9 Essential Travel Products for Spring

The perfect travel shoes, a pocked-sized backpack, and a floatable smartphone case highlight our list of new travel products worth your money this spring.

(Photo: GoGoGolosh)

GoGoGoloshes

Rain boots are great when it's actually raining, but they quickly become a burden once the sun comes out. Our solution: GoGoGoloshes, portable waterproof covers that slip over your shoes to protect your footwear and pants from water but fold up when you don't need them. GoGoGoloshes feature nonskid traction soles (so you won't slip in the rain) and zippers in the back (to prevent them from sliding down). Keep these in your day bag and pull them on over everything from flats to stilettos!

(Photo: Outdoor Research)

Outdoor Research's Antimatter Pack

Spring is the perfect time to go hiking after a long winter spent indoors. But packing for a hiking trip can be very challenging, especially if you're flying to your destination. You can either treat your hiking backpack as your suitcase, or you can pack a separate suitcase and somehow fit your backpack in it—both not great options. Outdoor Research's Antimatter Pack solves this problem. This lightweight pack (just 9.9 ounces) can be folded down to the size of an energy bar for easy transport and then expanded to an 8 x 7 x 17-inch backpack. The Antimatter Pack skimps on space but not on quality—it boasts two adjustable mesh shoulder straps, side compression straps, a removable back pad, and two water-bottle pouches.

(Photo: Scottevest)

Scottevest Pack Jacket

Spring weather is notoriously fickle. You don't want to pack a bulky jacket on your trip, but you also don't want to be caught without one in case of a temperature drop or sudden rainstorm. The Scottevest Pack Jacket pulls double duty as a jacket and a bag without taking up tons of space in your suitcase.

The Pack Jacket is Scottevest's lightest ever (it weighs less than 10 ounces) and has 13 pockets to store all your stuff. The windbreaker is hooded and water-resistant, making it perfect for spring. We especially love the Pack Jacket's well-thought-out details, from the cell phone pocket that's made from a screen-cleaning material to the patented NoBulge pockets that won't make you look like you're wearing all your life's possessions. Plus, the jacket folds into itself so you can fit it in the most overpacked bag (or even use it as a travel pillow).

(Photo: LifeProof)

LifeProof fre Case and LifeJacket Float

Heading out on the water this spring? Secure your smartphone in a LifeProof LifeJacket Float and LifeProof fre case. This combo will not only protect your phone from accidental dips, but it will allow you to use your phone as usual even while underwater. The fre case is fully submersible up to 6.6 feet deep, can survive drops from the same distance, and is water-, dirt-, snow-, and shock-proof. You can use your phone normally while it's in the case—even to make calls or to take pictures or video through the antireflective optical-glass camera lens. Pair the fre case with the LifeProof LifeJacket Float, which will let your phone float if you drop it in water.

(Photo: Totes)

Totes Micro 'Brella Umbrella

Always be prepared for a sudden spring shower by keeping the Totes Micro 'Brella Umbrella in your day bag. When folded, the umbrella is only 5.8 inches long and 2 inches wide—but it unfolds into a 38-inch canopy that will keep you dry. Plus, it only weighs 12 ounces, so you'll hardly even notice it in your bag.

(Photo: Sanuk)

Sanuk Yoga Spree 2

Forget cheap flip-flops that offer no support and fall apart after one or two wears. Sanuk's Yoga Spree 2 is the best pair of flip-flops for travel. The foot bed of these unique sandals is made from yoga mats, which provides you with cushiony support for every step you take. The rubber-sponge outsole provides excellent traction and the textile strap won't rub and irritate between your toes. These vegan shoes come in basic black with the option for fun metallic straps in colors like fuchsia and blue.

(Photo: Outdoor Research)

Outdoor Research's Flyway Zip Hoodie

Layering is essential for spring travel, which is why we love the Flyway Zip Hoody by Outdoor Research. This lightweight sweatshirt (8.4 ounces) is perfect for staying warm on the plane or for going on a hike. The "drirelease" cotton fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and is quick drying. Plus, the low-profile sweatshirt blends in better for urban exploring than a branded hoody.

(Photo: Eco Vessel)

Eco Vessel Boulder Triple-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Whether you want to keep your drink cold on a warm spring day or hot on a chilly spring morning, Eco Vessel's Boulder water bottle has you covered. The patented TriMax triple-insulation technology keeps water cold for up to 36 hours or hot for up to eight hours. The top unscrews in two places: The wide-mouth opening can be used for dropping in ice cubes or eating chunky soups and the smaller spout unscrews for easy drinking. The Boulder also comes with a removable tea strainer/ice dam and is BPA- and phthalates-free.

(Photo: Keds)

Keds Teacup Flats

Good travel shoes are hard to find, but we think Keds' Teacup flats fit the bill. These stylish shoes have an easy-to-clean canvas upper, hidden gore inside for the perfect fit, a breathable lining, a cushioned insole, and a textured rubber outsole for a steady grip. The Teacups come in a variety of colors and are supportive enough for walking long distances but much more fashionable (and less touristy) than regular athletic sneakers.

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This article was originally published by SmarterTravel under the title 9 Essential Travel Products for Spring.

Follow Caroline Morse on Google+ or email her at editor@smartertravel.com.

(Lead Photo: SmarterTravel)

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