully, and upgrade once you know what you need.

Can I bring a hiking backpack on a plane?

Smaller packs may fit carry-on limits. Larger packs usually need to be checked, with straps tucked away or the pack placed in a cover. Fuel, bear spray and some tools are restricted.

Do I need a women’s-specific hiking pack?

Not necessarily, but women’s-specific fits often have shorter torso ranges and shaped straps and hip belts that suit many bodies better. Try both types.

Should I use a hydration bladder or bottles?

Bladders make it easy to sip often; bottles are easier to refill, check and clean. Many hikers use one of each.

Once the pack is ready, pick the trail. Compare fares on our flight search for a mountain getaway, find a base near the trails on our hotel search, and book a car for the drive to the trailhead on our car rental search. For the Rockies, our guide to the best time to fly to Calgary will help you time your trip for the hiking season.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and carry-on travel packs
Anti-theft backpacks for travel and commuting
Comfortable walking shoes for traveling
Travel first aid kits
Travel pants for men
Eco-friendly travel flip-flops
Cheap flights to Calgary — gateway to the Rockies
Things to do in Calgary

August 24, 2026

Travel Pants for Men: 10 Best Picks for Comfort, Style & Adventure in 2026

A good pair of travel pants does more work than almost anything else in your bag. It sits through a long-haul flight without digging in, walks all day through a city, survives being rolled into a backpack, looks presentable at dinner, and dries overnight after a sink wash in the hotel bathroom. A bad pair wrinkles into a mess by the time you land, stays damp for two days after a rain shower, and has one shallow pocket that drops your phone every time you sit down. This guide explains how to choose travel pants for men: which fabrics do what, how stretch, gussets and pockets make a difference, how to get the fit right, which style suits flights, business trips, city breaks, hiking and hot or cold climates, how many pairs to pack and how to care for them on the road. It also covers the pants from our original list, grouped by the kind of traveler each one suits.

The short answer

For most trips, pack one pair of stretch travel chinos in a synthetic or synthetic-blend fabric that resists wrinkles and dries quickly, plus one second pair chosen for the trip: technical hiking pants for trails, a smarter pair for business, or lighter pants for heat. Look for stretch, a comfortable waistband, at least one zippered or deep pocket and a fabric that still looks tidy after a day in a bag. Try them on and sit down in them, because the real test of travel pants is hour six of a flight, not a quick look in a store mirror. Wear the heavier pair on the plane, and keep jeans for trips where you will not need to wash or dry anything fast.

A stack of folded chino pants in different colors on a chair — Neutral travel chinos in navy, olive or khaki go with every top in your bag (Photo: Menswear Market via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)

What makes pants good for travel

Fabric

Fabric decides almost everything: how the pants feel after hours of sitting, how they look after being packed, how fast they dry and how warm they are. The main options are:

Nylon and polyester. Synthetic fabrics are the backbone of most travel and hiking pants. They are light, strong, resist wrinkles and dry quickly. Some feel a little technical or shiny, though many modern versions look like regular chinos.
Cotton and cotton blends. Cotton is soft, breathable and looks classic, but it wrinkles, holds water and dries slowly. Cotton blended with a synthetic and some stretch fiber is a common middle ground for everyday pants.
Wool and merino blends. Wool resists odor, regulates temperature well and drapes nicely, which is why some premium travel trousers use it. It needs gentler care and costs more.
Stretch fibers. A small amount of elastane or spandex, blended into almost any fabric, makes pants far more comfortable for flights, stairs and long walks.

Wrinkle resistance

Pants that come out of a bag looking tidy save you ironing on every trip. Synthetics and wool blends resist creasing best; pure cotton creases most. Rolling rather than folding helps any fabric.

Quick drying

Quick-drying fabric matters more than most people expect. It means a pair you wash in a sink can be dry by morning, you are not stuck in damp pants after a sudden downpour, and you can pack fewer pairs overall.

Stretch and a gusseted crotch

Stretch fabric and a gusset, an extra diamond-shaped panel of fabric in the crotch found in many outdoor and travel pants, give you freedom to climb stairs, step up onto trains and sit cross-legged without seams pulling. They also make a big difference to comfort in economy seats.

Pockets

Travel pants often add a zippered pocket, deeper front pockets or a hidden pocket for a passport or phone. Zippered pockets stop things falling out when you sit and make a pickpocket’s job harder. Too many bulky pockets, though, make pants look like workwear and feel heavy when loaded.

Waistband

A waistband with a little stretch or an adjustable tab stays comfortable after a big meal and through hours of sitting, and some travelers like a slim built-in belt that avoids metal detectors. If you wear a belt, choose one with minimal metal.

Weight and packability

Light fabrics pack small and are comfortable in heat but may feel thin in cold wind. Heavier fabrics are warmer and more durable. Think about the climate you are traveling to.

Fabrics compared

Fabric	Best for	Strengths	Watch out for
Nylon or polyester with stretch	Most travel, hiking, humid climates	Light, tough, quick-drying, resists wrinkles	Can look technical; may hold odors
Cotton-synthetic blend with stretch	City trips, everyday wear	Soft, classic look, some wrinkle resistance	Dries slower than full synthetics
100 percent cotton chino	Dry, mild climates, short trips	Comfortable and breathable, classic look	Wrinkles, holds water, slow to dry
Stretch denim	Casual trips, cool weather	Durable, familiar, hides dirt	Heavy, slow to dry, bulky to pack
Wool or merino blend	Business travel, cool climates	Resists odor and wrinkles, smart drape	Costs more, needs gentle care
Canvas	Outdoor work, road trips, rugged use	Very durable, good for cargo styles	Stiffer and heavier; slow to dry

Styles and who they suit

Travel chinos

Chino-style travel pants look like ordinary smart-casual trousers but use stretch and faster-drying fabrics. They are the most versatile single pair: fine on a flight, in a museum, at a restaurant and in a casual office.

Technical hiking pants

Hiking pants use tough synthetic fabric, often with a gusset, articulated knees and zippered pockets. They are the best choice for trails, wet climates and active trips, and many look acceptable around town.

Convertible zip-off pants

Zip-off legs turn pants into shorts. They are practical on hot hikes and safaris where mornings are cool and afternoons hot, though the look is very outdoorsy and the zippers can rub.

Commuter and five-pocket pants

These look like jeans or casual trousers but are often made with stretch fabric. They are easy everyday travel pants for city trips.

Cargo pants

Cargo pockets give you room for a phone, a map and snacks without a bag. They suit road trips, outdoor travel and casual destinations. Keep valuables out of outer cargo pockets in crowded places.

Joggers

Soft joggers are comfortable on long flights and overnight trains. They are less versatile at your destination, so many travelers change on arrival.

Jeans

Jeans are familiar and hard-wearing, but they are heavy, bulky, slow to dry and tight when you sit for hours. If you love them, wear them on the plane and pack lighter pants.

Clothes and travel essentials being packed into an open suitcase — Two quick-drying pairs and a sink wash cover most trips of any length (Photo: Angelina Litvin linalitvina via Wikimedia Commons, CC0)

How to get the fit right

Sit down. Sit in the pants for a few minutes, cross your legs and lean forward. If the waist digs in or the seat pulls, they will be worse on a flight.
Squat and step. A deep squat and a high step test the gusset and stretch. You should not feel seams pulling.
Check the rise. A mid rise tends to be most comfortable for long sitting; a very low rise can feel insecure and a very high rise can press on your stomach.
Get the leg and hem right. A slim, tapered leg looks tidy and stays out of the way on stairs. The hem should sit on top of your walking shoes without bunching or dragging on the ground.
Allow for a loaded pocket. Put your phone and wallet in the pockets you will use. Some slim cuts become uncomfortable once pockets are full.
Check the maker’s size chart. Sizes and cuts vary a lot between brands, and fits such as straight, relaxed, slim and athletic mean different things to different makers.

Match the pants to the trip

Long-haul flights

Comfort is everything. Stretch, a soft or stretchy waistband and a fabric that does not crush into deep creases all help. Loose enough at the ankle is useful too, especially if you wear compression socks on long flights. A zippered pocket keeps your phone from sliding into the seat gap.

Business trips

Choose a travel chino or wool-blend trouser in a neutral color that works with a blazer and dress shoes. A wrinkle-resistant fabric means you can wear them from the airport straight into a meeting.

City breaks

Smart-casual travel chinos or five-pocket stretch pants look at home in cafés and restaurants and handle long walking days. Pair them with the kind of shoes in our guide to comfortable walking shoes for traveling. In many places of worship, covering your knees is expected, which is another reason to pack at least one pair of long pants even in summer. Canada’s travel advice pages include a laws and culture section for each country, which often mentions dress norms.

