Packing light for a Big Guy

Peter, Due to the fact your clothing sizes are larger, I'd suggest using larger luggage of an appropriate size to fit the items you want to travel with, and check the bag during air travel. I also travel primarily by train, and haven't had any problems with that method. What type of luggage are you using?

Peter,
My husband is a solid guy, and he has a hard time packing light, too. The only suggestion I could think would be, since your shoes are big, to pack your socks and undergarments IN the shoes. I'm a big fan of rolling, and I invested in packing cubes a couple of years ago, which are wonderful. It gets 'em in there tight, plus it's good for your "personal item" bag, for keeping your clothes separate from your other things. Checking bags isn't as evil as others might have you think, if the carry-on doesn't work.

I usually wear size large and end up with only about 60 percent of my carry-on full. Four shirts, two pairs of pants, two pair of socks and underwear, an extra light-weight sweater and your shave kit are not going to overflow a carry-on even if they are very large clothes. If you have trouble, you can probably get by with just one change of pants in your bag. On the plane wear one set of clothes, including a sweater and rainshell. If you need to have a blazer, wear it on the plane and roll the rainshell up in your carry-on. The one thing I'd change is skip the second pair of shoes, go with one pair that are good walkers but also look decent with khakis. Never pack hiking boots unless that's the sole purpose of your trip, then wear them on the plane.

A few years ago I traveled to Garmish for a conference and faced the same issue. I was there in the winter so I also had to bring a heavy coat. These are some of the things I did: 1). Used a carry-on suitcase that could zip out to expand to a larger size. It allowed for some extra room, but was still easy to lug around. 2). Used compression bags for my clothes (think low-tech vacuum sealing). Basically they allow you to squeeze the air out to save space. 3). Wore my biggest pair of shoes on the plane. In this case they were a pair of light hikers. 4). Brought/wore my coat on the plane and tucked a few things in its pockets. Good luck.

Wear the boots as they will take up more space in your bag than shoes. Evaluate your bag. Many have a foam padding layer built in. Tear that sucker out. Roll your clothes. Cram things into every possible space. Compress and then zip. You can do this, you dont have that much.

Thanks for the replies folks. With regard to "what bag do I have," I don't have one yet that I would consider ideal. I have a gigantic 28" roller that really is too big/heavy for anything nowadays and a TravelPro 22" rollaboard. I'm ready to go and buy one piece that would probably be the "ideal" size. I'm thinking of a 25" 4-wheel roller but I'm open to suggestions on that front. As to check/not-check, I will always bring back a couple of bottles of something not sold in the U.S. and of course that means the bag goes in the hold at least on the way back. In this case, I'm not so much looking for "must be carry on" as I am "must be easy to shlep between train stations and hotels and up cable-cars." When I test-packed yesterday I did, indeed, roll up socks and stuff the shoes and put the undergarmets in Eagle Creek "quarter-cubes." I will be quite time-limited on my itinerary and hadn't intended to do laundry unless I have no alternative (the size difference between 4pr and 9pr of these items should not be huge and will save a lot of hassle, I suspect). On my last London trip I used the Space Saver vacuum bags and they were kinda OK, but they didn't last and leaked after their third use. Re Brad's suggestion, extra shoes aren't something I like to carry but in this case, can I realistically leave them out? It's one thing to be at a trade show in Rockport semi-dressy shoes. It's quite another to be walking narrow ridge trails in the Alps, where good solid footing is not to be taken lightly. On the airplane I like Sperry Topsiders that I can easily slip into and out of at SecurityTheatre checkpoints. The sweater/shell will indeed come with me on the aircraft. So, luggage wise, given these circumstances, what direction should I head in, do you think? Again, my thanks to all in advance. Best regards,
Peter

