foXnoMad » Luggage

4 Ways To Track And Recover Your Stuff If It Gets Stolen When Traveling

Anil P. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:50 +0000

We’re beginning a new era in the cycle of travel theft in favor of the victim despite the amount of coverage of what thieves can do to you with technology. Yet, our stuff that is so tempting to steal, is also getting smart enough to protect itself, fight back, and find its way home. You’re probably carrying smaller, more expensive electronics today than you ever have – two good reasons to prepare yourself in the craftiest ways possible.

1. All Around Laptop, Tablet, Mobile Phone Recovery: Project Prey

I am a huge fan of Project Prey and if there’s one solution you should use as part of a physical security plan for your gadgets, Project Prey is it. This free piece of software runs on your laptop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), mobile phone (iPhone and Android), and tablet (yes, iPad too); remaining hidden until you activate it. If your gadget gets stolen, you activate Project Prey remotely (through a free account on their website) and you can track it, get secret screenshots, steal passwords, and even get pictures of the crooks covertly with any built-in camera. Need more convincing? Project Prey helped Matthew recover his Macbook Pro in Panama.

Mac users can also take a look at iCloud (although it doesn’t work nearly as well).

2. Set A Decoy Wallet Trap To Surprise A Pickpocket

I’ve talked about decoy wallets before as part of a broader travel security plan to reduce your loses if you’re unfortunate enough to be pick-pocketed. Decoy wallets also make good dummy targets but if you want to add a small chance of catching the thief, be sure to leave an unused – but activated – credit card in yours. This won’t work in every country but if the pickpocket decides to use that credit card somewhere and you’ve reported it stolen, police can use surveillance footage from stores to track them. More criminals are caught this way than you might think. Plus your credit card company likely won’t hold you liable for unauthorized transactions.

You probably won’t get your wallet back but justice may still be served.

3. Find Lost Or Stolen Luggage With An Inexpensive GPS Tracking Unit

Although controversial, GPS tracking units are often used to follow the movements of criminal suspects in many countries around the world. These small-palm sized devices broadcast radio signals that can be used to track them from a computer. ~~Place~~ Hide one of these (the Winplus AC13268-72 Beacon GPS Tracker is $29 or the Telespial TrackStick $149) in your backpack or checked luggage to find out where it is when it’s not where it’s supposed to be.

4. Keep A Digital Eye On Your House With Your Desktop

There are plenty of uses for that clunky desktop when you’re traveling; one of which is to act as security guard. Both Yawcam (Windows) or iAlertu (Mac) can snap and email you photos when they detect any motion – especially useful when things should be motionless. A picture of a potential burglar may help you get your stolen things back. Plus, you’ll finally know if you’ve really trained your cat not to jump on tables when you’re at work.

In addition, iAlertu (and Laptop Alarm for Windows) can put some muscle on your laptop so it sounds a loud alarm if moved. Useful for those times you’ve just got to hop up for a napkin or your 6th cup of coffee in a cafe with your laptop just within visual range.

Hope For The Best But Plan For The Worst

No security is absolute – the first rule of security – and that’s why any plan without a backup is doomed to fail eventually. Remember, your data is more valuable than any piece of electronic equipment you own so don’t screw up your vacation by preparing for mini-disasters. Recruit your gadgets and technology to work on your side for protection and preparation just in case.

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Do I Need A Pacsafe To Protect My Valuables While Traveling?

Anil P. — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:05 +0000

This is a question that pops up in my inbox frequently and one that backpackers often have during the mid-to-latter part of the travel planning process. A Pacsafe is certainly something to consider while you’re choosing the right backpack but let’s focus on whether you need one to keep your electronics and other valuables safe.

What Is A Pacsafe?

I should clarify that Pacsafe is a brand name referring to the company that makes several travel security products; but also the common name for that company’s most popular product – a stainless steel wire mesh that covers the exterior of a backpack. That mesh which can be locked to some fixture in a hostel, hotel, or guesthouse. Pacsafe aren’t specific to backpacks technically (though they tend to shaped for them) and can be fit around other handbags as well as some smaller bags and suitcases. There are also some competing products out there, though for the sake of simplicity I’ll stick with calling all backpack-protecting steel meshes Pacsafe for the rest of this post.

How Does A Pacsafe Protect Your Stuff?

