Packing report on new purchases and old tried and true.(Subtext:thanks to Mardee the enabler)

I’ll also say that 30-40% of the women on tour, including our guide, used a lanyard for their phones. I got one a little over a year ago and really love it.

Happy trails to all. I’m happy to answer any questions …..

Thanks for the great insight and tips. I too have learned about Tom Bihn from this site. I've been traveling with my crossbody Baggalini for at least 10 years and love it; all it's pockets; I actually keep a small travel lock on the section where I keep things like my passport that I don't need to pull out frequently.
I bought a phone lanyard for our third Rick Steves trip this past spring. One thing I couldn't figure how is how not to feel like a sherpa with my crossbody and my phone lanyard. You said your lanyard goes into your side pocket of your coat, but I just can't quite get settled on that one. As we stood on a bridge overlooking the Seine, I loved the feeling that I wasn't going to drop my phone into the river, but still, walking with all of it, felt a little cumbersome.

Further observations of my fellow travelers, quite a few had travel/hiking pants like Eddie Bauer gear, probably more than half also wore jeans, also the standard black yoga pants were well represented. We always get the what should I bring questions and the answer is what ever you feel good wearing.

There were lots of leopard or animal prints in the windows of the cities we visited. Menswear type plaids were noted and beautiful tailored black or camel straight knee length coats too. I kinda thought the leopard or cheetah prints were over with, but evidently not.

Lyndash, I enjoyed reading this “what worked and I was glad I took and what didn’t”. I have been thinking about the same topic from our recent trip. I wonder if you ever go on a trip and everything you took hit the mark and there were no “shoulda left it at home” items? That’s a life goal, I guess! lol.

I didn't see any phone tethers other than mine on my recent South Italy tour, but a number of people told me they were going to look into getting one.

BTW, my phone is tethered to my cross body bag. One less thing around my neck.

Lyndash, I loved this packing report! It’s so nice to hear what a traveler feels works well and also what doesn’t.

I bought the Tom Bihn large-size bedside “tray”/bag earlier this year and love it! I even use it here at home, too. “Yes” on the sticker shock, but “yes” on the usability & design, too. I have a feeling Tom Bihn will be getting more of my shopping dollars soon because they have a store in the Bellevue Mall in Washington, and I will be close by at Christmas.

I will have to check out the Side Effect purse. My everyday at home Baggallini needs to be replaced.

I haven’t tethered my phone, but I do really like my Loopy. I bought it for three reasons: grasping/clenching my phone with my left hand hurts my hand. Having my finger through this loop lets me hold it securely without my thumb, so my palm doesn’t ache. It’s a patterned flower back and a bright red loop so easy to see & find. And, I won’t drop my phone.

https://www.loopycases.com

Do you mind if I ask about the raincoat you love?

DL = drivers license? Not sure.

Jean, I was somewhat surprised how much I liked the travel tray, I have the smaller one but it corrals all sorts of odds and ends and my glasses as I turn out the light. Plus it’s so scrunchable to stick into whatever corner in my suitcase. It’s kind of fun to use.

I made the mistake of ordering the Side Effect purse and the next size up, the Side Kick thinking I’d choose between them but ended up keeping them both. Probably just as well I can’t do in person shopping.

SusanM, my raincoat is from LandsEnd but sorry to say they no longer make that model. I got it 5 years ago.

Joe32f, DL is indeed driver’s license. I had it in a clear plastic holder that had a place I could hook it to a key strap.

I just did 3 weeks in France on the Paris & HOF tour with days before and after. Yes there was a lot of leopard/cheetah print everywhere! And the locals dressed almost like the tourists. I was amazed. Definitely going to look into Tom Bihn products, you all are great salespeople.

I just saw this, Lyndash, and laughed at the title! But I loved your trip report—thanks! So much good information! I do love Tom Bihn bags, and they will last forever! I have one bag that is 15 years old and looks great. I had been eyeing the Daylight Backpack for awhile, but decided to go with the Cotopaxi Allpa 20L, which is a little bit bigger than the Daylight. One of my fave TB items is the Cubelet, which I find very practical for holding cables for my tech stuff.

And I love the Tom Bihn travel trays! I have two of them, and I bought one for two of my sisters for Christmas a few years ago. They loved them! One uses it for her jewelry when she travels, and the other uses it for plugs and cables.

I'm still on the fence about a lanyard. I have a fear of getting it caught in something or having someone try to grab it. But I realize it makes sense. I might try it on an upcoming trip and see how it goes.

I use a Koala to tether my phone to my purse, to the key ring or lock circle inside my purse. It's easy to use or not use depending on the circumstances. It also works to attach to hiking gear or belt loops, etc. However, I'm more afraid of dropping it or putting it down absentmindedly, which is why I use it. As I don't use it regularly as a camera in Europe, etc. I feel safe with it on its tether and secure in my purse...except for Apple Pay times.