Hiking and outdoor trips

Technical hiking pants in a durable, quick-drying synthetic with a gusset are the right tool. Avoid cotton on long hikes, since it stays wet and cold. If you are carrying a pack, our guide to hiking backpacks covers fit and loads.

Hot and humid destinations

Choose light, breathable, quick-drying fabrics in lighter colors. In places with mosquitoes or ticks, long pants help protect your legs, especially at dawn and dusk. The CDC explains how permethrin-treated clothing and gear can be used to prevent bites; follow the product instructions and never apply clothing treatments to skin.

Cold weather

Heavier fabrics, wool blends or lined pants help, but the most flexible approach is a thin thermal base layer under your regular travel pants. That keeps you warm outdoors and comfortable indoors without packing a second heavy pair.

Pants from our original list

The pants below were featured in the original version of this guide. They are grouped by the kind of traveler they suit rather than ranked, and the descriptions reflect each product’s style and name rather than test results. Fabrics, fits and features change between versions, so check the maker’s current product page and size chart before you buy.

Smart and business-friendly

Haggar Sport Men’s Travel Performance Pant. Haggar is a long-established American trouser brand, and its Travel Performance line is positioned as a smart pant for travelers who want to go from the airport to a meeting or dinner. A pant like this suits business travelers and anyone who wants a classic look with stretch and easy care.

prAna Men’s Brion Pant. prAna is an outdoor and lifestyle brand, and the Brion is its well-known everyday pant with a clean, chino-like look and stretch. It suits travelers who want one pair that works on a trail in the morning and a restaurant in the evening, and it sits at the premium end of this list.

Everyday travel chinos

Unionbay Men’s Rainier Travel Tech Chino. Unionbay‘s Rainier is a lightweight travel chino aimed at comfort and versatility. It suits city breaks, airport days and casual trips where you want a chino look with more give than traditional cotton.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Commuter Pants. A budget commuter pant with a clean, modern look and stretch fabric. It suits travelers who want an affordable everyday pair for flights, city walking and casual dinners.

Amazon Essentials Men’s 5-Pocket Stretch Twill Pants. A jeans-style five-pocket pant in stretch twill. It suits travelers who like the look and pockets of jeans but want something lighter and more comfortable for sitting.

Outdoor and hiking

ATG by Wrangler Men’s Cliffside Utility Pant. A synthetic utility pant from Wrangler’s outdoor-oriented ATG range. Synthetic outdoor pants like this suit hiking, camping and adventure travel where you need freedom of movement and fabric that dries quickly.

Pudolla Men’s Lightweight Hiking Pants. A budget hiking pant that its seller describes as lightweight and quick-drying with zippered pockets. Pants of this type suit active trips, casual hikes and warm-weather travel. Build quality varies more with budget outdoor brands, so check the fabric details and return policy.

Columbia Men’s Flex ROC Pant. Columbia is one of the best-known outdoor clothing brands, and the Flex ROC is a casual, outdoor-style pant with stretch. It suits road trips, park visits and travelers who want a rugged look that still works in town. Check the fabric content for the version you buy, since cotton-rich pants dry more slowly than synthetics.

Cargo and rugged

Lee Men’s Extreme Motion Canvas Cargo Pant. Lee’s Extreme Motion range is built around stretch and ease of movement, and this canvas cargo version adds cargo pockets. It suits road trips and outdoor travel where you want storage without a bag. Canvas is durable but heavier and slower to dry than synthetic travel fabrics.

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Relaxed Fit Stretch Cargo Pant. Wrangler’s relaxed stretch cargo pant offers a roomy fit and plenty of pockets at a budget price. It suits casual trips, camping and travelers who prefer a looser cut.

How many pairs to pack

With quick-drying fabrics, two pairs of pants cover most trips of any length: one to wear and one to wash or keep clean for evenings. For trips over a week, add laundry rather than more pants. A simple formula that works for many travelers:

One versatile travel chino in a neutral color, worn on travel days.
One second pair for the trip: hiking pants, a smarter trouser, lightweight pants for heat or a pair of shorts.
Optional joggers or sleep pants for flights, trains and hotel rooms if you have room.

Choose colors that work with every top you pack. Navy, charcoal, olive and khaki hide dirt and match most things. Our main guide to choosing travel luggage covers how to build a light carry-on kit around a few versatile pieces, and a travel pack like the one in our Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L guide makes it easy to carry.

Packing pants so they arrive wearable

Roll synthetics and casual pants. Rolling saves space and reduces sharp creases.
Fold smart trousers along the crease. Lay them flat on top of other clothes or use a garment folder.
Use packing cubes. Cubes keep pants compressed and stop them getting crushed under shoes.
Hang them on arrival. Hanging pants in a steamy bathroom while you shower relaxes many wrinkles.

Washing and drying on the road

Quick-drying pants are only useful if you wash them the right way. Wash in a sink with a little travel detergent or shampoo, rinse well, then roll the pants tightly in a towel and press or stand on the roll to squeeze out water. Hang them overnight somewhere with airflow, away from direct heat. Most synthetic travel pants will be dry or nearly dry by morning; cotton blends take longer. Check the care label, and avoid high heat for technical fabrics and stretch fibers.

Airport security and your pants

Metal belt buckles, rivets and some zippers can set off metal detectors. Screening procedures vary by airport and country and change over time, so check the rules for your departure airport. In the United States, the TSA explains the process on its security screening pages; in Canada, see CATSA’s guidance. Empty your pockets into your bag before you reach the checkpoint, and choose a belt with minimal metal or put it in the tray to speed things up.

Pockets, valuables and pickpockets

Pants pockets are where many travelers lose phones and wallets, especially back pockets in crowds. A zippered pocket helps, but for passports, spare cards and larger amounts of cash, a money belt worn under your waistband is safer. Keep only a day’s cash and one card in your front pocket, and use a secure bag such as one of the anti-theft backpacks we cover for everything else. Our guide to passport holders covers the rest of your document kit.

Rows of economy seats in the main cabin of a narrowbody airliner — The real test of travel pants is hour six in an economy seat, so sit down in them before you buy (Photo: Delta News Hub via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)

Care that makes travel pants last

Follow the care label. Many technical fabrics dislike high heat, fabric softener and bleach.
Wash less, air more. Hanging pants to air out between wears reduces washing, which extends their life.
Close zippers before washing. Open zippers snag other clothes and wear out faster.
Repair small damage early. A loose button or a small tear is easy to fix before it spreads.
Retire them honestly. Thin seat fabric and worn-out stretch are signs a pair is near the end of its travel life; demote it to home use.

Common mistakes

Flying in stiff jeans. Heavy denim is uncomfortable after hours of sitting and slow to dry if you need to wash it.
Buying without sitting down. The seat and waist only reveal themselves when you sit.
Packing too many pairs. Two quick-drying pairs and a sink wash beat four slow-drying ones.
Choosing cotton for hiking or humid trips. It stays wet and heavy.
Keeping valuables in back pockets. Use zippered front pockets or a money belt.
Forgetting local dress norms. Long pants are expected in many religious sites and some restaurants.
Picking a color that matches nothing. Neutral colors work with every top in your bag.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best pants to wear on a long flight?

Pants with stretch, a comfortable waistband and a fabric that resists wrinkles. Travel chinos and soft joggers are popular choices. Avoid stiff denim and tight waistbands.

What fabric is best for travel pants?

For most travelers, a nylon or polyester fabric with some stretch, because it is light, tough, wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying. Cotton blends look more classic but dry slower, and wool blends are good for business and cool climates.

How many pairs of pants should I pack for two weeks?

Two or three pairs of quick-drying pants are enough for most people if you can do a sink wash or use a laundry once. Add shorts or joggers if the climate or trip calls for them.

Are hiking pants acceptable for city travel?

Many modern hiking pants look close to casual chinos and work well in cities. Very technical styles with lots of pockets or zip-off legs look outdoorsy, which may matter in smarter restaurants.

Can I wear jeans for travel?

Yes, especially in cool weather and on trips where you will not wash clothes. They are heavy and slow to dry, so wear them on the plane rather than packing them, and bring a lighter second pair.

Do travel pants with hidden pockets stop pickpockets?

Zippered and hidden pockets make theft harder, but they are not a guarantee. Keep only a day’s cash and one card in your pants, and carry passports and backups in a money belt or a secure bag.

Should I buy pants with insect protection?

If you are heading somewhere with mosquitoes or ticks, long pants help, and the CDC explains how permethrin-treated clothing can reduce bites. Follow product instructions and your destination’s health advice.

