Must Have Travel Gear For 2026

This Year's Best Travel Gear

The difference between a smooth trip and a rough go often comes down to what you pack and how well your travel gear performs. The right gear can alleviate stress from packing and help make your journey enjoyable. During any given trip, you only have one travel setup on hand, and that gear can't fail. From the best, high-performance travel packs to innovative packing essentials, don't underestimate the importance of high-quality gear.

This guide covers the must-have travel gear for 2026. Experience the difference it makes investing in essentials that are built to last. From sleek, space-saving designs to clever features, these top travel products are made for real-world use. Dial in your setup and travel like a seasoned pro. Whether you’re choosing a carry-on or upgrading your packable travel accessories, these essentials make travel feel effortless and organized.

THE GEAR GUIDE BREAKDOWN

Best Travel Packs
Travel Toiletries
In-Flight Essentials
Packing Organization Essentials
Packable Bags

GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack

Matador’s 35-liter travel backpack has taken the travel community by storm. This carry-on friendly pack features cushioned, breathable shoulder straps for easy travel days. Access the contents of your bag clamshell style at your destination or from the top while on the move to maintain privacy and security. This travel backpack’s organization stands out with an admin pocket, hidden travel stash, dual-access laptop pocket, and more.

SHOP THE GLOBERIDER35

SEG28 Backpack

The SEG28 Backpack is an innovative 28-liter bag with built-in segmented compartments. This pack allows travelers to easily organize the contents of the pack and separate clothing by category—shirts in one zipper compartment, bottoms in another, etc. Find exactly what you’re looking for without unpacking your whole bag. This pack is lightweight and weatherproof so you can move confidently throughout your travels.

SHOP THE SEG28 BACKPACK

GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

This is one of the best carry-on luggage options for longer trips and international travel. With a generous 45-liter capacity, this bag maxes out a carry-on’s capabilities, while still fitting in most airline overhead bins. Made to comfortably handle long travel days and extended trips, this pack is durable and intelligently designed. Standout features include an external-access laptop sleeve, stowable straps, and secure pockets.

SHOP THE GLOBERIDER45

SEG45 Travel Pack

This pack carries as a backpack or a duffle. The SEG45 is the larger sibling in Matador’s SEG Series, built for travelers who need a bit more space without sacrificing organization. With 45 liters of capacity, this soft-sided bag is spacious enough to carry everything you need while compressing into tight spaces. Built-in compartments act as packing cubes, helping travelers stay one step ahead wherever the journey takes them.

SHOP THE SEG45 TRAVEL PACK

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Top-Rated Travel Toiletries

When it comes to toiletries, there’s no need to sacrifice your routine or settle for limited travel-size brands. Matador’s innovative travel accessories allow travelers to pack their preferred toiletries while preventing leaks and saving space. From refillable toothpaste tubes to toiletry cases made with dry-through materials, you’ll be packing like a pro.

In-Flight Essentials

Must-have travel accessories for your next flight

What’s inside your carry-on bag is also important to consider as you pack for your upcoming travels. When it comes to creating a smooth journey, convenience and quality are top priorities.

Settle into your flight with everything you need at the ready. There’s an art to packing, and Matador designs gear that streamlines your travel. From in-flight snacks to sleep masks and travel-sized accessories, easily access what you need exactly when you need it.

Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs

Block out the noise and light so you can arrive at your destination rested. Made with bamboo materials, this soft sleep mask will have you catching Z’s in no time.

SHOP SLEEP MASK AND EAR PLUGS

Refillable Toothpaste Tubes

Keep it fresh during your travels with a toothbrush and toothpaste on hand. While great for any travel, these are especially useful for long-haul flights

SHOP TOOTHPASTE TUBES

WATERPROOF TRAVEL CANISTER 100ML

This small, lightweight container is great for medicine or storing small items that need to stay dry.

SHOP THE 100ML CANISTER

WATERPROOF TRAVEL CANISTER 40ML

Keep your snacks, headphones, or even jewelry close by with this versatile aluminum container.

SHOP THE 40ML CANISTER

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Packing Organization Essentials

Smart travel organization helps you maximize space, minimize stress, and spend less time digging through your bag. From packing at home to finding what you need on the go, Matador offers high-performance gear and travel essentials so everything has its place.

Confidently travel the world, never losing track of your belongings. Staying organized makes the whole journey smoother. Check out these packing hacks:

REFRACTION PACKABLE BACKPACK

This small but mighty backpack functions for travel as well as everyday carry. The ReFraction Packable Backpack provides sufficient support with sturdy shoulder straps that don’t dig in. It packs into its own pocket—Simply stow it inside your primary travel bag when you don’t need it, and break it out to explore during your travels.

