Rick's Packing List Quantify Clarification Request

Haven't paid that much attention to the his list but assume it means total. I take one pair of shoes but a second set of innersole to change, pack two changes of clothes and wear one.

I don't know, but here's what I bring.

1 pr of shoes, well worn. They sell shoes over there if I ever need another pair. In 10 weeks I never have.

3 pr pants, two packed, one worn. These are the only items I cannot wash out in my room, so I make sure I have enough.

6 shirts, 2 long sleeve, 4 golf style, polyester/cotton blend, which dry quickly. Wear one long sleeve on plane each way, rotate the 4 golf shirts over there.

3 pr underwear, 2 packed, 1 worn. Again, wash out nightly, dry overnight. Could get by with 2 pr, but they're light, why take a chance.

That's it.

I believe when Rick says what to pack, he means what to pack, not what to pack and wear. Everything on the list is in addition to what you are wearing. That's my interpretation, anyway.

Here's Rick's latest updated Guy's Packing Checklist:aloha shirt, 1cargo shorts, 1shoes, white Nikes, wear 'em on the planeunderwear, 1 (ok, 2)"Go __" t-shirt (insert football team of preference), 1"Go __" ball cap, 1socks, 1 pairRick Steves guidebooks, complete set, 26 booksFor entertainment on plane, load DVD player with complete set of US womens beach volleyball Olympic videosIf the Rick books and women's volleyball videos won't fit into the carry-on, the socks are optionalMen, you're done!

Kent, glad you included the cargo shorts. Don't leave home without 'em.

Greg, Rick's packing list is Rick's packing list. It's not gospel. There are some who take only one pair of shoes and others who take two. It's personal preference--just like everything else on the list. It's just a guideline, not a rule.

Steve,

That's one of Rick's packing videos, but not the one I was thinking of. See if you can find another one where he's in the Hotel room and lays out everything in the pack. As I recall, that's where he describes his "footwear" packing ideas.

Cheers!

Um, Frank, yes it is too a rule. Any more comments like that and you'll be on double secret probation, buddy!

Extra shoes mean extra weight. Even my sneakers weigh 1½#. That's 10% of 15#. Two years ago, I learned to shave with a disposable razor to save the 1# of my rechargeable. Last two trips, I grew a beard so I wouldn't have to take along the rechargeable.

Greg,

From what I recall from Rick's "Travel Tips" TV show, he takes only one pair of well broken-in Shoes.

I'm not sure how to post the applicable TV clip from Rick's You Tube site, but hopefully Kent or one of the "experts" can help with that.

Cheers!

For some other ideas on packing and traveling light, try this website:

One Bag

I've yet to meet a podiatrist who would advocate taking only one pair of shoes for an extended ( over 4 or 5 days) holiday,, where one would be expected to walk, or be on their feet for most of the day.

Feet should have an alternate pair of shoes,, letting shoes dry out properly between wearing is important( whether they are wet from sweat or rain).

Stop worshipping at the "Rick Altar" and think for yourself,, do you in fact wear the exact same pair of shoes every single day,, all day ,, for weeks at a time at home?

I mean this in a nice way,, but seriously,, think, foot comfort ,, or lack of ,, can ruin a vacation.

I agree completely, Pat! At the very least I take one extra pair of shoes (and perhaps some slipper-type things). I often travel off-season, when it's likelier to be wet, and I have been told by my doctor that you should never wear only one pair of shoes for extended periods of time. I have to wear steel-toed shoes at work, and even there I have more than one pair so I'm not wearing the same ones every day (though most people do).

Stop worshipping at the "Rick Altar" and think for yourself,, do you in fact wear the exact same pair of shoes every single day,, all day ,, for weeks at a time at home?

Yeah I do. I'm not Imelda Marcos, I've got better things to spend my money on than a closet full of shoes. I also bring just one pair shoes with me in my travels and have never had any issues with my feet. One well broken-in pair of shoes work well.

pat,

I DO think for myself. Assuming that those who follow the same footwear philosophy as Rick are "worshipping at the Rick Altar" seems a bit harsh.

