Travel Products - Getting Frustrated at Lack of Packing Routine

Hi All,

For my travel requirements would you opt for a single bag, a two bag solution or something else? I usually need to take a laptop with me for all trips and when staying multiple nights I don't like arrive at meetings with a large bag.


I beg your forgiveness for asking such a simple question but I'm starting to drive myself mad at my lack of routine and packing effectiveness. :mad:

I have a simple travel schedule with a mixture of:

Day Trips, Single Over Nighters and at most 3 nights away each week. I travel either by Car, Train (2 to 3 hours min) and the occasional flight (low cost airlines given flight time ~50min max). My train travel is almost always to London with the wonders of getting around by Tube.

I'm looking to establish a regular routine so when I travel it takes a very short amount of time to pack. I'm also interested in hearing what you consider the minimal I should take each trip.

Thanks from a frustrated new(ish) traveller.

One computer bag, one single overnight bag and one three night bag is what I would do. I would also leave them semi-ready so it is a matter of juts grabbing the bag, check content and go.

My computer bag has all my backups, connections, accessories and intl charger ready so it is slip the computer in and I am off. To keep thing organized I use grid is as well as a small toiletry bag which has many pockets.

Single night overnighter would have toiletries, change of shirt/underwear/socks. Same idea for the three night bag.
Upon return to home, empty out used clothes to be wash/cleaned, deodourize the bag (I use Fabreeze on my side of the pond, there is probably something similiar in UK and repack with clean shirts/underwears and socks

Minimum: travel day plus one set of clean clothes. Pants and Jacket can be worn a few times. Hang them up on shower curtain rod, spray Fabreeze lightly and the leave in bathroom while showering.

I find a photo of the bag packed with a content list on the back kept with each bag. This helped getting organized outgoing and incoming.

Hi All,

For my travel requirements would you opt for a single bag, a two bag solution or something else? I usually need to take a laptop with me for all trips and when staying multiple nights I don't like arrive at meetings with a large bag.


I beg your forgiveness for asking such a simple question but I'm starting to drive myself mad at my lack of routine and packing effectiveness. :mad:

I have a simple travel schedule with a mixture of:

Day Trips, Single Over Nighters and at most 3 nights away each week. I travel either by Car, Train (2 to 3 hours min) and the occasional flight (low cost airlines given flight time ~50min max). My train travel is almost always to London with the wonders of getting around by Tube.

I'm looking to establish a regular routine so when I travel it takes a very short amount of time to pack. I'm also interested in hearing what you consider the minimal I should take each trip.

Thanks from a frustrated new(ish) traveller.

I'd start by looking at this sticky in this forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1024268-packing-tips-masterthread-includes-how-pack-suit.html. Lots of great tips that will give you some idea of how to be more organized when packing.

My philosophy is built around a minimalist packing scheme. I try not to take anything I don't need. The problem with this philosophy is that a change in the purpose of a trip may change the list of things I don't need. For instance, on a flight from ORF to JFK, I won't need a passport. As soon as I make that trip, ORF-JFK-LHR, I've got to include my passport.

That's a fairly simple example but makes the point--you've got to know what you need for this trip. Some things are simple: underwear (but not too much; I can now make do with two pairs of underwear for most trips of any length--exOfficio or something like it is your friend), socks (maybe a pair more than underwear, but same principle applies), shirts, pants, shoes (I generally limit myself to two pairs, one packed and one on my feet), and belts for sure, but will I need a sweater or jacket (Scotland, sure; Florida in the middle of the summer, no)?

Toiletry kit--I now carry only a folding hairbrush (some dollar/pound saver stores or pharmacies have them), a folding or shortened toothbrush, a razor, a small vial of aspirin (others will prefer or need ibuprofen or acetaminophen), a band aid or two, and a few days of whatever medications/vitamins you need or prefer. If I'm flying, that's it. I don't bother with 3-1-1 bags anymore, either purchasing the liquid items on my arrival or packing and checking them if I'm carrying my golf bag--which obviously must be checked. If I'm not flying, I add in a small bottle of multipurpose shampoo/body wash and a small tube of toothpaste. You'll note a razor and no shaving creme--I've found I can shave in the shower or immediately after finishing a shower while my stubble remains wet.

