New Packing List

Reader “The Foot” has submitted a new packing list for a three day business trip:

Here’s a pack list from a summer business trip.  This was a 3-day, 3-night business trip where business casual attire was acceptable.  Travel was on direct flights, in the summer, from the East Coast to the Mid-West.  The itinerary had me flying early morning and going straight to the office on day one.  The return flight was early morning the fourth day.

This was before I added the Tom Bihn Western Flyer to my quiver, so the only bag carried was the Eagle Creek Dane.  It’s a convertible laptop bag measuring 17” x 12.5” x 6”.  Due to its structure and padded laptop pocket, it’s a tight fit.  I didn’t weigh the bag this time, but from past experience, I’d estimate it was apx. 14lbs.  For business trips, I usually use TB’s Absolute Strap.  I misplaced it prior to packing.  So, I just hand carried, and used the backpack straps on the return trip.

My clothes for this trip were from my standard wardrobe for this sort of thing.  The shirts were J.Crew button-ups (cotton Super 120 or 80) folded in the packing cube.  The creases came out simply by hanging overnight.  The trousers I usually pack shed wrinkles nicely overnight, as well (They’re the Banana Republic Signature line made of fine wool or wool/silk fabrics).  I’ve tried sox from Icebreaker, Smartwool and REI, and have settled on the Smartwool hiking liners.  They are thin black sox that wash and dry in a snap.  They look good in a business casual outfit, and are slightly less refined than something I would wear with a suit.  For briefs I prefer the C9 performance-whatever from Target.  I do think the ExOfficio fabric is great, but the cut is pretty bad for me.  The C9s perform very well and are only slightly less durable.  The REI Power Dry t-shirts have been in my kit for a couple years.  Not only are they a plain white quick dry shirt (difficult to find), but I find them quite comfortable.

I’m a washer.  I don’t have a problem spending a little time each evening washing clothes while on trips like this.  Unless there is an unusual travel requirement, I will carry a max of 3 dress shirts, and have them laundered as needed.  I would send my shirts out at home, as well.  Therefore, I see the premium the hotel charges for laundry as a small upcharge for keeping my bag lighter, smaller, and never out of my sight.  I have tried this with only 2 dress shirts, but the risk of not getting a shirt back in time is too great.  
So, there’s the itinerary, the bag, the clothes, and my thoughts on washing.  Below is the specific packing list for this trip, and it fairly representative of similar trips.  Regardless of length, the packing list would only adjust slightly to accommodate different weather or activities.

-> TECH and OFFICE
iPhone
Earbud headset
Access tokens
Power brick
iPhone cable
Broadband aircard
Computer (HP 2560p, 12.5”)
White board marker
Pen (or two, or three)
Notebook (mini soft cover)
House keys
Etymotic hf3 earphones
iPod Classic
Airplane adapter

-> PERSONAL CARE
Toothbrush
Beard Trimmer (Wahl 9854-600)
Tissues
Deodorant crystal
Nail clippers (small)
Tweezers (small)
Floss
Neosporin
Imodium pills
Benadryl pills
Ibuprofen pills
Tums

-> CLOTHING
Complete List:
Base Layer (2 of each, wash nightly)
    Sox (Smartwool Hiking Liners)
    Briefs (ExOffico or C9)
    Undershirts (white REI Power Dry)
1    T-shirt
1    Polo shirt 
3    Button up shirts
1pr  Chinos
1pr  wool trousers
1pr  Shoes (Loafers)
1    Belt
Rain Jacket (Marmot Aegis)
Running Shorts

I’ve also posted it in our packing list section.

Forest goes sub-11

OBOW reader Forest reports:

I am on my second trip with 10.5 pounds.

Packing list (in bag):

2 pair underwear (ExOfficio)
1 pair long underwear
2 pair socks (Smartwool)
1 pair lightweight workout pants
3 t-shirts
1 long sleeve t-shirt (Smartwool)
Marmot Precip raincoat
Gloves
Wool hat
Ipod classic with small speaker
Flashlight
Apple ac & dc chargers
Toohbrush
Hairbrush
Toothpaste
Razor
Clothesline
Nail clipper
Deodorant rock

Wear on plane:

Jeans
Long sleeve t-shirt
Socks
Shoes
Fleece jacket
In pockets:
iPhone
Ear buds
Sunglasses

The bag is a Ricardo carry-on that came with a set. I paid $27 for it 3 or 4 years ago. It lists 1500 cubic inches and is like a smal duffel bag. With what I’m carrying it’s about 3/4 full. I bought an Op- Tech strap for $14 ( I did not want to spend more for the strap then I did for the bag). — Forest

Geek list

Are you a geek? If not, you are surely related to one or know one. Gizmodo has compiled the Geek’s Vacation Checklist with some good tips, especially in the technology realm. As you can see from the video below, not all the tips are techish though.

