First, a quick mention about the new Kansas City International Airport.

I, for one, was not a fan of replacing one of the country’s easiest-to-use airports that was the old KCI. Its simplicity was a dream – walk through the doors and there’s your gate. Other aspects sucked, but I thought those were outweighed by the ease of use.

I did understand the need for a KC new airport but it worked so why fix it. It first seemed like one of those vanity things – like the current ridiculous idea of building new sports facilities in KC. But, security was scattered around the three concourse buildings, with several checkpoints each covering a few gates. Access to food and newsstands were mostly outside of security so it could be a big hassle.

Like many U.S. airports built before 9/11, everyone had access to all parts of the airport up to getting in the plane. It was families greeting their loved ones as they stepped out of the jetway, then they might stop for a meal. That was then.

I went inside the new building a few days ago for the first time while there to pick someone up. I must say it is very nice and reminiscent of the nicer airports I have been through. It is laid out with the logic of the way travel now is; one central security area, dining & shopping inside post-security, and easy access.

I was very impressed. It’s not so much vanity as it is functional…except the pick-up and drop off areas. That is a real cluster. I will be flying out of MCI at some point so I’ll update my thoughts on that later.

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If you have read my blog for any length of time you know my disdain for “influencers” of any sort. If I am looking or any online reviews and such I will usually avoid anyone that is a paid or comped spokesperson.

When I was looking at travel packs and ideas before I went to Europe in 2018, I looked at MANY reviews on travel backpacks and travel hacks. I discovered a ton of nonsense & BS out there disguised as “advice”. I don’t get paid or comped anything for any products or destinations I mention so I’m going to be honest and straightforward about things I mention.

I do not follow advice on TT, IG or FB…mainly because I am not on those sites/apps. But I also see their posts on news aggregators like MSN and such and I still ignore them as well as any clickbait articles that mention things like “Best carryon luggage”.

It’s extremely difficult to find good information unless you look at people who do travel for a living. It’s not my living but it’s something I do and enjoy. I usually don’t mention many products or websites by name, but when I do it’s because I followed their advice. You really can’t get far away from “influencer” misinformation but you can sift through the BS.

I will mention a couple of websites/videos I looked at, and I am doing this only because I benefited from their knowledge and advice and I want to return the favor. One big one is Packhacker. They have honest, real world reviews on all travel gear without the pouty lips. One Bag Travels was another one I looked at, and a high-energy dude named Chase Reeves has great reviews as well.

I will say that I don’t agree with everything these people say. So many people who buy backpacks bitch about the hip belts. Sometimes it’s about the comfort, and rightfully so since along with the shoulder straps it’s what a backpack is about. The weight rides on your hips and the straps are to pull it close to your body. And, you have to also pack you pack correctly to be comfortable.

But, and it’s my biggest gripe with the site, Packhacker complains quite a bit about hip belts not being removable on a travel backpack. I’m sorry, but if you remove the hip belts just put a duffel bag over your shoulder and save some money. You do not want to carry weight on your shoulders – you’ll be hating life after the first day and it’s a great way to ruin a trip,

My hope is once you see how these people present their honest, useful reviews you will be more discriminating on product reviews in the future. Bad information is worse than no information. When some bonehead makes money telling you to go by a travel backpack at a store, they probably have never even used the item. On top of that, when the garbage they suggested breaks YOU are the one dealing with it not them.

And you have to spend some money to get good quality, but looking at these reviewers will help get through the gimmicks and there are a lot of gimmicks. Also, even some major brands have compromised their names by cutting corners.

If you buy top quality products, it’s one less thing to be concerned about being halfway around the world. I have several backpacks – one Outdoor Research (I really like their rain gear) dry pack, two Cotopaxi Del Dia travel packs, an Osprey Farpoint 40 travel pack, an Osprey Daylite daypack, an Osprey sling pack and an Osprey Stratos weekend hiking pack. They all have been dependable pieces of gear and, more importantly, comfortable and quality items that have lasted with minimal wear.

Roller bags have their place but it’s not with me. I carry everything in my backpack. I don’t check bags – I’m not waiting for my bag, looking for my lost bag, or dragging my bags on a cobblestone sidewalk.

I found that things like travel packs you have to find the one that checks MOST of your boxes. There’s probably not one bag people will agree is best, and there’s probably not a single bag that checks ALL the boxes.

I use the Matador soap bags, which are one of the best toiletry items I have ever bought for travel. I put those in my small Patagonia Black Hole packing cube with my Bite toothpaste bits – another great travel item. AirPods Pro and Bose QC headphones for airplane noise. Of course good quality footwear and outerwear is important – remember, you are carrying all you need with you…on your back.

I pack my clothes in double-sided ultralight packing cubes from Eagle Creek. You wear something out of the front of the cube, and when it’s dirty you put in the back of the cube; the dimensions never change so packing doesn’t either, and I don’t need to carry a laundry bag. You’ll see a lot of opinions on packing and use of cubes.

And, of course I don’t carry more than I need. I don’t carry a first aid kit – I don’t do that at home when traveling so why not carry a few bandages, a packet of Neosporin and alcohol pads for emergencies. If I need something I don’t have I buy it where I am. It’s fun to go browse for things in a foreign country. I mean, others in the world brush their teeth and have hemorrhoids, too. Just don’t confuse the two…

It just too easy to buy the wrong gear with so many people offering garbage advice. I mentioned some products here but it’s because these things work for me and I have purchased everything I use after a lot of research. Like everything, there’s no one-size that works for all people so it’s worth trying things. You’ll soon find what system is best for you.

I mentioned a while back that I book directly with the airlines, hotels and car rental companies. I have found that if I have issues I get better service from booking direct than through third-party sites. Also, you could get a better rate, like on a room. If they’re not paying 30% or whatever fee they pay Expedia, you might get a better deal. It pays to ask; all they can do is say “no”. But…they could say “yes”!

An interesting article on NPR a few days ago talked about the rise of the “deinfluencer”. These are people who call BS on influencers and their phoniness. I guess this is starting to become a big thing as people, like myself, are sick of it. It’s good to see this happening. It’s long overdue.

The items I have mentioned above I bought myself after researching a few options. It’s pretty easy to go down a rabbit hole doing comparisons and such. I do some quick glances in several reviews of popular websites and pick 2-3 that have decent reviews and are mentioned often. That helps sift through faster.

And don’t forget your local outdoor store. I’m not talking any discount chain stores selling no name equipment. The better outdoor equipment stores have knowledgeable staff and you can usually get great, helpful advice.

Remember, that pack and all the gear inside are your entire life while you are traveling so spend a little more for better gear.

That’s it for this post. Thanks for stopping by for a look.

Shawn