SHOP REFRACTION PACKABLE BACKPACK

REFRACTION PACKABLE DUFFLE

The ReFraction Packable Duffle is both spacious and compact. This 25 liter bag offers storage in a packable, travel-ready design. It comfortably carries daily essentials or gear for short trips. Whether you’re heading to the gym or on a weekend trip, this duffle is an easy, versatile addition to any travel setup.

SHOP THE REFRACTION DUFFLE

BEAST28 ULTRALIGHT TECHNICAL BACKPACK

Made for high-intensity adventures, the Beast28 Packable Backpack combines a technical frame with a lightweight packable build. It’s hydration compatible and easy to pack down when not in use. Whether you’re trekking volcanoes or hiking to world-class views, this pack is built for activities and trips that demand more from your gear.

SHOP BEAST28

FREERAIN22 WATERPROOF PACKABLE BACKPACK

Built for water-filled adventures and unpredictable conditions, the Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack offers reliable protection without added bulk. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfortable to carry. With a rolltop closure and sealed seams, this pack is fully waterproof. The Freerain22 also packs down small into a compression sack.

SHOP THE FREERAIN22

FREEFLY16 PACKABLE BACKPACK

Designed for spontaneous adventures, the Freefly16 Packable Backpack is a lightweight, go-anywhere essential. Its weatherproof construction helps protect the contents from unexpected rain, while a comfortable carry makes it easy to wear all day. This bag packs down into a small stuff sack, making it easy to stow away.

SHOP THE FREEFLY16 BACKPACK

Finding the Best Travel Gear

Investing in well-designed gear makes travel that much more enjoyable. Based on your travel style, you can find your perfect mix of packable bags, travel-sized toiletry cases, and packing organization essentials to suit your needs. Matador offers a travel gear ecosystem for travelers looking to travel efficiently. These travel essentials are built for comfort and made to last. Experience the world in 2026 with the best travel gear out there.

The best carry-on backpack for international travel balances capacity, comfort, and airline compatibility. Matador’sGlobeRider35 Travel BackpackandGlobeRider45 Travel Backpackare top choices for international travelers due to their carry-on-friendly sizing, smart organization, and comfortable carry systems built for long travel days. Both packs feature clamshell access for easy packing, secure laptop storage, and thoughtful internal organization that makes navigating airports and destinations smooth and efficient.
The safest travel bag to deter theft is one that combines discreet access points, secure pockets, and lockable zippers. The Matador GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack features a hidden pocket built into the back panel, sized for passports, cash, cards, or a location tracker. Additionally, this bag’s security zipper loops allow you to thread zipper pullers through, making it difficult for anyone to unzip the bag without you noticing. Lastly, the top-loading access zipper lets you reach your gear without fully opening the bag, keeping your contents concealed in public environments.
Pair any of Matador’s travel packs with the BetaLock, a carabiner and travel lock in one. With TSA-approved keys, you can thread the BetaLock through the bag’s zipper pullers and lock to secure your gear.
An exciting 2026 release, the Global Travel Stash is an RFID-blocking travel wallet. This wallet has a stowable lanyard, allowing it to be worn cross-body or around the neck. It’s low-profile, slim form provides a discreet way to secure valuables under clothing or inside a bag.

Check out these tips on how to secure your bag for travel.

Foldable travel bags are perfect for travelers who want flexibility without extra weight.
Best packable options by category:
- Best foldable duffle: ReFraction™ Packable Duffle – lightweight, 25-liter capacity, packs into its own pocket
- Best foldable backpack: ReFraction™ Packable Backpack – durable and stylish for travel or everyday carry
- Best waterproof foldable backpack: Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack – fully waterproof with rolltop closure
- Best structured packable backpack: Beast18 Packable Backpack – flexible frame support with packable design for outdoor travel adventures
- Best packable sling: Refraction™ Packable Sling – compact storage for daily essentials
Each foldable bag is designed to pack down small, carry comfortably, and dial in your travel setup when you need extra capacity on the go.
Packable Organization
- Packing Cubes
- Compression Bags / Gear Cubes
- Packable Laundry Bag
- Luggage Scale
- Bag tag
Comfort and Wellness
- Eye Mask + Earplugs
- Packable Neck Pillow
- Nanodry Quick-Dry Towel
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Hand Sanitizer
- Waterproof Pill Canister
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
Tech, Security, and Documents
- Global Travel Adapter
- Travel wallet / Global Travel Stash
- Mesh Organizer Bag Set for tech organization
- Passport holder / Speed Stash attachable travel pocket
- Luggage locks / BetaLock lockable carabiner
Unique Travel Accessories
- Refillable Toothpaste Tubes
- Space Saving Toiletry Bottles
- Soap Bar Case with Dry-Through Technology