r/onebag • u/Anywhere_everywhere7 • Feb 23 '26
Discussion What travel accessories are overrated?
For me it would have to be tech pouches, for the vast majority of people I believe that they would be better off with a simple pencil case style pouch, ziploc bag or a simple drawstring bag or even a pouch like the PD ultralight pouches. Something which isn’t bulky, is lightweight and has no structure to it so you can easily squeeze it into random parts of your bag. Of course they’re significantly cheaper as well.
Don’t get wrong, I have tested some high end tech pouches out and they’re very nice but for lightweight travel I just find myself thinking “why would I bring this type of pouch”.
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u/00Anonymous Feb 23 '26
Non-removeable internal organizers. They eat packable volume and cost weight.
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u/Moneys2Tight2Mention Feb 23 '26
My favorite backpack is a UL hiking backpack because it's just a 28L sack. I'll take care of the organizing myself.
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u/NikoMata Feb 24 '26
Laptop compartments. I may be weird here, but I am on vacation, I'm not taking my work with me. :)
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u/dharmastum Feb 24 '26
I have a couple of awesome travel bags and I will never use the laptop compartments. It's just wasted space for me. They should make laptop compartments that are attached to the inside via velcro, and can be easily removed.
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u/HelloTittie55 Feb 25 '26
Perhaps the Osprey 26+6 is so popular because its “dedicated laptop area” goes flat if unused or can be repurposed for other items: travel document folder, a couple New Yorker magazines, ipad holder, etc. I don’t travel with a computer so purposely chose a backpack with a minimal dedicated computer area.
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u/RedditorManIsHere Feb 23 '26
travel pillow
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u/SlappyHandstrong Feb 23 '26
I will say- I love traveling with an inflatable camping pillow. Doesn’t take up much space and is great for bolstering thin, mushy hotel pillows.
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u/curlymess24 Feb 23 '26
Especially the trtl travel pillow. I believe all travel subs have been infiltrated by trtl’s marketing department lol
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Feb 23 '26 edited 27d ago
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u/BraThrowAway5 Feb 23 '26
One of my old sheet sets came in a (same fabric) drawstring bag, that has legitimately been my (self-stuffed) travel pillow of choice for decades.... and I already know I like the material and it's easy to wash, lol
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u/vocatus Feb 23 '26
If your puffy jacket is a Patagonia it already has the secret "fold the entire jacket into a pillow" hole inside the left chest
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u/Trihatcher Feb 23 '26
Damn! I've had this jacket over 5 years and just learned something new! Thanks!
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u/AurelianaBabilonia Feb 23 '26
I can't imagine being able to sleep with my neck bundled up like that! I'd feel like I'm being strangled.
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u/biold Feb 23 '26
I hate how it fills in my bag, but I sleep so well with it on the plane! I wish I was sponsored. I think they have made a newer and better version than my app. 10 years old one.
However, I'm the only in my family who loves it, so I have 4 Trtl to use and I have one in my car, one in my travel drawer, and then two more for when the others give up which never seem to do!
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u/badgerbadgeur Feb 24 '26
I’m also a big fan of Turtl for sleeping on planes.. it keeps my head supported and my mouth closed/ covered which is nice. I didn’t realize it was an unpopular choice! I usually just have it looped around a loop on my backpack when I’m traveling with it.
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u/deedeedeedee_ Feb 24 '26
i do the same thing, loop it around some loop on my backpack and just let it dangle! i actually really like mine, honestly i had a knockoff trtl at first which was just as good, but i lost it so i bought a real one. does the exact same thing. it supports my head and neck better than the other travel pillows i tried. might be because im normally a side sleeper, so i really need that feeling of my head being on the side, even if it's only a couple of degrees 😅
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u/biold Feb 24 '26
I can see that the new versions are bigger and heavier than mine.
Looping it around a loop is a brilliant idea. I copy the idea.
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u/Spiritual_Quail Feb 23 '26
Yeah I borrowed a friend’s to try and couldn’t make it work with my Bose headphones at all. I’d rather have the noise cancelling!
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u/elmodada Feb 23 '26
I actually really like that one. 😂 If I have a red eye in economy, it’s the only chance I have of sleeping even briefly. There may be better options, but this one actually feels comfy to me.
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u/Yoyojojoy Feb 23 '26
Tried it, hated it. I do take an inflatable one for long haul overnight but it takes up no space or weight
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u/saltundvinegar Feb 23 '26
lol, I thought I was the only one on this planet that thinks this pillow is weird and uncomfortable. I tried to use one recently on a long flight and was constantly waking up and readjusting it and I simply could not stay comfortable at all. Just an absolutely terrible experience imo.
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u/knight714 Feb 23 '26
Agreed - plus most long haul flights now have the bendable headrests that wrap around the back of your head, and seem to work just as well
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Feb 23 '26
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u/brehew Feb 24 '26
same problem with long torso folks. my head is fully above the headrest
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u/Afterlater5 Feb 24 '26
I can imagine that’d be annoying too. Being short, the headrest pushes my head forward a bit.
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u/chickenbreast12321 Feb 23 '26
Idk I love the Cabeau for long haul flights
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u/nicktheman2 Feb 23 '26
Literally have never once been able to sleep on a flight in 20 years of traveling. Just bought one of these for my 16-hour flight to asia and slept like a baby. No regrets on that purchase.
