Carry-On In Comfort

As travel resumes, fresh ideas for luggage and accessories will come along for the ride

- Lark Gould

With global travel at an all-time low, luggage was bound to follow. Brands, such as Away and Samsonite, continue to reel in the wake of the damage wrought by the novel coronavirus as travel bookings saw a near 90 percent plunge.

However, those in the know also know that good luggage does not go out of fashion. Well-made travel accessories can outlast pandemics, recessions, shut-downs and delays, and will be ready to roll with stylish ease and inventive efficiency once the going gets going again.

At the 2020 Travel Goods conference held in the pre-pandemic days of March, the luggage innovations were out in force offering solutions to travellers who, at the time, were jet-setting more than ever and needing convenient answers from the luxury end, as well as the everyday luggage lines.

Whereas in past years, the conference was dominated by smart luggage embedded with trackers, chargers, and drivers that turned bags into handsfree rollies that follow owners around the airport, and other bags that would morph into small transport vehicles with seats, this year’s lot proved to be lower key.

The focus was one of usability and functionality rather than splash – which proved to be a good move as countries around the world began to shut down.

“We definitely have seen a hit in sales but luckily we offer everyday bags and goods and that has made it easier for us to stay afloat,” said Jacob Durham, co-founder and CEO of Nomatic, a boutique line of smart-looking travel packs, camera bags and roll-on luggage in the midpriced range. “Our mission since we launched in 2014 has been simple: function, innovation and quality, and that has kept us going.”