With your travel wardrobe sorted, plan the trip that will put it to work. Compare fares on our flight search, including flexible dates, find a hotel that suits your plans on our hotel search, and pick up a car for road trips and trailheads on our car rental search. For a city break that rewards comfortable, smart-casual pants, start with flights to London and our guide to things to do in London, and for the rest of your kit, see our main guide to travel luggage.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Comfortable walking shoes for traveling
Best money belts for travel
Eco-friendly travel flip-flops
Compression socks for long flights
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and carry-on travel packs
Hiking backpacks: how to choose and fit one
Search flights — compare fares across flexible dates
Things to do in London

July 17, 2026

Eco-Friendly Travel Flip Flops for Sustainable Travelers

Flip-flops are the most traveled shoe in the world. They go to the beach and the pool, into hostel showers and hotel bathrooms, along boardwalks and onto boat decks, and they fold into the corner of almost any bag. They are also, for the most part, made of foam and plastic, worn hard for a season or two and thrown away. If you care about the footprint of your travel, a better pair of flip-flops is one of the easiest places to start, but it is also a category full of vague “eco” labels. This guide explains what actually makes a travel flip-flop more sustainable, how to read green claims without being fooled, which materials are which, how to choose a pair that is comfortable and safe on wet surfaces, when flip-flops are the right travel shoe and when they are not, and several options from our original list, with the materials details their makers publish. It also covers packing, care and how to make any pair last longer, which is the most sustainable choice of all.

The short answer

The most sustainable flip-flop is one well-made pair that you wear for years, not a new cheap pair every summer. When you shop, look for specific, checkable materials claims on the maker’s own site, such as a named natural fiber, a stated recycled percentage or a stated material the product avoids, rather than words like “eco” or “green” on their own. Choose a pair with a grippy sole for wet tiles and decks, a toe post and straps that do not rub, and some arch shape if you will wear them for more than short walks. Pack them flat, rinse off salt and sand, dry them out of strong sun, and keep a supportive walking shoe for long days on foot, because flip-flops are for beaches and showers, not ten-hour city days.

A pair of rubber flip-flops on a sandy beach — The greenest pair is the one you keep wearing for years, so buy for durability first (Photo: Peachyeung316 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

What makes a flip-flop more sustainable

There is no single eco-friendly material. The environmental impact of a pair of flip-flops depends on several things together:

How long it lasts. A pair that lasts five summers generally beats a pair made from a “greener” material that splits after one. Durability is the part of sustainability you control directly, through what you buy and how you care for it.
What it is made of. Plant-based and natural materials, such as natural rubber, cork and hemp, come from renewable sources. Recycled synthetics reuse material that already exists. Conventional foams and plastics are made from fossil fuels. Each has trade-offs in durability, comfort and end-of-life options.
What it avoids. Some makers state that their products are made without PVC or without animal-derived materials. Those are specific, checkable claims.
How it is made and shipped. Manufacturing energy, glues, dyes and transport all add to the footprint, though these are hard for shoppers to compare.
What happens at the end. Most flip-flops end up in landfill. A few brands run repair services, take-back or recycling programs; if that matters to you, check the brand’s site for what is actually offered in your country.

Keep that list in mind as you read product pages. A shoe that scores well on one point and poorly on another may still be a good choice for you, as long as the claims are real.

How to read green claims without being fooled

Environmental marketing is regulated, but vague claims still slip through, and footwear is no exception. A few rules of thumb help:

Specific beats general. “Hemp strap and top sole” or “recycled PET webbing lining” tells you something. “Eco-friendly,” “earth-conscious” or “green” on their own tell you almost nothing.
Check which part the claim covers. A recycled-content claim may apply to the strap, the lining or the outsole, not the whole shoe. Read the materials section, not just the headline.
Look for numbers. “Made with recycled material” could mean a tiny share. A stated percentage is more useful.
Look for the source. Trust claims on the maker’s own product page more than seller listings, which often repeat or exaggerate them.
Be wary of “biodegradable” and “compostable.” Unless a product clearly states how, where and in what conditions it breaks down, treat such claims with caution. Most shoes do not break down in a home compost bin or in landfill in any useful time.

Regulators publish guidance on this. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides explain how environmental marketing claims should be qualified and substantiated. In Canada, the Competition Bureau’s advice on greenwashing for consumers lists warning signs to look out for. Both are useful reading before any “sustainable” purchase, not just flip-flops.

Flip-flop materials compared

This table sums up the materials you will see most often and the trade-offs of each. It describes materials in general, not any specific product.

Material	Where it is used	Strengths	Watch out for
Natural rubber	Soles, footbeds, one-piece flip-flops	Renewable source, grippy, durable and flexible	Heavier than foam; rubber production has its own land-use impacts
Synthetic rubber	Outsoles	Durable, good grip	Made from fossil fuels
EVA foam	Footbeds and soles	Very light, soft, cheap, quick-drying	Usually fossil-based; soft foam compresses and wears faster
Cork	Footbeds	Harvested from bark, which regrows; molds to your foot	Can dry out or crack if soaked and baked in the sun; not ideal for constant water
Hemp and other natural fibers	Straps, top soles	Plant-based, strong, breathable	Can take longer to dry; may stain
Recycled polyester (PET)	Straps, webbing, linings	Reuses existing plastic, strong, quick-drying	Still a plastic; check what share of the shoe it covers
Leather	Straps, top soles	Durable, molds to the foot, repairable	Not vegan; dislikes repeated soaking and salt water
PVC	Straps and cheap one-piece flip-flops	Cheap and waterproof	Many brands now advertise avoiding it; it is hard to recycle

Cork oak trees with bark harvested from their lower trunks — Cork comes from bark that regrows on the tree, which is why it shows up in footbeds marketed as natural (Photo: Omar Hoftun via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

When flip-flops are the right travel shoe

Flip-flops earn their place in a bag because they are light, cheap to replace, quick to dry and easy to slip on and off. They are the right choice for:

Beaches, pools and boat decks, where you want something that can get wet and sandy.
Shared showers and bathrooms in hostels, campsites, gyms and some guesthouses, where a barrier between your feet and wet floors is a simple hygiene habit.
Hotel rooms and apartments, as a light alternative to slippers.
Short strolls in hot weather, such as a walk to dinner in a beach town.

They are the wrong choice for long walking days, hiking, steep or uneven ground, and anywhere you need to move quickly. They offer little support, the toe post makes your toes grip with every step, and a thin sole gives little protection from hot pavement, sharp shells or broken glass. For sightseeing, pack a proper walking shoe; our guide to comfortable walking shoes for traveling covers how to choose one.

Flip-flops, slides, sandals or water shoes?

If you are only packing one warm-weather shoe besides your walking shoes, it is worth thinking about which open shoe does the most for your trip:

Flip-flops are the lightest and pack flattest. Best for beach, pool and shower use.
Slides have a single strap across the top of the foot and no toe post. Many people find them more comfortable for short periods, and they are easy to slip on in a hotel room, but they tend to be bulkier and less secure when you walk.
Strapped sandals with a heel strap stay on your foot, so you can walk further in them, climb on and off boats and wade through shallow water. They are a better choice if your warm-weather trip involves real walking.
Water shoes protect your feet on rocky beaches, coral rubble and river crossings. If your destination has stony shores, they are safer than flip-flops in the water.

Comfort and fit

The toe post and straps

The toe post is where most flip-flop discomfort starts. Soft, rounded posts and smooth, wider straps are kinder to skin. If a new pair rubs, wear it around the house for short periods before the trip, just as you would break in any shoe.

Arch shape and cushioning

A completely flat, thin flip-flop gives your feet very little support. A contoured footbed with some arch shape and a bit of cushioning is more comfortable if you will spend hours in them, such as a full beach day with walks to lunch. Very soft foam feels lovely in the store but compresses over time.

Grip on wet surfaces

Wet tiles around pools, bathroom floors and boat decks are slippery. A textured rubber outsole grips better than smooth foam. Check the sole before you buy, and replace a pair when the tread wears smooth.

Size and length

Your heel should sit on the footbed, not hang off the back, and your toes should not reach the front edge. Sizes vary between brands, and many flip-flops come in whole sizes only, so check the maker’s size chart.

Options from our original list

The flip-flops and sandals below were featured in the original version of this guide. The original product descriptions could not be verified, so we have rewritten each entry around what the maker’s own site says or, where we could not confirm materials, around who the style suits. We make no environmental claim for a product unless its maker’s page states it. Designs and materials change between versions and colors, so check the current product page for the pair you are buying.

