New Tricks for Old Dogs: Hacks for Packing a Bit Smarter and Lighter
Jun 30th, 2024, 01:18 AM
#21
What a great thread - thanks all.
Melnq8 - I have to take a few pills now too. Luckily the prescription one is tiny & comes in its own blister pack. The vitamins & supplements go into small ziplock bags with the type & dose written on the bag in biro. Where there’s different coloured pills, I put a few in one bag. For overseas trips, I usually get a list from my Dr & add that & the contents label from the packages.
i use ziplock bags for anything that will fit in them - lingerie, tops, jumpers etc. I use a soft sided bag and line it with a very lightweight plastic sheet to ensure nothing gets wet if it’s stuck on a baggage trolley in the rain.
I’m a pretty light packer but not interested in doing carry on only for more than a week or more than one climate zone. I’m usually doing a mix of city & country. That’s my excuse & I’m sticking to it 😂.
Melnq8 - I have to take a few pills now too. Luckily the prescription one is tiny & comes in its own blister pack. The vitamins & supplements go into small ziplock bags with the type & dose written on the bag in biro. Where there’s different coloured pills, I put a few in one bag. For overseas trips, I usually get a list from my Dr & add that & the contents label from the packages.
i use ziplock bags for anything that will fit in them - lingerie, tops, jumpers etc. I use a soft sided bag and line it with a very lightweight plastic sheet to ensure nothing gets wet if it’s stuck on a baggage trolley in the rain.
I’m a pretty light packer but not interested in doing carry on only for more than a week or more than one climate zone. I’m usually doing a mix of city & country. That’s my excuse & I’m sticking to it 😂.
Jun 30th, 2024, 08:25 AM
#22
I hear you Bokhara, I'm never going to be a carry-on only traveler. We pack light, but our trips are long, hiking centric and often in winter. There's just no way. And no interest.
I tend to pack lighter than my husband. He's just recently discovered the joy of taking a smaller suitcase (which took a bit of nudging). Less to lug around on trains and buses. Less to lift. It took years, but I think I've finally convinced him that less is more. He still manages to stuff in his favorite feather pillow, as it's a must have item for him (we're both a bit weird when it comes to pillows).
The only liquids I pack in my carry on (which is a daypack) are for the flight - toothpaste, vaseline (my cure-all product), maybe a bit of hand lotion. Everything else goes into my checked bag, so no need for qt bag gymnastics. I admire those who can pull it off; I'm just not one of them.
We pack for a week no matter the length of our trip and do laundry as needed. I take my own fragrance and dye free laundry pods, a starter kit of coffee supplies with a bit of sugar, as we usually stay in apartments and never know what they might have. We take layers - fleece jackets that fit under waterproof jackets and warmer coats, etc.
Shoes (pack a pair, wear a pair) are wrapped in our dwindling supply of reused plastic grocery and shop bags, liquids placed in a waterproof bag. I've learned over the years that I can get by for a month on a 3.4 oz container of shampoo, conditioner and face wash, but still tend to take more than I need 'just in case'.
We take a couple of bars of soap, and if we run out, easy enough to replace. Add some face cream, scrubbie, sunblock, sunblock balm for lips, Benadryl cream and Neosporin, toothbrush and paste, and I'm good to go. We usually take a selection of cold meds, OTC pain relievers, and a pouch full of bandaids, paper, cloth and padded waterproof tape for the inevitable hiking induced toe problems.
A British friend once told me I'm "a simple girl with simple needs" and I suspect she was right.
The problem is coming back...finding space for the chocolate, and other acquired items...like ekscrunchy, usually hard-to-resist food items. I've read her trip reports and despite my packing experience, I'm not sure how she does it
I tend to pack lighter than my husband. He's just recently discovered the joy of taking a smaller suitcase (which took a bit of nudging). Less to lug around on trains and buses. Less to lift. It took years, but I think I've finally convinced him that less is more. He still manages to stuff in his favorite feather pillow, as it's a must have item for him (we're both a bit weird when it comes to pillows).
