8 Stylish Travel Pouches for Men
We live in a tech-driven age with an endlessly growing supply of personal technology to carry around: iPhones, USB cables, portable power supplies, you name it. When traveling, the list grows larger; add a camera, smartwatch or fitness tracker, or perhaps a portable Wi-Fi device. And all these devices, of course, need their own chargers, which adds even more to what we have to lug around.
Enter the travel pouch. This small accessory has become popular for men over the past few years, as showcased in men’s magazines and during fashion weeks across the globe. Thankfully, they range from inexpensive ($25 for a Herschel Supply pouch) to beyond fancy ($795 for the Ermenegildo Zegna model).
With various sizes available, you could use them to organize and store all those pesky chargers and cords, or use day-to-day to hold your essentials. On a travel day, you can stow everything you'll need for a long-haul flight right in a pouch and not have to go digging through your bag to pick out its contents — simply put the pouch at the top of your bag and take it out as soon as you get to your seat. Here's a look at some of the most stylish options.
The Every Occasion Pouch
Herschel Supply Co. has sort of become the go-to for modern city-dwellers and travelers alike. I can’t even tell you how often I run into a fellow Herschel user while at the airport or on the subway. The company offers a wide range of pouches in various colors, materials and patterns. Its Network Pouch L is the most useful of the bunch, since it's able to fit an iPad mini and won't looking unflattering if it's not full. Opt for a basic style or color that will go with just about everything — you’ll have no trouble finding one you like as there are more than 40 options to choose from. ($25, measurements are 7.5"H x 11"W, shop.herschelsupply.com).
The Professional Pouch
To class things up, a leather pouch can easily transfer into an office environment or chic up a look. Uri Minkoff offers the Skye Pouch, which sports nifty interior pockets that help secure everything that's inside. Made of genuine leather, it features two cellphone slip pockets, an interior zipper pocket and a five-card slip, among other cool features. ($215, measurements are 10.5”H x 14”W, uriminkoff.com).
The Smaller, Starter Pouch
If you're not sure how you feel about pouches yet and just need something for a few travel essentials during those busy airport days, the Tumi Medium Utility Pack is a good one to start with. As a durable zip option from the iconic travel brand, this pouch is simple enough for anyone to utilize and store a few small tech pieces and travel items like a passport, luggage tags and travel documents. ($30, measurements are 6”H x 7.5" W, shop.nordstrom.com).
The Quirky Pouch
For a small pouch with personality (and if you haven’t found any of these other options masculine enough), the Flight 001 Guy Stuff Pouch will make it clear that this pouch is just for guys. Made from a heavy duty cotton canvas, it's the perfect place to store your toiletries, small tech, chargers, cords and travel documents. ($18, measurements are 6”H x 7.8”W, flight001.com).
The Durable Wash Kit
Dopp kits also make perfect tech organizers, perfect for neatly storing cables, chargers and other small items, along with the toiletries they were designed to hold. The Helly Hansen Wash Bag 2 features a water resistant fabric and has an external hanging loop to make it easier to move around if needed. ($30, measurements are 5.5”H x 9.5”W, shop.hellyhanson.com).
The Sleek Dopp Kit
For a fancier dopp kit, the Coach Men's Travel Kit is a fashionable and modern choice. The burnished crossgrain leather offers a distinctive texture and durable finish, while the body itself is lined with refined twill. There’s a multifunction pocket inside as well. ($165, measurements are 5.25”H x 8.5”W, coach.com).
The Imported Luxury Pouch
If you have a thirst for the finer things and you find yourself shopping on sites like Mr Porter, the sleek Ermenegildo Zegna Pelle Tessuta Leather Pouch will be your perfect pouch match. Crafted in Italy using the brand's signature Pelle Tessuta technique (ie. the surface mimics that of a woven textile), the pouch is trimmed with gunmetal hardware and fully lined in jaunty herringbone fabric. This storm-blue leather pouch features a detachable wrist strap and has internal slit pockets. ($795, measurements are 8.2" x 11.8", mrporter.com).
The Modern Fanny Pack
For a sort-of traditional pouch, the fanny pack style should not be overlooked. The Columbia Classic Outdoor Lumber Pack has internal zippered pockets to help store the essentials needed for a day’s outing. The pouch's body is made out of 600D Coated 100% polyester and can fit up to two liters worth of goodies. ($29, measurements are 7" x 9.75", columbia.com).
What do you think of travel pouches? Sound off below.
Image courtesy of Flight 001.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.