Traveling Light - The Ultimate Edition

[peter12]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

OK, I tried. Below are all of the things I think I must take with me (plus wallet, plus passport, of course). There is no way they'd all fit in a reasonably-sized travel backpack! And I'm sure I've missed a few things... What wouldn't you take???

A backpack about that size, and whatever I can fit inside it.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by worth

dude...

-one pair of shoes
-what is the hanky for?
-ditch the scarf, get a buff
-buy a $5 toque when it is cold no need to carry it around when it's 30c out if you're going for a year
-do you really need that puffy jacket? are you traveling in europe in the dead of winter?
-those pants are heavy cotton, they will soak up water and sweat
-why do you need a laptop?
-earbuds!
-clippers? are you serious?
-wtf is that scissor kit?
-ditch the mug, bring a 1l Nalgene
-also, you look like you are going on safari with all that khaki
-umbrella? get rid of it

Tough crowd!

One pair of shoes - I just can't imagine it yet. Have to get used to the idea.
Not a hanky. Bandana. Weighs nothing. Fits in a pocket.
Scarf/buff - same space/same weight.
If I buy a toque, I have to carry a toque. Same result.
Not puffy - this is a very light down thin jacket. Can be rolled.
Agree on cotton pants. Will re-think.
MacBook - 50/50 so far. Not sure if I can cut it off.
Earbuds, OK
Clippers bad? What's the alternative, teeth???
Mug - optional, I get it.

[peter12]

Most importantly, where are you going, and how are you travelling once you have arrived?

One solution to overpacking is to purchase more technical, multi-purpose gear. Why do you need two pairs of bulky shorts (cargo shorts!!?) when you could buy a single pair of Patagonia technical shorts that look attractive enough to wear out, but are also breathable, and can be worn swimming.

I can see a pair of jeans being useful (some places, but never in the summer), but the crappy touristy light tear away cargo pants are always an abomination. I wear a pair of Outlier chinos abroad - they are durable, and look good enough to double up for streetwear or go nicely tucked into a denim shirt for the occasional meal out.

Three pairs of shoes/sandals? I echo everyone here when I say one is enough.

Same goes for shirts. Typically, I will bring 3 tees, and two button-ups or polos. One jacket, one sweatshirt, and you're done.

[worth]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Tough crowd!

One pair of shoes - I just can't imagine it yet. Have to get used to the idea.
Not a hanky. Bandana. Weighs nothing. Fits in a pocket.
Scarf/buff - same space/same weight.
If I buy a toque, I have to carry a toque. Same result.
Not puffy - this is a very light down thin jacket. Can be rolled.
Agree on cotton pants. Will re-think.
MacBook - 50/50 so far. Not sure if I can cut it off.
Earbuds, OK
Clippers bad? What's the alternative, teeth???
Mug - optional, I get it.

Bandana - what is the purpose?
Buff takes up a lot less space than a scarf and can be used in multiple different ways
if you're going to be in perpetual winter then bring a toque with you. if you are going in summer, you don't want the toque because it will save you space. when it's winter you buy a toque and you wear it on your head.
alternative to clippers is a barber. they are cheap and every city has one. or are you using it for a beard? if so, just don't shave. why you would want to lug clippers around for a year to use once a month is beyond me.

[getbak]

Here's a couple of things I've found useful over the years...

This bag is great: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/carry-on-backpack -- It's designed by Rick Steves, who has a travel show on PBS (very good if you're planning a trip to Europe). It's the perfect size for airline carry-on limits.

It can be used as a backpack, but it's not something I'd want to wear on an all-day hike. If you're just going to be carrying it between the train station and your hotel around Europe, it's perfect for that. It doesn't have wheels or any extras like that, which keeps the weight down. The downside of that is you have to carry it everywhere. The upside is that it can squish down pretty easily to fit in the overhead bin, or even under the seat on the plane.

It opens up flat and can be packed like a regular suitcase. It also has some small pockets on the front where you can put smaller things you'd like to easily access on the train, like books or your iPad.

I looked at a lot of "carry-on" sized bags, and this one by-far has the biggest internal volume. You can pack it full and still be carry-on safe.



One thing you'll need to do if packing light is clean your clothes frequently. Laundromats can get expensive and are a boring way to spend a couple of hours. I found these, which work great for hand-washing: http://www.travelsmarts.ca/travelon-...y-soap-sheets/

The package is tiny, about the size of a box of Tic Tacs. Each package has 50 sheets inside. Each sheet is about the size of four postage stamps. They dissolve instantly in water. I find it takes about 4 sheets to clean 4 days worth of clothes. I just use the hotel sink/tub to do the washing.

That Travelsmarts website has a lot of good little travel-sized stuff you can buy. They're in Burnaby, so all the prices are Canadian and shipping is quick and easy.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

See above comment in italics.

Camera - I would not want to travel without a good camera. I'm prepared to carry it on my shoulder.

How about this as an exercise for you. It's one I used to cut my overnight backpacking gear down to sub 10lbs.

If I didn't have this item I couldn't do xxxxxxx so I would have to do xxxxxxxx and I can / can't live with this.

For your camera can you go to a mirrorless system with 2 lenses to compact the volume?

For my trips all my toiletries and first aid kit fit in the pint sized freezer bags and all electronics including batteries and cords and adapters fit into a pint size freezer bag. I agree that your laptop is more practical than a tablet but can you get by with a phone and using hotel computers instead.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by getbak

...
This bag is great: https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/carry-on-backpack ...