The only liquids I pack in my carry on (which is a daypack) are for the flight - toothpaste, vaseline (my cure-all product), maybe a bit of hand lotion. Everything else goes into my checked bag, so no need for qt bag gymnastics. I admire those who can pull it off; I'm just not one of them.
We pack for a week no matter the length of our trip and do laundry as needed. I take my own fragrance and dye free laundry pods, a starter kit of coffee supplies with a bit of sugar, as we usually stay in apartments and never know what they might have. We take layers - fleece jackets that fit under waterproof jackets and warmer coats, etc.
Shoes (pack a pair, wear a pair) are wrapped in our dwindling supply of reused plastic grocery and shop bags, liquids placed in a waterproof bag. I've learned over the years that I can get by for a month on a 3.4 oz container of shampoo, conditioner and face wash, but still tend to take more than I need 'just in case'.
We take a couple of bars of soap, and if we run out, easy enough to replace. Add some face cream, scrubbie, sunblock, sunblock balm for lips, Benadryl cream and Neosporin, toothbrush and paste, and I'm good to go. We usually take a selection of cold meds, OTC pain relievers, and a pouch full of bandaids, paper, cloth and padded waterproof tape for the inevitable hiking induced toe problems.
A British friend once told me I'm "a simple girl with simple needs" and I suspect she was right.
The problem is coming back...finding space for the chocolate, and other acquired items...like ekscrunchy, usually hard-to-resist food items. I've read her trip reports and despite my packing experience, I'm not sure how she does it
Jun 30th, 2024, 11:04 AM
#23
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Melnq8--We actually learned to do carry-on BECAUSE of our active vacations. We took hiking and cycling vacations everywhere, and on cycling trips, we lived in constant fear that my special bike seat with special gel pad, our biking shorts, and our precious rain gear would get lost on the various connecting flights we had to do. Too many times we saw fellow trip members get stuck--it ruins their trip. We knew exactly when and how to sink wash (no matter what in those olden days, cycling shorts and hiking socks took two days to dry in a bathroom unless we had heated towel racks) and packed accordingly.
But I admit that one year, when we were segueing immediately from a week of hiking to a week of cycling, I gave up. I could NOT make it work. Yeah, we knew to wear our hiking boots onto the plane, but I just could not get everything else on, especially the much-needed hiking socks. Luckily, both trips were in the States. I called the hotel on the first stop on the hiking trip and asked if I could mail ourselves a package. Yep, we could. Hiking boots and socks got put in the post the next day. At the end of that portion, we shipped them back to ourselves.
We were able to do carry-on on all legs.
But I admit that one year, when we were segueing immediately from a week of hiking to a week of cycling, I gave up. I could NOT make it work. Yeah, we knew to wear our hiking boots onto the plane, but I just could not get everything else on, especially the much-needed hiking socks. Luckily, both trips were in the States. I called the hotel on the first stop on the hiking trip and asked if I could mail ourselves a package. Yep, we could. Hiking boots and socks got put in the post the next day. At the end of that portion, we shipped them back to ourselves.
We were able to do carry-on on all legs.
Jun 30th, 2024, 11:24 AM
#24
Yeah, I get that. Just not something we want to do. Hiking poles for instance - no way. And I don't want to live in hiking boots for a month, it's nice to have a pair to change into for a break. And the bulky winter items - coats, traction cleats, etc.
I also have no interest in fighting others for coveted overhead space. I once had a woman get pissed because I put my daypack in the overhead above my seat, reserving my footwell for my purse and my feet. She figured I was using space meant for those with multiple large bags, i.e. her. The whole overhead scrum just puts me off.
Not an issue when flying Business Class, but we don't fly Business Class very often.
I've only had luggage misplaced a few times, and it always turned up. Yeah it wasn't fun, but not insurmountable. I don't worry about it much anymore, although it can certainly put a wrinkle in one's travel plans (I hope I'm not jinxing myself).