I've always said that not everyone can pack light all the time. It really depends on the situation. Let's look at yours: 1) You have larger than say "average" sized clothes. 2) You're bringing a large pair of hiking boots 3) You don't want to do laundry. 4) You want room to bring back a couple of bottles 5) You need clothes for two distinctly different climates
6) You'll have lots of electronic and camera equipment. In this case, you're probably not going to be able to carry-on. If you're going to check anyway, why bother buying a smaller suitcase. Just use your roller. If you do want to get something smaller, I'd suggest staying away from a "spinner." They'll be fine at the airport and hotel, but if you go anywhere else, they won't be as maneuverable. Stick to two good solid wheels. (Ebags wheeled duffels are very well made at a good price.) I know there will be a bunch on people here who will get mad at what I just wrote and tell you to carry-on at all costs, and that you'll just have to make do without. Or how they can pack for a six week trip and their bag only weighs 6 ounces. But I'm more of a realist and your needs are different than others. The idea of using packing cubes is good because it will keep you organized. I'd also suggest bringing something to wrap your hiking boots in because you don't want to get the rest of your clothes dirty.

The wheeled duffels do look good. The spinners also looked good but having never used one before I don't know if they're a good or bad thing. My 28" travelpro (which we refer to as Bagzilla) is about 15# empty and a bear to use--and FAR larger than I need for a trip like this. I'm well-traveled and usually do well with two pieces (one in the hold one smaller one with me). I'd wanted to do a pure carry-on originally but the "two styles of clothing and vastly different climates" thing talked me out of that. I'm actually not carrying much electronic gear this time. Camera body (Nikon D200), two lenses, 2 filters and a charger, plus the miniature netbook with its charger and a small GSM cell. I had wanted to buy a trekking pole with a tripod attachment but unfortunately none collapse short enough to bring in a 25" bag (at least none I could find).

Dont know if this would be helpful or not, but Magellan's is having a sale on Eagle Creek gear. Just got the e-mail today, no idea how long it will last. There is a 25" roller that is a bit over 8#. http://www.magellans.com/store/Shop_by_Brand___Eagle_Creek___Sale?Args=&Partner_ID=E3261

I pack light but I always check my bigger bag - I carry a Swiss army knife and more liquids than are allowed (I travel for months rather than weeks) and I don't want to schlep it round the terminal. I also wear my light weight hiking boots on the plane - I hear you about the hassle at security, but it's worth it to have the boots. (I need the ankle support.) There's no way they'd fit in my bag. How many flights are you taking, anyway? And within Europe you'll probably get to keep your footwear on.

@Pam, thanks for the link to Eagle Creek. I think that's the route I'll go. A 25" roller at 8# can't be all bad, especially from Eagle Creek--although I wanna fondle one in a local brick-and-mortar store before I make the decision to buy. I used to be a huge fan of Travel Pro, before the quality went down, the price went up and the weights stayed the same. When I first started going to London the weight limit for coach was 70# and Bagzilla could do it easily, and with room to spare. As limits went down I realized I needed something lighter. I'd also like an ultra light-weight folding garment bag style for business trips but that's lower on the priorities list.

Although I am today a fanatic about light packing and carrying on, I do understand your predicament. In the 80s, I made two business trips to Europe and, I had to have suits, dress shirt, and had no time to wash anything but underwear. I hadn't heard of carry-on only, but there was no way I could have. My larger suitcase was 19"x22". So I had to check luggage and almost had it lost twice. I recommend you take one carry-on sized bag and carry it with you with at least several changes of clothes. Check the other one. That way you won't walk around for a week in the same clothes.

@Lee,
My second bag is a Travelpro tote with my electronics gear, meds and a couple of pairs of socks/underwear plus a light shirt for exactly that reason. Since I'm flying Lufthansa to Germany (from Newark), and staying in a fairly large city, I'd have to say my chances of having a bag permanently misplaced are minimal, and if it's misplaced for a day or two, no big deal. And if the worst did happen, a couple more shirts, personal items and a hat wouldn't bankrupt me if I had to buy them in expensive Zermatt (5 days into the trip). I think if it wasn't for the extra footwear, underwear and socks, I could probably get away with a carry-on, at least on the way over (i.e. no bottles to travel outbound). Since the UW/socks are cotton, and buying all new "travel" clothes is impractical at this point, I'm resigned to hauling these extra items on this trip. Of course, the real curse is that there is so much extra fabric needed to make my oversized clothes than for regular-sized folks and that diminishes the space I have for other gear.

