I travel a lot, both professionally and personally (and frequently mixing them). When I got to Tucson over seven years ago and started traveling a lot, it was obvious I needed a better system. I bought myself a top end carry on for a pretty penny (and it was worth every penny). I quickly developed a system. Everything I needed had a place in the bag. I could tell if I had everything I needed simply by looking at it and seeing if there was an empty space. It worked well for over seven years...until it suffered a catastrophic structural failure on my way back from Chile.
Yes, I had to finally get a new bag. I loved my old bag, but they don't make it anymore. It was time to change models.
Again, I didn't skimp. Sure, I could get a cheap bag at Target or something but I find they are heavier and don't have near the packing capacity of a top line bag. Since my philosophy is never check a bag, I need to cram in as much as I possibly can. I have my carry on which goes in the overhead bin and my small backpack which has my computer, camera and a few lenses. That's it.
Luggage is not something I can shop for online...I have to hold it, open every little zippered compartment and try to envision where everything would go. It has to have a wardrobe, have a space for a computer if I decide I want to pack that in my main bag (I usually pack it in my combo computer bag/camera bag). I always get the international bag since I fly internationally once a year or so (bonus: international bags are slightly shorter but wider so my running shoes fit widthwise). I looked at my local luggage shop and spent quite a bit of time poring over three different bags. I didn't buy on my first trip...I went home, read reviews and then went back to buy (I couldn't get it cheaper online and he gave me a discount so it was a little less than ordering from Amazon).
I just packed and am sitting here experiencing packing anxiety. Things have different places now. I am not sure where everything's place is yet. Therefore, I can't tell if something is missing by looking. I probably won't be able to tell until a few days into the trip as I find out if I truly have everything.
If this trip comes off and I didn't forget anything, I hope I remember everything's new place.
Travel well hale-bopp.
ReplyDeleteThat is always the problem. Finding something that is absolutely perfect and when it goes out, never able to find it again.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your travels Hale.
Bon Voyage and happy trails! There is a Walmart and a Walgreen's on almost every corner, now. If you forgot undies or something you can't live without... you could probably find something to get you through.
ReplyDeleteIt happens all too often: you find a product you like and you use it regularly. When the time comes to replace it, they don't make it anymore.
ReplyDeleteLuggage is not something I can shop for online...I have to hold it, open every little zippered compartment and try to envision where everything would go
ReplyDeleteboppster, I'm the same way. Although one time in Texas i needed a small gym bag and i stopped at a JC Penny store and they were on sail...gezzzz Sale and they were excellent, I wish i would have had the time to buy all the peices, there were 4 size gym bags and i wish i could have sent them home some how.
Need be, I can live 2 weeks out of a gym bag. And as someone mentioned there is a wally mart on every other corner.
As I get older, the quantity of items I have accumulated really sits on my mind. We are pigging up the planet with new and improved items to own and tossing away way too much. I think it started to bother me most when I had to dispose of my parents accumulation.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to not buy anything new, but if I need something, I have to touch, try, feel it also. I know it will probably be with me for a long time and I want it to be right.
Interesting blog, hale. Thanks