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CES 2026 Carry-On Tech: 10 Gadgets That Belong in Your Travel Backpack

ttermini

2026-01-21

10 min read

Curated CES 2026 travel tech: 10 must-have carry-on gadgets — power banks, smart locks, compact chargers and more for smarter packing and safer trips.

CES 2026 Carry-On Tech: 10 Gadgets That Belong in Your Travel Backpack

Running late for a flight with dead devices, tangled cables, or a suitcase you can't lock? Every traveler — commuter, digital nomad, or weekend adventurer — knows the frustration of tech that makes trips harder, not easier. CES 2026 delivered a wave of practical innovations. Using ZDNET's CES picks as inspiration, this guide curates the 10 travel-ready gadgets that deserve space in your carry-on in 2026 and explains how to pack them, why they matter, and how to stay compliant with current airline rules.

Inspired by ZDNET's CES 2026 product picks and independent testing ethos, this travel-focused wishlist picks the most useful carry-on tech for real-world trips in 2026.

Quick take — the 10 essentials

100Wh (and modular 160Wh) USB-C power bank — battery backbone for multi-day travel
GaN 4-port 140W compact charger — small, powerful wall charger
Magnetic modular power hub — clamps to backpack rails for tidy power access
Smart TSA-friendly lock — biometric, Bluetooth, and TSA-approved override
Global luggage tracker with UWB + eSIM — real-time location without Wi‑Fi
Portable NVMe SSD with hardware encryption — fast, secure backups on the go
Noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds — travel-grade ANC with multipoint pairing
Pocket AI translator (offline-capable) — two-way translation without roaming fees
Hybrid foldable solar panel + battery — emergency, eco-friendly top-up
Compact travel router / hotspot with eSIM — private, fast Wi‑Fi in hotels and cafes

Why these gadgets matter in 2026

By late 2025 and into 2026, trends that matter to travelers became clear: USB-C PD 3.1 adoption, widespread GaN miniaturization, better offline AI for translators and assistants, and more reliable global connectivity via eSIM and low-bandwidth satellite services. CES 2026 highlighted products that combine portability with practical features — the exact traits you want in carry-on gadgets.

The list — deep dive, packing tips, and airline rules

1. High-capacity USB-C power bank (100Wh; modular 160Wh option)

Why: Power banks remain the single most useful accessory for long travel days. The sweet spot for carry-on compliance is 100Wh or less — you can take them in your carry-on without airline approval. New modular units on show at CES 2026 add removable cells that let you stack to 160Wh for multi-leg trips (with airline permission).

What to look for: true capacity labeling (Wh, not just mAh), USB-C PD output (60–140W peak), dual-device passthrough.
Packing tip: keep the bank in an easily accessible pocket — airlines require batteries in the cabin, not checked baggage.
Regulations (2026 check): FAA and equivalent authorities allow power banks up to 100Wh in carry-on; 100–160Wh usually need airline approval; >160Wh are typically prohibited.

2. GaN 4-port 140W compact charger

Why: GaN has shrunk high-watt chargers from bulky bricks to palm-sized hubs. At CES 2026, the best designs packed three USB-C PD ports plus a USB-A for accessories while delivering up to 140W across ports — enough for laptops, phones, and tablets simultaneously.

What to look for: PD 3.1 support (EPR where available), intelligent power distribution, and detachable plug options for international travel.
Packing tip: put the charger in the same compartment as your laptop sleeve to keep cables short and organized. For hands-on reviews of compact chargers, see our field review of similar compact smart chargers.

3. Magnetic modular power hub that integrates with your backpack

Why: CES 2026 showed several magnetic accessories designed for modern carry-ons — think a slim hub that docks to your backpack frame to power lights, a camera, or a drone. They reduce cable clutter and give quick access to charging ports without unpacking.

