There's a whole new way of packing out there, and a whole new wardrobe for plane travel. I'm fortunate that my neighbor across the street has done a great deal of "exotic" travel in the past few years and has many recommendations about clothing and luggage. The major revelation is that one only need bring two (2!) pairs of underwear! They must be the quick-dry kind (dries in 4 hours), and you wash them every night. The brand I bought is Ex Officio, and they're available on Amazon.com. I'm in the process of buying two insect-repellent long-sleeved shirts, two insect-repellent pairs of pants, a billed hat with a curtain down the back, a light-weight multi-use water repellent coat, whose lining comes out, some light weight hiking boots, and a rolling duffle that works as a backpack. Now what about socks and pyjamas?
I'm putting my camera equipment in a dedicated compartmentalized rolling carry-on bag from Thank Tank. All of it doesn't fit in there, so I'll be packing the soft stuff like pouches in the main bag, or carrying them on my belt. Instead of my usual gadget bag, I'll be bringing multiple belt-pouches and a vest that will hold lenses. This will distribute the weight better on long hikes. It's a system by Think Tank and seems to be the obvious solution to save one's back and shoulder. I still need to buy my image storage device, the Digital Foci Photo Safe 500 GB—two of them. But an official from the company advised me to wait for a new one coming out. I'll want my entire checked baggage to weigh less than 20 Kg, or 44 lbs, even though the trans-Atlantic limit is now 50 lbs. Some of the short-run flights have lower weight limits. I should have everything I'll need within about 3 weeks.
I'll take any advice from travelers.
I'm putting my camera equipment in a dedicated compartmentalized rolling carry-on bag from Thank Tank. All of it doesn't fit in there, so I'll be packing the soft stuff like pouches in the main bag, or carrying them on my belt. Instead of my usual gadget bag, I'll be bringing multiple belt-pouches and a vest that will hold lenses. This will distribute the weight better on long hikes. It's a system by Think Tank and seems to be the obvious solution to save one's back and shoulder. I still need to buy my image storage device, the Digital Foci Photo Safe 500 GB—two of them. But an official from the company advised me to wait for a new one coming out. I'll want my entire checked baggage to weigh less than 20 Kg, or 44 lbs, even though the trans-Atlantic limit is now 50 lbs. Some of the short-run flights have lower weight limits. I should have everything I'll need within about 3 weeks.
I'll take any advice from travelers.
Leon and I discovered Ex Officio underwear when we went to Prague in 2012. I have since bought a few other items. My favorite is a back-to-front "travel knit" dress with a little bolero. Doesn't wrinkle, packs up tiny, and does two jobs. Worn one way it's a high neck below-knee dress great for sightseeing. Turned around it's a low-cut black dinner dress with silver embroidery. (Not for you, Joel - just sayin'.)
ReplyDeleteFor socks try the X-Static Travel Socks available on Magellans.com. Wash then every night - and really squeeze the water out with a towel before hanging. They cost about $15 for three, but it's worth it. You need three to be absolutely sure your socks are dry. For pajamas, go to Macy's or Penney's and look for some in microfiber. I did well that way. Online is expensive - cooljams.com are great. Wicking, quick dry, tiny pack, but they are pricey.
Hope to see you (and John & Robin) when you're back. Be safe.