Supersonic jets, that we can use, might be coming back to the skies for real. The US Department of Transportation has announced plans to replace its 53-year ban on civilian supersonic flight over land with a new regulatory framework based on noise rather than speed.

Instead of automatically prohibiting aircraft from exceeding Mach 1, the proposed rules would allow manufacturers to certify aircraft that can operate without creating a disruptive sonic boom. Meaning, if they can go that fast and keep relatively quite, there is no longer a speed limit in the skies.

The current restriction dates back to 1973, when the sonic booms produced by aircraft such as Concorde made overland supersonic travel impractical. Advances in aircraft design have changed that.

Companies including Boom Supersonic are developing aircraft designed to reduce the boom to a much quieter "thump", while NASA's X-59 research aircraft is helping validate low-boom technology. If the new rules are adopted, they could eventually make much faster domestic flights possible across the US.

The announcement is only the first step, with detailed noise standards still to be developed before commercial aircraft can be certified. Manufacturers will also need to prove their designs comply before passengers ever board a flight.

But replacing the speed limit with a performance-based standard removes one of the biggest regulatory barriers facing supersonic aviation.

While the change won't see Mach 1 passenger flights return overnight, it marks one of the most significant shifts in aviation policy for decades. If aircraft makers can deliver on their promises, journeys that currently take five or six hours could eventually be completed in half the time – without the window-rattling sonic boom that grounded the idea more than 50 years ago.

Carl Friedrik is branching out into a new category with the launch of three luxury washbags, joining its growing lineup of the best carry-ons, suitcases and backpacks. The collection includes three new styles, including two additions to the elegant Sonder range and one to the performance-focused Move collection.

The new washbags are designed to complete a luxury travel setup, whether you're heading off for a weekend city break or a long-haul trip. As Mattis Oppermann, co-founder of Carl Friedrik, explains: "These new styles naturally pair with larger bags in the collection, so customers benefit from a cohesive product ecosystem that simplifies packing and travel."

The Washbag and Technical Washbag are available to pre-order via the Carl Friedrik website, whereas the Large Washbag is available to buy online now and in-store. Prices start from £145 and lead up to £225.

Leading the launch are the Washbag (£195) and Large Washbag (£225), which join the Sonder collection. Crafted from soft full-grain leather, both feature an easy-access exterior pocket, a magnetic internal pocket and a leather handle that can be hung from a bathroom hook. They're available in classic Black and a rich Chocolate finish.

Rounding out the collection is the Technical Washbag (£145), which joins the Move range, Carl Friedrik's most practical, performance-led collection. Made from durable matte nylon canvas with premium Vachetta leather detailing, it has a spacious main compartment for toiletries and an oversized exterior pocket for smaller essentials. It launches in an all-black colourway that pairs well with the rest of the Move collection.

As someone who travels regularly for work, I'm always on the lookout for gadgets that make life easier whilst helping me stay productive on the go. A decent travel adaptor or power bank is essential for that, so when one of my favourite travel brands launches something new, I always take notice.

Epicka's new Pulse Duo 140W travel adaptor has been officially unveiled after making its debut at CES earlier this year. It arrives as the world's first 140W touchscreen universal travel adaptor, working in more than 200 countries and regions, featuring two AC outlets, four USB-C ports and one USB-A port, as well as delivering up to 140W of fast charging.

The Pulse Duo 140W has launched in the US for $119.99 (around £90), with international pricing and availability yet to be confirmed. However, Epicka already ships to countries including Canada, Hong Kong and much of Europe, so there's a good chance it will become available in other regions before too long.

The biggest talking point is undoubtedly its built-in HD touchscreen, which is something we've never really seen on a universal travel adaptor before. The display shows real-time charging power, temperature and connection status, providing users with a much clearer idea of exactly what's happening whilst any devices are being charged.

Epicka also includes a handy storage pouch and a metre long 240W USB-C cable in the box, which helps it stand out even further as a good travel gadget to take abroad.

I'll be reviewing the Pulse Duo 140W shortly, so keep an eye out for my full thoughts coming soon.

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a Peak Design bag I didn’t like. From the brand’s backpacks to its camera slings, I often end up using Peak Design products well after the testing period has concluded.

I recently tested the latest slate of bags from the company, including the Peak Design Travel Weekender 25L and the Travel Crossbody 3L. Among the bags sent to me for testing was the small Travel Backpack 20L, with a convenient strap on its back panel that makes it easy to carry on the handle of a rolling suitcase.

My first thought was that it’s a bit strange that Peak Design puts out a travel backpack with this feature without an accompanying carry-on suitcase. Two seconds later, I remembered reading about the Roller Pro, and all of a sudden, it all made perfect sense. Needless to say, I requested the rolling case immediately after.

This was a couple of months ago, and since then, I’ve been using the Peak Design Roller Pro on all my trips by plane. It’s an awesome suitcase that really lives up to its name by rolling incredibly smoothly and exuding an aura of premium quality that not many other bags can match.

It’s probably a bit too expensive for most people who just need a roller for their annual holiday in Benidorm, but if you have expensive (camera) gear to haul around (and maybe some Peak Design cubes/accessories) and appreciate craftsmanship and premium bags, the Roller Pro is one of my top recommendations for you.

Peak Design Roller Pro review

Price and availability

The Roller Pro launched in March 2025 and is available to buy now at Peak Design UK, Peak Design US, Peak Design EU and Peak Design AU for £500 / $600 / €600 / AU$1,150. It comes in three colours: Black, Eclipse and Sage. There are sometimes deals available. At the time of writing, the bag was on offer for £400 / €480 / AU$920 (no current offers in the US).

The brand sells the Roller Pro on its own and in bundles (Creator and Travel), the latter of which saves you 15% compared to buying the bundle’s parts separately. The Creator Bundle adds the XL camera cube, while the Traveler bundle adds two small and two medium packing cubes.

The carry-on closest to the Roller Pro in both price and functionality is another one of my all-time favourites, Db's Ramverk Pro Carry On. It retails for around £550 and weighs a little more than the Peak Design model. I'd say both occupy the premium end of the mainstream luggage market, stopping short of true luxury brands such as Rimowa and Tumi.

Design and build quality

Peak Design said the Roller Pro had been in development for four years, with the biggest engineering challenge being its carbon-fibre "SlimDrive" handle system, which frees up significantly more packing space than traditional telescopic handles.

The handle might have been the biggest challenge for the design team, but the bespoke wheels are the Roller Pro's standout feature. They're exceptionally smooth and quiet, making the case feel almost weightless on airport floors.

They also move well on the streets and cobblestone, but understandably, it’ll be a bit trickier to navigate the case on rough surfaces with the fully extended handle, purely because of the weight distribution.

The four-wheel setup not only allows you to push the suitcase rather than drag it behind you, but it is also incredibly smooth to move. So much so that the bag sometimes rolls away on its own adventures unless you keep an eye on it.

Weighing 3.9kg (8.6 lb), the Roller Pro has a maximum volume of 39 litres when expanded (34 litres otherwise). The extender zipper goes all the way around to keep the case well-balanced, even when you add more stuff to it. It’s not the lightest case, and the Roller Pro is certainly heftier than your average IT carry-on, but it also feels a lot more premium and sturdy.

As you’d expect, Peak Design didn’t skimp on materials when designing the Roller Pro. The bag has a 70% recycled polycarbonate shell and a 100% recycled weather-resistant Versa Shell 500D nylon exterior, the latter of which is also Bluesign-approved. It has a PFAS-free coating that offers water repellency and a chemical-free alternative to DWR.

The #8 UltraZips use abrasion-resistant UHMWPE threads, and so do the cords that are made from ultra-high-strength UHMWPE for extended durability.

I appreciate the small design choices, such as the rubber/plastic bars on the back of the case that prevent it from sitting on dirt when you tip the case over in a public space and the four pull handles located around the edge of the Roller Pro that make it easier to place the case into the overhead locker regardless of its orientation.

Internal organisation and ergonomics

The Roller Pro has a large clamshell opening and offers a decent amount of space inside, thanks to the special handle design. Better still, the lid is designed to stay upright when the Roller Pro is laid on its back, giving you easier access to the mesh organisation pockets on the divider.

The bottom of the bag is by no means flat, but there aren’t massive grooves that take up unnecessary space. The elastic cords that help keep your stuff in place are located around the halfway point, just below the extension. These can be loosened, should your packed items reach the lip of the case.

In addition to using the extender, you can peel back the mesh dividers to create even more space inside the Roller Pro. I find this approach a bit clunky, as it doesn’t necessarily create much extra space, especially if you have smaller gadgets/passports/tissues/etc. in the pocket accessible from the top of the bag.

Speaking of which, this is where you’ll find the dedicated laptop sleeve with a magnetic flap to help keep your large electronic device in place. The small pocket in the same compartment can store essential items you need to access quickly, such as passports. I also tend to shove my paperback in this pocket.

One thing I miss from the Roller Pro – and it’s a strange omission – is the lockable zips. Well, the pull tabs have holes in them, which means you can tie the zips together using a small lock or wire, but on the aforementioned Travel Backpack 20L, the pull tab on one of the zips can be undone and hooked around the other, an approach that would make the Roller Pro safe from accidental (or not so accidental) openings.

It’s true that the exterior fabric can scuff more easily than an all-polycarbonate shell, but I found marks easy to clean with just a cloth. The shell is also somewhat water-resistant, although I haven’t used it in pouring rain.

Verdict

The Peak Design Roller Pro is one of the most thoughtfully engineered carry-ons I've ever tested. Every element, from the ingenious SlimDrive handle that frees up valuable packing space to the exceptionally smooth wheels and premium recycled materials, feels purpose-built rather than added for the sake of marketing.

It's the sort of suitcase that makes travelling feel just a little easier, whether you're lifting it into an overhead locker, navigating a busy airport or living out of it for a few days.

It's not without flaws. At 3.9kg, the Roller Pro is heavier than many soft-sided carry-ons, and the lack of an integrated locking mechanism is a surprising omission at this price. While you can attach a small padlock through the zip pulls, I'd have preferred a cleaner, built-in solution.

Those shortcomings aren't enough to overshadow what Peak Design has achieved here. If you only travel once or twice a year, the Roller Pro will probably feel like an unnecessary indulgence.

However, frequent flyers, photographers and anyone who appreciates beautifully made travel gear will find plenty to justify the asking price. It's an expensive carry-on, but one that genuinely earns its premium positioning through clever design, exceptional build quality and a level of refinement that few rivals can match.

It might not always look like it, but being a tech journalist involves much more long-haul travel than you might think. I can't necessarily always explain why conferences like CES have been in Las Vegas for decades, although others, like Computex being in Taipei, are a little easier to trace.

Either way, it means that I've spent a lot of time on the road and in the air over the last few years, and that's made me intimately familiar with in-flight entertainment. It's always fun to sink into a movie that only just left cinemas while at 30,000 feet, but the sad fact is that you'll generally be doing it on a downright terrible screen.

When I flew to Taipei a couple of weeks ago, it marked the first time I took a really long flight since I got my hands on a loaner unit of the Honor MagicPad 4, which had been impressing me a lot in regular household use. So, to see whether it could upgrade my experience actually watching movies on some very long flights to and from Asia, I downloaded some movies on Now (where I have a Sky Cinema subscription) to put it through its paces.

While I fly a lot, those flights are almost never in business class, so the comparison I'm making here is very much against the standard economy and premium economy screens that most of us are familiar with, and it won't surprise you to learn that the MagicPad 4 completely destroys these from a quality point of view.

Its display is a bright and vivid OLED, and that means that when I glanced to my left to check out my neighbour's in-flight screen comparatively, the difference was almost embarrassing. This does mean that some brightness tweaking was needed when the cabin lights went down to let people sleep, but that's a small price to pay.

While I do have an AirFly Pro 2 from Twelve South to make Bluetooth connections a doddle with in-flight systems, it's also even easier to just use the tablet's built-in functionality without needing an extra accessory. That said, one tiny foible is that the MagicPad 4 doesn't have a 3.5mm audio jack, which is a slight shame as it makes audio setups a little more restricted.

That wasn't a factor on my flights, but when I'm travelling with my girlfriend, it means I can't use the AirFly Pro 2 to set up a dual-audio system where we can both connect our headphones to the tablet for a shared viewing session.

Still, that one quibble aside (and it's one that won't apply to most solo travellers), the MagicPad 4 was such a big upgrade in terms of viewing quality that I'm likely to now pack it on every long-haul trip while I still have access to it. The only downside is the loss of some more space in my backpack, even if the tablet's absurd slimness means it's really not much of a burden.

I'm not going to pretend to be surprised that a £600 tablet outperforms in-flight systems that have, in some cases, been around for a decade or more, of course. Anyone with a recent iPad is probably thinking that the benefits are obvious – but this was my first time verifying that for myself, and it was still a fun change to make. If you're staring down a long flight soon and have access to a tablet alternative of your own, consider this your warning to follow suit.

Tessan has announced the launch of the Aero 70 Smart Travel Adaptor, which it claims is the world's thinnest travel adaptor. Measuring just 89 × 50 × 33mm, the company says it's around 40% smaller than many of the best travel adaptors currently available.

The Aero 70 is aimed squarely at modern travellers who want to pack lighter whilst still keeping all their devices charged. Alongside its ultra-slim design, it features an integrated display, support for more than 200 countries and regions, and an intelligent charging system capable of powering up to five devices simultaneously through a combination of AC, USB-C and USB-A ports.

It's currently available to back via Kickstarter, with early-bird pricing starting at $69 (around £50), compared to an expected retail price of $129. The crowdfunding campaign runs until 30th July, with backers expected to receive their units in August ahead of a wider retail launch later that month.

To make international travel easier, the Aero 70 includes integrated plug types for the UK, US, EU and Australia. The main USB-C port delivers up to 70W, making it suitable for charging laptops, tablets and smartphones, whilst two additional USB-C ports provide up to 20W each for smaller devices.

There's also an 18W USB-A port for older accessories, meaning everything from cameras and power banks to wireless headphones can be charged from a single compact unit. Tessan has even included a built-in cable to help reduce the number of accessories travellers need to pack.

The Aero 70 features a built-in fuse alongside multi-layer protection against over-current, over-voltage, short circuits and overheating. With support for devices operating between 100V and 250V and loads up to 2500W, it's designed to safely power everything from laptops and phones to higher-powered appliances such as the best hair dryers.

I’m extremely fortunate that I get to travel for work, but the 3am wake-up calls to get to the airport do eventually take their toll. Oftentimes, I have events, briefings and tours as soon as I land and as I don’t want to make a bad first impression by looking like I haven’t slept for days, I’ve become well-versed in sleeping on a plane.

I used to hate sleeping on planes but now, I’m out like a light as soon as I strap my seatbelt on. With summer holidays coming up, sleeping poorly – or not at all – on a plane can affect the first couple days of your vacation so catching some much needed Zzz’s before your trip is a must.

As a sleep and travel expert, these are the five fool-proof products I use to help me sleep on a plane.

1. Ostrichpillow Go Neck Travel Pillow

The biggest head – or neck – ache about sleeping on a plane is you’re essentially sleeping upright in a chair for several hours. What’s worse is the seat itself has no real support or comfort especially around the head and neck, which is why you often get off a plane feeling stiff and sore in these areas.

Having a comfortable travel pillow is a must if you’re planning to take a nap on the plane. I’d recommend the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Travel Pillow. Made from memory foam, the Ostrichpillow Go is cosy, breathable and asymmetrical so you can have it at different heights and thickness levels to suit your neck, spine, head and chin. There are cheaper options at Boots and even in the airport that work well too, but the Ostrichpillow Go gets my vote.

2. Loop Dream

This might be controversial, but I don’t like wearing headphones on a plane, unless I’m using them to watch an in-flight movie. But the background whirring of the cabin and other passenger’s noises can disrupt your sleep, so a good pair of noise-reducing earbuds can do the trick.

