# Luggage Preferences and Packing Light **URL:** \ **Category:** Meet-ups & Travel\ **Created:** [27 November 2021 18:47 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118 "2021-11-27T18:47:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Angela\_L](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/angela_l/32/1521_2.png) [@Angela\_L](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Angela_L)\ **Post date:** [9 June 2022 03:20 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/62 "2022-06-09T03:20:41Z")
Try these recommendations for size @mars > **[The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2022, Tested by TripSavvy](https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-carry-on-bags-4134319?utm_source=googlepaid&utm_medium=con&utm_content=CjwKCAjwkYGVBhArEiwA4sZLuDSlEUuy7)** > > We tested the best carry-on luggage in our lab, putting several brands up against a rigorous stress test to help you find the best one for you. ---
**Author:** ![MEnstone](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/menstone/32/9105_2.png) [@MEnstone](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/MEnstone)\ **Post date:** [11 June 2022 02:40 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/64 "2022-06-11T02:40:59Z")
We travelled India with just carryon. Granted, didn’t need clothing for multiple climates, and warm-weather clothes take up less space than cool-weather clothing. We each had one of these: [Pakt One Travel Duffel](https://paktbags.com/products/the-pakt-one) We googled some “minimalist packaging” blogs and lists, etc. and created our own packing lists from those PLUS bought a couple of specific items (Patagonia nanopuft jackets (bang for buck for warmth and compressibility; Bluffworks travel (I.e. hidden zippered pockets) trousers/shorts))). Like buying a new car we made a “base package”-list, a “cold weather package”-list, “hot weather”-list, a “water package”-list etc. Something like this: #### Hot weather Package - above-80F Everything in the Base Package with the following adjustments: Switch or add 2x Linen shirts? Guayabera? Switch or add 2x no-show wool socks? Add 1x dress shorts Hat/s: 1x wide brim boonie sun hat Add 1x sandals And base package something like: Luggage: PAKT One Cable+lock, TSA locks, big-ass combination lock #### Wear on the plane Package Black dress Docs/Helm Chukka boots, compression socks, boxer briefs, travel trews, (white?) dress shirt, sports jacket, black belt, watch. Coat? #### Carry-on personal item ID/passports, wallet, sunglasses, iPhone, Apple-lightning-USB charging cable, pen, … #### Base Package - 45-85F Packing cube (small): - 3x boxer briefs - 3x socks (2x midweight merino wool socks; 1x heavier weight merino wool socks). Add 4th pair: DeFeet running socks that can double as dress socks. Packing cube (medium): - 1x wool undershirts - 1x Ten Thousand liner shorts (that I can run & swim in; that I can wear down to hotel lobby) - 1x tech T-shirt (that I can run in; that I can wear down to hotel lobby) Packing cube (large): - 4-6x mix’n’match of Untuckit and Thomas Pink shirts - long sleeve shirts + short sleeve shirts 1x trews/jeans 1x dress shorts 1x quarter-zip wool sweater 1x Patagonia Torrentshell rain shell 1x Patagonia nano puff vest 1x Clark’s Desert boots – something to wear with shorts and longs 1x flip-flops 1x lightweight beanie; 1x $1 gloves; 1x baseball cap. dopp kit: tooth-brush & -paste; savlon, soap, 12x dental floss stick thingies; razor-handle (?& -blades if not going through TSA?); nail file; nail clippers; tweezers; little safety scissors, 2x4 safety pins, … Medical kit: Band-Aids? Allergy pills? Aleve? Anti-diarrheals? Antimalarials? Electronics kit: power adapters/converters; cables; …? 3x Ziplock baggies, different sizes, S/M/L A (stupidly lightweight) daypack (argh, surely this can double as a laundry bag?) Packable grocery bag Silk mummy sleeping bag liner Plastic universal sink plug Break-proof whistle Write-on-able tape + sharpie Aerobie ---
**Author:** ![fyfie](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/fyfie/32/1184_2.png) [@fyfie](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/fyfie)\ **Post date:** [11 June 2022 09:31 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/65 "2022-06-11T09:31:28Z")
hi AussieGail Thanks for your message. Funnily enough I do most of what you suggested and I use some recyclable ziplock bags and squeeze the air out of them and things take up less space. Have used these for a while now especially good if using rucksack/backpack. I label them with the items inside so I don’t have to open them to find out what is inside. I did think about using charity/thrift shops for anything I might find I need once I get to destination. thanks again F. ---
**Author:** ![Kelownagurl](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/kelownagurl/32/1707_2.png) [@Kelownagurl](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Kelownagurl)\ **Post date:** [11 June 2022 17:33 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/66 "2022-06-11T17:33:38Z")
When we walked the Camino, I had a packing list like that (although even less stuff) and everything was weighed in grams to try to be as lightweight as possible. ---
**Author:** ![JamesStumpf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e19b73/32.png) [@JamesStumpf](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/JamesStumpf)\ **Post date:** [27 July 2022 18:43 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/67 "2022-07-27T18:43:44Z")
Hey Mars, when I was flying to Austria, I was warned that the carry-on baggage policy may vary by company, I solved this problem by going to the website of the airline which makes [business class flights to Austria](https://businessclassconsolidator.com/destinations/business-class-flights-to-europe-austria/) and looking at their baggage policy. He answered for all my questions, I would not want to overpay just because I did not know their rules. ---
**Author:** ![Wetravel](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/wetravel/32/37353_2.png) [@Wetravel](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Wetravel)\ **Post date:** [19 September 2022 21:23 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/68 "2022-09-19T21:23:12Z")
Excellent! Thank you for the great details - it’s very much appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![toml](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/toml/32/2049_2.png) [@toml](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/toml)\ **Post date:** [7 February 2025 22:37 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/70 "2025-02-07T22:37:18Z")