Reef Women’s Cushion Breeze

Reef lists the Cushion Breeze as an EVA sandal with a soft cushioned footbed, arch support, wide padded synthetic straps and a rubber sponge outsole. Its product page describes the materials as PVC-free and vegan friendly and states a recycled PET webbing lining. It suits travelers who want plenty of cushioning for beach days and warm-weather strolls. Remember that the recycled claim refers to the lining, not the whole shoe.

Rainbow Sandals Single Layer Hemp

Rainbow Sandals makes a Single Layer Hemp flip-flop whose product page lists a natural hemp top sole and hemp strap, a single-layer arch midsole, double stitching with bonded nylon thread and a non-slip rubber bottom sole. The brand is known for flip-flops built to last, and a plant-based fiber top and strap is a good fit for travelers who want natural materials where their skin touches the shoe. Hemp takes a little longer to dry than foam, so it is better for the beach and boardwalk than for daily shower use.

Sanuk Women’s Yoga Mat

Sanuk describes its Yoga Mat collection as sandals made from real yoga mat foam, which gives them a soft, squishy footbed. They suit travelers who put comfort first for short walks, beach days and lounging. Sanuk publishes more about materials and its sustainability work on its own site; check the specific product page for what applies to the version you buy.

Teva Women’s Olowahu

Teva’s Olowahu is a lightweight women’s flip-flop from a brand best known for outdoor sandals. A light foam flip-flop like this suits the beach and pool and packs easily. Teva publishes materials details on its product pages; check the current listing if recycled content or vegan construction matters to you, since we have not been able to confirm those details for every version.

Havaianas Top

Havaianas is the Brazilian brand behind some of the world’s best-known rubber flip-flops, and the Top is its plain, classic design. A simple, durable flip-flop that you wear for several seasons is a reasonable choice on its own terms; the brand does not need to make a green claim for a long-lasting pair to be better than a disposable one. The Top is a good all-rounder for beaches, pools and shared showers.

Skechers Foamies

Skechers‘ Foamies are lightweight molded foam footwear, including flip-flop styles. Molded foam is very light and quick-drying and easy to rinse, which makes it practical for pools and showers. We have not confirmed materials claims for Foamies, so treat them as a comfort and convenience choice rather than an eco pick.

Quick-drying travel slippers

The original list also included generic lightweight, non-slip, quick-drying travel slippers. Shoes of this kind are handy for hotel rooms, overnight trains and shared bathrooms. Quality varies widely between unbranded products, so look for a textured sole and check that the seller names the materials. If a listing makes environmental claims without detail, apply the checks above.

Black flip-flops and leather sandals side by side on a beach — Flip-flops for sand and showers, strapped sandals when the day involves real walking (Photo: Peachyeung316 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

How to choose: a quick checklist

Durability first. Stitched or well-bonded straps and a thick, grippy sole usually outlast thin one-piece designs.
Specific materials claims. Look for named materials and percentages on the maker’s page.
The right material for how you will use them. Rubber and foam for showers and pools; natural fibers, cork or leather for dry beach days and strolls.
Grip. A textured outsole for wet tiles and decks.
Comfort. A soft toe post, smooth straps and some arch shape.
Weight and packability. Flat, light pairs fit anywhere in a bag.
A brand you can reach. A company with clear warranty and care information is easier to deal with if a strap fails.

Packing flip-flops

Flip-flops are among the easiest things to pack. Slide them flat along the back panel or side of a suitcase or backpack, sole to sole, inside a thin bag to keep sand and shower water off your clothes. A mesh or breathable bag lets damp pairs dry. If you travel carry-on only, a pair of flip-flops is one of the few second pairs of shoes that barely takes up any room; our main guide to choosing travel luggage covers how to build a light carry-on kit around them. A travel backpack such as the one in our Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L guide often has a separate shoe or wet compartment that suits them well.

Flip-flops at the airport and on the plane

Flip-flops are easy at security, and in the United States the Department of Homeland Security announced in 2025 that travelers at domestic checkpoints would generally no longer need to remove their shoes; officers can still ask. Other countries set their own screening rules, so check CATSA or your departure airport’s security agency before you fly. On the plane itself, many travelers prefer closed shoes: cabins get cold, aisles and lavatory floors are not always clean, and closed shoes protect your feet if you have to move quickly. A practical approach is to wear walking shoes on travel days and keep flip-flops in your bag for arrival.

Care: make them last

Rinse after salt water and sand. Salt and grit wear down straps, stitching and glues. A quick rinse in fresh water after the beach helps any pair last longer.
Dry in the shade. Leaving flip-flops in strong sun for hours, or on a hot car dashboard, can warp foam, fade colors and dry out cork and leather.
Clean gently. Mild soap and water is enough for rubber and foam. Natural fibers and leather need gentler care and a full dry before packing.
Keep natural materials out of constant water. Cork, leather and fabric straps last longer if you save a rubber pair for showers.
Rotate pairs at home. If you already own an older pair, keep it for garden and pool use and save the better pair for travel.
Fix before you replace. Some brands sell replacement straps or offer repairs, and a cobbler can often fix stitched sandals. Check the maker’s warranty and care pages before throwing a pair away.

Sustainable travel beyond your feet

Flip-flops are a small part of a trip’s footprint. If you care about traveling more lightly, a few other choices often matter more:

Pack less and buy less. A light bag with versatile pieces, such as the options in our guide to travel pants for men, means fewer purchases and less to carry.
Buy gear once. A durable backpack or suitcase that lasts a decade has a far smaller footprint than several cheap ones.
Choose direct routes where you can. A nonstop flight usually covers a shorter total distance than a connection, and it saves you time and a missed-connection risk as well.
Refill rather than buy. A reusable bottle and a small refillable toiletry kit reduce single-use plastic on every trip.
Leave beaches as you found them. Take your litter home, stay on marked paths through dunes and follow local rules on protected areas.

Keep your valuables safe at the beach

Beaches and pool decks are where many travelers leave phones and wallets unattended while they swim. Take only what you need, use the hotel safe for passports and spare cards, and consider a waterproof pouch or a slim money belt for a card and some cash. On the walk there and back through busy streets, a bag like the ones in our guide to anti-theft backpacks keeps your things harder to reach. A few plasters from a travel first aid kit are handy if a new toe post rubs or you cut your foot on a shell.

Latex being collected from a tapped rubber tree — Natural rubber is tapped from trees as latex; check a maker's page to see whether a sole is natural or synthetic (Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

Common mistakes

Buying a cheap pair every summer. A durable pair worn for years is usually the more sustainable choice.
Trusting “eco” on its own. Look for specific materials and numbers on the maker’s own page.
Walking a city in flip-flops. Save them for beaches and showers and pack a supportive walking shoe.
Using natural-fiber pairs as shower shoes. Keep a rubber or foam pair for constant water.
Baking them in the sun. Heat warps foam and dries out cork and leather.
Ignoring worn-out tread. Smooth soles on wet tiles are a slip waiting to happen.

Frequently asked questions

What are eco-friendly flip-flops made of?

Common choices include natural rubber, cork, hemp and other natural fibers, and recycled synthetics such as recycled polyester. Many products mix materials, so check which parts of the shoe a claim covers.

Are rubber flip-flops sustainable?

Natural rubber comes from a renewable source and is durable, which helps. Synthetic rubber and many foams are fossil-based. A long-lasting rubber pair is generally better than a short-lived one of any material.

How can I tell if a green claim is real?

Look for specific, measurable claims on the maker’s own site, such as a named material or a stated recycled percentage, and check which part of the shoe it applies to. Government guidance from the FTC and Canada’s Competition Bureau explains common warning signs.

Are flip-flops good for walking all day?

No. They offer little support or protection and make your toes grip with every step. Use them for beaches, pools and short strolls, and wear proper walking shoes for sightseeing.

Should I wear flip-flops in hostel or campsite showers?

Many travelers do, as a simple hygiene habit and for grip on wet floors. A rubber or foam pair that dries quickly is best for this.

Can I wear flip-flops on a plane?

You can, and they are easy at security, but closed shoes are warmer, cleaner and safer if you need to move quickly. Many travelers wear walking shoes to fly and keep flip-flops in their bag.

How long should a good pair of flip-flops last?

It depends on how often you wear them, where and how you care for them. Rinsing off salt and sand, drying them out of strong sun and saving natural-material pairs for dry use all extend their life.

Are cork footbeds good for the beach?

Cork is comfortable and molds to your foot, but repeated soaking and strong sun can dry it out. It suits dry beach days and strolls better than swimming and showers.