Instead of blocking out noise entirely, I still like to be able to hear a little bit of my surroundings, especially on a plane so I can be alert to any announcements. The Loop Dream earplugs are a great choice here, as they muffle sounds by 27dB (SNR) so you can sleep peacefully and minimise external noise. Made from ultra-soft silicone and memory foam, the Loop Dream earplugs reduce ear pressure and sit comfortably in the ears for several hours. Read our full Loop Dream review for more details.

3. Therabody SleepMask

If you’re flying for several hours, especially during the night, the plane you’re on will dim the lights so you can get some sleep. But not everyone will want to sleep which means you could be sitting next to someone with a blaring, bright screen – but that’s where an eye mask comes in.

My eye mask of choice is the Therabody SleepMask. What makes it so special is it uses a combination of vibrations and sounds to help you relax. With wave, pulse or constant pattern options, the vibrations are soothing and tension relieving. The material is comfortable to wear and completely blacks out any light that could infiltrate under the mask. Read our full Therabody SleepMask review for more details.

4. Danish Endurance Cotton Compression Socks

If you’re on a long haul flight, compression socks will be your best friend. I run a lot and my shins are always acting up in some way so I use compression socks to help with my running but you can also wear them as you travel.

For compression sock beginners, the Danish Endurance Compression Socks are the ones I’d recommend. Made from a soft cotton material, these socks are more relaxed than other options, making them ideal for running, recovery and travel. The Danish Endurance Compression Socks stabilise your calves, and they’re much more affordable than other brands.

5. YETI Rambler Bottle

Due to the low humidity within a plane, the air in the cabin can leave your skin and body feeling dehydrated. Regardless of how long I’ve slept for on the plane, I often wake up with a sore, dry throat so having a good water bottle to hand is vital.

The water bottle I use everyday, including while travelling, is the YETI Rambler Bottle. I have the 769ml version but you can get them in multiple sizes and colours. As it’s double-wall vacuum insulated, the YETI Rambler Bottle keeps water extremely cool and crisp, which is exactly what you want when travelling for hours.

For more advice, check out these 7 tips for sleeping on a plane.

Due to the warmer weather in the UK over the past few years, bed bugs have increased by 67% each year – why can’t we have nice things?! While hygiene plays a huge part in keeping your mattress clear of bed bugs, you’d be surprised to hear that it’s your summer holiday that’s increasing the likelihood of an infestation.

To find out more, I spoke to Sharon Robson from Mattress Online who explained that “bedbugs thrive in areas where lots of people are coming and going, and favour warm and humid conditions, which means there’s a higher chance of infestations across the summer holidays… it’s crucial to know how to spot a potential infestation to prevent bringing any unwanted souvenirs back from your trip.”

Below, Robson shared her expert tips on how to identify bed bugs early and how to avoid bringing them home with you after travelling.

1. Spot the early signs of bed bugs

When you get to your accommodation, it’s a good idea to first check if your room is infested with bed bugs. There are a few tell tale signs that this could be the case like “sweet, musty smells, which are a sign of a very large infestation,” says Robson. She urges holidaymakers to “keep an eye out for black or rust-coloured stains on bedding and mattresses. Lastly, look for empty, brown shells or flat, oval brown shapes, which may be the bugs themselves.”

2. Use the credit card trick

If you want to conduct a closer inspection, use the credit card trick. As “bedbugs love to hide in tight spaces such as mattress seams, labels, and tufts, a credit card acts as a handy probing tool to get into these tight spaces like mattress piping, corners of the bedframe, and any cracks,” explains Robson.

To do this, simply press your card to these areas and scrape along the creases to check for bugs and eggs. You can use a phone torch for better visibility.

3. Elevate your luggage

When you first arrive at your hotel, you might be tempted to fling your suitcase on the bed to make unpacking easier – but this is actually the worst mistake you could possibly make. Not only are you spreading dirt from your luggage onto your sleep surface, but you haven’t had a chance to inspect the bed for signs of bed bugs.

Robson stresses that you should “elevate your luggage above carpets and away from walls. Avoid unpacking your suitcase on the bed… and use metal luggage racks or place your case on a hard surface like a table or desk.” This should stop bed bugs getting into your luggage and the chances of you taking them home with you.

4. Wash clothes on a high heat

Once you get home from your holiday – and if you’re worried about a potential bed bug infestation – the first thing you should do is wash your clothes on a high heat. Robson suggests to “leave your luggage on a hard surface like a bathroom or laundry room floor and unpack directly into the washing machine. Clean your clothes on a hot wash cycle and dry on a high heat for 30-60 minutes to kill any live bugs or eggs.”

5. Invest in a hard shell suitcase

Before you head off on your next holiday, take a minute to consider what type of luggage you’re bringing. According to Robson “soft-sided luggage provides plenty of hiding spots for bedbugs, which means you may unknowingly increase your chances of bringing them back from your trip.”

A hard shell suitcase provides a smooth solid surface which is much harder for bed bugs to cling to rather than a soft suitcase with rough or porous surfaces. “With the bonus of being easier to inspect and disinfect, it may be worth investing in if you're worried about the spread of these unwanted bedmates,” says Robson.

For more advice, check out why doctors warn travellers not to unpack their suitcase immediately after getting home.

Whether you are long-hauling, business-tripping, mini-breaking or backpacking, you will need the right gadgets to not only get you where you want to go but help you when you get there.

We have compiled the ultimate travel gadget tech list – use this guide to get the best out of your travels, whether you are going abroad or are planning a stunning staycation....

GADGETS FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELLER

PLAUD NOTE PRO

A pocket sized passepartout designed to capture meetings and interviews without touching your laptop or draining your phone battery. Hit record, and the four MEMS microphones with AI beamforming record voices clearly from up to five metres away, while 64GB storage and up to 50-hour battery life keep it running through long days. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi sync recordings to the app, where AI generates searchable transcripts and summaries in 112 languages. £169, uk.plaud.ai

ANKER PRIME 26K 300W POWER BANK

With portable power, tiny but mighty wins the day, and this 26,250mAh battery provides up to 300W of output over two USB-C ports while measuring just 16 x 6.2 x 3.8cm. At 600g it's not for connected trail runners, but ideal for carry-on only business trips, as it falls deliberately just inside of airline limits. A screen keeps you updated on charging, while there's power management aplenty via Bluetooth and the smartphpone app. £180 anker.com

ASUS EXPERTBOOK ULTRA

A luxuriously well-specc'd laptop built for business trips. The magnesium-aluminium chassis weighs just 0.99kg and measures 10.9mm thin, yet packs an Intel Core Ultra processor with a dedicated NPU delivering up to 50 TOPS for swifter AI responses. An Intel Arc graphics chip makes the most of the 14-inch 3K Tandem OLED display (up to 1400 nits HDR), while a 24-hour, 70Wh battery, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt connectivity make business easier.

JABRA EVOLVE3 85

Like a private meeting pod for your noisy airport Zoom calls, the latest generation Jabra headphones utilise AI-powered ClearVoice voice isolation, six MEMS microphones and adaptive ANC, to create the quietest, clearest call quality. It's eerily good. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint and a USB-C Link 390c dongle ensure stable connections, while a battery capable of 25 hours of talk time or 120 hours of music listening guarantee peace and professionalism wherever you are.

TECH FOR TRAVELLING LIGHT

HOVERAIR X1 PRO MAX

Counting every gram in your pack is noble, but not if your Instagram suffers. Fear not, for this pocket-sized autonomous camera drone weighs just 192g, records 8K video (4k at 120fps) through a 107-degree f/2.5 ultrawide lens, and can track at speeds of up to 42km/h. Best of all, the follow-me mode means you don't need a controller, so even on solo trips you've got your best angles covered. £609 uk.hoverair.com

VSSL NEST POUR-OVER SET

It's easy to confuse travelling light with missing out on the finer things, but wherever you are in the world, good coffee remains essential. Filled with your favourite grounds, this compact all-in-one pour-over kit will have you java'd up in no time. Every component nests into one travel-ready cylinder, and this includes a 10oz double-wall insulated mug plus a BPA-free splashproof lid. £79.95 vsslgear.uk

KEEN TARGHEE APEX

When you need one pair to do it all, this lightweight (340g each) shoe blends the comfort of a trail runner with the protection of a traditional hiker. A waterproof membrane makes you puddle-proof, while the KEEN.ReGENX foam adds all-day cushioning and support. Keen has also incorporated a thermoplastic plate, which has the double benefit of offering stability over uneven ground, and protection from sharp roots and rocks. £140, keenfootwear.co.uk

YETI SKALA HIKING PACK

Available in 32-, 40- and 50-litre capacities and weighing from just 1.5kg, Yet's first technical pack combines an AlumaLite frame with high-denier recycled TPU-coated nylon that laughs at abrasion and bad weather. A Y-shaped zip provides fast access to the main compartment, making it easy to grab layers or snacks. Padded shoulder and hip straps improve stability, while multiple pockets and hydration bladder compatibility support long days on the trail. From £275, yeti.com

STRESS-FREE TRAVEL GADGETS

EARFUN AIR PRO 4+

Impossibly well-specced, and surprisingly impressive for the price, these super-comfortable earbuds have a 10mm composite dynamic driver and balanced armature unit delivering solid audio performance, while Bluetooth 6 with LDAC, aptX Lossless and Auracast takes care of hi-res needs. Adaptive ANC and a six–mic AI call system reduce background noise too, and when you fire up the app, you can also benefit from real-time translation across 100+ languages.

APPLE AIRTAG

Gen2 AirTags bring better location sharing, louder alerts and improved anti-stalking protocols, cementing Apple's position at the top of the tracker league. The tiny 11g tag locates bags or keys through the Find My network of nearby iPhones, while Bluetooth LE and the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip enable precision finding with directional guidance. IP67 water resistance and a battery lasting about a year make it ideal for travel. £29 apple.com

MOUS CARRY-ON SUITCASE

Famous for chucking phone cases off just about anything, Mous brings its protect-your-stuff ethos to this carry-on hardshell suitcase. Built with aerospace-grade polycarbonate, combined with Mous's proprietary AiroFoam impact-absorbing lining, it's designed to survive the most sadistic baggage handler. The 2.8kg, 38L design has compression straps and zipped dividers to stabilise clothing. £449.99 uk.mous.co

TESSAN UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER 21W

A compact charging hub built for seamless international travel, this five-in-one adapter combines one universal AC outlet with two USB-A sockets delivering 5V/2.4A and two USB-C ports spewing forth 5V/3A. It's also compatible with plug types C, G, A and I across more than 150 countries, and is fuse protected too, for added safety. At 149g, you'll not even notice it in the bag. £21.99 uk.tessan.com

BRILLIANT TRAVEL BAGS

MISSION WORKSHOP RHAKE LS

A technical 22L pack built from X-Pac VX-21 laminate – better known as racing yacht sails. The material is strong, lightweight and weather resistant. The roll-top main compartment expands for clothing or gear, while separate sleeves protect a 16in laptop and 10in tablet. Magnetic buckles allow quick one-handed access, and compatibility with the LandSpeeder modular rail system means add-on pouches can transform it from daily commuter bag into a weekend travel pack. £495, missionworkshop.com

MOUS COMPRESSION WARDROBE

Good packing is an artform, and with the help of this compression pack, you can hang your efforts in the Louvre. This clever wardrobe compresses to one-third of its size, saving space in your bag, but also keeping your clothes neatly folded – and well organised – when you do arrive at your destination. There's even a divider in one compartment for undies and socks. Thanks to the built-in hanger, you can unpack in seconds too. £65 uk.mous.co

BELLROY TECH KIT

Stop using a supermarket bag-for-life to carry your cable clutter about and go for this altogether more refined clamshell organiser from Bellroy that opens fully for easy access. The structured case is made from durable ripstop polyester containing 55% recycled fibres, and inside you'll find stretchy mesh pockets for smaller items, a magnetic slip pocket sized for a power bank, and a floating wall with elastic loops to secure cables and adapters.

NEMO DOUBLE HAUL DUFFLE 55L

Part duffel bag, part gear-hauling tote, this generous capacity 55L design, made from super tough recycled fabrics – can be cinched-down when you're on the move, but the clever reinforced origami-clam-style opening means you can easily access all your gear inside. Great for keeping tents tidy, or when not needed as luggage, it makes a great stash bag for your outdoor gear in the boot of the car. £160

COTOPAXI ALLPA 35L TRAVEL PACK

Constructed from recycled nylon and ballistic ripstop, this 35L suitcase-style carry-on pack combines a cool aesthetic with sustainable design and practical features. Lockable zips for safety, internal mesh organisers, outer water bottle pouch, a 15in padded laptop sleeve and tuck-away straps, plus three grab handles, make it hugely practical. Choose the Del Día version, made from repurposed deadstock fabrics, for a unique, waste-free statement too.

PROTECT YOUR HOME WHILE AWAY

DREAME MATRIX 10 ULTRA

Dust doesn't take a holiday when you do, but this flagship robot vacuum and mop will keep floors spotless while you're away. Delivering 30,000Pa suction with AI navigation using LiDAR and RGB sensors, it identifies and avoids more than 240 obstacles, even climbing thresholds up to 8cm high. Its switching dock automatically swaps pads for different floor types, then washes them at up to 100°C before hot-air drying them ready for the next clean.

SWITCHBOT LEAK DETECTOR

Don't risk a ruined home while you're away, and install this super-value smart leak detector that triggers alerts when moisture appears. Paired with the SwitchBot Hub, it sends instant notifications via Wi-Fi, making it ideal beside washing machines, sinks, boilers or dishwashers.

PETKIT YUMSHARE DUAL-HOPPER WITH CAMERA

Park the guilt when leaving pets at home with this hi-tech home feeder. Dual hoppers, one of 2L, the other 3L, allow different foods or diets to be dispensed on schedule via the Petkit app, so Tiddles gets her din-dins on schedule. An integrated 1080p camera with a 140-degree view, night vision and two-way audio means you can keep in touch too. AI even tracks feeding behaviour and bowl levels. £139

EUFYCAM S4

Subscription-free solar-powered security at its finest, this hybrid outdoor camera combines a 4K wide-angle lens with dual-2K panning and tilting cameras for complete coverage. The 130-degree fixed view works alongside a motorised module that auto-tracks subjects with 8x hybrid zoom. Motion detection uses radar and PIR sensors, while spotlights enable colour night vision. It includes 32GB of onboard storage, expandable to 256GB via a microSD card, or terabytes more when linked to Eufy's Homebase S380.