I'm continually fine tuning my travel gear and I now travel with only one pair of good quality and well broken-in shoes. It took me a few years to find the optimum brand and model for my needs, but the type of shoes I'm using now should last well into the future.

I've found from experience that one pair is all I need. I took an alternate pair on my trip in May & June and hardly used them (I always try to avoid hauling unnecessary kit around on my travels). Having to let the shoes "dry out" is not usually a problem as they're Gore Tex and designed for harsh conditions. There's usually enough time to air them out at night when I'm back in the Hotel.

To answer your question, YES I do usually "wear the exact same pair of shoes every single day,, all day,, for weeks at a time at home". In fact, I'm wearing them right now. I only have three pairs of shoes - a pair of orthopaedic Sandals for inside at home, another pair for every day use and a third pair for more "dressy" occasions (which are also my travel shoes).

Cheers!

Steve,

Thanks for re-posting the expanded version of Rick's packing guide.

One thing to note is that this version is a few years old and is therefore a bit "dated". For example, both the Laptop and the Camera shown in the above clip look like "antiques". His current travel gear is somewhat different and more "modern", and now includes a modern dSLR (Nikon I believe).

Cheers!

I take one pair of comfortable walking shoes that can pass as dress shoes. What I also take are disposable insoles that get changed about once a week.

A couple of pair weigh practically nothing, add a little cushioning, helps to keep my feet dry and also prevents odor.

I cut them down to size prior to my leaving.

Well,, I can only go by what my doctor says,, and SHE agrees with me,, two pairs of shoes is best.

I personally take three. I wear the runners( they are heaviest/clunkiest) , pack a pair of walking sandals and a pair of dressy flats or low heels,,depends on plan. I had dinner at a private club in London last trip,, and beleive me, it was definately dress up only. .

Men do have an advantage because there is no way that black runners, or black walking shoes can pass for dress shoes for any lady.. they just look bad with a dress or skirt. Now,, of course some women only wear pants,, in which case,, they can likely cut their shoes down to the doctor recommended two pairs.

Mens shoes are so big and heavy that perhaps the thought of bringing an extra pair really is daunting,, I know my hubbys size 13 require their own suitcase practically.. LOL Women perhaps have the advantage that our second pair of shoes or sandals can be very light, and very "small" in packing terms.

I do not have a "closet of shoes", I travel for weeks at a time with my rollaboard,, but I would never wear the same shoes day in and day out.. my feet like a change,,even though my shoes are always comfy.. I am way past the "suffer for beauty phase" of life..

Of course,, I must have extra room in my bag, I never bring a laptop or cell phone,, or the charging items you then need.

Disposable insoles are a good compromise.

I always take two pairs of shoes. I like to go out in the evening (theatre, opera etc) when I travel and even my smartest walking shoes can not pass as evening shoes. I have a pair of strappy black sandals which don't take up much space in my case and are also comfortable enough to do some sight-seeing in.

I have always understood these lists to be guides rather than something you must follow religiously. I mean I always take a mini hot-water bottle on my travels which I doubt Rick would put as a must have on his list! It's just that I am a very cold person and I also find a bottle essential for, erm, "lady pains".

Here's my visual pack list.

This includes what I pack and what I wear on the plane.

Although it shows three pairs of footwear, I only bring two - wearing one and packing the other - depending on the trip.

In winter, I'd pack a little warmer. In summer, I'd pack a little lighter.

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=203861

Kent, you forgot the white v-neck undershirt with a hole in the armpit.

Signed, A worshiper at the altar of Rick, with an occasional deviation as befits all good Rick-tians

Stop worshiping at the "Pat and her doctor Alter and think for yourself. "Do you in fact wear the exact same pair of shoes every single day, all day, for weeks at a time at home?"

Well, yup. When I worked full time, I had two pairs of shoes, one black and one brown, for wear to work depending of the color of my slacks, plus a pair of tennis shoes for the weekend. Now that I am retired, it's pretty much the tennis shoes, seven days a week.

