Packing/Luggage Question

Flat bags, packing cubes and any other bag you put in your bag takes up space in your bag. The best way maximize your space is not to bring anything extra. The purpose of those internal bags are to organize your stuff so when you open your bag. It is easier to find what you are looking for cause the underwear is in one section, the socks in another, etc. By giving up those items you save overall space and weight in your bag, but you are forced to re organize everything when unpack. Packing cubes are great for "living out of your bag" allowing you not to have to "unpack" at your destination. You can take the maximum amount of stuff by forgoing them. edit to add: but your list doesn't seem to be too much easily fit in any standard carry on sized backpack. I wouldn't see it as much of a problem. The Rick Steves packs would work. Another favorite of many on this board is http://www.campmor.com/essential-carry.shtml I like -- http://www.meivoyageur.com/ as my favorite.

The clothes and accessories you list, plus PJ's, underwear and socks should easily fit into a carry-on size backpack. I routinely take more than that (and end up not wearing some of the shirts), and it still fits easily in my carry-on.
I do use organizers (packing envelopes) which add weight but keep things unwrinkled and make re-packing much easier. Note that accessories like packing cubes and envelopes are on sale on this website now. I wear my bulkiest clothes and shoes on the plane. You'll need a warm jacket and/or rain protection for winter in the UK, but you can carry this on the plane rather than putting it inside your backpack.

I use stuff sacks, which keep things organized without taking up any room. How much is a "few"? And why two sweaters? You need one warm, waterproof coat, preferably with a hood, worn on the plane with a scarf, gloves and hat in the pockets. Thermals and a fleece would be good. I've traveled for the last ten years with an Eagle Creek convertible backpack, which I check, even though it probably fits the carry-on limits. Make sure that any backpack you buy has a fully functional hip belt (RS bags do not, in my experience). My packing list is here (three posts): http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/what-to-take-part-one/

I've posted this more than once- we used to go to the UK often in late Nov./early Dec.
Layers are what you need to plan on. Wear on the plane: black cotton-blend pants (I'm allerigic to wool and am rather hot natured), long-sleeved T or turtleneck, "big shirt" (large button-up shirt that can look a bit like a dressy jacket), waterproof, hooded winter coat with gloves, hat or hooded scarf in pockets, black water resistant/proof walking shoes. Pack in Rick's bag- 2 pair pants (or 1 skirt, 1 pants), 3-4 Ts/turtlenecks (1 short sleeved), 1 or 2 big-shirts (optional 1 caridagn or fleece), 3-4 bras, panties for the entire trip (or less if you want), same with socks, toiletries, medications, first-aid kit in a baggie, femeine supplies, if needed, simple/limited make-up. Totally optional: camera w/ charger, phone w/ charger, and other "techie" gear. As said, I used Rick's convertiable bag (one of his originals). My bag will weigh about 12-15 lb. Hubby's will weigh less than 10. i also use ziploc type bags to organize undies,etc. I carry a day pack and move stuff into it as desired/needed.

Agree with the poster who said wear the bulky items on plane, sweater, coat, etc and put gloves, hat, scarf in pockets. Also don't see need for two sweaters. One should do. You will be fine.

First of all, I just have to say I'm having a really hard time reading your post - I grew up with a 'Ronnie Lee' in my hometown; my husband grew up 3 houses away from Ronnie's. Our Ronnie is an older (approx. mid-70s) MAN with a daughter my husband's age! I'm really having trouble...He'd looked funny in a skirt and leggings LOL! Sooo...From the 'horse's mouth': http://youtu.be/ird4DF5fgHE http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/rick-steves-packing-checklist.pdf If you'll look at RS' luggage on this site and click on "See Product Detail" for each bag, you'll see the 3 "Packing Cubes" in action. They weigh nothing (practically speaking), and keep your stuff together - like having dresser drawers in your suitcase. Depending on what clothing I'm packing, I also really like my Eagle Creek "Packing Folder" (see eBags.com for info). They really keep your clothing wrinkle-free, and you can compress your clothing very tightly. (cont.)

