Before we fully gear up for 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on the gear, style, and stories that defined your year with Western Rise. From groundbreaking fabric innovations to stories that inspired your next big move—let’s buckle up and cruise through our 2024 Hall of Fame.
1. The Game-Changing Layer: Venture Zip Hoodie
Regarding layering, the Venture Zip Hoodie rewrote the rulebook this year. It's the ultimate travel companion, designed for performance, comfort, and versatility. Made from a lightweight yet ultra-durable fabric blend, it resists wrinkles, wicks moisture, and even fights odors—making it ideal for long-haul flights, unpredictable weather, and everything in between.
The pockets are perfect for stashing essentials, while the tailored fit and modern silhouette ensure you look sharp whether you’re trekking through mountain trails or heading out for a coffee run. This is the hoodie that makes other hoodies question their life choices.
2. Your Go-Anywhere Essential: Voyager Bags Collection
This year, the Voyager Bags Collection has been launched and has become your trusted sidekick for every adventure, big or small. Designed to keep up with the pace of 2024, these bags proved they could handle it all—spontaneous weekend getaways, daily commutes, and everything in between.
From the streamlined Voyager Sling to the versatile Voyager Backpack, this collection delivers smart storage, weather resistance, and a modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into your on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you were navigating crowded airports or rugged trails, the Voyager Bags were always up to the task. They’re crafted to last, helping you travel lighter on the planet while still carrying everything you need.
3. The Year-Round MVP: AT Pant
From trailheads to breweries, the AT Pant proved itself as the ultimate go-anywhere essential in 2024. Designed with rugged durability and a water-resistant finish, it easily handled everything from rainy commutes to mountain switchbacks. Whether navigating rocky trails or dodging puddles in the city, these pants deliver unmatched performance and reliability.
Its tailored fit wasn’t just functional—it looked just as sharp during happy hour as it did on the trail. Lightweight yet tough, the AT Pant became a favorite for travelers and adventurers who needed gear as versatile as their lifestyle.
As we step into 2025, the AT Pant continues to be your ultimate go-to for any adventure—rain, shine, or anything in between. To kick off the new year in style, you can grab them at an incredible 60% discount or snag a pair in our fresh new color, perfect for your next journey.
4. The Cities You Couldn't Get Enough of: Iconic Spots and City Hopping
This year, the world’s top cities captured the hearts of travelers with a blend of global events and immersive experiences. according to Euromonitor Top 100 City Destinations Index report, Paris retained its crown as the No. 1 city, thanks to its charm and a lineup of events like the Summer Olympic Games. Madrid and Tokyo followed closely, while New York City climbed to No. 6, solidifying its place as America’s top travel destination.
City hopping also made a comeback, with travelers focusing on cultural immersion during short trips. Destinations like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Singapore saw visitors diving into vibrant street scenes, culinary delights, and local artistry. Western Rise gear proved essential for these adventures, offering lightweight and versatile options for navigating urban landscapes.
Western Rise gear proved indispensable for these adventures, providing lightweight, versatile options perfect for navigating bustling urban landscapes. And as you plan your next trip for the new year, don’t forget to check out our articles on what to wear in Paris, New York, and London—your ultimate guides to staying stylish and prepared in these iconic cities.
5. Bleisure Travel Takes the Spotlight in 2024
Work and wanderlust collided this year as bleisure travel—combining business trips with leisure activities—soared in popularity. Remote work flexibility empowered travelers to mix business meetings with leisure pursuits like mountain hikes, city tours, or waterfront dinners.
Destinations like Tokyo, Singapore, and Barcelona became prime hotspots for bleisure travelers, offering vibrant cultural scenes, world-class dining, and exceptional business infrastructure. Closer to home, cities like Miami, Austin, and New York blended productivity with endless leisure possibilities, from serene beaches to buzzing nightlife.
For professionals on the move, our mens clothing provides the perfect balance of style and functionality, transitioning seamlessly from conference calls to weekend getaways. And before your next trip, don’t forget to check out our business trip packing list for men—your ultimate guide to packing light and smart for work and play.
6. Cultural Immersion Experiences Steal the Show
This year, travelers sought meaningful connections with their destinations, embracing cultural immersion through cooking classes, local homestays, and traditional craft workshops. These experiences turned trips into opportunities to learn, grow, and create memories that went beyond sightseeing. Destinations offering authentic, hands-on experiences saw a surge in popularity as travelers prioritized stories over selfies.
At Western Rise, we’ve always embraced Anthony Bourdain’s philosophy: travel with curiosity, respect, and a hunger for authentic experiences. He believed the best way to understand a place was through its people, food, and culture—a sentiment we carry on every journey and hope you’ll try too.
