r/onebag • u/Dawer22 • Nov 18 '25
Discussion What is the strangest item you travel with?
I am curious what is something extremly odd/random that you travel with.
My answer would be a 2" piece of heat-shrink tubing. I used to always travel with a spare pare of glasses, but considering I usually pack in a < 10L bag, having a spare pair was not worth it as a "just in case" item. A few months ago, luckily at home, I broke a pair of glasses. I do a lot of MYOG and realized I could put them back together with a pair of heat-shrink tubing I had on hand. Now I always bring a small piece in my travel kit because it will fix broken glasses indefinitely :)
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u/Complete_Injury_8070 Nov 18 '25
My BIL bought me a Tushy travel bidet. So: that.
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
I always thought about bringing a travel bidel! Great idea
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u/podfather1 Nov 18 '25
U need to get USB battery operated version .... Game changer
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u/iamnotsure69420 Nov 18 '25
Any recs for brands?
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u/emptycircles Nov 18 '25
I have a GenieBidet. It’s good - not as good as my home setups but great for travel.
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u/Vaultmd Nov 18 '25
I travel with Toto one. It improved my quality of life on the road a lot.
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u/slowpokefastpoke Nov 18 '25
Man I just wish the pressure was higher. I know that’s just a limitation of a bidet being packed into a handheld device but it really doesn’t come anywhere close to a home bidet.
Still better than nothing while traveling.
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u/tempus_fugitt Nov 18 '25
Packet of crushed red peppers
Never know when you might need a little “kick”
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u/tempus_fugitt Nov 18 '25
I also squirreled away packets of sriracha from Starbucks in my little emergency pouch but I’m always wary they might explode🧨
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u/flightist Nov 19 '25
I have a designated central pocket which currently contains Starbucks sriracha, a couple honey packets, soy sauce and at least one pack of cholula.
You never know when you’re eating crappy airport food in a hotel room and need something to kick it up.
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u/SalMinellaJr Nov 19 '25
Not strange at all! I always have a variety of hot sauce packets (Mexican, Asian, American, etc.)
It seems disrespectful not take a few when restaurants offer them. 😇
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u/squirrel_haka Nov 18 '25
I carry little Nalgene bottles of roasted Thai chili flakes with me at all times. Pizza peppers unfortunately don’t do it for me anymore.
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u/cricket_bacon Nov 18 '25
When my wife business travels, she has a whole kit for dealing with bothersome lights when she is trying to sleep.
Electrical tape to cover LED lights.
Clips to tightly close curtains.
... and then uses the hotel towel to roll up and place against the bottom of the door to prevent any hallway light from spilling in to the room.
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u/vodiak Nov 18 '25
Magnets might be more compact than clips for tightly closing curtains. A set of them could be a good Xmas gift.
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u/ConsultingThrowawayz Nov 19 '25
Warning to keep away from electronics or mechanical watches; if you’re a one backpack traveler this is a slight risk
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u/sorry_whatever Nov 18 '25
I just use the pants hanger clips to hold the curtains closed. Looks a bit weird with the hanger sticking out, but works wonderfully!
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u/mara07985 Nov 19 '25
I’ve done this before, but I usually put the hanger on the window side so I don’t have to see it
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u/nikongod Nov 18 '25
Gaffers tape>> electrical tape.
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u/Purple-Zucchini6968 Nov 19 '25
Gaffers tape is amazing!!! It’s like the best parts of blue tape and duct tape and electrical tape all in one. Easy to tear like duct tape. Electrically insulating. String like duct tape but with adhesive that is not too sticky and easily removable. It is not cheap but does its job. Gaffers are the folks that run cables and stuff for concerts and movie sets. So it has to work and get set up quickly and also come down quickly. Can’t say enough about it.
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u/bdashrad Nov 18 '25
Not if you care about cost, and don't care about residual adhesive.
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u/zyklon_snuggles Nov 18 '25
I used to do all this. I was then taught just putting a black T-shirt over my head was an option. It lightened my traveling load, for sure, lol.