What to look for: strong magnetic hold, weather resistance, and a short USB-C pigtail that tucks away when not used.
Packing tip: mount it on the strap or top pocket and route cables through cable channels to avoid snagging during security checks. Compact smart plug kits and hub reviews can help you compare designs.

4. Smart TSA-friendly lock with biometric & Bluetooth unlock

Why: Security without the keychain scramble is a real quality-of-life upgrade. New locks on display at CES 2026 combined fingerprint unlock, Bluetooth phone keys, and TSA-approved mechanical overrides so you can protect gear and still pass inspections.

What to look for: physical TSA key compatibility, long battery life (or replaceable coin cell), and local-only authentication to avoid remote hacking risks.
Packing tip: use smart locks on backpack zipper pulls or on a small interior compartment for tech security during transit and in shared accommodations.

5. Global luggage tracker with UWB + eSIM

Why: BLE trackers are fine for short range, but CES 2026 highlighted hybrid trackers that combine ultra-wideband (UWB) for precise proximity with an embedded eSIM and low-bandwidth cellular fallback for real-time location across borders.

What to look for: international roaming plans, replaceable battery or long-life rechargeable cell, and geofencing alerts in the companion app.
Packing tip: place the tracker in an internal zippered pocket near the bag’s base — it stays protected and gives a true location even if the bag is layered with clothing.

6. Portable NVMe SSD with hardware encryption

Why: Travelers who carry photos, video, or work files need fast backups that don't compromise privacy. CES 2026 introduced pocket NVMe drives with AES hardware encryption and USB4 speeds that make offloading camera cards during a layover painless.

What to look for: rugged housing, hardware encryption with PIN fallback, and a cable that supports both USB-C and Thunderbolt hosts.
Packing tip: keep the drive in a padded tech organizer along with a small USB-C short cable — that combo saves time and friction when transferring files.

7. Noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds with multipoint and ambient modes

Why: ANC earbuds have matured — the new wave reduces cabin hum, supports transparent conversation, and switches between two devices seamlessly. CES 2026 earbuds added adaptive modes that automatically tune ANC for air travel or bustling terminals.

What to look for: long ANC battery life (6+ hours), multipoint pairing, and an app with adjustable noise profiles.
Packing tip: stow the case in your jacket pocket or top pocket for quick access during security and boarding.

8. Pocket AI translator with offline models

Why: Connectivity can be unreliable. CES 2026 highlighted pocket-sized devices that run efficient on-device translation models — meaning two-way speech translation without data roaming. For travelers, that removes a major communication barrier in remote areas.

What to look for: offline language packs, quick mic pickup, and a rechargeable battery lasting multiple days.
Packing tip: pair the translator to your phone over Bluetooth for audio output to earbuds if needed, and store the device in an outer pocket for instant access.

9. Hybrid foldable solar panel + battery

Why: Green, lightweight charging solutions finally got more efficient. The new panels at CES paired high-efficiency cells with an integrated battery so you can charge by day and use stored energy at night. These are especially useful for long outdoor legs or remote work.

What to look for: MPPT charging for efficiency, weather resistance, and quick USB-C output for phones and power banks.
Packing tip: fold the panel flat against the outside of a travel backpack when hiking, but store the battery pack inside to protect it from elements. For hands-on solar pop-up and panel reviews, see our field review of solar-powered pop-up kits.

10. Compact travel router / hotspot with eSIM and Wi‑Fi 6E

Why: Hotel Wi‑Fi remains a weak link. CES 2026 showcased routers that provision eSIM profiles on the fly and provide a private Wi‑Fi 6E network you control. That solves insecure public Wi‑Fi and gives consistent speeds for streaming and work calls.

What to look for: simple eSIM provisioning, WPA3 support, and a battery good for full-day use.
Packing tip: keep it with your laptop gear; use it as a hotspot in hotels to avoid unstable local networks and split your devices on separate SSIDs for security. If you run pop-up streams or mobile cinema setups, portable microserver and PocketLan workflows are useful references.

