Pocket history

With all the talk of SCOTTEVEST clothing and the like I wonder if pockets in travel clothing are not subject to an arms race  — like the one between automakers for who could carve out the most  minivan cupholders (I know, so 90’s). Here’s an interesting BBC H2G2 article on the history of the pocket. An excerpt:

Looking to the modern pocket, we must go back to the trousers again. We are now in the late 1700s. Let’s say it’s 1784 before some poor soul gets sick and tired of having to remember to tie his pocket on every day before he gets dressed. Most likely, you know a person like this. This is a person who has problems remembering to put his trousers on before his shoes, let alone remembering to tie his pocket on before his trousers.

Yet, absent minded as he is, he is no dunce. Therefore, in a fit of pique, he asks his wife to sew the pocket right to his trousers so he will never forget it again. And suddenly, there you have it. The pocket. The real, true, ultimate pocket. The friendly pocket you and I know and love that has been our most intimate friend since childhood… warming cold hands or holding fluff, bits of string and useless notes from friends long past and best forgotten.

I find one pocket to be absolutely indispensable: the inside breast pocket on a jacket, provided it’s deep enough to secure a wallet and ticket. And why shouldn’t there always be one on both sides instead of just on the left. This must be irritating to left-handed folk. 

Really minimal

Check out Tynan, a hardcore lifestyle minimalist. His Life Nomadic list will surely provoke you to reexamine your own. (Thanks to OBOWer Scott for the tip).

Update on November 23, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

Two new undie threads

I’ve started two new men’s travel underwear threads for bottoms and tops. My thought is that women”s normal everyday underclothing is more appropriate for travel use than that of men. I’ll leave it to the female OBOWers to start their own undies thread.

ExOfficio belt is on the money

The unassuming, lightweight ExOfficio ExO Money Belt is a surprisingly functional addition to the light travelers bag of tricks. This light – very light – nylon web belt is checkpoint-friendly (not metal), has a zippered money compartment, and, best of all, has an a pass-through clasp buckle that makes the length of the belt sleeplessly adjustable.

Comfort is the secret weapon

Not having to remove the belt at checkpoints is nice. Being able to stash several hundred in Euros is occasionally helpful. But being able to discreetly let this belt out an inch after “chicken or pasta” on that long flight is priceless. Just lift the buckle to loosen then close it when comfort is achieved – very nice! Also, the light weight means you don’t have to tighen it as much as you would a heavy belt, the very weight makes it harder to keep your pants up (remember, I’m hip-challenged so I know of what I speak!)

Checkpoint friend

Removing a heavy leather belt at each metal detector is a pain. And if you’re hip-challenged like me it’s even less fun. I know that some security people will make you remove any belt, but most don’t care as long as there’s no beeping. I sailed through every checkpoint. I have a new friend.

Looks

I chose the chocolate/brown/black (“Pattern” in ExO nomenclature) version. It works with black or brown shoes. There’s also a gray heather version. The plastic buckle is not terribly sophisticated but I don’t think it’s ugly. I doubt that anyone notices. It doesn’t work as a dress belt for me but is appropriate most of the time.

Durability

 CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE. NAVIGATE IMAGE WITH ARROW KEYS

I was initially put off by the belt’s light weight and plastic hardware. Not to fear: I’ve probably worn it 30 times and it’s no worse for wear. The buckle seems durable too. It is light but is seemingly made of the same stuff as the plastic buckles found on most luggage – and how often do those break? Belts of all kinds are notorious for showing wear. A favorite leather belt can get ugly in months. I believe the ExO will last for a long time, especially if you only wear it for travel…

Tighten up on your good thing

…which I don’t. I’m wearing this belt at least a few days every week. Comfort and adjust ability are the reason this is my standby, everyday belt now.

Money walks

The zippered money comportment is 28” long. It is very narrow – you need to fold a US bill in fourths to make it fit. This means you can fit several bills in it. I can see tucking several hundred dollars in it for emergency cash in large bills. It would only hold enough singles to buy a snack though. The zipper and pull are very thin. You don’t notice they’re there and they don’t affect comfort at all.

