Thanks, Ethan. True, the more nonchalantly you can carry that bag, the less they give you, unless they are German. Then even your briefcase will be subject to the scale.

May I ask what duffel you use? And do you use the 18x12 Pakmaster in it or the 15x11? The smaller one, I suppose.

I have two EC shirt folders. The 18x12 model for when I use a regular size bag and the 15x10 model for when I use a duffel or expandable briefcase on an overnight trip. The bigger model would not fit then.

BTW, try wrapping your pants around the shirt folder. Have only the shirts and ties in the shirt folder. This will save space, cause less wrinkles and be quicker to pack.

In any case, I am not the biggest fan of getting a very light bag, then getting proficient at lightweight packing to finally burn the advantage on tons of accessories for packing. It defies the purpose. But a shirt folder (I usually take the heavier board out) is the go-to accessory I'm not doing without.

It can serve to give some structure to an otherwise soft bag. It can serve to compartmentalize a bag. To protect its contents. And, of course, it packs shirts and ties very neatly.

Till