This Year’s Smartest Bags and Travel Gear
From smart suitcases to solar-charged batteries, these innovative travel accessories are redefining how we pack, move, and unwind
Photo: Courtesy of Yousef Alfuhigi / Unsplash
While travel these days is seeing a bit of a pullback as consumers wait for the next piece of news – or shoe to fall – trying to plan their activities accordingly, they are still buying luggage … and plenty of it.
A few days spent at the annual Travel Goods and Accessories Show in Las Vegas in March provided a spotlight on what travelers are thinking in light of rollercoaster tariff talk, burgeoning price points in travel spending, and future-defying markers for stable forecasting. The show also highlighted how manufacturers, suppliers, and mom-and-pop creatives are planning to meet the needs of these travelers in a fast-moving industry.
The Impact of Tariffs on Travel Spending
Some quick statistics supplied by Circana, which tracks more than $3 trillion in U.S. retail spending across industries, including travel goods, show that 40 percent of consumers polled said they plan to travel for leisure in 2025 and at greater spending and frequencies than last year. But that was before tariffs became a household word as common as water.
With tariffs in the air threatening to lead to higher prices in all manner of necessary and discretionary consumer products, the number of respondents voicing plans to pull back on travel plans jumped from 39 percent to 43 percent between February and March alone.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbus SAS
Airlines, seeing their best year ever in 2024, are revising their growth forecasts, perhaps led by Delta’s recent announcement.
“With broad economic uncertainty around global trade, growth has largely stalled,” CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. “In this slower-growth environment, we are protecting margins and cash flow by focusing on what we can control.”
Current Trends
At this year’s travel accessories conference showcasing the latest in rollies, duffels, backpacks, and what-nots designed to facilitate traveler convenience and comfort, the worry was off the table. The sun will come up again tomorrow, and travel will go on, seemed to be the tenor of talk and trade. Circana research notes that travel gear is actually down by 6 percent in price, and manufacturing is down by a single percent in units – but it was not enough variation to make a difference as buyers made their way through more than 500 brands and thousands of products from 40+ countries at this year’s trade show, held in Las Vegas.
Photo: Courtesy of Lark Gould
Still, sales have definitely slowed, said Beth Goldstein, an analyst from Circana who specializes in travel goods.
“We’ve actually seen prices start to come down in travel goods,” said Goldstein. “But we’ve also seen the prices of travel goods increase and that is because consumers are choosing higher price point products in some areas, which is great since that’s what many of the exhibitors here are trying to show with all of their innovation. Consumers have shown they are willing to spend a bit more when there is value, and value means different things to different consumers.”
Leading Brands in Luggage Sales
Backpacks are at the top of the list for what is selling well, making up about 45 percent of the market, followed by suitcases at 31 percent. Duffels comprise 11 percent of sales, waist/chest packs 9 percent, and other doodad travel accessories 4 percent.
When asked what features in luggage options matter most, 63 percent of those surveyed said the use of wheels, 60 percent were concerned that the bag should be light in weight, 44 percent preferred carry-on sizes, 34 percent thought luggage expandability was important, 32 percent considered multiple carrying methods to be key, 30 percent felt pockets were a make or break detail, and 30 percent said the bag should be easy to clean.
The top five players, Samsonite, Travelpro, Delsey, Swiss Gear, and American Tourister, account for half the sales in the U.S.
“You are seeing 50 percent of sales coming from these five brands in traditional retail,” said Goldstein, “but most of the growth is coming from smaller players. So there’s a real opportunity for emerging and small brands to make an impact.”
Eight Great Travel Accessories to Consider for the Next Trip
Overriding trends in travel goods include ever lighter luggage, bags fashioned from ocean waste and reused plastics, fanny packs as crossbody purses, quiet and sturdy Japanese wheels for rollies, motorized carry-ons, and even see-through suitcases in pastel colors. We checked out some fun and practical gear in a variety of categories to make the time on the road all the smoother.
