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Packing Light - Tips, tricks, and strategies for deciding what to bring on a trip.

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  • A
    AdamJ
    IHUK Crew
    @pechelman
    Joined: 29 Jun 2017

    @pechelman Currently laughing at the 7 different cables I am trying to fold neatly into circles for my upcoming trip. Long live USB-A!

    The devil is in the detail..

    last edited by 12 Jul 2023, 20:08 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 3
    • M
      mclaincausey
      見習いボス
      Joined: 12 Apr 2013

      On the launder & fry fast front, they’re bulky but if you need warmth fleeces are great layers in that regard.

      Think it, be it.

      last edited by 13 Jul 2023, 01:17 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
      • B
        Brandrea
        Raw and Unwashed
        Joined: 19 Sept 2022

        We travel frequently and just got back from a 7 day trip to Vancouver.

        What works best for me is the following:

        1. Always have your toiletry bag fully stocked and ready to grab and go. That means when I get back, I restock it right away.
        2. Resist the temptation to over pack. It’s taken me years to master this. Put up your hand if you were like me and packed too many tees, or pants and shirts only to get home and realize you didn’t wear half of it lol.

        For me on 7 day, that means one pair of denim, one pair of chinos, one pair of shorts, 3 tees, one sweater, one shirt. Underwear etc is one pair for each day (you can always reverse them if needed lol).
        3. Pack one jacket, in my case always a lightweight puffer that will pack down.
        4. We are the opposite to the advice above and we like to ship our luggage to its final destination. Nothing worse (to us) than slogging luggage through the airport, train etc., or checking it and having it go missing.
        5. I always wear a travel back pack (about 20l size) to carry my electronics, and travel papers etc.
        6. Last is footwear, a huge space sucker upper … I wear Birks pretty much for everything and I pack one pair of dressier walking shoes.

        last edited by 13 Jul 2023, 17:46 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
        • G
          Graeme
          啓蒙家
          Joined: 30 Mar 2012

          I haven't heard of the 54321 packing scheme, but I often use a similar one, which is:

          7 sets of socks and underwear
          4 t-shirts
          2 mid-layers
          2 pairs of trousers

          I don't take a second pair of shoes, which frees up a bit of space in the bag.

          In Australia the biggest constraint on travelling with hand-luggage only is weight. I took a trip up the East Coast of Australia in April, and though I could fit everything into my trusty Defy Verbockel, my bag weighed 12 kg (about 26 lbs), against a limit of 10 kg (22 lbs). Admittedly I was carrying two laptops and a few other things for work, and that pushed me over. Plus my Verbockel weighs half a tonne empty.

          last edited by 13 Jul 2023, 22:03 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
          • P
            pechelman
            啓蒙家
            Joined: 24 Jan 2022

            one more note on shoes, I don't always bring extra ones either. If I do, I try to stuff them full of things like socks, chargers, cables, etc so they their space is used a little more efficiently. Then snug up the laces so they're as compression straps to further reduce bulk. I've also found voile straps to be immensely useful to strap two shoes together to further reduce their bulk as well. These straps are handy around the house too.

            last edited by pechelman 13 Jul 2023, 22:09 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • M
              mclaincausey
              見習いボス
              Joined: 12 Apr 2013

              I pack usually some sort of vulcanized sneaker I can use for leisurely endeavors or working out (vans, soccer shoes, etc—low packable profile), and wear something more robust (boot or something).

              Think it, be it.

              last edited by 14 Jul 2023, 01:40 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • 6
                68degreesorless
                Haraki san Student
                Joined: 19 Jul 2021

                Ever since I bought the 21 oz carryall, I take a lot less stuff on trips. Consider getting a smaller bag that you love and want to use. You might be surprised what you are capable of.

                last edited by 14 Jul 2023, 13:57 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                • L
                  louisbosco
                  啓蒙家
                  Joined: 21 Feb 2013

                  I ride with a backpack for short trips. 3-4days kinda trip. being on a naked without panniers, I have to pack light or suffer.

                  comfy shoes for riding, walking and the jeans I wear out. what I'll pack are jocks and sock and few tees. in a tropical climate, plenty of tees and jocks are a necessity. the rest I can live without..

                  "Loyalty is a two way street. If i'm asking for it from you, then you're getting it from me."

