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* Throw a couple of large ziploc bags in there, too. They are immensely useful for storing wet clothing or leaking bottles or, by contrast, for putting things like passports in when you need them to stay dry. They weigh nothing and disappear into a pocket until needed. | * Throw a couple of large ziploc bags in there, too. They are immensely useful for storing wet clothing or leaking bottles or, by contrast, for putting things like passports in when you need them to stay dry. They weigh nothing and disappear into a pocket until needed. | ||
* Layers. You can adapt to a wide range of climates, even multi-city travel, by packing layers. Shirt, Sweater, Hoodie, Jacket is plenty warm, packs much more compactly than a parka, and gives you middle ground for an overwarm restaurant or an overcool office. | * Layers. You can adapt to a wide range of climates, even multi-city travel, by packing layers. Shirt, Sweater, Hoodie, Jacket is plenty warm, packs much more compactly than a parka, and gives you middle ground for an overwarm restaurant or an overcool office. | ||
* While you're packing, make a text list on your phone of everything you pack. Towards the end of your trip (such as waiting for your flight home), put a '+' next to every item you actually used. Next time, don't pack the things you didn't use. | * While you're packing, make a text list on your phone of everything you pack. Towards the end of your trip (such as waiting for your flight home), put a '+' next to every item you actually used. Next time, don't pack the things you didn't use. Also, if your bag goes missing, you have a list of what was in it. | ||
== Don’t Check Luggage == | == Don’t Check Luggage == | ||
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* So do tie-downs | * So do tie-downs | ||
In truth, the best way to maximize quality while minimizing weight is to let go of the dependence on rolling bags. Soft-sided, non-wheeled bags are exceptionally light and versatile. [http://www.tombihn.com Tom Bihn] and [http://www.redoxx.com/ Red Oxx] are your best plays. Tom Bihn’s Aeronaut is is a full-sized carry-on that converts to a backpack for long walks across cobblestones/sprints to catch a connection/etc. The Red Oxx Air Boss was designed by the same guy who wrote the luggage choosing guide above. | In truth, the best way to maximize quality while minimizing weight is to let go of the dependence on rolling bags. Soft-sided, non-wheeled bags are exceptionally light and versatile. [http://www.tombihn.com Tom Bihn] and [http://www.redoxx.com/ Red Oxx] are your best plays. Tom Bihn’s Aeronaut is is a full-sized carry-on that converts to a backpack for long walks across cobblestones/sprints to catch a connection/etc. The Red Oxx Air Boss was designed by the same guy who wrote the luggage-choosing guide above. | ||
If you're not ready to let go of wheeled bags, [http://www.briggs-riley.com/ Briggs & Riley] | If you're not ready to let go of wheeled bags, any manufacturer with a lifetime warranty is probably worth considering. These include: | ||
* [http://www.briggs-riley.com/ Briggs & Riley] | |||
* [http://www.travelpro.com Travelpro] ("the best" carry-on according to [http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-carry-on-luggage/ The Wirecutter] | |||
* Certain models of [http://shop.eaglecreek.com/lightweight-carry-on/l/111 Eagle Creek] (not all models have a lifetime warranty) | |||
Pay attention to the bag’s extensible arm: is it well constructed? What does it do to your interior space? 2 segments of extension or 3? Moving parts make everything more fragile - if you are choosing moving parts in your luggage, they need to be brilliant. | |||
== Buy It There (BIT) == | == Buy It There (BIT) == | ||
Don’t try to anticipate every contingency and pack for it. You will bog yourself down with unnecessary cruft. Pack for what you ''know'' you’ll need, or at most what you reasonably expect to need the majority of the time. You can find contact solution, toothpaste, | Don’t try to anticipate every contingency and pack for it. You will bog yourself down with unnecessary cruft. Pack for what you ''know'' you’ll need, or at most what you reasonably expect to need the majority of the time. You can find contact solution, toothpaste, aspirin, and dental floss at almost any convenience store. For the rest, shove an extra $50 into a pocket somewhere and buy whatever you need there, if it comes up. | ||
(Good news: It comes up less often than you’d think.) | (Good news: It comes up less often than you’d think.) | ||
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=== Corollary: Wash It There === | === Corollary: Wash It There === | ||
If you’re gone for longer than a carry-on can reasonably contain (which is longer than you think), don’t fail over to multiple suitcases | If you’re gone for longer than a carry-on can reasonably contain (which is longer than you think), don’t fail over to multiple suitcases; just get things laundered partway through. Your hotel will offer laundry service, though it will be overpriced. Most of the time you’ll find a wash and fold place within walking distance or a service that does pick up and next day drop off. | ||
Also keep in mind that at most Mozilla or other geek events, you will probably acquire at least one or two t-shirts. You can bring one or two fewer shirts; if this guideline fails, wash one of the ones you brought. | Also keep in mind that at most Mozilla or other geek events, you will probably acquire at least one or two t-shirts. You can bring one or two fewer shirts; if this guideline fails, wash one of the ones you brought. | ||
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* At least one airline (American) gives early boarding privileges (after Elite and Priority but before Zone 1) to passengers with no overhead baggage. | * At least one airline (American) gives early boarding privileges (after Elite and Priority but before Zone 1) to passengers with no overhead baggage. | ||
