What to put in briefcase
 

For those of you with the big expandable briefcases, what do you stuff in 'em?

I'm about to blow some $$ on a higher end briefcase and am deciding what size to get. I've only really needed to put a laptop, some chargers, and a set of headphones in my briefcase. However, I often see people hauling large bags along with their carry-ons and wonder if I'm missing out on stuffing more in there?

These threads are a good place to start:
Gizmo Bag

In-flight accessories

I think poor packing or packaging has something to do with dudes carrying fat briefcases. I find that if you go beyond 17 inches in width or 13 inches in height you will rapidly start to lose foot room underneath the seat in front. (one of mine, for example, is 16 by 12 by 6) Also great looking leather cases with nice thick leather takes away packing room. Great for the office but tight squeeze when you travel.

BTW. this doesn't apply to IT people carrying around a bunch of electronics. Since I only carry a laptop, power cord, and a bunch of smaller peripherals, I wouldn't know how to comment on those things.

I looked through the first link and I'm pretty sure I can fit all of any one person's stuff (except the guy with the joystick) in a relatively small bag (11 x 6 x 4)

what are people putting in their monster bags? a second or third laptop? clothing in case your spinner gets jacked from the hotel room?

It depends on one's line of work & nature/purposes for the trip - local vs. out-of-town/travel; and, whether one has access to satellite offices/field support vs. being self-reliant.

Client consulting & tech support in the field (and, that includes traveling with Mrs. L & others in semi/vacation mode) - I always carry spare/extra items for contingencies - but, pack & use the most appropriate bag or briefcase for a given trip. One of the key is to pack items in pouches or sleeves/bags to avoid a nuclear fallout, dropping & spreading things all over (and, mostly under the airplane seat ;) in the dark (cabin.)

This is one of my visual packing checklist - some things are taken out while other items might be added. For simplicity, I much rather take a 2nd. set of noise-isolating/cancellation in-ear headset vs. over-the-ears. It all fit inside this STM 13" laptop (vertical) bag - also, small backpack or classic Coach leather briefcase (non-expandable)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...40716_1318.jpg

With a bigger Timbuk2 backpack as carry-on, I can pack an additional medium packing cube easily with a change of clothing for 1 or 2 nights, and toilety/3-1-1 bags. Flexibility is the key to best packing practices.

I travel pretty surprisingly minimalist given my enjoyment of gadgets. My kit, regardless of trip length consists of:

- Microsoft Surface Pro + Charger (usually charger is in rolling bag)
- Microsoft Arc Mouse (old folding style)
- Mini 3-Port USB Hub (for times I need to connect mouse and thumb-drive or phone)
- 2A USB AC Charger
- 3.1A Dual USB 12v Car Charger
- Retractable Micro-USB Cable
- 8" x 6" Grid Notebook
- 2-3 Pens (usually a Space Pen, Pilot V5, and random hotel pen)
- Business Cards
- Band-aids
- eGo-T Personal Vaporizer (Tank Atomizer and juice usually go in 3-1-1 bag)

For shorter trips I add:

- Microsoft Surface Touch Cover
- Koss KSC75 Clip-On Headphones

For longer trips I add:

- Microsoft Surface Power Cover
- Audio Technica ANC27 Noise Canceling Headphones

I can always fit either above configuration in the small AmazonBasics 11.6" Laptop Bag. It's surprisingly well built for the price and the perfect size for the Surface Pro. If Tumi, B&R, TravelPro, or Eagle Creek made something as small (that wasn't vertical/cross-body) I'd consider it, but it would be a hard sell at likely 10x - 20x the price. If I try to add much in terms of files/brochures/magazines it can get tight, especially if I have the larger noise canceling headphones in the front pocket. I've thought about getting the 14" version of the AmazonBasics bag for when I need more file/brochure storage, but I also have a Cocoon Grid-It 13" (thick, heavy) if I really need the extra storage or if I need to travel with a larger laptop (never since getting the Surface Pro).

Fair enough - in addition to a gadget kit, and a minimalist “amenity bag” I have 5 - 6 more items in a 5x8” zippered bag for sure: a bar of Liggett’s peppermint soap,
Liggett's Peppermint Soap
a razor, a microfiber or cotton washcloth, the super light Adventure Medical Travel Medic kit, small stick deodorant, and some body wipes like ShowerPill. Maybe a .5L Platypus for water.

The soap cleans your hair, body, works for shaving and will do a good job with underwear and socks. I never have extra clothing. I could survive a week with a small carry-on if my other bag vanished.