One world, no bags

Two Gadlingites are out to demonstrate the viabiltiy of no-bag travel:

“Why?” you might ask? It’s partially to show the ease and fluidity of travel when unburdened (figuratively and literally) by luggage and it’s also a challenge. A challenge about making compromises on the road, pushing their gear to the limits and keeping cool while traversing the planet in one set of britches.

Read about it here. I’m sure they’ll be liveblogging the whole thing. (HT: Buzz)

 UPDATE: FOLLOW THEM ON ROLF’S BLOG.

Update on August 20, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

ABC news is also interested in this endeavor.

Update on August 20, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Update on August 20, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Update on August 20, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

From USA Today interview:

Q: How does paring down to essentials take you out of your comfort zone as a traveler?

A: It means I have nothing to fall back on, nothing to pack “just in case.” But in many ways that’s a good thing, since I can pack only true essentials. It also means I have to depend on others or seek out new experiences in a pinch. I have go to the barber for a shave in Morocco, for example, or visit a thrift store for a coat if the weather gets cold in New Zealand.

 Q: Let’s talk about the personal hygiene/stink factor. Any strategies for not grossing out your seatmates?

 A: I’ll be hand-washing my undershirt, socks, and underwear every day (letting it dry overnight). If for some reason my undershirts become irreversibly rancid after several weeks on the road, I’ll just buy new ones. I’ll also be carrying a small deodorant, and showering twice a day whenever possible.

Q: Boxers or briefs - and how many?

A: Briefs — one to wear, and two in the pockets. I’ll wash a pair each night.

Familiar ground for OBOWers, news to most of those who will read these major media pieces…

Comments

[Frankin]

My hero!! I hope he can do it. Please keep up updated with new posts!!!

[stevenshytle]

Guess that will make this website look like it focuses on traveling with luxury and frivolous items.

[Frank@OBOW]

I do hope they'll weigh their vests or jackets. If the SEV weighs 7 pounds loaded I'd rather have a featherweight pack....

[AC]

It will be interesting to see what their 'no luggage' definition is.

My personal travel fantasy is to get on the plane with only a paperback book and toothbrush. I haven't had the nerve to be that minimal, but maybe on my next trip to Thailand.

[Brad]

No-bag would probably be easier for cool weather than warm weather, I think, since having multiple pieces of fresh clothing is more important in hot/humid climates. And you're going to have a coat or a vest for carrying stuff if it's cool. A vest in the heat can be lethal.I can attest to this from my news photographer days.

[Laurie]

It seems the "clothes on your back" become the most important travel items carried in this type of scenario. Rolf Potts is using Scottevest products, Anders Ansar has his hot weather clothes tailored to his specs (ultra compact travel), and ultralight hikers use specialized multipurpose clothing that can turn into a tarp tent or stealth quilt for example.

[Cindy H]

It seems like a publicity stunt for ScotteVest. I would be more impressed if he did it without specialized equipment. Somehow, using a ScotteVest jacket smacks of "cheating" in the realm of claiming no luggage.

I would be FAR more impressed if they did it using regular clothing.