... I found these, which work great for hand-washing: http://www.travelsmarts.ca/travelon-laundry-soap-sheets/...

Both great suggestions, I didn't know about these. Thanks.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by GGG

...
For your camera can you go to a mirrorless system with 2 lenses to compact the volume?...

The only two mirrorless systems, I'd take over my D810 are Sony A7R-ii or Leica Q. Sony is as expensive as my D810 and, when compared side-by-side, it is only a little bit smaller/lighter. Leica Q is wonderful, but it's double the price at $6K.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by worth

...
alternative to clippers is a barber. they are cheap and every city has one. or are you using it for a beard? if so, just don't shave. why you would want to lug clippers around for a year to use once a month is beyond me...

Bandana - what is the purpose?

I meant nail clippers. You're talking about the trimmer. I've already conceded - a visit to a local barber shop would do.

I love bandanas. Covers your head, so you don't have to touch public transportation headrests with your face when sleeping. Covers forehead, so you don't leave sweat stains on your camera screen when shooting. Serves as a washcloth and handkerchief, when needed in a hurry.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

I meant nail clippers. You're talking about the trimmer. I've already conceded - a visit to a local barber shop would do.

I love bandanas. Covers your head, so you don't have to touch public transportation headrests when sleeping. Covers forehead, so you don't leave sweat stains on your camera screen when shooting. Serves as a washcloth and handkerchief, when needed in a hurry.

Do you do that here too? People's heads are dirty everywhere in the world.

[CaptainYooh]

I very rarely use public transportation here, so not for that purpose. But I do wear bandanas on airplanes or when go on a photo-shoot all the time.

[getbak]

One way to minimize carrying extra stuff for winter is to schedule your trip so that winter falls either at the beginning or end of the trip (so, start in either November or March/April).

If you start in the winter, you can go over with whatever winter gear you need and wear it when you need it. Then, when spring arrives, either pack up your winter gear and ship it back home, or just donate it to a homeless shelter over there.

On the other hand, if you end the trip in the winter, don't bring any winter gear with you and just buy what you need as you need it when you're over there.


Also, assuming you're travelling all over, plan to be in the warmer climates in the winter time and the cooler places in summer. That way, you might not need more than a sweater and jacket that you can layer if it gets chilly.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

One pair of shoes - I just can't imagine it yet. Have to get used to the idea.
Not a hanky. Bandana. Weighs nothing. Fits in a pocket.
Scarf/buff - same space/same weight.
If I buy a toque, I have to carry a toque. Same result.
Not puffy - this is a very light down thin jacket. Can be rolled.
Agree on cotton pants. Will re-think.
MacBook - 50/50 so far. Not sure if I can cut it off.
Earbuds, OK
Clippers bad? What's the alternative, teeth???
Mug - optional, I get it.

I'm horrible for packing heavy but apparently not the worst in the world!

- The shoes thing seems strange. I only have one pair of shoes I wear 95% of the year. I could see if you're taking dress/hiking, but hiking and casual seems odd.
- Said before, ditch the scarf and bandana. Get a Buff. Can be used as a washcloth, bandana, transportation headrest barrier apparently, and if you put it under your hat it works well for a toque substitute unless you're in -30. Also for the buy it/carry it argument - buy a cheap one, carry it for the 4 months you need it, toss it. ~Saves you 8 months of the weight.
- A light down coat is still a puffy That being said I go nowhere without mine. Incredibly versatile, but I'd drop a long sleeve shirt since you can use said puffy. Keep the puffy.
- Would definitely get tech pants/shorts. It'll save about 3 pounds and pack hella lighter.
- No way would I take the DSLR. I get that you're much more of a photographer than I (and much better), but I picked up a Panasonic ZS100 for travel. No it's nowhere close to the same category, but after travelling around Switzerland with a DSLR bag I'd have little desire to lug it around for a year.

- Travel mug, buy there if you really miss it. Ditch the fork and spoon or get a plastic human gear combo if you really feel they won't have cutlery in Europe.
- Strip the first aid kit down to Bandaids and aspirin unless you're doing wilderness adventures.
- What's with the 8 lb black book? If you're taking the laptop or tab, use that. If you need something without batteries, get a tiny scratch pad and transfer to digital when you're around power.

As far as water bottle/nalgene goes, look at the roll-up plastic ones. Takes up less space when empty.

[DownhillGoat]

Oh, also I'd ditch the umbrella and khaki coat, but I would bring a rain shell.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

...
- What's with the 8 lb black book? ....

LOL.

It's a small pen-size moleskin, really.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

It's a small pen-size moleskin, really.

Still seems a tad excessive but I thought your pictures were to scale and it was the size of a phonebook.

[CaptainYooh]

It's right next to an iphone!

[Bunk]

I was expecting a thread about the blue ring.

[Amethyst]

If you're travelling for a year, do not haul winter gear around the whole time. Buy it at a thrift store when you need it and ditch it when you're done.

[Kybosh]

I've played around with it and I've found that I can fit everything I need on a long trip in a 45L backpack. To add some organization, I just have ~10 small sacks inside that just hold my crap, with one large sack that becomes my dirty laundry hamper. Just get into the habit of doing laundry on the road and it's all good.