What’s in Our Bags: The Travel Gear Editors Are Loving This Summer

An Air France agent at JFK recently gave me a hard time for having a carry-on heavier than 12 kilograms (about 25 pounds). Much of it was my grooming and skincare essentials, so now I do this thing where I keep travel-sized nicer-than-usual products that I use specifically for trips and only trips—as a little treat for using a ludicrously not-capacious bag. Some examples: a hair styling cream that fits in my pocket; a super summery body mist (I keep a bottle of the same scent as an Eau de Toilette on my desk at the office for when I want to pretend I’m instead at the Splendido in Portofino); and various items from French pharmacies (like the Caudalie Vinosun sunscreen, which makes me feel like a chic teenager in Biarritz, but the stuff’s much cheaper in Paris, so you may as well buy a ticket there, right?). —Matt Ortile, associate editor

When it comes to self-care, I can’t rep Korean skincare enough, especially sunscreen. I’ve always dealt with the common woes of wearing it—vainly searching for a formula that isn’t greasy, heavy, or eye-burning—but this balm stick from Kahi is the answer to all those problems and then some. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations

My skin is increasingly sensitive in the summer—sometimes it feels like it nearly swells in the heat—and these cooling eye pads are my go-to cure to quickly feel fresh and fabulous. Good for early mornings, flights, or when I can’t sleep and need to feel proactive, I keep them in the fridge, and they’re the first thing I reach for when I need to cool down and feel better. They’ve proven to work for me in any setting, offering an instant chill, no weird residue, and a hydrating polish. I go through packs every summer. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer

These wipes come in packs of 30, so they’re slim enough to throw into your everyday bag. I prefer carrying these over antibacterial gel; they’re made with goat milk, cucumber, aloe, and antioxidants. You can use them on your hands before grabbing a hot dog at the stadium, refresh your face and neck on a hot day, or rid your pants of mysterious liquids (#citylife). The clean coconut scent is my favorite, though the brand recently launched a pistachio-cherry version that I’ll surely snag. —Alex Sanidad, research director

Another beauty go-to I’m loving this summer is Color Wow’s Dream Coat spray. It truly works miracles on frizzy hair in hot and humid weather. —H.C.

My closet is filled with very small bags and very big bags—I love a tote and a fanny pack, but didn’t have much middle ground. This affordable Clare V. bag is my perfect in-between: big enough to hold a hardcover book or my umbrella, plus all my everyday essentials (phone, wallet, keys, hand sanitizer, lotion, portable fan, lip balm, etc.). For a pop of color and fun, add one of the bag charms or decorative shorter straps. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director

The key to a perfect summer day is having the right gear for it. Athleta’s versatile crossbody bag holds everything I need for a day trip into the city or a long walk around my neighborhood. There are a few mesh pockets on the inside and a zippered compartment on the outside, where I stash my phone and AirPods. There’s even enough room for my bulky sunglasses case, a Kindle, a portable charger, and some SPF. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

When I’m not headed to work, chances are you’ll find me in a two-piece set, and Lululemon’s Align collection has some of the butteriest biker shorts and sports bras on the market. The material is insanely soft and feels like a second skin, making it perfect for both lounging and moving. —H.C.

The Eileen Fisher Puckered organic linen shirtdress has become my summer uniform. The linen is perfect for hot weather, as it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and light, making it a game-changer on scorching days. The shirtdress has a relaxed fit with just the right amount of texture, making it perfect for everything from brunch with friends to a weekend getaway. I like to pair them with the wide-leg pants, they offer versatility, comfort, and are easy to style for everything from outdoor events to beachside dinners. I love how linen not only keeps me cool but also adds a timeless, effortless vibe to any outfit. Plus, it softens with each wear, making it feel even better over time. Whether I’m running errands or enjoying a casual day out, these pieces keep me stylish and comfortable. —P.W.

It’s been hotter than usual in NYC this summer, and the wardrobe solution I’ve been turning to most is a lightweight linen skort. I bought a few different colors and patterns of this Gap style, and I’m happy to report they are comfortable, hit at a nice length, and keep me cool in transit. —M.F.