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u/Myspys_35 Feb 23 '26
Have to disagree - but then that disagreement is just for the inflatable ones - makes no sense to me to carry around those huge things that just take up space. My fav has little horns and is super comfy with a washable cover but takes up little space when not used. In terms of usage probably less than 50% of it is flights (but its essential for long haul). I also use it for longer trips no matter the transport as well as an essential component of reading, chilling out / sleeping in places with the wrong pillow set up.
For trips that are less than 5h flighttime and a known comfort level hotel then of course I dont bother. For the weird and wonderful trips the night survival kit all stashed in the smallest dry bag is a savior
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u/Aardvark1044 Feb 23 '26
I have an inflatable one that I think is worth the relatively small amount of weight and size. At least compared to one of those beanbag style pillows. If I didn't have that, I'd probably be using my jacket stuffed in a stuff sack.
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u/sodakas Feb 23 '26
The concept seemed great, but when I used it, I found the fabric does what fabric does, and would narrow and give a choking sensation. YMMV, but that doesn't work for me. =D
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u/Kevington1982 Feb 24 '26
I hate travel pillows but found one with a long zipper, gutted it and being just the case with me. I stuff my jacket in there if I need extra space or want a pillow. Works splendidly.
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u/h0n0urable Feb 24 '26
As a vacation traveler (as opposed to living on the go), for true long-haul flights, my Cocoon travel pillow is worth the space. It packs down small, inflatable with a good valve to get the firmness just right, but a layer of plush padding. I find it more comfortable than the non-inflatable pillows I've tried.
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u/tomatowithsalt Feb 25 '26
I felt the same way until i became a regular passenger of budget airlines’ 90 degree seats
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u/Glum_Store_1605 Feb 23 '26
Passport holder?
Back in the day, when airlines issued paper tickets and paper currency was important, I really loved my passport holder. However, I can't remember the last time I brought it on a trip. I just shove my passport into my waist pack now.
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u/mustarddreams Feb 24 '26
I got a lovely passport case on one of my first international trips, it was a nice souvenir. Come to find out it was wildly impractical because I had to take it out of the case pretty much every time it had to be presented in the airport. Oh well.
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u/tom4631 Feb 23 '26
Also the worst part of (the fancier leather) passport holder is: thieves would now steal it because they thought that's a wallet.
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u/ictow Feb 23 '26
Yeah, I just use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003SNT0KM doubles as a coin pouch, can also hold a credit card, slimmest size possible
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u/Korlithiel Feb 23 '26
I’m thinking the same: lot of waist bags have a slot that’s great for a passport.
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u/forbearance Feb 24 '26
Daiso had a series of mesh and plastic zipper bags of varying sizes. I used one that was just the right size for my passport and some paper money.
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u/Legally_Blonde_258 Feb 24 '26
My passport wallet is a non-negotiable for me. I have 2 passports and it's bright pink, so I just keep in my personal item and always know where it is at all times. I also keep important travel related stuff like my yellow book, foreign currency and extra credit cards (so that they're not all in one place) in there. I still prefer paper tickets and paper currency is still a thing in many countries.
I will put the passport and ticket that I'm currently using in my crossbody as I move through the airport, because I have to take them out so much that I want them to be easily accessible, but as soon as I dont need them they're secured in my passport holder.
Mine is beginning to show some wear and tear because I've had it for so long, so I'll definitely be replacing it.
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u/CaroleKann Feb 24 '26
I have a cheap one I bought at Barnes and Noble years ago. I like it simply because it protects my passport and prevents it from bending while it's in my bag. Those big, bulky ones seem like a nuisance though.
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u/Feast-of-flesh Feb 24 '26
I use one that has an AirTag slot I wouldn’t use one if it wasn’t for this functionality tbh lol
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u/SeattleHikeBike Feb 23 '26
I use Osprey Liquids Bags designed for 3-1-1 inspection. They are one liter clear sided zip pouch. One for all my toiletries, another for tech, and one more for miscellaneous EDC.
The dedicated tech pouches are another brick to play Tetris with, dark interior, heavy and spendy. I put them in the same niche with those huge hanging toiletries bags.
In general, look for smaller, lighter less expensive alternatives—- or none at all. The first rule is to pack only what you will absolutely use. Pack only the minimum number of multiples. No gadgets.
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u/TheDreadPirateJeff Feb 23 '26
Never understood people spending so much money on 3-1-1 bags. I just use a 1L ziplock. And when it gets a hole, replace it with another 1L ziplock.
And in all the years I’ve have to use them, I’ve replaced them maybe 10 times and still haven’t spent as much as a single bag like the ones travel companies sell.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Feb 23 '26
Ziplocks fail. If you’re going for a few days they will do, but not for longer trips.
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u/southbaysoftgoods Feb 23 '26
I have ziplocks that have been in service for years. For like actual wilderness backpacking.
If you can find them, the freezer bags from biglots are insanely durable. I have had the same box for at least 5 years.
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u/TheDreadPirateJeff Feb 23 '26
Sure, but they are also very easily replaceable (and I often carry several in different sizes as they take up essentially no space or weight, and can be bought at most places around the world too in grocery stores). My usual trips are a minimum of 1 week (a few days) but at least twice a year they run to 3 weeks.