KEEP COOL ACCESSORIES

HOKA INFINI HIKE TC

Everyone's favourite big, squishy daily runners also do a quality line in all-terrain action sandals. The Infini Hike TC uses a rubberised 30% sugarcane CMEVA midsole and Hoka's Meta-Rocker geometry to create a smooth stride. The Vibram Megagrip outsole, with deep 3.5mm multidirectional lugs, improves traction on loose or wet surfaces, while adjustable webbing straps keep your feet secure. Naturally fast draining when wet, and superbly comfortable even in the heat. £115, hoka.com

BEDROCK CAIRN EVO 3D SANDALS

Please don't go hiking in your Havaianas, your feet will hate you. If you want a minimalist sandal that's specifically designed for adventure, the Cairn Evo 3D have serious grip from the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole and deep tread. But what elevates these the most above your average flip-flops is a proper 3D-moulded footbed that contours to the arch for better stability, while the Y-strap adjustment system secures the foot without causing pressure points. £95, bedrocksandals.com

BLUNT SOLAR UMBRELLA

When shade is scarce, carrying your own can save you from sizzling. Blunt's metre-wide UV/solar umbrella uses a radial tensioning system and wind-tunnel tested frame that's rated to withstand gusts of around 70mph, making it far tougher than a typical travel brolly. The canopy blocks up to 99% of UV radiation (UPF 50+), creating reliable shade anywhere. Patented blunt tips reduce breakage too, and it folds to just 37.5cm long. £85, bluntumbrellas.co.uk

SONY REON POCKET PRO

Wearable climate control for people who melt on the move, the latest Reon Pocket Pro sits against your upper back and a thermoelectric metal plate pressed against the skin actively cools (or warms), helping to take the edge off sweaty commutes and crowded terminals, without a fan. It's especially useful when you're dressed for tropical (or stressful) meetings, but pair it with breathable layers for maximum impact. £199, sony.co.uk

SUNSKI FERRATA

Built for long days without shade on water or in the mountains, these glacier-style sunglasses combine thermoplastic frames with removable side shields to block glare. The polarised polycarbonate lenses provide full UV400 protection while reducing reflections. Adjustable temple tips and grippy nose pads keep them in place no matter the activity, and the lightweight construction keeps them comfortable for longer. £149, wildbounds.com

EVERYDAY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

QDOS POWERLOOP

If you're the sort of person who can never find a charger and loses their phone three times a day, this is the gadget for you. Combining a USB-C charging cable with a wearable phone lanyard, you can keep your phone safe and always have a cable ready to go. The 1.5m braided cable supports fast charging up to 60W, while reinforced connectors and adjustable cord locks improve durability. £19, qdossound.com

LIVE SANS SELF-CLEANING WATER BOTTLE

A high-tech hydration bottle built around a UV-C LED bulb in the cap that runs a three-minute purification cycle, eliminating up to 99.9% of bacteria such as E coli. Not a replacement for proper emergency filtration, but practical if you're guilty of never rinsing your bottles out. The 500ml bottle uses double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel, keeping drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. £89, livesans.co.uk

TWELVESOUTH POWERCAPSULE

A slim magnetic power bank built around Qi2 wireless charging, delivering up to 15W wireless output for compatible iPhone and Android devices. Available in 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh, it also supports USB-C wired charging up to 20W (5K) or 30W (10K). Magnets keep charging coils positioned correctly, while pass-through charging allows the battery and phone to charge simultaneously. A zinc-alloy frame with a synthetic inlay improves grip and durability too. From £49, twelvesouth.eu

VOITED NECK PILLOW

Voited is famous for eco-friendly camping blankets and ponchos. It's created a two-for-one travel companion here, one that can either be a snuggly, insulated blanket or super-comfortable neck pillow. We're not sure what you do if you're both cold and tired, but the blanket is water-resistant and machine washable, and great for any adventure. £55, voited.co.uk

PHILIPS 5000 PORTABLE STEAMER

If you can't pull off the crumpled world-traveller look, this foldable handheld steamer will keep you looking sharp. The 1400W heater produces continuous steam, knocking out creases without the need for an ironing board, while the adjustable head makes it easy to bring suits and shirts back from the brink and ready for business. £70, philips.co.uk

FIRST-CLASS TRAVEL BUYS

B&O BEOGRACE EARBUDS

Priced for the few, not the many, but these covetable Danish earbuds justify the buy-in with attention to detail and premium materials rarely seen with in-ears. The 12mm titanium-diaphragm drivers, six MEMS microphones and adaptive ANC handle sound and calls, while Bluetooth 5.3 with LC3/AAC codecs keeps connections solid. The IP57-rated polished aluminium earbuds sit in a pearl-blasted aluminium case with USB-C and wireless charging compatibility. £1,000

TAG HEUER CONNECTED CALIBRE E5

A luxury take on Wear OS smartwatches, built around a 45mm titanium case and sapphire touchscreen with always-on OLED display. Powered by Snapdragon Wear 5100+, it supports GPS and heart-rate monitoring, and includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer and SpO₂ sensor for your sweaty wellness needs, plus compass, altimeter and NFC payments. Water resistant to 50m with a 24-hour battery life, it blends traditional design with smartwatch functionality. £1,500

3 EVEN REALITIES G2

They look, and feel like regular specs, but the AI-toting, microphone-laden G2, made from magnesium and titanium, project information onto a micro-OLED heads-up display. Alerts can include tedious business stuff, diary dates and messages, but turn on Conversate and enjoy instant AI prompts about the conversation you're having. Covert turn-by-turn navigation, and real-time language translation make them essential for travel. They're the only glasses worth wearing in the front of the plane. From £599, evenrealities.com

4 RIMOWA PERSONAL ALUMINIUM CROSS-BODY BAG

Everyone has a Rimowa carry-on these days, so branch out from the international DJ aesthetic with this statement alternative. Built from the brand's signature grooved aluminium hard shell, the bag weighs just 600g and boasts a full-grain leather interior, adjustable leather strap and organised layout including two open compartments, a zipped pocket and three card slots. Palladium-finished hardware and reinforced rivets complete the rugged, travel-ready build. £1,200, rimowa.com

FOR THE ANALOGUE TRAVELLER

24BOTTLES CUTLERY SET

Why settle for a spork, when you can lay the dinner table properly with this complete nesting cutlery kit made from food-grade, BPA-free, dishwasher safe 18/8 stainless steel. The 100g kit consists of knife, fork and spoon that sit snugly inside a silicone holder and measures just 17cm when packed, meaning it can just hang out in your bag until needed.

ACTIVO P1

Astell & Kern's street-smart sub-brand Activo is a feature-packed media player that focuses on one thing – music. With none of the distractions, or battery drain of your phone, it supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM and has native DSD playback, driven by a quality DAC and amp. There's Wi-Fi for streaming, but with 64GB on-board, you can go anywhere, accompanied by the finest audio quality tracks.

NEBO RAMBLER POWERBANK PS100

A rugged little 26,000mAh lithium-ion portable power station (94.9Wh) that just sneaks under airline carry-on limits. Charging options include USB-C Power Delivery up to 45W, two USB-Aoutputs and 10W Qi wireless charging, allowing multiple devices to juice up simultaneously. A digital display, integrated emergency light with three modes and pass-through charging add versatility, while the unit can also recharge via solar panels.

FUJIFILM X-E5

A beautiful compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that will make you fall in love with photography again. The X-E5 features a 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor, in-body stabilisation and Fujifilm's X-Processor 5 for rapid autofocus and processing. A dedicated Film Simulation dial enables quick, characterful looks. The ideal city-break companion, it's impressive enough that even serious photographers will happily leave their heavier kit at home.

Xiaomi has launched a slim new power bank that measures just 1.3cm thick despite its sizeable 10,000mAh battery. That makes the new Xiaomi 10000mAh UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank noticeably thinner than many of the best power banks currently available with the same capacity.

Xiaomi has also improved charging performance compared to some of its previous models. The UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank supports up to 45W wired fast charging through USB-C, whilst wireless charging can reach speeds of up to 20W.

The new model is currently available through Xiaomi Youpin, where it’s priced at CNY 349 – roughly £40 or $51. As with many Xiaomi launches, a wider global release is expected to follow soon.

Despite its slim design, the power bank still supports charging two devices at once thanks to its combination of USB-C and magnetic wireless charging. Xiaomi has also included broad charging protocol support, including PD 3.0, QC 3.0, Apple 2.4A and FCP compatibility.

The launch also follows a growing trend towards ultra-thin portable chargers. Anker recently launched its own slim Nano Power Bank, although that model uses a smaller 5,000mAh battery despite being only slightly thinner.

Tessan has announced the launch of its new PD 25W Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter, a compact charging solution designed for frequent travellers. It combines fast USB-C charging, wide international plug compatibility and measures just 3.1 x 2.2 x 2.6 inches.

It arrives just a few months after the brand’s PD 20W Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter, although the new model adds a slight increase in weight at just over 120g. Like its predecessor, it supports four retractable plug types that cover more than 200 countries, making it suitable for most international trips without needing separate adaptors.

The PD 25W Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter has an RRP of $39.99, although it’s currently discounted to $27.99 on Amazon and Tessan's website. UK pricing and availability haven’t been officially confirmed, but given that Tessan’s previous travel adaptors are already sold in the UK, a wider rollout could be coming.

The adaptor offers a 5-in-1 setup with one AC outlet, two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, allowing up to five devices to charge at the same time. Each USB-C port supports up to 25W fast charging in single-port mode, whilst the USB-A ports can deliver up to 18W.

Tessan has also built in smart-detect charging technology, allowing the adaptor to automatically identify connected devices and deliver the most suitable charging speed safely and efficiently. It supports Type A, B, C, E, F, G and I plugs and handles up to 2500W AC output.

One important thing to note is that this is not a voltage converter. Whilst it offers universal plug compatibility, travellers will still need to ensure their devices support dual voltage (100V–250V), particularly when using higher-powered appliances like the best hair dryers or best straighteners.

Anker has launched its new Anker Nano Charger (45W, Smart Display) across several European countries, featuring a built-in smart display that shows information like power output, temperature and charging mode.

It was first unveiled at CES back in January, where a US version launched straight away for $39.99. Now, the EU model has arrived in four colourways – Aurora White, Black Stone, Cosmic Orange and Misty Blue – giving it a more customisable feel than most others.

The charger is priced at €39.99 via Anker's online store, although you can already find it a little cheaper on Amazon thanks to a launch offer. There’s no word just yet on when a UK version will arrive, but given Anker’s usual rollout, it hopefully won’t be too far behind.

The Nano Charger has a single USB-C port with up to 45W output, which is enough to charge something an iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in around 20 minutes. It can also intelligently recognise what device is plugged in, and lets you switch between two modes. Auto mode adjusts the power dynamically for fast and efficient charging, whilst Care mode is designed for overnight use, helping to reduce battery wear over time.

It also arrives just days after Anker refreshed its Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim) with new colours, meaning both devices now match perfectly. One of the standout shades is Cosmic Orange, clearly inspired by the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.

Anker’s ultra-slim power bank is now available to buy two more colours, launching in the UK and across most of Europe. The Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim) is officially Anker’s slimmest model to date, and it’s impressively lightweight too at just over 100g.

Originally launched last summer, the model has gradually rolled out in a range of colours ever since. Alongside existing options like Phantom Black, Aurora White and Sand Brown/Fluid Gold, we now have a light blue version that's exclusive to Apple, plus a bold orange inspired by the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

It’s priced at £49.99/€49.99 via Anker’s online store and Amazon, where some colours currently have a small discount.

In terms of features, it boasts a 5,000mAh battery and supports both wired and wireless charging. There’s a 15W Qi2-certified magnetic wireless pad that can charge an iPhone 17 to around 25% in just over 30 minutes, alongside a 20W USB-C port for faster top-ups. Max, T3’s Tech Writer, also had the chance to try it out when it first launched – so his review is definitely worth checking out too.

For something so compact, it looks to be a clever buy, especially if you want a lightweight charger for travel. It’s also a great entry point into one of the best power bank brands around without spending a fortune.

It’s always a good day when Dyson drops a brand new hair tool, and that’s exactly what happened earlier this week. After years of fans asking for something they can properly take on the go, the brand has finally delivered with the Dyson Supersonic Travel.

Fast forward a few days and I’ve now been using it pretty much non-stop, so I’ve got plenty of thoughts. If you’re even slightly tempted, you might want to brace yourself – because there are quite a few reasons why this could end up on your wishlist very quickly.

Price and availability

The Dyson Supersonic Travel comes in at £249.99 via Dyson, as well as retailers like Boots and John Lewis. If you buy directly from Dyson, you also get a free travel bag which is usually priced at £45. The hair dryer is also available in the US, priced at $299.99.

Right now, it’s only available in one colourway – Ceramic Pink and Rose Gold – which is easily one of Dyson’s most popular finishes. However, I expect Dyson will release it in more colours, especially if it ends up being as popular as it’s likely to be.

Attachments

In terms of attachments, the Supersonic Travel keeps things simple and comes with just the smoothing nozzle – the same one we’ve seen on the original Supersonic and the Nural. However, the hair dryer itself works with existing Supersonic attachments, which means if you already own either of its predecessors, you don’t need to rebuy anything. It's a huge advantage, and is actually the first time we’ve seen this kind of crossover within Dyson’s hair tool lineup.

They also still use Dyson's magnetic design too, although I’ll come back to that in a second, because it’s not completely identical across the board.

Design and features

Despite being 31% smaller than its predecessors, there’s a lot going on here beyond just the compact size. Design wise, it still looks unmistakably Dyson, with a minimal body and nice weight distribution. It feels balanced and easy to use, even for longer styling sessions.

You still get intelligent heat control, measuring airflow temperature over 100 times per second to prevent heat damage and help maintain shine, which is one of Dyson’s standout features. It also has a high-velocity airflow, so drying still feels quick and controlled, even though it’s been slightly optimised for portability.

That said, standout feature for me has to be the automatic universal voltage. It adapts wherever you are in the world without needing a converter, which is something Dyson hasn’t managed on any of its tools so far. You'll know how frustrating it can be if you’ve ever travelled to the US and realised your styling tool won’t work, so this completely solves that problem.

You also get three heat settings and two speed settings, along with a two-metre cable, which feels more than generous for a travel tool.

Performance

Overall, the Supersonic Travel feels like a really natural addition to Dyson’s lineup, and my experience with it so far has been great. It’s noticeably lighter and smaller, but still delivers results that feel almost identical to the Supersonic Nural.

It's important to know that there are a couple of features missing. There’s no Scalp Protect mode, but that wasn’t something I personally loved on the Nural anyway, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out. You also don’t get a cool shot button, which might matter if you rely on it to set your style, but you won't notice it if you didn’t use it before.

It’s also just really comfortable to hold and still feels powerful, which is exactly what you want from something designed for travel. I wasn’t able to test the universal voltage abroad yet, but knowing it’s there is probably my favourite thing about the whole tool.

One thing I did notice is that whilst all Supersonic attachments are technically compatible, they don’t all feel the same when it comes to the magnetic fit. Smaller attachments snapped on perfectly with no issues, but some of the larger ones – like the Flyaway Smoother – needed a bit more effort to attach and didn’t feel quite as secure. They still worked, but it wasn’t as seamless as with the smaller pieces.

All in all, the Supersonic Travel is essentially everything great about its predecessors, just in a much smaller, more portable form. For me, the features it leaves out aren’t dealbreakers, so considering how highly I rated the Supersonic Nural, the fact this delivers such similar results really says it all.

Verdict

The Dyson Supersonic Travel feels like a long-overdue addition to the brand's lineup. It keeps the performance, design and overall experience of Dyson’s full-size dryers, but packs it into something far more practical for travel. The universal voltage alone makes it stand out from pretty much everything else on the market, and whilst a few features are missing, they’re unlikely to be dealbreakers for most people. If you travel regularly and want salon-level results wherever you are, this is easily one of the most compelling options out there right now.

Alternatives to consider

When it comes to alternatives, the first one that comes to mind is the Laifen Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer. It’s also compact and has smart temperature control, but it doesn’t offer universal voltage – so Dyson still has the edge here.

I’d also still recommend the Supersonic Nural if you’re mainly looking for a hair dryer to use at home. It has more features overall, and whilst it’s still relatively lightweight, it’s better suited as a full-time styling tool rather than something you pack in your suitcase.

Victorinox, the Swiss brand best known for its Swiss army knives and travel gear, has just re-entered the suitcase market with its new Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on. Its latest suitcase is lightweight, expandable and stylish – but it’ll cost you.

As someone who is lucky enough to travel for work, I’m often packing for a trip but I have yet to find my favourite carry-on luggage. I’m a chronic overpacker yet I tend to go on one or two day trips which don't require a massive bag, yet that’s the only type of carry-on I seem to have.

However, the new Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on looks like it could solve my problems. Measuring just 55cm in height and 35cm in width while only weighing 2.9kg, the Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on is a light and compact size that can easily fit into any kind of overhead locker – RyanAir won’t catch you out with this bag.