In my experience, clogs are infinitely more versatile than regular sandals when it comes to menswear. After seeing one too many photos of guys sporting clogs on Pinterest, I decided to set aside my “sandals-in-the-city” hesitations. Equipped with a closed-toe design, these Birkenstock Boston clogs can be dressed up with button-up shirts or worn casually with shorts and a T-shirt. They’re designed to look better once they’re well-worn, making them a staple in your travel wardrobe. Whether you wear them on cobblestone streets or boat decks, the taupe or brown colors match almost any summer occasion. —Erik Buckingham, commerce producer

I love a hiking sandal for summertime—the Merrell x Sweaty Betty style has been my most-worn of late, both around the city and on trips to Chicago and Panama. —M.F.

I’ve been really enjoying my Crocs two-strap slides. It’s a revisit to a childhood classic that is still as good as ever—the sandal feels sturdy yet flexible, the straps don’t chafe, and it’s just plain fun to customize them with charms. —K.C.

The chic and iconic Abby boots by Tecovas are my favorite go-anywhere boots. I get weekly compliments on them around NYC, but they still feel understated and can be dressed up or down. I have them in midnight black and wear them everywhere—from meetings with a blazer to dive bars with fun makeup. For summer, I wear them with sundresses, denim shorts, or comfortable jeans. I’ve worn them to more concerts, parks, and group celebrations than I can count—easily the most breathable pair I own. —J.C.

Growing up in Florida, I wore flip-flops all the time—Havaianas, Reefs, Rainbows, and the very inexpensive Old Navy ones. But since college, they’ve fallen out of rotation. These Hari Maris, which remind me a bit of my old Rainbows but are lighter, have brought me back into the fold. I wouldn’t stroll around NYC all day in them, but they’re exactly what I want to slip on when heading to a hotel pool or down to breakfast. They take up nearly no room in your suitcase, too, making them a great way to avoid the dilemma of picking just one all-purpose sandal. —M.F.

A beach-day must-have for me this summer is a good sun hat that protects my face and neck. Lack of Color’s Inca sun hat is incredibly chic and does a great job at shielding me from the harsh sun. —M.K.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I rarely go anywhere without my sunnies—winter or summer, they’re either over my eyes or in my bag, ready to go whenever the sun peeks out. All to say, I need a reliable pair that can handle getting toted around all summer—from ocean spray to sweat to everything in between. This pair from Crap Eyewear (luckily, they do not live up to their name) has been my holy grail for years now, surviving hiking in Canada, the blazing sun of the Mediterranean, and the glare shining off New York City skyscrapers in the swampiest months of the year. I used to rotate through various pairs, but no longer—if I don’t have these, I’d rather not wear anything. Made completely of bioacetate, they’re easy to wipe down (hello, salty ocean mist), and the nose piece is in no danger of catching in my hair when I flip them up. I’ve gotten the most compliments while wearing these sunglasses than any other pair I’ve owned, but that’s probably because I’m never caught without them. —Taylor Eisenhauer, editorial operations manager

I frequent Brooklyn parks whenever I can, especially in the summer, and Stanley’s All-Day Midi came just in time for the warm weather this year. I’ve already used it for beach trips and NYC staycations. The bright coral shade is a showstopper, matching every picnic blanket I own. Its snap-top handles and side strap make it easy to carry, and the doctor’s bag hinge pops wide for easier packing and unpacking. I load it with reusable ice packs and zip it shut—it’s been the finishing touch on my summer outings so far. —J.C.

If you hang out on park grass as often as I do, you’ll grow weary of the bumps under your blanket when you lie down to enjoy the sun. This inflatable lounge has been a fantastic solution. It’s small and easy to transport if you’re walking to some green space. You inflate it by opening it up and running back and forth a few times, then rolling the edge closed. It’s fun to use and a nice conversation starter. The bag tends to deflate the longer you sit, so you’ll need to re-up on air if you plan to stay long. But otherwise, it’s a comfy way to relax and people-watch. —A.S.

This is one of those accessories I’ve always wanted but never knew existed. It’s perfect for park or beach days when you’re lying on a towel but want support and elevation under your head that’s not just a balled-up cover-up or second towel. It makes reading much more comfortable, folds up to fit easily in a beach bag, and is just so cute. —M.F.

If you know me, you know I can’t handle the heat. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Canada, or maybe because I live in blistering NYC, but when summer hits, I tend to panic and go into hibernation mode. When I have to venture outside, I rely on products like this portable fan to make my commute a little more bearable. —H.C.

My ultra-soft Hydro Flask cooler that has earned me countless compliments at the pool this summer. It fits plenty of snacks and drinks for the whole day and really does the job at keeping them cool—even in 90+ degree weather. —M.K.