TURNIPSEED TRAVEL
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors
  • Social Media

Travel Gear Review: GoToob

28/6/2015

 

Do GoToobs deserve a spot in your toiletry bag? Read our honest review of GoToob products by humangear. Updated in 2021!

GoToob travel review: Different sized squeeze bottlesPicture
GoToob travel review: These are just some of the sizes I have.
Cute travel gear? Yep, I find it just about irresistible - and I have an entire dresser drawer filled with my impulse purchases over the years. I'd rather a new suitcase than new shoes and I'd always pick shopping for packing cubes over clothing! That dresser drawer tells the tale of a hundred trips and a million ideas. Yet only half a dozen or so products make my list of essential gear.

Things that seemed like a great idea in the airport never live up to their claims and the hyped up products in the travel supply catalog are rarely worth their weight and suitcase space. And I find that the more I travel, the pickier I get. I've been traveling with GoToob refillable toiletry containers now for nearly a year and I'm still finalizing my opinion on them. Are they essential gear or just pretty impostors? Here's what I've discovered after a few thousand miles.

GoToob Pros

Refilling an orange GoToob with a product from the Body ShopPicture

1.) They ARE easy to refill

One of GoToob's biggest claims is that the containers are easy to refill and this is 100% true. The wide mouth containers are easy to fill and you can squeeze or pour in your favourite toiletries. The container lids are also easy to remove for the purposes of filling. And that ease of use makes cleaning a breeze. Gotoob sizes are travel friendly yet big enough to properly clean.

So far, so good. 

2.) They are carry-on friendly.

You would think that all toiletry kits would contain appropriately sized containers but that is oddly not always the case. There are plenty of containers that are just a bit too big (what's the point!?) or are undersized.  GoToob products are all 3-1-1 kit friendly, meaning they are at the acceptable size and volume to be carried on a plane. For the record, the GoToob sizes are small, medium and large (1.7, 2.5, and 3.4 ounces).

They're also carry-on friendly for another reason. The soft, squeezable silicon bodies of the tubes make it easy to squeeze out every last drop of product. When you travel light, every bit matters and by using GoToobs instead of traditional, hard bodies toiletry containers I've been able to stretch my product use for an extra day or two.

3.) Let's admit it: They're cute.

Different color and different size GoTube products on my blue bathroom counterPicture
I'm not exactly proud of this but I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't influenced by how my travel gear looks and feels. GoToobs are cute and I like cute! And when you travel all the time and you pare down your entire hygiene routine to just a few tiny tubes, little things like cuteness matters. And the multiple colors are more than just decorative - it helps with organization too.

GoToob Cons

1.) They're SO expensive 

A quick price check through a major online distributor in Canada confirms this. A single 3 oz tube is $11 and a 3 pack of these tubes is $27. Yikes! That's A LOT of money for small plastic tubes designed to carry shampoo! Yes, they are a quality product with a lot of pros but that is still a lot of money.

When I foolishly left behind a few of my GoToobs in a Hawaiian hotel room, I was kicking myself with regret. I wasn't just missing my favourite body wash - I was missing all that money I had invested in my cute kit! I was so bummed out that Ryan replaced my GoToobs for my birthday - yep, these are at a birthday gift level of money! 

2.) Viscosity blues 

GoToobs live up to their promise of having no leak, no drip valves. But when it comes to squeezing the product out of the tube, look out! Thick toiletries, such as conditioner, come out of the tube much as you'd expect, slowly and mess-free. But less thick toiletries, such as body lotion, shoot out of the tube at an alarming rate and it can be very hard to control the volume of product you want to squeeze out of the tube. This is especially pronounced at the beginning of the trip when you tubes are at their fullest. I've learned to hold the product upside down, so that the valve is pointing upwards, and apply the barest of pressure when I just want a small amount of lotion.

Fully liquid products, such as aftershave or toner, are a bit of a disaster. You need to apply more pressure than usual for these thinner liquids to pass through the valves but, once it starts, it's hard to control and it isn't unusual to lose half the product through spillage.

And a few things I'm still not sure about...

Instructions on the back of the packaging for GoToobsPicture

1.) What's with those labels?

One of features GoToob likes to brag about is the fact that there are built in labels in the base of the tubes - you just twist the sections of the lid until the name of your chosen toiletry appears. I suppose this could be helpful to some people, but considering that GoToobs come in three sizes and six colors (and that toiletries themselves come in so many different colors), I can't really see anyone actually using this. I know that I never have. Final verdict: Nice feature, but not exactly a deal sealer. 

