March 27, 2009 Another nice packing list
In case you didn’t see it in the OBOW Forum, here’s another excellent packing list. This time from Max:
I was looking over a packing list from Paul, and was reminded of this one of mine. I hadn’t thought much about it since I have not been travelling much for work lately. However, when I do it is often for 3-4 days, domestically only these days.
For the bag, I like to use a Jansport Superbreak Tote in brown and tan, bought at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s for around $15. I like it because it is approximately 18 x 12 x 6, and can usually fit under the seat. The main drawback is that the thing does not unzip flat, but that’s not too bad. I usually use one cube or sometimes an Eagle Creek packing folder.
I like to wear this:
Blazer or sports coat. I like to use either navy blazer or a neutral color that’s easily coordinated with.
Wool slacks (probably tan or grey)
Oxford shirt, typically blue or white
Under shirt (cool max type)
Under wear (usually ex officio style)
Socks (nothing fancy)
REI braided fabric belt that doesn’t need removal at security
Loafers (usually cordovan color for easy coordination)
Pack In the main Pocket:
In the folder or cube:
2 oxford shirts
1 pair wool trousers
1 Long sleeve t-shirt for use in hotel room
Silk pajama pants (they pack very small, and I like to have them on hand since I find most hotel rooms quite cold)
Jogging shorts, usually C9
1-2 under shirts doing double duty as jogging clothes
1-2 dress socks. Most always maroon, so I don’t worry about matching.
1-2 underpants. Ex officio mainly, though I have a couple of Patagonia boxer shorts that I like.
1-2 jogging socks
Also along are a brick laptop wedged in the bag, along with the cord and a small mouse.
Glasses
Paper back book for fun
Liquids Baggie:
Contact lens solution
Razor (some times Avid 4, some times Schick disposable)
Shaving lotion
Tooth brush/tooth paste
Dental floss
Deodorant
Stink Fighter type supplies, though some times I use the single-pack Penguin Sport Wash
In the bag’s outer pocket:
Saucony Grid A2 racing flats. They are very light weight and pretty smushable.
Shower shoes, the $1.99 Walgreens ones
I will modify how many sets of undergarments depending on how much I feel like sink-washing them. For the work clothes, I like to use Lands End for shirts and trousers because they look nice and don’t break the bank. I typically buy the shirts on overstocks for around $15, and the pants for less than $30. That way, if there are any wardrobe malfunctions it’s not a big loss. All packed up, this probably weighs around 12 pounds including the dreaded lap top.
Also, if I am going somewhere cold, then I will usually take a little larger bag such as Patagonia MLC, and include the proper cold weather clothing, both for going to work and for working out.
Keep ‘em coming OBOWers - everybody loves a good list.
Frank@OBOW
And here’s more good reader content - tips from Joelle:
Ever since I used to fly standby back in the day I’ve been a fan of one-bagging it in a small carryon. Interestingly, my Andiamo carry on from the 1980s is still comfortably under the limit at 21x13x8 and meets Doug Dyment’s standard of Cordura with YKK hard toothed zippers. Bags like this are a great buy on eBay if you can find them.
I came to the conclusion early that I did not want added stress before an important meeting and still less on vacation, so I resolved to travel with less. I’ve never regretted my decision.
The only specialist gear I buy is Tilley underpants and socks—wear one, carry one. For winter travel I search the sales for silk undies and cashmere sweaters, both compact, lightweight and odor resistant. I also pamper myself with Lush solid shampoo—Godiva is a great shampoo and conditioner in one 2 oz bar that can also be used for hand laundry.
Even though I just ordered a Tom Bhin shoulder strap, I still believe it’s what you take with you in your bag that makes or breaks your trip.
Reader Comments (8)
Good packing list indeed.
However, some lessons ;) from a fashion desinger on socks and colors seem to be in order.
The cordovan color you are referring to is called "oxblood", it is a brownish burgundy. Cordovan is the name of the leather (horsehide). That leather can be dyed in almost any color but oxblood is the most common and looks great. Normal leather can be dyed oxblood but I always found that somehow off. I'd also call it burgundy in that case.
There are two philosophies of coordination between shoes, socks and trousers. One says to choose socks the same color as the shoe. This gives a bit of a boot look but is still acceptable. The other matches the sock with the trousers. This is more elegant.
In the case of oxblood colored shoes, if they are horsehide, they really go with everything. I match the socks with the trousers, unless the trousers are lighter in color than the shoes. So I will not wear khaki trousers with khaki socks in oxblood cordovan shoes. That would look bad. Navy is a good compromise for these cases and for grey suits and brown suits. If one is more apt at judging color matches one can also go for a pair of burgundy colored socks with cordovans.
For burgundy colored calf leather shoes the same applies except that burgundy colored socks in burgundy calf leather shoes would be horrible.
For your reference:
http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/
Maroon (or brown socks) are totally off limits with burgundy or oxblood shoes. However, with brown shoes and khaki pants or a brown suit they can be a very elegant combo. Or do you mean a very red maroon that would be practically burgundy?
I like to wear mercerized cotton socks, the thread is called Fil d'Ecosse. Kinda hard to find in the "barbarian" USA but the only thing a gentleman would wear. :)
Thanks Till. The shoes I often use are Brooks Brothers version of the 986. I didn't know how many folks would make the distinction of colors, but I use a maroon or burgundy sock most of the time. I think from Pantherella and Dore Dore. I use them with both Alden color #8 and black, as well as with some tan tassel loafers I have.
PS-I usally lean more toward matching the shoe/sock, as you mentioned above. I think that they Vass guy mentions the same in his book, which is to be expected coming from a shoe guy. ;)
Dore Dore is one of the best brands. Where do you find those in the US? I usually stock up when I am in Italy or Switzerland or France. Gallo is the Italian equivalent of Dore Dore but oftentimes I get them in an outlet store from malerba or Del Mare, also Italian.
Alden #8 is the classic oxblood color for cordovan shoes. You know that, so my lesson was superfluous. Maybe it helps others. :)
Today I wore my Alden #8 monk straps with burgundy fil d'ecosse socks and dark grey pants. Looked great. Burgundy socks can also look wonderful with black shoes, as you said.
Till, sounds as though you are smartly turned out. I bought a bunch of Dore Dore at Galerias Lafayette or Printemps last time I was in Paris. I don't think I have seem them in the states, but I also like some of Robert Talbott's socks that are easy to find in the US.
Thanks for the tip. Never heard of those. I'll google it.
Wow, that's a lot of packing. It is better if you know how to fold them so that you can conserve some space and place other important stuff.
On the matter of socks. On a recent trip to Chicago I happened upon some really nice wool/cashmere blend winter socks. Very thick, comfy and warm. I usually avoid socks with cashmere in them because they just rub through too fast and don't wash well. But the price on these was really good (like $6 per pair) and lo and behold they are wonderful too wear and so far hold up great in the washing machine (I line dry them). I think, but am not sure, the brand was Joseph Abbout. Colors were dark grey and black. They had ribbed and smooth versions. I got both in each color. Store was Filene's basement.