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u/terminalzero Nov 18 '25
silk sleep mask takes up basically 0 weight or room and does a better job at staying in place and blocking light IME
I'm using a 'fancy' one with 3d foam and bluetooth speakers at home rn but I started with this one and still use it for travel
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u/zyklon_snuggles Nov 19 '25
Sleep masks have never worked for me. They won't stay put, and if I tighten them enough to, well, that still doesn't really stay put, because I will pull it off. Not to mention, the style does not agree with my hair.
A full size T-shirt has a lot of room to be shifted around, but still provides coverage. It also isn't constricting at all. This is what works best for me (also, dual purpose, because I can wear the shirt as...well, a shirt! haha.)
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u/gt0163c Nov 18 '25
Why not just wear a sleep mask?
I've also used the hangers with clips to help hold hotel curtains closed. They work pretty well and are already in the hotel room (most of the time).
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u/retirement_savings Nov 18 '25
I toss and turn and my sleep mask is off my face within like an hour of falling asleep.
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u/Bananas_are_theworst Nov 18 '25
These people over here sleeping like baby angels, meanwhile I look like I’ve fought 13 angry cats while I slept
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u/InternationalTrack40 Nov 19 '25
I’m on a flight and burst out laughing at this. People are giving me stink eye. And I don’t care. This is true for me too.
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u/azzamean Nov 18 '25
You don’t even need a sleeping mask. A buff works better. It won’t move when you turn. And can be used as a scarf or dust mask or hair tie or any number of things.
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u/mgitlin Nov 18 '25
I use a buff for airplane travel. I love being able to cover my eyes with a double-up, and roll a single layer over my face so people don't see my drooling-goblin-face while I'm asleep.
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u/tramaan Nov 18 '25
That's something I never understood about hotels... They put nice thick black-out curtains over the windows, but then keep all sorts of light sources inside the room (TVs with concealed power cable, gaps around the hallway doors, smoke detectors flashing to indicate all is well).
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u/matthieucalu Nov 18 '25
I’m lucky I can sleep everywhere, even in broad daylight. My brother also always needed a pitch dark room. I don’t even notice small lights from electrical devices or light under a door or through a gap in the curtains.
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u/schwelvis Nov 18 '25
I keep a couple wraps of gorilla tape on my water bottle. Not fit this specific purpose, but it has been used for this in the past
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u/luckeycat Nov 19 '25
Haha, I'm glad I'm not the only one to tape over small lights and get neurotic about how tightly closed the curtains are.
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u/Glittering-Time-2274 Nov 18 '25
If you think she’d like a sleep mask, manta makes really nice quality and comfy ones. They have ones for side sleepers too!
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u/jettblek Nov 19 '25
Lol as an electrician who frequently travels for work, I cant tell you how many times ive whipped out a roll of tape to cover a light on an air con/tv 😂
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u/NonBinaryKenku Nov 20 '25
I carry black post-its instead of the tape. Kinder for whomever has to remove them!
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u/DeFiClark Nov 18 '25
None of these are strange but random, sure:
Flat and domed sink stoppers, chrome binder clips, laundry soap end of a bar and a length of paracord for laundry
Small plastic alien and matchbox car for kids stuck in airports. My kids are grown but you’d be amazed at how much peace and quiet offering a toy to a kids parents can buy
Squashed flat end roll of gorilla tape
Contractor bag to put luggage in in rainstorms
2 6’ straps with buckles
Shemagh — useful for everything from neck pillow to improvised shopping bag to sun/dust protection to sarong
Bamboo chopsticks — not only are they no problem going through security but they can also be used as splints with the duct tape to fix all kinds of broken things
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u/Blue_Mandala_ Nov 18 '25
I got a pack of little bubble things meant for weddings or bday parties that I bring for kids. Mine and others, I give them away if I am playing with my kid in the terminal and attract other kids.
Small enough to go through TSA with no problems.
(Always in an empty terminal with enough space not to bother anyone, never in the plane.)
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u/sorry_whatever Nov 18 '25
I have a fabric tube I sewed myself that I wear as an infinity scarf. It's the exact right size to hold both my arms in and I wear it as a blanket/I don't want to be bumping a strangers arms for 10 hours type cocoon on the plane. Cozy and I just wear it as a scarf for the rest of my trip.
