How To......

I realize that of the thousands of people that come to this site every day, some are newcomers trying to learn about one bagging, others are here trying to get better at it, and some well, they pack so light you’d think they’re vacationing on the Isle of Levant.

I thought, why not start a series of “tutorials” on how to be a one bagger. I’ll break it down into individual subjects, write the main article, and then invite all of you to add your own tips and tricks.

And if there’s a topic you want me to cover, let me know.

Here are some of the topics I plan to include:

—How to choose a bag

—how to pack

—what to pack

—toiletries, liquids and related items

—how to do laundry

Any other ideas?

Comments

[Robert]

This seems like a great idea particularly if the many viewers on this site will share their advice on best practices and include photos where useful. Some people want to travel and make a fashion statement while others are content to dress in a practical manner suitable to the location and climate. We should get a good range of ideas and useful solutions.

[kris]

Great idea, Frank!

You might consider breaking down "what to pack" into smaller categories:

--what to pack / clothes

--what to pack / clothes / coordinating colors

--what to pack / toiletries, liquids and related items

--what to pack / money and documents

--what to pack / electronics

--what to pack / odds and ends

[Sshsearching]

In regard to the clothing section, I think this site would especially benefit from something specifically on fabric content. There are many readers who don't mind special quick-drying clothing, while others are adamant about having only natural fibers. It would be nice to see a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type.

[Frank@OBOW]

Those are all great ideas. As you can see, packing light is not necessarily "light" in information. It's not "one size fits all."

[Paula Bag Lass]

And that having a 'light' bag to start with is the key to travelling light.

I read a blog response the other day where the girl couldn't figure out why her half-packed bag was close to the airline's weight restriction and she hadn't finished packing, from her description I bet the bag weighed 5 lbs empty. (I wish I'd bookmarked it now).

[Northern Standard]

Ditto on the fabric content.
I have tried nylon clothes an I always feel that if I put on a nylon shirt in the morning I will reek by midday. Clearly nylon isn't for me.
Perhaps a "where to get it" would also be of use.
I write this from Europe and a lot of the products suggested here would be rather expensive to get a hold of, shipping, taxes.
Hey, perhaps a "what to get instead" would be better

[Darbi]

Maybe with the packing clothes posts you could do separate women's and men's? I just know clothing wise and packing wise, things are different.

[Larry]

This sounds like it would be very helpful to those just starting down the light travel road.

[plumbing]

When packing it is important t choose the right bag. Depends on the place and the occasion or events that were going through.

[NicholasM]

I agree with Paula although it depends on which airline you choose. When my wife and I travel domestically we try to "one bag" it but the bag ends up being very heavy. No one ever checks the weight though so as long as it fits in the overhead, we have been fine.

[TravelGurl101]

How to pick a blogging platform if you want to update people on the road! SO many choices my head is spinning.

[Dianne]

Another topic: accessories for good packing - cubes, etc.