OVERRATED travel gear & what I bring instead 

FYI: I‘m already working on my video about materials and how I pick my clothes. I will try to get it published in the beginning of May. 💪 Maybe you would want to subscribe to my channel so you don‘t miss it?! 🤔😂🤗

Yes, please share a video about clothing materials! That would be so helpful. Thanks for your hard work on these videos!

Finally! A video showing items that are a "waste". Soooo many other vloggers seem to just push unnecessary Amazon items because they want you to buy from their commission based store, whether the items are crap or not. Most of them are not even useful (like seriously, who needs a travel toiletry bag that has 4 folding compartments). I've stopped watching all those videos. Thank you for not reviewing a bunch of stuff just to help convince us we need to buy more stuff. I appreciate your videos sooo much. And I'm glad to see you both back to making videos. Thanks for another truthful video that has actual useful info.

It is so funny how different people travel, because I love my Hero Clips. I use them to hang my luggage on the back of doors, or clip multiple bags together when I need a hand free (like a shopping bag to my big bag). I also use them to carry multiple shopping bags with one hand from the grocery store. A carabineer and hooks would not be strong enough, or take up as little space with how I use them. I also just clip the Clip to the handle of bag, so it never is inside a pocket unless I need to check my luggage at an airport.

OK, the neck pillow is supposed to have the opening at the back. I know! Who knew? But try it, it keeps your chin from falling to your chest and is much more comfortable. My friend, who is a flight attendant, explained this to me. I have one which has a snap closure and is memory foam so I can compact it. Bon voyage!

Yes! Would love to hear more about clothing fabrics for travel! I’ve been trying to research quality clothing that doesn’t hold smell, breathable, wicks sweat, easy to hand wash and dries quickly so that I can car camp around the US or travel for weeks with a small capsule.

I love how genuine and original you are. I’m tired of all the RU-vidrs all just rushing to the trends all all doing the same things.

The reason you don't find the neck pillow comfortable is that you wear it backwards. You don't bring it around your head, you stick it right on, the opening is in the back and that's where the fastener is. Now you rest your chin on the pillow, and your head isn't pushed forward to where there's no support.

The Hero clip is something I use daily. It’s fantastic to hang my bags to a table . Sometimes my other bag hangers slip or are too small. The small Hero clip works better.

Yes, would love to see an in depth video on sourcing clothing and what works best!!

I'm sooooo glad you highlighted that unconventional use of the s-shaped hooks for hanging something underneath a table/desk. I bought a 10-pack of them recently for non-travel purposes, but now will definitely bring some with me on my next trip!

Those s-hooks will leave a dent or scratch the surface of whatever you're hanging stuff on. Heroclips are the best bag hooks if you have a bag over 5 pounds (I'm a teacher and carry a lot) because they don't damage the surface and can bear larger weight purses. I've gotten cheaper Daiso alternatives and they broke. The ones you show would either start slipping off the surface with bags at the weight I carry, or would leave marks on the surface top. Once you get use the motion of deploying the hook, and tucking it in, it's not a big deal. You can try the cheap hooks, but if you found like I did that they don't work, you'll need a Hero clip.

This is such an underrated topic. Thank you for talking about it and I completely agree with your take on these products. I admit to being caught up myself in all the hype (influencing?) over gadgets, bags, pouches, and other random stuff that's supposed to make travel easier and better. IMHO, it seems like things seem to be for/by ultralight types or a type of traveller who will be in remote villages or towns etc. where personal water filtration is necessary or needing to travel really light is a must. Once I accepted that, at my age, I am just a casual traveller who enjoys primarily city travelling and whatever toiletry or item I didn't bring I am likely to find where I am going. One exception I make to this are chargers, cables, adapters, etc. It doesn't make sense to try to buy these (possibly at a higher cost) at the destination when I could have brought them with me -they don't take up much space anyways. Also, like you, I just went with little USB-A/micro-usb adapters like the ones you showed. Yes, please share a video about clothes sourcing and materials. That would be very interesting.

You hit everything I regretted purchasing for travel. Great video, thank you.

Don’t blow an inflatable neck pillow up all the way, only fill it ‘till it’s comfortable. Get one whose sides are longer, wear it at the front, (or the side) so you use the sides to sleep, also it prevents the head from falling forward. Some have some sort of connection that allows for hooking the pillow onto a backpack.