With a good pair packed, the beach is waiting. Compare fares to warm-weather favorites on our flight search, and find a hotel near the sand on our hotel search. If you are dreaming of turquoise water, start with flights to Cancun and our guide to things to do in Cancun, or head to Miami with our things to do in Miami guide. For the rest of your kit, see our main guide to travel luggage.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Comfortable walking shoes for traveling
Travel pants for men
Best money belts for travel
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and carry-on travel packs
Anti-theft backpacks for travel and commuting
Travel first aid kits
Search hotels — find a room near the beach
Things to do in Cancun
Things to do in Miami

September 16, 2025

Top 10 Laptop Travel Accessories You Can’t Travel Without

A laptop is the most expensive and most fragile thing most people travel with, and it depends on a surprising number of small companions to be useful on the road. Without the right plug, it dies in a hotel room abroad. Without a sleeve, it picks up a cracked corner in an overhead bin. Without a stand and a mouse, a week of working from hotel desks leaves you hunched and sore. The good news is that the kit you need is small, and most of it costs far less than a repair. This guide covers the ten laptop travel accessories from our original list, what each one actually does, what to look for when you buy, which ones matter for which kind of trip, and the rules that apply to batteries and chargers when you fly. It is part of our travel gear series, which starts with our main guide to choosing travel luggage.

The short answer

If you only buy three things, make them a padded sleeve or a bag with a proper laptop compartment, a plug adapter for the countries you visit and a cable pouch that keeps your charger, cables and adapters in one place. Add a power bank that can charge your laptop over USB-C if you work in airports or on trains, and a folding stand plus a compact mouse if you work from hotel desks for more than a few days. Everything else, from cooling pads to anti-theft backpacks, depends on how and where you travel. Before any flight, remember the one rule that is not optional: power banks and spare lithium batteries travel in the cabin, never in checked bags.

Start with how you travel

The right kit for a weekend city break is very different from the right kit for a month of remote work. Three questions narrow it down quickly:

How many hours a day will you work? An hour of email needs almost nothing. Full workdays from hotels, cafés and coworking spaces justify a stand, a mouse and possibly a travel keyboard.
Where will you plug in? Domestic trips need no adapter. International trips need the right plug for each country, and long travel days with no outlets need a power bank.
How will you carry it? A backpack, a rolling bag or a suitcase with a laptop pocket each changes which protection and organization accessories make sense.

The ten laptop travel accessories

1. Travel laptop backpack

A good travel laptop backpack puts the computer in a padded compartment against your back, keeps chargers and cables organized in their own pockets and spreads the weight across both shoulders. For travelers it is often the single most useful accessory because it is both protection and luggage. Look for:

A suspended or raised laptop compartment, so the laptop does not hit the ground when you set the bag down.
A clamshell or wide opening that lets you reach the laptop at security without unpacking everything.
A luggage pass-through strap to slide the bag over a suitcase handle.
Dimensions that fit your airline’s personal-item limit if you want it under the seat, or the carry-on limit if it is your main bag.

If the backpack is also your main luggage, our guide to the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L explains how to choose and pack a carry-on travel pack.

2. Slim laptop sleeve

A sleeve is the cheapest insurance you can buy for a laptop. It adds a layer of padding when the computer goes into a tote, a suitcase or a bag without its own compartment, and it lets you carry the laptop on its own into a meeting or a café. Choose a sleeve sized to your laptop’s actual dimensions rather than just the screen size, with padding on the edges and corners, since that is where drops do the most damage. Water-resistant fabric and a zipper that does not scratch the lid are worth having. A sleeve with a small front pocket for the charger turns it into a minimalist laptop bag for short trips.

3. Adjustable laptop stand

Hotel desks, café tables and airport counters put your laptop screen far below eye level, which means hours of looking down. A folding stand raises the screen closer to eye level, and most fold flat or into a small tube for packing. The catch is that once the laptop is raised, its own keyboard is too high to type on comfortably, so a stand works best with a separate keyboard and mouse. Look for a stand that is light, folds small, locks at several heights and feels stable when you type. It can also help air circulate under the laptop on a hot day.

4. Portable laptop charger (power bank)

A power bank that can charge a laptop keeps you working through long layovers, train journeys and flights without a working seat outlet. Not every power bank can charge a laptop, so check these points:

USB-C Power Delivery output with enough wattage for your laptop. The laptop’s own charger shows its wattage; a power bank with much lower output may charge slowly or only slow the drain while you work.
A watt-hour rating printed on the case. Airline and security rules are based on watt-hours, not the milliamp-hour number in the marketing. If only mAh is listed, you can estimate watt-hours as mAh multiplied by the battery voltage, divided by 1,000.
Size and weight. Laptop-capable power banks are heavier than phone ones. Carry the smallest one that gets you through a typical travel day.

The flying rules for power banks are covered in detail below. The short version: cabin only, under the common 100 Wh threshold unless your airline approves a larger one, and protected from short circuits.

A traveler charging a phone at a charging kiosk in an airport terminal — Airport charging points are often busy or broken; a laptop-capable power bank keeps you independent of them (Photo: Wide Awake! via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)

5. Waterproof laptop bag

Rain is the most common way travelers damage laptops without dropping them: a dash from a taxi to a hotel, a ferry deck, a sudden storm while sightseeing. A bag with water-resistant fabric, covered or coated zippers and a padded compartment keeps the laptop dry in ordinary weather. Truly waterproof bags with roll-top closures exist, mainly for outdoor and adventure travel, but for most trips water resistance plus a sleeve inside is enough. Whatever the bag claims, do not leave a laptop bag sitting in a puddle or on a wet boat deck.

6. Anti-theft laptop backpack

Anti-theft backpacks hide the main zipper against your back or let you lock it, add a hidden pocket for your passport and cards, and in some cases use cut-resistant fabric and straps. They make quick pickpocketing and grab-and-run theft harder, which is useful in busy cities, on crowded transit and in cafés where a bag sits on the floor. They are not theft-proof, and habits matter as much as features. Our full guide to anti-theft backpacks explains which features are worth paying for and which are marketing.

7. Cable organizer pouch

A cable pouch is the accessory that saves the most frustration for the least money. It keeps the laptop charger, phone cables, adapters, earbuds and a spare USB stick in one place, so you can pull them all out at a hotel desk and put them all back at checkout. It also makes security easier, since a tangle of loose cables around a laptop is more likely to need a second look. Choose a pouch with elastic loops or small mesh pockets, a zipper that opens wide and a bright interior color so you can see what is inside. Before a trip, pack it and check it against a list: laptop charger, phone cable, watch charger, plug adapter, power bank cable.

8. Laptop cooling pad

Cooling pads use one or more fans to push air under the laptop. They make the most sense for gaming laptops and powerful machines that run hot under sustained load, or for working in very warm rooms without air conditioning. For most travelers and most laptops, a cooling pad is optional; keeping the vents clear and working on a hard, flat surface rather than a bed or a sofa does most of the job. If you do pack one, choose a slim, light model that runs from a USB port, and remember it adds bulk. A folding stand that lifts the laptop off the table gives some of the same airflow benefit with less to carry.

9. Universal travel adapter

Plug shapes differ around the world, and an adapter lets your laptop charger fit a foreign outlet. A universal adapter with sliding pins covers many plug types in one block and often adds USB ports for phones and watches. Two things matter more than the number of countries on the box:

An adapter is not a voltage converter. It changes the plug shape, not the electricity. Most laptop and phone chargers are designed for a wide input range; Apple, for example, says its USB power adapters are designed for 100 to 240 volts. Check the input rating printed on your own charger before you rely on this. Hair dryers and other heating appliances are a different story.
Choose a solid, well-made adapter. A laptop charger is heavy, and a cheap adapter can sag out of the wall or fit loosely. An adapter with a safety shutter and a fuse is worth the small extra cost.

If you travel with several devices, a single multi-port USB-C charger with interchangeable plug heads can replace several bricks and an adapter at once.

10. Compact wireless mouse

A trackpad is fine for an hour, but a small mouse makes long sessions of spreadsheets, design work or editing much more comfortable. Travel mice are smaller than desk mice and often connect by Bluetooth, which saves a USB port and removes the tiny receiver that is so easy to lose. Rechargeable models avoid carrying spare batteries. Look for one that fits your hand without cramping, has an on-off switch so it does not drain in your bag, and works on the surfaces you will actually use, such as glossy hotel desks.