Exterior-fitting Pacsafe work by making your backpack mostly slash-proof, protecting it against someone who might slice through the fabric to steal your things when you’re out, say, sightseeing. Pacsafe are also designed to be locked on to things like radiators and the like that are bolted down so someone can’t bolt with your entire bag. It’s worth noting that the company Pacsafe and others make some form of internal steel mesh that can protect some of your things while you’re actually traveling but for the most part a Pacsafe goes into action when you’re not around.

Sounds Good In Theory: The Drawbacks Of A Pacsafe

Much like our waistlines, backpacks tend to gain weight over time if they go unchecked and a Pacsafe will add 600 grams (~1.3 pounds) to your luggage. That’s not an insignificant amount of weight, especially when considering most airlines’ upper limit before fees is around 20 kilograms (~47lbs).

You can of course put your backpack on a diet to compensate for the added gravitational down force if you’re willing to take it on.

In addition to the added weight, a remember the physical space inside of your bag a Pacsafe will take – 16 x 10 x 5 cm (or 6 x 4 x 2 inches) – under ideal conditions. Ideal conditions meaning that you’ve been able to wrap up the Pacsafe how it came first packaged; which for many (including myself) requires summoning the powers of magic helper elves or drinking enough vodka not to notice. Pacsafe also tend to be quite cumbersome to take on and off, requiring some practice to get the technique down on a consistent basis.

Yet There Are Advantages, Even If You Don’t Have Magic Elves

I may have made Pacsafe seem like a nightmare not worth its weight in security but they can be very useful in particular travel situations. Guesthouses, in particular, are a good example as they typically don’t have safes and realtively little security from the outside. (Camp sites are another good example.) They can also give you added protection against cleaning staff and others who may have access to your room legitimately while you’re not around. Those of you carrying specialized equipment (e.g. video and sound) in one bag may also think about a Pacsafe depending on where you may be traveling and staying.

Pacsafe also not only protect you from bag-slashers, but also from those who know how to undo a zipper whether it’s locked or not.

How To Get (Close To) Pacsafe Security Without A Pacsafe

Pacsafe tend to run around $75-100, a cost you can save on with some preparation and alternative tools. You won’t be able to get the exact kind of security a Pacsafe provides (it’s hard to beat a backpack covered in steel mesh bolted to a pipe in a hotel bathroom) but you can get pretty darn close while remaining a bit more conspicuous.

Start With Planning – Most hotels and hostels will list whether or not they have lockers on booking sites (I recommend you always travel with a least 1 large padlock) and it’s something you should look for.

Before we go on, remember to focus your protection on the things that need protecting most – electronics, jewelry, and other valuables. I once had socks stolen from me, I can’t say I was too broken up about it and you too should compartmentalize what counts most.

Lock Your Zippers – Two locked zippers are often enough to deter most opportunistic thieves who generally don’t have much time to waste. Airport baggage handlers (or the TSA), hotel staff, and shifty dorm-mates go for the easiest targets and simple locks can put you ahead a step. For added protection you can even use a laptop lock to loop through the zipper locks to secure to something bolted down.

You may be able to get away without a Pacsafe but can still use Pacsafe – the company’s products, that is. Pacsafe make many smaller bags with the steel mesh built-in, which protects you against bag slashing and is inconspicuous at the same time. They also make smaller, lockable travel packs for passports, wallets, and other, smaller, essential travel items.

So, Do You Need A Pacsafe?

For most people, the answer to this question is going to be no. I travel with more electronics than the average traveler – having traveled with and without a Pacsafe I’ve come to the conclusion many of its benefits can be had with things you’re likely already traveling with. That’s not to say a Pacsafe shouldn’t be a part of your backpack security system – just that it’s not an essential component or the end all to theft on the road.

Typically common sense and adding time to a potential theft is enough to protect your belongings, rather than using a more visible, brawny solution.

[photos by: Sheep"R"Us (Pacsafe), The Prudent Cyclist (yellow lock)]

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Use The 80% Rule To Pack Like A Pro, Avoid Fees, And Be Productively Lazier

Anil P. — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:00:13 +0000

Not packing your backpack or luggage to capacity is something we’ve talked about before, but the 80% rule isn’t only prudent for long-term travelers or large backpacks. Even on short trips there are many benefits to only packing your bags to 80% of their capacity – not least of which is saving you considerable time each time you open or shut your luggage.

