2026 TGA Awards Honor Excellence Across the Travel, Gear & Adventure Industry
[Salt Lake City, UT] - The Travel Goods Association (TGA) proudly announced the winners of the 2026 TGA Show Awards during this year’s Travel, Gear & Adventure Show, honoring the brands, products, and people that are truly shaping the future of travel, gear, and adventure. These awards were designed to spotlight authentic excellence earned through real-world innovation, craftsmanship, and leadership.
The award itself is a striking and meaningful symbol: a preserved window from a decommissioned Boeing 737, representing the millions of miles traveled by the industry, the relentless innovation required to thrive, and the resilience to stand the test of time. Much like the aircraft window, the winning brands and individuals have provided vision, protection, and perspective for an evolving travel landscape.
Winners were recognized across the following key categories:
Title Sponsor Award - Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek’s commitment to the Travel Goods Association and the travel, gear, & adventure industry exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, and their generous support helps make this event possible.
Outdoor Product of the Year - Near Zero Adventure Bundle
Recognized for setting a new benchmark in performance and versatility for travelers who demand the very best from their gear in the world’s most demanding environments.
Sustainability Award - Solgaard
Recognized for exceptional leadership in sustainable design and manufacturing, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and world-class product innovation go hand in hand.
Best Travel Luggage - Bellroy Transit Collection
Celebrated for its seamless fusion of thoughtful organization, refined aesthetics, and travel-ready durability that elevates the everyday journey.
Travel Bag of the Year - Hedgren Matte Weekender Bag
Recognized for delivering effortless style and exceptional functionality in a design that redefines what travelers should expect from a travel companion.
People’s Choice Award - Nuataaq
Recognized for a brand or product that has genuinely captured the hearts and loyalty of consumers worldwide.
New Product of the Year - Airstream Globetrotter Cabin
Honored as one of this year’s most compelling and innovative additions to the travel goods market, redefining possibility for the modern adventurer.
Travel Product of the Year - Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1 40L
Awarded to the product that best exemplifies excellence across design, function, and real-world performance for today’s discerning traveler.
Creator of the Year - Rilee Smith
The Creator of the Year Award recognizes a voice who has made a meaningful impact on the travel goods industry. This honor celebrates someone who collaborates authentically with brands, brings genuine creativity to every project, and tells stories that don’t just inform — they spark conversation and shape the culture around how people think about and experience travel.
Unlike pay-to-play recognition, the TGA Show Awards are grounded in authenticity. Winners were nominated and selected by travel retailers, creators, and industry experts based on merit, originality, and the real-world value they bring to travelers.
The TGA Show Awards shine a spotlight on the best in travel — companies, products, and people that move the industry forward, create gear that matters, and inspire the next journey.
Adventure Games
In addition to celebrating excellence through the annual TGA Awards, the 2026 Travel, Gear & Adventure Show introduced several exciting new experiences for attendees.
The inaugural Adventure Games, presented by Maverik, Ricardo Beverly Hills, Eagle Creek, Osprey, NOBL, and Incase, invited both TGA Show attendees and the general public to compete in travel and adventure themed challenges for a chance to win cash, gear, and other prizes. Games included Luggage Shuffleboard, Packing Accuracy, Suitcase Slalom, Travel Trivia, Gear Weight Guess, and more.
Expedition Superstore Built For Adventure Contest
TGA also partnered with Expedition Superstore to launch the inaugural Built for Adventure Contest, showcasing custom-built adventure vehicles from across the region. Attendees voted for their favorite build, with the winning vehicle receiving a $5,000 Expedition Superstore gift card.
Winners from both competitions were recognized during the Awards Ceremony, further celebrating the innovation, creativity, and spirit of adventure that defined this year's event.
You can view the full 2026 TGA Awards photo gallery here. For more information about the TGA Show Awards or the Travel Goods Association, visit www.travelgoods.org.