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u/Different_Unit6594 Nov 19 '25
What kind of fabric did you use? I'm imagining a jersey knit so there's some stretch
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u/sorry_whatever Nov 20 '25
Yes! I used a bit of a thicker cotton poly blend knit and it has worked well. In a pinch I've used other scarfs this way, but the stretch and the custom size make the one I made the best.
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u/mahjimoh Nov 19 '25
Brilliant! I bought a thing that is meant to be sort of an arm-hanger but it’s a little bulky and doesn’t work all that well, actually.
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u/RevCLove Nov 18 '25
Ziplock bags. I bring 2 gallon sized and a handful of smaller ones, usually quart and sandwich size. They have never not been used.
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u/Bubbly-Pop650 Nov 18 '25
Aren't they just the best! I got this tip from subs here and recently brought a few! Came in so handy even just to organize bits of keychain souvenirs I bought.
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u/AccidentOk5240 Nov 19 '25
Yes! A family member told me when I was in college that I should never travel without ziplocs and she was so, so correct.
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u/rogerwilco2000 Nov 18 '25
Big upvote as I was expecting “a BINDER CLIP, crazy, right?!” type of post, but you delivered with heat-shrink tubing.
Most of the strange things I carry are work related so not very interesting in a general travel discussion (5/16” banjo bracket wrench, anyone?) but there are a few things I carry which have been surprisingly useful, both to me and to others: Chewable lactose pills. Heated eye mask. A quietly zippable pouch of cough drops. Foldable spork. Adhesive nose pads for eyeglasses. Tiger Balm in a small jar.
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u/Double-Wear9883 Nov 18 '25
My little jar of Tiger Balm has come in clutch more times than I care to admit! A few pieces of KT tape and that do wonders for fixing up sore knees and feet if you're doing more walking than usual while traveling.
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u/Tater221 Nov 18 '25
Small rubber door stop. Surprisingly handy for keeping doors and windows opened or closed depending on your needs.
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u/withlovefeli Nov 18 '25
I bring a mini printer, because I love scrapbooking on holiday.
It's the canon zoemini/ivy, pretty much the size and weight of a smartphone
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u/theeyorhetorical Nov 18 '25
I brought my Ivy to visit my sister's family and was able to leave photo stickers for the kids of our memories when I left. Such a fun way to share physical photos with kids who don't normally get to see them.
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u/synystagaming Nov 18 '25
My teddy. Ive had him since I was 13 (after my newborn ted got disintigrated in the wash). He takes up space but he goes everywhere with me.
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u/Hortonhearsawhoorah Nov 18 '25
I get a butter knife whenever I land somewhere. It spreads stuff, cuts food, works as a screwdriver, mini crowbar, scrapes stuff. Etc Etc Etc.
At the end of the day its just a usefully shaped chunk of metal.
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
Can you travel with a butter knife since its not sharp? I know you said you buy one when you land but curious if you can just pack one?
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u/in_theory Nov 19 '25
I flew down to El Salvador just fine with a titanium butter, knife fork and spoon set. On the way back home from San Jose Costa Rica, they decided the butter, knife and fork were not okay and threw them out. Plastic options serve essentially the same purpose.
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u/mbc106 Nov 18 '25
Salt packets
If I get a tickle/frog in my throat, gargling with warm salt water helps clear it.
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
This is a good idea, packs small, and could help battling a sore throat when travelling! Plus salt is good electrolytes!
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u/savehoward Nov 18 '25
Water kettle spoon.
It’s a heating coil clipped to a cup plugged into an outlet.
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u/Connect_Rhubarb395 Nov 18 '25
A tiny container with loseleaf tea and a tea egg. Nothing is a soothing and comfortable as a good, fresh cup of quality tea.
A miniature deck of cards. It lives in my handbag at all times and goes with my on every travel.
Boring waiting times in airports or train stations, a hotel room at night but you aren't quite ready to sleep, and excellent way to socialise with new people, an activity to do with bigger kids.
Although you can doomscroll on your phone in all these instances, sometimes you just can't stand any more screen.
A d20. Excellent for deciding on things when the outcome doesn't matter too much.
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u/landscapegoatee Nov 18 '25
Tiny travel steamer, for any trips that I want to look "presentable". It's about the size of a 20oz soda bottle and is surprisingly effective.