Don’t Use Closet Mentality

Often when packing, we try to turn our bags into mini versions of our own closets. While variety in your fashion is sensible, don’t try to pack for every-single-possible-surprise-gala-that-won’t-happen. Your luggage should carry the clothes you’ll wear – don’t turn it into your closet – which probably has a few shirts or pants you haven’t worn in ages. Instinctively when putting your luggage together you likely have a sense of what’s needed. If you’re continually staring at your leopard-print pants undecided…well, best to leave them at home.

One trick is to count in sequences of 4 days. I tend to run just about everyday so that’s the interval I need before doing a full backpack’s worth of laundry. I select what goes in my bag with four days in mind.

Remember, traveling for a longer period of time doesn’t mean a heavier bag! Packing for 2 weeks is no different than packing for 2 months.

Beat The Airlines In A Battle They’re Hoping You’ll Lose

The airlines are well acquainted with heavy suitcases and bags – gleefully charging people for exceeding modest limits. They know for the most part that travelers are a like gases – they’ll expand to fill up the empty spaces of any luggage. Except you, of course, since you’re using the 80% rule. Visually chop off the top 20% of your bag which will not only make any bags you check lighter – but also make most carry on luggage look smaller. That can help you avoid the scrutiny of an airline clerk who wants to weigh your bags.

Your clothes may betray you here but it’s your laptop that could get you caught paying a baggage fee; so best to give all of your bags a slim look. If you still get caught in a bind, you can use the Internet and 3,000 year old Chinese philosophy against the airlines, fees and all.

Build Laziness Into Everyday

Laziness is an intangible that isn’t easily quantified but a valuable benefit of the 80% rule. One of the best reasons to stick to 80% capacity is that after the first time you pack, it’s generally all downhill from there. You’ll be less efficient packing in tight hostel rooms, under the influence of jet lag, or on days you have to use the precision of a surgeon to fit your leopard pants into your bags.

The 20% wiggle room you give yourself allows for less-than-perfect packing, or the well-known “I woke up late for my flight and have to stuff my bags” approach.

The additional room you give yourself also forgives your faulty memory (for example if you forget a pair of shorts) or when you simply might want to pick up a few souvenirs from, say, Iceland.

Reduce Stress – Including Yours

Packing your bags to or beyond capacity can stress your backpack, suitcase, or any other type of luggage wearing down seams and corners before their time. You also aren’t doing your back, legs, or arms any favors and as you age those aren’t as easy to replace. Walking out the door with your bags filled 100% gives you no room for error and sets you up to spend time packing and unpacking things you don’t even need to be carrying.

[photos by: Miikka Skaffari (number 80), dolmasaxlil (closet doors), HeartLover1717 (hot air balloon from below), brotherlywalks (stuffed bags)]

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Setting Up A Backpack Security System To Keep Your Bag Safe When It’s Vulnerable

Anil P. — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:00:07 +0000

Any good security system is layered, with many buffers against complete disaster. You may think of backpack theft as all or nothing when in fact your biggest threat are stealthy grabs when you’re not around to do anything about it. Instead of giving in, turn your backpack into a minefield of traps, tricks, and false hopes for even the most determined thieves.

Time Is On Your Side

One of the biggest advantages travelers typically have over opportunistic thieves is time. You can carefully craft and plan out a strategy against dishonest crooks while they’re the ones usually racing against a clock to get as much as they can without being noticed or caught. That’s where you’ll begin focusing your backpack security system – by increasing the amount of time anyone would need to get in and take your most valuable belongings.

Start With Basics

A small lock on closing your zippers together is a good place to start anytime you leave your bag by itself. Combination luggage locks are easier to manage since you don’t have physical keys to lose and are a good deterrent in luggage rooms common to hostels or hotel rooms where you aren’t sure about the staff. While it’s not recommended to lock your luggage if you check your bags due to security checks, keeping the zippers placed away from the ‘normal’ spots of at the edges or between corners can waste a few more seconds for a thief who only has a moment to make their move.

Pacsafe – This company makes several security products for backpacks and other travel gear including an anti-theft mesh (review) and portable “Travelsafe” pouch (review) for smaller items.

These products can make your bags very conspicuous however are a powerful deterrent in a hostel room full of completely unlocked and unzipped bags. If you’d rather not travel with either of these, make sure you store your most valuable electronics and travel document (e.g. passport) in a locker which most hotels and hostels offer. (Remember to bring your own lock, most hostels don’t provide them or will overcharge you to buy one.)