Comparison: which accessories matter for which trip

Accessory	Weekend or city break	Business trip	International trip	Long-term remote work
Laptop backpack or bag	Useful	Essential	Essential	Essential
Slim sleeve	Essential if no laptop bag	Useful	Useful	Useful
Folding stand	Optional	Useful	Useful	Essential
Laptop power bank	Optional	Useful	Useful	Useful
Water-resistant bag	Useful	Useful	Useful	Useful
Anti-theft backpack	Useful in busy cities	Optional	Useful	Useful
Cable pouch	Useful	Essential	Essential	Essential
Cooling pad	Rarely needed	Rarely needed	Hot climates	Powerful laptops
Travel adapter	Only abroad	Only abroad	Essential	Essential abroad
Compact mouse	Optional	Useful	Useful	Essential

Flying with a laptop, chargers and batteries

Laptops, chargers and power banks all contain or depend on lithium batteries, which are regulated in aviation because a damaged or short-circuited battery can overheat. The details are set by each authority and airline and can change, but the principles are consistent:

Keep the laptop with you in the cabin. Devices with installed batteries are allowed in the cabin, and keeping them there also protects them from theft and rough handling.
Power banks and spare batteries are cabin only. They are not allowed in checked baggage. If your bag is gate-checked or taken at the aircraft door, take the power bank and any spare batteries out first.
Watt-hours decide what is allowed. Most phone and laptop batteries and power banks fall under the common 100 Wh threshold. Larger batteries usually need airline approval, and there is an upper limit beyond which they are not allowed as passenger baggage.
Protect the terminals. Keep spares in their packaging, a case or a separate plastic bag, away from keys and coins.
Your airline may be stricter. Some airlines have added their own limits on using or charging power banks during flights. Check the airline’s page as well as the government rules.
Damaged batteries stay home. A swollen, cracked or recalled battery should not fly.

Read the official pages before you fly: the FAA’s PackSafe guidance on lithium batteries, the TSA’s power banks entry and its What Can I Bring? tool, and CATSA’s guidelines for batteries for Canadian airports. Transport Canada also has a plain-language explainer on travelling with lithium batteries.

The economy cabin of a widebody airliner with rows of seats and seatback screens — Laptops, power banks and spare batteries fly in the cabin with you, never in a checked bag (Photo: N509FZ via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Getting through security smoothly

Laptop screening rules vary by airport, checkpoint and screening program. Some checkpoints still ask you to remove laptops and place them in a separate bin; newer screening lanes and some trusted traveler programs let them stay in the bag. Pack so either works:

Laptop in its own compartment near the top or back of the bag, so it slides out in one move.
Cables in the pouch, not wrapped around the laptop.
Power bank in an outside pocket in case officers want to see it.
Take off smart watches and put phones in the bag or bin before you reach the belt, so you are not the person holding up the line.
Watch your laptop come out of the scanner. The belt is one of the easiest places to leave a laptop behind or have it picked up by someone else.

Working on the road: making a hotel room or café into an office

With a stand, a mouse and a keyboard, almost any table becomes a reasonable workstation. A few habits make it work better:

Choose the room for the work. If you need to work from the hotel, look for a room with a real desk and a proper chair, and ask about Wi-Fi quality. Our business travel hotels guide explains what to look for.
Carry a short extension or small multi-outlet charger. Hotel outlets are often behind the bed or far from the desk.
Bring your own sound. Cafés, airport gates and planes are noisy; our guide to noise-cancelling headphones for flying covers how to choose a pair for calls and focus.
Protect the screen from eyes. A privacy screen filter narrows the viewing angle so the person next to you on the plane cannot read your email.
Treat public Wi-Fi with caution. Stick to secure sites, use your company’s security tools if you have them and avoid sensitive logins on networks you do not trust.

Worth adding beyond the top ten

A travel keyboard. If you use a stand, or you want to work from a tablet instead of a laptop, a folding or slim Bluetooth keyboard completes the setup. See our guide to travel keyboards.
A multi-device charger. If you carry an iPhone, an Apple Watch and AirPods, a 3-in-1 Apple charger cuts three chargers down to one.
A rolling laptop bag. If your tech bag is heavy and your trips are mostly airports and offices, a rolling laptop bag takes the weight off your shoulders.
A cable lock. Useful in coworking spaces, shared offices and hostels, as long as your laptop has a lock slot or you use an adapter designed for it.
A small USB-C hub. Many thin laptops have few ports. A compact hub adds HDMI for hotel TVs and meeting-room screens, plus USB-A for older accessories.

Before the trip: a laptop checklist

Back up your files to the cloud or an external drive before you leave.
Update the operating system and apps at home, not on hotel Wi-Fi the night before a presentation.
Download what you need offline: documents, maps, entertainment and boarding passes.
Turn on device encryption and a strong password, and make sure you can locate or wipe the laptop remotely.
Charge everything, including the power bank, the mouse and the keyboard.
Pack the cable pouch from a list, and check it again when you leave each hotel.
Photograph the serial number of your laptop and keep a copy of the receipt, in case you need to report a loss or make an insurance claim.

Two plug adapters for different electrical outlet types on a wooden table — A plug adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage; check the input rating on your charger (Photo: Fructibus via Wikimedia Commons, CC0)

Common mistakes

Checking the laptop or power bank. Laptops belong in the cabin, and spare batteries are not allowed in checked bags at all.
Buying a sleeve by screen size alone. Measure the laptop.
Assuming an adapter converts voltage. It does not. Check the input range on the charger itself.
Carrying a phone power bank for a laptop. Check the USB-C output wattage before you depend on it.
Leaving cables behind. Hotel rooms are full of forgotten chargers. A single pouch and a quick check at checkout prevent it.
Working hunched over for a week. A stand and a separate keyboard or mouse are small, light and make a big difference.
Relying on seat power. Not every plane has working outlets, and many that do deliver limited power. Arrive fully charged.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most important laptop travel accessories?

A padded sleeve or laptop bag, a plug adapter for international trips and a cable pouch cover most travelers. A laptop-capable power bank, a folding stand and a compact mouse are the next most useful.

Can I bring a laptop power bank on a plane?

Yes, in your carry-on. Power banks are not allowed in checked baggage. Most fall under the common 100 Wh threshold; larger ones generally need airline approval. Check the FAA, TSA or CATSA pages linked above and your airline’s policy.

Do I need a voltage converter for my laptop abroad?

Usually not. Most laptop chargers accept a wide range of input voltages, so a plug adapter is enough. Check the input rating printed on your charger to be sure.

Is a laptop cooling pad worth taking on a trip?

For most laptops and most trips, no. Keeping the vents clear and using a hard, flat surface is enough. Cooling pads make more sense for powerful laptops or very hot rooms.

Should I use a laptop sleeve inside a laptop backpack?

It is not necessary if the backpack has a well-padded, suspended laptop compartment, but a sleeve adds protection and lets you carry the laptop on its own at your destination.

Do I need to take my laptop out at airport security?

It depends on the checkpoint and your screening program. Pack the laptop so it can come out quickly, and follow the officers’ instructions.

How can I keep my laptop safe from theft while traveling?

Keep it in the cabin, never leave it unattended at a café or gate, use a bag with lockable or hidden zippers in busy places and lock it in the room safe or your locked luggage when you go out without it.

With your kit packed, the only thing left is the trip itself. Compare fares on our flight search, find a hotel with a real desk and reliable Wi-Fi on our hotel search, and if your work trip needs wheels, check our car rental search. Heading to a conference or client meeting in Chicago? Our guide to things to do in Chicago helps you make the most of the evenings, and flights to Chicago are a good place to start. For bags, suitcases and the rest of your gear, return to our main guide to travel luggage.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Rolling laptop bags for business travel
Travel keyboards for working on the road
3-in-1 Apple chargers for travel
Anti-theft backpacks for travel and commuting
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L and carry-on travel packs
Noise-cancelling headphones for flying
Business travel hotels guide
Search hotels — find a room with a real desk
Things to do in Chicago

September 15, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Comfortable Walking Shoes for Traveling

Travel is mostly walking. Even a trip built around beaches or business meetings adds up to long airport concourses, station transfers, museum floors, hilly old towns and evenings on your feet. The right pair of shoes is the difference between a day that ends with dinner and a day that ends with you icing your arches in the hotel room. The wrong pair shows up in the first afternoon as a hot spot on your heel, and by day three it is shaping where you go and how long you stay. This guide explains how to choose comfortable walking shoes for traveling: what actually makes a shoe comfortable over many hours, how to get the fit right, which style suits which kind of trip, how many pairs to pack, how to break them in and care for them on the road, and a set of well-known shoes from our original list that cover different needs and budgets.

