Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

What it does: A lightweight microfiber towel that 4Monster says dries five times faster than cotton. It folds into its own compact zippered EVA case with a carabiner for clipping to a bag, and comes in several sizes and colours, from small gym towels up to large beach and bath sizes (the linked one is 40 × 20 inches). Made with plant-based dyes and reinforced stitching, with a 12-month warranty.

Who it's for: One bag travelers, backpackers, campers, swimmers and gym-goers — anyone who needs a towel that takes up little space and dries before the next use.

Why I use it: A regular cotton towel is one of the bulkiest, slowest-drying things you can pack. This folds into a case smaller than a book, dries quickly in a hotel room or hanging off my backpack, and clips on so it never gets lost. It is a small upgrade that makes one bag travel, beach days and the gym simpler.

Tradeoffs: Microfiber has a thin, slightly grippy feel that is not as plush or cosy as a thick cotton towel, and it tends to pull water off your skin by dabbing rather than rubbing. It can pick up lint and hair, and fabric softener reduces how well it absorbs. Pick the size carefully: smaller ones are great for the gym but too small to use as a bath towel.

Alternatives: The Sea to Summit DryLite Towel and PackTowl Personal for premium options, and a Turkish cotton (peshtemal) towel for a more natural feel that still packs flat.

What it does: An ADA Accepted sonic toothbrush with a 50,000-vibrations-per-minute motor, five brushing modes (Clean, Soft, Whiten, Massage and Deep Clean) and smart timers that pace your two minutes. It charges wirelessly, runs up to 30 days on a charge, is waterproof to IPX7 and comes with six ProFlex brush heads (about 18 months of brushing) and a hard travel case.

Who it's for: Anyone still using a manual toothbrush, or anyone who wants the cleaning power of a premium electric brush without the premium price. It is especially handy for travelers, since one charge outlasts most trips and the case keeps the head clean in a bag.

Why I use it: Your mouth is part of your health. Gum disease is linked to problems far beyond the teeth, and dental work is one of the most expensive repairs a body can need. As a nurse, I think of brushing as cheap, daily maintenance on an asset you only get one of. This brush does the work for me: the timer keeps me honest about the full two minutes, the battery lasts weeks, and six heads in the box means I am not buying replacements for a year and a half. It fits my one-bag travel too.

Tradeoffs: It vibrates more strongly than some people expect, so start on the Soft mode for the first week. The heads are proprietary, so you will eventually buy AquaSonic replacements. It has no app or pressure sensor, and the satin handle shows water spots.

Alternatives: Philips Sonicare (the long-time standard, with pressure sensors on higher models, at a higher price), Oral-B iO for a rotating round head, or the cheaper AquaSonic Black Series (non-PRO) if you just want the basics.