I guess these old dogs are content with our old tricks
I also have no interest in fighting others for coveted overhead space. I once had a woman get pissed because I put my daypack in the overhead above my seat, reserving my footwell for my purse and my feet. She figured I was using space meant for those with multiple large bags, i.e. her. The whole overhead scrum just puts me off.
Not an issue when flying Business Class, but we don't fly Business Class very often.
I've only had luggage misplaced a few times, and it always turned up. Yeah it wasn't fun, but not insurmountable. I don't worry about it much anymore, although it can certainly put a wrinkle in one's travel plans (I hope I'm not jinxing myself).
I guess these old dogs are content with our old tricks
Last edited by Melnq8; Jun 30th, 2024 at 11:27 AM.
Jul 1st, 2024, 03:00 PM
#26
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Thanks for starting this thread, I had been thinking about starting something similar.
Several trips ago, I purchased "pack travel pouches" that look similar to what you purchased. Mine are silicone, and I love them! They have not leaked at all, they can stand up on a shower shelf but are easily flattened and tossed into my toiletry bag. I find that they can be cleaned out very easily.
The other genius purchase, after years of troublesome clothes lines, is plastic folding hangers. After the first trip where I took 3, and my husband kept taking them, we now take 5 between the two of us. They are lightweight, small, and can be easily hung.
Another new purchase, after too many marital conversations about the bathroom light being too bright, is a very lightweight nightlight that can also work as a flashlight. It has a USB chargecord, and only needs to be charged every couple of nights.
Another important item, though a bit heavy, is a portable phone charger. For those days when we're staying in a city and out and about all day, between using the GPS and needing to communicate with my office, I can run low on battery. If nothing else, having the charger gives me peace of mind.
Always we take extra plastic bags for anything, and ziplock bags which are very good for picnic lunches or extra pastries and the like, and for protecting our clothes from any liquids that we bring home.
We are now taking month-long trips, which is so wonderful and such a privilege to be able to do. Hubby takes only a carryon and a day bag, but I take a 25-inch bag and a backpack (still working, remotely, so the laptop is a must-have). Which larger bag, BTW, includes a couple of hubby's items too. I don't cram the 25-inch bag full, but I have more than I want to fit in a carryon for a month of travel.
Two trips ago, I surprisingly ran out of contact lens solution (obviously I didn't pay attention to how much was still in the bottle). I easily found my specialized brand in a local store in the Dutch town we were in, and for months after the trip, I smiled when I used that European container of solution, remembering where and when I had purchased it.
Several trips ago, I purchased "pack travel pouches" that look similar to what you purchased. Mine are silicone, and I love them! They have not leaked at all, they can stand up on a shower shelf but are easily flattened and tossed into my toiletry bag. I find that they can be cleaned out very easily.
The other genius purchase, after years of troublesome clothes lines, is plastic folding hangers. After the first trip where I took 3, and my husband kept taking them, we now take 5 between the two of us. They are lightweight, small, and can be easily hung.
Another new purchase, after too many marital conversations about the bathroom light being too bright, is a very lightweight nightlight that can also work as a flashlight. It has a USB chargecord, and only needs to be charged every couple of nights.
Another important item, though a bit heavy, is a portable phone charger. For those days when we're staying in a city and out and about all day, between using the GPS and needing to communicate with my office, I can run low on battery. If nothing else, having the charger gives me peace of mind.
Always we take extra plastic bags for anything, and ziplock bags which are very good for picnic lunches or extra pastries and the like, and for protecting our clothes from any liquids that we bring home.
We are now taking month-long trips, which is so wonderful and such a privilege to be able to do. Hubby takes only a carryon and a day bag, but I take a 25-inch bag and a backpack (still working, remotely, so the laptop is a must-have). Which larger bag, BTW, includes a couple of hubby's items too. I don't cram the 25-inch bag full, but I have more than I want to fit in a carryon for a month of travel.