Electronics--this is where it can get out of hand. Many times, I carry more electronics than anything else, and I'll eventually have to limit what I carry here. For me, an 11" notebook is essential, recently supplemented with a 7" USB second monitor that expands my desktop. I also carry a 7" Nook Color which has been rooted to allow full internet access. I end up using the Nook as a travel guide while on the ground and an ereader while in the air. I also carry a small MP3 which I hook into my rental car's audio system (almost all now have a pin plug for auxiliary access)--I've thought about giving this up, but frankly, the footprint is small enough that it doesn't much matter whether I take it or leave it. Various patch and power cords round out the ensemble, some packed in small sandwich or snack bags, some attached to a Grid-It organizer.

And then, the various and sundries. The aforementioned passport, your airline tickets and hotel/car confirmations (but increasingly, stuff you can put on a mobile device to leave the paper confirmations behind), driver's license, credit cards, bank ATM card, medical insurance card, and oddball little cards, such as a Starbucks card or some membership card you may need (for a golf trip to Northern California in two weeks, I'll take my Northern California Golf Association membership card, which I never need in Virginia but is frequently required to get discounts at various golf courses in CA) or perhaps an airport lounge pass (I have some from United, one of which I'll use on my flight out to CA).

And then, finally, things on the checklist that have nothing to do with packing. AC/heat in my house off? Lawn mowed? Arrangements made for longer trips for someone to check my mailbox? All the bills that come due while I'm gone, paid? Have I looked at websites associated with my destination for any fun activities that might be going on while I'm there (it'd be a real bummer to find out my favorite group is playing at a venue near me after I get to my destination and tickets are no longer available when most cities' newspaper websites have a calendar of upcoming events). These items and more help me feel I've covered all the bases when I go on a trip, whether for an overnight, a long weekend, or several weeks.

There are three suggestions I can make that will help you find your organizational sweet spot. First, there are plenty of checklists you'll find around the web that provide an organizational framework that'll cover most of the bases. I have used such checklists to create my own, which I've made a template in Word. Whenever I go on a trip, I can use that template as the jumping off point, deleting items I don't need (I have an entire section for international trips that I just block and delete if my trip is domestic, and I can easily add in one or two items that might be unique to the upcoming trip). I include my checklist in my luggage after I've packed everything else.

Second, when you get home from your trip, don't just dump everything out into a laundry basket. Stop for a couple of minutes and do a quick inventory of your trip and a review of your packed checklist. Did you leave something off your checklist that you think you'd use or need again for a future trip or that you should have done before you left? Add that to your checklist (for instance, after a long trip last summer, I returned to an unpleasant odor in my sink--now on the checklist is a reminder to run my garbage disposal immediately before I leave the house). Are you carrying too much stuff (see my comments on Electronics)? Take that stuff off the checklist.

Third, look forward to the next trip. I now use the exOfficio underwear only for trips so I prepare them for packing for the next trip (sometimes just leaving them in my bag, along with my toiletry kit, so I get a head start on packing for the next trip). If there are other items you don't use in your everyday life but just for traveling, consider leaving them in your travel bag.

Pretty long-winded answer for a minimalist, but it's taken me the better part of two years to reach a point where I feel comfortable with my packing scheme. And I always keep in mind that changes can continue to be made (again, Electronics). I now find, however, that it's a lot easier to pack knowing what's worked for me in the past, and I rarely, if ever, find myself in the middle of a trip thinking, "Why didn't I pack that?"

One computer bag, one single overnight bag and one three night bag is what I would do. I would also leave them semi-ready so it is a matter of juts grabbing the bag, check content and go.

Thanks! Just to be clear then... I would always carry the computer bag and then switch between the overnight bag and three day bag?

I'm tempted with the 22" Switchback from Eagle Creek.


Pretty long-winded answer for a minimalist, but it's taken me the better part of two years to reach a point where I feel comfortable with my packing scheme. And I always keep in mind that changes can continue to be made (again, Electronics). I now find, however, that it's a lot easier to pack knowing what's worked for me in the past, and I rarely, if ever, find myself in the middle of a trip thinking, "Why didn't I pack that?"

Thank you! The electronics are a problem of mine also! I've started a check-list which I will keep on top of.

Thanks! Just to be clear then... I would always carry the computer bag and then switch between the overnight bag and three day bag?

I'm tempted with the 22" Switchback from Eagle Creek.

Thank you! The electronics are a problem of mine also! I've started a check-list which I will keep on top of.

Yes, daytrip - computer bag only, doubles a briefcase

Overnight - computer bag plus overnight bag

3 days - computer plus 3 days bag

Once you get the hang of it it will be easy.

Yes, daytrip - computer bag only, doubles a briefcase

Overnight - computer bag plus overnight bag

3 days - computer plus 3 days bag

Once you get the hang of it it will be easy.

