Peak Design Travel Backpack, $299.95, available at Peak Design
The first step to experiencing NYC is actually getting there in the first place, which is where this travel backpack, full of resourceful travel cubes, comes in handy. David Slotnick, Senior Reporter at Insider Picks, was extremely impressed with the structure and incredibly efficient packing system of the backpack.
It'll make navigating to your hotel a lot easier than dragging a rolling bag, and will keep locals from hating you on the subway. Just make sure to take it off when you get onto the train so as not to take up two people's worth of space (trains get crowded quickly, especially at rush hour).