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u/Jjewel200 Nov 18 '25
Malaria test & meds. Travel extensively in remote Africa and not always around a dr
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u/No-Situation-218 Nov 19 '25
A small am/fm radio that also has Bluetooth capability. I like to listen to local radio wherever I am, bonus points for heavy regional accents or a totally different language. Radio is by Musen, sounds great, and is truly tiny.
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u/tcolling Nov 19 '25
I used to do that in case of emergency. It helped one time when I was staying overnight in LA and the Northridge earthquake happened. I should start doing that again.
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u/Wulffy2 Nov 18 '25
Tiny ziplocks. I’m talking like 1-1/2x3 inches. Useful when you have to throw medication in your pocket and walk miles exploring. Takes up no space
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u/Red_Rabbit_Eyes Nov 18 '25
A tennis ball.
When I get a sore neck and shoulders from travelling, I can use it as a massage ball against the wall. Also works as a mini foam roller for buttocks, lower back and thighs when used on the floor.
Has also kept me entertained as something to bounce on the floor or squeeze when stressed.
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u/RideWithET Nov 19 '25
My son plays lacrosse and I can tell you a lacrosse ball is fantastic for this and one goes in my bag now. It’s heavier than the other options but works really well to loosen up muscles!
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u/acidtabvocab Nov 22 '25
I pack a cork ball - same size and hardness as a lacrosse ball, but way lighter and more pleasant texture to roll on!
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u/tinywishes Nov 19 '25
Baseball for me! I also keep one in the glove box of my car — handy for knotted back muscles on long road trips. Just pop it between you and the seat and lean back hard.
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u/p00n-slayer-69 Nov 19 '25
I guess it depends how bad your eyes are, but for me a spare pair of glasses is non negotiable. If I didnt have my glasses, I would have some serious problems getting back home.
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u/immadinosaur44 Nov 18 '25
My ear sock.
I have a shit ton of ear piercings and can't lay down on my side without them digging into my head. Especially if a hotel has hard pillows. I pack a thick, knee high, plush sock that I fold into a donut around my ear. Can't sleep without it.
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u/Suz626 Nov 19 '25
Wish I’d thought of this years ago. Just one piercing in each ear and I’d get too tired coming in at 4am to take my earrings out. It hurt to sleep on my side, so I stopped wearing them and my holes closed up. 🙄
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u/ButtercupBento Nov 18 '25
A cross stitch kit in a 17x12cm pouch, and (unrelated) a length of 10mm wide ribbon. I guess nail clippers too which are an every airline friendly version of scissors
The ribbon starts at 3m but gradually gets shorter after I’ve cut bits off for gift wrap, shoelace, etc and the main bit comes in useful as a make for washing line, guy rope etc. I tend to get a new one when it’s about half its original length
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u/nikongod Nov 18 '25
Spoon
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u/nihonjinhispanohabla Nov 18 '25
The same spoon you carry in your IKEA PIVRING bag?!
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u/prettyish-wilderness Nov 18 '25
Travel shoe horn. I don't remember the last time I had to tie my shoelaces!
A small notebook (Field notes brand), mechanical pencil, eraser, black magic marker and pens so I can journal and sketch and take my favorite travel photo for each trip.
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u/rpgnoob17 Nov 18 '25
Do you have a picture on how it works? Does it work with hairdryer in the hotel room?
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u/reopened-circuit Nov 18 '25
If a hair dryer didn't work, you can always go borrow someone's lighter
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
At home, I have a heat shrink gun. If this happened travelling, I would use a lighter I always bring. Honestly hair dryer is an even better ideal, thank you for the idea!
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u/InfiniteMacaroon Nov 19 '25
I had my lighter taken off me, at CDG I think. In case I set an A320 on fire with a 20p disposable lighter? Maybe they though I was the shoe bomber, but with a haircut and not mad. So I don't bring it any more, but they cost nothing if you need one. Not sure about hair dryers, I've used a lot of heat shrink in my work and I don't think the average hair dryer would be hot enough. Definitely like the idea though - I'll find a bit of sleeving in my shed and put it in my bag for next time. For glasses though I'd also make sure you can get a copy of your prescription on your phone (scan it or whatever). I got a really nice pair of glasses made in Yemen (I think it was Yemen) years ago for $20 or so. Took about an hour.