Pack Your Electronics Deep When Checking In

You’ll want to keep any electronics away from the top of your bags, where they can be easily felt by a crook who might be rummaging around several bags. Place your valuable tech items deep within your bag, but disperse them throughout as well while avoiding the outer layer. For instance you could pack your iPod in a sock, while keeping your Kindle nicely folded inside a pair of jeans.

Keep It To Your Carry-On – Keep a carry-on bag with you so you don’t have to check in any valuables (I’ve had them stolen from there before). Electronics also tend to be heavy and it’s a great way to avoid luggage fees. If the thought of traveling with two bags makes you queasy, check out the REI Travel Zip or something similar.
Excuse Me, Do You Have Lockers? – First of all when booking a hostel or hotel, make sure to check if they have lockers, what size they are, and where they are located. If there is any ambiguity, email or call them to ask. Ideally this is where you want to keep your valuables when you’re settled in somewhere for a few days.
Spread Out Your Cash – Keeping your items and money separately won’t save all of your stuff but might be enough to keep at least some of your valuables safe. Hide your money in various pockets, some on your person, maybe a bit in your toiletries pouch but not all in the same place.

When looking for a hostel, I’d consider a locker to be a strong deciding factor over another without one of a similar price. Some hostels also boast lockers but don’t mention that they’re not big enough to fit a laptop. Walking around with your valuables in your day pack is both cumbersome and aside from the increased threat of theft, might end up with you banging around your hard drive into an early grave.

Covering Your Bases And Maintaining A Security System For The Long Run

Much like when you start out packing, your security system is likely to be at its best when you’re first heading out on a trip. After a prolonged vacation or when shifting locales it’s a breeze to take it easy, be negligent about locking up your stuff and all of the other little tricks part of your personal travel security plan.

Know Your Essentials – Your passport, cash, and and credit cards are essential when traveling and you should make sure you always have access to some bare minimum of funds. Do not neglect to keep these things secure. I’d also add any electronics that are too expensive or costly to easily replace (i.e. laptop if you work from the road).
Automate It – Stay consistent with how you pack your bag so it becomes second nature. Don’t try to come up with something even more intricate every time you pack. Come up with a plan and tweak it but trying to reinvent it every time will only leave you frustrated.
Have A Backup Plan – Encrypt your hard drive, save your digital photos from crooks, and use online backup for your data.
Take Your Time – Not only will you be the least annoying person in any hostel dorm, packing ahead of time ensures you won’t rush through and neglect your backpack security system.
Layers Upon Layers – Jodi Ettenberg (Legal Nomads) has some excellent safety advice which I highly recommend reading in this interview with her on Solo Friendly.

Adding a few seconds of effort to any snoops’ schedule may be all you need to deter or steal an opportunity from a thief. For those times when it’s just not enough however, finding that $50 you tucked away in your dirty socks at the bottom of your backpack will make you realize a backpack security system wasn’t so crazy after all.

[photos by: stacya (female backpacker), gsag (zipper), colijay72 (man digging hole), rpongsaj (locked safe)]

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How To Avoid Luggage Fees And Work Your Way Around The Airlines For Free

Anil P. — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 06:00:24 +0000

Luggage fees are a bane that travelers can avoid with thoughtful preparation, a positive attitude, and some luck. By using the airline’s rules against them you don’t have to get caught up in the airline feeding frenzy and can weave your way around ever increasing charges and fees.

Find Out What You’re Up Against

Most of the exact weight limits and carry on restrictions vary across airlines as well as between domestic and international flights. Don’t assume you know what they are, even if you have a rough idea – you don’t want to be caught 5 kilograms over and $75 short because you didn’t do your homework.

Luggage Limits – This site gives you an updated and easily search-able listing of every airline’s restrictions on luggage, as well as the fees associated with them.
Measure Your Luggage – Using either a digital luggage scale or holding your bags or hopping up on a regular scale, find out how heavy your bags are.

You’ll also want to know what the airline defines as carry-on luggage as opposed to “personal item or baggage”. In addition to the weights, make sure your bags fit (or look like they do) the rough dimension requirements as well.

Have An Extra Bag At Check Out

In general it’s best to stick to a single carry on when possible, but have a second bag with you when you check in for your flight. This bag will be used to temporarily dump any extra weight your suitcase is carrying during the weigh in process. It doesn’t have to be a fancy bag either, large plastic shopping bags seem to work best. (They also don’t tend to get weighed by airline staff for some reason.)

