Photo: Kinga/Shutterstock

Stock Up On This Easily Packable Gear for the 50+ Traveler

Technology + Gear
by Sharael Kolberg Oct 16, 2023

Having the right gear when you travel makes all the difference and, depending on your age, that gear might change. Whether you’re looking for comfort, convenience, sustainability, or style, this guide includes top gear that travelers older than 50 will want to pack on their next trip.

We hope you love the 50+ travel gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

YETI Yonder® 750 ml/25 oz Water Bottle

YETI Yonder water bottle

Photo: YETI

Traveling with a reusable water bottle will not only save you money (you won’t have to buy bottled water), but it will also prevent plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill of the location you’re visiting. The YETI Yonder® 750 ml/25 oz water bottle is lightweight, leakproof, BPA-free, and made from 50% recycled plastic. This size is perfect to pack in your carry-on bag for the plane (Tip: You can refill it at airport water refill stations). Yonder® Chug Cap included. Available in seven colors.

Price: $25

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A. Putnam Travel Blazer

a. putnam travel blazer

Photo: A. Putnam

A good blazer is an essential item to take on a trip, especially if you have business meetings to attend. The problem is that most blazers are bulky and wrinkle easily – making them difficult to pack. The Travel Blazer from A. Putnam is made with a stretch fabric that is comfortable, prevents wrinkles, wicks moisture and is water and stain resistant, plus it looks great. Available in one color (Dress Blues); sizes PXS to XXL.

Price: $350

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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

sea to summit day pack

Photo: REI

Whether you’re planning on exploring a city or going on a hike, a lightweight backpack is always a good idea to take with you. The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack can easily fit in your suitcase, is sturdy due to its high-strength 15-denier Ultra-Sil Nano nylon fabric, and holds up to 1,642 cubic inches of gear. It’s also great for toting back all the souvenirs you acquired on your trip. Available in three colors.

Price: $44.95

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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with MagSafe Charging Case

Having a peaceful flight, especially if it’s a redeye, makes all the difference. Whether you want to cut out the noise from the engines or the loud talker on the plane, noise-canceling earbuds are essential. You can also switch to Transparency mode if you want to be more aware of your surroundings in the airport or on public transportation. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with MagSafe Charging Case provide six hours of listening time per charge. Personalize them with your name, initials or an emoji.

Here are the details:

  • Adaptive Audio
  • Conversation Awareness
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
  • Dust, sweat and water resistant
  • MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) with speaker and lanyard loop
  • MagSafe Charging Case includes the U1 chip with Precision Finding
  • Four sizes of flexible silicone eartips

Price: $199

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VIM&VIGR Compression Socks

VIM&VIGR socks

Photo: VIM&VIGR

Compression socks are essential for long flights, but VIM & VIGR makes them fun with lots of colorful designs (more than 20 to choose from). Their socks feel good and are good for you by increasing circulation in the legs, preventing swelling, and potentially preventing blood clots, while you’re sitting for hours. They are available in cotton, nylon, merino wool or moisture-wick nylon with three compression levels and two calf sizes. Also available are compression leg sleeves, tights, or open-toe socks. Slip these on before your flight or long car ride and arrive with energized legs, ready for your travel adventures.

Price: $27-$36

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REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie — Women’s

REI Sahara Shade Hoodie

Photo: REI

A good hoodie is a must-have travel item. The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie for women is like wearing a comfy T-shirt, but it also wicks moisture and protects from the sun. The fabric is 92% polyester and 8% spandex with UPF 50+. It is also bluesign® approved, which means it does not have a negative impact on the health and safety of the environment or the workers who made the materials.

Here are the details:

  • Antimicrobial treatment inhibits growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric
  • 3-panel hood has an internal drawstring to seal out the elements
  • Crossover style opening for sun coverage at the neck
  • Dropped shoulders provide extra mobility and unrestricted movement
  • Thumbholes hold sleeves in place

Price: $49.95

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Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow

Side view of businesswoman in neck pillow reading magazine near smartphone in airplane

Photo: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Sleeping on a plane, train or bus is never easy, but sometimes it’s essential in order to arrive refreshed and ready to go at your destination. Some travel pillows can be bulky and hard to pack, but the Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow by BestMaxs makes it easy. It folds down into a 5″ by 5.5″ pouch, with a clip to attach it to your carry-on bag, and only takes two breaths to inflate. The pillow cover is made of soft micro-velvet fabric and is removable, so that it can easily be washed.

Price: $12.28

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OSEA Bestsellers Discovery Set

OSEA Bestsellers Discovery Set

Photo: OSEA

As we age, our skin needs more moisture, especially while on the road. The OSEA Bestsellers Discovery Set includes four best-selling products that absorb quickly, hydrate the skin, and leave it smooth. OSEA’s products use safe, cruelty-free, naturally derived ingredients, including seaweed that is rich in vitamins and minerals and is great for anti-aging and moisturization. Pack these in your carry-on to refresh during your fight.

Here are the details:

  • Ocean Cleanser (0.6 oz)
  • Hyaluronic Sea Serum (0.17 oz)
  • Seabiotic Water Cream (0.24 oz)
  • Undaria Algae Body Oil (1 oz)

Price: $60.54

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Wander & Perch Wander Wet Bag

You go for one last dip in the pool or frolic in the ocean before heading to your next stop, only to realize that you’ll have to pack your wet swimsuit with your clean, dry clothes. The Wander & Perch Wander Wet Bag is an eco-friendly zippered pouch that features a waterproof and breathable lining to easily store your wet suit. It also works for sweaty gym clothes, or as a beach/pool bag, to keep your phone and keys dry and sand-free. It is available in more than 30 stylish colors and patterns and is machine washable. One size: 12.5″ x 10.5″.

Price: $38

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RFID Blocking Belt Bag

A black waist bag on the traveler's stomach. Comfortable Fashionable Travel Belt Bag

Photo: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock

We used to have to worry about being pick-pocketed, but these days your banking information can also be stolen digitally from your debit or credit cards that have a microchip, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The RFID Blocking Belt Bag is made from a material that blocks electromagnetic signals, therefore keeping your accounts safe. The bag has a mesh lining and two interior mesh pockets, two exterior zippered pockets, and an adjustable strap. Available in six colors.

Price: $13.95

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Banana Republic Airstretch Taper Pant

The Banana Republic Airstretch Taper Pant is lightweight, features an elastic waist, and is so comfortable that you’ll want to wear them even when you’re not traveling. They are made with 86 percent recycled fabric that is flexible and practically wrinkle-free. The button closure and zip fly give these pants a stylish touch. Available in four colors.

Price: $52.50

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