Carry On Week | Part II
Ahhh, how good is this! The Carry On vibe is continuing on from yesterday’s post, today, we’ve lined up a quick guest post from Shane Helm (Global Chairman of Bags at Rip Curl). He takes five minutes to share some neat little tips and ideas on how to pack lightly when only taking carry on luggage.
“OK, this is pretty easy, bag selection is crucial. I’m always doing short trips and if its under three days it will be a one bag only deal.
Find something with an exclusive laptop pocket that has an external zipper. You want to get that laptop in and out quick and easy as you pass through security. Nothing worse than digging around in your main section for your laptop only to have your dirty socks and jocks fall on the person behind you.
Other things I look for are a large main section, somewhere to hold a drink bottle, and a way to carry things externally (those skate straps come in pretty handy when you want to peel off your jacket running between gates).”
Above image via thingsorganizedneatly
For this exercise I’m taking one backpack for a three day run to Sydney.
Throw everything I want on the bed. Whatever clothes are clean, toiletries, FlipFlops, Bear Grylls survival kit, (very important) laptop, iPhone charge cable/headphones, etc.
Take nothing extra. If you are leaving Tuesday morning and returning Thursday night you only need 2 shirts in your bag. Remember you will be wearing one…
Other handy tips:
-Bamboo socks (no stink, brilliant, especially when you put used socks back in your bag).
-Roll your clothes, don’t fold. This helps in preventing wrinkles.
-Slim your toiletries. Take sample or airline toothpaste and toothbrush. No shaving = no razor, no cream.
-Get an iPhone! This is a phone/camera/ipod/alarm clock all in one. And charger is just a USB cable.
-Lightweight shoes. Pretty cheap and easy to find these days. Not recommended for hiking. You can fold these in half.
After enjoying the freedom of travelling without checked baggage, you will be forever finding new ways to minimize your gear. But remember not to go too far with this. Changing underwear every day is not an optional extra!
If you are anything like me you will be attempting a two week run through Hong Kong and China with nothing but a backpack and a cabin roll-on.
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We’ve picked out three backpacks that we think would work well in regard’s to Shane’s tips.
1/ Goruck GR2
Leather
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Just thought I’d mention that the Osprey Porter 46 is carry on size and an awesome bag. I just picked one up the other day and I couldn’t be happier. Similar to the MLC from Patagonia but it isn’t the clam-shell opening it’s just one pouch in the center.
Somehow those carry-on packing tips always seem to be written for men…
I don’t recall you ever mentioning Tom Bihn’s bags on your blog. If you mention a bag like the MLC from Patagonia, you really should also reference the similar but superior Aeronaut
I just grabbed a MLC off Patagonia’s recent sale – half off! I’ve always wanted one of these bags, and I’m looking forward to giving it a try on some trips. @ J Terran – I’d love to get my hands on a Bihn, too.
Oh, and you can minimize your underwear packing with skivvies from Ex Officio (no affiliation, just a happy customer): http://www.exofficio.com/ Just wash in the sink, roll up in a towel and squeeze (or step on), hang, and they’re dry by morning!