If your checked bag does happen to be overweight, take out the heaviest items and place them in your temporary bag. Ask to have the bag re-weighed and don’t worry about holding up your fellow passengers. Once the bag is under the luggage limit and the fee avoided, you can try putting the items back into the larger bag, check both, or take the temporary bag with you on the plane.

Airline luggage restrictions are almost always per bag. They don’t consider total weight so having a small temporary bag with you is does the trick in most cases. Also, never check your electronics or valuables in your checked baggage – if it can’t be avoided, be sure to pack them low and under clothes to obscure them.

Charm Yourself A Few Grams

You may yourself have had that unspoken negotiation with an airline employee; quiet eye contact pleading your case when your suitcase is just slightly over a baggage weight limit. Using your charm and friendly attitude you might just be able to get away with it, so long as you get your relationship off to a good start.

Be Tactful – Use Sun Tzu’s The Art Of War to win battles at the ticket counter.
Compliment Then Complain – Make the employee your ally against the unscrupulous airline try to charge you more money.
Be Friendly From The Start – It’s easy to be nice when you want something, but you’ll come across more genuine if you start out a conversation that way.
Put Them In Your Shoes – Try asking politely in any number of words, “if you were in my shoes, would you want to pay for a few extra grams or kilos?” Another good one is, “if I were your mother/father…”
Plead Your Case (And Maybe Fudge The Truth) – You’re on a budget, had to book a last minute flight to see an ailing friend, or had your wallet recently stolen.
Flirt – Sometimes there is chemistry there and if it saves you a few bucks, all the better.

Just how much over you can be is often up to the airline employee but at 10% you’ve got a pretty good chance and with some luck and charm 20% isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Be Discrete With Your Handbag

Some airlines have begun looking for over-sized carry-on bags (and charging you for them) at the boarding gate. If your bag is over-sized or won’t fit into the small display common in many airports now, make sure you don’t draw any unwanted attention to it.

Backpacks up to 50 liters, like the GoLite Pursuit, meet most dimension requirements although can’t often be contorted to fit into those rectangular displays. Keep your backpack on your bag giving it a smaller, lighter appearance rather than lugging it by hand.

It’s also a good idea to board when it’s busiest – your slightly bulging backpack is less likely to be noticed in a crowd.

Avoid The Fees By Traveling Light

That seems simple enough but when packing it’s tempting to try and fit just one more souvenir paperweight or bottle of wine. Give yourself some slack before departure and keep your suitcase weight under 80% of the limit if possible. That will give you some room for things to bring home on the way back.

Read Digitally – You can use an eReader to cut the weight from carrying books. (Here are the important differences between the Nook and Kindle for international travelers.) You can also purchase and download books directly to your laptop.
Longer Doesn’t Mean Larger – Packing for 2 weeks is no different than packing for 2 months or longer.
Choose The Right Luggage – Pick the right backpack and check out what your fellow travelers are flying with.
Drop Some Unnecessary Weight – Put your backpack on a diet.
Become An Elite Flyer – Most frequent flyer programs waive baggage fees for their most loyal frequent flyers who hold minimum balances.

Despite your best efforts though, sometimes baggage fees just can’t be avoided so you should include them in your simple travel budget. Any money you don’t pay for fees can be added to your savings or for a fancy night out – at least you’ll have it to spend on something else! For multi-city flights or RTW trips just be sure to lighten the load before your next flight so you don’t keep paying over and over again.

[photos by: Live And Basic (two suitcases at airport), juicyrai (woman at airline check out), Giorgio Montersino (airline hostesses), mil8 (carry on limit), p0ps Harlow (baggage claim)]

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What Type Of Luggage Do You Travel With? [RESPONSES]

Anil P. — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:00:03 +0000

The travel gear, backpacks, and luggage all of you travel with is as diverse as each of us. I was a bit surprised initially at the variety of the responses when I asked, what type of luggage do you travel with, but after reading them over I realized I shouldn’t have been at all. Whether you’re looking to pick the right backpack or choose the right piece of luggage, the assorted opinions and recommendations of your fellow travelers should have you off to a good start.

Sheila Scarborough: “I use a TravelPro Rollaboard carry-on wheeled suitcase, and a Targus laptop-configured backpack.”