Yes, basically that's it. This works especially well if you keep the electronics in check. It would help to have your packing list of absolute musts and would be nices.

I might even go one step further where you only have two bags: One briefcase/computer/overnighter and one roller.

Mind you, in some circumstances you might even be able to do it all with just a single bag but it would probably be pretty big and heavy, and you don't want that.

If you are a savvy packer and can limit the gadgets I can even see a three night trip with an appropriate bag like the Tumi Expandable Carry-on 22125.

They had another model similar to it until this year but must have changed it out. I can't find it anymore.

This is basically a briefcase with one big and expandable compartment for clothes added on.

If you tell us some details about your specific requirements, we can help you out better.

For example, if you insist on taking an extra pair of shoes or training clothes, it is very difficult to travel light. Whenever somebody tells me that they take that kind of stuff, I cannot quite take them seriously anymore in a light travel perspective. The true light traveler finds isometric exercises s/he can do in the room at night in underwear. This way no need to leave the room, no need for extra clothing and the clothing you are wearing is already in need of cleaning, so no problem if you sweat.

The toiletry kit should consist of no more than two one quart zip locks. One contains the liquids, the other the tools and maybe pills (brush, razor, comb, toothbrush, scissors). Minimal weight, easy to check contents, minimum volume, easy to clean or replace, cheap. Keep them packed at all times. You just throw these toiletry modules in the bag you use for the trip.

For an overnight trip I only use an Eagle Creek 15 shirt folder and the toiletry ziplocks. The EC15 contains a shirt, a set of underwear and socks and perhaps a tie if needed. This and the toiletry baggies easily fit in my briefcase (I often use a Tumi 26141 or Briggs Riley BB107). No need to expand the case.

For a three day trip you'd use either the same EC15 and pack it with three shirts plus possibly a packing cube with underwear. Or you'd use an EC18. That is a bigger folder. It can easily take three dress shirts, a couple of t-shirts and some boxers. But the EC18 doesn't really fit into normal briefcases anymore. So this is more if you use a roller. In that case and if you must wear suits, this is appropriate because you most likely will want to bring an extra pair of pants or an extra suit or an extra pair of shoes. And you will most likely also have more paperwork with you, which means you will need the space of your briefcase completely for office purposes.

The important thing to take home is that with a good size briefcase and a roller plus some modular accessories you can easily cover all scenarios and travel comfortably.

Till

EDIT: The Briggs Riley 231x would also be a good bag that may even be able to pull a 3-nighter and still be small enough to carry into a meeting.

Thank you both!

I'm managing to keep those electronics in check just...

I recently bought a small portal battery backup as I've found myself without battery towards the end of the day... the reason I mention this is it included two USB cables with changeable tips - so I now only have to take the one cable and a small case of tips - rather than loads of USB cables! I did start taking a USB headset and travel mouse but never found myself using them so they stay at home now.

tfar
If you tell us some details about your specific requirements, we can help you out better.

I'm probably going to have a very simple list of requirements thankfully!

- Laptop
- Laptop Power Lead
- Long Ethernet Cable (Required sadly)

- iPhone (Personal - Starting to avoid taking IF not traveling by Train
- Blackberry (Work - Locked down/No Apps otherwise would replace iPhone)
- Kindle (Only if staying/travelling for extended time and up to date with Economist)
- Headphone for use with iPhone/Blackberry

- Battery Back Up (3.75x 2.4x 0.7 inches)
- USB Main Plug
- USB Power Tips
- USB Power Cable

- Moleskine Journal
- Pen
- Recent Copy of The Economist
- Company Expense (Envelope to store receipts)
- Umbrella (Depending on weather and location)
- Wallet
- Keys
- Work ID

- Light Rain Jacket (Can be packed up tight and small)
- Suit Jacket
- Suit Trousers
- Dress Shirt (X Per Day)

- Jeans (One pair only)
- Informal Top (doubles as informal dress for evening meal with colleagues/client)

- Nightwear (Sometimes - depends on informal top)

- Sweat Shield Undershirt (1 Per Day, My Life Saver)
- Underwear (X Per Day, will look at ExOfficio travel underwear)
- Socks (X Per Day)

- Shoes (Only ever one pair which I wear)

- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Deodorant
- Quick Shoe Shine Sponge
- Medication (Prescription plus general headache tablets)
- Ear Plugs

I think that is about it or close enough!

I don't 'have' to avoid taking a bag with clothes & laptop in to a meeting if I can access my work side of things without digging under clothes. My current day bag is just enough for the day stuff so I can't fit in anymore clothes. I do have a matching roller but it is only 16" which I find too small for anything (especially me suit).