Peter, As you're looking at different options for luggage, a few more suggestions. To begin with, unless you're really comfortable with your 28" Roller, it might be better to leave that behind. It won't be as comfortable hauling around on trains or in Cable Cars. It sounds like you are comfortable with your present carry-on bag. Whichever luggage you decide on for this trip will likely also be useful for many future trips, both domestic and foreign, so be sure to buy a quality product! The next point to decide is which type of luggage you'll be most comfortable with. The three "basic" choices are wheelie bags, shoulder bags or Backpacks. I travel with a Backpack when in Europe and don't plan to ever use any other method. You might find it helpful to have a look at a few websites, in order to get a broader range of choices. Here's a few: Red Oxx (VERY well made luggage in a variety of styles - company was started by ex-Green Beret Parachute Riggers - I've been trying an Air Boss for domestic trips and it's been great!) www.tombihn.com/ (Also extremely good quality products) Eagle Creek (Good selection of both wheeled luggage and Backpacks) Rick Steves (Rick's own designs, in various styles) As you plan on bringing home some "beverages", be sure to allow for that when you choose which size luggage to buy. Good luck!

I also wear my light weight hiking boots on the plane - I hear you about the hassle at security, but it's worth it to have the boots. (I need the ankle support.) There's no way they'd fit in my bag. How many flights are you taking, anyway? And within Europe you'll probably get to keep your footwear on. Security and comfort is not really a big hassle with boots once you realize that nobody checks the size of your carry on at the security check point or after you get on the plane. I went on a trip in which I needed three pairs of footwear - heavy boots, tevas and sneakers. (Rare for me I typically get away with just the one pair of walking shoes). Sneakers stayed in the carry on bag. I arrived at the airport with the tevas on my feet, and the boots in a plastic bag you get from the grocery store. Went thru security with no problem. At the gate I put the boots on and could easily fit the sandals in my carry on bag. Wore the boots until I got to my seat. Then they came off and got tossed in the overhead compartment and wore the comfortable sandals on the plane. I carried off of the plane more luggage than your are allowed to carry on. But there is no carry off inspection.

Lee makes an excellent point re: carrying on several changes of clothes. This is not only good advice for any traveler, but especially for someone who wears 3XL shirts. My guess is that if you had to buy XXXL clothing quickly in Europe, it would be extremely hard to find. Footwear also scares me, because EEEEEs would probably be next to impossible to purchase quickly, especially the hiking boots. I've never done it, but others could advise re: FedXing or UPSing one bag to your hotel (with instructions to hold for you on XX arrival date) ahead of time.....trackable vs. the roll of the dice of checked luggage getting lost. Will be interesting to hear what others think of that vs. checking. If that makes sense, I'd carry-on a 21-inch rollaboard, put the electronic stuff/netbook in a tote as the personal item, and then ship (or check) the rest. That would mean two suitcases to keep up with, plus the tote (tote could go inside one for rolling once you land).

Peter, FWIW my husband packs the same size clothing in a carry-on sized backpack for trips lasting 2-3 weeks, so it can be done. Some questions: 1)The Rockports I'm familiar with are actually made for some trekking (trekking shoes dressed up); will yours really not handle where you're going? 2) Are your slip-ons worth the 5 minutes total of ease at the security checkpoints? 3) You should assume you'll be forced to check your trekking pole...4)Can you get by with a warm jacket? Do you know if where you want to hike is open at this time of year? 5)In how many different locations are you sleeping? Unless you're taking the thinnest of dress socks, 9 pair is A LOT of bag filler. I'd consider some sink-washing of socks and underwear, if you're in the same location for 2-3 nights. 6)I pack a 12"x24" sturdy duffle bag flattened in the bottom of my backpack for the return home (see REI. com); I've typically picked up something not TSA-friendly by the end of my trip. 7)Watch those spinner bags; Be Sure the 2 in the 'back' can be used for tilting and rolling your bag (like a typical rolling bag); some are only meant to be moved completely vertically. I'm asking honest questions, so I hope they don't sound sarcastic ;-) He also uses Eagle Creek's Pack-It folders (large size), so his clothes stay neatly folded yet VERY compacted. I realize you have other items to carry with you, but I still think you can carry on if you want...