ExO Money Belt - highly recommended

Astronaut undies

NASAAs the space shuttle Endeavour prepared to return to Earth yesterday, bringing Wakata home from the International Space Station where he has been since March, he revealed that he had been wearing the same pair of prototype undies for a full month, all in the name of science.

Designed to resist the rigours of long-duration space travel, the anti-static, flame-resistant, odour-eating, bacteria-killing, water-absorbent smalls have been put through their paces as part of a project aimed at ensuring that when it comes to packing for long-duration trips to the Moon and Mars, future space travellers will need only minimal space in their suitcases.

“Eventually we’re going to do exploration, we’re going to go to the Moon, we’re going to go beyond the Moon someday — and little things like this will seem like really, really big things when you’re far away from Mother Earth,” explained Mike Suffredini, Nasa’s space station programme manager.If Wakata’s colleagues noticed that he had been skimping on his laundry, they were polite enough not to let on — and he refrained from bringing it up in conversation. “I haven’t talked about this underwear to my crew members,” he admitted during a space-to-ground press briefing. - Times of London

Read the story and you’ll find there’s nothing special here - essentially the same technology that your ExOfficio undies use (silver-impregnated synthetic fibers). Also google “VisaEndurance” for more info.

From an earlier MSNBC story:

The clothes, developed by Yoshiko Taya and colleagues at the Japan Women’s University in Tokyo, were tested by JAXA astronauts during two previous shuttle missions and won rave reviews. In addition to odor control, the clothes are designed to absorb water, insulate the body and dry quickly. They also are flame-resistant and anti-static — as well as comfortable and attractive.

Takao Doi, who flew with a shuttle crew last year to deliver Japan’s Kibo laboratory to the station, exercised as much as his crewmates, but his clothes stayed dry.

“The other astronauts become very sweaty, but he doesn’t have any sweat. He didn’t need to hang his clothes to dry,” Yanagawa said.

Even more on this scent-illating subject from Just Style:

Each article was finished with a special nanotech fabric developed by Toray that can repel static, wick away water, kill bacteria, neutralise odours, and “prevent fouling, or permanent odour infusion.”

The space underwear also comes without any seams, and has easy fire-retardant hook-and-loop fasteners developed by the Kuraray Fastening Co.

The two companies say they are now working on a commercial product for the Japanese market, though they say they will be sold as comfort clothes rather than threads for astronauts.

An Aussie finds the ultralight Holy Grail

A journo from Down Under finds light travel bliss and pens one of the best articles on the subject I’ve ever seen:

Is it possible to travel for six weeks with 7 kilograms of luggage in one small bag? I’m a person who takes a bootload of gear for a weekend away but on a recent 40-day trip to nine European countries I achieved the light traveller’s Holy Grail.

It took lots of planning but it was worth it. I was smugly self-congratulatory as my bag measuring 45cm x 30cm x 18cm and I fitted unobtrusively into crowded trains and buses; as I effortlessly tossed it onto luggage racks; as I bypassed taxi queues to stride easily through city streets; as I unpacked and repacked in five minutes flat. Not once did I wish I had brought more stuff…

Travelling light makes you feel independent, liberated and, well, superior. But it takes a stern approach and a willingness to accept strict limitations in your attire. Here are 10 steps to success. - read more, includes packing list

Photographic evidence

After much discussion of “how they dress in Europe” I realized that I had a conclusive piece of visual evidence. Check out these gentlemen playing big chess on a Saturday afternoon in the Geneva park that is home to the Reformers’ monument:

Note that the gentleman on the left’s coat is hanging on one of the taken chess pieces. And remember this is a Saturday. This look was by no means uncommon in Geneva. I was not surprised. And I had visited The Sartorialist enough to know I stood no chance in Italy.

Update on June 20, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

To be fair, here’s our German tour guide after a making a group photo with multiple cameras in Paris. Not the banker look:

Update on June 22, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

The Sartorialist has been in Florence a week or two after I was there. His photos show the variety to be found there. I half expect to find Till on The Sartorialist one day…

20 days, 14 dresses

I like the blogger’s name - Jetsetera - but her post title is oddly familiar - One Bag, One World:

“I am nonchalantly packing for my 20 day trip. 12 cities, 5 different countries.