                  • Harvey Specter
                  last edited by 14 Jul 2023, 14:53 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • B
                    Brian
                    Joined: 24 Nov 2022

                    I’m going to impart some of this onto the wife
                    Last trip we took was to a cabin at the beach for 5 nights I’m sure she took enough things for a slow trek up Everest

                    I can usually get away with a pair of socks and boxers for the number of days/ nights
                    A pair of jeans, 1 over layer ( jumper sweater )
                    Couple of shirts and T-shirts

                    I have found over the years the way things are folded / rolled plays a big part in the available space in luggage as to the amount that can be taken on a trip

                    last edited by 15 Jul 2023, 05:30 G 1 Reply Last reply 15 Jul 2023, 06:06 Reply Quote 0
                    • G
                      Giles
                      IHUK Crew
                      @Brian
                      Joined: 22 Sept 2009

                      @Brian said in Packing Light - Tips, tricks, and strategies for deciding what to bring on a trip.:

                      I’m sure she took enough things for a slow trek up Everest

                      Welcome to my world.....

                      When I go away on my own, it is usually to a relatively remote place to fish. I'll pack all the essential fishing tech, and then any space that is left once that is done, I squeeze clothing in. If I am away for 7 nights, and I can only fit enough clothes in for a couple of days, I have to deal with it and do some washing.

                      I can go hiking for a week in the Alps and only take hand luggage, this is something Paula simply can't comprehend....

                      "OK face up to it - you're useless but generally pretty honest and straightforward . . . it's a rare combination of qualities that I have come to admire in you" - Geo 2011

                      last edited by Giles 15 Jul 2023, 06:06 B 1 Reply Last reply 15 Jul 2023, 06:32 Reply Quote 1
                      • B
                        Brian
                        @Giles
                        Joined: 24 Nov 2022

                        @Giles
                        Must be a female thing
                        How she will cope with the boat I do wish you the best you may only have room for hanging the undies off the mast

                        last edited by 15 Jul 2023, 06:32 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • G
                          Giles
                          IHUK Crew
                          Joined: 22 Sept 2009

                          Luckily there is stacks of space on the boat......

                          "OK face up to it - you're useless but generally pretty honest and straightforward . . . it's a rare combination of qualities that I have come to admire in you" - Geo 2011

                          last edited by 15 Jul 2023, 06:51 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                          • motoM
                            moto
                            Haraki san Prodigy
                            Joined: 2 Aug 2014

                            I tend to use a Patagonia black hole MLC bag exclusively these days for trips under 2 weeks in length. If I’m on business, I’ll add my Filson briefcase but lately I’ve tried to fit it all in the MLC, being hands free with a single backpack makes transit so efficient and pleasant. The unstructured nature of the MLC allows it to be crammed full or packed light and loose, and always fits in the overhead as opposed to some more structured or hard sided luggage. Wait, this wasn’t a luggage conversation was it? 😂

                            last edited by 16 Jul 2023, 16:18 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • AnesthetistA
                              Anesthetist
                              見習いボス
                              @goosehd
                              Joined: 14 May 2011

                              My advice would mirror that of @goosehd. I used to pack a lot of my IH but it is bulky and heavy. I have a love/hate affair with synthetics but have found them to be light, comfortable, and versatile. Wool is amazing and I love Patagonia & Proof merino tees bc I sweat bc they wick moisture and dont ever stink.

                              I try to minimize shirting but maximize outfits…. shirts I can wear with a suit jacket or shorts, lightweight polos, and well fitting Patagonia sweaters. The khaki & olive IH easy shorts are perfect for dressing up or down and will be new warm weather travel staples. I can fit a week’s worth of clothing in my 40L dyneema duffle and Evergoods Phoenix. However we usually still end up packing our Rimowa sport trunk bc the ladies in my life.

                              IG: bluehandsslim

                              last edited by 16 Jul 2023, 17:02 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 3
                              • SKTS
                                SKT
                                見習いボス
                                Joined: 26 Aug 2019

                                This is a great thread and I’m enjoying this whole discussion. Picking up loads of tips so thanks people! The challenge for me is when the kids and wife are included in any of the packing and they almost always are.

                                @Anesthetist love my Evergoods CPL 24

                                last edited by 16 Jul 2023, 20:40 AnesthetistA 1 Reply Last reply 17 Jul 2023, 01:26 Reply Quote 2
                                • AnesthetistA
                                  Anesthetist
                                  見習いボス
                                  @SKT
                                  Joined: 14 May 2011

                                  @SKT I want their mountain sling bag too, they make some great bags

                                  IG: bluehandsslim

                                  last edited by 17 Jul 2023, 01:26 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                  • AetasA
                                    Aetas
                                    見習いボス
                                    Joined: 19 Jun 2013

                                    For a long time I use parts of the Eagle Creek packing system .

