This backpack is better than a briefcase, but just as sophisticated |
 |
| NYT Wirecutter |
Conjure the image of a backpack. Are you imagining something beige with ripstop nylon fabric, gear loops, and paracord zipper pulls? Not exactly something you’d want to wear to the office and drinks after.
Enter: Wirecutter’s longtime favorite laptop backpack — so structured and refined, it looks like a faceted gem. Its polished style is finished with luxe details, like faux-leather accents. But it’s not just a looker. “Surprise of my life,” says writer Maria Adelmann. “It’s actually one of the most functional and comfortable backpacks I’ve ever owned, fulfilling several checkboxes I’d only expect of technical backpacks.”
Why Maria loves this (currently on-sale!) bag→
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
Plus: This portable travel essential could save your life. And it costs less than $35. |
 |
| Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter |
While carbon monoxide poisoning during travel is unlikely, it’s also pretty preventable. In many vacation spots, hotels aren’t required to have carbon monoxide detectors, so Maria travels with this portable one, which doesn’t need to be plugged in and weighs less than a half pound.
READ MARIA’S ADVICE
A travel-size lifesaver→
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
What to look for in a CO detector→
Your daily deal: This cooker makes the absolute best rice |
|
 | In our testing, we found that this rice cooker made exceptional sushi rice: flavorful, aromatic, and with a texture that preserves the integrity of every grain. And it’s lightning fast. Use promo code WCUCKOO36 to save $30.
Get the deal→ |
|
READ THE GUIDE
The best rice cookers→
One last thing: Is it a planner? A journal? Yes. |
 |
| NYT Wirecutter |
Another one of Maria’s hall-of-famers? This lovely notebook, which is a cross between a simple calendar and a free-form journal. Only slightly larger than an airline ticket, it has a sleek, sophisticated leather cover, and you can fill it with a range of customizable inserts. So you have space to both plan and play.
“An elegant mash-up of a three-subject notebook and a binder with tabs”→
Thanks for reading.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.