I'm typing on an iTouch with a worse-than-usual hand tremor AND no reading glasses (I'm falling apart LOL!!!), so approx. 97 people posted while I typed...My husband carries cotton socks, too - just roll them tightly in a towel after hand-washing and even his very thick ones are dry in a couple of days and cotton underwear in 24-36 hours. I do like Ed's suggestion of wearing the Tevas, then switching (although I'd rather not wear hiking boots on the long flight). Be ruthless-take what you need, and need what you take. Have a great, and successful, trip!

Hi Eileen, >>Some questions: >>1)The Rockports I'm familiar with are actually made for some trekking (trekking shoes dressed up); will yours really not handle where you're going? Naw, they're a little dressy and I wouldn't want them to get badly scuffed up. They're definitely for trade-show and related events that require a lot of standing aroumd. >> 2) Are your slip-ons worth the 5 minutes total of ease at the security checkpoints? That's an excellent question and the post earlier regarding Tevas and hikers is quite valid - I may consider that if all else fails. Overall, though, when when it's time to do the TSA thing I'm the guy you want to be behind in line. zip-zip, in/out, gone. I may reconsider for this case, however. >> 3) You should assume you'll be forced to check your trekking pole Well, so far I haven't found one I like, so it may be moot. TSA says they can be carried on as a personal item but must be stowed by the crew. On an A340 I expect there'll be sufficient space for a little pole if it comes to that. >> 4)Can you get by with a warm jacket? Do you know if where you want to hike is open at this time of year? Just bringing a rain shell and will layer a warm shirt, sweater and t-shirt as necessary. I will be heading up the Gornergraat railway and the Kline Matterhorn in Zermatt as well as Piz Gloria in the Berner Oberland (last week of June) so I will need a bit of warmth. 5)In how many different locations are you sleeping?
1 night in Munich, 3 in Friedrichshafen, 2 in Zermatt, 2 in Murren, 1 in D'dorf. ... (more in next post)

Re spinners, I went up to the big department stores near me (Macy's and Penney's) to see what was what and I wasn't impressed by spinners or any of the lookalike Chinese-made junque selling for $250 and up. What I did like was a 24 or 26" rolling duffel, weighing a tad under 8 pounds. Nobody carried Eagle Creek and I wanna check that out before buying. Are there advantages to a rolling upright over a similar-sized rolling duffel? Re backpacks, I had one, once, and never again. As you can see from the thread's title, I'm a really Big Guy and I just don't do backpacks very well at all :-). I bought a camera backpack for a trip to the Bahamas and hated every minute with it. The trails I'm planning on taking are probably not very steep or difficult but I'm still concerned about footing. Getting a badly sprained ankle because of poor footing would Suck.

Peter, I often check a bag when I am traveling to Europe. I almost always have a tri-pod and hiking poles and hiking boots and a camera. And that means that I have to check. So, I do wear my hiking boots onto the plane. I always have a pair of sandals and promptly change into them the minute I walk on the plane. ; ) I've got treking poles from REI. I am happy to learn that there will be an REI in the city in the fall (I just moved here). In the meantime, there is a store in East Hanover NJ that you might want to check out. This sounds like a great trip. Pam

Peter, I completely understand wanting the check out the goods in person before you purchase. Do you have an AAA near you? I was completely surprised that my local one (and hey, we're talking N. Idaho, not a metropolis!) had both some Eagle Creek gear as well as RS gear. The only RS things they had were the wheeled ones + some accessories, but you might check to see if an AAA has them in your area. @Ed...awesome idea regarding the boots/sandals switcheroo.