Two trips ago, I surprisingly ran out of contact lens solution (obviously I didn't pay attention to how much was still in the bottle). I easily found my specialized brand in a local store in the Dutch town we were in, and for months after the trip, I smiled when I used that European container of solution, remembering where and when I had purchased it.
Jul 2nd, 2024, 06:06 AM
#27
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Lexma90--I suspect we might be related. I think those plastic fold-up hangers are so important that I gift them to anyone who is traveling overseas for the first time, even to comparative strangers. After they return, they just hug me. Those hangers solve so many problems, not only with drying clothing in the bathroom but also for having instant hangers in those hotels where they give you three hangers for the two of you. We brought along blow-up hangers in the olden days; these are a dream replacement.
When we were traveling early on, before packing cubes existed, our luggage looked exactly like Elizabeth Hurley's in the Austin Powers movies. Labeled Ziplock bags were the solution to a week of one-night stays. In those days, I showed the kids how to create packets of layers for daily cycling routes (cycling bra, short sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, cycling shorts), allowing them to pack and unpack at each hotel by tossing those puppies around the room wherever we landed. I reuse most of my ziplock bags even now, and before we leave on any trip, I go to my "reuse pile" and create a variety-of-sizes pack for each of us to put in the front pocket of our carry-ons.
PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS are my life. Yet I must force Mr. IPAD, my husband, to bring one. I don't get it. I don't even go to a doc appointment without one. Waiting rooms without plug sockets with unexpected hours of waiting time don't become a problem for me. I get to watch everyone else gnash their teeth while I happily read.
When we were traveling early on, before packing cubes existed, our luggage looked exactly like Elizabeth Hurley's in the Austin Powers movies. Labeled Ziplock bags were the solution to a week of one-night stays. In those days, I showed the kids how to create packets of layers for daily cycling routes (cycling bra, short sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, cycling shorts), allowing them to pack and unpack at each hotel by tossing those puppies around the room wherever we landed. I reuse most of my ziplock bags even now, and before we leave on any trip, I go to my "reuse pile" and create a variety-of-sizes pack for each of us to put in the front pocket of our carry-ons.
PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS are my life. Yet I must force Mr. IPAD, my husband, to bring one. I don't get it. I don't even go to a doc appointment without one. Waiting rooms without plug sockets with unexpected hours of waiting time don't become a problem for me. I get to watch everyone else gnash their teeth while I happily read.
Jul 4th, 2024, 07:26 AM
#28
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Wow! You are impressive! Thanks for the research, the links and the great ideas.
I have loved those Olay cloths for years, many places we have stayed don't have wash clothes and I like having them to more thoroughly clean my face after a long day. I also use them on my feet if I was wearing sandals to get off the dust before heading to bed. They also are available in a sensitive skin version.
I love the packing cubes, so I don't need to fully unpack. I often wash my lingerie in the shower with me, I think it rinses much more thoroughly and I bring the soap from REI. I think the Rei camping section has a lot of good products.
I can't wait to try the foldable hangars, and reusable deodorant tube.
At first I thought the mirror was a bit but much, but after remembering our last trip and struggling to find a spot in the room that the light was acceptable, I may try that, too. Who knows how scary I looked during parts of that trip!
I have loved those Olay cloths for years, many places we have stayed don't have wash clothes and I like having them to more thoroughly clean my face after a long day. I also use them on my feet if I was wearing sandals to get off the dust before heading to bed. They also are available in a sensitive skin version.
I love the packing cubes, so I don't need to fully unpack. I often wash my lingerie in the shower with me, I think it rinses much more thoroughly and I bring the soap from REI. I think the Rei camping section has a lot of good products.
I can't wait to try the foldable hangars, and reusable deodorant tube.
At first I thought the mirror was a bit but much, but after remembering our last trip and struggling to find a spot in the room that the light was acceptable, I may try that, too. Who knows how scary I looked during parts of that trip!
