As a travel journalist and gear junkie, this show is like walking into a candy store—if candy was rugged, packable, and made for serious adventuring. Travel Goods Association show is the event for travel gear innovation. Held annually, it brings together top brands unveiling the latest and greatest for travelers, from carry-on warriors to expedition explorers. Here are 4 brands that stood out to this minimalist traveler on the search for multifunctional gear.

Osprey: Eco-Friendly Meets Mountain Ready

Osprey is coming in hot this year with new releases that hit the sweet spot for winter warriors and weekend wanderers. I’ve been a fan of this Colorado-based company for years.  Their Mountain Bound series had me dreaming of 2025-2026 ski season with their ski roller bag with a smart roll-top design made from 100% recycled BlueSign-approved fabric. It fits two pairs of skis or a snowboard with ease. The price? $300 for the roller and $140–$170 for the boot packs, which include a changing mat.  They’re available late fall 2025.

They’ve also launched Squffel —a square, structured travel bag that snagged Travel Bag of the Year. At $200 for 44L, it’s functional and good-looking.

Their Gear Tote series is another standout—semi-framed totes in 28L and 60L sizes ($70 and $115) designed for rugged adventures like skiing, boating, and camping.

Also worth noting: the new Transporter Travel Packs (38–44L) and Daylite Travelpack with a 2” expander and five color options. The Hikelite 26L is a great pick for lightweight day hikes – it’s my go to for daypack on multi-day treks.  I’m a huge fan of their Transporter Wheeled Duffel 90L – it’s my go to for Africa and multi-week trips!

Cabeau: The Next Evolution in Travel Pillows

Six years of R&D resulted in the Evolution X—Cabeau’s most impressive travel pillow yet. Retailing at $49.99, it’s the first pillow I’ve seen that’s 3-way adjustable for a truly custom fit. The ventilated sides are reinforced with hard plastic shells to keep your head upright—ideal for long-haul flights. Add in ultra-soft memory foam, and you’ve got the perfect combo of support and comfort.  I couldn’t wait to gear test the Cabeau Evolution X on up-coming long-haul flights.  Spoiler alert:  I couldn’t believe I actually got some sleep in an economy seat on a red-eye flight without any neck pain or tweaks.

Pelican: Rugged and Road-Tested

Pelican remains the gold standard for protective travel cases. As a fan of the brand, I trust my phone in Pelican’s Shield case.  It’s one of their heftier cases that’s waterproof, dust proof, drop proof – basically JB proof! Their ATX Series (22”, 25”, and 30”) is dustproof, waterproof, and ready for anything. Prices range from $499 to $699, with the 30” rolling out this fall. The clamshell design makes packing easier, and the Pelican Armor line is built for tough terrain.

The long-standing Pelican Air TVL series is 40% lighter than most protective luggage and features smooth 4-wheel glide and a slim handle.

Their drinkware also caught my eye with the Pelican Porter, Pacific Chug, Cascade, and Ridge options.

I’m also a fan of the Aegis (named for Zeus’s shield) is a hybrid backpack series, and the ModPak is a dual-lens camera pack.

Travel Sentry: Smarter Security

Best known for TSA locks on luggage brands you likely know and use, Travel Sentry is expanding into travel accessories with a recycled fabric line available in Europe now, and dropping in the United States later this year. One that caught my eye is the Long-Haul Toiletry Bag—perfect for frequent flyers.

Biggest standout for me is their new TSID luggage tag, a low-tech lost and found solution protecting your privacy and adding peace of mind. Interesting stat they shared: only 2 out of 10 travelers lock their luggage.  Yikes!  I’m stoked to be one of the first people in the United States to field test this tag.  Already available in some Asian and European countries, look for the tags and accessories to be out in the United States soon.

Why Travel Goods Association Show Matters

I’ve been involved with this show for two years as a speaker and moderator and have found the Travel Goods Association show is where travel gear trends are born. It’s a one-stop look at what’s coming next—from sustainable materials to clever design upgrades that make life on the road, trail, or tarmac a little easier. I love searching for the ultimate carry-on, better travel accessories, and luggage that can take a beating – but made from recycled materials and sustainably focused brands.

I was shocked and honored to be named the 2025 Sustainability Award Honoree.