Keen for anymore bag recommendations!

If the 16" carryon is too small I would look at the larger size provided they comply with your UK domestic airline's regulations.

The are some half bags which are two compartment. One for computer, tech and business stuff and the other compartment for overnight change of clothes. Mine is a Samsonite that I bought at their outlet for around $50(US); two compartment, rolls around on two wheels and fits under airline seat.

I spend a night a week in London by train and at least another night in another exotic uk location per week.

I pack very lightly. I often don't have a bag. Clean top and underwear in lap top sleeve. Make up etc in handbag.

However when I drive I love it! My car is like a wardrobe. Spare clothes. 6 pairs of shoes. And tonight ultimate luxury of snuggly pjs.

If you drive then go with the max!

For an overnight trip I only use an Eagle Creek 15 shirt folder and the toiletry ziplocks. The EC15 contains a shirt, a set of underwear and socks and perhaps a tie if needed. This and the toiletry baggies easily fit in my briefcase (I often use a Tumi 26141 or Briggs Riley BB107). No need to expand the case.

For a three day trip you'd use either the same EC15 and pack it with three shirts plus possibly a packing cube with underwear. Or you'd use an EC18. That is a bigger folder. It can easily take three dress shirts, a couple of t-shirts and some boxers. But the EC18 doesn't really fit into normal briefcases anymore. So this is more if you use a roller. I use the EC18s because I am a "big and tall" size. But it is the cornerstone of my packing - I have three of them that will allow me to scale from a simple overnight to a 9-10 day trip.

While an EC18 may not fit most conventional briefcases, a single EC18 with two shirts and underwear in it can fit easily into the back compartment of a Tom Bihn Brain Bag if one has a laptop small enough to move to the front compartment.

@ Nick

Yep, that's basically what I was suggesting. Good method that works well if the total load weight is still low enough for shoulder carry.

@ Gareth

That's a good packing list already. Maybe shave the Kindle off and read on the laptop. Use a pair of lightweight chinos instead of jeans (saves weight and volume).

I'd take either rain jacket or umbrella, not both.

Shoe shine sponge. Drop it. Not necessary. If you have given your shoes a good polish at home, you can shine them up with a used towel at the hotel. Even toilet paper works.

Till

I've come to the conclusion that there is no one perfect bag - just as there is no one trip that's the same. Sometime you are constrained by the airline (one bag only, no personal item) others times by the need to take formal and casual clothes. I like ebags, but also have B&R and Travelpro in my collection.

I mix and match by having all my "tech" items in Think Tank pouches, and I drop them in my bags as I need them. Sometimes I need speakers, projector, wifi router, GSM Data, extra papers, camera.

I have a clear washbag with the usual deod, shave oil, sun lotion and toothpaste. My razor, blades and meds fit in a small packing cube. My extravagance is a Sonicare Toothbrush in a travel case, though I fill the spare space with floss and interdental brushes.

Clothes I then pack in folders or cubes, or just in the bag depending on the trip.

All this goes in

1) Ebags TLS Mobile Office. Good for 1-2 day trips. Comes with a file shuttle and a laptop shuttle.
2) Ebags TLS Mother Lode Mini - good for 3 days. Add in the Laptop Shuttle or a flat packed messenger bag, or tech in the messenger and fill the bag.
3) Messenger + Bigger Carry-on. I have a TravelPro 20" Carry-on that I take with the Messenger for 5 day trips.
4) B&R 22" (checked) + Mobile Office (or messenger) Longer trips. You don't need a bigger bag - hotels wash clothes!

My packing for my next outing starts when I return to my home from a trip. I unpack and sort out everything and separate business from personal paperwork.

I make sure my carry on bag (Red Oxx Sun Chaser) is tidy, free of odors and grunge and wash (by hang to dry) all my packing cubes. I hang up the Sun Chaser to air it out.

I check toiletries and meds to see what I actually used and what needs to be added in. When the toiletry bag is repacked, it stays packed until the next trip.

After all the laundry and packing cubes are dry, I repack underwear and basic essentials into the cubes by my color coding system.

I check my shoes and clothes and make sure all are mended and ready to go again.

This process saves me a lot of time and mistakes when packing for another trip.

I don't do last minute panic.

=I don't do last minute panic.

Really good words to live by, for packing or any other aspect of life. You don't necessarily have to pack weeks in advance, but your mind is a lot clearer about what you need to pack when you're not hurrying to finish your packing knowing that your plane's departure is in 90 minutes--and you live 20 from the airport.