Overhyped Gear?

All gear is overhyped, as is all clothing, luggage, etc. One can get away with ALL normal stuff, just like we did backpacking around Europe in the 1970's ala young RS. Haircuts are also optional although one can date my decades of travels based on my hair length just like RS. But, as you note, sometimes a little luxury can make a difference in one's outlook on the day. I have opted to not take more, but to take better items that suit my lightweight travel style better than my usual/home accoutrements.

I have bought, and regretted buying, more gear than I care to admit to. However, once in awhile I find a gem that makes travel so much easier. This year’s find has been a neck fan which I received as a gift. Total game changer in these heatwaves. Could I live without it? Sure. Do I want to? No.

Interesting video, nice presentation, and I agree with him. But, I am going to look into the Anker noise cancelling earbuds. I stopped carrying my large Bose ones a few trips ago and have just been using the airline freebees.
PS, did you notice the Rick Steves travel guides on his shelf in the background.

I thought it was illegal not to use packing cubes. LOL

I haven't heard of the Bobble PRESSE, but I do use an AeroPress at home, and lately I've started bringing it with me on trips. I took it with me on my recent trip to Iceland, Stockholm, and Norway, and it was very nice to be able to have good coffee in the morning right after you wake up. It's also very portable.

Like the others, I'm a sucker for the word "travel gear," so I've bought more stuff than I ever should have. I don't buy a lot of other stuff, though, so I'll call it a one-off. 😊

PS, did you notice the Rick Steves travel guides on his shelf in the background.

Go to about the the 1:10 minute mark in this video -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR0iIva4Ues

One things I've gathered form Nik's videos is that he to hold RS in high regard.

I haven't heard of the Bobble PRESSE, but I do use an AeroPress at home...

https://www.amazon.com/Presse-bobble-Tumbler-Stainless-Portable/dp/B07121GNCM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjxrd7oAKGg

It serves a dual purpose, but all I am interested in is its function as a coffee press. I like the 13 oz capacity, that its metal and doesn't have protruding base, handle or plunger and just seems to be something easy to stash in my bag.

The video actually recommends packing cubes; he just says to avoid the ones that require a plug in electric compression pump.

It is all really personal preference. One person’s “overhyped” is another’s necessity. A coffee press may be one of those “small luxuries” that makes travel more enjoyable.

I agree with most of the things he notes in the video except I love my bulky over ear noise cancelling headphones on an airplane to muffle the engine noise; I consider them one of my small “luxury items” that makes a long flight more tolerable. I bring them despite the fact that they take up extra space.

I’ve certainly bought travel gear that I end up not liking or using but sometimes you don’t know what you love until you try it.

That was 15 minutes that wasn't a total waste of time. But I'm not his target audience. I dont use hard sided luggage, and I (gasp, go ahead and clutch those pearls) almost always check a bag. I would never travel without my noise canceling ear buds. But DH actually needs his over the ear headphones, due to his hearing aids. I still use ziplock bags to corral multiple types of items, or re use the empty amenity bags from previous BC flights. They now store my meds and first aid items, and tech gear. The only travel storage bags I've bought were a single set of basic packing cubes for clothes. I do have a slash proof travel purse, but I bought it for the wide comfortable strap, and all the internal organizing features that I want. So I guess I'm definitely not the person he wants to reach.

Mardee,
Iceland, Sweden, Norway. Did you find your roots? Since you are a Minnesotan, I bet you fit in just fine.

Regarding “anxiety sells”, I agree. Or, lack of satisfaction. Always on the pursuit for perfection or something better. Sometimes, the airlines and security TSA change regulations which brings on another level of products. Even going to a different place or participating in a different activity brings on more products to purchase.

Hey, we like stuff. As long as we are not hoarders or going into financial hock - it’s okay. Keeps economy going. I don’t like “best ... of 2026” or top ten lists, because most of the criteria doesn’t apply to me.
I am so low tech that I am almost “off the grid.” And, I like it that way. I make my own criteria and excuses for buying products.

If anyone saw the humorous movie A Walk in the Woods, there was a funny scene with Nick Nolte and Robert Redford. Hiking along the Appalachian Trail, a young hiker in his twenties asked RR about why he chose his particular backpack. The much older RR responded basically that he needed a bag with straps to carry his stuff. The younger hiker was hoping to get into a gear bag discussion. End of discussion.

One person’s “overhyped” is another’s necessity.

I was thinking the same thing. Sometimes piece of mind can be worth the cost.

• The only thing on that video that resonated with me is the overear noise cancelling headphones. They take up way too much space. I have Bose noise cancelling earbuds and I love them. Wouldn't travel without them. Even if I'm not listening to anything I'll often turn them on while I try to sleep durimg an overnight flight.
• I've often considered a cross body bag and if I bought one I'd probably buy one that was slash proof for the few extra bucks, but everytime I research it I wonder if I'd be more annoyed by carrying it than the advantages it supposedly offers. I wear shorts and pants with multiple zippered pockets and that seems to work fine. My wife does turn up her nose at me sometimes for my (lack of) fashion sense but I note that she does take advantage of my pockets so she can carry a smaller purse...
• Isn't anxiety selling what was used originally for travel insurance? You bought it at the airport 'just in case' your plane crashed.

I have Bose noise cancelling earbuds and I love them. Wouldn't travel without them.

They have been essential for me too.

A new coffee system similar to the ones mentioned in this thread is the Wacaco Prestina.