(cont.) I own (among many other bags!) RS' "Convertible Carry-on" and "21" Roll-Aboard" and like both of them. My personal preference is to use a backpack - my hands are free, I never let go of my bag, and I can move much more quickly when necessary. While I encourage those who can to use a backpack, that is a personal choice. I use both - but always a backpack in Europe. Don't go over 21"x14"x10" if you want to carry it onto an airplane. If you go the rolling route, Use A Tape Measure and be sure it's not taller than 22" max With The Wheels - the manufacturers lie like dogs about this! They don't include the wheels, but you can bet the airlines do. I like these two bags, and my Eagle Creek backpack. eBags is a good resource, if you haven't looked there already - they have great photos and lots of them, and a really good selection. Plus, the reviews. And they always have sales going on...get on their email list if you aren't on it already. You've given this a lot of thought; I'm impressed. There's always the first time with only a carry-on; you'll never go back! Oh, you may check a bag in the future, but it will be carry-on sized, and thus manageable.

I've been worried about winter weather in Europe before, and it's not a dumb question. RS does not have a packing list for winter! I highly recommend silk longsleeve shirt ( i prefer scoop neck) and long johns-- not thermal, as those take up a lot of room, but silk which is thin and fits under all your clothes.
What worked for me in Nov/Dec in Amsterdam, Munich and northern Italy was an Eddie Bauer "chalet length" (just below knees)down coat which was water resistant. It had a hood. In the artic winds of last Dec. I had 4 layers on above the waist. A vest also came in handy for the rainy cold days. I like a wheeled carryon and a backpack (neither full).

"not thermal, as those take up a lot of room" Not sure what fabric you have in mind, but my light-weight thermals (from REI) take up very little room.

Maybe Melissa is thinking what I think when I hear 'thermals' - the old waffleweave fabric of long(-ish) ago...I think today it's 'base layers' LOL! Personally, I love my CuddlDuds - a great combo of cotton and nylon, and they've recently added different fabrics to their line, if you prefer no cotton.

Wow! You all are really helpful. I'm going to do as Eileen suggested and check out eBags, compare and contrast what I find there with the RS bags. I'm pretty sure I'll need some form of organization for my clothes and toiletries, even if it does take up a little extra space. I usually just throw everything in my bag when I travel but when I do that my stuff always ends up spread out everywhere when I unpack, which is what I'm trying to avoid since I'm going to be in a hostel with who knows how many other people. I would really prefer to come home with everything I bring abroad and not lose anything through theft or carelessness. Also, thanks for all of the information on what clothes I should bring. Honestly, I (foolishly) didn't even think about gloves or a scarf. Major oversight on my part.

I don't think you really need an expedition-style backpack with all the support belt and junk. For the past few years, I've been trying to beat up an Ebag (weekender mother load convertible, or something like that, it doesn't say) but the thing just keeps on ticking. It's got shoulder straps, which I seldom use, but the single strap comes in handy. Start by looking at the temps. Edinburgh is going to be about as cold as it gets - - the average winter minimum is around thirty, and that's going to be only around daybreak. My typical packed winter load, good to about zero and I don't like to do laundry that often is: three pair of jeans, four thin long sleeve shirts, four long-sleeve tee shirts, one light-weight fleece jacket, socks and such, and a shaving kit. If I'm going to be outside (really outside when the weather sucks and I'll be out all day with no choice/chance to get inside), I'll toss in one set of thermal long-johns and a pair of wind/rain pants. Sometimes I'll take a gps. Infrequently a netbook. I have to use the compression straps or things will just rattle around. I wear a set of what's packed, plus a waterproof, thinsulate, hooded, butt-covering jacket with a knit cap and gloves stuffed in the pockets. My wife takes pretty much the same thing, with a bit more bulk for cosmetics and such. She uses a similar-size roll-along. It would be very odd if we ever checked anything. I wouldn't have to wash anything for ten days and, with washing, could go indefinitely. Roll your stuff, don't fold it. Don't use extra containers/organizers. Sweaters have too much bulk. I've never seen my wife take a skirt or a dress unless we were going to a wedding or something - - then all bets are off for both of us. She does prefer silk to my cotton undershirts, but I have more cold tolerance.

If you're staying in a dorm room make sure you take a padlock. I lock my luggage anyway (TSA approved in the US), but I know some people don't. Some hostels have lockers, but not all. It would be better if you could find a store to try on backpacks (I see that there's no REI in New Orleans, surprising.) You really do need to have a properly fitted backpack with a load-bearing hip belt, it makes a world of difference.

