Many new travel products come out over the course of a year, and while most of the buzziest gear looks promising at first, it too often falls short after just a trip or two.
This year, I wanted to see what actually holds up, so I took several 2026 releases on the road, and Travel Bulletin Editorial Director Ashley Fallon did the same.
We packed, carried, checked, and slept with these products, then kept only the ones that truly earned their spot for future trips.
From a checked suitcase that stands up to rough handling to headphones that make airport waits bearable, and a foldable fire pit and sleep goggles that help you actually rest on a red-eye, these finds proved themselves in real travel. Here’s gear that’s genuinely worth considering for an upcoming trip.
In this article
- Checked Luggage: Portar Valence Aluminum EdgeFrame Check-In Suitcase
- Headphones: Tribit FlyBuds C3
- Umbrella: Breliio Storm
- Weekender Tote: Sea Bags Trolley Tote
- Work Tote: Quince Voyage Nylon Travel Tote
- Travel Keyboard: ProtoArc XKM01 Pro Foldable Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- Travel Pack: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Pro Travel Pack
- Foldable Fire Pit: Packfire Ember Foldable Fire Pit
- Flask: RTIC Happy Hour Flask
- Sleep Goggles: Hest Sleep Goggles
- Portable Clothes Dryer: Nesugar Portable Clothes Dryer
- The Shortcut
Checked Luggage: Portar Valence Aluminum EdgeFrame Check-In Suitcase
For $475, the Portar Valence checked bag ditches zippers for a full aluminum frame that latches securely all the way around—no more worrying about forcing zipper teeth.
The shell is made from lightweight polycarbonate that flexes and bounces back, and you can pick from four understated colors.
But what stands out most to me is how it manages to feel both light and solid in hand. Given how checked bags get tossed around, the reinforced corners are a smart touch. The spinner wheels also have spring-loaded shock absorption, so even when I overpack, it rolls smoothly from baggage claim to the curb.
With such a pricey investment, don’t forget to grab a luggage tracker, too.
Headphones: Tribit FlyBuds C3
At $39.99, the Tribit FlyBuds C3 earbuds are already a great value compared to some other models. But I was pleased to find that they offer hybrid noise cancellation that actually makes a difference.
Put them on and up to 45 decibels of outside noise is immediately gone. They weigh just 4 grams each, and the sound is impressively clear. I used them in busy airports and barely noticed the background noise, which is a game changer if you’re trying to get work done between flights.
The battery life is another win: 8 hours per charge (6 with noise cancellation on), and 35 hours total with the case, so I only need to charge them about once a week. For the price, they’re an easy pick.
Umbrella: Breliio Storm
The Breliio Storm is a $79.99 limited-edition umbrella made for America’s 250th anniversary, and it’s more than a well-timed gimmick.
Built to last, the reinforced frame and dense canopy mean it won’t flip inside out at the first gust of wind, which is something anyone who’s been caught in a storm can appreciate.
The extra-wide strap and retroreflective details are extra touches, but what I really like is the reverse-fold design. When you close it, the wet side stays tucked in. I didn’t end up with puddles in my car or front hallway.
Weekender Tote: Sea Bags Trolley Tote
I love a good weekender, and this new Sea Bags Trolley Tote is handcrafted in Maine from recycled sailcloth. For $260, it’s a smart upgrade to their classic Wharf Tote.
The mesh trolley sleeve and zippered main compartment set it apart from big open-top totes. The sleeve slides right over your suitcase handle, so you’re not juggling bags through the airport or at the dock.
When I need a roomy bag for a weekend away, this is the one I reach for. I’ve packed it to the brim, and the trolley sleeve saves my shoulders. The interior zip pocket keeps my phone and keys handy, too.
Work Tote: Quince Voyage Nylon Travel Tote
Quince is a convenient go-to for everything from linen apparel to kitchen cutlery and also travel gear. New this year was their $98 Voyage Nylon Travel Tote. After testing it out, I like it as a sensible pick for work trips.
There’s a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop, a spot for your water bottle, and plenty of pockets to keep things organized. The zipper closure keeps everything secure, and the adjustable strap lets you go hands-free.