* You aren't limited to 100ml bottles of liquid/gel/cream, and can bring home ''properly packed'' wine, booze, perfume, etc. (Wrap the bottle in at least two plastic bags and nestle it in the groove left by the extending handle, surrounded tightly by clothes.) | * You aren't limited to 100ml bottles of liquid/gel/cream, and can bring home ''properly packed'' wine, booze, perfume, etc. (Wrap the bottle in at least two plastic bags and nestle it in the groove left by the extending handle, surrounded tightly by clothes.) | ||
* Having status often helps your bag appear on the belt faster. Also, if the final segment of your trip is an international arrival in the United States, you're unlikely to have to wait long for your bag, since all baggage goes to the same belt, so it gets there quickly. | * Having airline status often helps your bag appear on the belt faster. Also, if the final segment of your trip is an international arrival in the United States, you're unlikely to have to wait long for your bag, since all baggage goes to the same belt, so it gets there quickly. | ||
* TIP: Get a suitcase with four wheels. Baggage handlers can slide it across the floor of the cargo hold instead of tossing it, subjecting the suitcase and its contents to much less abuse. Anything that protrudes, like carry straps or zipper pulls, can get snagged and chewed up in baggage-handling equipment; go for streamlined. | * TIP: Get a suitcase with four wheels. Baggage handlers can slide it across the floor of the cargo hold instead of tossing it, subjecting the suitcase and its contents to much less abuse. Anything that protrudes, like carry straps or zipper pulls, can get snagged and chewed up in baggage-handling equipment; go for streamlined. | ||
* TIP: Ask for your checked luggage to be marked "Fragile". It will be loaded on top of other bags, and usually be unloaded first. | * TIP: Ask for your checked luggage to be marked "Fragile". It will be loaded on top of other bags, and usually be unloaded first. | ||
* TIP: If you check luggage, don't let your eyes off the bag until there's a tag on it, and if you can, check that the tag is correct (with your name and correct destination airport on it). One of the common reasons for lost/delayed luggage is getting the wrong tag on it right at the | * TIP: If you check luggage, don't let your eyes off the bag until there's a tag on it, and if you can, check that the tag is correct (with your name and correct destination airport on it). One of the common reasons for lost/delayed luggage is getting the wrong tag on it right at the check-in desk. | ||
* TIP: Things to make sure are '''not''' in your checked bag: everything you need to get through customs and immigration and get to your final destination. Any electronics that might be stolen. | * TIP: Things to make sure are '''not''' in your checked bag: everything you need to get through customs and immigration and get to your final destination. Any electronics that might be stolen. Lithium-ion batteries (prohibited). | ||
Some airlines (particularly non-North American ones) have much lower limits for what you're allowed to carry on, so you'll have to check luggage. | Some airlines (particularly non-North American ones) have much lower limits for what you're allowed to carry on, so you'll have to check luggage anyway. | ||
Some airlines (e.g., Air France, KLM) will even want to weigh your | Some airlines (e.g., Air France, KLM) will even want to weigh your carry-on bag (often although not reliably), and want it to be a weight that's lower than what it is with your laptop in it (e.g., 6kg, 8kg). Remember that your laptop often counts as a separate personal item and you can take it out of the bag before weighing. | ||
==Packing Techniques and Tools== | ==Packing Techniques and Tools== | ||
Your strategy for how to put your stuff in your suitcase is very much a matter of personal preference, along with the type of travel you're doing (destination vs. touring) and the type of clothes you bring. Here are some ideas that may be helpful. | Your strategy for how to put your stuff in your suitcase is very much a matter of personal preference, along with the type of travel you're doing (destination vs. touring) and the type of clothes you bring. Here are some ideas that may be helpful. | ||
* The [http://www.onebag.com/pack.html bundle method] is great for avoiding wrinkles, but it tends to require that you unbundle everything to get out any | * The [http://www.onebag.com/pack.html bundle method] is great for avoiding wrinkles, but it tends to require that you unbundle ''everything'' to get out any single thing. | ||
* It's extremely helpful to have some kind of containers to organize your stuff. Purpose-made packing "cubes" are great, but are absurdly expensive. You can get by with zip-top plastic bags if you don't travel often, or while you're waiting to find ready-made cubes on sale. | * It's extremely helpful to have some kind of containers to organize your stuff. Purpose-made packing "cubes" are great, but are absurdly expensive. You can get by with zip-top plastic bags if you don't travel often, or while you're waiting to find ready-made cubes on sale. | ||
* If you buy only one packing accessory, consider getting a [http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Pack-It-Folder/dp/B002YIRC3O/ packing folder], which helps you fold larger items (shirts, pants, skirts) to a uniform footprint, and then encloses them like an envelope. | * If you buy only one packing accessory, consider getting a [http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-Travel-Pack-It-Folder/dp/B002YIRC3O/ packing folder], which helps you fold larger items (shirts, pants, skirts) to a uniform footprint, and then encloses them like an envelope. | ||