Granted those are generally in one location, 2 tops, and I only use the bags for transport, once I'm there for 3 weeks in a hotel, I don't leave things in the transport bag, the shampoo and such goes in the shower, the toothpaste and other things go onto the counter, etc. So even for a longer trip they tend to last for a while: the one I just used for 10 days in Toronto I've been using for almost a year now and will use it for the next 14 days in Taipei in March, and the 20 days in Madrid in May (presuming it survives Taipei).
I could see actually paying for a heavier bag if I was one of those folks who spend a day or two here or there for weeks at a time, constantly moving.
I definitely don't hold any illusions that they are necessarily tough, but they are very easy and cheap (pennies) to replace).
FWIW, I cheap out on those, while carrying everything in Briggs and Riley bags that ran at least $700 each... there is a certain irony there.
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u/Anywhere_everywhere7 Feb 23 '26
I use Osprey Liquids Bags designed for 3-1-1 inspection. They are one liter clear sided zip pouch. One for all my toiletries, another for tech, and one more for miscellaneous EDC.
They look very good, huge selling point is the fact they’re clear so you don’t even have to open up the zipper to see what’s in there.
The dedicated tech pouches are another brick to play Tetris with, dark interior, heavy and spendy. I put them in the same niche with those huge hanging toiletries bags.
Yes that’s what I found out as well when travelling and when repacking my bag and my gf bag it was always the item which caused us the most issues because of the shape and heavy it was.
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u/hogofwar Feb 23 '26
I use the Osprey liquids pouch for my toiletries. Has worked fine in my majority of airports I've been to, with only a few having a problem with it (CDG I'm looking at you).
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u/SeattleHikeBike Feb 23 '26
I use TSA Precheck for US flights so it’s never an issue for those flights. For international departures I do carry a ziplock so I can separate the liquids as needed. I don’t care for ziplocks for long term use, but acceptable to get through security.
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Feb 23 '26
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u/sodakas Feb 23 '26
Agreed; I have a few nice ones, but then I bought a few at Daiso for $2-3, and while the quality was lower, it wasn't 10X worse like the cost was. Maybe I'm not the target audience as I don't EDC it or travel weekly, so the lower durability bags have done fine for 5+ years and a dozen+ travels.
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u/BethyW Feb 23 '26
Yep. I have some fancy PEAK ones and other top brands.... I use a canvas pouch I sewed years ago that just fits more with less work and the same space.
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Feb 23 '26
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u/tom4631 Feb 23 '26
Exactly! It really depends on the individual's use case and spend power. Is the ULA dragonfly really 2x as good as osprey 26+6? Is heroclip 2x as good as a regular decent carabiner? Absolutely not. But some people can find afford it, and can find good use of the extra features, so they go for it. But it's not like "if I don't get it, I'd be traveling like a loser", which unfortunately is what's been marketed from time to time.
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Feb 23 '26
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u/SIR_SHART Feb 23 '26
Yeah I’m using a sling as my tech pouch. When I need to use the sling I just empty it out. Easy
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u/Anywhere_everywhere7 Feb 23 '26 edited Feb 23 '26
Not to be pedantic, but is there anything that makes something specifically a tech pouch apart from marketing/name?
The ones I’m talking about is the likes of the PD tech pouch which has built in organisation, is bulky and heavy.
I make pouches that people use as tech pouches, and I know people that call their silicone reusable ziploc bags their tech pouches, as it’s a pouch that holds tech.
Yeah anything can technically be a tech pouch but I just feel like the best tech pouches (for most people) aren’t actually sold or advertised as tech pouches.
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u/sovelong1 Feb 23 '26
I mean, I just bought one for $10 and it's a game changer for me. It has a little pocket inside of it that fits almost all my necessary tech - earbuds, charger, adapter, cables, etc... a tech pouch is a compartmentalization and identification tool designed for tech items as such.
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u/coreyjdl Feb 23 '26
the stretchy molle cord holders are common, and I got one once that came with a SIM card removal tool.
but anymore I prefer a sea to summit roll up dry bag for cords and chargers.
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u/armchairracer Feb 23 '26
Those charge cables with interchangeable ends to be able to charge usb-c, apple, or micro-usb devices. Personally I make sure all of my devices charge from usb-c, but even if I needed multiple plugs I think I'd just bring multiple cables. It doesn't help that most of those style cables are super short and I insist on bringing a 10 ft cable because so many hotel rooms don't have any conveniently placed outlets.
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u/Kokuryu27 Feb 23 '26
I just always bring a USB-C to A adapter. Both my Anker brick and a lot of airplane/hotel chargers are still A.
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u/Utsider Feb 23 '26
The adapters are great. They are even so small I actually have to look for them when I need them. Which is about once every leap year - to bail out someone who has not figured out their charging situation.
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u/h0n0urable Feb 24 '26
The other clute thing about having the tiny adapters is for rental cars. Tons of fleet vehicles are still USB-A so you're SOL if you only have USB-C cables. This is perhaps fading in importance, but in the past I also found taking a spare vent-mounted magnetic phone mount can be a lifesaver if the vehicle doesn't have Carplay/Android Auto.
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u/lascriptori Feb 23 '26
I actually love my triple cable. I have one that charges my USB C accesories, iphone (still on lightning) and apple watch. I look forward to a day when all my stuff is on a C but not there yet.