It’s made with water-repellent nylon to keep gear dry, and you can carry it over your shoulder, crossbody, or stack it on your suitcase as you move through the airport. For the price, it covers all the essentials.
Travel Keyboard: ProtoArc XKM01 Pro Foldable Keyboard and Mouse Combo
The $99 ProtoArc XKM01 Pro is an upgrade to the brand’s popular foldable keyboard-and-mouse combo.
Now you get a backlit, full-size tri-fold keyboard with a numpad—great for working on a red-eye—and a more comfortable mouse for longer sessions. It connects easily to laptops, tablets, and phones.
If you travel light but still want the feel of a real desktop setup, this combo folds down small and makes working on the go much easier. It’s a clever solution for digital nomads and frequent travelers alike.
Travel Pack: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Pro Travel Pack
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Pro Travel Pack is $270 and serves as the core of a four-piece modular system.
The main pack opens clamshell-style and includes a laptop sleeve, a separate spot for shoes or laundry, and plenty of pockets to keep you organized. You can add a daypack, crossbody bag, or small pouch (each sold separately), all of which attach to the main pack.
My favorite feature of this impressive backpack is the horizontal pocket for essentials like your phone and ID. This makes it easy to grab even when the bag is lying flat on your suitcase, unlike most backpacks where the top pocket is only accessible when upright.
Foldable Fire Pit: Packfire Ember Foldable Fire Pit
The $199 Packfire Ember is a compact, 10-inch tabletop version of the original foldable fire pit. It folds flat into its carry case, burns smokeless, and weighs just over 7 pounds.
Travel Bulletin Editorial Director Ashley Fallon put it to the test and found that it keeps the same easy setup and clean burn as the original, just now in a smaller size.
It’s easy to bring along for tailgates, beach nights, or camping trips. Since it’s made for smaller wood and kindling, it’s ideal for a cozy tabletop fire rather than a big campfire.
Flask: RTIC Happy Hour Flask
The RTIC Happy Hour Flask is $39.99 and lined with ceramic, so your drinks never pick up a metallic taste. Double-wall insulation keeps drinks cold all day or hot for up to 6 hours.
The leak-proof lid and detachable cup make pouring and sharing easy. It comes in four colors, can be engraved, and has a dishwasher-safe, soft-touch finish. Ashley tried it out and “liked how the slim design works for everything from a mocktail to hot chocolate.” She’d pack it for après-ski, a beach sunset, or a tailgate.
Sleep Goggles: Hest Sleep Goggles
For $49, the Hest Sleep Goggles deliver true blackout coverage with soft, pressure-free eye cups, plush foam, and breathable fabric.
Ashley swapped out her old silk mask for these and says, “They’re so comfortable, you barely notice you’re wearing them. The blackout effect is strong enough to help even the most restless plane sleepers get some rest.”
They’re a smart pick for overnight flights, and also work well for camping or van trips.
Portable Clothes Dryer: Nesugar Portable Clothes Dryer
You can do laundry while traveling without hauling everything to a laundromat. After washing clothes (the sink does the trick if you can’t get to a washing machine), use this $99 Nesugar Portable Clothes Dryer to dry everything without waiting hours for air-drying.
It weighs just over 2 pounds and comes with a built-in mini hanger, so it fits easily in your suitcase. It works on 100-220 volts, so you can use it in different countries without a converter.
There are three timer settings and two temperature levels, and it can dry 6 to 10 items at once—think T-shirts, socks, or light towels.
I find it to be a handy solution if I want to pack light for a long trip and wash and re-wear clothes
The Shortcut
Zippers are the weak point on checked bags. An aluminum-frame suitcase latches all the way around, and the one on this list has spring-loaded wheels that stay smooth even when it’s overpacked.
Good noise cancellation doesn’t have to cost much. The $39.99 Tribit FlyBuds C3 kept busy airport noise in the background.
If you can’t sleep on planes, try goggles instead of a flat mask. Ashley swapped her silk mask for the Hest goggles, and the eye cups don’t press on your eyes.
Make sure any tote you buy has a trolley sleeve. It slides over your suitcase handle so you’re not juggling bags through the terminal.
Packing light for a long trip? A 2-pound portable dryer lets you sink-wash and re-wear instead of overpacking.
