Packing Tips

When I travel alone, I travel light.  I can go for two weeks at least with what I have mentioned on this page.  Here's my inventory:

Eagle Creek Cargo Switchback Plus.   The Cargo Switchback is an amazing piece of luggage.  It's the largest size that can be carried on a plane; it has wheels, so you can overload it without having to break your arm carrying it; and it has backpack straps so that you can carry it if you are really roughing it.

This version also has a daypack, so you can leave the bag behind and just carry essentials during the day. 

Combine all of these features with a lifetime warranty, and there's no reason to pick anything else.  I did have the opportunity to test out the lifetime warranty -- the wheels broke on the bag and I had to return it.  They the back back to me in two weeks with a new set of wheels and reinforcement on some other areas showing wear.  I was very pleased with their service.

In the bag, organization is key.  I use Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes and folders, mainly because they fit perfectly in the bag.   These bags are very helpful for a couple reasons:  First, it adds compression to the items, and you can really cram things in tightly, and second, you can see what's in each cube without opening it.  The Pack-It folder works great to allow shirts and trousers to arrive without wrinkles. 

In The Bag

Eagle Creek has a comprehensive travel checklist, but I wouldn't even consider taking all of the stuff that they mention.   It weighs way too much!  Look at their list and then evaluate if you really need it.  Every ounce will feel like a pound if you're carrying it in 110+ degree weather along the Equator (and I do speak from experience on this).

Rick's Travel Inventory

I am in the process of putting together my must-have's for travel.  Obviously these lists are incomplete.

I assume that I will be washing out items as I go, so I rarely need more than three of anything.

• Warm Weather Travel
  • Clothing
    • 1 Blazer
      I always wear a blazer when I travel.  I firmly believe that looking neat when going through customs has saved my hide more than once.  Added bonus:  If you're on a flight that's oversold, gate agents look for well-dressed people to "bump up" to a higher level of service.  And as Martha Stewart would say, "That's a Good Thing."
    • 2 Dress Shirts
      You're going to need one to wear with the blazer, but a spare is invaluable in case you get invited out for dinner -- after all, you don't want your hosts to think that you only own one shirt.  These will be difficult to clean while on the road, but if you always wear a Coolmax Undershirt with it (even in the hottest weather), they'll stay fresher, and you'll be able to get more than one wearing out of each, if necessary.
    • 1 Tie
      Wear it when you check in for your flight, and when you go through customs.
    • 2 Golf Shirts
      I like Golf/Polo shirts because they look a little dressier than T-Shirts.   You can dispense with them if you don't like them.
    • 3 or more Printed T-Shirts
      If you're going to exercise, or hang out at the beach, these are a must.  As an added benefit, they make nice gifts, so you shouldn't plan to bring them home.
    • 3 Long Pants
      I hate them, and they're uncomfortable in hot weather.  However, they're de rigueur in much of the world -- who think that showing off those great legs is offensive.  As an American you might be able to slide, but in those parts of the world, I won't be wearing shorts unless I'm desperate.
    • 3 Coolmax Underwear
      The experts will tell you never to wear polyester underwear, as it will make you feel miserable once you start sweating.  Coolmax just doesn't feel this way -- it wicks perspiration away from you and keeps you feeling quite dry.  I prefer jockey-style, your mileage may vary.  Coolmax also dries quickly, and will be dry the next morning if you wash at night.
    • 2 Coolmax Undershirts
      Consider wearing these under the Dress and Golf shirts.  Even in the hottest weather, you'll feel drier and more comfortable, in exchange for being slightly hotter (but remember, it's a dry heat).
    • 2 Shorts
      Mix with Coolmax Underwear and you've got bathing trunks.
    • 2 or more Baseball Caps
      Keep the sun off of that noggin.  Give away the extras as great gifts (possibly even better than T-Shirts, though more expensive).
    • 3 Coolmax Socks
      Everything that it does for your body, it also does for your feet.  Keep them cool and dry and you won't have to worry about blisters.  The padded ankle length socks that you can get at running stores are good, but they tend to only come in white.  I only know about one place that does colored Coolmax walking socks, and that is WrightSock.  Their socks have two layers, an inner layer of Coolmax plus a regular outer sock layer, so they can be worn with suits, etc.  Unfortunately the socks aren't terribly durable and you will find that the outer layer wears out quickly (the Coolmax layer appears to last forever).
    • Dark Walking Shoes
      May I suggest that carrying more than one pair of shoes is a waste? If they're comfortable and dark, you can use them during the day and dust them off and pass them for dress shoes in the event you get any great offers in the evening.  Wear them before you go and make sure that they don't rub in the wrong places.
  • Grooming
    Whatever you like to carry, do so in small sizes.  Either purchase travel size or trial size bottles/cans at your local Target or drug store, or squeeze them into little bottles.  You don't need a full bottle of shampoo or shaving cream -- and that's taking up space and weight.
  • Accessories
    • Thong Sandals
    • Clothesline
    • more....

No, I do not work for Eagle Creek; I am not a shareholder; I am a satisfied customer.  I'm quite impressed with their designs.