In one bag.

1 overnight bag.

1 makeup bag.

1 accessory bag.

1 travel journal.

1 mini-laptop.

2 pairs of flip-flops.

2 pairs of heels.

2 sweaters/cover ups.

6 books.

14 knit dresses.

Done!”

Short and sweet. Read her here.

An even better belt?

An OBOW post earlier this week discussed metal-free belts for wearing through the metal detector. I may have discovered a better version from ExOfficio. This one is metal-free, steplessly adjustable, and has a hidden money compartment. It come in a couple of patterns that would probably match most clothes, and it’s cheaper than anything previous mentioned.

A difference of opinion

A reader who recently e-mailed me disagrees heartily with my clothing choices. In the interest of airing all sides (no pun intended), here goes. Tell me what you think.

My wife and I have been to Europe twice, in 2003 and 2007. The last trip was to Bath and London – U.K, Paris, Nice and the French Riviera - France, and Milan - Italy.

The universal dress code I saw in Europe and probably the world, is cotton blue jeans, cotton t-shirts, walking/running shoes, and a lightweight pullover sweater when needed. Near the water, like the French Riviera, the dress code was cotton shorts, cotton t-shirts, and sandals. The only time the Europeans dress up, is for business, when needed. You are way-way over dressed, in my opinion, and to be able to see your white undershirt is a no-no. In hot and humid climates, one should wear cotton underpants, not these plastic synthetic ones. Why? Because you will end up with Intertrigo, which is a troublesome fungus. While these synthetic clothes have their place, such as going on a hike or safari, they certainly are not the universal dress code for Europe. So if you want to look like Jungle Jim, be my guest. The readers of your excellent web-site should be aware of this fact.

My responses would be:

• I don’t believe Europeans only dress up for business based on what I’ve seen on four trips to Europe in the last four years, especially in London, Geneva and Venice. I’ll grant you though that Europeans seem to be a little more relaxed and more American every year. Still, I felt very underdressed a few times. I also don’t feel great about visiting churches and major museums in extremely casual clothes. And we almost always visit churches,  museums, and go to the theater. It’s easier for me to take slightly nicer clothes since they’ll do almost anywhere.
• As for the synthetic undies health concerns,  I wear them all often in the southern US where I live and generally find them more comfortable than the natural fiber alternative. I sometimes work with a friend of mine, more or less for fun, who’s a high-end finish carpenter. I turn to the technical stuff when I know I’m going to be sweating all day. Southern Europe or the southern US (where it’s typically warmer) are not the tropics.
• I’ve tried not look like Jungle Jim, but you make the call. 
• Lastly, I sometimes choose to take “travel” clothes so I can test them for the sake of the OBOW readers, knowing that there’s interest there. It’s a thankless job, etc. etc….

One more excerpt from the e-mail:

While waiting for the flight to London, U.K. in 2007 at the Dulles Airport in Washington D.C., I saw the “perfect traveler.” He was a thin man, traveling alone, in his 50’s, going bald, with gray hair and a beard. He had gray glasses on. His clothes consisted of a light gray sweat pants with cargo pockets, light gray t-shirt, white walking shoes, and a thin light gray pullover sweater tied around his neck. His luggage consisted of a black colored duffle bag, with compartments on each end. He picked up the bag with such easy, that it must have weighted 10 pounds, if that. An aura of “peace and tranquility” radiated from him, and his body language was Zen like calmness. He was one of the last people to board the plane, after everyone had pushed and shoved their way to their seats. He appeared to not be in any hurry, at all. I couldn’t see where he put his duffle bag, but it would have fit anywhere, unlike the rest of the wheeled and non-wheeled luggage stuffed to the bursting point in the overhead compartments.

I could certainly be a little more relaxed. When it comes to travel, though the word has the same root as the word for work (travail), it shouldn’t be work. Do what works for you. And keep the suggestions coming.

