Good Thinking

Trollaby lets sleeping travellers lie – on the airport floor

Trollaby lets sleeping travellers lie – on the airport floor
The Trollaby is designed to work with the user's existing carry-on suitcase
The Trollaby is designed to work with the user's existing carry-on suitcase
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When not in use, the Trollaby packs down into a flat rectangular bag that's about the size of a laptop computer
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When not in use, the Trollaby packs down into a flat rectangular bag that's about the size of a laptop computer
The Trollaby is designed to work with the user's existing carry-on suitcase
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The Trollaby is designed to work with the user's existing carry-on suitcase
A view inside the Trollaby
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A view inside the Trollaby
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If you're much of a world traveller, then you've probably experienced it – a several-hour airport layover during which you'd like to get some sleep, but without going off to a hotel. That's where the Trollaby is intended to come in, as it serves as a sort of bag-connected airport-floor tent.

Invented by Austrian entrepreneur Marc Brugger, the Trollaby takes its name from the words "trolley" (as in a wheeled carry-on suitcase) and "lullaby." When not in use, it packs down into a flat rectangular bag that's about the size of a laptop computer.

Once it's time to snooze, the user places their third-party suitcase in some out-of-the-way place, then cinches an included belt around it. The Trollaby's tensioned aluminum poles and nylon-webbing straps get attached to that belt, with the poles also running through sleeves built into the Trollaby's canopy – just like they would on a real tent.

A view inside the Trollaby
A view inside the Trollaby

The user can then make a nest out of their jacket, sweater or whatnot, or they can simply lay out an optional inflatable mattress. After that, they just crawl in and go to sleep. There shouldn't be much of a risk of theft from their suitcase as they zone out, as its fasteners will be located right by their head.

The basic setup tips the scales at a claimed 900 grams (2 lb), although that doesn't include the weight (and added bulk) of the mattress.

In any case, should you be interested, the Trollaby is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of €69 (about US$78) will get you a base package – when and if it reaches production – with €89 ($100) required for one that includes the mattress.

Source: Kickstarter

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5 comments
5 comments
paul314
Just remember to set your alarm.
Seriously, though, I don't know a lot of airports with out-of-the-way quiet corners. They seem to be designed for the opposite.
toyhouse
Remember when flying was considered the fancy way to travel, hence the term, "jet set",? How times have changed.
exadeci
Why would anyone carry 1 extra kilo in their limited weight luggage for the off chance that they have a long layover? Most airports have lounges that you can pay $40 to stay in and relax with usually complimentary food and wifi and if you have the need for something like this then you probably have $40 to drop for 7h wait.
Also if I had to get something like this, the last thing I'd want is for it to be in such a bright color with a massive logo, I would want something as stealthy as possible.
Username
I don't think airports would allow these.
FabianLamaestra
This was done 10 years ago: The Mini Motel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmZpwyoeAY0