Lark Ellen Gould | (TNS) TravelPulse
In March, the Travel Goods Show 2024 made a post-COVID comeback in Las Vegas with industry leaders and innovators gathering to discuss and display the newest travel gear, focusing on creating and maintaining efficiencies to make traveling more innovative.
Supported by prominent companies like Briggs & Riley, Eagle Creek, Herschel, Osprey, Naftali, Nomatic, and Db Journey, as well as DIY startups addressing their own travel challenges, the show this year emphasized sustainability, whereas in past years the focus was on technology.
Josh Cross, the chair of the Travel Goods Association board and founder of Elios, a portable “smartpower” company, noted the significant shift towards sustainability in the industry over the past five years, driven by greater awareness and concern for the environment.
Cross highlighted the industry's increasing emphasis on sustainable materials, sourcing, and manufacturing due to the substantial impact of the travel industry worldwide, stating that sustainability has become a critical component of travel goods.
This year, the show saw fewer traditional items such as luggage trackers, clothing wraps, jet lag remedies, and embedded luggage chargers, reflecting a more subdued tone following three years of lockdown. It aimed to cater to a new type of traveler — the serious road warrior focused on efficient and practical travel.
Here's a broad overview of the latest travel gear and some items for leisure.
Briggs & Riley
Since its establishment in 1993, the company has been a pioneer in introducing rolling luggage to the market. Known for its lifetime guarantee and innovative one-touch expansion-compression technology, the latest addition to the line is the Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Spinner, priced at $699. It features a built-in garment folder to keep clothes neatly pressed and ready to wear.
Cabeau
Cabeau, known for travel neck pillows and lumbar pads, has introduced an inflatable cushion for the derriere. The cushion, which can be easily inflated and deflated through a built-in button, provides relief from hard seats and ensures proper alignment to alleviate and comfort sore backs during travel. It will be available in April for around $30.
Kytin QTR
A San Francisco startup is elevating socks into dual-layer compression socks with dynamic arch support and cushiony soles made of durable, eco-friendly materials, allowing them to be used at the airport and on the plane while shoes are packed. Priced starting at $50, these socks come in multiple colors and designs for both men and women.
Hillside Meridian
Need a bag? Need a backpack? These backpacks come in different designs, but what makes them special is that they can be worn on both shoulders and, with a quick movement, turn into a briefcase with a drop-down shoulder strap. Prices for these bags start at $149.
Nomatic
This is the top company for intelligent and sturdy travel gear that remains attractive and durable for almost any task. Although black, sleek backpacks are the main product, computer bags, navigator slings, hardshell cases, and now, clothing, are also available. A popular item is The Outset Jacket, created from soft, tough, breathable, and resistant materials for lightweight comfort in cool temperatures and it can be folded into a travel pillow for $200.
Top 5 travel products to buy just for the fun of it:
Modobag
For the hectic airport rush, Modobag might be the answer. It's part vehicle, part luggage, and comes with a throttle, brakes, foot pegs, and a memory foam cushioned seat for easily maneuvering through terminals at a speedy 8 mph. The item is approved by the TSA and FAA but weighs 19 pounds before being packed — about three times heavier than traditional bags. Most of the weight comes from the battery, which charges in 15 minutes. Prices for rides start at $995.
Armbie
Feeling uncomfortable in the middle seat? Secure yourself with Armbie, a dual-arm support sling made from a satin-link fabric tube that stretches around the torso from just below the ribcage similar to a straitjacket. For those who prefer to keep their arms close, whether for comfort or because they’re wedged between two large individuals, the snug stretch system allows one to relax on long flights without worrying about body creep or muscle fatigue. It is available in four sizes and costs $23.
Flypod
Create a cozy environment for any flight with this Thermolite recycled-down alternative in the shape of a sleeping bag. Flypod aims to surround travelers in a cloud of comfort as they fly through the sky or, at the very least, completely cover the seat they are in to reduce any germ or allergen contact. It weighs about 1.5 pounds and fits into a convenient sling pack. The added warmth and security comes at a price of $180 before shipping.
Lightload Tea and Towels
Tea in your wallet, towel in your pocket … what could be sweeter? The tea comes as compressed black tea in which an ounce brews up to five gallons of tea — important when space is limited and a group of thirsty individuals is in tow. The towels to go with the tea, in case this tea break is part of a picnic, are compressed towel tabs no larger than a donut hole, weighing half an ounce and expanding to 12 by 24 inches. They are made from wood and plant fabric that can be washed and reused. A three-pack costs $8.99 while the tea is priced at $5.50.
RestAngles
Short people find few mercies, even on planes. For those who may actually fit into their seat but still find feet dangling uncomfortably over the chair, RestAngles offers a fold-flat plastic solution that weighs 12 ounces and fits into a purse. Unfold it, prop it up and it becomes a leg rest made of single-use plastics that comes with its own carry pouch. This Alaska-based kitchen table start-up concept costs $46.
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