What’s even better is its expandability. For me, being able to expand a suitcase is a must, and the Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on can be expanded by up to 15% which takes it from a 37 capacity to 43. The inside is also very organised with multiple compartments, and it has a 16cm laptop sleeve.

For the ultimate security and peace of mind while you’re travelling, the Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on comes with a TrackSmart pocket and a TSA lock on the outside. It has four dual spinner wheels and a simple handle for easy manoeuvring.

The Victorinox Airox Advanced Frequent Flyer Carry-on is available to buy for £350 at Victorinox in black, white, green and brown. It’s quite a high price for a carry-on bag, but it’s made from durable materials so it should last a long time. As a frequent flyer, I can’t wait to try it.

Kapten & Son has unveiled its new Lisbon Duffle Backpack, a cleverly designed bag that can switch between a backpack and a travel duffel whilst still keeping comfort and organisation front of mind.

The Lisbon Duffle Backpack also contributes to a wider trend we’re seeing across travel gear, where brands are leaning into multi-purpose bags that adapt to different situations. A recent example is the RUX Duffel Box, which features a segmented roll-top system that opens into a wide rectangular shape, making packing and organising gear much easier.

The Kapten & Son Lisbon Duffle Backpack is available in three sizes, with prices starting at £169.90 for the small model on the Kapten & Son website. It also comes in two colour options – black and sandstone.

Inside, the bag includes multiple compartments to keep essentials neatly organised, including a padded laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 16 inches and a dedicated wet pocket for separating damp clothes or equipment. Capacity varies depending on the size, with 30L for small, 50L for medium and 70L for large.

The Lisbon Duffle is made from durable, water-repellent materials, and scratch-resistant fabrics and ergonomic straps also help ensure it remains comfortable to carry.

Antler has upgraded its Heritage Collection luggage line with a new Forest Green colourway, marking one year since the collection first launched. The shade is a more sophisticated take on the brand’s signature Antler Green, offering a deeper tone that fits in nicely with the premium lineup.

The new Forest Green option joins the Heritage Stripe Cabin and Trunk as the third colourway in the collection. Sitting alongside Sandstone and Basalt, the darker green adds a bolder alternative to classic neutral luggage, whilst still maintaining the timeless look Antler is known for.

The updated Heritage pieces are available now via Antler’s online store, with prices starting at £310 for the Stripe Cabin and £425 for the Trunk.

Alongside the new colourway, Antler is also introducing a few additions to the wider Heritage lineup. One of these is the Mini Crossbody, a compact, hands-free bag designed to complement the existing travel accessories in the range. Available in Natural and Navy, it should be available to buy later this month.

The brand is also adding a couple of practical accessories designed to work with its luggage, including the Heritage AirTag Holder and the Heritage Leather Plane Tag, both created to attach easily to the best suitcases from the collection.

Carl Friedrik has unveiled its first aluminium luggage collection, taking its already premium range of travel pieces a step further. Crafted from a specially developed aluminium alloy for extra strength, it’s also the brand’s most durable luggage line to date.

Visually, the new range will feel familiar to anyone who’s seen the iconic grooved aluminium suitcases from Rimowa. However, whilst Rimowa's classic trunk will set you back around £1,690, Carl Friedrik’s version comes in significantly cheaper.

For now, the brand is launching the collection with a Carry-on (38L), with more silhouettes expected to arrive later this year. The Aluminium collection will be available to purchase from Carl Friedrik’s online store from today, with prices starting at £645.

To start, the range comes with a choice of three classic leather accents – Black, Chocolate and Cognac – which create a refined contrast against the industrial aluminium shell. The design is finished with subtle branding details, including discreet markings on the wheel caps, a rear metal fixing plate and refined interior touches.

The launch follows a busy start to the year for Carl Friedrik, including the release of its new Chocolate luggage range back in January. After recently opening a second London store, and with its first North American location set to launch later this year, it’s clear that 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for the brand.

There is a good reason why people love Peak Design. The company’s attention to detail is second to none, and its product design is instantly recognisable, whether it's applied to camera accessories or travel bags.

The latter category has seen a lot of action in recent years, with the brand launching a variety of options, including a ‘pro’ rolling suitcase and a large, 45L travel backpack, to name a few. Now, Peak Design has added four more products to its lineup, and I managed to get my hands on almost all of them months before they were released.

And even though I like them all – the Travel Crossbody 3L is amazing – the Travel Weekender 25L excited me the most, so I decided to review it first. It’s a modern version of the Gladstone holdall with a large central opening and many organisational pockets, offering plenty of space to stash your stuff from weekend trips.

It’s built with the meticulous attention to detail Peak Design is known for, and the Weekender works just as well as a companion to the brand’s rolling carry-on suitcase as it does on its own. My only real gripe is the strap design, but that feels like something Peak Design could easily refine in a future update.

Peak Design Travel Weekender 25L review

Price and availability

All four recently announced bags, including the Travel Weekender 25L, are available to pre-order on Kickstarter from 3 March 2026, ahead of a wider direct-to-consumer release on 26 May. The recommended retail price is $199.95 (~£150 / €172 / AU$285), but for the next 30 days, you can pre-order it for $159 (~£119 / €137 / AU$227).

Design and materials

Weighing 1.377kg / 3lb 0.6oz with the shoulder strap and 1.25kg / 2lb 12oz without, the Travel Weekender 25L is Peak Design’s first structured duffel-style travel bag and brings the brand’s signature organisation-first design to a classic weekend bag format.

Thanks to its somewhat rigid construction, the bag can stand upright when packed and even when it’s empty. The Travel Weekender uses Peak Design’s proprietary abrasion-resistant thread and Versa Shell 400D 100% recycled weatherproof exterior to “withstand decades of use.”

As expected from the brand’s bag, the Travel Weekender has pockets everywhere. There are two zippered pockets on either side of the main opening. One secures the laptop compartment – big enough for a 16” MacBook Pro – and the other a myriad of small organisational pockets for stuff like keys, wallets, phones, etc.

The huge main compartment is divided into two pockets via a zippered pocket in the middle, plus you’ll find a zippered mesh pocket on one side and two access pockets on the other. There is also a hidden AirTag pocket in the mesh pocket. I counted 15 pockets altogether.

Carrying options include stand-up grab handles and a removable, adjustable padded shoulder strap, and the bag uses theft-deterrent zippers you’ll recognise from other Peak Design bags. A strap on the back of the bag can help fasten the Travel Weekender to the brand’s rolling suitcase.

Performance and comfort

I used the Travel Weekender 25L just last weekend, on an overnight trip to London to see the ever-so-funny Sheng Wang perform at the Union Chapel. It took me a moment to convince my wife to take the Peak Design bag as our main bag, as it distributes weight unevenly on the shoulder, and we wanted to do some walking before the show commenced.

I managed to have my way, and we filled the Travel Weekender with a change of clothes, a couple of books, toiletries, and some snacks for the day. When I laid it all out on the bed next to the bag, I had my concerns about whether we could fit it all inside the pockets, but I was pleasantly surprised that not only did we fit it all inside the pockets, but the bag didn’t look stuffed, either.

We took the train, and I kept the bag between my legs on the floor, as it made it much easier to access. The fact that the bag stays upright when it’s open is a lot more handy than you’d think. Afterwards, we took the tube and carted ourselves around London for a bit before embarking on a walk.

It goes without saying that my wife was right about carrying all our stuff on one shoulder. The sleek strap, even though it’s padded, can only help distribute weight so much, and that 25-litre capacity will be felt when full. After two days – and continuously swapping the bag over to different shoulders to reduce pressure – both my shoulders and traps were aching.

Of course, the Travel Weekender isn’t necessarily designed to be carried around like this. It’s best to use it as a supplementary bag with your suitcase. The bag measures approximately 47 x 22.5 x 32 cm (~18.5 x 8.9 x 12.6 inches), meaning you could squeeze it into a small baggage sizer at airports. If you fly with non-budget airlines, it can certainly pass as a handbag.

The shoulder strap is detachable, so you can swap it for a more comfortable third-party strap if you prefer to carry your luggage on your shoulder. I can also imagine Peak Design, of all companies, coming up with a solution, maybe by devising a strap with a secondary belt that loops around the other shoulder, almost like a sling.

Other than the strap issue, I would be hard-pressed to find anything else not perfect with the Travel Weekender. It not only looks nice and feels quality, but it’s also Fair Trade-certified and 100% Carbon Neutral. Judging by how well it’s made, I can imagine it will serve someone well for the next few decades as a travel bag.

I even managed to get rained on, and I can confirm the Versa Shell is indeed weatherproof. The handles did get a little saturated with water, but the contents of the bag stayed dry, with the water beading on the surface to prevent it from entering the material.

Verdict

Peak Design has turned the humble weekender into something genuinely premium. The Travel Weekender 25L is smart, structured and absurdly well organised, with enough room for two on an overnight trip without ever looking overstuffed. The strap could distribute weight better when fully loaded, but aside from that, it’s hard to fault. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.

Peak Design has announced a major expansion of its travel line-up, unveiling four new bags that range from compact everyday slings to a refined 25L weekender.

The brand already has an extensive range of travel bags and countless travel accessories.

The new bags fill the few gaps in the brand's lineup, with the headline product being the Travel Backpack 2-in-1, a modular system that splits into two fully functional bags.

Launching on Kickstarter on 3 March before going on general sale in late May, the new backpack is pitched as the ultimate “one-bag travel” solution.

The bag comprises a 34L main backpack paired with a 16L zip-off daypack, which, when clipped together, forms a 40L max-size international carry-on.

Separate them, and you get a full-featured travel pack plus a slim, laptop-ready daypack.

Two bags, zero compromise

The main 34L pack features rear access via a weatherproof #10 UltraZip, padded laptop and tablet sleeves with theft-deterrent pulls, mesh water bottle pockets, luggage pass-through, and even a hidden AirTag pocket.

It’s also compatible with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes, so it can double as a serious photo hauler.

The 16L daypack isn’t just a detachable shell. It gets its own weatherproof #8 UltraZip access, padded laptop sleeve, internal organisation, luggage pass-through and water bottle pockets.

Together they weigh 2.45kg and are built from weatherproof, 100% recycled nylon with a rugged waterproof base.

Peak Design says the bag is Fair Trade Certified and 100% carbon-neutral in both materials and production, which is increasingly important in the premium travel space.

Four more bags join the line-up

As well as the Travel Backpack 2-in-1, Peak Design also announced four more bags to complete the brand's travel ecosystem.

The Travel Backpack 20L is a compact, expandable carry-on designed to serve as either a standalone daily bag or a companion to the company's carry-on rolling suitcase.

It distils the DNA of Peak Design’s larger 45L travel pack into a sharper 20–23L format, complete with a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, an expandable main compartment, a hidden AirTag pocket, and weatherproof construction.

The Travel Crossbody 3L is a minimalist sling that borrows the origami-style internal layout from Peak Design’s Tech Pouch.

With clamshell access, eight internal pockets, theft-deterrent zips and a magnetic exterior sleeve for quick phone storage, it’s clearly aimed at the everyday carry crowd.

The Travel Weekender 25L marks Peak Design’s first true weekender-style duffel.

Designed to stand upright when packed yet fold flat for storage, it blends structured organisation with refined aesthetics.

Dedicated laptop access, stretch mesh compartments, and a rugged waterproof base round out the feature set.

Finally, Peak Design is introducing a detachable Travel Hip Belt built specifically for the 2-in-1 backpack.

It attaches using the brand’s keyhole mount system for quick removal and adjustment, and adds extra load support for longer carries.

All four bags are available to pre-order on Kickstarter from today, 3 March, ahead of a wider direct-to-consumer release on 26 May.

Pricing starts at $99.95 for the Travel Crossbody 3L. The Travel Backpack 20L and Travel Weekender 25L both come in at $199.95, while the flagship Travel Backpack 2-in-1 tops the range at $399.95.

Head over to Peak Design to find out more.

Monos has just unveiled two gorgeous new colourways across its entire Hybrid range, arriving just in time for spring. The new shades – Orchid and Mint – strike the perfect balance between on-trend soft pastels and the durable, premium finish that Monos is renowned for.

Monos is widely regarded as the maker of some of the best suitcases and best carry-ons around, so a full-range colour refresh like this is a great excuse to upgrade. As mentioned, travel season is also fast approaching, so there’s also no better time to invest in some new pieces.

The new colourways are available across the entire Hybrid lineup whilst stocks last, with prices starting at £355 for the Hybrid Carry-On and going up to £465 for the Hybrid Check-In Large. Each case can be purchased directly from the Monos website.

Orchid is a gentle, violet-toned shade inspired by flowers in full bloom, whilst Mint offers a cooler look that adds a calm, natural touch. Both fit well with the current pastel trend, and feel particularly spring-ready within Monos’ Hybrid range.

The full Monos Hybrid collection is available online now

Matador has built its reputation on making travel gear that feels minimalist yet over-engineered, and its latest release sticks closely to that formula.

The new Global Travel Stash is a compact, low-profile organiser designed to keep the most important travel essentials secure, accessible and discreet.

Positioned as a refined everyday carry piece rather than a bulky travel wallet, the accessory is built around a waterproof shell, sealed zippers and a full RFID-blocking liner.

“[The Global Travel Stash] is streamlined, secure, and incredibly functional, so travellers can stay focused on the experience instead of their belongings,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador.

The quiet art of not losing things

Inside the stash, there’s space for a passport, cash, multiple cards, and coins, alongside practical additions such as a pen slot, a quick-detach key tether and a dedicated pocket for a location tracker (e.g. AirTag).

An external quick-access pocket keeps a phone or boarding documents within easy reach, and the zipper security loop adds an extra layer of theft deterrence.

The adjustable, stowable lanyard allows it to be worn under clothing for discreet security, over clothing for faster access, or detached entirely to function as a standalone organiser.

The Global Travel Stash integrates neatly with Matador’s wider travel ecosystem (see also: Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review), while remaining useful on its own, a balance the brand has become particularly good at striking.

At $48.99, it isn’t the cheapest option in the category, but, as with most Matador products, the value lies in materials, construction and thoughtful design rather than aggressive pricing.

For frequent travellers, it’s exactly the kind of small upgrade that quietly improves every trip.

The Matador Global Travel Stash is available now from select retailers and directly from Matador.

Tessan has announced its new Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter PD 20W, making it one of the smallest travel adapters the brand has ever made. Measuring just 3.33 × 2.01 × 1.24 inches and weighing 103g, it’s also easily one of the slimmest options among the best travel adaptors right now.

Despite its tiny design, the adapter is designed to work in a wide range of countries, supporting four plug types and delivering up to 2,000W through its AC outlet. As you’d expect, it works with devices that support 100V-250V dual voltage, though Tessan is clear that it doesn’t convert voltage.

The Tessan Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter has an RRP of $39.99/€24.99, but it’s currently discounted on Amazon in the US and some European countries. It hasn’t arrived in the UK just yet, but we’ll update you as soon as it does.

In terms of design, the adapter includes Type C (EU), Type G (UK), Type I (Australia) and Type A (US) plugs, all neatly tucked into the body and released via a simple slider on the side.

You can charge up to four devices at once, with up to 2,000W from the AC socket, alongside two USB-C ports (up to 20W each) and one USB-A port (up to 18W). The total combined USB output tops out at 20W, which should be plenty for phones, earbuds and other travel gadgets.

Ugreen has launched its new MagFlow Qi2 25W Multifunctional Power Bank, a portable charging dock designed to power up to five devices at once. It comes soon after Anker’s CES announcement last week, where the brand revealed a lineup of new charging gadgets, including a portable charging dock of its own.

On the front of the dock you’ll find a Qi2-certified wireless charging pad, capable of charging a compatible smartphone at up to 25W. The top section of the device is adjustable, letting you tilt your phone to a more comfortable viewing angle, and when you lift it up, a second wireless charging pad is revealed underneath. This secondary pad tops out at 5W, making it ideal for earbuds or a smartwatch.

