The Best, Most Durable Lightning Cables For Your Travel Bag

Toughness matters when it comes to keeping your most important devices charged on long trips.

If you're traveling on the regular, whether you're commuting to the office or getting on a plane, having spare charging cords handy can make life easier. And they'll need to be tough to take life on the road. Here's how to spot a good rugged Lighting cable.

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You could say this special edition is the gold standard. | Amazon

Get a cord that's about six feet, since that will give you enough slack to move your phone around, but not so much that the cord itself becomes unmanageable.

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Packs of 3-5 cables are not only great for families, but also travelers who have a hard time remembering to pack everything when it's time to leave. | Amazon

Start with what covers the cord; look for a nice, tough rubber or woven nylon covering that protects the wire.

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Some hotels make charging a little easier by having USB outlets available at bedside, which means all you need is a cable. | Amazon

Get a cord with a USB Plug on one end, as that will make it compatible with wall warts, charging stations, and in a pinch, your laptop.

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Bend count is crucial. No one wants a cord that unravels in no time. | Amazon

Look for a cord with a certain stiffness around the ends, as cords you can bend in half near the connector can break and separate, long-term.

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Multiple cords that are built for thousands of bends can go in your travel bag and remain there for years. | Amazon

The area around the plug should be nice and firm as well, preferably rubberized if you're going to put the cord through a real beating.

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