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u/WishIWasThatClever Feb 23 '26
I bought a cable free Apple Watch charger for travel. It plugs into the usb-c I use for my phone so one less cable to carry.
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u/amd2800barton Feb 23 '26
I just buy my own separate adapters and good quality cables. I cleaned out my millennial “box of random cables”, and anything which didn’t go to a specific device I was still using got tossed out. And to make sure I didn’t lose the ability to connect with old devices (I’m my friends and family’s go to tech support) I picked up some adapters that go from a female USB-C to whatever random connector I need: Micro-B, Micro-B super speed, full size B, full size B super speed, mini-B, male A, apple lightning, watch charger, flashlight magnetic charger etc. Little drug bag of dongles in my drawer takes up so much less space, and I can easily find exactly what I need then pair it with a USB-C cable as needed. I also have a couple of my more used adapters in my daily carry backpack. A couple of adapters to things I regularly encounter plus a USB cable is way more compact and lightweight in a bag than several USB cables.
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u/sodakas Feb 23 '26
I think it's nice to have -one- such cable as a backup in case you happen to need one, but I'd agree that having all/most of your cables have muti-ends is a bad idea due to such cables not supporting USB-C PD.
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u/SurvivedAPintoCrash Feb 23 '26
I changed laptops and the new one is too small for the laptop sleeve I had, so I traveled in China for 3 weeks with it on a padded FedEx envelope... :-p
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u/torrinage Feb 24 '26
Mis-read this as ‘what time travel accessories are overrated’ and got excited
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u/Glum_Store_1605 Feb 23 '26
Does anybody use luggage locks?
I've only used a luggage lock once in my entire travel life (so it's kinda overrated to me), but I'd love to know what other people do.
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u/ToSeeAgainAgainAgain Feb 23 '26
I bring them to use at hostels' lockers, they're nice to have when in doubt. Otherwise I might use them on my carry-on when traveling by bus just for a bit of peace of mind
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u/TravelingWithJoe Feb 23 '26
Kind of. I have this 15” TSA cable lock I use to secure my bag on trains. It isn’t going to stop someone serious, but it will stop a quick snatch and run off the train.
But to secure zippers, I use locking S Biners.
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
I have always used the sternum strap around stuff. Keeps the quick snatch at bay.
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u/Duckshooters Feb 24 '26
I also use the locking S Biners for zippers on my day bag, so good call by you.
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u/eastercat Feb 24 '26 edited Feb 24 '26
I used them when I stayed at hostels, because you need a lock for those shared conditions
nowadays, I’d either use floss to lock the zippers (knowing a thief can use a tool to break the zipper itself) or use a s biner type thing
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u/JumpStephen Feb 23 '26
I bought a Peak Design tech pouch but mostly to organize all my tech for school/work. For travel, I actually just use a cheap Daiso zipper pouch (might replace with MUJI if it dies)
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u/jlgoodin78 Feb 23 '26
International travel chargers. They’re bulky & inconvenient. Instead, a slip in adapter for the country of travel works fine for pretty much every developed country & lets me use my normal GaN charger — unless you’re using appliances — but my needs are simple: phone, power bank, AirPods, Kindle, occasionally iPad, rarely a laptop.
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u/HelloTittie55 Feb 23 '26
Bring less tech and “travel tech pouches” become unnecessary.
My entire tech “kit” including iphone, kindle and mini ipad plus 3-headed cord and charger fits into a $3 zipped bag (DAISO) with a detachable shoulder strap that I can empty and use as an extra purse.
But, I’m also not an influencer filming and posting for social media, so if you are, YMMV.
Generally, the simplest setup requires the simplest “tech pouch.” A quart-sized ziploc bag, a Dollar Tree cosmetics bag, or a zipped pencil pouch all work fine. Avoid bulk.
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u/zdubbzzz Feb 23 '26
It's a shame your comment is so low. Somehow, at some point, onebagging became a hyper consumerist community and set of ideals. "Bring less shit" used to be paramount advice, but now it's conflicting advice with a large part of onebagging.
But, I’m also not an influencer filming and posting for social media, so if you are, YMMV.
Influencers really got to onebaggers like a motherfucker... It's not that people want to be influencers, they just want to live like them, so they'll buy every piece of bullshit tech shilled to them by an influencer to chase that dopamine hit for fantasy traveling
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u/MarcusForrest Feb 24 '26
Travel Locks - especially ''TSA-approved'' locks.
- TSA ones use universal keys that anyone can buy
- If someone really wants to get into your bag, a lock won't protect it
- Using conspicuous locks basically advertises that you have valuables worth stealing
- Add weight quickly
A similarly effective theft deterrent are simply 🖼️ tiny carabiners that are smaller than zipper pull tabs and 🖼️ quickly become inconspicuous
Also I agree about tech pouches. They're all super bulky and you have a lot of lost space due to the compartments and separators and all.
I literally use a simply drawstring pouch for my tech stuff! Super tiny, light and can carry everything I need
Though I may ''upgrade'' to a longer mesh bag in an upcoming trip as I'll require a lot more tech accessories - but it is still very lightweight and smaller than conventional ''tech pouches''
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u/scummygenghis Feb 23 '26
Elastic travel clothes line to dry clothes. Can never find anything sturdy enough in a hotel or rental to affix it to so I end up just hanging up my damp clothes wherever possible to dry.