The Ugreen MagFlow Qi2 25W Multifunctional Power Bank is currently available to pre-order for €139.99 on Amazon in several European countries. There’s no confirmed shipping date just yet, but the fact that listings are live suggests it shouldn’t be too far off. UK availability hasn’t been announced at the time of writing.

Alongside wireless charging, the MagFlow also packs three USB outputs, including an integrated USB-C cable, a dedicated USB-C port and a USB-A port. The USB-C port can deliver up to 100W, which Ugreen says is enough to charge a MacBook Pro to 43% in just 30 minutes. The USB-A port offers up to 10W, whilst both USB-C inputs support up to 65W for recharging the unit itself.

Powering everything is a 20,000mAh battery, which should be enough to charge an iPhone 17 just over 3.5 times. The power bank recharges via USB-C and supports pass-through charging, and there's a built-in TFT display that shows battery percentage and real-time charging information.

Anker unveiled an impressive lineup of charging gadgets at CES last week, very much sticking to its recent habit of dropping multiple products at once. After a strong end to 2025 – particularly when it comes to the best power banks – the brand is now shifting focus towards more permanent charging solutions.

In total, four new devices were announced, ranging from wall chargers, wireless charging stations, power strips and a work-from-home docking station. Each one is clearly designed to make everyday charging feel a little less fiddly, whether that’s through smarter power management, more compact designs or better desk organisation.

You’ll find a quick breakdown of each launch below, though it’s worth noting that UK pricing and availability are still to be confirmed for most models, with the Anker Nano Docking Station being the exception.

1. Anker Nano Charger 45W

Arguably the standout reveal is the new Anker Nano Charger, which intelligently recognises your iPhone and adapts its charging behaviour to help protect long-term battery health. It switches between fast charging, steady charging and a gentle trickle as needed, reducing unnecessary stress on the battery.

There’s also a handy interactive display that shows real-time charging power and temperature, and the 180° foldable plug ensures the screen always faces you.

Pricing is also very budget-friendly, launching later this month at $39.99, with a pre-order deal bringing it down to just $29.99.

2. Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station

Following on from last year’s larger model, Anker has also introduced a more compact 3-in-1 wireless charging station. Despite its smaller footprint, the Prime Wireless Charging Station can charge an iPhone 17 to 80% in just 55 minutes, also featuring an airflow cooling system to keep things running efficiently.

The big upgrade this time around is a foldable design, making it far more travel-friendly than its predecessor. It’s priced at $149.99 and is expected to launch in the coming months.

3. Anker Nano Power Strip

The Anker Nano Power Strip takes a different approach, offering a 10-in-1 setup designed to keep desks neat and cable chaos under control. It includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and six AC outlets, with up to 70W available from a single USB-C port for powering laptops and gaming gear.

Built-in safety features also make an appearance, and it’s set to arrive in mid-April priced at $69.99.

4. Anker Nano Docking Station

Finally, there’s the Anker Nano Docking Station, the only product you can buy right now. It’s Anker’s first dock with a built-in removable hub, designed for both permanent desk setups and grab-and-go use.

It supports triple display outputs, including up to 4K on a single screen, alongside 100W upstream charging and 10Gbps data transfer. Pricing is set at $149.99 in the US and £139.99 in the UK.

Scapade has just announced the launch of the AirSlim at CES, a clever collapsible carry-on bag designed to slide neatly under airline seats. Made from tough 1680HD high-tensile polyester and weighing just 1.9kg, it strikes a great balance between durability and portability.

Back in September, Scapade launched the AirPack, a TSA-approved bag with built-in Apple Find My tracking. Sadly, the new AirSlim doesn’t include this feature, which is a shame and does give the AirPack a slight edge. That said, if mobility, efficiency and smart design are top of your travel wishlist, the AirSlim is still a very welcome addition.

The Scapade AirSlim is priced at £69.99/€69.99/$89.99 and is available to buy now from Scapade’s online store and selected retailers.

With a 39-litre capacity and 55 x 35 x 20cm dimensions that comply with most cabin-size limits, the AirSlim is designed to maximise packing space whilst helping you avoid unexpected baggage fees. Unlike some of the best carry-ons on the market, it has removable wheel extensions which allow it to collapse from 20cm down to just 9cm, making it easy to store inside another bag or neatly at home.

Inside, it’s thoughtfully organised for work and travel, with a clip-on cinching strap to secure clothing, a rear zip pocket, side mesh pocket for water bottles and accessories, and a large front pocket for laptops and tablets.

Epicka has announced that it’s about to launch the world’s first 140W touchscreen smart universal travel adaptor at CES next week. It’ll be part of the brand’s new Pulse Duo series, a next-generation lineup of GaN travel adaptors designed for more powerful, flexible charging.

Compared to Epicka’s original Pulse series, the new Pulse Duo range brings two big upgrades. First, there’s now a Type-A AC outlet on the side, and second, an updated universal AC outlet on the front with wider plug compatibility.

As mentioned, the new models will also feature a touchscreen on the front, which displays the LED power indicator in green.

The Epicka TA-105 Max World Travel Adapter currently holds the top spot in our best travel adaptor buying guide, and despite testing plenty of models throughout 2025, it’s still a firm favourite of mine.

Epicka has released several adaptors since the TA-105 Max, but the new Pulse Duo models means there’s definitely potential for the rankings to shift.

Pricing and availability are still to be confirmed, but we’ll update as soon as we know more.

Peak Design is one of those brands that has built a reputation for thoughtful, design-led products, whether it’s tripods, camera straps or, in this case, carry-on luggage that's also a travel backpack. There’s a clear expectation around build quality and attention to detail before you even get hands-on with its gear.

That said, expectations only go so far without real-world use, which is why I spent time travelling with the 45-litre version of the Travel Backpack. I received the Ocean colourway shortly after Peak Design announced it was expanding its range with more expressive colour options, and it has since become my go-to travel backpack for longer trips.

Visually, the bag is unmistakably Peak Design. It shares a design language with the brand’s Everyday Backpack and Everyday Messenger, but the Travel Backpack has been reworked specifically for travel. The result is a more structured, more modular pack that prioritises access, organisation and flexibility over minimalism.

Made for the long haul

As expected, the Travel Backpack is packed with design-led solutions. Features such as the compression buttons that slim the bag down when travelling light, and the shoulder straps that can be tucked away behind the magnetic back panel, are clearly aimed at frequent travellers, particularly those familiar with airline carry-on restrictions and bag sizer cages.

Where the weight comes from

The Travel Backpack’s core shell is made from weather-resistant, 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas, giving the bag a durable, hard-wearing feel while keeping sustainability in mind.

The fabric is treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish and double-coated with polyurethane to help repel moisture and light rain. That said, it’s worth noting that the bag isn’t fully waterproof without the included rain cover.

The base is reinforced with a heavier 900D nylon, a denser weave that improves abrasion resistance in the area most likely to see wear over time. This contributes to the bag’s overall sturdiness, though it also plays a role in its relatively high weight.

Peak Design hasn’t compromised on zippers and closures either. The Travel Backpack uses oversized, weather-resistant zips throughout, and the expansion and compression panels are integrated cleanly into the overall structure rather than feeling like add-ons.

Inside, there are padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, along with a rigid internal structure that helps the bag hold its shape even when partially empty. There are also numerous attachment points designed to work seamlessly with Peak Design’s packing cubes and camera inserts.

Zips doing the heavy lifting

The 45L Travel Backpack relies heavily on its zip system. Oversized, weather-resistant zips are used across the main clamshell opening, expansion panels and external pockets. These zips feel deliberately stiff out of the box, largely due to the water-resistant coating and tight tolerances, but loosen up with use.

The expansion system is almost entirely zip-driven, allowing the bag to scale down for carry-on use or expand for longer trips. Two buttons at the top help pull the upper section inward, making the bag easier to fit into tighter spaces. There’s also a degree of built-in theft deterrence, with zipper pulls that can be interlocked or secured with a small lock.

Hidden in plain sight

One of the more distinctive design features is the use of magnetic flaps. On the back panel, these hide the shoulder straps and hip belt, leaving just the central grab handle exposed. This neatly solves a common issue with travel backpacks, where unused straps tend to dangle or catch when not needed.

At the front, a third magnetic flap conceals the rain cover or a jacket, as well as the straps used to attach items externally. The anchor points here feel solid and well-reinforced, in keeping with the rest of the bag’s construction.

Another small but useful detail is the zippered pockets integrated into the water bottle flaps on either side of the bag. These are well-suited to smaller essentials such as keys or passports and are easy to access without opening the main compartment.

The main compartment can be accessed from the front, the back and both sides. The side access points, borrowed from Peak Design’s camera bags, are particularly practical. Having entry points on both sides also makes the system equally usable for left- and right-handed users.

The mesh organisational pockets dividing the front pocket and the main compartment can be accessed from either side, and there are two additional zippered pockets on the inside of the front flap. There’s also a smaller external pocket at the top centre of the front panel.

A system that needs learning

It’s worth noting that the sheer number of pockets, zips and flaps can feel slightly overwhelming at first. It’s easy to grab the wrong zip and expand the bag instead of opening a pocket, particularly during early use. Over time, the layout becomes more intuitive, but there is a learning curve.

At 56cm x 33cm x 24cm (22" x 13" x 9.5"), the 45L Travel Backpack sits at the upper end of what budget airlines will accept as carry-on luggage. I often kept the compression buttons fastened and stayed mindful of the added depth created by the stowed shoulder straps, particularly when passing through bag sizers.

Even with the compression system engaged, there’s ample room inside. The organisational layout makes it easy to separate clothing, tech and souvenirs, and the multiple access points are especially useful when carrying camera gear that benefits from quick side access.

The main drawback of the Travel Backpack is its weight. At 2.05kg (4.5lb), it’s far from lightweight, and combined with its size, it may feel unwieldy for people of shorter stature or those planning to carry it fully loaded for extended periods. That said, the weight is a direct result of the materials and structure used.

Verdict

Ultimately, the strengths of the Peak Design Travel Backpack outweigh its weaknesses for the type of traveller it’s aimed at. The emphasis on durability, organisation and modularity will appeal to those who prioritise structure over minimal weight savings. The ability to integrate Peak Design’s packing cubes and accessories also makes it easier to move between different bags within the same ecosystem.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is available now from Peak Design UK, Peak Design US, Peak Design AU and Peak Design EU, with a recommended price of £260 / $300 / AU$600 / €300. It sits firmly in the premium end of the travel backpack market, but its pricing is broadly in line with other high-end, design-focused travel bags.

Usually known for its lineup of some of the best robot vacuum cleaners around, Dreame is kicking off the new year by stepping into a completely new product category. The brand has just launched its first-ever power bank in China, available in 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh versions.

We don’t see brands jump between categories like this every day, but it’s not unheard of either. After all, Anker is the name behind Eufy, and Xiaomi has already dipped its toes into pretty much everything. That said, Dreame’s new power bank really stands out thanks to its ultra-slim design, which feels especially impressive for a first attempt.

In China, the Dreame Air Power 17 Magnetic Portable Power Bank is priced at CNY 219 (roughly £25 or $30) and is available from selected retailers. For now, there’s no word on whether it might launch in other markets such as the UK, US or EU.

As for features, the Dreame Air Power Bank supports wireless charging, delivering up to 15W to a smartphone and 5W to compatible smartwatches. There’s also a USB-C port offering up to 20W output, which doubles as the charging port for the power bank itself. Battery levels are shown via LED indicators, and there’s even a slim built-in stand tucked neatly into the back.

Both capacity options measure 103 x 58.4mm, but thickness varies. The 5,000 mAh model is just 8.0mm thick, whilst the 10,000mAh version comes in at 12.8mm. Weight-wise, the smaller model weighs 123g, whilst the larger one comes in at 189g.

As mentioned, we’ll be keeping a close eye on whether this power bank makes its way beyond China. With CES just around the corner, it’s definitely not impossible, and we’ll be sure to update you if it does.

After the chaos of Black Friday, a few days off were exactly what I needed. It also happened to be my birthday on the Sunday of the Black Friday weekend, which meant my partner surprised me with a little getaway. Naturally, my mind immediately drifted to all the lovely things we’d be doing – but, being a lifestyle journalist, I also jumped straight to wondering what can I test, review and take with me?

This time, the answer was the Antler Icon Overnight Bag, which had recently landed in my review pile. I pulled it out, started packing and began making mental notes so I could share everything with you when I got back.

Antler Icon Overnight Bag review: price and availability

The Icon Overnight Bag comes in at £140/€175, and ships to multiple countries including the UK, Canada and many EU destinations. It’s available via Antler’s online store as well as John Lewis.

I’ve been testing the bag in black, but it also comes in dark khaki and sand, both of which are equally as stylish.

Antler Icon Overnight Bag review: design and features

Size wise, the Icon Overnight measures 26 x 41.5 x 18 cm, weighs just under 1kg, and has a 19-litre capacity. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester, which means it's eco-friendly whilst still feeling sturdy and premium. In terms of travel allowances, it will comfortably qualify as hand luggage on British Airways, but it’s a little too large for the free under-seat option on easyJet or Ryanair.

Carrying options are plentiful, which is something I really appreciated. You get a sturdy top handle, a detachable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying, and a trolley-handle sleeve that slides neatly over a suitcase.

Inside, the organisation is thoughtful and surprisingly roomy for a compact bag. There’s space for a 14-16 inch laptop, as well as a padded sleeve to keep it protected. You also get internal and external pockets, including a quick-access one for keys or your phone, and hidden compartments for passports and cables.

The bag has a slightly structured shape, which keeps everything looking tidy, and the water-resistant finish is really useful and far harder to find these days than you’d think.

Antler Icon Overnight Bag review: performance

Overall, the Antler Icon Overnight Bag is one of the best-made and most stylish overnight bags I’ve tested. It feels luxurious, and the zip mechanism is wonderfully smooth. I particularly love the sleeve that slips over a suitcase handle, and whilst I didn’t use it on this trip since we stayed local, I know it’ll make airport travel so much easier next time.

One thing to be clear on is that the bag really does live up to its name. I made the mistake of being optimistic and assuming it would stretch to two or three nights, but was quickly proved wrong when packing. I managed to pack one outfit, one jumper, one pair of shoes, my straighteners and a wash bag, which meant no room for my laptop or Kindle. Unless you’re an exceptionally light packer, I’d stick to using this for very short trips or even day travel. That said, Antler markets it as an overnight bag, so I really can’t complain.

I also loved the wipe-clean fabric and water-resistant coating, which make it durable enough for real-life use whilst still looking premium. It’s definitely pricey, but in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.

Antler Icon Overnight Bag review: verdict

The Antler Icon Overnight Bag is one of the most high-quality and stylish overnight bags I’ve tested. It feels very premium, and the multiple carry options and water-resistant finish make it versatile. Just keep in mind that it really is an overnight bag, so it works perfectly for a quick 24-hour stay or day trip, but unless you’re a very light packer, it won’t stretch to a full weekend. For what it’s designed for though, Antler has absolutely nailed it, and despite the higher price tag, I’d say it’s worth every penny.

Antler Icon Overnight Bag review: alternatives to consider

If you’re after something that will comfortably take you through a weekend or even a week, I’d highly recommend the Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel. It combines the flexibility of a holdall with the sturdiness of a suitcase, and it's 80-litre capacity is more than enough. However, if you want something compact and easy for short stays, stick with the Icon Overnight Bag.

If you’re looking for a suitcase that has the ultimate protection and durability, then you’ll want to check out Mous’ new carry-on launch. Mous has just announced its hardshell cabin suitcase, marking the first time the brand has ever made this type of luggage – here’s why you should be excited.

Mous is best known for its ultra protective cases for phones and smartwatches. While Mous has expanded into backpacks and other travel accessories, this new launch is a first of its kind from Mous, and takes inspiration from the materials and durability of its phone cases and introduces these values to its latest suitcase.

