Travel gear was all the rage last month at the Travel Goods Show 2024 in Las Vegas. But Travel-Intel was there and now brings you the hottest trends for the year ahead, from ingenious inventions to downright quirky contraptions.
Major travel gear brands like Briggs & Riley, Eagle Creek, and Osprey were joined by a wave of problem-solving startups founded by passionate travelers. This year’s show saw a significant shift towards sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and products that minimize travel’s environmental impact. This marks a change from previous years, where technological advancements dominated the conversation.
“People are being more conscious about sustainability and that’s been a really big shift in the industry over the past five years,” says Travel Goods Association board chair Josh Cross, who started Elios, a portable “smartpower” company he once promoted through the Show for power on the go. “The types of materials, the fabrics, the plastics, the sourcing the manufacturing … it is all becoming centered around sustainability. That’s because, if you look at the industry as a whole, the travel industry is one of the largest in the world and touches about one in 10 occupations worldwide. So sustainability has to be a critical component of what we do with travel goods now.”
Travel Gear Industry Embraces Sustainability for a Greener Future
Forget the jet-lag cures and pop-up workstations – the Travel Goods Show 2024 reflected a new reality. After years of pandemic restrictions, travelers are back, but their priorities have shifted. Gone are the outlandish gadgets of past years – the plethora of luggage trackers (except for a subscription-based option from CUBE), space-saving clothing wraps, and airline seat extenders.
This year’s travel gear showcase catered to the “serious road warrior,” the practical traveler who wants to get down to the business of exploring. The focus was on well-made, functional gear that streamlines the travel experience.
But fear not, adventurers! While practicality reigned supreme, the show still offered a glimpse at some fun travel essentials, ensuring a balance between efficiency and enjoyment.
Travel Gear for Comfort
+ Briggs & Riley: Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Spinner ($699). The pioneers of rolling luggage return with their signature “Simple as that” guarantee and a new marvel – one-touch technology that expands and compresses your packing space, eliminating zipper woes. Built-in garment folders keep your clothes wrinkle-free.
+ Cabeau: A known force for travel neck pillows and now lumbar pads, Cabeau has come out with an inflatable cushion for the derriere. Easy to inflate and easier to deflate through a built-in button, the cushion relieves the pressure of hard seats on airlines or anywhere and ensures proper alignment to prevent and comfort sore backs while traveling. Due out this month for around $30.
+ Kytin QTR: (Starting at $50). Redefining the sock, this San Francisco startup offers dual-layer compression socks with dynamic arch support and eco-friendly soles. Durable enough for airports and airplane cabins, Kytins allow you to keep your shoes safely stowed.
+ Hillside Meridian: (Starting at $149). Backpack or briefcase? Why not both? Hillside Meridian’s innovative “bagpacks” transform with a flick of the wrist, offering versatility for any travel scenario.
+ Nomatic: Outset Jacket ($200). Function meets fashion with Nomatic’s new apparel line. The Outset Jacket boasts breathable, water-resistant materials for ultimate comfort in cooler temperatures. Bonus: it folds into a travel pillow for added convenience.
Travel Oddities for the Adventurous:
+ Modobag: (Starting at $995). For the ultimate airport dash, Modobag presents a motorized luggage solution. This part-vehicle, part-suitcase features a throttle, brakes, and a comfy seat, propelling you through terminals at 8 mph. While TSA and FAA approved, the hefty battery pack adds significant weight compared to traditional luggage.
+ Armbie: ($23). Dreading the middle seat? Armbie’s dual-arm support sling promises comfort for restless flyers. Made from a soft, stretchy fabric, it cradles your torso and eliminates “body creep” during long journeys.
+ Flypod: ($180). Seeking a cocoon of comfort on your next flight? Flypod’s recycled down sleeping bag envelops you in warmth and potentially reduces germ and allergen exposure. This unique contraption packs down into a convenient sling bag.
+ Lightload Tea and Towels: (Tea: $5.50, Towels: $8.99). For the space-conscious traveler, Lightload offers a clever solution. Compressed black tea tablets brew up to five gallons, while palm-sized towel tabs expand into surprisingly large, reusable washcloths.
+RestAngles: ($46). Short on stature but long on travel dreams? RestAngles offers a portable leg rest solution for those whose feet don’t quite reach the plane floor. This foldable plastic contraption, designed by an Alaskan entrepreneur, provides much-needed relief for shorter travelers.
So, whether you crave cutting-edge functionality or a touch of travel whimsy, the future of travel accessories is brimming with innovative options for every kind of road warrior.
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