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Tough, multifunctional accessories for any itinerary
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Whether by plane, train, or automobile, we’re all eager to make up for lost travel time in a vaccinated world this winter. This gear will go as far as you do.
At 35 liters, the Hauler is the ideal size for carrying on a plane as a personal item. It fits under your seat but allows room to squeeze in extra layers, and has a separate shoe compartment so you can reserve precious checked-bag space for your boots . But the highlight is the 270-degree zipper, which lets you get into the very bottom of your pack without digging. The four external carry straps (they’re for a skateboard, but one tester used them for a snowboard and a ski jacket), removable hipbelt, and comfy back panel make this pack functional for hiking or uphilling once you reach your destination.
We’ve raved about Bose’s noise-canceling headphones for travel before, but until now have failed to find a more portable version. These earphones blew us away with their sound quality and intuitive controls for raising and lowering volume, adjusting noise-canceling levels, and skipping through songs. Our favorite features: the automatic pause when you remove one earbud, and the way they stay put during exercise and under a ski helmet.
Base layers are a key part of any active winter wardrobe, and they should be a staple in your tech kit, too. Matador’s ripstop-nylon computer case is lightweight and waterproof (thanks to an inner drybag liner), with just enough padding to keep a laptop safe from dings and scratches on a bumpy ride without adding extra bulk. Roll the top down for full protection, or Velcro it shut for quick access in less rugged conditions.
A to-go cup nests in the bottom of this vessel, with its top snugly in place on the water bottle’s lid; un-nest, fill, stack, lock them together, and you can carry two drinks in one hand. Both vacuum-insulated containers come with no-spill covers that keep both beverages at ideal temperatures for several hours.
Technical enough for snow and sleet but stylish enough to wear around town, and ideal for changing winter conditions, the Visby 3 in 1 combines a waterproof, PU- and DWR-coated recycled polyester shell with a removable insulated midlayer jacket. Wear them together when it’s cold, or separate them when you need less protection or less insulation. We also love the deep pockets and the flattering cut that tapers slightly at the waist, more reminiscent of a peacoat than a parka. (women’s XXS–XL / men’s XS-XXL)
Wheeled haulers are great for swallowing gear, but they come with some drawbacks: most lack organization, are difficult to store, and tip over when standing up. Not the Split Roller, which has a clamshell opening with a divided interior that makes partitioning layers easy. We also love the interior neoprene stretch panel, which accommodates bulky gear and even the most egregious of overpackers. A collapsible bottom brace, which provides stability even when the bag is stuffed to the brim and folds down for easier storage.
Combine the style of a jean jacket, the functionality of a chore coat, and the coziness of your favorite flannel, and you get the Allyson. Six deep, secure buttoned and zippered pockets eliminate the need to carry a purse for small items. On a recent trip, one tester was able to fit in a phone, sunglasses, wallet, e-reader, headphones, and boarding documents without looking lumpy. Meanwhile, a super-soft cotton flannel lining makes this jacket far warmer than it appears, almost like wearing two layers in one. A plant-based stain- and water-repellent coating held up to both a drizzly day and spilled airport coffee. (women’s XS–3XL)
The waterproof Kindersley has 200-gram PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to keep toes dry after hours in the snow. But don’t be fooled by the technical elements. Unlike your snow boots, the Kindersleys are easy to dress up, what with their classy dark-brown leather, sharp-looking metal rivets, striped red laces, and pebbled outsoles. A cozy suede tongue and springy footbed constructed from a plant-based foam make for comfortable après beer tours after a day on the slopes.
To test Duer’s claim of “any time, any place, any weather,” we wore these pants hiking, biking, and sledding in snow, wind, and rain. The soft cotton-polyester-spandex blend was stretchy enough to preserve range of motion in all of those activities. Meanwhile, the wind- and waterproof inner membrane kept us surprisingly warm and dry. And, unlike other technical pants, these can be dressed up for dinner. (women’s 24–34 / men’s 28–38)
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