The Mous Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase is made from UltraMatrix material which stretches and aligns polypropylene fibres before its woven and heat-fused into a single sheet. If that sounds like gibberish to you, essentially this structure allows for the hardshell exterior to flex when under pressure rather than cracking or losing its shape.

According to Mous, this material provides up to six times more impact resistance than other hardshell suitcases. In keeping with its main premium material, the Mous Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase has a 46-part telescopic handle, quick-access pockets on the side and smooth four Hinomoto wheels.

Measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm, the Mous Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase meets most airline cabin requirements, so it can be used as carry-on luggage. It has a generous 36-litre main compartment and plenty of storage and organisation inside – which is one of the key things I look for with luggage.

I’ve tested many suitcases, and I’m a sucker for a well-organised interior, and that’s exactly what Mous has given its Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase. Inside the bag are multiple zipped pockets and dividers, and a removable compression pad to help reduce bulk and creases on your clothes. It even has an AirTag sleeve which is a must if you want to track your luggage.

The Mous Hardshell Carry-on Suitcase is available to pre-order now with shipping expected in May 2026. It’s priced at £449.99, but as part of a second release deal, you can get it for just £299.99.

Peak Design has quietly dropped a new trio of travel wallets, and they look set to become the brand’s next runaway everyday-carry staples.

The range introduces a proprietary material called TerraShell Ultra, an ultra-thin, flexible, weatherproof, PFAS-free fabric designed to make traditional billfolds feel like relics from another era.

It’s RFID-blocking, too, so these colourful little slabs of organisation aren’t just pretty, they’re also practical.

Under the surface (of slimness)

The lineup includes a Passport Wallet, an Everyday Billfold, and a slimmed-down cardholder for the minimalists.

Each one takes Peak Design’s familiar approach: obsessively engineered, built to last, and available in a palette that makes EDC feel fun rather than purely functional.

Sage greens, rich burgundies, sunny yellows, deep charcoal blacks; the brand has leaned fully into colour-coded carry, and the result feels almost collectable.

The most feature-packed option, the Passport Wallet, holds up to two passports, eight cards, and fifteen bills, and even squeezes in a pen slot without puffing up.

Travellers who are used to bulky folios will appreciate how flat it stays, even when fully loaded.

The Billfold is more traditional but still incredibly slim, while the Everyday Slim Wallet uses a hidden pull-tab mechanism for quick access, an intuitive little detail that feels very Peak Design.

A pocket-sized ecosystem

Place these wallets next to the hats, pens, sketchbooks, bottles, and accessories shown in Peak Design’s colour-themed press visuals, and everything feels like part of a much bigger system: a pocketable universe designed around colour, texture, and utility.

Peak Design’s bags and camera straps already dominate the EDC scene, and these new wallets feel like the missing puzzle pieces.

They are small enough to disappear in your pocket, refined enough to outlast trends, and interesting enough to make you rethink the humble cardholder.

The new range is available now at Peak Design, with prices from $39.95 / £34.95 / AU$84.95 / €39.99.

British Airways passengers are soon to get a massive boost, no matter which class they fly. Thanks to a partnership with Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, the airline plans to upgrade all its cabins with free Wi-Fi.

This will allow flyers to keep connected with "reliable and faster" wireless internet, from the "moment they board to the moment they land".

Many if not all airlines offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but most charge for the pleasure, and even those that don't usually only offer a free service on domestic flights – and generally only in the US.

BA plans could therefore totally change the way we relax and work on international trips. By offering the service for free to Premium and Economy passengers, as well as Business, it allows them to keep on top of daily tasks, or even just keep in touch with loved ones.

There's no word yet on any restrictions that may be imposed – such as data limits, bandwidth or specific use. However, it has been confirmed that passengers will be allowed to stream video. It'll be interesting to see how that pans out, considering how many people could potentially be connected at the same time.

But the option of watching your own Netflix content without having to download it first is exciting.

When is free Wi-Fi coming to British Airways plans?

British Airways claims that it will rollout Starlink connectivity on its aircraft from next year. We don't know yet how many planes will initially get it, nor which routes. But this is just part of the airline's £7bn ($9.21bn) "transformation programme", it says.

The airline is also adding new First suites, including its widest and longest seat and bed and a 32-inch 4K TV, additional new aircraft, and is relaunching its app at some point in 2026.

If you’re looking to buy one of the best power banks, it’s a common misconception that they all do the same thing – give or take a bit of power difference. That’s true to an extent, and most people simply decide whether they want a 10,000mAh or a 5,000mAh option. However, there’s actually a lot more to consider, and that’s coming from someone who tests them daily.

My latest find is the INIU Pocket Rocket P50, and there are so many reasons why this little thing has stayed with me for a while now. You’ve probably noticed from my photos just how tiny it is, but beyond its size, it’s packed with thoughtful design quirks that make it a useful addition to everyday life.

You’ll find my full thoughts below.

INIU Pocket Rocket P50 review: price and availability

The Pocket Rocket P50 is priced at £32.99/$32.99 and is available via INIU’s online store and Amazon. It’s also available in six colours (including black) and I’ve been testing the Twilight Purple version.

At the time of writing, most colours are sold out on the INIU site, but they’re still in stock on Amazon.

INIU Pocket Rocket P50 review: design and features

There are lots of things to mention about the P50’s design, but its miniature dimensions are probably my favourite thing about it. Measuring just 8.3 x 5.2 x 2.6 cm and weighing 160g, it’s easily one of the smallest power banks I’ve ever tested, which makes it perfect for travel or slipping into your best backpack.

It’s a 10,000mAh power bank, which makes its size even more impressive, and it delivers an impressive 45W fast charge. That’s roughly enough to charge an iPhone 17 twice, or give a Samsung S24 or iPad mini about one and a half full charges. Of course, there are power banks out there with higher capacities, but you’ll struggle to find something this compact that performs so well.

Design wise, it features two USB-C in/out ports and one USB-A port, all of which can charge devices at the same time. It also includes an integrated USB-C lanyard cable, which clips easily onto your bag and doubles as a handy charging cable on the go.

There’s also a real-time smart display that shows the remaining charge percentage – both when the power bank itself is charging and when it’s powering other devices. It’s super convenient for keeping track of how much battery you’ve got left.

It’s worth noting that there’s no weather resistance, so it’s not one to take camping or on outdoor adventures where there’s a risk of it getting wet.

INIU Pocket Rocket P50 review: performance

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 is probably one of the best power banks I’ve reviewed in a long time. Its compact size is perfect for carrying around or taking on a night out, and the built-in cable is great as you don’t need to bring a separate one if you’re short on space or just want to travel light.

That said, the integrated cable is only rated for 3A, so to get the full 45W output from the main USB-C port, you’ll need a higher-rated E-Marker cable. Still, the included one is perfectly fine for regular phone charging.

The two USB-C and one USB-A setup worked perfectly for me as it’s ideal for portable charging without juggling too many devices. The USB-A port does deliver a slower charge, but I mostly used it for smaller gadgets like headphones or a secondary phone, so it wasn’t an issue. The real-time display was also a huge advantage, and I loved always knowing exactly how much charge I had left.

If I'm being completely honest, this isn’t the power bank for you if you’re after something ultra high-capacity. The P50’s 10,000mAh is still great, especially compared to the many 5,000mAh options on the market, but you’ll only get around two full phone charges .

That said, pairing this with a larger, higher-capacity option would make the perfect combo – something like keeping the P50 for your hand luggage and the Anker Laptop Power Bank 25000mAh for longer trips.

I found the P50 recharges fully in around two hours, which is about what you’d expect for a power bank of this size, and it's quick enough that I never felt frustrated waiting.

INIU Pocket Rocket P50 review: verdict

The INIU Pocket Rocket P50 is a brilliantly compact 10,000mAh power bank that delivers a lot more than you'd think. Despite its tiny 8.3 x 5.2 x 2.6 cm frame and 160g weight, it delivers impressive 45W fast charging across two USB-C and one USB-A port, plus a handy real-time display and built-in USB-C lanyard cable. It’s ideal for day trips or nights out, keeping your phone powered without taking up too much space. Whilst it’s not weather-resistant and won’t last a full weekend off-grid, its thoughtful and portable design make it one of the most convenient power banks around.

INIU Pocket Rocket P50 review: alternatives to consider

If you want something similarly compact, the Anker Nano Power Bank is worth a look. It has a similar integrated cable design and portable size, but it’s actually a bit less powerful. Both have 10,000mAh capacity, but the P50 delivers 45W output compared to the Nano’s 30W.

Another good option is the UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 25,000mAh. It’s larger and better suited for travel or multi-day trips, but together with the P50, they’d make the perfect team for keeping your devices powered up wherever you are.

Anker made headlines yesterday with the official unveiling of its new Prime lineup, featuring the long-awaited 3-in-1 charging station along with some seriously impressive gadgets. However, if you’re a fan of the best power banks, one device in particular is bound to catch your eye.

The brand has launched the 26K Prime Power Bank, featuring an incredible 300W of total output power. That means it can charge your devices incredibly fast, including two laptops and a phone at the same time.

Right now, the Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) is available for £153/£184 as part of a launch offer on Anker’s online store, before returning to its RRP of £179.99/$229.99 in five days.

The 300W output comes through two USB-C ports capable of 140W each, plus an additional 22.5W USB-A port. The USB-C ports are bi-directional, meaning the power bank can recharge itself at up to 250W – taking it from empty to 50% in 13 minutes or 80% in just 35 minutes.

It also features an LED screen, something we’ve been seeing more regularly on Anker’s recent power banks, which displays the date and time, battery status, battery temperature and charging progress. On top of that, it has smart connectivity via Bluetooth.

It measures 159.9 x 38 x 62.7mm and weighs 600g – a bit heavier than most power banks, but reasonable given its performance and features. For comparison, Anker’s Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh is slightly lighter, so the extra weight is expected.

As someone who travels a lot for work, getting to try out plenty of the best suitcases and best carry-ons definitely has its perks. It also means I’ve built up a strong sense of which brands really deliver time and again, and if there's one that always does, it has to be Antler.

The brand has just launched its first hybrid holdall, the Discovery Wheeled Duffel, designed for travellers who want flexibility without sacrificing comfort. It’s part of the Discovery collection and arrived alongside a new 45-litre Discovery Backpack, a larger version of the 28-litre model we reviewed last year.

The wheeled duffel landed on my doorstep late last week, and within hours I was heading to the Yorkshire Dales to put it through its paces.

Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel review: price and availability

The Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel is priced at £220 and comes in three colours – black, mustard yellow and dark forest green. It's available to buy via Antler’s online store, and orders are currently on pre-sale with shipping due between the 8th-10th October.

It should be noted that Antler is also offering 20% off if you spend £250 or more, which helps soften the price tag.

Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel review: design and features

The Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel stands out for its thoughtful design, particularly when it comes to durability and movability. It features a tough hard shell back panel that prevents scuffs, whilst the front is made from recycled, water-repellent fabric that flexes for easier packing.

Compression straps and adjustable buckles keep everything tight, and side handles make it easy to grab and stash quickly. I’m not usually a fan of space maximisers in luggage, especially as I always end up overpacking anyway, but I love now Antler's adjustable straps let you decide exactly how much extra space you want.

The bag also features oversized rubber wheels, as well as a comfort-grip handle, quick-access drop pocket, side pocket, and internal divider for organisation

Inside, there’s a high-quality lining, two compartments, and extra compression straps to keep everything neat. At 73 × 32 × 40 cm, weighing just over 3kg, and offering an 80-litre capacity, it’s ideal for a week to 10 days away. My partner and I both shared it for a weekend trip and had more than enough room.

Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel review: performance

After three full days of use, I came away from testing the Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel genuinely impressed. I’ve tried plenty of Antler luggage before and know the brand has a reputation for quality, but the Discovery Wheeled Duffel still managed to exceed expectations.

At just over £200, it’s not exactly budget, but you can immediately feel the difference compared to cheaper luggage. Even packing, which I usually dread, was easier and more satisfying thanks to the thoughtful compartments and extra features.

As mentioned, the standout feature for me was how smoothly the wheels moved. It’s something you notice straight away, and when my partner (who never usually comments on luggage) pointed it out too, I knew it wasn’t just me.

The handle was also comfortable to hold throughout the trip, which might seem like a small detail but is actually one of those underrated features that makes a big difference when you’re travelling.

That said, it is a big bag. With an 80-litre capacity, it’s perfect for week-long (or longer) trips, but probably overkill for anything less than five days.

Personally, I’d love to see a smaller 40 or 50-litre version for short breaks, though given the expansion of the Discovery line, this could already be on Antler’s radar. Still, the fact that this is my only real gripe speaks volumes, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile, durable travel bag.

Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel review: verdict

The Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel blends the flexibility of a holdall with the sturdiness of a suitcase, featuring a hard shell back, water-repellent fabric front, and plenty of practical extras like compression straps and handy pockets. Inside, its 80-litre capacity and divided compartments make it ideal for week-long trips, whilst the oversized rubber wheels and comfort-grip handle stand out for smooth, easy movement. Its £220 price tag means it’s not cheap, but the build quality makes it worth the investment. The only drawback is that the capacity can be excessive for shorter breaks, but overall, it’s a durable, versatile bag I’d recommend to frequent travellers.

Antler Discovery Wheeled Duffel review: alternatives to consider

If you’d rather go for a hard-shell carry-on, the Gomatic Method Carry-On is a fantastic alternative, especially with its ultra-smooth 360° wheels.

If you’d prefer to stay with Antler, the Icon Stripe is another strong option. It’s a little more affordable and comes in a wider range of colours, though it is more prone to scuffs compared to the Discovery Wheeled Duffel.

These days, the best backpacks come with everything from umbrella holders to ultra-tough, reinforced materials – but there’s now a new contender which takes things up a notch. Travel and lifestyle tech brand Scapade has just launched the AirPack Backpack in the UK, designed to suit today’s mobile and connected lifestyles.

The AirPack is TSA-approved, sports a sleek, modern design, and cleverly integrates Apple’s Find My technology – which is perfect for frequent flyers, tech lovers, and if we're being honest, anyone who’s prone to misplacing their bag.

Inside, there’s a padded compartment that fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, along with 28 litres of organised storage for documents, accessories and everyday items.

The backpack also includes a pre-installed Find My module with one-press activation, wireless charging, and a flashing indicator for tracking. Despite its capacity, it stays relatively light at 1.3 kg and measures 29.5 × 20 × 45 cm.

The AirPack Backpack is available now from Scapade’s online store for £129.99/€149.99 or around $280. I don't think that's bad at all for a backpack this clever.

Mous is best known for its smartphone cases – you will have seen the YouTube adverts where day-old iPhones are hurled into the air and land, intact, with a thud. But now the British firm sells all sorts of tech-adjacent products, from phone mounts and chargers, to pouches, sleeves, suitcases and backpacks.

Up for review here is the new Protective Lid version of the Mous Optimal backpack. Helping it stand out further still is the UltraTex finish of this particular example, which claims to boost the bag’s resistance to water and tearing compared to regular nylon.

It’s a partnership that seems apt, though. This is a backpack that doesn’t shy away from being thoroughly technical in both its design and construction. I’ll come back to that in more detail later.

Mous Optimal Protective Lid Backpack review: Price and availability

Mous positions itself as a premium technology accessory company, so there's no surprise that its backpacks sit in a three-figure segment of the market.

The Optimal Protective Lid starts at £229.99, but the UltraTex finish of this one bumps that up to £299.99. Opt for the Mercedes-AMG F1 team collaboration, for whom Mous is the official backpack provider, and that jumps another fifty quid.

Other colour options include plain black or stone, with the former also available in Mercedes-AMG flavour.