Mardee, I did end up being a TB convert after really examining and using what I’ve bought. I should get my daughter one of their travel trays, you’re right, they would make great gifts. The Daylight Backpack they make is very sleek. And I know a lot of folks love their backpacks as day bags. I just have never liked shrugging into and out of backpacks to retrieve whatever so I’ve never considered one as a personal item or day bag. But so far the briefcase has hit my sweet spot. And I would have never thought about tethered items with the key strap they have but I loved it with my new purse. I’m now seriously considering their organizer clear pouches when they are back in stock.

After leaving my phone in a bathroom stall at LaGuardia, and another time seeing a hand reaching into my pocket to steal my phone the moment I lifted my hand out to touch the rail going up the stairs in the Paris metro I became a lanyard convert. I was able to retrieve my left behind phone immediately and I spontaneously said some very rude words to the man starting to put his hand into my pocket so I averted catastrophe then too. I realized having it tethered to me was worth it for the times I got distracted or in a hurry and didn’t continually secure it in my purse or keep my hand on it. I wear my purse crossbody and I think whatever very minimal risk there may be of someone yanking my purse or phone while they’re ‘attached’ me is worth it. But everybody has to make their own call on that sort of thing.

Add me to the list of Tom Bihn fans. I used the Side Effect on my last trip to England, and it worked perfectly.
Hmmm...never thought about the Daylight Briefcase for a personal item. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to carry it for very long as crossbody bags generally hurt my back, no matter how light the load. I bought an Ori/Roka Canfield B in Small on my last trip and used that as my personal item on the way home. Considering buying a Medium and using it as a carry-on, but not sure about that yet.

All good points, Lyndash. I might start looking around. Thanks!

I'm so glad this post is still open as I have some questions for the Enablers... HA.

I've just received my NEW TB trays, one large & one small. If I fold the extra bit that makes it expandable inside in order to have a flat storage tray, the draw string is now in the wrong place to just close it up to pop into carryon. If i leave that bit hanging, the tray is now double as deep and seems too deep for bedside hotel storage. Perhaps those of you who use these will understand, I hope! Obviously I'm missing something. How do you use these the most effectively? Thanks!

Hi Sandanciso,

Hopefully this helps! When the travel “tray”is on the bedside table, you should be able to see the Tom Bihn logo. (I’m checking mine out because I use it at home & for travel.)

When I am ready to move it into my travel bag, I lift up the bottom edge - the lip with the drawstring inside it. Pull it to the top, tighten it, and set the tray into your luggage. It will”deflate” down to the thickness of the items inside it.

Sandancisco, that sounds right. The outside should be folded down with the drawstring clasp at the bottom. Then when you're ready to pack it up and put it in your carry-on, you just fold it up and cinch the strap.

Here's a video that might make it easier to understand (just click on "Images and Video" then scroll down to the video). https://www.tombihn.com/products/travel-tray?variant=42882244640957

ETA: If you want the drawstring clasp on the outside, just flip it the opposite way so the Tom Bihn logo is not showing.

@Mardee, that’s great to see their inventory colors available are back up! They were almost down to none towards the end of December. I have my travel bright orange large travel tray on my bedroom end table, and I was thinking about buying one in a more muted color for my at-home use. …although orange is “my happy color”! My bike is orange, my kayak is orange.

Hi, to all, checking in from the great white north. We are in Fairbanks AK taking care of grandkids while daughter and SIL are going to Athens and Istanbul to celebrate their 25th. (Don’t know how they can possibly be that old, but that’s another story.)

My small travel tray is with me and I still love using it. I gave the small tray and cublet to my daughter and 2 granddaughters for Christmas and they were very pleased with them. Daughter is using the cubelet for her power cords and travel tray in everyday life in fact, and is happy to have them for this trip.

I use mine folded down and then just scrunch it up still in that shape to stick into suitcase. I put power cords in another zip bag usually when I’m moving locations but the smaller bits and bobs stay in the folded tray easily. One thing I really like about it is how scrunchable it is and fits in whatever little space I have in my bag.

I have the cobalt blue one and really like the color. I also love their moss color. I have it in big packing cube that can double as a crossbody shoulder bag. Mardee has clearly left her mark!

Mardee,
You have received the popular forum vote for the position of travel goods enabler. Now that you carry the unofficial title of Enabler - you have both a mandate and responsibility to execute your duties on behalf of the Rick Steves forum. You must faithfully provide accurate and timely information on things related to travel.

I’ll just add ‘esteemed enabler’ to that description as enablers can sometimes have a negative connotation. I have picked up so much good information from Mardee and others on stuff I wasn’t even aware existed and it has enhanced my travel. Keep it coming, y’all!