I think the nine pair of socks is a huge problem. I saw the basket ball size wad of white tube socks (about 6 pair) that my husband stuffed into a clear plastic cube packing bag a few weeks ago for a week long domestic trip and I nearly fainted. The socks (and underwear) took up half of the room in his carry on bag. It will take a little more creative thinking to come up with a way to pack 9 pair of socks for a 10 day trip. I would highly recommend buying some cotton/polyester blend socks for your trip so that you can hand wash a couple of times and take 1/2 the number of socks. The cotton/poly blend should dry much faster than all cotton. Also consider stuffing socks into every nook and cranny of your carry-on, coat pockets, and camera bag to distribute the mass of those 9 pair of socks, if you really need to take that many pair. If you are talking about the volume of 9 pair of dress socks that isn't so foreboding but if you are talking about 9 pair of hiking/tube socks that is a lot of volume contend with. I think this is one area where you could make the biggest impact on your success to get all of your clothes into a reasonably sized, maneuverable bag. Another thing to consider it to take your oldest pairs of socks and discard the worst of the worst along the way freeing up room for bring back things or at least not having to have socks stuffed in everywhere on your way home. Sorry to seem obsessive, but I had a hard time not saying anything when my husband filled up 1/2 of his suitcase for a week long domestic car trip with underwear and socks so I guess I'm letting off steam here...

I'll look for a local AAA office over the weekend and see what they have. I've been to the REI in West Hanover (WOW!!) and will go back again. They didn't have the poles I was interested in but they have a lot of great stuff, for sure. As far as socks are concerned, only 4 pr of thick tube socks for those days in the Alps. Trade-show will be thin ones, Travel days (train and airplane) will either be thin or sandals-only so I might be able to cut a few corners. If it's cold and miserable, sandals will be right out, of course. I'm going to look into getting some Tilley stuff online but probably not before this trip. I'd love to get Red Oxx but that's well beyond my price range at this point. I'm definitely thinking "rolling duffel" now. I'm just not sure if there's an advantage of an upright over a duffel or vice-versa. Any opinions one way or 'tother?

Peter, Take a look at RS bags on ebags: http://www.ebags.com/product/rick-steves/24-roll-about-upright/122315?productid=10100470
There are 24" and 26" versions of the 21" bag available on the RS website. I have the 21" and love it. The 24" might be just enough to fit what you need without being too cumbersome. If you take a small packable duffel as your carry-on (with a couple of days clothes in case of delay of your bag) and leave enough room in the checked bag to add the clothes that you carry on, you will then have only the one bag to carry through your trip. The packable duffel can be tucked in your main bag and used as a backup to haul souvenirs home in.

I get by on less socks and underwear because I sink wash a pair a day and hang them to dry in my room. Pants and shirts usually stand a little more wear so I plan a laundry stop at a laundromat every couple of weeks. Ten days sounds longer than it will seem when you get there. Several changes of basic, flexible clothes will serve you much better than an outfit for every conceivable occasion.

Peter, My husband is 6'4" and a runner. His running shoes are size 15. We travel with the Eddie Bauer 19" drop bottom duffel. Shoes go in the bottom, toilet case slips inside the shoe. Other shoe is for small misc. items. Tilly hat is packed in the middle(with a shoe on each side) running clothes go in the hat. Two pair of Tilly pants at the end of shoes. Pack the rain shell and the microfleece (in a compressable bag) on top. End pockets are for underware and socks. Shirts are in the top of the bag. Kindle and other misc. items are in the other end pocket. He wears his sport coat and dockers with a wrinkle free shirt on the plane. Hope this gives you some ideas and a little help?

I've seen the bulk that men's large socks can take up (my son)! For my month long trip last year in the Andes, I took three pair of medium weight merino wool socks and a lightweight dress pair. It did mean that I rinsed a pair out each night, but they dried quickly, kept my feet comfortable and took up much less room in my luggage. Would that be a possibility for you instead of the bulky cotton socks?

Lotsa great suggestions. I went down to REI again this afternoon and settled on an Eagle Creek 25" (The Switchback Max 25), which was on clearance for just under $200 (about $130 off full price). Nice zip-off day pack, solid wheels and full backpack carrying straps if I (or my wife, when she uses it) want to go that way. I've got a bunch of Tilley travel socks and underwear on my Christmas Wish List so for next time I'll be able to go a bit lighter but I think I'm good now for my upcoming German and Swiss adventure. @Deloris, I'm very impressed how a 6'4" guy with size 15 shoes can fit all that in a 19" bag--that's impressive. You guys should make a Youtube video demonstrating how it's done! Thanks again to everyone for your great suggestions!