The Tumi intl size carryon that I’ve been using since Delta Airlines gifted it to me in 2010 when I hit 2 million lifetime miles is shot now, I think. The extendable handle broke once before and Tumi put a new handle on. It broke again and Tumi has told me it can’t be repaired (I think they’ve changed the part a few years ago and have finally run out of replacements.) I don’t think I want to spend what Tumi charges to replace it with the same thing (although their customer service is great - when the first on broke on a trip, I brought it to the local Tumi store at the sit for repair), they provided a loaner to get me home and shipped my repaired bag to the local Tumi store at my home. I needed to return the loaner. But replacing with another Tumi would be at least $600 on sale. I’m amazed at the number of hardside spinner carryons in the market, every one of them claiming to be the best. I found an all aluminum spinner on Amazon that was on sale the day I bought it for less than $200 (now the price is back up to about $300). You have to read the descriptions carefully with ‘aluminum’ spinners - some have aluminum frames but polycarbonate bodies. A Tumi aluminum is $1200 and a Rimowa is $1500! ---
**Author:** ![mdarden1x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7bcc69/32.png) [@mdarden1x](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/mdarden1x)\ **Post date:** [7 February 2025 23:57 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/71 "2025-02-07T23:57:29Z")
I’ve been happy with the Cotopaxi 35, which incorporates packing cube-like pockets; some can be accessed from the exterior, which is helpful in flight or anytime you need quick access. ---
**Author:** ![Bluehorse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bluehorse](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Bluehorse)\ **Post date:** [3 March 2025 22:36 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/73 "2025-03-03T22:36:26Z")
I just returned from 2.5 months in Australia, hand luggage only. They sell e.g. socks and tshirts in Aus as well, so no need to overpack - just buy locally if you run out. For warmth pack layers (didn’t need any in Aus, but left from & arrived in winter in Europe). Shoes never more than the pair I wear and a very light-weight spare set. Like others have in the past also bought some warm clothes on the spot and then donated them. Didn’t bring e.g. shampoo and similar, as they sell that locally. Was glad I didn’t have more with, as I changed accommodation 9-10 times, mostly traveling on public transport between them. So much easier if only having to lug a stroller suitcase + dayback ---
**Author:** ![Dana144](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/forum.trustedhousesitters.com/dana144/32/34269_2.png) [@Dana144](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/Dana144)\ **Post date:** [4 May 2025 10:17 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/74 "2025-05-04T10:17:39Z")
Much easier to travel with a carry-on. I use a 40 litre backpack, which I’ve had no issue with size or weight. Last year I was forced to check it on my way from Vancouver to Prague as they said the flight was full and there wouldn’t be room. I arrived for my 2 week sit in Prague, while my luggage travelled the globe on its own. Thankfully I pulled my sandals out as I was dressed for September/October in Brussels. I bought 1 outfit at a Charity shop and the homeowner offered up an outfit. Made me wonder why I even needed a carry-on 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![one-eyed\_scallywag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3be4f8/32.png) [@one-eyed\_scallywag](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/one-eyed_scallywag)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 11:46 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/75 "2025-05-08T11:46:41Z")
in a pinch, you can tie a pair of shoes to the outside of a backpack/bag. not ideal, but can be a big help! (I usually just tie them to a strap on my backpack, but looks like there’s also a product for it!) ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/uploads/trustedhousesitters/original/3X/1/4/14b003556d07f0f7a3653d3eae7d396dd991fe86.jpeg) lots of great tips have been given here, so I won’t belabor the point. a lot of it is trial and error – do the best you can on this first trip, and you’ll start to learn what you do/don’t need. I always try to leave some empty space in my luggage when departing from home, because I know I’ll probably buy a couple things before returning. I also try to remind myself that I can generally buy whatever I need along the way… it’s not life-and-death if I leave something behind. plus it’s generally cheaper to buy one or two items once you’ve landed than it is to pay for checked/shipped luggage there and back. ---
**Author:** ![tokyokid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a88e4f/32.png) [@tokyokid](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/tokyokid)\ **Post date:** [8 May 2025 12:37 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/76 "2025-05-08T12:37:20Z")
We’ve both used the Osprey Farpoint 40 as our carry-on for 70+ housesits. Now we’re thinking about downsizing to an Osprey Quasar 26 to use solely as a personal item, to save on carry-on fees with low-cost carriers in Europe. Does anyone here have experience with the Osprey Quasar 26? ---
**Author:** ![anon52083843](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@anon52083843](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/u/anon52083843)\ **Post date:** [27 June 2025 18:29 UTC](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118/77 "2025-06-27T18:29:45Z")
I always take photos and document what I’ve packed, along with pics of any check in bags. If things get lost I then have something that will satisfy my insurers. There’s no way I’d just remember everything if I’m travelling for months as is often the case. The photo of the bag makes it easier for airlines and luggage handlers if it goes astray [Previous page](https://forum.trustedhousesitters.com/t/luggage-preferences-and-packing-light/8118.md?page=3)