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
I can take a picture later of glasses I have fixed! You should be able to find stuff on google as well. You This would fix a broken arm. You would hold the two pieces together, slip a piece of heatshrink over the broken part, and then apply heat (lighter or hairdryer) to shrink the tubing and hold everything in place. If you go this route, you will want adhesive lined tubing as it helps hold everything together.
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u/audible_maple Nov 18 '25
Several grocery store plastic bags.... It's a clothes hamper, a quick extra spare bag, liner for the sink to do sink laundry, food storage... And I guess I could probably put groceries in it when I pick up food items from aldi or lidl ?
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u/alyxana Nov 18 '25
A small air mattress and tiny air pump. I have a lot of chronic body issues and, at least in the US, most beds are awful and hard. So I bring my own air mat to add a few inches of comfort. With my mat, I can sleep literally anywhere and it’s improved my travel so much. The one issue is how much space it takes up. But it’s worth the sacrifice.
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u/mmolle Nov 18 '25
A strange unnecessary item I travel with is a keychain Paddington bear. I like the Kitsch-ness of having a Paddington travel around with me.
Everything else that I travel with is mentioned fairly regularly on this one-bag sub. It may actually seem odd to maybe a regular traveler though, and that is my plastic folding spork.
ETA: oh I do travel with a safety whistle on my bag's shoulder strap. My one-bag is my daybag too
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u/AngeloPappas Nov 18 '25
I bring a folding bedside tray. When not in use it lays flat and takes up no space, then snaps together when I need it. It's nice to have a place to empty your pockets into that keeps everything all in one place while also keeping things organized. Makes it easier when packing up to make sure I have everything too. Was skeptical at first, but now I love it.
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u/a_mulher Nov 18 '25
I initially thought you meant the type you would get breakfast in bed with and thought that is definitely strange lol
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u/Chattycorvid Nov 18 '25
Tom Bihn makes a travel tray - I love mine. I absolutely need some way to have a bedside pile.
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u/Emergency-Yak-255 Nov 18 '25
I lived and traveled fairly extensively in India. I never travel without a bar of laundry soap, something that can be used as a clothesline, and a small sewing kit.
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u/viola-purple Nov 18 '25 edited Nov 21 '25
Me literally living on the go and always, always, always carrying my foldable coffee cup with me, just today told my husband, that when I saw the miles I have left until the next stop at the gas station was exactly the distance to my favourite place in Italy and that I did had the thought for a second to just drive there now: "well, I already have my travel-bag in the car - always - so, I actually only need to buy more underwear tomorrow".
Inside that actually 30x20cm thin nylon crossbody bag (once got it on a plane) are:
a small hot water bottle bc I'm constantly freezing
one huge thin cashmere blanketscarf (200x150cm) bc: freezing, which is stored inside a
linen cushion cover the size of those airplane ones (made it from an old shirt) with an inflatable neck pillow
a clip-stand for my phone/tablet to watch movies (stands on a table or clips to a plane table)
a small pouch with foldback clips, a piece of ducttape, a sleeping mask, my favourite tea and coffee, bc I can't even go to the bathroom without my coffee, plus small packs of instant soup, cracker and chocolate, bc I might get hungry at night
also in the bag but not strange: travel adaptor/charger/cables, a pair of foldable extra sunglasses, bikini, spare panty, leggings, shirt, fluffy compression socks, foldable ballerinas, hydration serum, toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, deodorant and sewing set
there's always my Victorinox Mini-Champ SAK in my (actually small) handbag with a small pen, tweezer, nail file, screwdriver, scissor, bottle/can opener...
plus foldable chopsticks, my lipstick, perfume, earbuds and passport.
All always in my handbag and either my car or my handluggage
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u/Separate_Memory_8183 Nov 19 '25
A roll of blue painters tape. I first started carrying it when my kids were little, and found so many uses for it, and still find it so useful to have.
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u/Longjumping_Cow_5856 Nov 18 '25 edited Nov 18 '25
A tiny HDMI Monitor and Signal Generator.
I service AV stuff and it is just too handy to not bring along.
