One of the more frustrating aspects of modern business travel is the sheer number of items one has to carry around. Between your business and personal mobile phones (and the associated phone chargers), a laptop, presentations for the big meeting, books and magazines for the flight (and inevitable delays!), business attire, casual clothes, toiletries and makeup, we are carrying more on our trips than ever before. In this 2 part series, Via Her will help reduce the weight, complexity and sheer number of items you have to bring on a business trip.

Part 1 focuses on increase the space and reducing the travel weight of carry-ons through the use of multi-function devices.

Amazon Kindle

Who needs to carry around multiple books, magazines, and newspapers, when you can have one device do it all?

SwissFlash

The clever folks at Victorinox Swiss Army have created a TSA-friendly device great for women business travelers. The SwissFlash combines a removable USB drive, ultra-bright LED light, and ballpoint pen in a single tool. The USB drive is excellent for transferring files with co-workers; the LED flashlight is a must-have for safety; and while you won't use the pen to sign the big deal, it is handy if you're on an international flight and need to fill out an immigration form.

Parker Highlight Multifunction Pen

On the surface, this is an elegant pen fit for the boardroom. Look beneath the surface and it is a blue pen, black pen, pencil, and highlighter (or PDA stylus) all in one.

Kensington Air Ultra Portable Notebook Adapter

Why carry around multiple power adapters for your laptop, Blackberry, personal phone, and iPod when you can have one significantly lighter device to handle all of those? This adapter comes with connectors for all major brands of laptops, and has a USB connector for other devices. Additionally, this adapter has connection plugs so you can charge your devices on the airplane, via your car's cigarette lighter or at the office/hotel.

Kensington Travel Plug Adapter with USB

This travel plug adapter works in 150 countries. Combined with the ultra-thin notebook power adapter above, you're ready to travel anywhere in the world!

Samsonite Ultra Mini Travel Umbrella

These small, lightweight, and colorful umbrellas are made out of a special material that enables them to dry much faster than their competitors.

GoToob Travel Bottles

Many of our preferred personal care products don’t come in mini sizes. Unlike standard travel-sized plastic containers (which we dislike), GoToobs are rugged silicone squeezable tubes that have large openings, making them easy to fill and to clean. GoToobs are easy to squeeze, so you can dispense product right away, and they have a no-drip valve that helps the cap stay clean. Additionally, a rotating collar has labels identifying popular contents (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, body lotion).

We found that our carry-on is 12 lbs (about 6 kg) lighter, and more organized, when using these items, vs. our existing travel products.