                                    Most used is the Pack-It Reveal Garment.
                                    IMG_1345.jpeg

                                    In here is everything what I need for a two weeks trip and it slips easy into a 40l backpack.

                                    My 140l Ortlieb is totally in use by the rest of the family 😅.

                                    last edited by 24 Jul 2023, 11:51 AnesthetistA 1 Reply Last reply 25 Jul 2023, 00:58 Reply Quote 2
                                    • AnesthetistA
                                      Anesthetist
                                      見習いボス
                                      @Aetas
                                      Joined: 14 May 2011

                                      @Aetas if you dont mind sharing, what does your pack list look like for 2 weeks?

                                      This is a great thread!

                                      IG: bluehandsslim

                                      last edited by 25 Jul 2023, 00:58 AetasA 1 Reply Last reply 25 Jul 2023, 19:42 Reply Quote 0
                                      • AetasA
                                        Aetas
                                        見習いボス
                                        @Anesthetist
                                        Joined: 19 Jun 2013

                                        @Anesthetist

                                        Short summer pack list for the last weeks on the Baleares:

                                        • Three T’s (one IHT 7.5oz and an indigo dyed Triple Works)
                                        • two white Polo’s
                                        • some underwear
                                        • lightweight linen pant
                                        • cycling trousers+shirts
                                        • beloved summer wheigt shirring IHSH-121

                                        But I’ve to admit, that shorts/swim and sportswear is permanently based in the apartment and a washing machine is available 😉.

                                        IMG_1356.jpeg

                                        last edited by Aetas 8 Oct 2023, 08:07 25 Jul 2023, 19:42 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                        • seawolfS
                                          seawolf
                                          Mod Squad
                                          Joined: 28 Oct 2011

                                          Travel Update: I got back from 12 days in Scotland, and have some lessons learned.

                                          1. I knew this wasn't the best move, but I did it anyway. I wore my Johnny Cash for the first few days of the trip, but it started getting to be too fussy, and it ended up moving permanently to my suitcase, likely taking up too much space. I primarily wore a tee shirt and a long sleeve merino top (I have an Icebreaker 260 top that I've had for over 20 years that won't quit. I wore it basically every day on this trip) with jeans every single day. And when I needed a layer, my Arc'teryx Atom LT was absolutely perfect. I did a lot of research before deciding on a travel jacket, and the Atom LT lived up to the hype. We were very lucky that we didn't see much rain, but on the couple of occasions there was a slight drizzle, the Atom LT shed it easily, and blocked the wind quite well.

                                          2. Brought a Patagonia Black Hole duffel with me, and so glad that I did. Between me and my wife, we brought back 4 bottles of gin and 4 bottles of whisky, and it all made it back safe and sound. We also got a bunch of gifts for others, so the extra duffel bag was a crucial piece of kit.

                                          3. Merino wool saved me a few times. We were able to do laundry halfway through our trip, and for the most part, I didn't run out of anything, but there were a couple of times I had to wear something a second time out of convenience, and the merino wool did its job by not retaining odors. One of my particular favorites lately are these 100% merino wool undershirts from Wool & Prince. https://woolandprince.com/products/natural-white-v-neck-undershirt

                                          4. My primary footwear was a pair of boots, and I was so sick of them by the end of the trip. And the thought of wearing them for 24 hours of travel back to California sounded miserable to me, but I had no more room in my luggage, so I couldn't switch to my more comfortable Birks for the flights. Boots were a solid choice for the majority of the trip, but lacing them up just right every day was a pain, and even though they're not super heavy boots, by the end of the trip they felt so clunky and uncomfortable. I had no idea that I needed so much variety in my footwear every day.

                                          5. The only things I didn't use at all were a bathing suit and my down vest. Neither took up a lot of space, and I was glad to have them.

                                          6. I need to bring more OTC meds for next time. If you ever start feeling unwell on a trip, it's not always super easy to find the right OTC meds you want in a timely manner, and it's so much easier to bring some along with you. I'm going to put together a little pocket pharmacy to avoid any issues in the future.

                                          7. Lastly, my wife got a sinus infection while we were there, and I want to give a huge shoutout to the NHS who treated her expeditiously, gave her antibiotics, and sent us on our way without charging us a penny. The United States has a lot to learn about taking care of its citizens.

                                          “Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fit our needs so well that the design is invisible” - Don Norman

                                          @zeebeeleather

                                          last edited by 29 Jul 2023, 13:35 SKTS 1 Reply Last reply 29 Jul 2023, 14:37 Reply Quote 4
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