Lions into Lambs

In the glory days of air travel (you know, back when they didn't charge you for a glass of water), the number of bags you brought was mainly dictated by the number of items you felt comfortable juggling between layovers. These days? You want a bag that does it all—laptop, books, magazines, three-ounce toiletries, change of clothes, pashmina, portable DVD player, and whatever else we've decided we need—but without exceeding the size of the overhead compartments. And Mountain Hardwear has the solution: the Memo daypack ($140).

The Memo easily swallows a laptop (in a padded sleeve, of course), all the accessories for it, a change of clothes, a mid-flight meal, and everything else. But its vertical orientation, as opposed to horizontal messenger-bag types, keeps it looking rather svelte. And it's actually kind of nice to go back to using two shoulder straps…very old-school indeed. If you can't bear the dual-strap look (is it really that uncool?), the Memo also comes with a detachable padded single shoulder strap.

It has good pockets on the inside and out, including a mesh one for your water bottle (just fill it between security and boarding the plane). Plus, the bag is constructed of super-tough 1,200 denier ECOCIRCLE recycled polyester. This post-consumer recycled material is made from old polyester clothing, backpacks, and the like, and it's just as strong as "virgin" polyester. The bag is finished with an eco-friendly water-based urethane coating that renders it waterproof—perfect for wherever you disembark.

In-transit footwear is equally complicated. You want something comfortable but easy to slip off, stylish but durable enough to endure the transit rush. Enter the Kuru Draft ($90), a lightweight, collapsible, soft shell clog that feels like a slipper but repels the elements like a boot.

Kuru is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, but it's named after Kuru, Finland, an outdoor destination known for eco-tourism and environmental conservation. The new company produces several models of water- and stain-resistant soft shell footwear with anatomically correct foot support. So, if you want to swap out the convenience of zipping through security for a more traditional lace-on, try the Chicane. Or consider the Slipstream, which slides on like the Draft but has a stretch heel for more coverage.

Each of the shoes features collapsible uppers, which makes them ideal traveling companions. Plus, Kuru donates a portion of the profit from registered purchases to one of several charities listed on its site. You get to choose the charity, so you can enjoy how nice your feet feel while knowing that you did a bit of good.
–KC

And now, for the little thing that might make all the difference when you're on the ground. Glove liners are typically employed in extreme-weather conditions as a much-needed additional layer. But we've found that a good pair, like Icebreaker's Glove Liners ($25), are the perfect travel accessory for temperate weather outings, especially when you plan on using your hands, not keeping 'em stuffed in your pocket. For taking pictures, talking on the phone, hitting up the ATM, driving across town, or…whatever, they offer just the right touch of warmth and comfort—and a touch of lycra in the otherwise all-merino wool glove assures a snug fit. Simple and essential, and easy to stash. Oh, and they also make great glove liners in colder climes.
–NB