The short answer

For most trips, pack one pair of cushioned, supportive walking shoes that you have already worn for at least a week, plus one lighter second pair that suits the destination: sandals or flip-flops for heat and beaches, a smarter leather sneaker for restaurants and meetings, or a trail shoe if you plan to hike. Choose your main pair for fit first, then cushioning, support and grip, and only then for looks and weight. Buy late in the day when your feet are at their largest, leave about a thumb’s width of room at the toe, and never start a trip in shoes straight out of the box. If you have ongoing foot pain, a foot condition or diabetes, talk to a doctor or podiatrist before a walking-heavy trip rather than relying on a new pair of shoes to fix it.

Rows of shoes on display in a shoe store — Try shoes on late in the day, in the socks you will travel in, and walk around before you decide (Photo: Tomascastelazo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Why travel is harder on your feet than daily life

Many people who never think about their shoes at home find their feet are the weak link on a trip. There are good reasons for that:

You walk much more. Sightseeing days routinely involve several times the walking of a normal workday, often with a backpack.
The surfaces are harder and less even. Stone plazas, cobbled lanes, marble museum floors and station platforms give back far less than a carpeted office or a park path.
You stand still a lot. Queues, galleries and viewpoints mean long periods of standing, which many people find more tiring than steady walking.
Your feet swell. Long flights, heat and hours on your feet all make feet swell, so shoes that fit perfectly at home can pinch on day two.
You cannot easily change. At home you can swap shoes at lunchtime. On a day out in a new city, what you put on in the morning is what you wear until night.

That is why the best travel shoe is rarely the most stylish or the lightest on the shelf. It is the one that stays comfortable from the first hour to the tenth.

What makes a walking shoe comfortable

Fit comes first

No amount of cushioning fixes a shoe that is the wrong shape for your foot. The heel should sit snugly without slipping when you walk, the midfoot should feel held but not squeezed, and the toe box should give your toes room to spread and wiggle. A thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe is a common rule of thumb, because feet slide forward on downhill streets and stairs. If your toes touch the front in the store, they will bruise on a long descent.

Cushioning

The midsole, the foam layer between the insole and the outsole, absorbs impact on hard ground. More cushioning generally means more comfort on pavement for long hours, though very soft, thick foam can feel unstable on uneven streets. Most travelers do well with a moderate to generous amount of cushioning that still lets them feel the ground.

Support and stability

Support is how well the shoe controls the way your foot rolls as you walk. Some people need more of it, especially if their feet roll inward or they have flat arches; others prefer a neutral shoe. A firm heel counter (the cup around the back of your heel) and a midsole that does not twist easily when you wring the shoe like a towel are signs of a stable shoe. If you wear orthotics, take them shopping and make sure they fit inside the shoe with the original insole removed.

Flexibility in the right place

A good walking shoe bends at the ball of the foot, where your foot bends, and stays fairly firm through the middle. A shoe that folds in half anywhere offers little support over a long day.

Grip

Smooth, worn stone gets slippery, especially when wet. A rubber outsole with some tread pattern grips far better than a flat, hard sole. If you are heading somewhere rainy or hilly, grip moves up the list.

Breathability and weather

Mesh and knit uppers keep feet cooler in heat and dry quickly, but let in rain. Leather and waterproof membranes keep feet drier in wet weather but run warmer. Think about the climate you are traveling to, not the one you are leaving.

Weight and packability

Lighter shoes are easier to wear all day and easier to pack, but the lightest designs often trade away cushioning and durability. Weight matters most for your second pair, which lives in your bag most of the time.

Travel shoe styles compared

There is no single best travel shoe. The right one depends on where you are going and what you will do there.

Style	Best for	Strengths	Watch out for
Cushioned walking or running-style sneaker	City sightseeing, long walking days	Most comfort over many hours, good cushioning and support	Sporty look; mesh versions get wet in rain
Slip-on knit walking shoe	Casual trips, flights, warm climates	Light, easy on and off, packs small	Often less support and grip; less secure on hills
Leather sneaker	Cities, restaurants, business trips	Smarter look, wears well, sheds light rain	Heavier, needs breaking in, runs warmer
Trail shoe or light hiker	Mixed city and trail trips, national parks	Grippy outsole, protective toe, handles dirt and gravel	Heavier and stiffer on pavement; chunky look
Walking sandal	Hot destinations, beach towns	Airy, dries fast, works in water	Less protection; blisters where straps rub if not broken in
Flip-flops	Beach, pool, hostel showers	Very light, cheap, quick-drying	Not for long walks; little support or grip

How to get the fit right

Shop late in the day. Feet swell over the day, so trying shoes in the afternoon or evening gives a truer sense of how they will feel after hours of walking.
Wear your travel socks. Try shoes with the socks you plan to wear on the trip. A thick hiking sock and a thin dress sock can change the fit by half a size.
Measure both feet. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Fit the larger one.
Walk, do not just stand. Walk around the store for several minutes, including on any slope or stairs available. Notice any pressure points, rubbing or heel slip.
Check width, not just length. If the sides of your foot press against the shoe, look for a wide version rather than going up a size, which only adds length.
Trust comfort over a “breaking in” promise. Leather softens with wear, but a shoe that hurts in the store rarely becomes a favorite.
Buy online with a return plan. If you order online, order early, wear the shoes indoors first and keep the packaging until you are sure.

Sizes vary between brands and even between models from the same brand, so do not assume your usual size. Each maker publishes its own size charts and fit notes on its site.

Match the shoe to the trip

European city breaks

Old European centers mean cobblestones, stairs, hills and a lot of standing in museums and churches. A cushioned sneaker with a firm heel and a grippy rubber sole is the best main shoe. If you want to look a little smarter for dinner, a leather sneaker in a neutral color works in most restaurants. Our guide to traveling Europe on a multi-city trip and our things to do in Rome guide give a good idea of how much walking a typical day involves.

Beach and warm-weather trips

In heat, breathable mesh sneakers or a supportive walking sandal will serve you better than heavy leather. Add a pair of flip-flops for the beach, pool deck and shared showers; our guide to eco-friendly travel flip-flops covers what to look for. Do not try to walk a whole city in flip-flops; your arches will let you know.

Cold, wet and winter trips

For rain and snow, choose leather or a waterproof membrane, a thicker outsole that insulates you from cold ground and a deeper tread. Pair them with wool or synthetic socks that stay warm when damp. If you expect slush or ice, a light winter boot with a lugged sole is safer than any sneaker.

Hiking and national parks

If your trip mixes cities with real trails, a trail shoe gives you grip on dirt and gravel while staying comfortable enough for town. For long hikes on rough ground with a loaded pack, a proper hiking shoe or boot gives more protection and stability. Our guide to hiking backpacks covers the other half of a trail setup.

Business trips

A clean leather sneaker or a cushioned dress shoe can carry you from the airport to a client meeting and a dinner without packing a second pair. If your role requires formal shoes, add a cushioned insole and pack a pair of comfortable sneakers for walking between meetings.

A narrow cobblestone street between stone buildings in an Italian hill town — Cobblestones and hills are where cushioning, a firm heel and a grippy sole earn their place (Photo: Dcrjsr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0)

Shoes from our original list

The shoes below were featured in the original version of this guide. They are not a ranked test; they cover different styles and budgets. Models are updated, colors and materials change between versions, and several of these listings are women’s styles, so check the maker’s current product page and size chart for the exact version you are buying.

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy

Skechers‘ Go Walk line is built around lightweight slip-on walking shoes, and the Go Walk Joy is a casual women’s slip-on in that family. A shoe like this suits travelers who want something light and easy to pull on and off, for flights, casual sightseeing in flat cities and warm weather. As with most slip-ons, it offers less adjustability than a laced shoe, so make sure your heel stays put when you walk.

Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure

The Cloudfoam Pure is a women’s lifestyle and running-inspired sneaker with a soft, sock-like feel. It suits travelers who want a light, sporty shoe that works with casual outfits for airports and city days. Choose a more structured shoe instead if you need firm arch support.

New Balance Women’s 608

New Balance’s 608 is a long-running leather cross-trainer with a classic, chunky look. Shoes of this type tend to feel stable and supportive and hold up well to heavy use, which makes them a practical choice for travelers who put comfort and support ahead of weight. They are bulkier than knit sneakers, so they are best worn on the plane rather than packed.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Madison slip-on sneaker

The Madison is a casual slip-on sneaker from Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, a style that looks tidy enough for dinner and slips off easily. It suits city trips where you want one shoe that works for daytime walking and evenings out. If you plan very long walking days, compare its support with a laced sneaker before choosing it as your only pair.

ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture

ASICS’ Gel-Venture is a trail-running shoe with a grippier outsole than a road shoe. That makes it a good fit for trips that mix city walking with park paths, dirt trails and gravel. On smooth pavement it feels a little firmer and heavier than a city sneaker, which is the trade-off for its grip.