Mous Optimal Protective Lid backpack review: Design and features

Tactical and utilitarian are how I’d describe this backpack. It isn’t trying to match the aesthetic of a first-class departures lounge, so instead aims to wow with its 18 pockets, protective ‘AirFoam’ compartment for your laptop (up to 16 inches) and tablet (up to 13 inches), and serious water resistance.

The bag has a 25-litre capacity and measures 450mm tall, 341mm wide and 173mm deep. But, while Mous says it’s compliant with the under-seat rules of most airlines, I’ve found that doesn’t include stingier airlines like Ryanair or WizzAir, since they require under-seat bags to be no larger than 400 x 300 x 200 mm. For the likes of EasyJet (450 x 360 x 200 mm), the Mous gets a green light with room to spare.

Eighteen pockets are a lot, but the Optimal Protective Lid manages to incorporate these without looking too much like you’re trying to earn your gold Duke of Edinburgh award. There’s a nice, adjustable metal hook on the rear for holding the lid down, then under that you’ll find a pair of full-length zips for opening the main compartment. Being full-length means you can access something at the bottom of your bag without taking everything out – a life-saver if you need to dig out your liquids at airport security.

The lid of the main compartment has a zipped half-height, full-width pocket, and a second that’s also full-width but quite shallow and breathable. Above that there’s a pair of small, credit card-sized pockets for, well, credit card-sized things.

The main compartment is plenty big enough for a few days’ worth of neatly folded summer clothes – t-shirts, socks, underwear, etc. – and the sides of the bag are fairly rigid, so it shouldn’t lose its shape too much if you cram more in. It's fairly shallow in there though, especially since the rear of the bag curves inwards, robbing some internal space in favour of creating more room in the laptop compartment. The internal sides of the main compartment have a useful little pocket for an AirTag or other tracker, and a drinks pocket.

Being primarily a tech accessory company, Mous has clearly thought about where to put your phone, tablet and laptop. There’s a soft, microfibre-lined zipped pocket hidden beneath the lid, a similar pocket on the top of the bag (best for sunglasses, I reckon), and a rear compartment with three sections. Two of these are lined with a soft, pale blue/lilac fabric that makes them perfect for screen protection, while the rest is good for magazines and notebooks.

Mous says its AirFoam tech, which is incorporated into the rear of the bag, shields laptops and tablets from drops of up to 1.2 metres. Onto concrete or jelly it doesn’t say, but it feels properly sturdy without causing the bag to become overly bulky, and also protects your kit from rain.

Finally, the outside of the bag features an open bottle pocket on one side, next to a zipped compartment that tunnels across the rear of the bag, making for a discrete place for valuables like passports and wallets. On the opposite side there’s a three-in-one pocket that could be used to store another bottle and smaller items.

If that seems like a lot, well…it is a lot. It’s the sort of backpack where you’re unlikely to find a use for every single pocket, but the sort of quantity – and variation – on offer here is very welcome. It gives the Optimal Protective Lid a great breadth of ability, instead of pigeon-holing it into one particular use case.

Mous Optimal Protective Lid backpack review: Performance

This bag is much comfier than it looks. I was initially concerned that the bulky, square-sided shape would be a problem, but it quickly felt like the sort of bag I could carry all day. Sure, it’ll get heavy if you use every pocket. But take a sensible approach to packing and the Mous stays comfortable. And even if you do cram it full, it retains its shape pretty well.

There’s also a good amount of adjustability, both in the length of the shoulder straps and, more unusually, across the base of the bag. Loosening these straps helps to increase the internal depth of the backpack, front to rear, creating extra space in the main compartment.

I always prefer backpacks with full-length zips for the main compartment, so the Mous earns plenty of points – and so too for how some of the zips slot neatly into little housings to keep them tidy and boost the weatherproofing.

All that’s missing is a socket and cable for installing a battery or power bank, which can be handy for charging a phone without digging into the bag itself. And, while not a criticism as such, this is quite a bulky bag. It’s comfortable still, as I said earlier, but the aesthetics are of a bag that is tactical rather than fashionable. If you prefer your backpacks to be slimmer and more fashion-forward, Mous probably isn’t the right brand for you.

Mous Optimal Protective Lid backpack review: Verdict

The Optimal Protective Lid is a premium, high-quality backpack from Mous that has enough space for a weekend of clothes, while also protecting your tech from both water and impact. It might not be the most glamorous backpack around, but that isn’t really the point of Mous products, which major on robustness and protection over aesthetics.

That said, this is still a smart backpack that, while a little bulky when full, keeps its shape well and is far more comfortable to wear than expected.

I especially like how both the shoulder straps and the base of the bag can be adjusted The latter effectively increases the depth of the bag, front to rear, freeing up extra space in the main compartment for clothes, and helping the bag stand upright on its own – something frequent travelers will know is useful when queuing at the airport.

It certainly isn’t cheap, at £300 as reviewed here (and a little more if you want the Mercedes-AMG version). But the Optimal Protective Lid still manages to deliver a premium experience that feels like it’ll last a lifetime.

Now, if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love a power bank – especially when it’s tiny. I don’t mean to make this a gender thing, but as someone who either takes out a small bag or massively overpacks a big one, having a compact charger is a lifesaver.

I’ve been testing the INIU Pocket Rocket P50 recently, and I thought that was about as small as they came. However, there’s a new contender on the scene, and it’s even smaller.

The Baseus PicoGo AM31 is roughly the size of a credit card, yet it packs a 5000mAh battery and supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging. According to Baseus, it can deliver up to twice as fast charging compared to standard MagSafe power banks.

That said, what really makes it clever are the extras. There’s a built-in kickstand for propping your phone up whilst you scroll or stream, and it can charge two devices at once – one wirelessly and one via the included USB-C cable.

It even comes with a triple cooling system and an AI chip that checks its temperature 18,000 times an hour to keep things safe and efficient. That's the kind if stuff you'd expect from one of the best power banks on the market.

Available in four colours, it’ll set you back £59.99/$69.99 on Amazon. For the world’s smallest 5000mAh MagSafe charger, that's not too bad at all.

There’s nothing worse than your favourite luggage brand releasing a new colorway just as summer is winding down. So, you can imagine my mix of frustration and excitement when I discovered that Horizn Studios has dropped a fresh shade across its luggage collection – right after I’d packed away my sandals.

I’ve actually been travelling with one of Horizn’s Cabin and Check-In suitcases this month, and I've been really impressed so far. The build quality and design are great, meaning it’s quickly becoming one of my go-to luggage brands. I’ll be putting together a full review soon, but until then, this new colourway was too good not to share.

Horizn Studios is calling it Dusk Yellow, describing it as a "bold, luminous, and made for the thrill of what might happen next." It’s a shade that’s been popping up everywhere this year, with KitchenAid even crowning it as its Colour of the Year.

It’s available across three sizes – the H5 Essential Cabin Luggage (36L), H6 Essential Check-In Luggage (61L) and H7 Essential Check-In Luggage (98L) – so there's something for everyone.

Prices start at £290/€290/$420, and you can check out the full Dusk Yellow lineup right now on Horizn Studios’ online store.

Part of the fun of being a tech journalist is the frequent opportunity to try out gadgets and devices that I would probably get nowhere near for budgetary reasons in my regular life. Case in point: I recently got my hands on an Ember Travel Mug 2 from the T3 office, and have been seeing how it fits into normal life.

The pitch seems cool – Ember has taken its temperature-maintaining tech from a desktop setting and integrated it into a flask design that can be more easily travelled with, without spills. What I've found, though, has made me question all of that.

Put short, sometimes a device doesn't actually need to be as fancy as it is – and a travel flask turns out to be a great example. Ember's sales patter for the Travel Mug 2 leans on the flask's ability to keep your drinks at exactly your desired temperature for up to three hours before its battery runs low.

That means you could have a hot drink at the end of a nice three-hour hike, but if you use it at your desk (like a regular Ember mug, on which more later), you could also use the included charging coaster to keep the drink hot indefinitely. Again, sounds great, right?

Well, maybe – but if you've ever taken a normal insulated flask on a hike or in the car, you're probably already wondering what makes Ember's flask so much better than the £10 version you could get literally anywhere. The short answer, in my view, is that it really isn't all that superior, and at a staggering £200 it looks like a pretty tall order.

My partner drinks a whole heap of tea every day, and she used the Ember flask a few days running before coming to the same conclusion – it was a lot of admin to keep a drink hot when we've long had flasks that do the same for hours and hours, many of which are more leak-proof to boot (since Ember only calls its lid "spill-proof").

Ember's business started simple, offering heated mugs for your desktop, and that idea always made sense to me, even at a steep price. No more cooled cups of tea or coffee, and no hassle to use a powered coaster instead of a regular one.

The moment the mug becomes untethered from its coaster, like this flask, though, it becomes a question of battery life, and Ember simply hasn't solved that problem adequately. Three hours might be the result of some impressive engineering, but it doesn't really make enough of a difference compared to traditional flasks.

In about a week's time we'll be driving from Edinburgh to London as part of a fairly complicated house move, and the Ember Travel Mug 2 will get one last chance to impress us, in exactly the circumstances it was designed for. Still, even if it does outperform a normal travel flask on that morning, I'm leery of its price tag.

There's no downside to app connections, Apple Find My integration, and fine temperature control, but I'm just not sure that anyone actually needs them in a travel flask!

I’m extremely picky when it comes to the best backpacks, as I have a lot of stuff that I want to take with me on-the-go. For me, the more spacious the backpack, the better, so I was excited to try the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack which promises a huge 18-litres of capacity and storage space.

Wandrd is best known for its adventure backpacks and camera bags, so durability, compartments and style are at the forefront of their products. As it’s Back To Class month at T3, it seemed the perfect time to test the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack, and I was surprised to find that it had less storage than initially met the eye – here’s how I got on.

Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack review: price and availability

The Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack is priced at £159 / $179 and is available to buy at Wandrd. It comes in black, Wasatch green and Uyuni purple – the latter is the colourway I tried.

Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack review: design and features

As you can guess from the name of the bag, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack has a massive 18-litre capacity that’s been sectioned into multiple zipped compartments. At the very back of the backpack is a dedicated laptop holder which can fit up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro, while a smaller pocket sits directly in front of it for smaller items that you want more easily accessible.

The main compartment of the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack has the biggest capacity, including a fold down mesh pocket, hidden Airtag pocket and stretchy straps for attaching accessories. On both sides of the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack are two water bottle holders made from stretch mesh.

The Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack is made from durable, weather-resistant materials, including tarpaulin on the front, back and sides of the bag. Nylon constructs the bottom of the backpack, and the back is made from breathable air mesh that keeps you cool while you walk around. The back is also contoured so it comfortably fits your spine.

With comfort in mind, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack has padded shoulder straps and multiple adjustment areas, including top load for weight distribution and removable chest strap. It also has three grab handles around the backpack for you to lift and carry it around.

Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack review: performance

As mentioned above, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack has 18-litres of space, including plenty of zips, compartments and sections. But it’s this organisation that actually makes the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack smaller than it first appears.

As it’s so well-sectioned, the main section of the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack had slightly less space than I thought it would. I found it a struggle at times to fit all my things in, like books, planners, make-up bag, tupperware and more, but I did eventually manage to squeeze everything inside. It was certainly a squeeze though, and while I did pack a lot in, it was nowhere near as much as I’d expected.

Having said that, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack easily held all my office essentials, and the best part about it was its comfort levels. Even when full to the brim, I found the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack to be extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear – at one point, I actually thought I’d left things behind in the office, because I was so surprised by how light it was.

The shoulder pads and back contouring of the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack was comfortable and didn’t add any additional pain or strain while walking around with it on. I tried the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack during the UK’s many summer heatwaves and didn’t find it too hot to have on, so the breathable mesh was definitely working to keep me cool.

The Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack was very easy to adjust, and I enjoyed the different adjustments that could be made. I found that after adjusting, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack had lots of long pulleys and extra fabric flapping around which were a bit annoying but if you’re taller than me – which isn’t hard – this probably won’t be an issue for you.

Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack review: verdict

I have extremely, annoyingly high standards for backpacks and the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack very nearly fit the bill. Despite its huge capacity, I found it a bit too organised and sectioned to actually give a big amount of storage. I could have done with a few less compartments and a bigger space to chuck things into, but in general, I used every section of the backpack and did manage to pack a lot of stuff in it.

The Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack excels in terms of comfort and support. The adjustments were helpful and the padding and contouring kept everything comfy and cool. The material of the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack was durable and stylish, and I have no doubt that it’ll last a long time.

It’s not too badly priced either, so if you’re commuting or off on an adventure, the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack is a pretty good choice.

Wandrd Nimbus 18L backpack review: alternatives to consider

Despite its high price tag, the Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 is a great everyday backpack that has similar compartments to the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack. It doesn’t come in as many colours, but it’s made from waterproof fabric that’s comfortable, formal and has plenty of handy pockets.

If it’s a commuter backpack you’re after, the Antler Discovery Backpack is our favourite choice. Like the Wandrd Nimbus 18L Backpack, it doesn’t get too heavy when full and is similarly priced.

Belkin has just debuted its new UltraCharge collection of chargers and docking stations. Featuring three new products, Belkin claims that its new UltraCharge range is the world’s first Qi2 25W-certified wireless charging collection – and they’re insanely speedy.

Within the new Belkin UltraCharge range are three new magnetic chargers and docks that offer up to five times faster charging times than standard Qi. Ideal for all your charging needs, including travel and office working, the Belkin UltraCharge is the first time the new Qi2 25W standard is available across a product collection.

For high speed charging, the Belkin UltraCharge range is fast, compact and features Belkin’s ChillBoost cooling technology to regulate the temperature of your devices while they charge. The chargers are also made using 85% recycled plastic as Belkin continues its efforts into reducing waste while creating new products.

Depending on your charging needs, the new Belkin UltraCharge collection includes the UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Dock, the UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger and the UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger.

The Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Dock can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, and in as little as 25 minutes for a 50% charge on your phone. The weighted base has a magnetic strap-on and a silicone base, and comes with a 45W USB-C power adapter and USB-C cable.

To continue watching content or video calling, the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Dock can also be adjusted up to 70-degrees portrait or landscape mode, so you won’t miss anything while you recharge.

For something more compact, the UltraCharge collection also features the Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger. It has the same type of features as the UltraCharge Pro Magnetic Dock but it’s more lightweight, foldable and portable so you can take it with you on holidays and work trips.

The more entry-level addition to the UltraCharge range is the Belkin UltraCharge 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger. As the name suggests, it can charge two devices at a time and it comes with an additional USB-C port so you can charge a third device. It’s also ultra-fast and travel-friendly, plus it's compatible with Apple and Android.

Prices on the Belkin UltraCharge collection start at £49.99 / $59.99.

As someone who covers consumer tech and is always attending press trips, this topic couldn’t be more up my street. I take huge pride in keeping on top of all my tech essentials when I travel, so being able to share them with you as part of Back to Class month at T3 is very exciting.

My colleague Beth has already covered the tech she takes on her commute, so now it’s time to focus on the travel picks. Below, you’ll find my top five essentials that I never leave home without – and to be honest, if I did forget one, I’m not sure what would happen.

1. Power bank

It only feels right to start with the essentials, and that means one of the best power banks. Taking one of these everywhere I go is the one thing that keeps me connected, and I'm sure you probably feel the same.

These days, I prefer something bigger like the Chargeasap Flash Pro Ultra, which has a huge 25,000mAh battery and 275W output. It’s on the heavier side, but it lasts a solid 3-4 days, which is just the right amount of time.

2. Universal travel adapter

Next up is a universal travel adapter – and when I say universal, I mean it. There’s no point in having adapters that only work in one country, especially as some models out there literally work everywhere.

My personal favourite has to be the Epicka TA-105 Max. It can charge up to six devices at once, offers up to 75W of fast charging, and even comes with a handy storage case.