We are all guilty of buying travel items that turn out to be not reused . My thoughts. 1. Like you I decant my liquid products only into TSA size flat pouches that can be re- used and or cleaned easily. 2 . I love the Matador refillable toothpaste tubes because I am picky about my toothpaste. 3 . I need a neck / head pillow on the flight but found one that allows you to fill with clothes and is washable. Serves two purposes. 3. I hate cold feet but find that Merino Wool socks - only keep my feet warm enough in winter travel. Worth the price, wash well and last several years. Won’t spend the money on the Merino tops. 4. Water Bottle yes which I decant into but take a sponge cleaner on a handle with water bottle cleaning tabs ( break in half) just enough for trip and don’t count as liquids- to disinfect after each day use. They really clean the bottle inside well. Also fill up at airport water stations rather than pay ridiculous amounts on bottled water after getting thru TSA lines. There are flat ones that don’t leak but the rigid ones clean well. 4. For winter or fall travel a pair of silk leggings and top to layer under clothes is invaluable and wick moisture. The ones at LLBean in the USA are excellent . Hanro undergarments in Europe are similar in top quality and worth the cost. Wool in Silk. You can sleep in them or layer them under day clothes and they wash and dry quickly in room yet add no weight in luggage and last easily several years of use for me.Part of my layering strategy if needed. They are well worth the price . 5 . Agree there are less expensive clips that serve many purposes like adding a hook over a door, dry clothes on that are less expensive options and come in packs of 5-10 . Ive left Hero hooks behind by accident. I also carry 2 foldable travel hangers that serve as hangers and for drying hand washed clothes. Invaluable.

I'd love to see something about alternatives to merino. I do wear Merino socks and sweaters but not shirts. Thank you for your insights, especially about the Hero Clip.

Thank you for the information. It's useful to hear someone talking a out the cons and not just the pros.

Some good points but there are some items I love. Merino from Wool& is my favorite. Love my Hero Clip and I always carry a refillable water bottle. Thank you!

The neck pillow is supposed to be worn the other way. Not behind you, the opening should be in the back.

I pack my neck pillow with soft clothes. It allows me to take more and to have clothes if my check in luggage gets delayed or lost.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! I've bought a few of these and thought about buying a few of these so thank you for saving me the hassle and money. I also appreciated you sharing what you like as an alternative. I would love a video about clothing materials too!

Great list! I came to the same conclusions about the Hero Clip, Scrubba, and merino wool over time. Replacing the clear phone protection bag makes sense and I will do that, too.

It's great to hear someone who travels more than I do thinking the way I do. I try hard not to be seduced by the bombardment of ads and you have convinced me to be more vigilant. I have a collection of useless stuff too. Love your videos.

I always enjoy your videos. I could listen to you review any category of items. ❤

The neck pillow is supposed to be worn with the opening towards the back. That way you catch your head when it falls forward. The inflatable version is invaluable for me. Grüsse aus Nashville!

Thank you so much! Appreciate your honesty.

Thank you! Best travel video I've watched in ages.

Once again, love your honesty and candor! Lots of gimmicky items and brands out there. Thank you for this refreshing video :)

Thank you for your review & experiences with these products.

Simply the best travel stuff video ever. Thank you for sharing your valuable experience!

Thank you for this very honest video. I just wanted to mention that I have just found an inflatable travel pillow that when you blow it up, it has a flatish area where your head goes, so your head does not get pushed forward and sides support your head really well (I bought it yesterday and tried it out in my sitting room). I was really impressed.

Enjoyed your video. Well thought out.

Maggi I loved this!! I’ve seen many creators hawking these items and thought maybe they’re actually useful so I appreciate your genuine feedback. I’ve looked at neck pillows but just couldn’t justify the hassle and cost. I’m going to investigate the Sea to Summit inflatable pillow for a red eye to the UK in June 😊

Great tips thanks Maggi. Good honest advice.

Such a great video!!! The comment about the shoes in Brazil made me laugh out loud!!! Great job and I'd love to hear about your clothing choices/sourcing/etc.

Vielen Dank, Maggi, für ein weiteres sehr nützliches Video. Ich habe in der Vergangenheit zu viele Gimmick-Käufe getätigt. Influencer bewerben viele Produkte nur, um Verkäufe zu generieren. Dies sollte den Menschen wirklich helfen, zweimal darüber nachzudenken, was sie kaufen.