Update on June 19, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

You must see the picture that accompanies this Daily Mail post:

This week has seen the Foreign Office take time out from wondering whether its big chief is staunchly supporting the Prime Minister in his hour of need or preparing to do his best Brutus-in-the-Forum impression (‘Et tu, Milibandus?’) – by issuing a warning to British tourists about respecting local sensitivities when holidaying on foreign shores. - see the pic

The Ultralight Alternative, part 3

Ultralight travel requires a certain amount of specialized gear and clothing (#5).

LUGGAGE - There is no reason that ultralight travel has to be expensive to outfit. An expensive bag is not necessary. More money gets you durability, the best set of special features, and the satisfaction of knowing you bought something this year that wasn’t made in a sweatshop. The bag or pack simply must be reasonably light (three pounds or less in my world), small enough to serve as a carryon, and comfortable to carry. My Tom Bihn Western Flyer is excellent for the type of load I carry, but there are dozens of choices. Personal taste and travel style are the determining factors.

CLOTHING - Here is where the most important choices are made. On-the-road laundry dictates that most of what you bring can be dried overnight. It’s wise to purchase a few travel-specific items like quick-drying undies.  I used mostly ExOffico underclothing which dries quickly and has anti-microbial treated fabric. You can usually wear it more than one day (if you really need to) even in nasty climates. I am also a big proponent of Smartwool socks in season-appropriate weights. I took two pairs on the Euro trip and washed one of them - once. They fight blisters and odor. I would not travel without them.

For men, the toughest call is pants. I loved the very light REI Adventures pants for the Euro trip. They look like normal pants since the extra pockets are hidden in the outer leg seam. One of the pockets is absolutely ideal for a passport and the front pockets are plenty deep for a travel wallet to foil pickpockets. My other pants were actually golf pants (no, I don’t) made of Cocona poly fabric.  They have an excellent waistband (which keeps them up and the shirt tucked) but lack the cool passport pocket. They do however have a little pocket that seems to have been made for a Paris Metro ticket - probably meant for tees.

Shirts/blouses are best when made of all-poly or poly/cotton blends. All-cotton is terribly slow to dry and linen will always be wrinkled. I used ExOffcio Trip’r shirts but I’ve also had good luck with some 60/40 standard dress-casual shirts. Only experimentation will tell if a shirt is going to dry overnight or how unwrinkled it will dry after being sink laundered; it’s very difficult to predict.  The ExOfficio shirts perform very well in these respects.

A nice addition to my bag for this trip was some no-name short-sleeved, poly, slightly-hipper-than-a-polo shirt that I picked up on a sale rack. I don’t mind occasionally spending big money on a piece of specialized travel clothing since most of my daily clothes come off the the deep-discount racks, outlets, or secondhand stores. Spend strategically, spend wisely.

Update on June 18, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

I did not have the problem with lint that many people report with the REI pants - and mine were the charcoal. More pants suggestions here…and I’m always looking for recommendations, so share ‘em if you got ‘em.

Update on June 18, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

The ExOffico Trip’r shirt has a little bit of the poofy sleeve thing going on (not as bad as the Seinfeld episode). This is mostly because I fell between the medium and large sizes and opted to go up. I probably should have gone with the medium. 

Update on June 18, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

One of the ways you can go cheap, very cheap for a bag.

The Ultralight Alternative, part 2

I’m using the matrix of the Ultralight Manifesto to assess the results of my 13-day/13-pound Euro trip:

NEAR THE END OF THE TRIP, READY TO BOARD THE TGVUltralight travel does not mean the traveler must look, smell, or feel bad (#4). This much is true. While I can look rumpled in freshly-pressed suit, I don’t think I embarrassed anyone on this trip. Indeed, my clothing more closely approximated “business casual” than “grimy hiker”. You can travel in clothes that don’t make you stand out as a tourist or leave you with a nagging self-consciousness. Though blending in as a local is impossible for most of us, standing out like a sore thumb is not necessary. And courtesy to the locals (in my mind) demands that a traveler not blow in looking like a skateboarder or beach bum, however stylish that may be in your own postal code.

