When you travel you probably rely on the few items you’re able to bring with you. Above all, those things need to be reliable and work in as many situations as possible. Yet, as much time, effort and thought as people put into packing, they often overlook one crucial item.
“The luggage being sold at Costco, Target or Kmart are fine, but they’ll only last you one or two trips — then, the wheels will break off, or the zipper will burst, or whatever,” Josh Udashkin, founder and CEO of Raden said. “It’s bad for the environment, and it doesn't meet any of my quality standards for any of the other products I buy. So, why would it be ok for my luggage?”
Raden makes high quality, connected smart-luggage for the mid-market. Their bags aren't as cheap as the ‘one-off’ bags you can pick up at Walmart, but they're also nowhere near as expensive as a lifetime investment piece from Tumi. And, as great as that is, where the bags really get cool is with their integrated technology.
"Luggage seemed to be a category that was untouched by technology," Udashkin said. “And there seemed to be a weird hallowing out in the middle of the market.”
Raden's smart-luggage is the sort of thing that Q-Branch would develop for James Bond — if he were a business traveler. There's no secret button releasing nerve gas or hidden gun compartments, but there is a homing beacon.
The company equips their bags with a whole slew of high-tech gadgetry for the frequent traveler. Each bag has low energy Bluetooth that pairs with a smartphone. With that, you can track where your bag is located and make sure it makes it onto the plane with you. There is a scale hidden into the handle of the bag, which will tell you if your bag is overweight for your flight. Perhaps best of all, each bag is equipped with a charging station for electronics — a relief from the perennial headache of finding an outlet at our outdated airports.
Raden launched in New York in late March of this year with the opening of their brick and mortar store in Soho. So far, the company said the response to their product has been overwhelmingly positive, and they're busy getting the product into more stores, both online and offline.
The company is currently working with the high-end department store Selfridges in London to create a proof of concept model for how the company can roll out their products in over 20 large department stores over the next year.
“Our real goal is to make travel seamless and easy, and to build a great product that people love," Udashkin said.
Raden's carry on bag will cost you just under $300, which is pretty reasonable if it makes you feel like James Bond. Especially when you consider how much the real thing is going for.
Image via Raden.
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