As a brand, we follow this concept by equipping explorers with lightweight, durable apparel that makes connecting with cultures comfortable and effortless.
Cultural immersion wasn’t just a trend in 2024—it became the heart of travel itself.
7. Slow Travel Sets the Pace
The fast-paced city-hopping of years past took a backseat as slow travel emerged as the preferred way to explore in 2024. Travelers embraced longer stays in fewer locations, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in local cultures, reduce their carbon footprint, and savor the journey.
Popular destinations like Tuscany, Kyoto, and Patagonia became havens for those seeking a slower, more intentional travel experience. Our versatile and low-maintenance apparel complemented this trend, making extended stays and light packing a breeze.
In 2024, travel wasn’t about how much you saw—it was about how deeply you connected. We believe this trend will only continue to grow in 2025.
8. AI-enhanced Travel Planning Changes the Game
Artificial intelligence revolutionized the world, and travel was no exception. For us, the most significant impact of AI on travel in 2024 was how it transformed the way people planned their trips. Personalized itineraries, real-time recommendations, and AI-curated experiences with tools like Mindway and GuideGeek made travel easier, smarter, and more tailored to individual preferences.
Insights from Washington State University’s Carson College of Business revealed that nearly all Gen Z travelers (97%) expected rising costs to significantly influence their travel decisions, from accommodations and destinations to trip length and activities. As a result, AI’s ability to optimize budgets and create efficient travel plans became even more valuable.
From finding hidden-gem restaurants to streamlining travel routes, AI allowed adventurers to maximize their time and minimize stress. In 2024, travel was about letting innovation handle the details so you could focus on the journey.
9. Road Trips and Outdoor Escapes Go Strong
Road trips made a roaring comeback in 2024, particularly among older generations craving freedom and flexibility. Iconic routes like California’s Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachian Mountains, and Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 drew travelers with their stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for exploration.
Outdoor destinations like Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Adirondacks complemented this trend, offering breathtaking hiking trails, serene camping spots, and a chance to unplug and recharge.
In 2024, the road wasn’t just a path—it was the destination. Before your next adventure, check out our road trip packing guide to ensure you’re fully equipped for the journey.
10. The Global Travel Shift: Sustainable Adventures in 2024
This year, sustainability redefined travel. Carbon-offset programs like Southwest’s dollar-matching initiative and Alaska Airlines’ SAF credits made it easier than ever to minimize flight emissions. On the ground, green-certified hotels, slow travel by train, and locally sourced experiences became traveler favorites, reducing environmental impact while supporting local communities. We played our part as a carbon-neutral brand, crafting durable, waste-conscious products that helped travelers pack light and responsibly.
In 2024, travel didn’t just explore the world—it made strides toward preserving it, and we hope this trend will continue to grow and expand for years to come.
11. Emerging Destinations: Asia's Rising Stars in 2024
TripAdvisor's top 2024 destinations report reveals that this year, Asia took center stage as the hotspot for adventurous travelers seeking fresh experiences . Tokyo led the charge with its vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, while Seoul captivated visitors with its dynamic culture and thriving culinary scene. Nature enthusiasts flocked to Halong Bay, where the breathtaking limestone karsts and tranquil waters offered an escape like no other.
These destinations weren’t just stops on a map—they became the backdrop for transformative journeys. In 2024, Asia didn’t just trend—it inspired a new wave of discovery.
12. Top Travel Essentials: Must-Have Gear for 2024
Lastly, let’s wrap up our top picks list with some of the most innovative travel essentials that defined the past year. Compression packing cubes topped the list, helping travelers maximize luggage space while keeping everything wrinkle-free and organized. Portable chargers and universal travel adapters became indispensable for staying powered and connected, whether in bustling cities or off-grid escapes.
Noise-canceling headphones and lightweight travel blankets transformed long flights into peaceful retreats, while reusable water bottles aligned with the push for eco-friendly travel. For those aiming to stay sharp on the go, travel-sized steamers ensured clothing stayed crisp, and hanging toiletry bags kept personal care items accessible and tidy.
These tools weren’t just convenient—they redefined the way we journeyed through the world. Be sure to check out our travel essentials guide to get equipped for your next adventure.
2024 was a year that reminded us of the transformative power of travel—the joy of discovering new horizons, connecting with cultures, and making every moment count. As we step into a new year, let’s carry that spirit forward, embracing the adventures that await and the stories yet to be written.
At Western Rise, we’re here to ensure you get the most out of every journey. With versatile, durable clothing designed to adapt to any adventure, we make sure you travel with ease and confidence. Here’s to exploring the world, connecting deeply, and making 2025 a year of unforgettable experiences.