Peter, I 've been to Zermatt and done all those walks,, a lightweight rainshell and a lightweight sweater or fleece will be fine,, you do not need a warm coat,, remember one gets warm when walking. Also,, if you don't have hikers already,, you really only need very lightweight ones, those trails are not scary or cliff edge really,, the one up to the Matterhorne hut has a few narrow areas and a few ladders, but I did it in runner type hikers,, so even with lightwieght hikers you will be fine. Wear them on plane. No way would I even consider all those socks,, honestly, wash some in a sink , or just throw them out as you go..
And Eileens suggestion of stuffing shoes with undies etc is spot on.

I'm currently looking for EEEEE-width hiking shoes (no luck yet but that search is only beginning). I am sticking to the easiest of trails there and in Murren/Gimmelwald since I'm not in great shape, but still want to get around on foot to as good a degree as possible. I'm not a fan of sneakers for anything but cutting the grass at home :) When I test-packed I had the 4pr of thick socks stuffed into the boots that I already own, and the other thinner dress/casual socks bundled and rolled, and stuffed into a packing cube. Underwear in the cube or rolled/stuffed as space permitted was a bit better, then the bundle of shirts, shorts and slacks on top of that. I could have gotten everything into a 22" bag but with no room for my Dopp kit, cigars, chargers/wires or anything else. Plus I'd have had to unzip/expand the bag, meaning it would be too big as a rollaboard anyways and would need to go into the hold. As stated earlier, whatever bag will have to go in the belly on the way back as I'll have some decent hooch coming home with me (very interested in trying Swiss single malt whisky!). I will test-pack with the new 25" but just looking at the bag empty on the living room floor is telling me it'll be more than enough, even without the daypack attached.

Peter, in regards to the trekking pole - I wish I'd known that TSA will now allow you to bring one on the plane as long as the flight attendant puts it away. I would have brought mine on our recent trip to Germany and Switzerland. Anyway, I was looking through the new Hammacher Schlemmer catalog today and they offer a packable walking stick that collapses and packs away in a 11 1/4" case, opens to a length of 50", and has a threaded post that accepts cameras. Item #HJ-77776 for $29.95. And no, I don't work for them! Think I would have bought this before the trip had I seen it then.

Saw that same stick in Eddie Bauer's at Woodbury Common last week for about the same price. Downside is that it's not adjustable. I find 50" too long, personally. Plus when fully extended, it's really not very strong. Just my opinion. REI had a great one for about $60 but it's 28". For TSA, you have to display to them that it's needed as a mobility aid (i.e. a walking stick in the terminal, etc) and not just a travel accessory...otherwise, down below it goes.

Peter, understand your issues with respect to shoes and hiking boots, and realize that you may not necessarily want to be purchasing new footwear for the trip... if you do however, there are good multi purpose shoes around that could probably suit all your needs, both trade show wear and hiking. Some varieties of Rockports are good as are some Ecco shoes just to mention a few ..eg the Ecco Track IV''s would be ideal for your needs I think...look decent for tradeshow and have a good solid tread for outdoor activities. I have a pair that I wear to work( business casual...nice shirt and khaki pants is the standard fare ) and also use for walking and would have no problem using them for the trails in Switzerland( been there..) as the tread is excellent..plus they are waterproof....

My suggestion is to head over to Campmor's store in Paramus. http://www.campmor.com They may have a lot of what you're looking for. (You can check their website first.) (And don't forget they're closed on Sundays since Paramus still has blue laws.) For your type of travel, I'd suggest the wheeled duffel over the standart wheeled case. They are more maneuverable. And has it been mentioned earlier in the thread, pack some clothes in you carry-on just in case your checked bag is delayed or lost. You will have a hard time finding your size in Europe.

It may of course be that I am just not 'cool' but I have no idea half of the time of what you lot are talking about, and that's not just this post. What are:
shlep, 21" rollaboard, REI, rainshell, tilley socks, AAA office, spinners, LOL, FWIW, blue laws, UPSing, switcheroo, TSA friendly, rolling duffle, IMO (just got this one - in my opinion) and BTW? As Shaw said we are two people separated by a common language.

