Meet Ryan Calloway
Hi, I’m Ryan—a Denver-based travel gear specialist with 12 years of experience testing, reviewing, and recommending travel equipment for every type of adventure. I’ve logged over 200,000 miles across 45+ countries, from budget backpacking through Southeast Asia to business travel across Europe, and everything in between.
Before launching JetSetEquip, I spent seven years as a product development consultant for outdoor and travel brands, where I learned firsthand how products are designed, tested, and manufactured. That insider knowledge gives me a sharper eye when evaluating the gear I recommend to you.
I hold a degree in Materials Engineering from Colorado School of Mines, which means I don’t just look at marketing claims—I understand the science behind fabrics, zippers, wheel bearings, and battery chemistry. When I tell you a carry-on’s polycarbonate shell will handle baggage handler abuse, I’ve actually tested the impact resistance.
What We Cover
JetSetEquip focuses exclusively on travel gear and equipment, with deep expertise in:
- Carry-On Luggage — Hardside, softside, spinners, underseat bags, and garment carriers
- Travel Backpacks — Daypacks, anti-theft, hiking, laptop, and convertible packs
- Portable Power — Power banks, solar chargers, car chargers, and portable stations
- Travel Accessories — Pillows, compression socks, adapters, RFID protection, and bottles
- Toiletry Bags — Hanging, TSA-approved, waterproof, and minimalist organizers
- Travel Security — Neck wallets, anti-theft bags, RFID sleeves, and luggage tags
Why Trust JetSetEquip?
We buy every product ourselves. We don’t accept free samples from manufacturers, because gifts create bias—even subconsciously. Every product reviewed on JetSetEquip was purchased with our own money at retail prices.
We test in real conditions. Our reviews aren’t based on unboxing videos or spec sheets. Each product goes through our 30+ day multi-phase testing process (see below) before we publish.
Commission rates never influence rankings. Some affiliate sites push products with higher commissions. We don’t. Our #1 picks earn that position through testing, not kickbacks.
Our Review Process
Every product featured on JetSetEquip goes through a rigorous four-phase evaluation:
Lab Benchmarks — We measure exact dimensions (not manufacturer claims), weigh products on calibrated scales, run zipper durability cycles, and test water resistance under controlled conditions at our Denver workspace.
Real-World Field Testing — Top candidates travel with us for 30+ days. We test carry-ons in actual overhead bins across multiple airlines, run backpacks through cobblestone streets and monsoon rains, and charge devices in off-grid conditions.
Comparative Scoring — Products are scored on a weighted rubric: Durability (25%), Travel-Readiness (25%), Value (20%), Comfort/Usability (20%), and Build Quality (10%). We compare against category leaders and prior benchmarks.
Annual Re-Evaluation — Our top picks aren’t set in stone. We retest annually and update guides when better products emerge or existing picks show wear.
Editorial Independence
JetSetEquip is editorially independent. While we earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you), this revenue never influences our product rankings or recommendations. Our editorial team makes all content decisions independently.
We decline sponsored content requests and don’t accept payments from brands for reviews or placement.
Get in Touch
Have questions, feedback, or a product you’d like us to review?
- Email: ryan@jetsetequip.com
- Location: Denver, Colorado
Thank you for trusting JetSetEquip. We’re here to help you travel smarter, lighter, and with gear you can actually rely on.