Thanks for your honest opinions!

Great list! Thank you!

Great tips based on your experience! Luv the pillow suggestion!

Enjoyed your video, very informative. Completely agree about neck pillows and merino wool.

So nice to hear you offer alternatives to merino wool as I’m allergic to wool. Always enjoy your videos…thanks for the great content!

yess please make a video about fabrics!!

Totally agree with you about travel water bottles and travel pillows, too much bother.

Totally agree with the Merino wool products, and a lot of your other products.

I love this helpful,honest review.❤

Good video! Vielen Dank! 1) Merino wool: I have various merino items from Decathlon, Massimo Dutti and Stoic for long time and am so happy! Alternative is mixed cotton with polyester or Tencel. Merino wool is just wool from the sheeps, not sure where the problem is, better fir the sheeps to have sometimes a hair (wool) cut than to be grilled on a bbq. 2) Perfume bottles: I have the small ones but in glass, all quite durable, zero leaking 3) Pillow: I bought the inflatable pillow from Decathlon and I put inside the cover my down vest, it is comfortable and save me space in my backpack when checking in flights.

New subscriber here. I knew I had found the right channel and a kindred soul when I saw I had tried the first three items you mentioned (the Heroclip, the 6 in 1 charging cable, and the neck pillow) and later the Marino wool. As you mentioned, the Heroclip is overpriced and awkward. The 6 in 1 is unreliable and the micro USB/Lightning plug is a nightmare. I first used some non-inflatable pillows trying to find the best one. Then I tried a few inflatable pillows that were compact when deflated but just as uncomfortable. I also ended up with a camping pillow like you did. I can’t wear Merino wool touching my skin because I am allergic to wool. I do have one light duty merino wool zippered sweater that has worked fine for 15 years but the new ones are so expensive. I am looking forward to viewing all your videos.

You are 100% on point with this one I agree whole-heartedly with every point you made

I just recently learned that simple, dryer proof cotton shirts (mine are from C&A) and a merino wool pullover (I got mine from uniqlo) are my best combination for traveling. No need to wash the pullover and the cotton tees can be worn either for a few not to sweaty days, rinsed in the sink or put into coin laundry without worries as they won't shrink in the dryer. Combined with a simple fleece jacket I felt like it was the perfect combination for a city & nature adventure. However, the Pullover starts to look loved, especially the areas where backpackstraps sit. Uniqlo is quite cheap tho and no mulesing at least.

Great video! I like to use my Hero Clip when I'm in a bathroom that doesn't have a clip to hang my backpack or purse, but the hanging hooks seem like they would also do the job.

I travel in my Van conversion with no shower. My Hero carabiner is permanently attached to my shower sac. Works brilliantly as you can hang the bag anywhere. Love it for that & only that. Otherwise I use the typical carabiner. I had one of the wash bags - left it behind at a room & never replaced it - nuf said... I have used Goo Tube refillable containers for years without a blowout - even with elevation changes on the road I use Merino socks exclusively (I just started testing out Buffalo socks), some underwear, a few beanies & a few pair of merino shorts & insulating long bottoms. I can't use merino on my skin on my top - so that is out... When I travel lighter i will carry a light water bladder instead of a water bottle

I learned recently that you should put the neck pillow in front. Game changer.

Great great video! We love to watch edc/tech/travel gadgets videos - and end up wanting to buy them all! I still use the hero clip (actually it’s a Chinese version of it, and cheaper) but the neck pillows and the mini in charge cable were in fact a waste of money for me. The mini perfume spray bottle I got still working great and so far, no spills. 😊

Great video, not following the usual trends and giving a real opinion. Also thank you so much for letting people know about the merino wool cruelty. I wouldn't have known this!

Sadly, I have to agree regarding the Hero Clip. Great in theory. Never used them. Great video. Thanks.

