Do GoToobs deserve a spot in your toiletry bag? Read our honest review of GoToob products by humangear, find out about what GoToob sizes are available, and learn about the travel pros and cons I've noticed over the years.
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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?
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.
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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!
I'm so glad you liked it. The price (esp in Canada) is problematic - best for when someone asks you for a gift idea!
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!
Keep your eyes open for a sale - that would be a smart move.
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
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.
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
Thanks Kate - so glad you liked it! Is there any particular brand you're using or are they just generic drug store mini-bottles?
You're welcome -glad you enjoyed it!
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! ;)
Exactly! All supports my theory that they're best left for Christmas and birthday lists.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
How crafty are YOU?!?! I love this! Thank you for weighing in ;-)
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