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1. Urban Undercover Travel Wrap
Sometimes, figuring out what to pack for a trip is easier than figuring out what to pack it in. But Minnesota-based Urban Undercover specializes in comfortable, stylish, and (best of all) versatile travel wear that pulls double duty. Founder Sairey Gernes started with underwear but has expanded her line to include leggings, dresses, and accessories. The best-selling everyday travel wrap is made of bamboo and is as soft as it is durable. It can be layered and tied dozens of ways for a variety of fashionable looks that can go from flights to fancy dinners. Wrap, $160, urbanundercover.com
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2. Fabulyss Boutique Self-Defense Keychain
This all-in-one set of tools is a must-have for safety, designed for self-defense. Company owner Alyssa Collazo has shared her story about wanting to develop the keychain after she was sexually harassed on her college campus. The interlocking set may be a bit bulky, but it connects a fashionable wristlet, a pepper-spray canister, an LED click light, a Kubotan poker, a holder for hand sanitizer, and a pom on a heavy-duty keyring. Pack in your checked bag for peace of mind at your destination. $30, fabulyssboutique.com
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3. Tare Market Zero-Waste Travel Gear
Founder Amber Haukedahl started this zero-waste company in Minnesota after studying conservation biology and moving to the state in 2017. It now offers more than 700 products and helps divert thousands of plastic bags from landfills. These products, perfect for camping trips or outdoors adventures, are portable, durable, and plastic-free. Foldable cutlery set, $9.99; bamboo toothbrush case, $7.99, thetaremarket.com
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4. Heritage Gear Totes and Wraps
Fan of travel? Fan of sports? Combine both loves with Minnesota-made Heritage Gear luxury goods that are handcrafted with upscale materials, including full-grain leathers and biodegradable wool. Founder Greg Heinemann values tradition and quality. Show pride in your alma mater or professional sports team and score compliments with their leather bags, luggage tags, cashmere wraps, and other branded products. Weekender bags, $595, merino scarf, $150, heritagegear.com
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5. Rollink Collapsible Luggage
Travel radically changed when companies finally realized adding wheels to luggage was a good idea. Combine that technology with this expandable feature, and packing for a trip is simple. This lightweight luggage weighs only 6 pounds but has a hard, durable shell, several interior compartments, and double spinner wheels. Flex 360° international carry-on spinner suitcase, $199, rolllink.com
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6. Kizik Slip-on Shoes
There’s hands-free technology, so why not hands-free travel shoes? It may sound like a gimmick, but these sneakers really do just slip on and off for running errands and skipping through airport security. Nike is an investment partner with this brand, which offers a number of styles for men, women, and children, from leather uppers to canvas versions, with fashion-forward color combos and designs. Athens version, $109, kizik.com