A single pair of shoes for Europe makes more sense to me when I consider that I would have to carry a second pair around with me 24/7. I have one pair of well tested hiking boots. I wear them for 2 weeks a year in Europe, and they have another 50 weeks to rest.

Look at those dress shoes and ask yourself, "These shoes would be nice for the opera in Italy, but do I really want to carry them through the Alps in Switzerland?" (Or, do I really want to go to an opera in Italy? Well, no.)

BTW....if you haven't noticed, in this months' travel news, Rick has an article entitled How Rick Packs. It's a little different than his video.

Lee.. first of all,, shoes for dresses ,, are not neccesarily "dress shoes"( you mean high heels don't you?). I mean servicable, flat or low heeled and easy walking shoes or sandals,, women are lucky,, we have many choices.. and they can be lightweight, small, and comfy.. they are definately worth carrying( more so then a laptop etc to ME )
Second,, a ladies pair of shoes can weigh as much as a cell phone and its charger,, not heavy at all( think gladiator sandals,, all the fashion last summer) , so no weight issue there at all.

Third,, if you are able to wear the pair of shoes day in and day out ,, good,, but most people do in fact change ,,even men. The shoes my husband wears to work all day are comfy,, but, he still puts on different shoes in evening,, even to go to a ball game. Its a nice change for the toosties..

and lastly,, when it is 100 degrees in Rome,, sandals are nice,, but when hiking in Alps, they would not be nice.. and yes,, some of us have no choice,, we have to vacation in summer,, and can hit serveral different climate zones.

My whole point is,, your packing list should be UNIQUE to YOU,, and following ANYONES list too closely is not a sign of a "good back door traveller".. a good "back door traveller" finds their own ways,,,

Use lists as a guide,, but take your own trip into accord.
Runners would not have cut it at "the club for dinner" and heels in Wengen would be silly,, but neither item is in itself wrong( even if they are not on the list!)

Oh my,, Rick packs alot of stuff I never take,( every single electronic item) , guess thats how I can easily fit in extra shoes.!!

And I am sorry,, but the sock thing,, gross.

I think the shoes issue really seems to divide the men and the women! I have just never seen a pair of walking shoes that are suitable for evening or can be worn with a smart dress (and no I don't take a taffeta ballgown on my travels! I do take a LBD that takes up hardly any room in my case). Experiencing the local arts and culture (and going to the odd posh restaurant) is as much a part of travel for me as walking and exploring.

I find I can tie the laces of my big bulky hiking boots together, and carry them over my smart Civita day bag. Since they're out in the open it really helps to air them out. Also a good place for an extra water bottle. When my single pair of big wool socks gets stinky, I pin them together and hang them from the day bag as well.

Well said Laura.

I love this thread. It is like the "old days". Glad to here from Kent! :-) I think it boils down to a men and women issue. Rick and his guys get by on less. Women do not --- yes, wear a pair of shoes and take a pair - your feet will thank you! You need time to do laundry and a couple of nights to dry if you are sink washing. Hair dryers & nice breezy weather help with the drying process.

And I've never seen a pair of shoes that were useful for saving and organizing pictures, storing maps of places I'm going to visit, or calculating expenses.

BTW, my 2# netbook doesn't go in my main bag (but my camera charger does). The computer has it's own case, smaller than most women's purses, with it's PS and assorted other printed material I will need on the trip.

OK, I'll admit women's shoes are smaller and lighter than men's, and if you really wear them that much, they might be justified, but to just "kneejerk" say "I have to have two pair of shoes", when one pair will do, is why you pack so much. One pair does just fine for me.

"You need time to do laundry and a couple of nights to dry if you are sink washing." Audrey, I've accumulated cotton polyester blend underwear and shirts that, with the help of inflatable hangers that keep the sides apart, dry overnight.

Lee,, last trip to Paris ( this past summer) I didn't even take my camera( which is tiny).. LOL I have millions of shots of Paris,, and 95% of them sit unlooked at, except for the one time when you get home,, ) I just do not need that stuff, just like you do not need an extra pair of shoes,, so neither of us is wrong.

