12 Travel Essentials That Make Layovers So Much Easier

Last month, my straightforward travel itinerary to go hiking in Madeira, Portugal, turned into a two-day-long event due to the government shutdown. My initial flight was one of the thousands canceled from the shutdownand although I rebooked, I had to trade my original cushy, mid-day flight for a 3 a.m. wake-up call and a day-long layover at Denver International Airport.

Thankfully, I was well-prepared for the extended airport layover, since many of the travel accessories and gear I bring on hiking trips are quite versatile and easily adaptable from the trail to the terminal. Over the years, I’ve honed my international travel and hiking kit, having used it everywhere from exploring the west coast of Ireland to hiking the Izu Peninsula and Shikoku Temple Pilgrimage. I was grateful to have these 12 essentials with me to make the layover and long travel day a breeze, like a power bank to keep my phone charged and a cozy top layer to stay warm.

5 Lifesavers for Airport Delays and Layovers:

Apple AirTag

While I usually prefer to travel carry-on only, my trip involved exploring Madeira’s gorgeous trailsso I had to check a bag to bring my hiking poles to the mountainous island. I made sure to slip an Apple AirTag inside for peace of mind during travel. Thanks to my AirTag, I felt better during my day-long layover and when I boarded my flight to Europe, knowing my bag was safely on board.

Nalgene Sustain Wide-mouth Water Bottle

During long travel days, I’m always trying to stay hydrated, and meeting my hydration goals is easier with the 32-ounce Nalgene Sustain Wide-mouth Water Bottle. I slip this into the side pocket of my backpack and regularly top it up at airport bottle fill stations to always keep water handy. It works great for airports and airplanes, and it is also a perfect trail companion when out on hikes.

BioLite Charge 20 PD Power Bank

There isn’t always a wall outlet handy at the airport—nor is there always time to sit and wait for a device to charge—so at just 5.8 ounces, the BioLite Charge 20 PD Power Bank was a perfect travel companion for the plane and airport, and then hiking and exploring in Madeira. It holds one and a half full charges, so it should last you well into a long layover and beyond. And, with three charge outputs—one USB-C and two USB-A ports—you can keep other devices powered up too.

Kuhl Trekr Straight Pants

Whether hiking or traveling, I love my Kuhl Trekr Straight Pants. They are lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly versatile, making them the perfect travel companion for trekking across (and then waiting for hours at) Denver International Airport. Once I reached my destination, they held up after the strenuous travel time, so I wore them hiking Madeira’s levada trails, coastal paths, and scenic mountain walks.

Patagonia Hi-loft Nano Puff Insulated Hoody

On long flights, I always get cold. Having a warm, comfortable jacket to wear or drape like a blanket helps me stay comfortable and get some rest. During this extended travel day, I was glad I had my Patagonia Hi-loft Nano Puff Insulated Hoodywhich helped me stay warm in the airport and on the plane. Then, on the way home, I stayed comfy during a snowy overnight layover in Frankfurt, followed by ice and snow when we landed back home. The jacket is very warm, windproof, and has a durable water repellent finish.

iPhone 10-foot Certified Lightning Nylon Braided Cable Fast Cord

A 10-foot charging cord is my constant companion when traveling. Whether you’re on a long airport layover or sorting out the outlet situation in a hotel room, 10 feet of charging length expands your options. This was perfect during my delay to connect with a far-away outlet while snagging a prime airport seat.

Jmfone International Travel Adapter

I found plenty of use for my Jmfone International Travel Adapter in Madeira and on a layover in Germany, but I also used it during my lengthy layover in the U.S. With a U.S. plug on it, you can use this adapter to charge multiple devices from a single outlet, and I was able to charge my laptop along with up to four other devices at a time via the adapter’s four USB ports. This allowed my husband and me to charge everything we needed without using multiple outlets, leaving plenty of space for other delayed travelers.

Columbia Benton Springs II Long Fleece Hoodie

I am obsessed with wearing my Columbia Benton Springs II Long Fleece Hoodie on long flights. It’s soft and comfortable, and I size up to take full advantage of my favorite feature: its large hood. When I’m on an overnight flight—or a layover or daytime flight when I crave sleep—I simply pull the hood down over my eyes to help block light, and even some noise. I’m not an eye mask fan, so this fleece hoodie is my alternative, and with its long length, it can also double as a cozy blanket—all helpful features when stuck at an airport for an extended period.

Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L

To tote all these items around, I rely on my 32-liter Patagonia Black Hole Pack. The padded laptop compartment makes it easy to slip my laptop in and out, and I can store paperwork or other items flat there so they don’t get crushed. Two side pockets hold water bottles or snacks, and the giant top stash pocket has lots of space for extra necessities; it’s so massive I can even squeeze an extra layer in there. With padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap, this backpack is equally great for a trek through Denver International Airport in search of Voodoo Doughnuts while waiting around for my next flight to take off.

Sockwell Circulator Moderate Graduated Compression Sock

Compression socks are my go-to for long flights, and this Sockwell pair offers a variety of colors and compression options. I usually bring a single pair of these comfortable socks along with some travel laundry soap to easily hand-wash them during the trip so they’re all ready for the return flight home. I relied on them for keeping my feet comfortable after standing around in the airport for such a long time, and for warding off swelling on my flight.

Ziploc Endurables Large Pouch

During long travel days, I always like to have snacks handy. I packed this 8-cup Ziploc Endurables Large Pouch for my trip to Madeira, but I was happy to have it at the airport too to keep snacks in one easy-to-reach spot. I used it to stash open bags of food so they didn’t spill all over my pack. It was also great to have in Madeira to stock up on trail snacks.

Gear Aid Heroclip Carabiner Gear Clip and Hook

I never stop finding uses for my Gear Aid Heroclip on trips, and my recent trip was no exception. From attaching a water bottle to my backpack or purse strap to creating a place to hang my bag in a hook-less bathroom stall, I keep finding new uses for these multipurpose carabiners. It’s one of those small gadgets that makes a long, stressful travel day just a little bit easier.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.