What Not to Buy During Black Friday-and What to Shop Instead, From $8

"With thousands upon thousands of Black Friday deals to choose from, knowing how to get the most bang out of your buck can be tricky. Even the savviest of smart shoppers can get tripped up by the sheer amount of discounts; and while we're certainly not complaining about the wide variety of sales happening this year, even we are having a hard time picking and choosing where we should start in order to save as much as possible on travel gear, comfy clothes,"

"If you, too, are a bit overwhelmed by the sea of sales this holiday weekend, fret not. Ahead, we took the time to break down which Black Friday discounts you're better off avoiding this year-and the alternatives we recommend purchasing instead. From multi-packs of Apple AirTags to packable Lands' End puffer jackets, these deals are worth every penny; especially since they're on sale for up to 72 percent off."

"No need to tough it out, though-there are plenty of duffel bags on the market that double as comfy carry-on backpacks, removing the unnecessary pain of single-shoulder straps. Some of our favorite styles just happen to be on sale during this shopping holiday weekend, including the Calpak Terra Duffel Backpack, which is flush with multiple organizational pockets, and the Ecohub Gym Duffel Backpack, which comes with its own dedicated shoe compartment."

Thousands of Black Friday deals create decision fatigue for shoppers targeting travel gear and comfortable clothing. Shoppers should avoid single-purpose items and opt for dual-purpose or multi-piece alternatives to improve value and usability. Duffel backpacks that convert to carry-on backpacks reduce shoulder strain and add organization, often including dedicated shoe compartments. Purchasing a multi-piece luggage set is generally more economical than buying a single rolling carry-on or checked trunk when building or replacing a suitcase rotation. Significant discounts are available across categories, with some deals reaching up to 72 percent off, including travel accessories and apparel.

Read at Travel + Leisure