7 Packable Travel Essentials Worthy of Your One Bag

There’s a definite art to one-bag travel. Deciding what to pack, what gets left behind, and staying within those all-important carry-on restrictions can be a struggle. But when you breeze past that baggage carousel, zip easily up and down steps, and have the freedom to embrace more travel experiences, you’ll know it’s worth it. And these 7 packable (and collapsible) travel essentials will help your one-bag packing setup by taking up less room, whilst still remaining ‘essential’…

Folding Toothbrush with Microban (US$1.99)

Space-saving toothbrushes help keep your toiletry packing compact and this toothbrush head folds down neatly into the handle. But there’s an added benefit to this toothbrush. The plastic is infused with Microban which inhibits odor-causing and stain-causing bacteria. And coming in at a super cheap price, it’s a budget-friendly option too. All in, a great pick for a travel toothbrush that fits easily in your toiletry kit or slips into your pocket when eating out.

Matador Droplet Wet Bag (US$14.99)

It’s always handy to have storage for wet or dirty items on your travels. Alternatively how about a little added protection for valuables in wet environments? Matador’s Droplet Wet Bag takes care of both needs. The seam-sealed bag features a water-resistant drawstring closure and provides a 3L capacity, while weighing just 15 grams. The silicone droplet container and stainless steel key ring lets you secure the wet bag to a pack or keychain too. Useful for storing wet swimsuits, sweaty gym gear, electronics, travel liquids to protect the rest of your gear, and plenty more, it’s a compact and versatile addition to your packing list.

Rumpl Stuffable Fleece Pillow Case (US$19.98)

Getting sufficient sleep is important for making the most of your travels. This stuffable fleece pillow case from Rumpl helps you drift off into dreamland wherever your adventures take you. It can be stuffed with whatever you have close at hand, such as hoodies, t-shirts or a puffy jacket for a softer pillow or towels or jeans for a harder pillow. The case features abrasion-resistant nylon ripstop on one side and a soft, comfy fleece on the other. Synthetic insulation helps keep your head warm, handy in camping situations. The pillow case stores compactly in its own stuff sack and is machine-washable for added convenience.

que Collapsible Water Bottle (US$24.95)

No matter where you travel, staying sufficiently hydrated is key. This collapsible, lightweight que Bottle packs down small for your luggage and expands when you need it. Available in 20oz and 12oz sizes and a variety of colorways, it’s BPA-free and plastic-free. Made with 100% food grade silicone and a stainless steel cap, it’s dishwasher safe, taste and odor-free, leakproof, and shockproof. For added functionality it also offers a wide mouth so you can place ice cubes inside if desired. This reusable bottle helps save you money by buying less liquids and instead filling up from taps, drinking fountains and clean natural water sources. Plus your purchase helps the planet too, as que donates 10% of profits to The Ocean Foundation’s Polar Seas Initiative, which protects a wide range of polar wildlife.

Flight 001 Emergency Travel Blanket (US$29.99)

Whether you need a little extra warmth on flights, car trips, or long airport layovers, this travel blanket does the job. It’s made with soft jersey cotton and is machine-washable. It also comes with its own zippered pouch and can double as a small travel pillow, making it an adaptable packing list addition that won’t weigh you down at 11oz.

Tortuga Setout Packable Daypack (US$39)

Luggage gets your gear to your destination. But you don’t want to haul all that gear when you’re exploring. Tortuga’s Setout Packable Daypack packs up small for your luggage but opens up into a 19L daypack for sightseeing with just the essentials. It features padded, breathable shoulder straps, water bottle pockets, and a zippered front pocket. Plus it also fits under an airiplane seat if you want to use it as a personal carry-on item.

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket (US$59.90)

Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Jacket combines down’s great warmth-to-weight ratio and packability with 20D nylon for lightweight comfort. The trim silhouette looks stylish across diverse work and play settings (and packs down into its own pouch), with a choice of colorways to suit your tastes. The water-repellent coating helps protect you from the elements too. A smart and attractive alternative to bulky outer layers, this jacket helps keep the travel chills at bay without eating into your limited packing space.