Hi Maggie, thanks for your honesty (as usual - especially regarding the tropicfeel shoes). I really liked that you didn't just cover the products you don't use but also suggested alternatives. However, I bought a (more) expensive metal perfume miniature bottle on Amazon bcos the cheap plastic 1s I bought all leaked and the metal 1 didn't 🤷‍♀️ I too have found merino clothing often wears out rapidly but I'm looking more at hemp, bamboo, silk and alpaca as alternatives; although I am open to tencel as well, for certain items. Regarding that multi-charging tool, I bought a little sd card reader called a "budi" to extend the storage of my s23 ultra but found it to have so many uses including having multiple usb charging options that work well. And for $15AUD it was definitely a value buy

Thank you for sharing your review of the various items you mentioned in the video, they were very informative. A lot of the items mentioned is being offered by specialty shop where I live (Malaysia) and they're definitely not cheap. I can afford them but they're definitely an investment and not something I can buy nilly-willy. So hearing a real life reviews on these items are greatly appreciated.

You talk a lot of sense, Maggi, and very persuasively and eloquently. I think you just saved me a lot of money and weight in my luggage. Thank you!

Have to say I love my Hero clip - I carry a back pack everyday and it's just so handy to clip to tables or add something extra to the bag - that and my knipex pliers are the best things I've bought. I get pains in my hands and the pliers make it so easy to open bottles and tiny things. great videos!

Excellent tips from an experienced traveler...thank you for saving me money!

Thank you!

Love your video and you just saved me from buying a hero-clip! But a quick tip, the other way! If it's for the flight, train and so on, turn the neck pillow around, and place it around the front instead 😊 Won't push you away from the seat, and will support your head in whatever direction you head falls 😊

Thank you for the insight

🙂Great video!! I always have bad luck with airport bathroom stalls not having bag hooks. I wish I could get away with not bringing my Hero Clip. But it has saved my bag from a few nasty floor situations. Maybe I will have to pick up some of those standard hooks!

great video and I agree with many points but I was very surprised about the InCharge X cable. I use it all the time and it has saved my ass. it’s so small, it’s just one thing you have to keep track of instead of a cable plus different dongles, it also may come in handy if for some reason you need to charge from a USB-A port instead of USB-C, I’d never travel without it and I carry it daily at home hero clips, eh, I use mine, I like hanging my bag from a table for easier access or keeping things off of dirty floors, and it’s so convenient because it attaches to your bag and can be used for other things too merino shirts can definitely be hit or miss, my proof 72 hour merino tees have held up pretty well. and as for underwear and socks, I use darn toughs and some merino blend boxers from allbirds and both are awesome, as well as my icebreaker merino hoodie. I think the trick is to go for a blend rather than 100% so it’s more durable thanks for the video even if I don’t agree with everything I appreciate the critical thinking you have done. lots of travel brands are just trendy crap

Yes, please! I would love a video on clothing materials.

Thanks for a great video Maggie! I hate carrying around that neck pillow when flying. 😄

The fat part of those neck pillows works better under the chin. That said, I agree with you that they are a pain and I also stopped using that type.

Excellent video Maggi, I totally agree, except for the hero clips I kinda like those. But everything else is spot on specially the wool

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I would add selfie sticks to the list. And also grab a cheap old phone as a back up when wandering through sneaky places… see you in the next video 😀

I bought a merino wool gaiter and was surprised at how thin the material was. I liked the warmth on my neck and I expect it will work well as a sleep mask and as a cap. On the basis of this item I bought a pair of merino wool socks, but found they were too thick and too rough for my feet, so I sent them back. I was thinking about the Hero carabiner, but the price was giving me pause. Good to hear your experience with it and the alternatives you recommend. Going back to the neck pillow, back in the day I used to camp a lot and also hitchhike. I never saw the point of packing a pillow when I could stuff a t-shirt with clothes and use that. I'll be flying across country tonight and I will be wearing a fleece jacket and a long cotton scarf onto the plane. My intention is to fold up the jacket and wrap it with the scarf, making a 'flight pillow' that should work just fine. Sometimes the best 'gadgets' are the ones that necessity and low income lead you to innovate. I had bought a 3-part toiletry bag with one section that zips off as the Liquids Bag, but it was bulky and heavy and...I just sent it back. I use so few toiletries that I don't need anything more than a snack-size ziplock. I have a 1-qt ziplock for my Liquids Bag, but the only liquids I'm carrying is a contact lens case with antifungal cream in one lens holder and antibacterial ointment in the other. I have a zippered silicone makeup brush case I bought to hold all my first aid supplies. It takes very little space, is waterproof, and fits pretty much anywhere. The one splurge I decided on, given that I am elderly and flying Basic Economy (so only allowed a 'personal item) is a collapsible trolly. I can bungee my heavy backet to the trolley, but compact and slip the trolley into the backpack at boarding. The one I bought is rated to 77lbs and weighs about 2lbs. Fingers crossed, that it does the job.