Ultralight travel does not mean the traveler must look, smell, or feel bad (#4). Some of my fellow travelers, upon learning of how little clothing I had in my bag, joked that they would be engaging in olfactory oversight of my person. This proved unnecessary. A combination of the right clothes and a clothing care regimen that included sink washing with my Stinkfighter formula, airing out of lightly worn clothes, and a a little Febreze kept everything fresh. My wife would have tolerated no less. 

Ultralight travel does not mean the traveler must look, smell, or feel bad (#4). Discomfort need not be part of the equation. I will readily admit that poly clothing - especially shirts - can be a little uncomfortable in warm and humid conditions (southern Europe in June). My ExOfficio shirts dried very quickly though, even while being worn. I did dispense with undershirts for a couple of days, which helped. Cotton would have gotten wet more slowly but would have stayed that way much longer.

This was my warmest extended trip yet. That being said, I’m glad I had the poly shirts,  technical undershirts, and treated cotton Orvis sport coat since the first two and last two days of the trip (Switzerland and Paris) were quite chilly. I’d rather err on the side of clothes with slight insulating properties. I fear being cold more than being hot.

More to come…

Pants up, beep-free

I certainly wish I’d had one of these in the last few weeks: the Beep Free Belt. The buckles look metallic but they’re not, the belts are real leather, and the prices are competitive. Alas, for one less hassle. You have to wonder if the screeners will think their equipment is malfunctioning when the buckle doesn’t set off the alarm.

Clothing & climes

I’ve made trips to hotter and/or more humid climates than Italy or the French Riviera, but these areas present a particular challenge for all-day comfort and overnight drying. Though spring, winter, or fall would surely be different, for summer I would choose clothing with just a touch of cotton for the sake of comfort. The all-poly stuff is just a little too sticky right out of the gate. The ExOfficio shirts are terrific, but when paired with an undershirt of similar fabric they really get the sweat started early. The upside is that they do dry quickly when you’re wearing them though they’ll never dry completely on a muggy Tuscan day. Maybe I should just re-think my policy of always wearing an undershirt. This has probably been my problem. I’ve worn a short-sleeved collared poly shirt for a couple of days without an undershirt and it has been pleasant. Old habits die hard. But the fat lady may be singing for this one. As for drying you just have to be really intentional and inventive. There’s not a lot of forced air in even nice hotels and there may be fewer place to hang-dry. Hence the swivel hangers and (mea culpa) a good clothesline.And don’t let your signifcant partner talk you out of using the bathmat towel for wringing out your heavy laundered clothes - big mistake.

Packing list, weigh-in

Here’s a rough packing list for the 11-day/12-pound trip:

TRIP’R IN EXCITING GRAYMAIN BAG (maybe a Western Flyer, TriStar if it arrives in time)

• One pair REI Adventure charcoal pants
• One white ExOfficio Trip’r l/s shirt
• One black poly s/s collared shirt (sorta cool)
• Two pairs poly underwear
• One ExOfficio white undershirt
• Ugly swimming trunks
• Uglier flip flops (we’re staying on the beach at Venice and may hit the beach in S. of France)
• Plastic regular hanger & plastic pants hanger (no need for clothesline with these)
• Marmot Precip rain jacket
• One pair Smartwool socks (naturally odor-resistant)
• 3-1-1 bag
• Disposable razor
• Charger for digital camera

Weight: 7 or 8 pounds

I LOVE BROWNDay bag (Tom Bihn Large Cafe)

• TB sleeve (Soft Cell)
• Samsung NC10 netbook
• Charger
• Adapter plug

Weight: 5 pounds

TOTAL ON-THE-SHOULDER WEIGHT: 12-13 pounds

Worn/pocket items

• Khaki Savane Cocona pants
• Gray ExOfficio Trip’r
• Khaki Orvis sportcoat
• Smartwool socks
• ExOfficio undies (shirt & boxers)
• Clarks leather lace-up shoes
• Canon digital camera
• Old iPod shuffle

I’ll tuck the day bag in the main bag to eliminate any possibility of gatecheck on the regional jet first leg. After that I’ll split them up so I’ll have two very light bags. Without the computer I’d be well under 10 pounds.

