You state that the Air Boss is too big for your packing list. What do you use or recommend for that list?

I had another run at packing the Timbuk2 small duffel, which has a 1,500 cubic inch capacity, vs. the LLBean medium Adventure duffel, which has a 2,000 cubic inch capacity, and learned a few things in the process, since when I added my shirts and pants AND two pair of bulky kneepads for my jiu jitsu tournament, the Timbuk2 simply wouldn’t work while the LLBean actually still has room left over (the Timbuk2 would have been fine if I didn’t have to lug the jiu jitsu gear AND biz casual clothing).

First, when you are “ultra light” traveling, it pays to choose a bag that is “just right” in size. Not because a larger bag is heavier, but because if a bag is too large, your stuff is prone to flopping and shifting around inside. When I tried packing the LLBean duffel BEFORE adding the kneepads and clothing, my gear was rattling around in it, even after using the helpful compression straps. After adding the rest of my gear, however, the LLBean was “just right.” Mind you, there’s only 500 cubic inches of volume difference between them, but that difference is critical! I can see now why you just use a daypack – the next size down from the Timbuk2 duffle, if you have a typical 1,000 to 1,200 cubic inch daypack – for your overnight business trips.

Second, when you are trying to pack the most efficiently, the features most bag makers try to sell you on, are less important than some some features that aren’t as dramatic but are much more helpful for real travel (for example, organizer panels with i.d. pouches and pen holders, and extra pouches here and there, look neat but have never helped me, but compression straps – at least ones that really do their job – and a good, non-bulky carry system – are invaluable).

Third and finally, it’s true that in terms of “bulk” packing vs. “weight” packing, the “one bag,” soft-sided, unpadded luggage approach is MUCH more efficient than using a wheelie. For example, after upgrading to the LLBean Medium Adventure Duffel for my trip to Thailand, I looked at it next to my 21/22″ Costco wheelie and thought to myself – “now that it’s full, the duffel is as big as the darned wheelie!” but then realized “yeah, but I couldn’t have fit my jiu jitsu gear AND clothing AND shoes in the wheelie, the ‘hardware’ in the wheelie just eats up too much space!” Plus, the duffel is only as big as the CORE of the wheelie and is therefore still LEGAL for carryon – while the wheelie is only “legal” if you disregard the wheels and top and side handles. The duffel will squash into the “testing box” you see gateside, the wheelie won’t.

I weighed the fully packed LLBean Medium Adventure Duffel and it is just 17 pounds – technically slightly over the EVA Air carryon rules (15 pound limit) but I doubt that will be a problem. Had I used (and been able to use) the wheelie, which weighs 8 pounds more than the duffel, I would have been at 25 pounds, which would pretty much give EVA Air (which weighs carry on bags) grounds to ask me to check it.

This LLBean duffel is the one on which I performed my “handle-ectomy,” cutting off the hand straps that center over the opening. That means I have to get accustomed to carrying the bag “pointing towards the ground” by one of its end-handles (or using a shoulder strap, the one that came with the LLBean is nicely padded with a good grip). I’ll let you know how that “feels” on my extended trip – trundling around the apartment, it felt a little weird.

As you asked I am taking some pix as my bag/packing techniques permutate (I did your bundle wrapping for my clothes, but then inserted the bundle into a very small garment pouch – the shirt pouch that came with the Costco wheelie, to keep them bundled together better since the duffel does not have tie-downs). I don’t think I can match your article style – as I write these comments I realize what a great knack for succinct writing you have – but I’ll do my best.

I can’t agree more with you about having just a bit more with the Red Oxx bags to better organize. I’ve tried suggesting it too. I’d be happy with just a ring or loop so I could put a carabiner in there or something. But the quality is so good it makes me happy to use the products. Some of the colors are pretty nice too which you wouldn’t expect from such a rugged build.

I’ve been to Zion park but don’t remember much about how efficent it was run. Guess I just remember driving in, parking, and hiking. It was amazing though. I’d like to get back someday.

Thanks for the tip on the socks. I’ll have to look into them. I’ve heard of other Tilley products being good but I have to be able to try them on if they are shirts or pants. Socks I can gamble on.

It occurred to me a little while ago that I’ve never mentioned Tim Ferriss’ post about traveling the world with 10 pounds. Have you seen it? Here’s a link in case you haven’t:

http://url.ie/o8g

It might be of help as you approach your trip!

kc