Eastpak Resist’r Case
For more than 50 years, Eastpak has been a symbol of durability, evolving from designing military-grade gear to serving travelers. Now, the brand known for its rugged backpacks has come out with a hard-shell luggage option with the Resist’r Case: a sleek, high-performance suitcase designed for the modern explorer.
Photo: Courtesy of Lark Gould
Crafted from impact-resistant polycarbonate and reinforced with a lightweight aluminum frame (the case weighs starting at 7.7 lbs.), the Resist’r is built to withstand the toughest journeys, whether on cobblestone streets or chaotic airport carousels. Silent Japanese spinner wheels ensure effortless mobility. Available in three sizes (S, M, L) and with a choice of bold finishes, the Resist’r makes a statement in its own right. But what truly sets the Resist’r apart is Eastpak’s 30-year warranty. It’s a lifelong companion for those who see travel as an extension of their identity. Starting at $323 at a variety of outlets.
Osprey Arcane Duffel Pack
The Osprey Arcane Duffel Pack seamlessly blends sleek design with eco-conscious materials, making it the ideal take-with for quick getaways. Crafted from a dozen recycled plastic bottles, this pack offers three carry options: duffel, shoulder, or backpack (with tuckaway straps).
Photo: Courtesy of Lark Gould
A large U-zip opening provides easy access to the spacious main compartment, complete with internal mesh organization and a padded 15″ laptop sleeve. The aluminum locking hook on the harness offers added security, while side and top grab handles ensure quick maneuvering. It weighs under two pounds and can be found in forest colors at REI and Backcountry, as well as Amazon, starting at around $100.
Evolution X Neck Pillow
Neck pillows come and go … mostly go. That’s because it’s difficult to create the perfect pillow for every passenger. Some people are satisfied with a sling, others with a full-sized bed pillow, and some seatmates can find comfort with a stuffed roll inside a hoodie. Cabeau has been making neck comforts in all shapes and sizes since 2010, and now, following six years of research and thousands of traveler surveys unveiled its latest iteration of the perfect travel pillow: Evolution X.
Photo: Courtesy of Cabeau
Anyone taking a long-haul flight and trying desperately to steal some zzz’s knows the discomfort of a bobbing head, neck aching, rest not happening. Cabeau casts its latest neck pillow as a scientific breakthrough in travel comfort.
The item is designed to keep the head from tilting more than 10 degrees in any direction so that sleep happens and it’s possible to wake up refreshed, not stiff and sore. The Evolution X molds to the neck, while the adjustable neck strap and modifiable side supports allow for tweaking the pillow into perfect alignment. A unique cord-and-ball-lock front closure keeps the chin cradled, so one’s head won’t drop forward mid-nap.
Photo: Courtesy of Cabeau
Meanwhile, cooling vents allow airflow. The ultra-soft fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and wicks away heat. An anti-microbial, machine-washable cover keeps bacteria and odors at bay. It’s priced at $54.99 and available in four colors. It is currently only at Cabeau.
Gravel Travel Accessories
What began as a conversation has evolved into a brand that redefines how people pack, organize, and stay comfortable on the road. Founded by two guys in 2017 while bonding over the universal struggle of messy, inefficient toiletry bags, Gravel set out to create travel gear that actually works—products designed not just to survive the journey, but to make it better. Gravel’s products are built around real travel pain points.
The Explorer MAX, their best-selling toiletry bag, features eight organized pockets, a deep compartment for full-sized bottles, and a built-in TSA container bag, all in a compact, hangable design. For minimalist packers, the Explorer MINI keeps essentials tidy without bulk. The TSA-approved clear Pouch, made from durable silicone, eliminates the need for disposable plastic bags at security.