Jul 4th, 2024, 09:31 AM
#29
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Coral22--"Wash my lingerie in the shower with me." I totally approve.
You will love the foldable hangers. I think I may even appreciate them more, if that is possible, for when we go on "night on the town" weekend trips. I'm packing dressier clothes then, and unlike with my overseas travel, I truly MIGHT be seeing other people we're meeting up with sometime soon. I hate arriving in a hotel room only to find pants/skirt hangers in the closet. Sure, I can call housekeeping, but if I have theatre tickets or dinner reservations right after we arrive, I just want to get things organized and get out the door.
Hence the make-up mirror, too. But I have to make it clear--I'm pretty blind, and I'm going to assume most people here are not. I must be close to a mirror to do my makeup. Full length mirrors in hotel rooms can work pretty well for me because I can be just inches away, but as everyone knows, they often mysteriously put those where no light source can possibly reach.
Oil of Olay dry clothes. Aren't they wonderful? I think what I should have explained to others was that they replaced TWO items in my luggage--my special face wash AND my old Neutrogena Make-up Remover Wipes. For those that don't know, these Oil of Olay dry cloths, once wet, remove make-up beautifully. They are godsends on overnight flights. As you said, they pretty darn well on dirty feet (and on stinky armpits) in a pinch.
Aren't we lucky that we can find some new things? I feel blessed.
You will love the foldable hangers. I think I may even appreciate them more, if that is possible, for when we go on "night on the town" weekend trips. I'm packing dressier clothes then, and unlike with my overseas travel, I truly MIGHT be seeing other people we're meeting up with sometime soon. I hate arriving in a hotel room only to find pants/skirt hangers in the closet. Sure, I can call housekeeping, but if I have theatre tickets or dinner reservations right after we arrive, I just want to get things organized and get out the door.
Hence the make-up mirror, too. But I have to make it clear--I'm pretty blind, and I'm going to assume most people here are not. I must be close to a mirror to do my makeup. Full length mirrors in hotel rooms can work pretty well for me because I can be just inches away, but as everyone knows, they often mysteriously put those where no light source can possibly reach.
Oil of Olay dry clothes. Aren't they wonderful? I think what I should have explained to others was that they replaced TWO items in my luggage--my special face wash AND my old Neutrogena Make-up Remover Wipes. For those that don't know, these Oil of Olay dry cloths, once wet, remove make-up beautifully. They are godsends on overnight flights. As you said, they pretty darn well on dirty feet (and on stinky armpits) in a pinch.
Aren't we lucky that we can find some new things? I feel blessed.
Jul 9th, 2024, 02:16 PM
#30
LOVE a good packing thread. It's been too long! Thank you! Gracias! Merci beaucoup!
My hangers don't fold but I do always tuck 2-3 super lightweight plastic ones in the bottom of my bag (tried the blow-up ones on a trip to Europe eons ago, they were only funny not useful at all).
I always thought 'packing cubes' were a dumb idea... takes up space and weight in the suitcase and you can't wear them -lol- but recently have ended up with a few that a fabulous super light weight mesh only and they 'rock' to keep undies etc in order without using ziplocks.
Cheers!
My hangers don't fold but I do always tuck 2-3 super lightweight plastic ones in the bottom of my bag (tried the blow-up ones on a trip to Europe eons ago, they were only funny not useful at all).
I always thought 'packing cubes' were a dumb idea... takes up space and weight in the suitcase and you can't wear them -lol- but recently have ended up with a few that a fabulous super light weight mesh only and they 'rock' to keep undies etc in order without using ziplocks.
Cheers!
Aug 19th, 2024, 11:48 AM
#31
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My Latest Gift Idea
One of the lovely servers in a restaurant we frequent is making her first trip over the Atlantic in two weeks. We are so happy for her--it will be a multi-country adventure with her childhood friends. She's gone back to Mexico, where she was born, many times, but this will be her first time to Europe. She is so excited about her adventure that we ourselves are excited.
