Thoughts on Packing Cubes & Travel Backpacks....
sprtphntc7a
7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (22)
Related Discussions
Help me pack!
Comments (23)I don't like back packs, because they are awkward to get stuff out of and can be slit by pickpockets, and I don't like fanny packs either, because the strap can be cut by pickpockets and the whole thing stolen and run off with before you can say "boo". I use a PacSafe travel handbag, which has steel mesh reinforcing the bottom and the strap so they can't be cut. The zipper has a stiff clip so you can clip it shut and no-one can slide it open without you knowing, and the strap also unclips so you can wind it around a table leg, for instance, so it can't be wandered off with while you are lunching. Just don't walk alongside the street so a motorcycle thief can zip past and grab the strap, or you may well hit the deck. Here is a link that might be useful: PacSafe handbag...See MorePacking cubes
Comments (26)I saw long ago that the people I knew and worked with who did the most travelling would show up with the smallest suitcases you could imagine. The more I traveled myself, the more I realized I was in the habit of taking way more than necessary and that I could get by with much less. I've taken enough plane-train-bus-boat-car trips in space limited situations to know that the lighter I travel and the more mobile I am, the better it works for me. I'm not quite as organized as chloecat. The max I'll pack is one week's worth and for longer trips, we do laundry wherever we are. Toiletries are in a case and are ready to go from when last used. Electronics/cords and travel PC remain in a man bag which is always packed and ready to go, plug adapters are in one drawer from which I will grab the shapes I need when travelling abroad. I put like-things in corners as moni describes and larger items in the middle. Start to finish with everything included, I'm packed at home and ready to go in 20 minutes or less. I don't have to go digging through my luggage for items when away, the suitcase is rarely more than 3/4 full. I just got home yesterday from a 5 day domestic trip. One smallish suitcase (maybe it's a small medium size, I'm a big guy and my clothes are large). Even with my minimalist approach, I came home with a couple of unworn items. Meaning, I took more than I needed. But my bag was small and there was only one. I personally have no need for systems, containers, or other items to be an efficient packer and traveler with a minimum of baggage....See MoreOverseas travel with backpack only
Comments (27)If you are close to an Ikea, give the Ikea packing cubes a try. They are CHEAP, but they are soooo lightweight. I do not expect them to last for years. I think they are 6/$10. I recently bought a Tucano Tugo 20l, which would be too small for what you are contemplating. I bought it because it had a “clamshell” opening instead of a top zipper and because it weighed less than some of the other “clamshell” backpacks. Whatever you buy, if you are using it for travel, I’d opt for something that opens completely like the Topo you’ve identified. Mine also has the same pocket I’ve circled below. I find that pocket on mine to be virtually useless. It is very hard to see what is in it; it is very flat, as in you have to just push your hand in and feel around for whatever you need. YMMV As I’ve said in other posts, DH’s health isn’t great. He cannot walk distances, he cannot walk fast, and climbing stairs is out of the question. I’m sure you already know this, but I’m going to repeat it just in case it has slipped your mind. Get your mom a wheelchair at every opportunity. It is best if you notify the airlines ahead of time. At the airport, you will not need to do anything but walk along. btw, the Munich airport was absolutely the best wheelchair service we received on our most recent trip. FWIW, the absolutely most abysmal handicapped service was Toronto, but that was several years ago. Maybe they’ve upped their game. We are contemplating going to England next summer, so I’ve been looking to see if the places we want to go are going to be too challenging for DH. There are many websites that give advice on disabled travel in the UK. Euan’s Guide seems to be a good one. Visit London has good information too, but you have to dig for it. Another tip for traveling light, look at Eileen Fisher viscose jersey. I have 2 dresses in it , a pair of the System crepe pants, and a tunic in the tencel jersey. I can wash them out in the hotel sink, squeeze them in a towel, hang, and they will be dry by the next morning. Does your cottage have a washer AND a dryer or a washer-dryer combo? We stayed in a condo in a manor house in the Cotswolds one year. It had a washer-dryer combo that took SIX HOURS to do one load....See MoreCarry-on only travel
