The Top-Rated Travel Products of 2016

What's better than sock-free shoes? Stylish ones that won't get smelly or sweaty. Suavs are breathable, durable slip-ons made of moisture-wicking microfiber, and go with almost every outfit. They're even available in both men and women's sizes.

SmarterTravel editor Ashley Rossi says they're versatile enough for any traveler: "They are incredibly comfortable, stylish, trans-seasonal, and go with almost any outfit. What more could you want in a travel shoe?"

Price and where to buy: From $79 at Suavs' website

Struggling to find your preferred first-aid and toiletry items in travel sizes can now be a thing of the past. Green Goo products are organic and come in curated travel packs or a la carte so you can build and refill your toiletries bag and travel first-aid kit.

Price and where to buy: Items start at $3.95 on Green Goo's website or  Amazon.

Sockless shoes are on-trend this year. AllBirds Wool Runners have become incredibly popular among active travelers looking for comfortable athletic shoes that don't require socks. The secret is their breathable, machine-washable Merino wool, plus a sleek look that's appropriate for all types of travel. Editor Christine Sarkis says: "Like the shoe version of your favorite travel companion, Wool Runners are flexible, solid, supportive, soft, and don’t smell even when they’re sweaty."

Price and where to buy: $95 on the AllBirds website.

Stop packing a clunky DSLR camera and upgrade your smartphone with packable accessories that will take more professional-looking photos. Aukey lenses are clip-on macro, wide-angle, and fisheye lenses sure to diversify your travel photos and up your Instagram game.

"If you don’t want to carry around a heavy DSLR, but are looking for features that are beyond your phone’s camera, the Aukey lens is a great product to take on your next trip," says editor Ashley Rossi.

Price and where to buy: $24.99 on Amazon.

Hard-side spinners make for durable carry-on bags that last longer than most, but they tend to be heavy. Hartmann's 7R Global, however, is only 3.9 lbs—making it much easier to stay under that carry-on weight limit when you refuse to check a travel bag.

Price and where to buy: $550 on Amazon

In the year that brought us the rise of the Zika virus, we'd be mistaken not to include our favorite mosquito-repelling travel gear, like Nobitech's active shirts. Mosquitos can bite through clothes, so an extra layer of mosquito-repelling material is always a good idea—especially if you'll be exploring the great outdoors of a Zika zone.

Price and where to buy: $20 on Nobitech's website

Another camera hack we learned in 2016? How to take a selfie without the obnoxious selfie stick threatening to knock out our fellow travelers. The Podo camera is a tiny camera with a mighty adhesive side that can attach it to most surfaces, so you can set up your shot and enter it freely.

"Finally, there is a camera that lets everyone get into the shot without the awkward metal pole ruining it," SmarterTravel Editorial Assistant Jamie Ditaranto says.

Price and where to buy: $59 on Indiegogo.

SmarterTravel Editor Caroline Morse swears by Oberymeyer's Tuscany Parka Jacket, which is waterproof and windproof, but not bulky. Its removable fleece-lined collar and interior pockets make it a perfect travel jacket.

"Obermeyer is a leader in the snow sports clothing field … I love my ski jackets, but when I'm not on the slopes I need something that's a little longer to provide extra warmth," Morse says. "Obermeyer's Tuscany Parka fits the bill—it's long enough to give your backside protection from the elements, but it's not as restrictive or bulky as most winter jackets."

Price and where to buy: $299 on Obermeyer's website.

Travel backpacks that are sleek enough for business travel are hard to find—but they do exist. The <a href="https://www.xd-design.com/us-us/bobby-original-anti-theft-backpack-black" target=_blank>Bobby by XD Design</a> combines anti-theft features like cut-proof material and hidden pockets with a minimal design that includes a laptop sleeve. The result is an adult travel backpack that's both work-appropriate and durable. It's also water repellent and includes reflectors for bike commuters.

"Whether you’re a student, frequent flyer, bike commuter, or business traveler, the Bobby is a great travel backpack, especially if you are in major cities," SmarterTravel Editor Ashley Rossi says.

<strong><em>Price and where to buy: </em></strong>$106 <a href="https://www.xd-design.com/us-us/bobby-original-anti-theft-backpack-black" target=_blank>on FirstShotz</a>