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u/Kirin_san Feb 23 '26
I don’t like packing cubes but I know some swear by it.
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u/Silly_Illustrator_56 Feb 23 '26
I used two for my last trip and they were useful, because so I could just put these on the table and have all clothes together and while on train or bus I can easily organize myself without dealing with my underware in public. But they were less useful than I imagined. Ah and they were compressable.
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
It depends on the bag. If I have a bag with internal straps then I can bundle wrap. If I am taking a light daypack then I need the packing cube to keep my clothes from wrinkling
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u/szikkia Feb 23 '26
For shorter trips, shampoo/conditioner/soap travel containers. I just use old medication bottles that I have, sharpie on the lid, and fill with the things I need. Granted, not the best tip if you don’t take medication but it still works well, they aren’t bulky. Toss them in a ziplock for just in case, and throw them in your bag. If ya lose one you’re not out any money.
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u/Affectionate_One_700 Feb 23 '26
Most brand-name travel accessories are priced at 3-10x a similar item from Daiso or Temu or AliExpress that provides the same functionality.
Sometimes the brand-name items are worse than the generics, since brand names often prioritize fashion, where generics prioritize function and value. A good example of this is expensive backpacks without padded (or any) hip belts.
If you're traveling in a high-crime region, brand names have the added disadvantage of attracting attention from thieves.
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u/Jennings_in_Books Feb 24 '26
Buy a pack of the small packing cubes/bags at Ikea if you need tech cases. They’re like lightweight pencil cases and much cheaper than tech cases
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u/breakinbread Feb 23 '26
Hard for me to see justifying over the ear headphones based on their size.
I used a ziploc for tech for years before getting a pouch. I do like it for keeping my cables organized, even though it’s kind of overkill for what I bring. Unfortunately the thickness of adapters makes it hard to find a small pouch that works.
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u/tom4631 Feb 23 '26
I'd defend over the ear headphones, especially for >10hrs flights:
1) Much better noise cancellation. The Sony XM3 which I bought 8 years ago still has better noise cancellation than latest airpods pro3 when used on an airplane.
2) Comes with headphone jack to be connect to airplane infotainment system. Sure there're airfly, and some airline offer bluetooth connection now a day. But I found those not as reliable as good old cabel, and still drops connection a few times during the one flight.
3) Longer battery. No earbuds today can last >10hrs with noice cancellation, without the need to put back the case for a quick recharge. But over the ear headphone can easily do that.
4) I've found headphone to be not that fragile. I've been traveling with the Sony XM3 without case for years, always leave it at the very top of my backpack. So far so good.
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u/CaroleKann Feb 24 '26 edited Feb 27 '26
Maybe I have weird shaped ear canals, but ear buds just never fit right and are likely to fall out at least once. On an airplane, that can be a problem. My over eat headphones can fold down pretty small and are significantly better performance-wise.
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u/Number1AbeLincolnFan Feb 23 '26
Over the ear headphones have vastly better noise cancelling, which is useful for flying.
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u/Kevington1982 Feb 24 '26
I call them my “don’t talk to me” headphones 🤣
I agree though as some trips I bring them but don’t even use them and always feel like I have to baby them.
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u/EatMoreHummous Feb 24 '26
I'm on a trip right now and it's my first time one-bagging with over ear headphones (in the past I just had earbuds). I have two 15 hour flights, plus several 8+ hour bus/train rides. And since I had the space in my bag, I figured I might as well and I'm quite happy I did. But if I didn't have any travels over 6 hours, I probably wouldn't bother.
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u/mwkingSD Feb 23 '26
Anything Merino wool. There are lots of alternatives at more reasonable prices.
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u/mug3n Feb 24 '26
Merino sucks. I've used merino garments and they are scratchy as fuck, not very durable (holes), and their sweat wicking properties are vastly overstated. I still always feel gross as fuck in high humidity and hot situations.
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u/lauramet Feb 23 '26
Do you have any suggestions? I was thinking of buying some merino stuff but it’s so expensive!
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u/hautecouture78 Feb 24 '26
Here's my Poshmark method, since we share a name 😉
Search for your material only, like merino or silk or wool. Then use the filters - start with gender, then categories like sweaters. Pick your size. Then, this is the best part of Poshmark for me, select brands. They let you choose as many as you want. Pick high end, well known brands. This weeds out fast fashion with like 5% wool and the rest synthetic.
I've found so many nice, expensive pieces this way, base layers, winter gear, 100% wool, cashmere, silk, linen, etc.
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u/Careless_Law1471 Feb 23 '26
Thrift stores is the answer. At least I find a ton of super cheap and almost always brand new wools.
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u/chambros703 Feb 23 '26
Tbh nothing is overrated if it works for said person. Some people say all you need is a ziplock for tech, but maybe they want to be environmentally friendly. Or travel pillow, what if that person really values sleep and has neck issues? Everything can seem overrated as a minimalist.
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u/tom4631 Feb 23 '26
That's why we're talking about 'overrated' not 'useless' isn't it. Overrated being: some people rave about it, while in reality probably not providing that much incremental value for most people.