Cheats: My wife is checking so she’s carrying less than a pound worth of stuff for me including an item or two that would have landed in my 3-1-1 and a couple of extra AC adapters.

Things I may add: another poly under/casual shirt (not white), sink stopper, clothesline, microfiber towels that double as washcloths

More to come, with pictures…..

The scourge of convertible pants

Kevin at Practical Hacks asks, do you hate convertible pants?

Of course there are those who think that convertible travel pants are the quickest way to brand yourself a tourist; just a couple of examples:

@wikiHow:  How to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist

@everywheremag.com:  Lose a few style points…

What do you think?  Have you traveled internationally with convertible travel pants?  Or do you think their functionality is trumped by their (perceived) cheesiness? 

Hate them, resoundingly. I’ve long lamented the dearth of good-looking, functional, quick-drying pants…with legs that don’t zip off! Or have pockets on the sides large enough to hold a sandwich and a paperback.

We’ve done it before, but please share your favorite travel legwear…

REI sale items

I just received an REI sale mailing and it had two items that struck me as noteworthy bargains. Kuhl Kuhldry jeans for men are on sale for $39. The fabric is 67% cotton/33% nylon so they might not be so quick to dry, but who knows? I like the non-blue, non-100% cotton approach for travel. Also they have the excellent Marmot PreCip raincoats for $69. These may be in-store prices as I don’t see them reflected yet on the REI website.

Update on April 30, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

Good reviews for Kuhl jeans and info from the Kuhl site. I remember looking at these now.They’re not exactly dress pant substitutes.

Research, but still wrong

15% COTTON MAKES A DIFFERENCELet’s just say I do it so you don’t have to. I received a nice new ExOfficio t-shirt (on sale now in certain colors) and I just had to test it. After a couple of wearings I was impressed with its comfort but I really wanted to put its odor-fighting properties to the test. After two days of continuous wear as an undershirt (slept in it too) it was almost entirely free of odor. The test may not have been completely fair as I had also washed it in my Stinkfighter formula, but since then I ‘ve worn if for more reasonable periods after normal machine washing and still no odor. This is another impressive ExO product. It’s the most comfortable poly shirt I’ve worn; apparently the 15% cotton brings a lot of comfort bang for the buck, and it still dries pretty quickly if wrung out well. They run quite big, so order down if your a borderline size. Since the shirt comes in colors it will serve as a casual shirt as well.

Product Details (from ExOfficio.com)

• DriRelease Heather Jersey — 85% Polyester / 15% Cotton
• dri-release® always feels soft, always stays dry
• FreshGuard® finish actively fights against odors
• Contrast flat-lock stitching; tagless label at neck for “no itch” comfort
• Rib collar and forward shoulder seam
• Sizes: S-XXL

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.

Update on March 27, 2009 by 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.

Here am I floating round my tin can (smellng fine)

Can you hear me Major Wakata?Thanks to Frank in the forum for this link - odor-free Japanese space clothes (headlined ‘Koichi Wakata can ‘wear his trunks (underwear) more than a week’):

Wakata’s clothes include long- and short-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts and underwear. There are socks too, which in addition to being laced with odor-fighting polymers, are constructed so that there is a pouch for the big toes, similar to how a mitten fits a thumb. The design enables astronauts to use their feet like an extra pair of hands.

Taya is working with clothing manufacturers Toray Industries and Goldwin Inc. on a commercial line that integrates a nano-thick chemical layer into the materials.

“Many of the properties required for clothing worn by astronauts on board a spacecraft can be applied to ordinary clothes,” Taya said in a statement. - MSNBC/DISCOVERY

One wonders how much different this fabric is from commonly available ant-microbial materials (like VisaEndurance) which uses silver-impregnated fibers. A link in the story provides part of the answer: not much. This fabric has fibers encased in silver nanoparticles which may apparently be something of an ecological hazard. Of course my Stinkfighter laundry formula is definitely cheaper and maybe a little greener. Cocona may be greener still. I have some Cocona khakis which are a mainstay in my travel wardrobe, but they’re hard to find. 

VisaEndurance tech