Shoni, don't feel bad, I'm American by birth and I have no idea what any of those things are either, with the exception of REI- sporting goods store in the US.

shlep -- Yiddish, means to carry 21" rollaboard - 21 inch suitcase with wheels REI - Recreational Equipment Inc., Seattle based retailer (cooperative) specializing in outdoor clothes and equipment Rainshell -- rain jacket or slicker Tilley socks -- socks made by retailer Tilley AAA office -- Automobile Association of America Spinners -- in this connotation, it means the suitcases with 4 wheels that can be pushed or pulled LOL -- Laugh Out Loud FWIW -- For What Its Worth blue laws -- Usually associated with limitations on the sale of alcohol on Sundays. UPSing -- Sending something by United Parcel Service switcharoo -- changing something, swapping one thing for another TSA friendly -- allowed by the Transportation Security Administration, the blue shirts who annoy all Americans going through airport security rolling duffle -- Like a backpag, with wheels BTW -- By The Way

@Glenn, Thanks for the tip on the Ecco Track IV (and similar). Sadly, like most mainstream-manufacturers, they don't make 5E widths. I'm very easy to fit above the waist. Below...not so much :-) Big trousers and wide shoes are more difficult to find and take more shopping around for a fair quality/price point than average-sized clothing. For a country supposedly suffering an obesity crisis, that certainly isn't reflected in clothing size availability at most larger malls and in high-streets. When I was at Woodbury Common (a large mall of very high-end shops north of NYC), there were only two or three places that sold trousers and shoes in my size (48 Waist, 11-EEEEE, respectively) and almost all were suits or other business clothing and dress shoes. Not saying there's nothing out there I like far from it in fact, just that it's not all that easy. I haven't worn my hiking boots in a few years but I'm heading into the city today for a BBQ festival and will see how an afternoon in these ol' clodhoppers feels, and base my decision to bring/no-bring on that. Just BTW, that Eagle Creek bag I got test-packed wonderfully, with plenty of room for souveniers. I could have gone even smaller (24" probably woulda been ideal). If it travels as well as it looks and packs I'll be quite happy - and will post results to this thread upon my return.

"I use spinners in a different connotation...and it has nothing to do with cars. ;)" I knew you would comment on that James. Knew it.

I will say that Eagle Creek makes some great stuff - it's sturdy without weighing a ton, and you cannot beat their Lifetime Warranty! My Only-For-International-Trips EC Continental Journey backpack will be bequeathed to some lucky soul upon my demise... **I haven't heard of FAs stowing 'dangerous' items for passengers for over 20 years; someone had to hand-deliver your 'no-no' to your departure gate to give to a FA for the flight. The story went that they didn't have the personel for that anymore...that was the beginning of the huge increase in the number of air travelers...they sure don't have the personnel now. Nor are they going to allow a passenger to carry their 'no-no' to their gate and voluntarily hand it over to a FA...! So, I don't see how that whole scenario would work. Many have reported asking TSA agents - hypothetically- about trekking poles, and they'd say 'no problem', BUT I believe it was Frank who had his deo taken from him because it "looked too big"; never mind the label clearly showed it wasn't...(GGGRRRRRR). Esp. when the metal tip is removed from under the rubber tip (and placed somewhere else in your luggage), a trekking pole is simply a cane, which is clearly allowed. I don't see any difference in whether it's collapsable or not, either; good poles are meant to be very sturdy. TSA = headaches from banging head against the wall...

Peter, Aside from the luggage and footwear issues, I hope you're flying First / Business Class? I'm slightly smaller than you described, and have trouble at times fitting the seats in "sardine class". My shoulders are fairly "wide" so they often encroach on the space for the next seat. On one trip, the woman sitting next to me complained constantly about me being in "her space", but since I can't "take my shoulders off and store them in the overhead bin", I'm not sure what she expected me to do about it? Cheers!