I just can't agree with Kathy. Load-bearing stuff adds weight, mess, and bother. It also presupposes weight. My winter tourist kit doesn't come close to twenty-five pounds even with the heavier jacket strapped onto it. I can toss that much onto the roof of my house. Note the absence of guidbooks, big cameras, etc. I sometimes stay in hostels on solo trips - - no padlock. If somebody wants my toothpaste and dirty socks they can have them. I've a very fine expedition pack. It gets used with the tent, sleeping bag, stove, grub, crampons, etc. I'm not sure how it would fit in with a plain old tourist trip. I guess it just depends on how much stuff you want to lug around. In the summer I can get by with a messenger bag and maybe some other small thing hooked on the strap. It's the darn jeans and the long-sleeve tee shirts that take up the room - - plus the heavy jacket.

@Ed: You're probably taller and heavier and even, gasp, stronger than I am. (I'm an over 60 female.) My main pack weighs in at airports at 22 lbs, and it makes a significant difference to ME that the hip belt takes the weight and not the shoulder straps. I can get it onto overhead racks, but I'm certainly not up to throwing it anywhere. My first long trip in 2001 I traveled with a RS pack where the hip belt took virtually no weight, and the first thing I did when I got home was to replace it. This is the current version of my pack: http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/adventure_travel_packs/Rincon-Vita-65L-10082/ (45L main pack, 20L day pack) These days I travel with a netbook, and it stays in my main pack during the day. Therefore, I lock the pack, even though I don't stay in dorms.

I use packing cubes to be organized. They might add a couple of ounces. It is worth the extra weight to me. Silk 'thermal' underwear is thin and lightweight. I use compression bags for bulky things like a sweater. I did the layer thing on a New Years trip to Paris. I found it very inconvenient to remove multiple layers every time I went inside a building. If I do another winter trip I will take a thigh or knee length down coat with a hood and carry it on. Also a scarf, gloves and warm socks are important. I also take the hand warmers you can buy at a sporting goods store for really cold days.

I think I am going to try and find something with a hip belt. Despite my name, I am a woman, and I'm tiny, so if I'm going to be carrying everything on my back, I'll need the weight distributed as evenly as possible.

I think what Kathy and I have is a difference in style. She probably has her stuff with her most of the time. Mine goes from transportation to sleeping place, period. I don't even have much in my pockets when I'm walking around. The belt could make sense.

Ronnie Lee, Don't decide on the belt until you try both on with the amount of stuff you are planning on carrying. For example.... http://www.meivoyageur.com/ Does a good job at distributing the weight, but it weighs about 3.75 lbs. http://www.campmor.com/essential-carry.shtml Does nothing to distribute the weight but only weighs 1.75 lbs. Distribution might be the way to go. But it might be that having 2lbs less weight on your back is actually better overall. Hips, shoulders either way your legs and back needs to carry it and every oz makes a difference.

Actually, now I think about it, why are you taking a pack at all rather than a roller? If you're flying into London, taking a train to Edinburgh, and flying home, there's no good reason to take a pack rather than a bag with wheels. A pack is great if you're doing lots of trains or buses, or traveling in places where you're likely to be packed into a shared taxi or mini-van and need squashy luggage, or trekking around on cobblestones or potholed pavement, but for one train ride I'd take wheels. Even I, who spent three of the last ten years traveling with a convertible backpack, just bought the RS roll aboard.

Kathy--I have a carry-on sized bag with wheels that I've taken to Canada and various US cities. It's a good enough bag but I find wheels to be an inconvenience and I don't like them. I always end up carrying my rolling luggage just like a regular suitcase because I can't stand the wheels. It's just a matter of personal preference there.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/weekender-etech-convertible/15026?productid=56582 This is the bag I use. LOVE IT! No complaints at all. It does not come w/a shoulder strap - I bought one at REI for less than $10. I also have the ebags brand of packing cubes and won't leave home w/out them ever! I'm 5'3" and 150lbs. if that helps.

UK (or anywhere in Europe) in the Winter. Be prepared for wet. Your shoes and socks will get wet. A miserable feeling if you dont have dry ones to change into. Umbrella and a good rain coat or jacket. To my mind those are more important than saving space. Long pants will get wet, below the knees and you will want to change those too

I second the silk underwear! ALso, if you don't want to buy packing cubes, then just use ziplock bags. They can also be used to wash things out if you don't have a sink with a stopper (very common in the UK), plus you can always use plastic baggies! I always bring extras along. Definitely make sure you have a warm jacket, gloves and hat (if you wear one), maybe a scarf if you don't like hats...just in case. I wear a wool sweater which keeps me warm, but not too warm, it's zip up which is great, and then just wear different colored turtlenecks under it, as it's gray, goes with everything. Make sure you have a big, sturdy lock for hostel living. Have fun!