I've actually been using stuff sacks for the bras/undies since I'm bringing a Deva 60 pack (top loading only) but it's nice to organize things somewhat. Like Malena, I'm having issues w/ packing - I am doing Kili (so need things like expedition long underwear, etc that I can send home post-climb) and have looked into renting what I can from outfitters but at 5ft tall and usually wearing kids sizes? Not much available. Honestly, Malena's list looks small compared to mine. Eep!

I’m having the same issue right now. As I pack up my apartment I’ve been putting everything that I had planed on taking with me into my pack – initially it was to keep it separate but it’s turning out to be a good exercise in packing.

I do adore my packing cubes and pretty much everything is in them. I hate searching for stuff and the space and tiny bit of weight they take up are worth it for me.

I keep going through my pack trying to figure out what I can drop as it’s already hard to close and I still have a few things left to add. I’m not too worried about weight, it’s at about 25 pounds right now and I do fine carrying around 30. I will not get a bigger pack. I think that I just need to figure out a way to fit everything better. Any suggestions?

Also, my pack has a small detachable day pack. I won’t be using for a daypack (I bought a messenger bag for this). My goal is to leave with extra space in that for the things I’ll pick up on the road.

This is tough, start taking things out.

My pack is small but nice. Its got a detachable daypack and its difficult to pack everything but I just start taking out things that I dont think I will need. Jeans take up a lot of space so Im wearing 1 and have 1 packed.

Mine has:

Toiletries
Flashlight
Combo Lock
Tiny digital Camera w/ charger
3 Tshirts
4 socks
4 boxers
1 Jeans
1 Swim Trunks
1 Sweater
Umbrella

and thats it

Because remember you will also be wearing full gear on your body when you leave too!

quote:

Originally posted by MaxPowers:
Because remember you will also be wearing full gear on your body when you leave too!

Very true but also make sure that your most bulky items can either fit in the pack or be easily carried on or what not. It may not be practical or worth it to wear your most bulky gear while in transit. Especially in hotter climates you probably won't want to be wearing those jeans/warm, bulky pullover while you are sitting outside, waiting for the hours-overdue bus to arrive.

quote:

Originally posted by Malena:
Anyways, what sort of things do people tend to think they need when they should just leave them at home?

Drawers.

quote:

Do the packing cubes really work?

I am a big fan of packing cubes.
you'll be lugging around some dirty clothes that you wont want to contaminate the cleans one with. Also, when you need to pack or unpack in a hurry, the cubes help to organize your stuff. I spent a lot of time trying to make the perfect pack fit. It changes everytime you unpack and add stuff as you travel. Ahhhh...to live life with all your belongings on your back, what a great feeling

Packing cubes work for me. My dirty clothes (which I usually have a plethora of) go into a pillow case, not a packing cube.

I (heart) my Eagle Creek packing cubes.

Im sure that in your trip planning phase you've stumbled across this website...http://www.onebag.com/. If not enjoy, it really lent me a little perspective. As far as taking a laptop, you might want to think twice on that one. Internet cafes are ubiquitous these days and a person with a good memory stick or portable hard drive loaded with their necessary apps can do just about everything you could do with a laptop but less weight and more peace of mind. This thread lent me a little perspective when I considered taking my laptop, which I have since decided against:

http://ask.slashdot.org/askslashdot/07/03/14/0358242.shtml?tid=100

Oh and consider a sarong rather than a pack towel. They can be used to dry off and wrap yourself in, are a lot lighter and dry very fast.

Happy Travels
~Quinn

I have a STUPID question re: the packing cubes: I see them working with a full zip pack (a-la-Eagle-Creek-Explorer-LT) but for top loaders, does this help? Perhaps I'm just wholeheartedly challenged when it comes to packing cubes. I've switched to stuff sacks instead because the cubes seemed to create more bulk than remove it. Am I crazy? (You may sincerely answer in the affirmative )

Also - re: the laptop, I've seen that thread and was sold on the EEE (small, cute, durable, etc) but have switched to the N810 + stowaway butterfly bluetooth keyboard. Small but has Wifi and also Notes pgms to use as a journal. I'll bring one of these as well: USB 10/100 Ethernet Adapter or something similar, so I can connect the N810 to an intenet cafe's network. Yes, there are @-cafes everywhere but if this wee device will minimize online banking woes, i'm all for it! My 2 cents...

Malena,

I agree that you don't need 4 long sleeve shirts. I get really cold too, especially at night. I say bring one comfy thermal long sleeve and maybe a button down that can make you look more presentable, be a second layer and even protect you from the sun in hot climates.

If you'll be places that are cold and have sturdy shoes I would bring 2 pairs of heavier socks (I like Smartwool) and then if you want a comfy pair of thin socks to wear at night or something bring a nice small pair. Thin cotton socks get worn through when you're walking 8 hours a day, which is why I suggest the Smartwool. If you're in a hot place you probably won't be wearing socks during the day.

I used my watch's alarm to wake up, no problem (until the sound broke 6 months into the trip).

My bag was probably between 30 and 50 pounds with my SLR, backup camera and laptop! I'm pretty strong, I guess. It was only a 50 litre bag but I stuffed it really tight. Obviously, aim for less weight.

I don't know about packing cubes (they look expensive), but I use two nylon bags to hold clothes. You could also use compression bags to scrunch it all down. I have one bag for clean and one bag for dirty (make sure you get two different colors so you can tell them apart quickly).

I really like the OneBag website, but my absolute favorite travel checklist website is: www.travelindependent.info

If you haven't gone to this website, you should check it out --- it's really sensationally detailed.

I also heart my Eagle Creek packing cubes. My husband thought that they were going to be a waste of money but now he is obsessed with having everything in a little cube because it makes it so easy to manage clean/dirty laundry as well as different types of laundry (i.e. shirts/pants/underwear) on a trip.

Here was the website I was searching for:


http://www.travelingforever.com/index.php?option=com_co...view&id=19&Itemid=43

Great info on laptop vs usb key.

Hope it helps

~Q

Thanks for all the advice (and commiseration!)

I'm still struggling with my bag, trying to take a few pounds off here and there, but I think I've reached a point I'm pretty happy with. I will be bringing a laptop as I plan on doing some pretty serious writing, web development, and a bit of image processing on the side (plus applying to law schools from the road... ugh.) I definitely don't think a laptop is right for everyone, though, and if I get sick of it I'm going to mail it home.

Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have pictures of my luggage for other people to see

What a great thread! I'm heading out for a 100 day RTW starting in April, and it's great to see so many others planning extended trips...I'm so jealous!
After reading this thread and visiting some of the links, I am now convinced I need to return my 60L, 5 lb (when empty) North Face backpack and use something smaller and lighter! This was the smallest I could find (I'm only 5'3"), but obviously, have not tried very hard.

Well, this is my "just about finalized" packing list: I fly out of New Orleans on Thursday! I'm going to make some modifications on the road, I'm sure

The pictures link to Flickr images where I've painstakingly made notes on just about every item I could.

Link to Packing List