2.) Suspicious suction

As you can tell in the above photos, some GoToobs come with a suction cup attached to the back of the tube. The idea behind this is that you can use the suction to attach the tube to any wet surface (the inside of the shower, the side of the tub, a damp mirror). These suction cups weren't a feature in my initial set of GoToobs but when they came on my birthday replacement set, I was eager to try them out.  After all, I'm sure everyone has suffered through tiny hostel showers and even hotel stalls where there's no ledge to set down your toiletry bottles - this wall suction idea sounded ideal!

The first time I used the suction cups, they worked great. It made it so easy when taking a shower in a hostel! However, things took a turn for the worse on my second attempt, this time in a hotel in Istanbul. After just a few minutes, the suction cup gave way and the tube crashed to the shower floor, cracking of a significant chunk of the hard, clear, plastic lid. Can you imagine being in a steamy shower with bare feet, knowing somewhere among the water and the suds there is an inch-long piece of sharp, curved plastic just waiting to to slice into your foot? 

Fortunately the lid of that particular tube still snaps shut but the broken off edges are still very sharp. I did use the suction cup as directed (which says to adhere it to a wet surface), so I was very disappointed that it fell of the wall and broke. I imagine most people will have their tubes fall on the shower floor at some point or another - suction cup or not- just from the natural clumsiness that comes from being jet lagged in a strange environment and it's upsetting that such an expensive product that brags about their excellent design would break so easily. 

GoToob does offer a lifetime warranty on their products, which is an important consideration if you're on the fence about investing in the product. However, I think what's most important here isn't that I could have my tube cap replaced but the fact that it so easily broke in the first place. 

Should GoToobs be in your toiletry kit?

Plastic ziploc bag holding assorted toiletries including GoToobsPicture
I hate to give an ambivalent answer but my best response is: maybe.  If you are devoted to carry-on only travel, I think you will appreciate the tubes' design, user friendly filling and cleaning, and the cute (and helpful!) colors. And provided you don't use thin liquids and you apply a gentle touch when the tubes are filled, they work quite well. And any traveler who is frustrated by hard, undersized toiletry bottles will be happy to have something so squeezable and 3-1-1 kit friendly.

But the high price point and potential for damage -and even injury - if the suction cup fails make this a lukewarm recommendation. I think the traditional, suction cup-free tubes are an ideal item to put on a wish list - maybe for the Christmas holidays or YOUR birthday. Here's the truth: the appeal of GoToobs greatly increase when you aren't paying for them yourself! (Again, thank you Ryan! You are awesome!). But whether you are treating yourself or receiving them as a treat from a loved one, I would avoid the suction cups. The potential for injury is never worth it.

2021 Update! 
I am still using the same GoToobs that I reviewed here in 2015 and they continue to work well. There have been no leaks and no tears and the situation with the cracked lid (as mentioned above) has never been repeated, though I don't really use the suction cup feature any more. 
Are GoToobs right for you? You canfind them in our e-store, where you pay regular Amazon prices while supporting our site's independent content & reviews.
It's your turn to weigh in! What's the most important gear in your toiletry kit?

If you enjoyed this review, you'll also like:

Why I'll Always Travel With A Headlamp
Testing the World's Lightest Backpacking Stove
Do You Need To Pack A Travel Towel?
Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren link
9/8/2015 10:42:50 am

I think they're super cute and useful, but I'm turned off by the price! A little too expensive for plastic tubes. Thanks for the great review!

Vanessa
9/8/2015 02:42:01 pm

I'm so glad you liked it. The price (esp in Canada) is problematic - best for when someone asks you for a gift idea!

Francesca @onegrloneworld link
9/8/2015 07:40:16 pm

That was a great review, very thorough. It's a really cool idea and I like the fact that they are squeezable... made me almost consider buying them! Until I saw the price point 0__0 if I ever see them on sale I'll buy them!

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:41:16 pm

Keep your eyes open for a sale - that would be a smart move.

Meg Jerrard link
10/8/2015 12:26:34 am

Thankyou for this honest review - it's refreshing to read something which really does give you a full overview of everything you should expect - like the second time using the suction cups; I always find that, that features like this work great the first time but then fail miserably the next!! Which is a shame becaus eit's such a fab idea!!

I am however one of those you mentioned who are devoted to carry on luggage, so I think I would probably make a go for them...if for no other reason than they're totally cute!! :D

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:44:48 pm

Second impressions always seem to be more accurate than the first, when your excitement to play with something new.We always try to put our gear through its places, trying out every possible scenario, before we give a review.

Kate link
10/8/2015 12:31:49 am

I take a few reuseable bottles with me on each trip and they've survived several thousand miles and squashing into a backpack. I love them but wouldn't pay that price. They look nice but for value and the fact the suction cap doesn't really work, I'd give it a miss. Great, honest review

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:46:50 pm

Thanks Kate - so glad you liked it! Is there any particular brand you're using or are they just generic drug store mini-bottles?