She has always been a travel-light person, so it's not a though we're trying to convert her to a different style. Instead, we worry because she is so tiny and this will be her longest trip without a home base. I decided to gift her a collection of many of the containers and so on that I've listed above to lighten her load, and I shall assure her that even if she doesn't use one thing, it will not be a problem for us. My husband plans to gift her bits of currency that he has stockpiled after every trip for her "just in case" wallet--again, he worries.
Anyway, I was thinking that some or all of this stuff would be a great stocking stuffer for a college kid who wants to travel.
She has always been a travel-light person, so it's not a though we're trying to convert her to a different style. Instead, we worry because she is so tiny and this will be her longest trip without a home base. I decided to gift her a collection of many of the containers and so on that I've listed above to lighten her load, and I shall assure her that even if she doesn't use one thing, it will not be a problem for us. My husband plans to gift her bits of currency that he has stockpiled after every trip for her "just in case" wallet--again, he worries.
Anyway, I was thinking that some or all of this stuff would be a great stocking stuffer for a college kid who wants to travel.
Aug 19th, 2024, 12:12 PM
#32
That's very kind of you Alessandra.
I'm planning to take my 18 year old nephew on his first trip to Europe next year and have been collecting various travel items for him, including a journal, eyemask, travel containers and a 24" suitcase. I did the same for his sister when I took her to Europe in 2019. Packing light is one of the many things I hope she/learned, he/will learn.
I'm planning to take my 18 year old nephew on his first trip to Europe next year and have been collecting various travel items for him, including a journal, eyemask, travel containers and a 24" suitcase. I did the same for his sister when I took her to Europe in 2019. Packing light is one of the many things I hope she/learned, he/will learn.
Aug 20th, 2024, 08:47 AM
#33
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Melnq8--I don't feel generous one bit. I feel as though I'm a member of some sort of bizarre cult that's trying to convert people. I'm a tall, "big-boned" gal who could easily shovel two tons of gravel into our old driveway, and even I have had to learn to lighten the load. Whenever I see tiny women lugging two tons of "stuff" on-board the plane or train, it drives me cray-cray. I see future herniated disks and frozen shoulders.
How fun you get to take your nephew! I can't wait to take two granddaughters overseas, but I have a bit of a wait. Fingers crossed I'm still alive. The oldest granddaughter is MADE for Paris. The youngest probably is made for Roller Derby.
How fun you get to take your nephew! I can't wait to take two granddaughters overseas, but I have a bit of a wait. Fingers crossed I'm still alive. The oldest granddaughter is MADE for Paris. The youngest probably is made for Roller Derby.
Oct 4th, 2024, 12:19 AM
#34
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My wife just won a competition and the prize was a selection of travel related products, from a carry-on bag to an Apple Watch, ear buds etc. One of the smaller prizes was a book by Sophie Liard entitled The Folding Lady. Aimed primarily at the home there are some great tips on folding for packing to travel. Some can be found on her Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thefolding...tkM2J4N2Z0ZQ==
A game changer! I just repacked my bag for our Mexico trip and was amazed at the additional space I gained .
https://www.instagram.com/thefolding...tkM2J4N2Z0ZQ==
A game changer! I just repacked my bag for our Mexico trip and was amazed at the additional space I gained .
Oct 4th, 2024, 06:19 AM
#35
The Folding Lady. Aimed primarily at the home there are some great tips on folding for packing to travel. Some can be found on her Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thefolding...tkM2J4N2Z0ZQ==
A game changer! I just repacked my bag for our Mexico trip and was amazed at the additional space I gained .
https://www.instagram.com/thefolding...tkM2J4N2Z0ZQ==
A game changer! I just repacked my bag for our Mexico trip and was amazed at the additional space I gained .
Oct 5th, 2024, 08:06 AM
#36
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Very interesting, and helpful.