Packing tech — real-world packing examples

Here are two packing scenarios, showing how to place these gadgets inside a standard 40L travel backpack so they’re secure, organized, and easy to reach during security checks.

Weekend city trip (2–3 days)

Top pocket: earbuds case, translator, passport, and smart lock.
Laptop sleeve: 14" ultrabook, GaN charger in a slim pouch, short USB-C cable.
Main compartment (near top): 100Wh power bank and magnetic modular hub attached to internal rail.
Bottom internal zip: NVMe SSD in a small padded case and luggage tracker.
Side pocket: travel router (turned off during flight) and hybrid solar panel folded flat.

Remote outdoor trip (multi-day)

Top pocket: translator, earbuds, and small first-aid items.
Main compartment: modular 160Wh battery module in padded sleeve (airline approval required if flying), external battery for day hikes.
Exterior attachment: solar panel folded and strapped to the pack’s dorsal panel for top-up while hiking.
Internal safer pocket: UWB tracker, NVMe drive, and smart lock for campsite storage.

Actionable takeaways — buy, pack, and travel smarter

Prioritize power and compliance: Always check Wh ratings on power banks and keep them in carry-on. If you need >100Wh, call your airline ahead of time.
Go GaN for chargers: A 140W GaN hub replaces multiple bricks and saves weight and space.
Minimize cables: Short, quality USB-C cables and a single universal charger cut the tangle and speed up security lines.
Secure your kit: Use a TSA-friendly smart lock and place trackers internally to prevent loss without blocking signals.
Backup photos daily: Offload to a portable NVMe SSD nightly — faster and safer than cloud-only backups in low-bandwidth destinations.
Plan connectivity: Carry a travel router with eSIM or a hybrid tracker with eSIM if you rely on constant connectivity for work.

2026 trends that will shape the next generation of travel gadgets

CES 2026 confirmed several direction-setting trends:

Universal USB-C ecosystems: More devices standardize on USB-C PD 3.1, meaning fewer proprietary chargers and faster cross-device charging.
On-device AI: Offline translation and smart assistant features reduce dependence on roaming or unstable networks.
Modular power systems: Removable battery modules and backpack-integrated hubs will push toward baggage that powers devices as an integrated system.
Global eSIM and satellite fallbacks: Better eSIM provisioning and low-bandwidth satellite services are making real-time tracking and emergency comms practical for more travelers.

Trustworthy shopping tips

When buying CES 2026-inspired gear, apply these filters to separate hype from longevity:

Look for independent testing and clear labeling (Wh, PD wattage, IP rating).
Prefer brands with transparent return policies and international warranty coverage.
Read battery safety docs — modern power tech is safe when used correctly but must be handled per airline rules.

Final checklist before you close your backpack

Power bank in carry-on, charged to 30–80% for airport screening ease.
Short USB-C cable and GaN charger in the laptop sleeve.
Smart lock engaged on zippers, but leave TSA mechanical override accessible.
Tracker active and linked to your phone, with roaming plan confirmed.
NVMe SSD safely stored and encrypted; translator and earbuds accessible.

Closing — pack intentionally, travel confidently

CES 2026 was less about gimmicks and more about solving friction points that real travelers face: power, connectivity, security, and convenience. The 10 gadgets above reflect that shift and are purpose-built for carry-on life. Pack these with intent — not excess — and you’ll get more usable power, fewer headaches at security, and better protection for your data and belongings.

Ready to upgrade your travel kit? Start by choosing one power solution (GaN charger or a 100Wh power bank), add one connectivity item (tracker or travel router), and replace tangled cables with a short USB-C set. Test them on a short trip before you commit to larger battery modules or integrated systems.

Want curated recommendations matched to your travel style? Visit our curated travel gear catalog for CES 2026 picks and hand-tested combos tailored to commuters, frequent flyers, and outdoor adventurers.

termini

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.