ECCO Women’s Soft 7 Sneaker

ECCO’s Soft 7 is a leather sneaker with a clean, minimal look. A premium leather sneaker like this suits travelers who want one pair that looks smart in museums, restaurants and on business trips while still being comfortable for a day of walking. Leather needs a short break-in period and a little care, and it costs more than a mesh sneaker, but it tends to wear well.

TIOSEBON Women’s slip-on walking shoes

TIOSEBON sells low-cost knit slip-on walking shoes. Shoes of this kind are light, breathable and pack flat, which makes them a sensible backup pair, a flight shoe or a warm-weather shoe for casual days. They usually offer less support and durability than the more structured shoes above, so treat them as a second pair rather than your main walking shoe on a big sightseeing trip.

A pair of cushioned running shoes photographed against a plain background — Running-style sneakers are built for many steps on hard ground, which is what a sightseeing day asks of your feet (Photo: Petar Milošević via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

How many pairs to pack

Shoes are the heaviest, bulkiest thing most people pack, so the number of pairs has a big effect on whether you can travel carry-on only. For most trips, two pairs is the sweet spot:

Your main walking shoe, worn on travel days so it does not take up space in your bag.
A second pair chosen for the destination: flip-flops or sandals for heat, a smarter shoe for dinners and meetings, or a trail shoe for hiking.

Two pairs also let you rotate, which gives each pair time to dry out and changes the pressure points on your feet. Add a third pair only if an activity truly needs it, such as formal shoes for a wedding, water shoes for rocky beaches or boots for snow. Our main guide to choosing travel luggage covers how to fit everything, shoes included, into a carry-on.

Break in shoes before you go

The single most common travel shoe mistake is starting a trip in brand-new shoes. Even a shoe that feels perfect in the store can rub in unexpected places after hours of walking. Wear new shoes around the house and on short walks for at least a week or two before the trip, then do at least one long walk of several hours. If they rub or pinch, you still have time to exchange them. Leather shoes in particular need time to soften and mold to your feet.

Socks, insoles and blister prevention

Socks matter as much as shoes

Cotton socks hold sweat against your skin, which softens it and makes blisters more likely. Merino wool or synthetic blend socks move moisture away from your skin and dry faster, which is why many hikers and frequent walkers prefer them. Make sure socks fit without wrinkles, and pack enough that you can put on a dry pair each day.

Insoles

Many shoes come with thin insoles. A supportive aftermarket insole can add arch support and cushioning, and some people find it makes a good shoe excellent. If you have a medical foot condition or wear prescribed orthotics, follow the advice of your doctor or podiatrist rather than guessing.

Dealing with hot spots and blisters

A hot spot is the warning before a blister. Stop and deal with it as soon as you feel it: adjust your laces, change into dry socks or cover the spot with a blister plaster or tape. Most small blisters heal on their own if you protect them and keep them clean; the NHS has clear advice on treating and preventing blisters, including when to see a professional. A small travel first aid kit with blister plasters is worth its weight on any walking trip.

Shoes, flights and airport security

Your travel shoes do a lot of work before you reach your destination. On a long flight, feet swell, so a shoe with laces or some stretch is more comfortable than a tight one. Some people loosen their laces in flight or bring light slippers or socks for the cabin. If you are prone to swelling, our guide to compression socks for long flights explains how they work and why it is wise to check with a doctor if you have circulation concerns.

At security, rules on removing shoes differ by country and airport and have changed over time. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security announced in 2025 that travelers at domestic checkpoints would no longer have to remove their shoes as a general rule, though officers can still ask you to. Other countries set their own rules; in Canada, check CATSA’s guidance before you fly. Either way, shoes that slip on and off quickly make screening easier, and it is sensible to avoid shoes with a lot of metal hardware.

Weather, terrain and care on the road

Dry them properly. If shoes get soaked, remove the insoles, stuff the shoes with newspaper or a towel and let them dry at room temperature. Direct heat from a radiator or hair dryer can damage glues and leather.
Rotate. Wearing a different pair every other day lets foam recover and shoes dry fully, which also helps with odor.
Clean as you go. Brush off dirt and wipe shoes with a damp cloth and mild soap. Treat leather with a suitable conditioner before a trip if you expect rain.
Keep odor in check. Air shoes out overnight, change socks daily and use a breathable shoe bag rather than sealing damp shoes in plastic.
Know when to retire them. Cushioning foam breaks down over time even when the upper looks fine. If a favorite pair feels flat or your feet ache sooner than they used to, it may be time for a new pair, ideally a few weeks before your next trip.

A pair of trail running shoes with a lugged outsole — If the trip mixes cities with dirt paths and gravel, a trail shoe's grippier sole is worth the extra weight (Photo: Petar Milošević via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

When foot pain is more than a shoe problem

Good shoes prevent a lot of discomfort, but they are not a treatment. If you have persistent heel or arch pain, numbness, swelling that does not go down, or a condition such as diabetes that affects your feet, see a doctor or podiatrist before a walking-heavy trip. The NHS page on foot pain is a useful overview of common causes and when to get help. Plan rest into your days as well: a café stop or a tram ride between sights does as much for tired feet as any shoe.

Build a walking-friendly travel kit

Comfortable shoes work best as part of a kit designed for long days on foot:

A light daypack that sits close to your back. For busy cities, an anti-theft backpack adds locking zippers and hidden pockets.
Comfortable trousers that move with you and handle a change of weather; see our guide to travel pants for men.
A secure place for cash and cards, such as a money belt worn under your clothes, so you are not reaching into a back pocket in a crowd.
A carry-on travel pack if you move between cities often; our guide to the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L covers how to choose one.
Water, a snack and a light layer, because tired and hungry feet hurt more.

Common mistakes

Wearing new shoes on day one. Break them in at home first.
Choosing style over comfort for the main pair. Pick a comfortable main shoe and a stylish second pair for evenings.
Buying too small. Feet swell in heat and after flights; leave room at the toe.
Relying on flip-flops for long walks. They are for beaches and showers, not ten-hour city days.
Cotton socks on hot days. Choose moisture-wicking socks and change them daily.
Ignoring hot spots. Stop and deal with them before they become blisters.
Packing too many pairs. Two well-chosen pairs cover most trips and keep your bag light.

Frequently asked questions

What type of shoe is best for walking all day while traveling?

For most people, a cushioned, supportive laced sneaker that fits well and has already been broken in. Leather sneakers work if you want a smarter look, and trail shoes suit trips with hiking.

Are running shoes good for travel?

Often, yes. Running shoes are designed for cushioning and comfort over many steps, which is exactly what a sightseeing day demands. Very soft, high-stack running shoes can feel wobbly on uneven cobblestones, so a moderately cushioned, stable model is usually a better choice.

How many pairs of shoes should I pack?

Two for most trips: a main walking shoe worn on travel days and a second pair suited to the destination. Add a third only for a specific need such as formal events, snow or water activities.

How long should I break in new walking shoes?

Aim for at least a week or two of regular wear, including at least one long walk, before you travel. Leather shoes may need a little longer.

Are slip-on shoes good for travel?

They are convenient for flights and casual days, and easy at security. They usually offer less support and adjustability than laced shoes, so they work best as a second pair or for trips with lighter walking.

Do I have to take my shoes off at airport security?

It depends on the country and airport. The United States ended its general shoes-off requirement at domestic checkpoints in 2025, but officers can still ask you to remove them, and other countries set their own rules. Check the security agency’s site for your departure airport before you fly.

What socks are best for long walking days?

Merino wool or synthetic blend socks that wick moisture and fit without wrinkles. They reduce the damp, soft skin that leads to blisters. Pack enough to change daily.

Should I buy walking shoes online?

You can, as long as you know your size in that brand and order early enough to exchange them. Wear them indoors first and check the return policy before you walk outside in them.

With your feet sorted, plan the walking-heavy trip you have been thinking about. Compare fares on our flight search, including flexible dates, find a well-located hotel on our hotel search so you start each day close to the sights, and if the trip includes a road trip or national park, compare vehicles on our car rental search. For a city made for walking, start with a trip to Paris and our guide to things to do in Paris, and for the rest of your kit, see our main guide to travel luggage.

Keep planning with TicketScanner

Top travel luggage bags: the buying guide — the travel gear guide
Eco-friendly travel flip-flops
Compression socks for long flights
Travel pants for men
Hiking backpacks: how to choose and fit one
Anti-theft backpacks for travel and commuting
Travel first aid kits
Search flights — compare fares across flexible dates
Things to do in Rome

September 13, 2025