Daniel: “Kelty — FTW! I have a Kelty sling-style day pack that’s six years old now. And it looks almost brand new. Love their gear. Very well made. Would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!”

Mummy_T: “Dodgy, but hard-wearing “North Face” 70l backpack I bought in Thailand, with zip-on, zip-off 20l day pack. My son has a Deuter Fox 30.”

Winnie: “About 15 years ago I bought an MEC Carry-on Travel Pack. It’s not the same as the one they have now with elastic cords and all kinds of gizmos – just a simple big pocket and a little pocket. It holds 30L, has a handle, shoulder strap and backpack straps.”

Erin: “We have left the UK to travel indefinitely as digital nomads and manage to travel hand luggage only. I have a 30 liter Vango transit backpack and my partner Simon has a North Face 40 liter Overhaul backpack. We were looking for bags that zip all around the sides for easy access and so we can lock them. Simon also carries a Martin backpacker travel guitar. We don’t have a separate day pack.”

Donna Hull: “Rolling duffel bags (both carry-on size and checked size) are great. On a trip to Hawaii, I packed snorkeling gear (for 2) into the large rolling duffel bag. One tip for staying organized with a rolling duffel bag, organize each day’s outfit in a large plastic bag. Clothes won’t get as wrinkled and it will be easy to pull out exactly what you need.”

Akila: “Victorinox rolling backpacks. Love, love, love them. We use them rolling about 95% of the time but, occasionally, we convert them into backpacks if need be.”

Ayngelina: “I have a 60L MEC backpack and I carry a small shoulder bag – no turtling for me. But if I had to do it again I would have picked 45L and just been choosier about what I packed.”

Jason: “The best purchase we’ve made for inside the bag are vacuum-seal travel roll bags. Only $10 and after 9 months they’re still going strong.”

Ant Stone: “I’ve used a Karrimor Global 70-90 backpack for the past 7 years and it’s still going strong. I’ve never extended it to the 90 end, it’s like a mental block — I know I have it, but don’t want to jinx the ‘new’ extension.”

Shannon OD: “My faithful pack is a 55L Eagle Creek Meridian and my favorite, favorite part of the backpack (and all of E.Creek’s backpacks I believe) is that it is front loading. I have watched so many travelers struggle with the rucksack style bags and love the huge U-shaped zipper.”

John Bardos: “I have been using a hard shell Samsonite suitcase for the last 6 years and love it. My wife and I just bought a second one after lugging a bag without wheels around Montreal for a couple of hours. They are fantastic for traveling for many reasons.”

This is just a small sampling from the long list of comments, many with useful details about these bags. I encourage you to browse through the comments – you might find luggage you never knew existed, and learn a bit more about what these folks are carrying around as well. Once decide on a piece of luggage however, it’s a good idea to snap a digital picture of it in case it’s lost so you don’t have to end up buying it back.

[photos by: puregin (airport luggage carousel), scottpowerz (black rolling travel bags), Christopher Isherwood (rolling backpack)]

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What Type Of Luggage Do You Travel With?

Anil P. — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:00:33 +0000

I was thinking of titling this post, “what type of backpack do you carry” (and I likely will ask this in a future post), but remembered in your comments that a backpack isn’t necessary to be a backpacker.

So, I’m curious, what type of luggage do you typically travel with, whether it be a backpack, wheeled suitcase, or something else?

Right now I’ve got a Kelty Redwing 3100 that I use, a Wenger Synergy Backpack that keeps proving its usefulness to me, and an REI Travel Zip that fits inside of that. Please let me know what you travel with and I’ll share some of the responses in an upcoming post. I suspect you’ve got an eclectic set of luggage styles and look forward to hearing what they are – as well as a bit about what’s inside too.

[photo by: geishaboy500]

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Why Packing For 2 Weeks Is No Different Than Packing For 2 Months

Anil P. — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:00:05 +0000

Many people correspond the length of a trip to the amount of stuff they have to pack in their luggage. The truth is that you can’t efficiently pack more things than you can use over a 1-2 week period. Whether you’re headed for a week-long holiday or visiting family for several months, you don’t need to carry much more than you can use over 10 days.

Over-packing Takes Away From Your Travels Before You Arrive

Over-packing so you’ll be prepared for a trip wastes the time you have at home – spending hours trying to get every single thing ready before you leave. Despite how much prepare, you’re bound to need something you forgot and won’t use many of the little travel goodies you’ve spent money on.