I will say I regret not taking my camera this last time,, but only for one reason,, I always worry my relative I visit will pass away,, and that I will miss taking that last photo of us sitting on his patio with his family enjoying some apertifs,, I plan on bringing it this summer. It will fit in a shoe,, LOL

I always travel very light,, one bag,, roll aboard,, and since many of my trips have been either solo or with a child,, I have had no trouble at all hauling my stuff around.

To sum everything up.....the only packing list that's correct is your own. And that one is only correct for you.

I am a "girl" and I only take one pair of shoes on a trip! Black walking shoes- usually leather. I don't take skirts/dress- just black and/or khaki pants and a variety of tops. I don't often wear "dress" shoes at home. I have hard to fit feet and all I really care about is comfort! I agree that taking an extra pair of inner soles is good. NOW_ my hubby is the one with ALL the electronic gear! Camera and charger, phone charger.... it helps now that he has an iphone (no more MP3 player).

I'm ordering inflatable hangers for Christmas gift for myself! After trying to dry things in Ireland, I need something. Everyone should pack a hanger or two.

Audrey,, I have heard those inflatable hangers are a good idea,, but, my last trip I took something else that worked,, cost pennies, and were disposable. I didn't have time to find/order an inflatable hanger, so I grabbed a handful of cheap balloons I had in the cupboard from one of my kids birthday parties. Threw them in my case,, and they worked great . I would wash a top, blow up a balloon , shove it inside wet shirt and it did make a difference in things drying faster( better air circulation),, and balloons can be underinflated and used in sleeves or pant legs too!

I have inflatable hangers that I bought at a travel store. They work great. I also bring a couple of pants/skirt hangers that I keep when I purchase clothes. They pack flat, weigh next to nothing and I can leave them behind at the end of the trip. They work great for hanging pants or skirts to dry. The inflatables don't work well for those type of clothes.

I'm going to say probably not....I usually just hang socks or undies from them. A lightweight pair of pants might work on the bar...but not jeans.

I find pants difficult to wash in the room so every couple of weeks, I'll drop them off to be washed or might spend an hour doing it myself with the rest of my stuff for a thorough washing.

If I do have to do them in my room, I'll usually just lay them over the back of a chair or on a towel rack if there is one.

Inflatable hangers are great. I pack a couple. They keep the back and front of my shirts apart while drying. My cotton/polyester blend shirts have never failed to dry overnight.

I always take inflatable hangers. There's a new design by Travelon....instead of describing them, here's a link with more info:

Travelon Inflatable Hangers

I have these and I prefer much more than the old style.

Is the "old" style just the upper part, without all that junk on the bottom? If so I would definitely prefer the older style, since that's the only part I would use.

By the way, I just weighed by bag, with everything in it I plan to take on my next trip (2 deletions, 1 addition from last trip), and it weighs 10# 3oz. My camera, which I normally carry in my jacket pocket, would add about a pound.

Well, I prefer the new style beccause on each hanger I can hang not only a shirt but at least one pair of undies and one pair socks. No closelines needed.

I bring a couple of these along and I'm happy.

Yes, Lee, the old ones are probably better for you because I believe in total, two of the newer inflatable hangers weighs one ounce more and why carry around an extra ounce when you don't have to.

Frank II, I have a question about these hangers. Are the hooks (?) at the bottom strong enough to hold a pair of lightweight pants? My hangers are old school and don't have the fancy attachments.

I also carry some plastic combination hanger/clothes pins. They're good for heavier items and for shorts and sox on the towel rack. Also note the clothes line with suction cups since I've never found objects the right distance apart for the velcro attachments.

Frank II, you make me sound like I'm sort of a fanatic about saving weight. OK, OK, I guess I am. (I did grow a beard to save the 1# of my rechargeable razor).

Frank (Centennial) showed me a battery powered Braun razor that weighed 4 oz, but I haven't been able to find it.

