10 essential non-tech items for the road — besides Duct tape

Here an app, there an app, everywhere an app app — it’s sometimes hard to remember that there was ever a time when travelers didn't depend on power outlets and Wi-Fi strength (cue curmudgeon's shaking fist). Unzip a travel bag today and marvel at how much space has been given over to computers, tablets, digital cameras, power strips, battery chargers, hotspots, and GoPros, not to mention the cables that join them all. In the squeeze for space, it’s easy to forget no-tech items can be just as valuable, including these 10:

Knife: The TSA may beg to differ, but a good knife can be invaluable on the road, whether cutting food, clipping nails, or opening wine. Swiss Army knives, like Victorinox Midnite Minichamp, are still some of the best, as is the Leatherman Squirt CS4.

Tide Stick: When your wardrobe is limited to the size of your bag, a Tide stick becomes invaluable in erasing your clumsiness with coffee or ketchup, especially on your last button down shirt.

Travel Wallet: When disconnected from PayPal and ATMs, cash can become even more valuable than the numbers on the bills. As such, a wallet designed to fool is highly recommended. The super spy versions, like the Belt Bank, include secret pockets inside an actual belt, but a belt loop wallet that slips in the front of your pants is just as good (just make sure the loop and belt color match).

Shawl/Bandana: When hitchhiking to the end of the universe, a towel may be essential, but on this planet, a shawl or bandana is better for the road. The Swiss Army knife of clothing, shawls don’t just provide warmth, but are also tremendously useful in situations that require modesty, a bit of fashion flair, or a brief moment of privacy. A bit more rock-n-roll, bandanas work great against dust, sweat, or injury.

Playing Cards: Without your smartphone, long rides quickly become tedious and lonely. In days of yore, a deck of cards cured both. You’ll be surprised how much fun a game of hearts is on the road, but I still swear by cribbage as the greatest road card game.

Ukulele: Probably the happiest instrument, ukuleles are forever a great source of cheer and entertainment, especially far from home. Best of all, they are as easy to play as carry and cheap enough to lessen the blow of  any unfortunate accident.

Silicone Ear Plugs: There are few greater trip killers than a travel mate who snores, especially if you don't have your white noise app. Soft silicon works best, as it can be warmed and molded to your ear, sealing off all spaces. Ear plus also work just as well cutting down jet noise on a flight, or against the ukulele.

Baby Wipes: Long trips away from home can also mean long periods away from a comfortable washroom, or at least one not shared by every other passenger on the your flight. In the meantime, baby wipes keep things clean and bearable everywhere, I mean everywhere.

Carabiner: More commonly used in mountain climbing and industrial work, this spring-loaded clip gives equal value to travelers — reconnect broken straps or zippers on a bag, attach items to a bag they no longer fit inside, secure your wallet or purse to your belt loop. In a pinch, slip a larger version around you fingers as brass knuckles, and gain a bonus to defense.

Zip Ties: In all honesty, the little combination lock you picked up at the drugstore doesn't add much protection against theft when traveling. Besides, there's a good chance it'll get chopped by the TSA for a bag inspection or broken somewhere along the conveyor belts. Zip ties, make a handy replacement—cheap, tough, secure, and unable to be opened without a strong blade. Buy neon ones and spot your bag all the sooner on the other side (and know if its been searched). They can also be used for many things in place of duct tape.