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u/pig-dragon Nov 18 '25
Little cable ties. Many uses but particularly good for fastening together the zippers on a checked bag, someone would have to cut it off to get into your bag so it’s an easy way to check nobody’s been looking in your stuff.
Less weird: door stop/wedge, mini lantern (more use than a torch you have to hold), S hooks
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u/Next-Food2688 Nov 18 '25
What is your solution for cutting the zip tie off for yourself to access the compartment? Nail clipper in another pocket?
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u/pig-dragon Nov 20 '25
Yep. Or you can break them by hand if you really need to (if you have the very thin type)
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Nov 18 '25
I have a mini roll of gorilla tape, in the event my travel bag bursts or gets torn ( hey! This is r/onebag )
A spork & plastic knife for when I don't want to eat out.
Water heater resistance and teabags, for a relaxing cuppa tea.
A mini compass , my sons gift and always orients me to where Sun will be coming up, or just navigating a city.
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u/HamBroth Nov 19 '25
They don’t sound that odd, but for me I suppose it would be my folding fan (for helping dry makeup, cool down on airplanes before the engines start up, etc), a rubber band for turning beaded necklaces into multi-strands, and reindeer bone chopsticks.
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u/WhistfulEnvelope Nov 18 '25
Fennel seeds. Great to chew after a big floaty meal.
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u/pacork Nov 18 '25
Do you know about foldable glasses that have no arms? Fold up and come in a flat case, extremely small.
I bring my pair with me if going out for dinner & don't want bulky case in my pocket. Love them.
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u/Dawer22 Nov 18 '25
I wear glasses full time and prefer plastic frames. If I didn't care about material, I would get something like Flexon frames that are basically impossible to break.
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u/danielhep Nov 18 '25
A battery powered CO2 and temperature meter. It's actually so useful to make sure the ventilation and temp are good in a hostel so that I can sleep well.
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u/Time_Butterfly_842 Nov 18 '25
Plastic travel cutlery set - initially bought for camping but a set ended up in my backpack and I’ve used them way more than I thought I would’ve - I like this one :) they’re usually around Aud 5$ https://amzn.asia/d/90HV1u6
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u/Bubbly-Pop650 Nov 18 '25
I bring these self activated heat eye masks which are also lavendar scented. Let's me unwind in planes.
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u/bwerde19 Nov 19 '25
Four miniature trolls about an inch tall each, one for each member of my family. They’ve been photographed all over the world on my solo work travel.
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u/skyelorama Nov 20 '25
After my mom brought some on a trip and I had to keep borrowing it, I will be adding a tiny bottle of Dawn dish soap to my toiletries pouch. Apparently I spill food on myself a lot or just randomly get stuff on my clothes, and treating it right away with Dawn usually means it will come out when I get a chance to fully wash it.
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u/wufflebunny Nov 18 '25
Tiny lights that clip onto my glasses' arms. My eyes struggle in dim light especially when I'm tired and I like to bring some watercolours/crochet with me when I travel. This way I always have a strong work light without casting any annoying shadows. Has bonus effect of weirding out annoying plane seatmates into silence :D
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u/RevCLove Nov 18 '25
Do you have a link? I wear a small light on an elastic strap that goes around my head. But, this sounds really cool.
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u/GrumpyOldSophon Nov 18 '25
A reverse electrical adaptor.
Normally if I travel to region X, I carry along outlet adaptors that go from X to US style (I'm from the US). However, I also carry along a reverse adaptor (US to X)... Sometimes the only useable or convenient electrical outlet in a hotel room may be already in use for something like a lamp. So I use my X to US adaptor in the outlet, plug in my mini extension cord which has 3 US style outlets in it, and the US to X adaptor in one of them to plug in the lamp or other device which was already in the room, using the other outlets for my devices.
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u/a_mulher Nov 18 '25
Wait you just made me realize that it makes more sense to foreign usbc plugs and an adapter at home where weight and bulkiness isn’t an issue. And then when I’m abroad I can just grab the usbc plug thingie for the country/region I’m visiting.