BUT: The compression packing cubes? If I fold my things the way she does, should I not just put them in the suitcase that way and not have the additional space taken up by the cube?
Does it really glean more space for you inside t he case if you use them?
I've used those vacuum bags and they DO allow lots of extra space. But then you need the hotel to lend you a vacuum cleaner for the trip home, which I did once, in China.....
BUT: The compression packing cubes? If I fold my things the way she does, should I not just put them in the suitcase that way and not have the additional space taken up by the cube?
Does it really glean more space for you inside t he case if you use them?
I've used those vacuum bags and they DO allow lots of extra space. But then you need the hotel to lend you a vacuum cleaner for the trip home, which I did once, in China.....
Oct 5th, 2024, 09:49 AM
#37
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I've always found folding to be such a personal issue and more frequently a trip-related and suitcase style issue. And as we get older, we have to remember that compression equals more weight. I used to compress everything to death to get on a flight. Those years are over. If I can't pick up my suitcase, I can't travel anymore without serfs.
Because my preferred suitcase is usually a soft-sided "deep hole", that depth also dictates my packing, too. For the most part, I rely on "sitting on the suitcase top" to be my easy-peasy compression. I end up with the fewest wrinkles that way. I fill in spaces with sundries.
More specifically, if I'm going for a formal weekend (Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding), you better believe me that I'm doing my "top-of-suitcase-inside-dryer-cleaner-plastic" method. I can look "crisp" in seconds after arrival. Wet runway? No problem. My dress is hermetically sealed. The plastic gives the slippy-slidey effect that doesn't set clothing wrinkles. And since my clothing is the FIRST thing to be unpacked, that guarantees that any problems (few!) can be instantly remedied.
Similarly, for so many of my trips, I layer my clothes (sans individual plastic, but always a layer of plastic on top of my clothes stack because of wet runways) on top of all my other stuff, filling in gaps with all my sundries. Again, I will look very presentable soon after arrival. Not a wrinkle anywhere.
However, for long trips, I change up everything, particularly because "I'm not seeing these people again anytime soon." First, I pack clothing where wrinkling isn't a problem. Then I decide whether I'm doing my clamshell soft-sided backpack carryon and/or my tougher, deeper soft-sided carryon. If I'm using the clamshell style soft carry-on, I use a larger packing cube that allows folding around a plastic board. That way, I use most of the available space inside the cube without overly wrinkling my clothes. I can easily get 10-15 tops and four bottoms inside one cube. And they look "store fresh."
Note: My undies, my pajamas, my socks are compressed to death.
Folding is absolutely a "to each his own, with options" thing. Do what you need to do.
AZ
Because my preferred suitcase is usually a soft-sided "deep hole", that depth also dictates my packing, too. For the most part, I rely on "sitting on the suitcase top" to be my easy-peasy compression. I end up with the fewest wrinkles that way. I fill in spaces with sundries.
More specifically, if I'm going for a formal weekend (Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding), you better believe me that I'm doing my "top-of-suitcase-inside-dryer-cleaner-plastic" method. I can look "crisp" in seconds after arrival. Wet runway? No problem. My dress is hermetically sealed. The plastic gives the slippy-slidey effect that doesn't set clothing wrinkles. And since my clothing is the FIRST thing to be unpacked, that guarantees that any problems (few!) can be instantly remedied.
Similarly, for so many of my trips, I layer my clothes (sans individual plastic, but always a layer of plastic on top of my clothes stack because of wet runways) on top of all my other stuff, filling in gaps with all my sundries. Again, I will look very presentable soon after arrival. Not a wrinkle anywhere.
However, for long trips, I change up everything, particularly because "I'm not seeing these people again anytime soon." First, I pack clothing where wrinkling isn't a problem. Then I decide whether I'm doing my clamshell soft-sided backpack carryon and/or my tougher, deeper soft-sided carryon. If I'm using the clamshell style soft carry-on, I use a larger packing cube that allows folding around a plastic board. That way, I use most of the available space inside the cube without overly wrinkling my clothes. I can easily get 10-15 tops and four bottoms inside one cube. And they look "store fresh."
