Gear Review: Balanzza Mini Scale

Talk about a return on investment: Carry the three-ounce Balanzza Mini, and you can save its cost on one flight by avoiding excess baggage fees—not to mention the hassle of repacking bags on the airport floor. “I’ve used this luggage scale six times this year to dial my duffel to a perfect 49.8 pounds and avoid having the clerk behind the ticket counter tell me to fork over more money,” says our senior editor.

Plus, it’s compact—the size of a cell phone—and easy to use: Attach it to the bag’s handle, lift, and read the verdict (up to 100 pounds) on the LCD screen. Use it to weigh backpacks at the trailhead or to make packing decisions at home. $25; balanzza.com