3. Travel pillow

Of course, no trip is complete without a travel pillow – and I don’t mean one of those annoying doughnut-shaped ones that never fit in your bag. My latest find is the TRTL Travel Neck Pillow, and it's been an absolute lifesaver.

It holds your neck in a comfortable, ergonomic position, meaning it stops that annoying head flop. It's also lightweight and machine washable, and I couldn't recommend it enough.

4. Digital tracker

I also rarely leave home without a digital tracker. After too many close calls and mishandled luggage stories, this gives me peace of mind and ensures I know exactly where my bag is if it goes missing.

My top pick is the UGREEN FineTrack Smart Finder due to its compact size and impressive battery life. However, the best thing is you can connect to it instantly via the Find My app on iPhone. Android users, you’re missing out here – sorry!

5. Smart watch

Finally, my last essential has to be one of the best smartwatches. Beyond telling the time, it keeps you updated on your sleep, heart rate and stress levels, often without you even noticing.

I don’t stick to one particular brand, but I’d recommend going for a premium option if you want something durable and reliable for years to come.

It might be Back to Class season right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy a bag just for school. Whether your daily routine is studying, commuting or hopping between cities, you still need one of the best backpacks that can handle it all.

This week, we've already taken a look at the luxury Montblanc Extreme 3.0 and the compact Stubble & Co Hybrid Backpack 20L, but now it’s time for something completely different.

I recently got my hands on the Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack, and there's no doubt it’s one of the best travel-friendly bags I’ve tested in a long while. Keep reading to find out my thoughts, and whether it could be your version of a back-to-school upgrade.

Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review: price and availability

The GlobeRider35 retails for £290/$290 and is available directly from Matador's online store in Black, White or Garnet – with free UK shipping.

If you need a bit more space, there’s also a 45L version at £349.95/$349.95.

Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review: design and features

As you’d probably guess, the GlobeRider35 has a 35-litre capacity, which keeps it within most airline carry-on limits. That instantly makes it super travel-friendly, especially if you’re taking multiple flights on one trip. Inside, it has a full internal frame, which means it holds its shape and feels stable.

Matador has also clearly made comfort a priority. You get a breathable padded back panel, cushioned straps, load lifters and a removable hip belt that actually makes a difference on long treks. The sternum strap is also adjustable, which is great for dialling in fit, and you can neatly tuck away the straps and hip belt.

In terms of access, there are a lot of options. There's a clamshell opening for full packing mode, or a quick top-loading zip when you just need to grab something in transit. I was also pleased to see that the zips themselves feel sturdy and reliable.

On the outside, there’s a front pocket for everyday essentials, a hidden back-panel pocket, and a dual-access padded laptop sleeve with a clever false bottom and magnetic closure. There's also a top-access pocket and a large external stash pocket for extra storage.

I’ll be honest – the first thing I noticed before even packing was the weight. At just over 1.5kg with the hip belt attached, it’s not the lightest bag around. If you’re mindful of what you pack it’s fine, but I wouldn’t complain if it were a touch lighter.

That said, the build quality is excellent, featuring recycled Bluesign-certified materials, weather-resistant zips, and an overall premium feel that gives me confidence this will last for years.

Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review: performance

I recently took the GlobeRider35 on a weekend away involving trains, one bus, and an overnight stay, and it quickly proved itself. Its capacity instantly meant it was spacious enough for a few days away, yet compact enough to stay comfortable and easy to carry. The clamshell design made packing and unpacking simple, and the quick top-zip access was a lifesaver when I needed to grab something quickly on the go.

It did take a day for the straps to break in, but once they did, the bag's comfort levels were excellent. The hip belt took pressure off my shoulders, and the load lifters kept everything balanced. The hidden smuggler’s pocket on the back gave me peace of mind for tickets and cash, and the multiple grab handles made it easy to throw into overhead bins or onto train racks.

As I said, it's not the lightest thing around, but the durability, thoughtful design and comfort more than make up for that. The GlobeRider35 feels like it’s genuinely built for real-world travel, and I can see myself relying on it for plenty more trips ahead.

Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review: verdict

The Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack might be a touch heavier than some, but it more than justifies its weight with a durable build, clever organisation and outstanding comfort. Built for real-world travel, its 35-litre capacity strikes the perfect balance between roomy and compact. If you’re looking for a versatile, travel-ready backpack that blends structure, practicality and comfort, this is definitely one of the best options out there.

Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack review: alternatives to consider

A top alternative to the GlobeRider35 is the Mous Optimal Travel Backpack. It shares many of the same features but is slightly more expensive, yet comparable in design and functionality.

Another option to consider is the YETI Ranchero 27L Backpack. With a slightly smaller capacity, it’s a rugged, overbuilt commuter pack that stands out for durability and thoughtful design.

There comes a time in every person's life where the prospect of owning one of the best backpacks feels like an investment worth making. After all, you'll use it every day, making it a functional purchase, and a stylish option can elevate your outfit in the process.

There are, of course, a wide range of different factors to consider when picking out the best bag for you. Price will be a determining factor, but size, materials and more should also come into mind during the process.

Recently, I got my hands on the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 backpack with M-Lock 4810 buckle. That's a luxurious option from a respected fashion house, and offers a serious contender if you've got a big budget for a compact bag. Is it any good? Well, let's take a look.

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Medium review: Price and Availability

The Montblanc Extreme 3.0 backpack with M-Lock 4810 buckle is available for £1,260 / €1,450 / US$1,770 / AU$2,790.

You can buy it from the Montblanc website, as well as third party retailers like Mr Porter.

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Medium review: Design and Features

The Montblanc Extreme 3.0 backpack features a single compartment in the main section, with a smaller pocket on the front. The bag is crafted from a gorgeous calf-skin leather, which is textured on the outside with a repeated pattern, inspired by carbon fibre.

It's robust feeling, and solid leather – not supple in the slightest, though that may well happen after the bag gets broken in. The stitching around the backpack is also top-notch, with a feeling of total, unadulterated quality throughout.

That's matched in the hardware, too. The zips on this bag are seriously heavy-duty with a reassuringly throaty sound as you whip them back and forth. That design ethos is carried into the buckle on the front pocket, which clicks into place like the latch of a gate.

Inside, a smattering of pockets give you places to store smaller bits and pieces without losing them. There's also a pair of spots for your favourite pens – naturally – but that's about all.

The main compartment is a single large space, big enough to house a 13-inch laptop. It's certainly not the biggest bag you'll ever see – the brand offers a range of different sizes to cater for other needs – but for me, this felt perfect for a day at the office.

I could get a small laptop, a charger, my lunch, a raincoat and some other bits and pieces in there, with enough room left over for any impromptu purchases on my lunchtime wander. Perfect.

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Medium review: Performance

As you can probably guess from the limited spec sheet, this section is going to be relatively short. There's not a whole heap of different bits and pieces here to affect the usability, and that's really part of the charm.

Simplicity lies right at the heart of this backpack – there's no unnecessary frills or collections of pockets to get lost in.

What you do get is something which is seriously comfortable. The padding on the rear panel might not look like much, but it does a better job than anything else I've tried when it comes to getting airflow down your back.

I tested this during one of those rare British summers, too – things were pretty toasty all around, so the bag really got a baptism of fire. It stood up perfectly, and deserves real praise for that.

The other thing I really noticed about my time with this bag was just how elevated it made you feel. Let's face it, Montblanc is a luxury fashion house, so this really should garner some attention.

Strapping it on gave me real main character energy, and that's something you won't get from every alternative out there. You stand a little taller, walk with added pep in your step, and feel more eyes on you as you strut through town.

It's something you can't really quantify, or put too much of a label on – a real 'it' factor. But this bag has it in spades, and it's exactly what you'd want from something like this.

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Medium review: Verdict

Let's be frank – justifying spending over a thousand pounds on a backpack is a tall order. It's undoubtedly a lot of money for most people.

If you can justify the cost, though, the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 backpack with M-Lock 4810 buckle is one of the best quality, luxury leather backpacks you'll ever use. Every square inch – from glorious leatherwork to robust zips – is as close to perfect as you'll find.

Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Medium review: Also consider

Our current top pick in the backpack stakes is the Troubadour Apex 3.0, and that remains a solid choice for anyone who likes the size offered here.

For something a step up from there – but still much cheaper than the Montblanc on offer here – check out the Carl Friedrik Ayrton backpack. That's a no-nonsense option with a stunning full-grain leather construction.

If you love the styling here, but need more space, check out the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Large backpack. That does away with the buckled front pocket, offering a trio of compartments and a larger size for more of your stuff.

If you commute to work and want to make the journey easier, these are seven must-have tech and home essentials you need to bring with you.

I’ve been getting the train into the office for a few years now and frequently go on work trips, so I’ve become somewhat of an expert when it comes to commuting. From which carriage has the most free seats to what to use if I have to start work on the train, I have perfected my work commute, thanks to the many supplies that I bring with me.

From power banks to portable blenders, these seven must-have gadgets and appliances allow me to work while I travel and make sure I don’t go hungry if there are any delays – plus they all transfer over to the office.

1. Carl Friedrik Day-To-Day Backpack

I’ve tested many of the best backpacks for T3, and the Carl Friedrik Day-To-Day Backpack is my absolute favourite to take with me to the office. It has a huge amount of storage, including a 16-inch pocket to hold my laptop and internal and external pockets for stationary, keys, headphones, cables and more.

Despite its many compartments, the Carl Friedrik Day-To-Day Backpack still has a good amount of space for items that are too big to fit in pockets, like my lunch, book and water bottle. The straps and zips are sturdy, and the top of the bag can be rolled up or down depending on how much stuff you have. See my Carl Friedrik Day-To-Day Backpack review for more details.

2. Sony WF-C500

Walking to and from the station is boring without music or a podcast, so I always have my Sony earbuds with me. They fit snugly in the ear, and while they don’t have active noise cancellation, they block out a good amount of external noise, while still ensuring I can hear what’s going on around me.

The Sony WF-C500 earbuds have a handy travel and charging case which takes up hardly any room in my giant backpack. I love using them to gear myself up for the day, concentrate while at my desk and unwind as I walk home. See the Sony WF-C500 review for more details.

3. Beast Mighty 850 Plus

To save money on buying food out, I like to make smoothies and take them with me into the office. The best blender I’ve found for the job is the Beast Mighty 850 Plus. Beast arrived in the UK earlier this year and is designed by the founder of Nutribullet, with portability at the forefront.

Unlike Nutribullet, the Beast Mighty 850 Plus fits onto the blender base and uses a one-touch button to blend your smoothie. My favourite part of the Beast Mighty 850 Plus is the many accessories that it comes with. After I’ve made my smoothie, I leave it in the cup it was blended in and attach the straw lid and cap, so I can easily transport it in my bag without any spills. When I get to work, I add the straw, and I’ve got a homemade smoothie in the office.

4. Ninja Crispi

Bringing an air fryer to work might sound crazy but let’s face it – no one wants to microwave their food after someone’s used the communal appliance to reheat last night’s fish! But that’s one of the many reasons Ninja invented the Crispi, a portable, glass air fryer which acts as both tupperware and a cooking/reheating appliance.

The main pod of the Ninja Crispi clicks on to your glass container of leftovers and heats it up wherever you are – on the train, in the office, and so on. It’s easy to travel with, lightweight and can fit into any bag. See our Ninja Crispi review for more details.

5. YETI Rambler 26oz Bottle

I am notoriously bad at drinking water, so the only way I can make sure I’m staying hydrated while commuting and at work is with an absolutely massive water bottle. The YETI Rambler 26oz Bottle holds 769ml of water and its insulated material keeps it crisp and cold throughout the day.

The YETI Rambler 26oz Bottle is quite a big water bottle to transport – not with my Day-to-Day Backpack – but it’s nice to carry, thanks to its handle lid. I have the chug cap version which is easy to drink out of and it’s leakproof so it won’t be spilling inside my bag.

6. Ember Travel Mug 2+

For those who love bringing tea or coffee on the go, then you’ll love the Ember Travel Mug 2+. The best part of the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is that its smart technology allows you to set your drinking temperature, so the travel mug keeps your drink at that same heat for up to three hours so your drink doesn’t stay too hot or get too cold.

I’m awful at making drinks at home and forgetting them until I’m in the office. To avoid that cold, sad gulp of coffee, the Ember Travel Mug 2+ has definitely cancelled out that problem!

7. Anker Laptop Power Bank

If I’m heading to a different city for a press day or event, I always bring the Anker Laptop Power Bank with me. Rather than having to carry around a bulky charger, a power bank has plenty of power to charge my phone and laptop while I’m on the go.

The Anker Laptop Power Bank 25000mAh is a perfect example, as it’s fast charging, travel-ready and has an output of 165W. It also has smart safety features and checks the device’s temperature so nothing is at risk of overheating. See our Anker Laptop Power Bank 25000mAh review for more details.

Known for making some of the best backpacks around, Stubble & Co has just announced the launch of its latest release after the huge success of the original 30L Hybrid Backpack. The new version trims things down to a 20L capacity, comes in at £20 cheaper, and feels like the ideal compact alternative.

Launching today, it’s a high-performance bag designed for life on the move. With Back to Class season in full swing, the timing couldn’t be better, even with plenty of rival releases dropping at the same time.

The Hybrid Backpack 20L is available in three colours – black, midnight blue and sand – and is priced at £155 (around $200) on the Stubble & Co online store.

Despite the smaller size, it packs in plenty of features. There’s a clamshell opening with split compartments that make packing simple, plus a padded 16” laptop compartment and a luggage sleeve so it can slide onto wheeled bags with ease.

The materials are durable, waterproof and recycled, with weather-resistant zips to handle all conditions. You'll also find padded straps and an airflow back panel keep things ergonomic, and because it’s carry-on friendly, it meets all major airline cabin requirements.

Anker has been on a roll lately with some seriously impressive power banks, with its Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh recently scoring a perfect five stars in our full review. However since then, the brand seems to be leaning towards smaller, more compact designs, and the latest rumour fits that trend perfectly.

After popping up at a US retailer, it looks like Anker is working on a new slimmer 10K power bank with a built-in USB-C cable, possibly called the Anker Zolo Power Bank.

Details on a release date or pricing outside the US are still under wraps, though it’s listed on Verizon’s online store for $29.99 – around £25. According to a report from AnkerInsider, it could come in both black and white.

Specs-wise, the Anker Zolo 22.5W Power Bank has an integrated USB-C cable, along with USB-C and USB-A ports. It can output up to 22.5W via USB-C, or a combined 15W when charging multiple devices. The 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) battery recharges in around three hours using a 20W input, and a digital display shows the remaining battery.

As the name suggests, it’s a slimmer, pocket-friendly power bank, measuring roughly 140 x 72 x 15 mm and weighing 229g – similar in size to Anker’s recent Nano power bank.

Troubadour has just dropped a new casual backpack called the Neo, and it looks like its lightest design yet. Built to shift effortlessly from the weekday commute to weekend adventures, it’s perfect for anyone always on the move – and the timing couldn’t be better with Back to Class season kicking in.

At £179 (around $240), the Neo is also Troubadour’s most affordable backpack so far, offering a more accessible option compared to the premium Apex line.

You can pick it up online or at its flagship Soho store, with four sleek colourways to choose from.

The Neo is built to feel extremely lightweight without compromising on durability. A luggage sleeve makes airport dashes a breeze, whilst the stretchy shoulder strap contours to your body – a must-have for regular commuters. There’s also a discreet magnetic pocket for quick-access essentials, and a moulded front panel that opens up into extra storage. Inside, the lighter lining and smart layout make it easy to keep everything visible and organised.

For tech, the CrashPad Cocoon sleeve keeps your laptop cushioned and suspended for maximum protection. There's also a waterproof coating that shrugs off spills, and a minimalist chest strap for added support on the go, putting it up there with the best backpacks around.