We all love
Well luckily as more people travel and long-distance flying becomes more affordable, so do the innovative (and plain weird) inventions that help us deal with the assault on our body and mind. This morning I had a great time with the cast of Studio 10, Australia’s live morning TV show reviewing a bunch of weird and wonderful travel products.
- The Ostrich Pillow
This is by far the weirdest looking pillow I’ve seen yet, it’s also the most comfortable. The Ostrich Pillow is a personal cocoon designed to help you sleep absolutely anywhere. Don’t be put off by the fact that it looks like the love child of a hammerhead shark and an alien creature… once you put this sweet padded cocoon on, you won’t care what anyone thinks.
Made from elastomer and viscose it’s filled with
The added benefit of this pillow is that when you wear it, no one will want to sit next to you on the plane so, you’re likely to end up with a row to yourself!
2. The Face Cradle
The face cradle is a little further down the ridiculous scale in terms of fashion but still follows the theme of ‘with great comfort comes great personal sacrifice’.
The is actually a fantastic Australian design that is sensationally comfortable. Made from memory foam, It looks like a normal neck pillow but actually transforms into 5 different modes of inflight comfort.
- Dozing mode – this is when you have the pillow configured like a normal neck pillow.
- Snoozing mode – in this mode, you open the mechanical pillow into a twenty-to-ten position and position it on your shoulder for a side head rest.
- Tabel nape mode – this is what I call desperation mode… you know that feeling when you’ve tried every position so you opt for the old lie-on-the-tray-table move but it never really works? Well, with face cradle it’s actually comfortable!
- Deep sleep mode – now, when you’ve had enough inflight drinks to the point where you don’t care what other people think of you, it’s time to open this contraption to the 11:30 clock position, strap it to your chair and lean forward like you’re on a vertical massage table… it looks ridiculous but, my God it’s comfortable!
- Deep sleep (side) mode – as above but rest your face to the side… also awesome.
You may look like you’ve just left the massage parlour without realising that the massage table is still tuck to your face but it’s definitely worth it! The face cradle is only $39.95 available from Sleep Solutions.
3. Illumi Smart Sleep Mask
This clever gadget uses the same technology NASA does to regulate sleep for astronauts on the International Space Station.
Using a smartphone app, this mask can be programmed to simulate sunset and sunrise at a duration and time you choose and even has support for home and away time zones. It uses red lights to help you sleep and gently wakes you with blue lights before your set alarm.
It even has a sleep enhance mode with a ‘pulsating sunset’ designed to rid you of distracting thoughts and help you sleep. I wore it for a night and have to admit that I slept really well. It’s $169.95 and also available from sleep solutions.
4. Andyer Foot Sling
There’s now a massive market for foot slings or foot hammocks that have become a BYO business class on long haul flights for economy travellers. We all know the feeling of aching legs, swollen ankles and general discomfort and these products allow you to keep your feet elevated and swing them about to alleviate fatigue.
The product I tried was the Andyer foot sling which is a simple, lightweight contraption that attaches to the tray table arms on the seat in front of you. It’s only $12.95 and available on the Road Less Travelled store here.
5. The Modobag
We all know that getting through the airport is an unspoken race. We may be polite to fellow passengers as we make our way to the gate but really it’s all about beating them there.
The Modobag is the world’s first motorised, smart, ride-on luggage. This carry on has a battery operated motor allowing you to zip through the airport terminal at around 8km/h.
It has a customisable seat and even a crash-proof laptop compartment should you come to grief. I love the idea of this but can’t help thinking I’d look a bit like a circus clown on a small tricycle. But then again, there was once a time where the idea of businessmen in suits on scooters seemed odd but now it’s commonplace in most cities so… maybe it just needs a few
This will set you back a whopping $1500 USD and is available from Modobag.
6. The Jaktogo
We’re always trying to concoct ways to beat airline baggage limits and no other product has taken it as far as this bag-come-jacket (or visa
Simply pack it, wear it, board the plane then convert it back into a bag. It’s not the most fashionable item and may get you arrested in some airports as it looks like you’re packing heat but definitely an interesting invention.
If a jacket doesn’t do it for you, there’s also a Dresstogo and even a Ponchtogo for the super stylish. All available here.
7. Stuffa Jacket
Similar to the Jaktogo, the Stuffa jacket is another clothing item that allows you to store things. This nylon vest with microfleece collar has 12 pockets and can hold up to 5kg of clothing… enough for a 4-day trip away.
It’s great for hiking, camping or any trip where you don’t want to carry a bag. The only thing is… if you’re heading away on a trip without a bag, where do you store your laundry after you’re worn your pocketed clothes? Back in the jacket?
The Stuffa is 85 Euros and available from Stuffa here.
These are definitely some weird and wacky products. In my opinion, anything that can make air travel easier is definitely a win and I think the Face Cradle wins for me.
For more great travel products, head over to the Road Less Travelled Store.