How To Travel With Only a Carry-on

By:  Richard M. Hausman <rhausman@ix.netcom.com>

Packing lists are wonderful things. They help to keep you organized, they help you whittle your stuff down from massive to carry-on, and they help you to not forget anything.  I believe in packing lists and still use them for every trip.  I have a generic packing list on my computer with just about every item I own that may at some point go on a trip with me. It is constantly being updated either with newer replacement items or with items I didn’t think of taking in the past.

Once I have a trip in mind, I make a copy of that list, rename it for the current trip I’m planning, and start going item by item to literally delete those that aren’t necessary for that trip. This may take a few go‑throughs. But once I’m where I want to be, I print it out and pack. That doesn’t mean it’s final; the act of packing helps me whittle it down even more. Once an item is packed, I cross it off the list.

When I have finished packing and I’m ready to go, I print a clean copy of the finalized list and put it in the bottom of my luggage. This way, if I feel it necessary, I can go through the list to make sure I don’t leave anything behind before checking out of a hotel.

Okay, are you ready for the packing list?  Sorry, but I’m not going to give you one. Wait, wait, hold back those tears. I can’t give you a packing list because they’re as individual as fingerprints.  What I want to talk about are the categories to include in your packing list.

 

1) Clothes

Unless you’re on a no-bag around the world challenge, you’re going to have to take some clothes. What kind of clothes depends on the type of trip you’re taking.  You also need to figure out weather and climate at your destination as well as what will make you feel comfortable. Do you need to have people see you as stepping out of the pages of Vogue or GQ or are you more concerned with comfort?

The next question you need to ask yourself is how willing are you to do laundry. Laundry is the key to one bag travel. If you’re willing to either do it yourself or have someone do it for you every once in a while, one‑bagging will be much easier. Otherwise this could be a problem.

As for what clothes to take, I suggest you choose clothes that are made for travel; quick drying and wrinkle free. Pick neutral colors for all items so you can mix and match.

 

2) Shoes

I only take one pair of shoes. Currently, they are a pair of Garmont and they are Gore‑Tex so no problem if there’s wet weather.

If you need to take more than one pair of shoes, pack the lightest and wear the heaviest. If you are thinking more than two pair, you will more than likely fail the “one‑bagger” test.

I know what you’re thinking, one pair of shoes on a long trip? How do you keep them fresh and not, um, odorous? Well, here’s my little trick. Before I leave, I get one pair of disposable insoles for about every week of my trip and then add two more. I cut them down to size before leaving and pack them in my carry-on. They weigh practically nothing and take up no room. Then, about once a week or so, I remove the old insoles, sprinkle in a little foot powder which I have in a small trial size bottle, and put in a new insoles.

Socks are also very important. Spend a little more and get decent ones. Your feet will thank you.. Travel is not the time for the Wal-Mart pack of 100 for $5. Get good quality, comfortable, absorbent socks. Something like Smartwool or Tilley, two popular brands for travelers. 

 

3) Toiletries

If you’re a one‑bagger, always keep in mind the 3-1-1 rules concerning liquids, gels and pastes. Unless you must have a certain brand, take what you need to get started, if on a long trip, and buy along the way. Or try to make do with what your hotel offers. And don’t forget any prescription medications. (Take along a copy of your prescriptions in case you need to get refills.)

I also suggest that whatever you decide to carry your toiletries in, make sure the bag has some type of hanging apparatus. For some reason, many modern and refurbished “stylish” hotels seem to skimp on the counter space. There isn’t enough room to lay out what you need. With a hook, you can hang your toiletry kit either on a towel rack or a door knob so everything is easily within reach.

 

3a) Laundry Kit

If you’re doing your own sink washing, make sure you bring along what you will need for this. More popular items are a clothesline, laundry detergent, sink stopper and inflatable hangers.

 

4) Electronics

This is probably going to be the heaviest category for you. Figure out what you need and remember to include the charge cords. If possible, take a universal charger that allows multiple items to be charged at once rather than an individual charger for everything. Adaptor plugs if traveling to a foreign country and a converter if you need to change voltage. (Hint: many of today’s smaller electronics are dual voltage. If somewhere on the item it says 110/120-240v you don’t need a converter as it will convert by itself. )  I include camera equipment in this category.  BTW, I take only a Canon digital camera, along with extra AA batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium – about 1200 shots).

 

5) Everything Else

These are all those additional items you want to take. The list is endless. And if you’re not careful, you could go overboard.

Now that your list is done, go through each item and ask yourself these questions:

Do I really need this?

Will I use it enough to warrant carrying it my entire trip?

Does it have dual purpose or can I replace it with something else that does?

Can I wear this shirt for at least three days?

Can I wear each of these pants for at least seven days?

If you find yourself saying “I might” for each item, then you are becoming a ‘what if” packer. This is not how a one‑bagger needs to pack. Pack for the best scenarios, not the worst.

 Let me say one last thing about what I’ve written above. Everything is just opinion. It is not “one‑bagger” law. You need to decide what is right for you.  No one can tell you what is best. They can only say what is best for them. And that doesn’t mean it’s best for you.

All right, I know, you want a packing list. The people at Eagle Creek have compiled numerous lists for different travel scenarios. You don’t have to bring everything they suggest. Use them strictly as guides. (And remember, they are going to be promoting many of their own products.)