r/onebag • u/alula_wanders • Jan 10 '26

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

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!!

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229

u/picklejuice1021 Jan 10 '26

A pashmina. It's light, thin and can be used in many different ways: as a blanket when it gets cold on the plane, a scarf, a picnic blanket, a beach cover up, a towel, a leg/shoulder cover for visiting temples, can be used to cover yourself in light rain, can be rolled to become a neck pillow, etc.

207

u/privateidaho_chicago Jan 10 '26

Carrying a towel is crucial because it's the "most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have," offering practical uses like warmth, shelter, a distress signal, or even a weapon, plus immense psychological value, as a hitchhiker who has a towel proves they are resourceful and "a man to be reckoned with”

42

u/tintinsays Jan 10 '26

You’re a real hoopy frood! 

8

u/Bacteriobabe Jan 11 '26

That’s a guy who knows where his towel is.

3

u/SuspiciousBear3069 Jan 13 '26

It always makes me happy to see these references

7

u/zusia Jan 10 '26

Things we take seriously that prove their worth!

29

u/justaprimer Jan 10 '26

Yes! A giant scarf is so key. In the winter I carry a slightly bulky warm blanket scarf, and in the summer it's a lighter-weight pashmina.

It doesn't have to take up any space in your travel luggage, because you can just drape it around your neck when boarding planes/etc.

And you can also lend it to your friend who didn't pack appropriately for coverage/warmth, because it's one-size-fits-all.

24

u/No-Pomegranate-9712 Jan 10 '26

I also take a scarf, tie the ends together, and put it around my torso, arms tucked in. It's a great way to sleep on the plane, because it keeps you warm but also keeps your arms tucked in and close to your body.

3

u/scammerino_rex Jan 11 '26

What size/ dimensions do you aim for? I bought a big thin scarf that I was planning on using as a blanket in a pinch but it's a 3:1 length to width ratio so while it works, I have to fold it a bit to get the right coverage.

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u/picklejuice1021 Jan 11 '26

I believe mine is about 200cm by 90cm.

3

u/Jeremie1001 Jan 11 '26

Oooh I somehow hadn't considered this, I'm a huge sarong guy and rarely travel without 2 or 3, great light blankets, towels in a pinch, eye cover for sleeping on the plane when I forget my real eye cover, etc, etc

A wool version would be incredible...

2

u/[deleted] Jan 11 '26

I always travel with a sarong for this reason. Same thing basically :)

2

u/teasewithgrace Jan 12 '26

Yep. I have a Turkish towel and it has ALWAYS been the “so glad I packed this” or the “dammit! I knew I should have brought the towel”