As I am working on this post, I have received an email pushed out from REI with the title How To Pack For Adventure Travel. I recommend reading it, as well as the one on Packing Lists.
PACKING: Since they have become available, I have used the multi-sized packing cubes. I believe that they keep my clothes organized, easy to find and provide the best solution for packing in my luggage. In one larger cube, I roll my hiking pants or shorts and, if needed, city pants with a rolled up belt. In the other large cube, I fold the shirts which I will be taking. The smaller cubes are used for socks, sleepwear and other required clothing. If you need to bring a raincoat, rain pants and down jacket or vest, it should be placed in a compression bag which is zip sealed, pressed and rolled to get the air out.
LUGGAGE: I mentioned, previously, my travel preference is carry-on luggage. Of course, if you are going trekking or on an expedition, you will need to check a larger piece, which should be a duffel that you can lock. Keep in mind that if you must bring a larger backpack or day pack, it can be placed inside a locked duffel and checked.
I have two pieces of luggage that have been my favorites in my "later years" - they both have wheels. One is made by Eagle Creek and the other by Patagonia. The one by Eagle Creek is no longer available, but I see that they have a wheeled duffel carry-on with a "no matter what" warranty. My Patagonia is a Black Hole wheeled duffel, which I use on most travel. Reviewers state that these are good for a weeks travel, but I have traveled over a month without a space problem. Patagonia has a life-time warranty. NOTE: Lock your luggage, even if you intend for it to be a carry-on, in case the airline takes it last minute for checking.
DAY PACK or MESSENGER/ SHOULDER BAG: I believe that the messenger bag is a upgraded name for the "man bag." I have an early version of a shoulder bag, which can carry a water bottle, camera, wallet, etc., but it becomes uncomfortable after several hours of city exploring. Now, I put my REI Flash pack into the Patagonia duffel, since it will compress and not take too much space. It is easier to wear, can hold two water bottles if needed, has space for rain wear and a down jacket and has worked very well for me.
For my "personal" carry-on bag, I prefer the Osprey Comet 30L which will carry a wallet, tickets, camera, binoculars, snacks, sunglasses, etc., including my flight bag which has a blanket, eye shades, ear plugs, kindle, tablet, Boise headphones and small notebook with pen. Yes, it also has my satellite phone.
"But wait! Are you using the Osprey Comet for hiking trips?" Up until this summer, I have used a Kelty Redwing as my personal carry-on bag and hiking pack. Since this fall, I have changed to an sm/med Osprey 38 which will fit in the overhead with the carry-on length restrictions. Osprey, also, has an "All Mighty Guarantee."
Send me your thoughts or ideas regarding clothing, packing and luggage.
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| Arches (2016) |
But the oldest practice is still the best. Take your soul for a stroll. Long walks, short walks, morning walks, evening walks---whatever form or length it takes. Walking is the best way to get out of your head. Recall the invocation of the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, who said, "Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts." As if in his footsteps, Friedrich Nietzsche also remarked, "Never trust a thought that didn't come by walking."
The Art of Pilgrimage, Phil Cousineau