Lieurene link
10/8/2015 12:03:06 pm

I actually never heard of gotoob until now. Its cute and I love the idea of it but if it wasn't for the hefty price, it would be something I would consider. Thanks for writing this review.

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:48:05 pm

You're welcome -glad you enjoyed it!

Jennifer Ryder link
11/8/2015 12:51:35 am

Thanks for a thorough and honest review! I love going into the travel section in stores, but can rarely bring myself to buy anything due to sticker shock. That $27 could go toward a lot of bowls of noodles in Asia! ;)

Vanessa
12/8/2015 03:49:19 pm

Exactly! All supports my theory that they're best left for Christmas and birthday lists.

Natalie A. Bennett
17/12/2016 12:12:21 pm

I bought these for a cruise, with the future thinking of an upcoming Euro Trip (2018 summer). I thought they were worth the price; I can pack my favorite things and not be burdened by bulk. I ended up using them on all my weekend warrior trips. The upfront expense has saved me $$$ and extra waste from all the travel sized I buy.

One set of 3 toobs was enough for both my partner and I on a week long cruise. Conditioner, Dr. Bronner's Soap (shampoo and body wash) both the Larger size and the smaller one for Face wash. I also packed a Large tube with After Sun lotion however 3 oz was not enough. The mini pod was perfect for my night cream.

Draw back I had, the Dr. Bronner's leaked in my practice pack (I read about possible leaking reviews) HACK: Plastic wrap when you twist on the cap and snap on the cap. Also make sure the tub is secure in the lip.

Vanessa
19/12/2016 10:23:07 am

Natalie, this is such fantastic feedback - and I'm completely jealous about your upcoming trip! I hate, however, that there's been some leaking with your tubes. At least that's one thing that I haven't had to worry about! Eeeek! The plastic wrap under the lid is a perfect solution. I do try to not fill mine 100 percent and give the a little room for things to naturally expand while I'm on the plane and happily I haven't had any issues yet.

How awesome is Dr Bronner's? Perfect product for camping.

Bob Schroder
25/4/2017 06:25:10 pm

Love the Go-toobs. Have used them for years - especially camping where things tend to get a little rugged in the Australian bush!
Yes, they are expensive but I wouldn't mind that were they to last. Unfortunately, I have now gone through I don't know how many of the caps through simply dropping them in the shower. The caps easily shatter and make the toob useless. Pretty bad design fault for a product of this nature!

Vanessa
26/4/2017 11:06:58 am

I feel your pain Bob - There's so much about them that is awesome but a shattered cap is both annoying and potentially dangerous. I haven't had any problems since I stopped using the suction cup bottles (so they won't fall off the shower wall....) so I'm still using them.

L A King
11/5/2018 10:42:37 pm

Re the invisible labels on the collars of the GoToobs.
Make them visible!

1. Take a Sharpie brand permanent fine point (NOT ultra fine).

2. Smear the whole indention with the ink.

3. IMMEDIATELY before it dries, use a tissue to wipe off as much of the ink as you can. You will not get all of it--and that's the point!

4. Now you see the word SOAP outlined by the ink, giving the needed contrast to the raised lettering.

Vanessa
13/5/2018 06:00:42 pm

How crafty are YOU?!?! I love this! Thank you for weighing in ;-)


Comments are closed.
    Recent Posts
    Posts by Location
    Turnipseed Travel Category Canada
    Turnipseed Travel Category USA
    Turnipseed Travel Category Europe
    Turnipseed Travel Category Africa
    Turnipseed Travel Category Australia
    Turnipseed Travel Category Asia

    Post Categories

    All
    $200 Challenge
    200m Challenge
    Accommodation
    Africa
    Amsterdam
    Anti Adventurist
    Asia
    Australia
    Belgium
    Business Travel
    Camping
    Canada
    Central Counties
    Cozy Travel
    Destinations
    Europe
    Experiences & Activities
    Female Travel
    Food And Drink
    Gear And Packing
    Golf
    Greece
    Guest Posts & Interviews
    Health
    Inspiration
    Making Travel Memories
    Montreal
    Most Popular Posts
    National Parks
    Norfolk County
    Ontario
    Ottawa
    Paris
    Partners
    Pet Travel
    Photo Essay
    Preparation
    Press Trip Portfolio
    Reviews Accommodation
    Reviews Gear Packing
    Round The World
    Saving
    Toronto
    Transportation
    Travel Cooking
    Travel Memories Series
    UK & Ireland
    United States

    Posts by Date

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

Disclaimers, Privacy, and Cookie Policy

Top 100 Travel Influencer
As named by the Obama White House in 2014.​
White House Study Abroad Logo 2014
Turnipseed Travel Logo 2019
DMCA.com Protection Status
© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Partner With Us
  • New Visitors
  • Social Media