Comments (37)czarinalex, I've got one of those small daypacks as well. Love it so much! Ah, and you carry a travel dryer, too...yay, I'm not alone! 😉 bbstx, we like to scope out those full-service laundromats, too! I don't mind hand washing small items but in a month's time, we'll undoubtedly need to utilize full-serivce laundry services while we are out exploring. Shoes. I'm considering taking my two pair of Hoka's, white pair for sight-seeing and colored pair for hiking/biking. It will likely be too late for sandals and too early for boots. We have no plans that would require anything dressier for this trip. Compression cubes. I'm on the fence about them. I'm afraid I'd be tempted to pack more than I actually need. Terriks, thank you for the laundry tips! I actually purchased these strips but have yet to use them. Love the shower cap idea, too! I've considered bringing an extension cord in the past but always nixed the idea. I'll reconsider this! smiling, I hadn't thought about waterproofing my b/p. Maybe I can spray it with a waterproofing product such as that used on shoes? Good suggestion, too, about turning the b/p facing me. I usually wear a small waist belt which holds the essentials (passport, cc, cash, sunglasses & lipgloss...😉 ). I also ordered these (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B31HPPHB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) which I've avoided up till now but I'm reading that pickpocketing is becoming more prevalent so will give them a try. pbath, Eagle Creek cubes are highly recommended but I'm unclear as to what differentiates them from others. bbstx, Video. I've tried her method with the slim cubes and I like it. I think it depends on the fabric and how wrinkle resistant it is. Night clothes, in my case tee's, undergarments, socks, leggings, etc. are great in the slim cubes. My hair dryer is teeny-tiny and lightweight. For whatever reason and with rare exceptions I prefer it to hotel dryers. Weight. Thank you for the link; I'm holding on to it. Yes, I'm being very careful about weight and have never exceeded the limits. My larger carry-on weighs 6.3 lbs. We won't be doing any inter-European flights so will be fine as far as that goes. I don't enjoy shopping when traveling so won't be bringing any extras back. salonva, I love TFG! Kswl, I didn't think I could do it either but I'm excited for the challenge. Fortunately, for this trip we have no special occasions to pack for which could potentially put the kibosh on carry-on. Video. She has an interesting background which began in the fashion industry. Following her love of travel and fashion she developed Travel Fashion Girl (TFG) which has been extremely successful. I seriously doubt she wears clothes that are stained and/or wrinkled. Air Tags. They have certainly gained a following with all the airport chaos this summer. I read something about congress considering banning them due to safety concerns. Not sure of the details. Mtn, I'm a 10, too. Years ago while in Morelia, Mexico, a shoe store sales associate takes one look at my feet and says, "Muy grande!". I'm with you on hair conditioner; I always bring my own. We also try not to bring home dirty laundry but when we do have it, DH somehow ends up carrying it. Works for me! Thanks, all....I enjoyed all of your thoughts and comments!...See Moresprtphntc7a
7 years ago
Related Stories
SMALL SPACESSmall-Space Ideas Unfold in Origami-Like Cube Loft
A redesigned studio in the Charles Moore–Arthur Andersson architectural compound in Austin, Texas, makes the most of its snug size
Full StoryLAUNDRY ROOMSTrending Now: 15 Laundry Rooms Packed With Storage Ideas
Keep this hardworking room tidy with cabinets, baskets, shelves and more
Full StoryTRAVEL BY DESIGN10 Ideas for Packable Decor From Your Travels
It's fun to decorate with finds from a trip — but not so fun to lug them home. These ideas are affordable and easy on the suitcase
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Casual, Thoughtful Design for a 1920s Bungalow
A couple turn a neglected, run-down home into a charming, comfortable place to raise their 4 children
Full StoryLIFETips for Moving Into a Smaller Space
Downsize with less compromise: Celebrate the positive, pare down thoughtfully and get the most from your new home
Full StoryMOST POPULAR4 Obstacles to Decluttering — and How to Beat Them
Letting go can be hard, but it puts you more in control of your home's stuff and style. See if any of these notions are holding you back
Full StoryMOST POPULARThree Magic Words for a Clean Home and a Better Life
Not a natural tidying and organizing whiz? Take hope in one short phrase that can change your life forever
Full StoryFUN HOUZZHow to Survive an Epidemic of Walking Dead
Tips to use around the house and garden to prep for the zombie apocalypse
Full StoryTRADITIONAL STYLEDecorating With Antiques: Silver’s Legacy
Learn how to tell sterling from plate, ways to display pieces and why silver is so darn special to begin with
Full StorySTORAGESee a Hollywood Actor's Ship-Inspired Storage That's Boatloads of Cool
All hands on deck to check out this spacious storage and sleeping room featuring a steel gangplank, a pulley system and nautical rope
Full Story
wildchild2x2