Mardee, Jean & Lynndash, Thanks so much, and kind of you to say I was right Mardee, when I was sincerely clueless, trying to figure it out inside out, upside down.... Perhaps it will become a bit more malleable with time??

As soon as I picked up the incredibly light envelope that contained a large & small TB tray, I was convinced. WOW so light! The real game changer for me is to imagine NOT packing all those bits by the bedside table, and frankly even having more ROOM on that minuscule table....

Jean was it you who uses a carabiner to hang it from something where there's even less space? Dare I ask, any other uses? LOL

Hoping I’m not the only person who gets really, REALLY happy just to see emails from Tom Bihn in my inbox??
I have both sizes of the tray (see what I mean?), but really prefer the smaller size for most travel. The larger size is a bit bulky for carryon only IMHO.

@Mardee, that’s great to see their inventory colors available are back up! They were almost down to none towards the end of December. I have my travel bright orange large travel tray on my bedroom end table, and I was thinking about buying one in a more muted color for my at-home use. …although orange is “my happy color”! My bike is orange, my kayak is orange.

Jean, I will admit orange is not my favorite color, but I usually go with it or some other bright color whenever I buy travel stuff. It makes it SO much easier not to lose and not to leave behind accidentally. That's why I love all the Tom Bihn colors!

You have received the popular forum vote for the position of travel goods enabler. Now that you carry the unofficial title of Enabler - you have both a mandate and responsibility to execute your duties on behalf of the Rick Steves forum. You must faithfully provide accurate and timely information on things related to travel.

Sun-Baked, I almost spit out my coffee when I just read this, lol! Does it come with a ceremony? Do I get a trophy? I shall try to live up this honor!

Jean, was it you who uses a carabiner to hang it from something where there's even less space?

Sandancisco, it probably was Jean (she's so smart!), but it's a definite plus to the travel tray! I've used it when flying. Just hook a carabiner to the back of the seat in front of you, and you have a snug little space for all your flight stuff.

Okay, now I have a question for Lyndash or anyone else. I've decided to get a phone tether for my upcoming trip. In fact, I want to get two of them - one for me, and one for my 15 year old grandson who is traveling with me (along with his sister). But I do not want a lanyard that hangs from the neck. it would drive me bonkers.

What I would prefer is something that I can hook to an inside strap in my crossbody bag while out walking, and that is long enough (or can stretch) so that I can pull it out quickly for photos and then put it back inside. And hopefully my grandson could do the same (maybe keep it in a front pocket or a hip pack?). Any thoughts? I have an iPhone 15 (as does he).

Mardee
I've mentioned tnis tether on other threads, and I use it exactly the way you want.
https://niteize.com/hitch-phone-anchor-tether

Mardee, I attach one of these wrist lanyards through my phone case and use it all the time at home:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MQZGTHA?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

For travel, I loop a 2nd long lanyard to my purse at one end and clip it to the phone's wrist lanyard on the other. My long lanyard is a souvenir from Poland, but something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/PATIKIL-Lanyard-Lanyards-Adjustable-Keychains/dp/B0C4YDLSPK/

So I can use my phone without detaching it from the long lanyard, such as at metro entrances or to make a purchase with Google Pay, or unclip the lanyard and just use the wrist strap.

I don't carry a purse, which allows me to have a back pack and carry-on suitcase.
I use the Bandolier phone case (neck strap) with the side snack pocket. I use this when I'm not on vacation, as it is great for the gym or running errands. With Tap Pay being used widely in the US and abroad, I find the need for a wallet decreasing. And with Tap Pay, the chance of leaving a credit card at a store is eliminated.
In my Bandolier phoned case, I carry my id, a credit card, flat phone battery, and about 40 euros/dollars (depending on where I am. ) It's quite liberating not worrying about a wallet.
For travel, I use an Eagle Creek undercover silk neck wallet (recommended by an RS poster) for my passport and extra cash and credit cards. The silk fabric makes it very comfortable, and the straps look like bra straps. The adjustment ring is very small and doesn't irritate my skin.
Almost all my travel jackets now have inside zipper pockets, which I use for sunglasses storage.
I really enjoy hands-free, purse free travels.

I will admit orange is not my favorite color, but I usually go with it or some other bright color whenever I buy travel stuff.

As an Oklahoma Sooner, one thing I can not do is abide orange - burnt or otherwise.

Accordingly, I just ordered myself a few days ago a Tom Big clear 3D organizer case, for which the fabric sides are a beautiful crimson : "Sangria."