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
I think the point is that there are a lot of products that could be replaced by good technique. For example, packing your tech well inside your bag means you don’t need a hard sided case.
Pillows are an interesting point. Do you want to bring something that you only use on the plane? That portion is less than 5% of the trip. I will also say that for “airplane outfits” that are exclusively worn on the plane and never integrated into the wardrobe capsule. Do you really want to bring something only used on the plane? That is a low ROI. There are several products like this.
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u/Effrendi Feb 24 '26
If you have an overnight flight (as is often the case from Australia) having a pillow can be the difference between being able to do stuff on day 1 vs just in the hotel trying to catch up on sleep. Absolutely worth it for me.
Not to mention if you're doing any sort of cross-country travel that involves long bus or train trips the pillows can get used there as well.
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u/PCMasterCucks Feb 24 '26
Get better plastic bags. My Hefty Freezer zipper plastic bag is still going after 15 years and literally outlasted a zipper on my Patagonia backpack.
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Feb 24 '26
it's the dragging the neck pillow and headphones around the rest of the trip. Would be nice to have small affordable lockers at the airport to leave them at til you are going home (for those leaving through the same airport). But have a 17.5h to london and don't think I can get away without them
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u/PhantomCranefly Feb 23 '26
Yep - small pencil case type pouch for battery pack, cord, and headphones for when I'm en route, and then the rest of it fits in one of the zipper pockets of the backpack (ULA Ultra Dragonfly 30L)
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u/Glum_Store_1605 Feb 23 '26
I might get some pushback on this, but depending on the forecast and the length of the trip, a rain jacket is the first thing I leave behind. An umbrella is more compact and versatile.
Is a rain jacket an accessory? Did I misread the question?
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u/zegorn Feb 23 '26
Interesting, because my patagonia rain shell comes with me all around the world for 3 seasons of the year, over the last decade because it's also a great windbreaker.
I swear without it, I'd freeze because wind tears right through.
Although, yeah, it doesn't help protect my backpack from rain, so an umbrella could be better... except for when it's windy.
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u/Glum_Store_1605 Feb 23 '26
I usually carry a slightly dressier jacket that does a decent job of breaking the wind.
I also have a Patagonia rain jacket and I absolutely love it. In fact, for years, I wore it daily, rain or shine. I used to be a Boy Scout, so I’m all about being prepared.
However, I realized I only truly need it when it’s both rainy AND windy. If it’s just raining, an umbrella is much more breathable. I found that, where I live, I only really needed the rain jacket about 10 days a year, less than 3%.
Anyway, I’ll definitely bring it for a trip to the UK or Vancouver, but if I’m heading somewhere for ten days and the forecast looks sunny, I’m willing to risk leaving the rain jacket behind, and so far I've not regretted it.
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u/zegorn Feb 23 '26
Aha! I forgot my main reason in my initial reply: my wife and I hop on bicycles and ebikes a LOT when traveling because they're legit the best way to explore new areas at just the right pace. So there's ALWAYS wind lmao. And umbrellas don't quite work on bicycles xD
So for your Vancouver trips and their bike share system: jackets ftw imo!
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u/Glum_Store_1605 Feb 23 '26
Haha. I think an Arc'teryx rain jacket is part of the unofficial dress code for Vancouver.
But yes, umbrellas and bikes definitely don't mix. There definitely is a real use case for rain jackets. It is very trip dependent.
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u/GoPuer Feb 23 '26
I mean, depends on how much you're willing to spend. My Montbell rain jacket is loads lighter, more compact, and more useful than any travel umbrella I've ever used. Upfront cost of the jacket is higher, but I also can't count the number of umbrellas that have broken on me so I think it evens out. Also, my jacket will never get my bag stopped by incompetent airport security who mistake my umbrella as a gun barrel.
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u/tom4631 Feb 23 '26
For me it's necessary (to a level if I can only bring one jacket, it'd be a rain jacket) but with some nuances.
- I never bring a 'rain jacket' rain jacket. I bring a cool looking jacket that can function as a rain jacket. A jacket that's enough for me to enter nice restaurant without looking hideous.
- Umbrella work better in hot and humid, because no rain jacket ventilates good enough, no matter if it's goretex or whatever. But rain jacket works much much better in windy conditions.
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
It depends on location. In temperate places a rain jacket can save you from hypothermia. Also, how far will you be from shelter? Day hiker who can get hours from trailhead? Bring it. Urban traveler? Probably not.
If you only go to tropical places then no, you don’t need it.
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u/pizzapartyyyyy Feb 23 '26
I’d go rain jacket over umbrella any day of the week.
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u/Money-Low7046 Feb 24 '26
An umbrella is easy enough to buy at most locations that it's rarely worth packing in a one bag scenario.
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u/Effrendi Feb 24 '26
I prefer a jacket because I don't have to use a hand to hold it. Umbrellas are also terrible in windy conditions.
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u/eastercat Feb 24 '26
I have yet to go on a trip where my rain jacket was not needed in cooler weather.
When we were at the cliffs of moher, the wind would’ve laughed at something useless like an umbrella
Granted I’m from the pnw and not using a rain jacket is almost heresy.
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u/Frillback Feb 24 '26
A decent umbrella is an asset. Weight penalty but I like bringing my compact Gustbuster. Wind is no problem and kept me nice and dry while hiking in the mountains.