The World Is Small – You can buy just about anything from the larger towns and cities in most countries around the world.
Lighter – Don’t neglect the weight of your suitcase or backpack, which won’t look too heavy sitting on your bedroom floor. Aside from the strain on your back, you might end up paying a number of fees for going over luggage limits so put your backpack on a diet.
Cost Of Time Over Money – It might be well within your budget to purchase every type of clothing for any kind of weather, but you can’t buy time. That’s time spent researching every possible contingency, searching for the absolute best deals online, or going back and forth to every store under the sun.

The physical weight of all the items you carry isn’t nearly as big of a burden as the mental stress of trying to remember it all. Not to mention you’ll also spend quite a bit of time re-packing once you’re ready to leave. You’re travels are better spent doing the things you love – traveling, eating danishes in Denmark, climbing volcanoes…whatever it may be. (I bet you wouldn’t put packing on that list.)

1-2 Weeks Is The Sweet Spot

Traveling (for most people) isn’t equivalent to moving to a new house. You’re taking a temporary supply of the clothes, electronics, and books you want to use and enjoy while away from home. What you pack before you leave on a trip isn’t absolute – it’s not like you’ve only got one chance to get it right or face catastrophe. People wear clothes and use toothpaste all over the world, you’ll find any essential items at stores no matter where your flight happens to land.

Do Laundry – Washing your clothes (or having someone do it for you at a hotel) once every 10 days isn’t torture. Facilities can be found just about everywhere and you can even wash your clothes in the shower or bathtub.
Take Only What You Need – It seems basic, but what are the things you’ll use more than once on a 1 week trip? Start narrowing down from there and stick to a single carry-on.
Mix And Match Outfits – A few pants, shirts, accessories, plus plenty of socks and underwear can still do wonders for your wardrobe.
You Are Not Packing For The Rest Of Your Life – We tend to use things in a cyclical fashion, think about your daily routine at home. Do you wear every single outfit in your closet, or do you have some favorites?

I’m willing to bet that you’d need to replenish essential supplies in your house within 2 weeks, but could probably last an entire season or two with a jacket, 5 shirts, and 3 pair of pants, plus 10 pair of underwear and socks.

Missing The Destination By Packing Your Home

Most of the most memorable events and culturally insightful anecdotes you’ll come across traveling happen during the ordinary. Going to a local market to find a necklace, stopping by a small shop to get toothpaste, or washing your clothes like the locals do is similar, but not the same as it is back home. Each culture takes human-common things and crafts them under their own lens.

Yes, people around the world wash clothes, go to grocery stores, and drink Coca-Cola, but how they do so reflects their culture and perhaps yours. If you’re packing to bring home with you, it’s possible you could be missing out on seeing anything else, and carrying more baggage than you think.

[photos by: Cayusa (over-packing), downtownBLUE (over-packed group), ohmann alianne (one week written on finger)]

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How To Put Your Backpack On A Diet

Anil P. — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 06:00:19 +0000

Backpacks tend to gain weight over time because their human owners get less diligent about keeping them packed light and efficiently. The longer a given trip is the more stuff that’s going to fill your backpack’s “waistline” – and you might not even notice. That is until your backpack explodes like a pipe bomb the next time you try to find your socks or you pull a back muscle.

Backpacks, like people, need to go on diets from time to time – or better yet, try and watch their weight over the long run. Lightening up your backpack isn’t difficult; it’s a matter of getting back to basics and what you probably already know.

Lay It All Out

You’ll underestimate the amount of stuff you pack if you get lazy and try to eyeball everything. Human beings tend to overestimate what they need and underestimate what they don’t. It’s a great survival trait but in the modern world makes us think we haven’t quite packed enough, “just in case” and the same effect goes for counting calories. (Unless you measure and count everything you eat, you’ll probably (grossly) underestimate how much you eat.)

Rather than guessing, layout everything you will be packing. Count the number of shirts, pants, socks, everything you’ve packed and see if there’s simply too much of one thing. Eliminate what you don’t think you’ll need and get rid of that shirt you haven’t worn in a year. Then invite a friend or family member over to take a look at everything you want to pack, sprawled out and organized by type (i.e. clothing, electronics, etc.)

Getting a second opinion is crucial as you might be tempted to pack something you really want to be useful but just quite isn’t. A second pair of eyes will also catch ways to pack more efficiently.

