Packing Tips

Don't over pack

Traveling light is an approach to travel that once one experiences the benefits of, adopts the practice like it was second nature. The objective is to resist the temptation to packing non-essentials, bringing only what is truly needed, whether it be for 2 weeks or 2 months. Streamline this in a carry-on size bag and liberate yourself.

Virtues

• Less burdensome, fatigue and sweat.
• No worrying about checked baggage being lost, stolen, damaged,  misrouted or getting separated from your bag due to missing a connection.
• Can handle ones own bag, avoiding the need to rely on assistance. Enables you to take public transit vs. costly alternatives.
• No need to arrive early for check in
• No need to wait around at the carousel for luggage. You’ll be one of the first to leave the airport, on your way to your destination while the others are still waiting around the luggage carousel.

Drawbacks
You will have to wash some of your wardrobe, but if you hand wash your personals every few nights you’ll stay on top of it AND save time and money.

 

What to bring:

• Clothing (men)
• 2 short sleeve shirts (light polyester/cotton, makes for easy washing and drying)
• 1 sweater (dark cardigan, creates a respectable appearance with a collar shirt)
• 2 T-shirts (preferably black or white to coordinate with other clothes items)
• 2 pairs of pants (choose kaki and or brown or green colours. Allows for easy mix and match)
• 3 or 4 pairs of socks and underwear
• 1 good pair of walking shoes
• 1 light pair of sandals or a pair of thongs (can be used in public showers or poolside)
• 1 pair of shorts (kaki colour to mix and match. Also can be used as a bathing suit)
• 1 swim suit
• 1 jacket or windbreaker (preferably brown or green, choose dark colours)
• Rain poncho (covers and protects you and your pack)
• Hat/cap
• 1 belt
• Handkerchief or bandanna
• Small Towel

 

Clothing (women)

• 2-4 long/short-sleeved shirts (various colours, light polyester/cotton, makes for easy washing and drying)
• 1 sweater (light cardigans for layering)
• 2 pairs of pants (one dressy, one casual)
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 skirts (wrinkle-resistant)
• 1 good pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of thongs (can be used in public showers or poolside)
• 1 belt
• 1 jacket
• 4 pairs of socks
• 4 pairs of underwear
• 1 extra bra
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 hat
• Rain poncho (covers and protects you and your pack)
• Scarves (to wear with clothing or hat)
• 1 pair of pajamas (or long shirt)

 

Toiletries

• Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
• Razor (non-electric)/blades, shaving cream
• Brush/comb
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Clothesline (long bootlace with a loop tied at one end and mini bungee on the other. Loops and clips easily to any fixtures)
• Sink stopper and laundry soap

 

Medicine – first aid kit

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Bandages, moleskin
• Prescription drugs (in original container with your name and your doctor’s name)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nail clippers/file /tweezers
• Spare glasses and/or prescription, or contact lenses and supplies
• Diarrhea treatment (e.g., Lomotil), anti-gas, decongestants, etc.
• Aspirin/Tylenol
• Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Polysporin)
• Vitamins

 

Miscellaneous

• Plastic baggies (zip lock, different sizes)
• Earplugs
• Small sewing kit
• Small combination lock (for pack or locker)
• Rubber bands
• Safety pins
• Journal
• Pens/pencils
• Sunglasses
• Phrase/guide books
• Flashlight/bulbs/batteries
• Mailing and email address list
• Copies of personal documents (passport, birth-certificate, drivers license, plane tickets,reservations, credit card info, and travel itinerary)
• Day pack
• Money belt
• Small towel

 

When choosing a bag, look for the following:

• Strong construction
• Soft sided, tough Cordura nylon material
• Carry-on size (L + W + H = 45”)
• Seams make sure they are strong, preferably double stitched
• Zippers, try all to ensure they are good quality. Look for YYK which is best in consistent quality.
• Strap hooks, should be metal
• Shoulder straps, should be attached with double stitch, well padded, adjustable and fold away.
• A good waste belt is excellent for distributing weight and should also be fold away
• Front load bags, great for accessing items in your bag and easier for packing

 

Avoid

• Packs with lots of straps and external pockets. (tend to catch on other things)
• Bags with wheels. (pains far outweigh the gains)
• Top loading bags. (difficult to locate items)

 

Back packs
Opt for the internal-frame backpacks, which are more streamlined, since the frame is constructed within the bag these are usually fully padded, with very wide waist belts to take most of the weight of the backpack off the shoulder straps, making it more comfortable for long hauls. Unfortunately not all internal-frame pack packs are sizes to fit as a carry-on. Often they are designed with side pockets and padded waist belts that protrude from the body and tend to get in the way or snagged on something.

Avoid the packs with an external frame. These are bulky, awkward and don’t lend themselves well to air travel. They are better suited for major hiking when additional items such as sleeping bags and tents are lashed onto the frame.

 

Book packs

Some of these can be ideal, they are very comfortable to carry, they are affordable and fit nicely under seats on airplanes. Their shoulder straps are normally padded and many models also have padded backs for added comfort. Some even have waist straps, to help distribute the weight.

 

Travel packs (dual purpose)

These are my personal preference, since they are versatile, both for look and function. Usually are soft sided, made of Cordura nylon, like backpacks and book packs. Equipped with shoulder straps and waist belt that tuck away. Shoulder straps clip into D rings when wanting to wear as a backpack and/or over the shoulder bag, or tuck away the straps and waist belt and use as a large briefcase.

Rolling uprights
Beneficial for those with a bad back or who have trouble lifting and caryring heavy items. However, beyond the smooth level corridors and hallways of the airport these forms of luggage become troublesome and problematic. They are difficult to haul up and down flights of stairs (and in Europe you will encounter many).