Update on July 7, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Fold A Shirt In 2 Seconds - The best video clips are right here

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

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

Another way

From Implicit Simplicity: Pack like a carry-on traveler (tight and light) but check for ease and retain the carry-on option…

My solution is to have a small carryon-sized bag small enough to bring on the plane if that would be the best choice and sturdy enough to be checked in. This means I can effectively trust my bag to the airline instead of carrying it through the airport and worry about it at every turn. I know some people won’t agree with me here, but strangely enough, I find that I am more at peace when I don’t have to be responsible for my bag. Besides, I never pack anything in there that cannot be replaced. That would be stupid. If my bag should be misrouted or stolen or whatever I can use the BIT method of travel as described by Tim Ferriss.

Note that the key to my method is to have a choice, not to haul a lot of stuff. My bag need to be sturdy enough to survive the not so gentle treatment of airline personel

Here’s his followup post with lessons learned. And don’t miss the “crap-factor” post. 

Update on July 3, 2009 by Frank@OBOW

More on the Diablo method.

And one for the boys...

Chris at The Art of Nonconformity strictly conforms to the light travel philosophy:

The overriding philosophy of my packing list is to keep it as simple as possible. That’s basic, I know, but very important. At least for me, travel stress is directly proportionate to the amount of stuff I carry around. I don’t own a backpack and haven’t willingly checked a bag on one of my extended adventures.

Extended adventures indeed. He’s working on visiting every country in the world and he’s moe than halfway there at 111 out of 197. Vist his lovely site to read this excellent piece on light travel philosophy.

Esther's list

OBOWer Esther is headed for a multi-country Euro trip and her sub-20 pound packing list is impressive (from her OBOW forum post:

On the plane:
plane ticket
passport
short sleeved shirt
light jacket
fleece vest
underwear
bra
socks
tilley pants
shoes
hat
lip balm spf 20
cash-€40 (in hidden pocket)

Purse:
Shout wipes
kleenex
baby wipes
business cards

Money belt:
copies of passport, CC, DL, eyeglass prescription
money (euros and pounds)
numbers for CC companies
credit cards

Luggage:
Trip calendar page (hotel list and all necessary details from itinerary)
ibuprofen
rail/bus tickets
hotel/hostel infomation
Lara bars
vitamins-multi
famotidine
power strip
3-2 prong adapter
outlet adapters
digital camera
rechargeable batteries and charger
SD card reader
camera case
Rachel’s book and toy, cards for graduation and wedding
sleepwear (quick dry shirt and shorts)
Packtowl original
Packtowl personal
vegan passport
pocket doctor
long sleeved shirt
travel pants
underwear (2)
bra
socks (2)
Ida’s Ultra soles (shower shoes)
Kiva bag
eyeglass repair kit
eye mask
nylon wash cloth
ear plugs
gmail maps
inflatable pillow
List of embassies
duct tape

Toiletries:
soap/shampoo
conditioner
deodorant
solid perfume
menstrual cup
pads
tooth powder
travel toothbrush
floss
facial cleaner
comb
shower cap
massage bar/moisturizer
pantiliners
sink stopper
travel clothesline
bandages
sunscreen

Liquid bag:
hand sanitizer
anti-itch spray
febreeze anti-microbial

Her level of preparedness puts me to shame!

From her Flickr page:

18 days (including travel)
London, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Netherlands
Paris, France

Talk about his list on the OBOW Forum.

10 countries, 18 pounds, one Air Boss

A nice list from Tactical Gearhead:

• 1 pair of dress shoes (business)
• 2 pairs of slacks (business)
• 2 nice button down shirts + 1 tie (business)
• two pairs North face convertable pants (casual)
• 3 quick dry shirts (casual)
• 1 North face fleece
• 3 pairs quick dry underpants/socks
• toiletries kit + 2 oz bottle w/ woolite
• sink stopper
• netbook + power cords
• GPS + mount / power cords (for the rental car)
• Moleskine notebook
• Rick Steves Europe book
• Travel Documents
• Camera + chargers
• iPhone
• Blackberry (unlocked for international use)

“Total weight of bag 18lbs.”

“This bag (Red Oxx Air Boss) allowed me to carry about 50% more than my 22 inch rollaboard bag and to do so at a fraction of the weight. While traveling in Europe, I often had to run up and down stairs, across cobble-stone streets and into and out of trains, planes and automobiles. The bag made each task a breeze. Furthermore it kept my three week supply of clothing wrinkle free.”

 Read the entire post.

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.

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.