Use The 80% Rule

Stuffing every last thing you can think of into a backpack and struggling to close it while the zippers are holding on for dear life, isn’t good for your backpack or your back. The first time you pack your bags before leaving home will be the most efficient. That’s when you’ve taken the careful time to layout all of your things and fit them in as best as you can.

After all of that if your backpack is still stuffed, it’s only going to get worse down the line. Leave about 20% empty since you’re not likely to ever pack that well again.

Oh, and of course, you’ll buy souvenirs, gifts, and other things despite your best efforts not to.

Pack The Day Pack

It’s cute looking like a double-sided turtle but rather inefficient for most travelers. You can look into purchasing a folding day-pack like the REI Zip Travel Pack, and stuff it into your larger backpack or travel bag. Limiting yourself to a single bag – or just by reducing the number of bags you carry – will cut down on your overall travel weight. Once you give yourself the luxury of a large day-pack you are sure to use it and end up with two overstuffed backpacks.

Go Back To Basics

We all know that exercise and watching what we eat translates into a healthy body weight – and most of you know the basics of packing efficiently; but it’s easy to get lazy when you’re jetting around the globe.

Roll Your Clothes - But not your socks; and learn how to pack like a stripper.

Cut Down Your Cables - There are converters from USB to wall outlets and cheap USB conversion packs that will let you get rid of all those redundant cables you carry. There aren’t many standard inputs, look at the ends of your (i.e. charger) cables and toss out the ones that work with more than 1 electronic you carry.

Don’t Go Carry-On Crazy – You’ve got a lot more space than you think already. Learn how to stick to a single carry on.

Weigh Your Luggage – You don’t need a fancy luggage scale. Hop up on a regular scale without your backpack, record the weight, then hop up there with your backpack on (or luggage in hand). The difference between the two numbers is the backpack weight. Most airports also have scales for luggage near check-in lines and hotels usually have them as well.

Tie Extra Shoes To Your Backpack – Especially useful for business travelers who want to travel light but still get their run in at the hotel gym in the morning.

Shop Smart - Choose the right backpack for your traveling style and get a smaller backpack than you think you’ll need.

Keeping your backpack’s weight and your packing habits in check is a bit like controlling your own waistline. Rather than loading things up and going on purges in a cyclical fashion, it’s better to track and maintain healthy habits consistently over the long run. A heavy backpack does more than weigh down your back but it also burdens your mind. The easier and faster it is for you to pack before you head to your next destination, the less stressful the entire process will be and you’ll have more energy to spend improving your travels.

[photos by: kharied (woman on scale), get down (backpack contents), mynameisharsha (looking at backpack in mirror), Pink Sherbet Photography (measuring waistline)]

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A Review Of The 51 Liter GoLite Pursuit Backpack

Anil P. — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:00:14 +0000

The 50 liter backpack range is great for many types of packers (light and heavy) on trips of various lengths so I was excited to get a hold of the GoLite Pursuit backpack to review. The sleek Pursuit was named the “best all purpose backpack” by Backpacker Magazine and is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever tried on.

Those of you reading through my daily email update will need to click through to the post to view the video.

Here is the link to my YouTube page mentioned in the video.

More Information About The GoLite Pursuit Backpack

It’s more of a hiking backpack than a travel pack and has slots to carry skis, snowshoes, or a snowboard. My only qualm with the Pursuit is that it’s a top-loader – which likely helps keep it light and streamlined. That makes it a bit inconvenient to grab something easily out of the main compartment but the large front panel should alleviate that issue for many travelers.

The GoLite Pursuit trademarked “Velocity” nylon used to construct the backpack felt strong and durable despite my attempts to rough it up.
GoLite products are designed to be recyclable, including the Pursuit backpack.
It’s small enough to meet most carry-on requirements. You can use Luggage Limits to find the specific dimensions allowed by each airline.

GoLite Recycling Program

The Pursuit has a nice contour shape and felt comfortable with loads up to 15 kilograms (35 lbs) which is the maximum recommended. One thing I really like about GoLite (aside from their lifetime warranty) is that they’ll take back and repair, recycle, re-purpose or donate any of their unwanted products if you send them back. You can also recycle or donate your GoLite backpack yourself and if you do so, GoLite will give you 20% off your next purchase.

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Backpacking Basics Part 2: Picking The Right Backpack