Great tips! ☺️ Thanks

Great video. Few things off my shopping list😁😂

Good content, very useful 😊

Great video! I too struggle with neck pillows. I’ll have to give a regular camping pillow a try. Thanks!

Good to know that I am not the only one who has a box full of items that I "thought" would be useful, but aren't. Yes, there are often cheaper alternatives. Keep making interesting videos!

Omg a great and honest vlog!! Thank you. Tencel is great. So is bamboo and silk as natural fibres. Or eucalyptus fibres like they use in Allbirds shoes. Lots of options beyond magic merino. Love it for socks but not much else. And I haved owned and used it for eons from big and small brands across most conditions. 😬

Great video! I’d love to see you do a video on clothing materials!

Yes a good review of clothes is needed because nowadays everything is either too expensive or too cheap travel friendly clothes is a must

Wonderful video. Great ideas and presentation.

You are putting your travel pillow on backwards that’s why you feel like your head is being pushed forward. ❤️🇨🇦

This was helpful! Several of the things you mention have been on my "wish list," and I do have a small hero clip lol. I've used it a bit, mostly to hang up my toiletry bag when there's no hook. I would really enjoy a clothing video. Thank you!

INSTANTLY subscribed because the first two items I completely agree with and have had the same experience!!!

The takeaway here, in my own humble opinion and from own experience, is that you will never know what works for you best if you won't try them 😂 no such issues as well if you can't afford them in the first place. Seriously, the best travel gadgets are those that adapt to your own personal style and needs. Not those that force you to change the way you do things often. What doesn't work for one person might just work for you. On that note... I swear by my hero clips. They get a high mileage from me from home to road use to outdoor use. It's durable, 😊albeit fiddly, and for someone who avoids putting my HEAVY bags/packs down in urban settings , this gives me peace of mind. Cheers! It is always interesting to see what and what doesn't work for other travellers 😊

Ty is love the S hook idea for my pants belt loop idea

Great video, the matador pouch for me has been great (3 years), never had an issue and to clean I would use an ear tip to wipe any shower gel away. But it was very expensive for what it is.

I had never heard of tencel fabric before, looks fascinating to me. That being said, in the last year or so I have gotten on the merino wool train. However, I have also had extremely different experiences with different brands. After extensive research, my first merino product was an icebreaker shirt that developed holes after about 10 uses. Lesson learned there.

I love my inCharge cables I've had them for a couple years, but i agree with you, they do not last, i have 5 and 3 of them don't work anymore. I'd still repurchase them though, they are my daily drivers especially the mini ones.

Great video! Thanks for the honesty, it's refreshing to find someone doing this kind of content without trying to push alternative brands (which conveniently sponsor them). It's sad you had a bad experiency with tropic feel shoes, both me and my partner own several pairs and are happy with them. Not in love, but they are our most used summer shoes.

I think most people use neck pillows wrong. The open part should be behind your neck and the bulky center part should be below the chin.

I love hero clips, and I carry them everyday. I use them to hang my purse in restaurants and bathroom stalls. In America, bathroom stalls often are horrible. They have been great when traveling to hook my bathroom bag or clothes in hotel rooms.

Extremely useful video 😄

I agree with the water bottle. I also like to try local beverages, like sodas, beer, wine, and even water! after that, you can just keep a water bottle and reuse it a couple of days like you said

I use the heroclip mini to hang my waterbottle on the seat infront of me and its great! I also hook my water bottle to my roller bag thru the airport.

Great video! I would also like recommendations on waterproof shoes. Thanks!

Glad you do laundry in a drybag. Doing it directly in a sink is disgusting. It is one of the dirtiest places in the bathroom and you never know how well the sink is sanitized between guests.

You are using the neck pillow wrong. It goes on the *front* so you can rest you chin on it while sleeping upright.

Because a few asked - here is the opposite, my FAVORITE travel gadgets: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_m2yFIXHWF4.html 🤗

What a great channel you have. We really like your content ❤