No, sadly I'm in coach unfortunately. It's 8 hours over, 8.5 back so not ideal but better than trans-Pacific I guess. I'm in a window seat each way, specifically so I can regulate the shade so I can try and sleep. I'll be taking a sleeping pill as soon as I'm seated and once we've cleared NYC airspace I am really hoping to zonk out. I usually prefer an aisle seat (for the shoulder space you talk about) but last time I did that on an overnight the person by the window wanted to watch the sun come up and that was that. I'd vastly prefer to be up front but can't afford $5k. I'm doing this on miles, too. My wife and I have over 200,000 miles on American and when we go to NZ, we're traveling first-class, for sure!

Peter....veering slightly off topic here...but if you haven't worn your boots in a number of years, be sure to pack some duct tape in case the sole disintegrates. I was on a hiking trip once when this happened to a hiker and her spouse. The whole flipping sole loosened from the boot on BOTH feet. We were on the way back and someone had duct tape so taped them together, as we walked in to town the husband's fell apart too. They were the same brand of boot (a good brand but I don't remember which) and bought at the same time but had been unworn for several years. Did a quick google to see if I could come up with an article for you but didn't hit. Glad you found a store with the bag you wanted to see.

"Peter....veering slightly off topic here...but if you haven't worn your boots in a number of years, be sure to pack some duct tape in case the sole disintegrates." Just don't pack that duct tape in a carry on or the TSA blue shirts may confiscate it.

Peter, even though they look dorky, get some eye shades. They can really help. They also serve as signal to everyone that you are sleeping! I find that the shades, the tylenol PM or equivalent and ear plugs really help with sleeping on these flights. But maybe you've figured this all out already. ; ) Pam

Michael, I had NO idea that was on the list of banned substances. So sorry to advise that, then!

Peter, with hiking boots that size, can you not use them as a suitcase? That might make an interesting convertible bag. And I can't believe the people who have suggested you wear those boots on the plane. Where exactly would they go? (Hope you didn't mind a little good-natured teasing. My feets too big, too.)

I think if they were much bigger I could just get 'em waterproofed, hop in and row across the Atlantic. They're in really good shape so I'm not worried about needing duct tape or anything. I've gotten most of the stuff I need by now and all that's left are odds and ends and a moneybelt (do they even make them for guys my size?).

a trekking pole is simply a cane, which is clearly allowed. I don't see any difference in whether it's collapsable or not, either; good poles are meant to be very sturdy. TSA = headaches from banging head against the wall... What is the difference between a hiking pole and cane?...well only the way it is used. Want to take a hiking pole onto the plane....DON'T collapse it and put it in your luggage. Instead, show up to the gate using it and do your best to look feeble. If the TSA suggests that it is not allowed request they call a wheelchair for you, 'cause without it you won't be able to walk all the way to the gate.

Peter, regarding the moneybelt, my husband's preference is the kind that hangs from a cord around the neck (his is by Eagle Creek, from REI). Love your attitude and sense of humor. Have a great trip.

Not only is my husband a big guy (size 14 shoe), but he has bad knees as well. It sounds like most of your shlepping is on trains. He used a rolling duffel (26" Travel Pro) and didn't have any trouble - until the wheel bent. You're right about the drop in their quality. But, he didn't have any trouble getting on and off trains quickly, or dragging it from point A to point B. We did check it and felt it was worth it. The idea is to have a good time and it is tough to replace/add things if you are not a typical European size. We used a luggage bungie that attached his carry on securely to the main bag while navigating the trains. We have a trip this summer to France and, since the temperature zone will stay the same for the whole trip, we're going to go with a 24" roller and a 24" rolling duffel. The Rick Steves luggage line sells a 24" (not on through his website) roller and I like that they are so light-weight, have productive pockets and expand. He made it through 9 days of Italy with a 22" last year!

I could do it out of a 22 if it was a single climate leisure-only or business-only trip, no problem (and with much room to spare). It's the fact that there's business/warm-climate and casual warm and cool, plus mountain hiking (w/boots) that's causing issues. Still haven't done a full test-pack yet, but this bag is probably overkill. Looking at the weather forecast for the business part and what is usually described by participants as hot is now almost assuredly going to be chilly/rainy so that may cause different packing choices too.