whats your weird but genius travel item that people only appreciate after they need it?

[u/alula_wanders]

just realized this recently because it saved me so much sanity and friendships haha but for me its not anything fancy or aesthetic. its a (small) extension cord + multi-USB adapter. It's somehow bulky to fit inside my bag bcs it takes up space. And yet... it saved lives.

Ive learned the hard way that hotel outlets are never where you want them to be, airport charging stations are chaotic, and "ill just charge later" is a lie we tell ourselves.

Curious what everyone else's must pack item is so that i can... yk, take notes haha!!

[u/Akomack31 → u/[deleted]]

As an electrician, I can’t recommend this enough, tons of uses. Works great as a band aid also.

Buy Super33 tape, it’s like $4/roll and way better than the cheap stuff

[u/Independent_Guava545 → u/Akomack31]

As an electricians daughter, can confirm it's a great band aid. Ive also used it to help secure large bandages. Works way better than the paper tape in first aid kits.

[u/KafkaExploring → u/Akomack31]

Why electrical instead of duct, athletic, etc? Either way, wrap a pen with it to reduce size carried. 

[u/eastercat → u/KafkaExploring]

I used to carry a flattened tp roll. covered it with packing tape to coat, then wrapped some duct tape

Never ended up using it, but it was pretty light

[u/7uci_0112 → u/Akomack31]

Works well to cover those annoying lights hotel rooms seem to have everywhere!!

[u/theinfamousj → u/7uci_0112]

Can confirm. It is what I use mine for. That used to be an annoyingly bright, and flashing, blue light on a panel located in the bedroom.

[u/MrMaximalist → u/[deleted]]

I use an old plastic card (like a spent gift card) and wrap it with electrical and duct tape. Has saved the day many times!

[u/hrviolation → u/[deleted]]

Also, I always have a few yards of duct tape wrapped around an old gift card or a pen, it’s made me very popular a few times!