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/all-organizational-bags/products/3d-organizer-cube-clear?variant=41039856140477

@Mardee:
Last year I wore a crossbody wallet which only had my phone, one credit card, and a small amount of cash. On the leather strap, I tethered my phone (which was in the wallet when not in use). The tether could slide up and down the skinny strap of the crossbody wallet. When in the hotel room, I could detach the phone from the tether.
I bought the following tether. I liked it because it is coiled and therefore quite short when in my crossbody wallet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JPG7229?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
I didn't like the attachment that came with it so I bought the following metal attachment which rests inside the phone case and can be readily removed. My husband liked it so much that he also used it rather than another attachment that came with his tether.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D17D3BYQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
Right now at home in Oregon, both the tether and the attachment are not on my phone.
Hope it makes sense.

@Mardee:
Regarding your grandson: We're thinking of taking our 15 year old grandson with us this summer on the RS Family Tour. He dresses very casually; often elastic waist shorts, etc. I was thinking that IF he wears shorts/pants with no belt loops, I would just sew a loop on the bottoms he'll take. That way, he could tether his phone and keep it in his pocket.

If you don't want to sew a ring in a pocket, bag or garment, you can always place a large safety pin or diaper pin where you would sew the ring. That way you can move it to a "better" location easily or remove it totally after the trip. And you can move it to a different piece of clothing or bag daily. Just hook one end of your tether to the pin.
You can get 4-packs of Dritz diaper pins on Amazon.

Liz, thanks! That looks like what I was thinking of.

CW, hmmm, I never thought of using them at home. Is there a reason for that?

Pat, my purse is flat and small enough that I can fit it in my personal bag (backpack). And I don't need a wallet either, as I use Apple Pay for everything. Regardless, I'm not crazy about something around my neck. I can't even wear a turtleneck, must less a lanyard, lol! So that's probably not going to work for me. I also don't use money belts or neck wallets. I don't mind carrying a purse as I like to bring notebooks with me, and other miscellaneou stuff. :-) But thanks!

Kim, I LOVE that organizer! I actually have the previous version—I bought it back it 2010 and still use it today. In fact, it's with me now in Florida! The only thing mine doesn't have is the hanging hoop. Mine is "solar" - so a bright yellow. :-)

Carol, those look great, and I like that they are in sets of 2, which would be handy for me. Also that's a good idea about adding a loop to the pants he brings. I'll talk to him about what he is planning to wear. I'm taking him and his sister out for sushi when I get back and we can go over all the details then. Thanks!

khansen, that's not a bad idea, but my sewing machine is always out and ready to go, so it wouldn't be difficult. I'm not sure how he would feel about having a diaper pin on his sweatpants, lol! He actually may have a hip pack so could conceivably attach it to that as well.

Thanks to all of you for all the great ideas! I did search through some of the other threads as I know there have been a lot, but I'm in Florida and feeling very laid back due to the warm weather and sun, so opted to get some info the lazy way. :-)

khansen, that's not a bad idea, but my sewing machine is always out
and ready to go, so it wouldn't be difficult. I'm not sure how he
would feel about having a diaper pin on his sweatpants, lol! He
actually may have a hip pack so could conceivably attach it to that as
well.

I grew up with a sewing machine that was always out and ready to go too. Not so much anymore.

I was thinking more along the lines of, "would it be better to attach it "here" or "over here"?" Then you can make the more permanent attachment of a ring when you decide after "living" with it.

And the safety/diaper pins for me would always be on the inside of whatever. Diaper pins have that locking cap. Another safety/security measure. Not coming undone accidentally, not sticking myself, another hurdle for sticky fingers.

For a grandson? He probably doesn't want rings permanently attached to his clothing. Plus, you'd have to remove/replace them every time he outgrew his current clothing.

Always great ideas on this forum. I learn and think a lot about better ways to manage things!

CW, hmmm, I never thought of using them at home. Is there a reason for that?

Because otherwise I drop my phone about 10 times per day ;-) I had to buy an Otterbox case, because I'm so clumsy with it. Apparently I was not born with a phone in my hand!

Kim, thank for adding the link. Very, very interesting!

I was thinking more along the lines of, "would it be better to attach it "here" or "over here"?" Then you can make the more permanent attachment of a ring when you decide after "living" with it.

khansen, that makes sense, but really this is only for this trip, so I'm not too worried about the permanency of it. :-) I honestly think the hip pack will probably work best for him. He can wear that and we can just attach the phone's tether to the inside. His dad has one I gave him, so he can use that.

CW, hmmm, I never thought of using them at home. Is there a reason for that?

Because otherwise I drop my phone about 10 times per day ;-) I had to buy an Otterbox case, because I'm so clumsy with it. Apparently I was not born with a phone in my hand!

Hahaha, CW!! I also have an Otterbox case because of clumsiness, so I totally get that! Maybe I should go ahead and get one of those!