Ever dread the cost of prepping for your next trip? Most travelers waste money on travel gear they don’t need. The difference between pros and newbies isn’t expensive stuff—it’s knowing which cheap items fix real problems. These ten travel gadgets—all under $20—will completely change your packing game.
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11. Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger ($19.99)
Nothing kills travel plans faster than a dead phone battery, so seasoned travelers rely on this compact lifesaver. This tiny charger gives you multiple phone charges without breaking the bank. It’s also small enough for your pocket but strong enough to save a dead device. Wirecutter and TechRadar consistently rate it among the best portable chargers under $20. If you’ve frantically searched for an outlet at the airport, this solves that problem for good.
10. Peak Design Packable Tote ($19.95)
The Peak Design tote disappears into your luggage at 2.82 oz until you score unexpected treasures at a local market. The 70D nylon fabric won’t tear even with rough handling. It packs down to a tiny 5” x 3” x 1.5“ when not in use. Perfect for grabbing groceries or a quick beach trip. Amazon reviewers give it 4.7/5 stars from over 1,000 reviews. No internal pockets mean the organization is on you, but for $20, you’re getting durability that counts.
9. Zebra G750 Travel Pen ($8.75)
Caught empty-handed at immigration? The Zebra G750 ensures you’ll never be the traveler desperately borrowing pens again. The brass barrel with nickel plating and 0.7mm tip makes writing smooth. It takes Zebra F-refills, so you won’t need to replace the pen. It’s heavier than plastic pens, but that’s exactly why it won’t snap in your bag.
8. REI Toiletry Bag ($19.95)
If you’re tired of toiletry explosions ruining your clean clothes, REI’s lightweight organizer brings instant order to travel chaos. Made from recycled ripstop nylon, this 10” x 5” x 3.5“ bag fits all your toiletries without hogging space. Multiple mesh pockets mean you’ll find what you need fast. The hanging hook works great in tiny hostel bathrooms. Despite limited color options, REI customers rate it 4.5/5 stars across 200+ reviews.
7. Matador Flat Pack Soap Bag ($14)
Soap slime ranks among travelers’ top packing nightmares, but Matador’s ingenious pouch finally solves this universal annoyance. This 4.5” x 2.75“ pouch uses “dry-through technology” so your wet bar soap dries inside the bag. The waterproof Cordura fabric and antimicrobial coating prevent mold growth. In the end, no more soap residue ruining your gear. It might dry slowly in humid places, and larger soaps won’t fit, but for $14, you’re saving your luggage and your sanity.
6. Owala Free Sip Water Bottle ($15.63)
With 50,000+ glowing reviews, the Owala bottle transforms from a leak-proof bag companion to a perfect sightseeing sidekick with its dual-drink system. This 24 oz BPA-free Tritan plastic bottle keeps weight down while you explore. The dual-drink lid lets you sip through a straw or use the wide-mouth option. The locking mechanism prevents leaks in your bag. Just know the plastic won’t insulate like pricier metal bottles.
5. Platypus Collapsible Water Bottle ($14.95)
Weighing approximately 1.3 oz, the Platypus bottle virtually disappears when empty yet provides a full liter of hydration when you need it most. The BPA-free polyethylene material rolls up when empty to free up valuable backpack space. It works with most water filters for backcountry travel. You’ll need to practice the drinking technique—it’s awkward when not full, but hikers and ultralight travelers swear by it.
4. 4-in-1 Charging Cable ($19.99)
Tangled cable nests eat up precious bag space, which makes this 4-in-1 charging solution brilliantly practical for any traveler. This 3.3 ft cable handles USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB connections. The nylon braided design resists tangling and supports fast charging up to 3A. Its sturdy construction won’t fall apart mid-trip like those gas station cables. The connector end is bulkier than single-function cables, but that’s the tradeoff for versatility.
3. Sea to Summit Airlite Towel ($17.95)
Say goodbye to damp, musty towels with Sea to Summit’s featherlight microfiber. This towel dries in minutes and weighs just 1.7 oz, making it the perfect travel essential. The polyester microfiber feels good against your skin, unlike those scratchy paper-thin alternatives. It comes with a carrying case and dries fast to prevent packing damp fabric when rushing to catch a train. It’s smaller and less absorbent than cotton towels, but backpackers and minimalist travelers love the tradeoff.
2. Snow Peak Titanium Spork ($9.95)
Backcountry travelers rave about this 0.6 oz titanium masterpiece that eliminates the need for separate utensils without adding weight. Its polished finish won’t corrode or bend like cheap alternatives. One utensil handles both spooning and forking duties. The titanium can conduct heat with hot meals, and some find the spork too shallow for soup. But outdoor gear experts consistently rate it among the best ultralight eating tools available.
1. Heroclip Carabiner Hook ($19.80)
If you’ve ever hung a backpack on a filthy bathroom floor, the Heroclip’s genius rotating hook system will feel like the $20 travel hack you’ve been missing. This 2.4 oz aircraft-grade aluminum carabiner has a 360° rotating hook that can hold up to 60 lbs. The rubber tip grips surfaces securely when hanging your stuff. It’s bigger than basic carabiners andsome struggle to operate it one-handed. Gear reviewers consistently applaud its innovative design, making it a favorite among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