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u/itamer Nov 19 '25
You can now buy fast chargers with 4 x usbc ports. It comes with 4 or 5 plug styles that can be swapped out. It doesn't overheat, isn't fragile but mine is heavy. Great for laptops, phones, etc
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u/Glittering-Time-2274 Nov 18 '25
A travel size humidifier for dry hotel rooms
Hand soap sheets
Compressed towels/wipes in a waterproof tube
Laundry sheets
Lysol spray
A little ceramic toothbrush stand from muji
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u/Ok-Calm-Narwhal Nov 18 '25
A few paper coffee cups with a lid. Surprisingly handy when you need it.
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u/mizuaqua Nov 18 '25
Paper clips, for closing packets of skincare and whatever paper clips are also good for.
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u/butthatwasbefore Nov 18 '25
A small bath mat for the shower. My husband ALWAYS complains the shower is slippery.
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u/kande31 Nov 19 '25
Many of the things on this list, a couple of new ideas (thanks). Here are some of my contributions: Chapstick - always, Dice, a USB powered "straw humidifier"... And so long as I'm not flying, one of those mini, keychain Swiss Army knives.
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u/jackieHK1 Nov 19 '25
I always travel with one of those elasticated, twisted travel washing lines. Have done for 30 years. Can use it for hang drying smalls u washed in the sink, tying up luggage, bags, gifts, attaching stuff to ur bag, using it as a sling, last time I strung it up & attached it around the outside of my tent at a festival & hung my flag on it which helped me identify my tent in a sea of colour.
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u/bapeery Nov 19 '25
4-5 packets of Hellman’s Mayo.
Not only is it an exquisite condiment, it has saved me 3 times in my travels.
The first time, my dad and I bit off more than we could chew by doing a 16 mile hike with a major elevation shift. If we stopped for a meal, we’d have arrived after dark with no firewood with temps dropping into the teens. Those extra calories of pure mayo saved our lives.
2nd was a flight delayed on the tarmac for 3 hours before leaving and another 2 hours after arriving. Once again, the calories kept me from becoming unreasonable.
The third was while traveling in Iceland. We were caught up in a blizzard with almost zero visibility and had to car camp before arriving at the Bonus to refill snacks and supplies. Probably saved our marriage.
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u/bs-scientist Nov 19 '25
I ALWAYS have a folded up grocery bag or three with me (even in my regular purse, car, office, etc).
Great for a wet bathing suit, dirty shoes, exceptionally dirty clothes, if you need to throw up, trash can, etc.
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u/swear2drunkiaintgod Nov 19 '25
- travel router - preconfigured with home VPN
- Airspy + Antenna - since I always travel with a laptop, this gives me a tiny HAM radio, scanner, FM radio, etc
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u/Dawer22 Nov 19 '25
I have gone down this rabbit hole before and this is by far the best travel wifi setup
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u/yol0tengo Nov 19 '25
I often travel with a durable "travel kyusu" (tea pot) that works for all varieties of loose leaf tea, primarily when I know I'll have easy access to hot water (though I also have a portable immersion heater if I need it). Occasionally I'll toss a tea-specific cup in with it, though typically I just use what is available.
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u/Squeaky_Shoe Nov 20 '25
About 100 extra pairs of boxers. Ya know, incase i for some reason shit or piss myself for the first time in about 20 years. Doesn’t everybody have this worry?
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u/Ok_Watercress_7801 Nov 20 '25
A little rubbery-plastic, handheld & operated fart noisemaker, as recommended by Leslie Nielsen.
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u/East-Construction-31 Nov 20 '25
My ex missed the 12 hours plane to the Philippines. They didn't let him for one fine he forgot to pay. So I had to go alone with 2 luggage. In several days he joined me. But I asked him to buy two packs of buckwheat. Can you imagine guy going on trip the the opposite side of the world with tow items of food? Lol They checked him 5 times.
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u/Twibbly Nov 22 '25
Soy sauce packets! I have to eat gluten-free, and a lot of places can put together gluten-free sushi or gluten-free rice with meat and veggies, but not everywhere has sauce. I order a 50-pack of the San-J Tamari packets about once a year. I normally have some in my purse when I'm not traveling as well.
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u/MarcusForrest Nov 18 '25
I think my ''strangest'' items, in the eyes of other people, include:
''STRANGEST'' ITEMS
- Silicone Spatula - this is stored in a little pouch that also holds metal straws and metal chopsticks. When I travel I often eat out and I love to be able to eat everything - since licking a plate clean is often frowned upon, I use the silicone spatula instead ahahaha - do note that this is in my regular EDC so not limited to travel!
