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OBOW Light Travel Forum > Trip Results

It's been awhile since we had one of these so I thought I'd post the results of our most recent trip from DEN>ATL for 5 days.

We took two carry-on bags + two personal items - one bag was my jansport backpack I've had since soph. year of high school - standard size and all that. The other was the ebag weekender older style. Personal items were a small hand held bag for DH (about the size of the littlest piece in this set: http://www.ebags.com/product/samsonite/5-piece-travel-set/58438?productid=10212506) and my hobo purse (also medium-large).

I packed:
2 ls tshirts (wore one)
2 dressier shirts
2 tanktops (wore one)
2 jeggings (wore one)
2 dresses (had two holiday parties)
capris
pj pants
2 pj tshirts
4 pair socks (wore one)
3 pair undies (wore one)
2 bras (wore one)
1 cami
2 scarves (wore one)
black trench coat (wore on plane)
black boots (knee high) (wore on plane)
black heels
blue flats (it rained, these were never used)
slippers
flip flops (both of these last two were left at parent's house - one new pair of slippers were given as present and brought back)
*also brought umbrella, water bottle, ipad + charger, phone + charger, misc toiletries (some were left behind), other misc items (fit in purse), makeup (small case - think pencil size), hairbrush, toothbrush & charger (used by DH and myself) - all this fit in the backpack (used cubes) and purse

DH packed:
2 pairs shorts
3 pair pants
dress shirt x2
polo
3-4 tshirts
dress jacket
tie
underwear
socks
dress shoes
casual shoes
wool peacoat
misc items for bathroom, headphones, phone+charger, etc

We also took presents for my family (hence the bag DH had for personal item) and returned with more presents given to us.

My bag probably weighed 15-17lb and DH's was probably 18-20lb. We had no problems getting them into the overhead bins and were able to zip through the crazy crowded airports.

Next time: I only needed one scarf, although two were fine and fun to mix up. I didn't need the flats, although if it hadn't rained, I would have worn them instead of the boots every day. Without presents, DH didn't need a handbag, but it was helpful in this situation. I loved my new ipad, it's a great travel option instead of a full laptop - I could read on the plane with it, we could watch movies and netflix with it, and the whole thing was light and easily portable. We did bring snacks on the plane both times - these were super helpful and I will be doing it again (cheese + salami for me, fruit, candies, chocolate covered almonds...). Empty water bottle is also a must, ATL even has special water fountains to fill these up after security!

I think the trick for me here was that I would be seeing the same people each day and I didn't want to wear the same outfit. We did laundry once, which was enough (3 days in) but I still wanted different shirts for each day, I did reuse pants which was fine. I could have gone with 1 pj tshirt though, although I used both, if I wanted to reduce weight, that would be another area.

Overall it was a great trip, although I was a bit mad at GA for snowing while there, I go south to AVOID the cold! Hope some of this is funny/useful for y'all, let me know if more details would be more useful, and have a happy 2013!
December 31, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterMegan E.
Thanks for your post Megan. I love seeing (relatively) long lists of items people pack into a carry-on when non-one-baggers think they can't possibly get much into their carry-ons!
January 2, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterMaggie
That is a great packing list.
One thing I noted was the Jansport backpack since your soph year in high school. And I don't know how old you are nor do am I trying to change the tread subject, but the difference between a 5 year warranty and lifetime for carry on luggage is never the decision maker difference for me. Many bags are relatively expensive, and that's coming from me with 6 Tumi bags and briefs. Like many I probably have a luggage addicition, but its great to see reviews with traditionally less expensive bags.
January 2, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterRalph
@Ralph - haha yeah, I've had the bag for 10+ years, let's just leave it at that. And actually, Jansport DOES have a lifetime warranty... never had to use it, but a friend had a bag rip after many, many years and they fixed it for free (well, shipping costs). But yes, the bag isn't too expensive, about $45 right now on ebags.com for a similar model. It is a "top loader" though and of course it's simple and just a backpack but I have bad back problems and could carry it for the short distances needed with no problems - my purse felt heavier (full water bottle) than the pack!

As Frank mentions in his post - get the best you can afford, but I add to that, no reason to have to "afford' more than you need!
January 3, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterMegan E.
+1 on the packing list! You haven't listed colour schemes but assuming everything goes with everything else on a black base, you could build outfits for much longer than 5 days with what you packed. To me that is the best sort of light travel - a pared back travel wardrobe that doesn't involve compromise and is flexible enough to ensure you feel appropriately dressed in a variety of situations. Easier said than done!
January 3, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterJL
<i>Empty water bottle is also a must, ATL even has special water fountains to fill these up after security!</i>

I really wish all airports had those.
January 4, 2013 | Unregistered CommenterMags