Note: My undies, my pajamas, my socks are compressed to death.
Folding is absolutely a "to each his own, with options" thing. Do what you need to do.
AZ
Oct 5th, 2024, 04:34 PM
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Impressed by tip on Jean folding by the Folding Lady for travel. I may give it a shot as I’m packing for a 3 week trip to India. Usually I do the pants on the bottom of the suitcase, put other clothes on top, then fold legs over and on top. But of course it means you dig down to get those pants out!
some great tips here.
some great tips here.
Oct 6th, 2024, 02:36 AM
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Very interesting, and helpful.
BUT: The compression packing cubes? If I fold my things the way she does, should I not just put them in the suitcase that way and not have the additional space taken up by the cube?
Does it really glean more space for you inside t he case if you use them?
I've used those vacuum bags and they DO allow lots of extra space. But then you need the hotel to lend you a vacuum cleaner for the trip home, which I did once, in China.....
BUT: The compression packing cubes? If I fold my things the way she does, should I not just put them in the suitcase that way and not have the additional space taken up by the cube?
Does it really glean more space for you inside t he case if you use them?
I've used those vacuum bags and they DO allow lots of extra space. But then you need the hotel to lend you a vacuum cleaner for the trip home, which I did once, in China.....
My bag was packed and ready to go for our Mexico trip. I repacked using the new folding techniques but no cubes and everything seems to fit a lot better and I would estimate that there was maybe a 20% saving in volume. and no need to use the bags compression straps. The only cubes I use are for small items like socks and pants.
I think the shape of the bag is as important as the volume. For years I used a Lowe Alpine 40 litre carry on which was very rectangular and seemed to fit in more than my current Osprey bag which is more
ergonomically shaped.
Oct 11th, 2024, 09:41 AM
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Another comment about packing cubes; I was skeptical about them too, in terms of adding weight and extra fabric. And, I don't need my clothes compressed. If they compressed, and I added more items, then the bag would be too heavy.
I use packing cubes to keep track of my items, especially since we've been able to take several month-long trips (working part-time remotely while enjoying ourselves). I have five, of different sizes: (1) pants and skirts; (2) long-sleeved tops; (3) short-sleeved tops; (4) underwear; (5) socks. I don't do the extra zipper part that compresses them more; I don't need to. Everything else fits along the edges.
For the first time, this year, because we're traveling later in the fall, we also brought "puffy" coats, in addition to rain coats. I did use compression bags for those, to make them easier to pack; these bags are larger versions of ziplock bags. I put a coat in a bag, roll it to push out all the air, then ziplock it closed. Then I can easily toss the flattened bags on top of everything else. Yes, I could just put the coats (I carry both of them in my slightly larger luggage) on the top of everything else in my bag, but this way I don't have to force my bag closed. Again, it works for me. And because we love sitting at cafes, we've been warmer on this trip!
I use packing cubes to keep track of my items, especially since we've been able to take several month-long trips (working part-time remotely while enjoying ourselves). I have five, of different sizes: (1) pants and skirts; (2) long-sleeved tops; (3) short-sleeved tops; (4) underwear; (5) socks. I don't do the extra zipper part that compresses them more; I don't need to. Everything else fits along the edges.
For the first time, this year, because we're traveling later in the fall, we also brought "puffy" coats, in addition to rain coats. I did use compression bags for those, to make them easier to pack; these bags are larger versions of ziplock bags. I put a coat in a bag, roll it to push out all the air, then ziplock it closed. Then I can easily toss the flattened bags on top of everything else. Yes, I could just put the coats (I carry both of them in my slightly larger luggage) on the top of everything else in my bag, but this way I don't have to force my bag closed. Again, it works for me. And because we love sitting at cafes, we've been warmer on this trip!
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