I like to pack light and the way I accomplish this is with good supplies.

travel towel, socks and underwear allow me to pack light underwear
compression bags for clothes allow me to compress the pack size of regular clothing

Still looking for tips to take it to the next level and travel for months with only a day-pack.

11/17/2012 9:59:39 PM

I think you need the same amount of stuff for a week as you do for a few months (unless you run into winter). Just wash your clothes when you need to, and wear fabric like wool that doesn't stink as bad. Polyester stinks the worst of all fabrics.

Just bought a Kindle a few months ago, and I LOVE bringing it for travel. Takes up less space and has more reading than a regular book. You can even put guide books on it, although I like flipping through guide books so I usually use the regular version. I can fit my travel backpack in Ryan Air's carry-on size, and that's quite a feat of packing light! When in doubt, leave it out.

11/17/2012 10:38:26 PM

Joel Bauer says what's up.

11/17/2012 10:40:26 PM

When I travel, I always use a disposable razor, so I never worry about leaving it behind or misplacing it. I always use 3 in 1 body wash, shampoo, and shave gel. it's sometimes hard to find, but it's great for travel.

Also, get a bottle opener/nail clipper key chain. They come in handy. Remember to check these on domestic planes because nail clippers are faux pas, but if you're out of the country, you'll be fine... and you'll most likely need a bottle opener and nail clippers during your travels depending on how long you're gone, and they're not too cumbersome on your keyring.

I leave contacts and solution at home and just bring my glasses and prescription sunglasses... PLUS a copy of your prescription, just in case something happens and you need to new ones. It's a small piece of paper that, if you're blind like me, can save your ass.

Oh, and they have travel pillows that double as storage. Nothing is better than being able to catch a nap on a train with a pillow that's got stationary, pens, toothpaste, or what-have-you behind a memory foam pad.

And since I mentioned it, stationary and pens are a good idea, especially with directions, or drawing maps, or even writing letters home. It comes in handy.

Oh, and if you have a kindle fire, or some sort of tablet, load that sucker up with a map app that doesn't require an internet connection.


Good luck and enjoy it! I count my european and middle eastern travels among the best times of my life.

[Edited on November 17, 2012 at 11:14 PM. Reason : .]

11/17/2012 11:12:51 PM

Don't forget a power converter if you're going to bring things like Kindles along.

11/17/2012 11:21:25 PM

bring along a girlfriend or shortround to hold your stuff.

11/18/2012 10:21:10 AM

I shelled out the money for a sick bivvy. Ultra light and packable. No more tents.

11/18/2012 11:01:42 AM

^^^ The Kindle has a USB charger, so you don't have to worry about that!

11/18/2012 11:46:48 AM

^ i think her point was that you still need SOMETHING that will let you plug in whatever it is (laptop, wall charger, etc) in a foreign socket...not that you need a separate adapter for just the kindle

i use something like dr bronners for my "all in one" soap/shampoo/conditioner/shaving

my "travel pillow" is just a tiny stuff sack with my clean socks and underwear in it

[Edited on November 18, 2012 at 6:43 PM. Reason : .]

11/18/2012 6:41:55 PM

^ Exactly. Don't be like me and end up in Seoul thinking you can plug your cell phone in only to realize the plugs are completely different I felt like such a dumbass just assuming they'd be the same haha.

11/19/2012 9:24:09 AM