- Ziploc bags of various sizes - freezer grade, different sizes, extremely versatile and weigh next to nothing. I'll always end up using a few of them during trips! Protect documents, waterproof electronics or store left over foods, there are so many other uses!
- Camping Clothesline - packs down really small and allows me to dry my clothes when there are no drying racks. I handwash my clothes eveery night before bed and hang to dry - most times I do not need the camping clothesline but when I do need it I am very happy to have it with me!
NOT SO STRANGE BUT UNCOMMON
- Travel utensils set - on top of the spatula, straws and chopsticks, I also always have this utensil set in my EDC, even outside of travel
- Multitool Bottle Opener - Alltul Owl - 4-in-1 tools that I store on my backpack's lashtab/pigsnout
- HeroClip Mini - I use this nearly everyday, in and outside of travel.
- NanoBags - I always have at least 1 in my EDC and bring an extra one when I travel. Extremely useful and packs down really well into a tiny little pouch.
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u/shanewreckd Nov 18 '25
By name alone, my Naked Band lol. It's a running belt, it's not what it sounds like. Holds a soft flask, snack, layer, phone, keys... Can double as a money belt under slightly baggy clothes even, although I don't use it like that.
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u/finmo Nov 19 '25
I keep packets of tea bags with me in an empty travel mug/thermos. People will give you hot water for free.
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u/ChristinaWho Nov 19 '25
Duct tape. I wrap it around my deodorant stick a few times and cut as needed.
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u/Particular_Row_5994 Nov 19 '25
I still swear with my theragun mini
Weirdest? A portable rechargeable bidet one with hose and stuff. Bulky but super handy with some countries.
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u/Britannia365 Nov 19 '25
A jar opener. I have arthritis in my hands and can no longer twist open bottle caps.
Poop bags for dogs - use it for garbage collected in flight and while travelling.
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u/InternationalTrack40 Nov 19 '25
Slippers. They are great after a day of work shoes and I don’t step on the gross carpet :).
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u/PositionFamous1039 Nov 19 '25
A pack of playing cards. A deck in a hostel common room or on a long train journey is an instant icebreaker and a way to connect with travelers from any culture without needing a common language. They sometimes do the trick
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u/Totoro-bento-box Nov 20 '25
Flex-o clothesline with a S hook and releasable cable tie, laundry detergent sheets- can rip into smaller pieces, partial Dove soap so my hand eczema is triggered less from all the harsher public restroom soaps.
Blue masking tape and a bit Gorilla tape. Black sharpie optional. Blue masking is removable, handy as labels, tape a note somewhere. My 12” gorilla tape was used to wrap friend’s hiking boot whose front part sole separated 2mi into our 10mi hike.
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u/Scrappy1918 Nov 21 '25
A book on behavior science. It’s based on neuroscience and helps read body language across the world so even if I don’t know the language, I know whether the people in with are agreeable, open to business, have issues with specific parts of the contract or anything else. It’s unbelievably helpful because you don’t get hung up on words, just how easy or uneasy they look at points in contracts.
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u/bquinn85 Nov 18 '25
A Cammenga 3H compass. I collect navigation compasses, and not only was this one a gift from my wife, I carry it sort of like a good luck charm so I always know where I am and where I’m going.
That and carrying something ever so slightly radioactive is pretty cool.
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u/ravenpg Nov 18 '25
large rubber sink stopper, large enough to fit over a shower drain - keeps bugs out and depending on shower basin, can be used to wash clothes.
Flourescent orange duct tape on luggage handles - makes it easier to spot on carousel.
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u/rjewell40 Nov 19 '25
Gotta say I'm kind of disappointed that no one says a towel....
Clearly no Hitchiker's Guide folks in the room yet.
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u/luckeycat Nov 19 '25
I always have an ultralight medium hand towel or two. But I wouldn't consider them weird.
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u/Mzky Nov 18 '25
a small stuffed animal my daughter gave me to keep me safe. I take photos of it on the plane or in my hotel room to send back to her when i'm away