Perhaps the most notable and fun thing in the portfolio is the Layover Travel Blanket. More than just a blanket, it’s a wearable cocoon with a foot pocket, snap-on neck closure, and stash spots for essentials. And it all packs down to the size of a can of Coke, depending on the design model. While sustainability sits front and center for this company, so does trust. Gravel offers a Lifetime Warranty on all its products. Available at various prices on the website and Amazon.
The Klipsta Solution
The Klipsta is an innovative, Australian-designed accessory that provides a smart answer to how we carry and protect such everyday essentials as hats, scarves, sports towels, headphones, and even sunglasses. This brilliantly simple yet highly functional clip boasts magnetic engineering at its core.
Photo: Courtesy of Klipsta
The strong, durable magnets provide a secure hold, while the carefully designed tension ensures items stay firmly in place without being crushed or damaged. The clip allows for multiple carrying options as it is easy to attach to backpacks, purses, strollers, gym bags, belt loops, commuter cases, whatever the requirement, for hands-free convenience. The premium matte-finished clips come in three neutral colors (stone, black, and tan), and a soft-touch coating prevents scratching or snagging on fabrics. Priced at $25.
Paleblue Rechargeable Batteries
Paleblue is making waves in energy storage with its cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions. The Utah-based company has been creating high-performance, sustainable alternatives to disposable batteries for defense uses and is now offering a game-changing end-user rechargeable battery complement designed for military durability and efficiency to consumers.
Photo: Courtesy of Paleblue
Each USB-C rechargeable AA or AAA battery can replace up to 1,000 traditional alkaline batteries, offering a steady 1.5V output with rapid charging capabilities (60-90 minutes) and an impressive 1,000-cycle lifespan. This reduces the staggering 3 billion batteries Americans discard annually. These lithium-ion batteries each feature a built-in USB-C port, eliminating the need for bulky chargers and ensuring compatibility with any standard power source. With a sleek design, LED charging indicators, and a “Charged for Life” guarantee, these batteries are both convenient and sustainable. Priced from $18 for a four-pack at Amazon.
Hedgren VISIT Belt Bag
Rooted in Belgian heritage and intuitive design, Hedgren’s VISIT Belt Bag embodies the brand’s philosophy of creating functional, stylish accessories for modern explorers. Designed for the global traveler, the VISIT Belt Bag wears as a sleek crossbody for hands-free mobility or wraps about the waist during busy transit moments.
Photo: Courtesy of Hedgren
The bag’s water-repellent exterior is crafted from 100 percent recycled RPET polyester, offering durable protection while supporting sustainability practices. Naturally, it includes an RFID-blocking interior zip pocket to protect cards and passports from digital theft, plus a discreet back zip pocket for ultimate theft prevention. Practical touches, such as an integrated keychain hook and adjustable waistband, support organization and comfortable carrying, as well as quick access to essentials. Weighing half a pound, the purse’s thoughtful and balanced design makes it fine for daily commutes or international adventures. Priced at $70 on Amazon.
Playamigo Play Essentials
Every trip should come with a day at the beach, or at least some time in nature and away from work. Meet Playamigo, the smartly designed portable chair and storage system that optimizes outdoor relaxation. This versatile escape kit combines seating, storage, and portability into one sleek package.
Photo: Courtesy of Playamigo
Weighing under five pounds and completely collapsible for easy transport, Playamigo morphs from a spacious carry-all into a comfortable lounger in seconds, providing three adjustable positions: upright for socializing, reclined for lounging, or prone for sunbathing, all with a UV-resistant shell with a water-resistant finish. Stuff it with fine foods, picnic gear, and towels (it comes with a removable zippered pouch for valuables, elastic straps for organization, and exterior pockets for quick-access essentials) or even laptops or tablets.
Photo: Courtesy of Playamigo
The included fold-out mat (30″ x 16.5″) creates ground cover or can be rolled for extra head support. There are three carrying options: backpack, cross-body, or shoulder bag, thanks to its adjustable, padded strap. Stuff it, strap it, and get going. Priced at $129 on Amazon.
