There’s a dumb reason I don’t subscribe to luggage trackers. Having one kinda feels like a bad omen, because what is the purpose of tracking something unless you expect to lose it? More importantly, how much can you really do once you do? With this unbridled optimism, I thought it was time to stop knocking it until I’ve tried it. Especially since I have, sans “unlucky charm”, still had baggage lost in transit (thankfully retrieved and returned days later).
As a sucker for nice design, it was Scout Travel’s look that reeled me in. Knog, a Melbourne-based company, has its origin story in cycling and outdoor accessories. They then took all the great attributes of their award-winning bike finder Scout—motion-sensitive alarm, tamper-proof security and a rugged but compact body—and applied it to a luggage tag. Scout Travel is currently iOS only and runs with Find My.
Digital set-up is not the most seamless, but it is overall fairly straightforward. Physical set-up, on the other hand, is not too intuitive. Still, I can see how the steps are necessary to fortify the fastening. The braided stainless-steel cable coated with nylon is secured with a dedicated key to ensure that the tag can’t be easily removed, but in itself becomes another item you worry about losing. Possibly a worthy trade-off for not needing a separate case or fiddly mount, as you would for an AirTag.
The bigger upside is the USB-C rechargeable battery, which means no hunting for and replacing tiny disposable CR2032s. Size-wise, its slim silicone frame is barely noticeable. Until you want it to be, then choose from the bright colourway options that turn it into a baggage adornment that’s more personalised than a generic white circle. A unique QR code also stores any information you would like to include.
For something subtle, there’s also a remote chime to further identify your belongings if they’re buried in a pile or passing you on the conveyor belt. All thoughtful factors, on top of a sturdy exterior constructed to withstand banging about, make the dongle a proper luggage widget.
Scout may cost more up front, until you count the alarm, battery and mounting bundled into the price. My only gripe is how it attaches, because the hassle alone deters me from removing it for charging, but perhaps that’s the price of top-notch surety.
