Skip to main content

Tired of dragging your suitcase upstairs? Try the TraxPack instead

If lugging your luggage around always puts a damper on your otherwise delightful travel plans, we may have finally found the suitcase for you. Say goodbye to the days of trying to make your way up and down stairs with a heavy suitcase in tow, and hello to the TraxPack. A smart bag that features what the manufacturer describes as “tank tracks,” similar to those you might find on a military tank, this suitcase won’t necessarily protect you in battle, but if you’re fighting a long flight of steps, you’re going to want TraxPack on your side. Branded as “a new kind of suitcase that deploys a track system … to effortlessly roll up stairs,” this piece of luggage’s mission is “to make travel safe, secure, and smooth.”

With its tilting handle, TraxPack claims to give travelers the ultimate in maneuverability and “full control over your luggage.” No matter how you twist or turn it, you’ll be able to take TraxPack along for the ride thanks to its “dynamic self-adjusting track system.”

Recommended Videos

Explaining the genesis of the new luggage concept, TraxPack co-founder Naisha Joseph said, “I had issues from losing my bag to having to carry a heavy bag up a broken escalator, incurring unexpected fees at the gate, my phone would be dead (and) I couldn’t make any calls — I had all these issues.” And luckily, TraxPack addresses all of them.

Not only does this piece of luggage purport to get you up and down stairs better than before, it also features a GPS tracking system, a built-in weight scale, USB charging docks, and TSA-approved locks and extra-strong zippers. Basically, every travel woe you’ve ever encountered should be addressed by the $515 suitcase.

With 51 days to go, the TraxPack team has raised just over $7,000, and is hoping to hit $65,000 over the next month and a half. So if you’re interested in a new kind of suitcase, you can jump on the early-bird price of $198 on their Kickstarter campaign. 

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
New Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical is the wild watch that was worth the wait
Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical

If you want a watch that will still be going even after your puny human body is done and dusted, then the Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical is the watch to outlast you.

Garmin has just unveiled the latest in its Tactical line-up of Instinct wearables as its toughest and most feature rich yet.

Read more
Slate Unveils $20K Electric Truck That Transforms Into an SUV
slate 20k ev blank  roller 1 web

Slate Automotive, a new American EV startup, has just unveiled its first vehicle: a radically minimalist electric truck that can convert into a five-seat SUV. Dubbed the “Blank Slate,” the EV made its debut this week, instantly turning heads not just for its versatility but for its incredibly low price—starting under $20,000 after federal tax incentives.

Unlike Tesla and Lucid, which launched with high-priced luxury models, Slate wants to flip the model: start cheap, scale up.
At its core, the Slate Truck is a utilitarian, two-seat electric pickup designed for simplicity and affordability. But what sets it apart is its transformative potential. Thanks to a modular accessory system, the truck can be upgraded over time—including a kit that adds a rear seat, roll cage, airbags, and SUV body panels. This means buyers can start with a minimalist pickup and evolve it into a family-friendly SUV—either themselves or through Slate’s growing network of service partners.
Customization is central to Slate’s vision. Owners will be able to choose from over 100 accessories at launch, ranging from vinyl wraps and Bluetooth-ready audio systems to larger battery packs and off-road upgrades. The company encourages a DIY approach, offering tools and tutorials through “Slate University” to empower users to modify and maintain their own vehicles.
Powering the truck is a 52.7-kWh battery for up to 150 miles of range, or an optional 84.3-kWh pack targeting 240 miles. Fast-charging capabilities and Tesla’s NACS port come standard. The vehicle is rear-wheel-drive and delivers around 200 horsepower—enough for urban commuting and light-duty hauling.
What enables the low price is Slate’s stripped-down approach to manufacturing. There’s no paint shop, no stamping, and only one trim level—everything else is modular. The vehicle features steel wheels, crank windows, and a rugged plastic body designed to take a beating and still look good. It’s a rejection of the tech-saturated, high-cost vehicles dominating today’s market.
Despite the minimalist specs, Slate isn’t skimping on safety. The truck is engineered to meet top crash test ratings and comes equipped with up to eight airbags, active emergency braking, and forward collision warning.
Backing this ambitious approach is significant investor support—including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. That backing, combined with a simplified production model, positions Slate to scale quickly once production begins in 2026.
Reservations are now open for $50 at slate.auto, with deliveries expected in late 2026. Whether Americans are ready for a stripped-down, shape-shifting EV remains to be seen, but Slate’s bet on affordability and customization could make it one of the most disruptive entries in the EV market to date.

Read more
ChatGPT’s awesome Deep Research gets a light version and goes free for all
Deep Research option for ChatGPT.

There’s a lot of AI hype floating around, and it seems every brand wants to cram it into their products. But there are a few remarkably useful tools, as well, though they are pretty expensive. ChatGPT’s Deep Research is one such feature, and it seems OpenAI is finally feeling a bit generous about it. 

The company has created a lightweight version of Deep Research that is powered by its new o4-mini language model. OpenAI says this variant is “more cost-efficient while preserving high quality.” More importantly, it is available to use for free without any subscription caveat. 

Read more