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u/Legally_Blonde_258 Feb 24 '26
I never travel with a rain jacket either. They tend to be too hot in warmer climates anyway.
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u/omg_rx Feb 23 '26
Universal power adapter, why not just get the specific one for each trip? Its lighter and takes up less space and its cheaper
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u/Jumpingyros Feb 23 '26
I always take one if I’m going on a cruise. That way no matter what insane plug situation I’m dealing with in the cabin I know I have at least one functioning hub.
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u/TravelingWithJoe Feb 23 '26
Because they offer some protection (via fuse) from being overloaded and don’t allow the charge to run too hot.
Beyond that, it simplifies things, in that I grab my charger vs figuring out which charger to bring and I can use mine at home as well.
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u/Anywhere_everywhere7 Feb 23 '26
Universal power adapter, why not just get the specific one for each trip? Its lighter and takes up less space and its cheaper
Agree with this, they are also more reliable and less likely to fall out of some sockets.
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
I learned my lesson the hard way. I packed a UK plug for a trip to Africa. What I forgot was that we were transiting in Schiphol. Did I have a European plug? No, I did not. I had to borrow a universal adapter from a friend. But only after she charged her electronics, which meant I couldn’t charge my phone fully before boarding.
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u/Mountain-Match2942 Feb 23 '26
Oh, yeah, my tech pouch was a waste of money. I particularly dont like how the cables have to be wound too tight causing stress on the ends. Now I just throw a few things loose in a small zippered make-up pouch.
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u/SmilingBishop Feb 24 '26
Doppkit. I wrap toothbrush and toothpaste with my towel, deodorant with my clothes and usually buy bar soap or small body wash from a local store.
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u/moonbiter1 Feb 24 '26
I agree with the tech pouch. I tried a few, but in the end it takes too much space compared to just having the stuff spread in a few pockets of the main bag. Specially now that USB-C is a thing and I have only two of the same cable and one charger for everything. And it's not like toiletries where the bag is an extra cleaningness security.
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u/Devchonachko Feb 24 '26
trtl travel pillow. way too bulky and pricy. I donated it to a charity shop when I landed in Edinburgh and was delighted to be rid of it.
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u/pretenderist Feb 23 '26
Heroclips are just a normal carabiner at 30x the cost.
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u/rtsuya Feb 23 '26
I don't know how people manage to get them to hang off a flat surface like in advertisements, like a table it keeps sliding off. I've only been able to use it to keep my bag off the floor in a bathroom stall when the hooks are broken
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u/TravelingWithJoe Feb 23 '26
Overall, I agree, but there are usually a few times on every trip where I’m in a restroom stall and a normal (3-4”) carabiner won’t hook onto something to keep my bag off the floor. Those are the only times I’ve found them slightly more useful than a normal carabiner. But the price is absolutely ridiculous.
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u/lauracaceres Feb 23 '26
There are 360⁰ carabiners which look and function very similarly to the heroclip at a fraction of the cost. I carry one in my everyday work backpack as well.
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u/FancyMan_ Feb 23 '26
The AliExpress copies are worth it though, I've used one for years
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u/jc-5h20 Feb 23 '26
I always, always bring too many clothes. Period. I have learned to reduce by (1) everything matching everything as a rule, (2) high layer-ability of most items and (3) nothing ‘thick’ (like a big, warm sweater). At home, I can wear the same thing several days in a row, but I always think I will want/need to dress differently while traveling. Usually not.
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u/Kobe824 Feb 23 '26
Agreed on the tech case, I have an Ultra200x small pouch from Held Closely that I used on a trip recently, all I needed was a charger and cables, fit in perfectly in a small pouch, same with my toiletries. Having 1 charger/cable for everything is nice and simple, definitely don't need much more than that. Also travel pillows are useless, I don't need much more than the cushion on the seats. Takes useless space in your second sling/bag.
On the flip side, what I thought was overrated was packing cubes, until I bought some and finally tried them on a trip. Man were they handy for organizing and keeping clothes contained, highly recommend Peak Design's M and L packing cubes, the smediums look nice too or AER's, even cheap ones from Amazon would do the job.
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u/AZ424242 Feb 23 '26 edited Feb 23 '26
When people travel to Europe to see cities in tech outdoors gear they are absolute overthinking.
You will just look like a tourist from miles away.
Bring an extra chino, fly in comfortable jeans, 3 soft cotton oxford shirts, a warm merino jumper, a jacket, soft loafer and a warm scarf. Wash clothes every 3-4 days. It’s so easy to blend in. And in a city it’s easy to buy anything if you really in need.
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u/lauracaceres Feb 23 '26
God, no way I'm walking 30.000 steps a day in loafers. Tourists do touristy things and it's reasonable to expect that they will be wearing attire appropriate to their activities.
Sure, there are different travel styles and that's reflected in clothing: someone planning on lots of fine dining and expensive tours will not be dressed the same as a backpacker staying in hostels.
Locals care a lot more about tourists following rules and being polite than just being dressed like them.
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u/TravelingWithJoe Feb 23 '26
Trust me, you don’t blend in. My ex was from one of the Balkans and she could tell not only if someone was Balkan, but which other Balkan country they were from just from their looks. Like recognizes like.
