Comments on: Packing Light: a gram here, a gram there – after a while it adds up!

By: Miguel marcos

Miguel marcos — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:47:10 +0000

Let the bard grow!

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:26:24 +0000

When I am traveling overseas, I prefer to carry an electric razor. Personally, I put fewer nicks in my skin when I use an electric razor, and I therefore feel less vulnerable to infection. When I was younger (and the skin on my face was tighter), I could shave with disposable razor blades, but not anymore.

By: Easter Cat

Easter Cat — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:58:32 +0000

I’ve been trying to stay away from using liquids at all. Besides the potential for messiness, one is limited by a quart sized bag. Also, if TSA freaks out again, you’re going to have to check your luggage. That is one experience I don’t care to repeat.
Since I’m a Lush fanatic, I mainly use their solid products for travel: shampoo (which doubles as soap), conditioner, deodorant, body moisturizer, perfume (they also have a unisex scent for the guys), etc.
I’m still trying to find a SPF 45+, solid sunscreen that doesn’t make my face itch. Currently, I use CVS SPF 45+ zinc oxide sunscreen. Unlike the solid neutrogena, it doesn’t make my face itch and has decent protection. Also, I won’t cry if I have to toss it in the trash to get rid of my liquid albatross.

By: Enjoying Travel With Kids

Enjoying Travel With Kids — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:15:05 +0000

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the huge amount of detail on the Patagonia bags. I took a look at their website – here in Australia I think we only get a very limited Patagonia range into some of our outdoor stores. As the wife of the couple (!!) I do appreciate the Backpack rather than the Tote, but that’s more to do with the slightly larger size than the look! I read through the reviews, and it does seem like people put some pretty heavy things into those bags, quite successfully.

I love the fact that you can 27L worth of space for only 425g. That’s incredible! Currently I use a 40L wheelie bag, but would really like to ditch the wheels whenever possible, and the bag ends up being reasonably empty too. This backpack could be a really good way to go.

Thanks for letting me know about them. Hmm.. now I’m thinking about the ripstop pertex that I have lying around, and methinks “I wonder if I could use that to MAKE something…”

By: K-eM

K-eM — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:53:44 +0000

I’ve been experimenting with the gradual reduction of my travel kit and I love your ideas for using contact lens cases and eye dropper bottles.

I’ve found bottles in hotels that were tiny enough to refill with prescription soaps for my face and scalp. I’ve also avoided using bags “designed” for travel since they tend to weigh 2-3 lbs even without the wheels. My current bag weighs less than a pound and the only modification I’ve made is to attach a neoprene pad to the strap for comfort.

I find it interesting that most of the advocates of packing light that I see on-line are men. Since I’m a woman I can’t get away with carrying as few toiletries; especially when it’s on business. So I’ve changed over to a mineral foundation instead of liquid since it’s lighter weight and doesn’t have to go in the 1 quart bag. Limiting my clothing colors also helps to reduce the makeup and jewelry options to a minimum as well.

My last business trip I had a 2 lb bag and it weighed 12 lbs when packed. However, I still had room left over to carry some purchases home for a coworker. Since I got my new bag, I expect my next trip will be 10-11 lbs. Every little bit counts.