But really, all of my clothes drying equipment weighs 5½ oz. I have two inflatable hangers @ 2½ oz., 4 clothespin hangers @ 1½ oz., and a suction cup elastic twisted clothesline @ 1½ oz. I guess the fact that I weigh all of this indicates an obsession.

I've considered going to Cape d'Agde just to save on the weight of clothes. (LOL)

Lee, we both know you're not going to Cape d'Agde for one reason: they don't speak German there.

LOL

I only travel with two inflatable hangers weighing an equal 5 1/2 oz....but they take up less space. (oh, great, now you're getting me obsessed).

Lee, we both know you're not going to Cape d'Agde for one reason: they don't speak German there.

You're right, of course. You know, I almost said that. (LMAO)

Lee & Frank II

Thank you for making my day!

I have the same stretchy clothes line Lee carries.

I read the reference to How Rick Packs. I'm fairly similar with at least a couple of differences.

I don't wear socks twice unless it's an emergency. I pack three pairs of socks and hand wash a pair daily or two pairs every other day. Underwear is the same, pack three pairs and wash regularly.

Shirts get handwashed too after wearing a couple of times (unless they get sweaty or dirty). Pants usually get worn three or four times and washed at a laundromat every other week.

I do take a second pair of shoes, even if the second pair is only a pair of sandals. One pair of shoes that can go from walking up to somewhat dressy and a second pair that can go from walking down to very casual.

I don't use the packing cubes. I still haven't figured out why they are preferable to just putting loose items in ziplock bags (and squeezing the air out).

I think onebag.com is a great reference.

It's funny how I pack significantly lighter than any of my family, friends or coworkers yet I'm always thinking of ways I can pack still lighter.

Packing cubes and compression bags are two different products. The latter is a godsend if you're traveling in the winter with lots of bulky cold weather clothing.

Packing cubes.....I've never been able to figure out what the "deal" is with those either.

I don't use "packing cubes" per say, but I do use a few "stuff bags and a mesh bag to organize my bag. Ziplock bags would work also, except I don't own any big enough. Clean underwear goes in one bag, clean shirts in another, once worn clothes go in one. When I arrive at my night's accommodation, I just put the individual stuff bags on the shelves. When I want something, I know what bag it's in (they're color coded). When I go to leave repacking is a breeze; just put the stuff bags back in the carryon bag. Takes no more than a couple of minutes. My bag tends to be under-filled, so, for me, compression bags would only add weight (I think they weigh more than my stuff and mesh bags).

But how did the weight of the new beard factor in?

Hmm. I still have the beard, maybe I should shave and weigh the results.

Nah, if I'm going to worry about the "personal" weight I'm carrying, I could afford to lose a few pounds.

I was always amused at friends who would spend hundreds of dollars to get a bike that weighed five pound less instead of just losing 20# of themselves.

I do use packing cubes. It keeps me organized. When I arrive at a destination and if I am there long enough to take things out of my bag, I can just put the cubes into the drawers. I used compression bags for my trip last winter since my clothes were bulkier than usual, but with the exception of two brief stops we were in one location for 10 days. It would have been annoying to have to squeeze the air out day after day. Maybe I'm just lazy!

Andrea, you are quite right. Compressing the air out those plastic bags is annoying and half the time they don't work. Compression bags weigh more than the packing cubes. Once I used the packing cube, I got rid of the compression bags except for some winter stuff. I converted my daughter this year to the packing cubes. She couldn't believe how much less her RS original convertible bag weighed with the packing cubes.

I purchased a Costco size supply of space bags for one trip. They were okay but I found if they ever got overloaded (even once), they would stop sealing and be pretty worthless.

I can get about the same result with plain ziplock bags. I'll put my socks and underwear in them, plop them on the bed, sit on them then seal them.

A large ziplock also serves as my "poor man's washing machine" for my clothes.

I have several brands of the biggest ziplocks I could find. One is called a Hefty Big Bag and I know I have at least one other type of very large bag in my supply of packing stuff.