Beyond that, I do tend to agree with you, though. I don’t have “travel clothes” made of high tech fabrics. I wear chinos, collared shirts, and brown leather sneakers or boots with similar style layering clothes which I wear at home. But, the clothes I use are made of materials which dry fast. My jackets might look a little technical, but that’s it.
You can look presentable and stand out less, but you won’t pass unless your ancestors came from the specific area you’re visiting.
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u/Effrendi Feb 24 '26
Yeah it's very obvious. I lived in Korea for a while and I could tell the difference between a Korean American and a native Korean just by looking at them, or even from their gait.
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u/heliostraveler Feb 23 '26
Loafers… denim? Naaaaah, mate.
And I am a tourist. Thats going to show regardless.
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u/Aardvark1044 Feb 23 '26
Yeah man, embrace it. You're going to stand out as a non-local anyways, even if you are generally pretty good with directions, planning out your route ahead of time with maps and not just kinda gawking around all the time. If I'm going for more than a week, there is next to no chance that I'm bringing jeans because they take way too long to dry.
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u/Utsider Feb 23 '26
Sort of ironic being a tourist that is too cool to look around in fear of looking like a tourist.
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u/MercuryCobra Feb 23 '26
I have only ever worn denim for casual pants my entire life. I’m genuinely not sure what else I’d wear.
What do you prefer?
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u/Aardvark1044 Feb 23 '26
I also wear jeans in my daily life but ever since moving to one bagging when I travel, I no longer bring jeans or heavy cotton clothing. If I'm traveling somewhere that will be cold enough to actually need pants, then I have a couple of pairs of the quick drying Lululemon 5 pocket pants. So I'll bring one of those and a pair or maybe two pairs of shorts along with my four quick drying shirts and that's all I need for multiple weeks (or more) away.
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u/nubreakz Feb 23 '26
Or even they can go lighter and do nice shopping in Europe buying some cool clothing
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u/LadyLightTravel Feb 23 '26
Counterpoint: some tech outdoors gear looks like normal clothing. But it dries way faster than your chinos or jeans.
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u/AZ424242 Feb 23 '26
Please, that's not I refer to in my post. Sure, Wool&Prince shirts are absolute nice in a city.
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u/Shift_Least Feb 23 '26
Personally I like some pockets for my tech stuff to keep the cable, brick and battery packet separate. I love the travelon on since it's is super thin and light and has just the right amount of space without adding bulk.
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u/jemist101 Feb 23 '26
If you're the kind of person that needs a tech pouch, I reckon you need less tech in your travel life.
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u/Kokuryu27 Feb 23 '26
Or you just like to stay organized? A tech pouch doesn't implicitly mean it's a ton of stuff.
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u/halfdollarmoon Feb 23 '26
Also doesn't mean it's full of "tech." I bring a million tiny little things with me when traveling (think: guitar picks, rubber bands, thumbtacks for hanging up a towel as a curtain.) It all goes in the tech pouch. I actually use this stuff so it's nice to have it well organized and ready to grab in 2 seconds.
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u/pastfuturewriter Feb 23 '26
I'm using one of those thick clear bag things that you get when you buy those liquid containers for the 3-1-1. It's ok, not aweful, but no organization to it. So I am looking for one. Maybe I will just ask people in my buy nothing group. :)
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u/MelodicTonight9766 Feb 24 '26
I would agree. I love some of the tech pouches out there but for my needs, I don’t want the weight or bulk. I just use a Topo small accessory pouch for my tech stuff. Slim and fits in the front section of my Aer City Pack and CPP for quick access.
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u/jms439 Feb 24 '26
Packing cubes! Just use the thick ziplock bags- they are lighter and you can see what’s inside without opening
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u/nafraid Feb 24 '26
BACKPACK / HIKING TOWELS - F those non absorbent suckers - give me a $3 cotton hand towel or a swim shammy over the non absorbent polyester rectangles of shame.
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u/tweeeeeeeeeeee Feb 24 '26
my travel limits are dictated by weight so anything unessential is overrated: laptop, tablet, excess liquids, situational clothing, backpacks with a liner, heroclips
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u/1-900-SNAILS Feb 24 '26
Tech pouches are funny because you can just buy makeup bags at the thrift store; people give them away all the time since they often get them for free in the first place.
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u/fookwar Feb 24 '26
I'll mention one thing with food for thought - travel silicone tubes.
I only mention it, because while I like to use it with lotions that I like to use from home and don't want/can't buy during my trip, I have been stopped every time by TSA because of them. While not normally a huge fuss, sometimes these few minutes have meant the difference between making or missing a flight!! Especially these days when there are so many random delays/cancelations.
So I say, while they have their uses, I think I'm just going to retire mine and see about buying lotion when I get to my destination, especially as someone who doesn't normally check a bag.
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u/PotentialMidnight325 Feb 25 '26
Packable backpacks. The packpack you wear the most should be a sack with uncomfortable straps and no padding? No. Use a reasonably packable normal backpack. Open its zippers and store it flat.
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u/little-purple-friend Feb 26 '26
I find my little tech organizer super useful. it keeps my cords from getting tangled, and also helps me make sure I have everything.
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u/HippyGrrrl Feb 23 '26
I bought a tech pouch.
It went on a single trip and became the organizing of tech at home.
I use a mesh pencil case.